Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Leo P wants to bring the party back to jazz.
(Photo: Justin Borucki)Named Baritone Saxophonist of the Year in the 87th Annual DownBeat Readers Poll, Leo P will be releasing his debut solo recording, Comin’ Up Aces (Shanachie), on Nov. 4. The energetic, charismatic ball of technique and dance steps offers an eclectic set of jazz and beyond with a batch of catchy originals and tributes to some of his heroes, including Eddie Harris, Maceo Parker and Charles Mingus.
Click on the album cover for a premiere of Leo’s tip of the cap to Mingus with “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”:
With 100 million YouTube views, Leo P has burst onto the scene in a very different way. Via his videos busking and dancing on the streets of L.A. — sometimes with his 2SAXY partner-in-crime alto saxophonist Grace Kelly — the saxophonist has developed quite a large, international following. He has been featured in guest spots with everyone from the Dixie Chicks to Beyoncé and has received invites to perform as part of a popular BBC tribute to Mingus. Leo P. is joined on Comin’ Up Aces by guests Stanton Moore (Galactic) on drums, saxophonist Richard Elliot as well as Eric “Benny” Bloom (Lettuce) on trumpet. As for Leo P’s modus operandi? “I want to bring the party back to jazz,” he said. “I want to make people dance. I want to wear badass suits and look cool as hell and present something special to people that they will always remember.” DB
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Roscoe Mitchell will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Vision Festival.
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Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
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Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
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When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
