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…
Guitarist John McLauglin posted “Lockdown Blues” to YouTube on Wednesday in an effort to raise funds for the Jazz Foundation of America.
(Photo: Ina Behrend)Guitarist John McLaughlin posted “Lockdown Blues” to YouTube on Wednesday in an effort to raise funds for the Jazz Foundation of America’s COVID-19 Musicians’ Emergency Fund.
“The pandemic has thrown hundreds of thousands of musicians out of work—and nobody knows for how long,” the guitarist, who came to prominence in Miles Davis’ electric band and subsequently spent decades exploring various strains of international music, jazz and fusion. “So, if you donate something—even something really small—thank you. If not, enjoy the music.”
Accompanied by the 4th Dimension—keyboardist Gary Husband, bassist Etienne Mbappe and drummer Ranjit Barot—McLaughlin turns in a relatively sedate fusion expedition, but one that still crackles with the sounds listeners have come to expect from the guitarist. “Lockdown Blues” also counts as the first piece of new music issued by the band in about five years, according to a press release.
To make a donation to JFA, visit the nonprofit’s website.
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…
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…
“It was just that suddenly … I could hear it,” Ravi Coltrane said of an epiphany he experienced during his late teens regarding his father’s music. “And it was almost like a calling, like something saying, ‘Hey, man, come on. It’s time to get serious.’ And the first time you really tune in and dial in and focus like that, it can be very life-changing.”
Sep 22, 2026 1:39 PM
Editor’s Note: Tomorrow, Sept. 23, is the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth. In honor of the tenor and…
