Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Joe Lovano’s Us Five band will release its debut disc, Folk Art (Blue Note) on May 5. Along with being the first Lovano recording comprised entirely of his own compositions, the rhythm section represents a younger wave of musicians. James Weidman is the band’s pianist and other members include bassist Esperanza Spalding and two drummers: Otis Brown and Francisco Mela.
“It’s the first time I’ve put together a group with people who aren’t my generation, who haven’t totally developed their approach, who are experiencing things for the first time,” Lovano said. “Everyone has fresh eyes and fresh ears, and this gives me ideas when I put together compositions that I had never played with anyone else before. Everybody is on their toes. It reminds me of when Tony Williams and Herbie played with Miles as real young cats, or when McCoy Tyner first played with Coltrane.”
Lovano is equally clear about what each musician contributes to the group.
“The music comes out of our individual roots, and those combinations emerge in the music,” Lovano said. “Francesco Mela is from Cuba, Otis Brown is a real New York drummer. Esperanza has beautiful lyrical approach, as does the way James conceives jazz music, blues, gospel, and freer forms. It’s an ongoing study on how to play together with mutual respect and an egoless approach.”
Details: joelovano.com
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
