Oct 28, 2025 10:47 AM
In Memoriam: Jack DeJohnette, 1942–2025
Jack DeJohnette, a bold and resourceful drummer and NEA Jazz Master who forged a unique vocabulary on the kit over his…
Saxophonist John Ellis’ new album By A Thread will be released May 9 on Hyena Records. Joining Ellis on the recording is his “New York City” quintet featuring Aaron Goldberg on piano, Mike Moreno on guitar, Reuben Rogers on bass and Terreon Gully on drums. This new album marks the arrival of the musician as a full-time bandleader, having recently left his five-year post as tenor saxophonist with the popular Charlie Hunter Trio.
By A Thread , which was recorded in just two days, is the follow up the Ellis’ critically acclaimed One Foot In The Swamp, a recording that was laced with funk. On the new album he dives deeper into harmonically complex waters, and stays true to his distinctive songwriting voice, including more of his classic hooks throughout the record.
“I wasn’t particularly trying to make a jazz record, a funk record, a world music record, but rather to make a record that is an honest attempt to create a personal sound,” said Ellis. “Personally, I love music that falls into many different categories, so the goal was really just to create good music.”
Jack DeJohnette boasted a musical resume that was as long as it was fearsome.
Oct 28, 2025 10:47 AM
Jack DeJohnette, a bold and resourceful drummer and NEA Jazz Master who forged a unique vocabulary on the kit over his…
“Think of all the creative people I’m going to meet and a whole other way of thinking about music and a challenge of singing completely different material than I would have sung otherwise to my highest level in dedication to the moment,” Elling says about his Broadway run.
Sep 9, 2025 1:18 PM
Kurt Elling was back at home in Chicago, grabbing some family time in a late-June window between gigs. Sporting a smile…
Pat Metheny will perform with his Side-Eye III ensemble at Big Ears 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee, next March.
Sep 9, 2025 12:19 PM
Big Ears has announced the lineup for its 2026 festival, which will take place March 26–29 and include 250…
“[That’s] the thing of the beboppers,” Bradford said. “These guys were important for not only playing that wonderful music, but they knew a sort of social stance, you see?”
Sep 9, 2025 1:07 PM
It was a calm, balmy, near-perfect evening in Westwood, California, not far from UCLA, in the expansive courtyard at…
Esperanza Spalding closed an audacious Chicago Jazz Festival set with “Endangered Species.”
Sep 9, 2025 11:50 AM
The 45th Chicago Jazz Festival kicked off its headline events with two erudite individuals, Esperanza Spalding and…
