Jul 9, 2024 11:35 AM
Trumpeter, Educator Jim Rotondi Dies at 61
Jim Rotondi, a renowned hard-bop trumpeter, composer and educator, died suddenly on July 7 at a hospital in France. He…
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
Jim Rotondi was acclaimed for his wide, round trumpet tone, remarkable virtuosity and assured swing.
Jul 9, 2024 11:35 AM
Jim Rotondi, a renowned hard-bop trumpeter, composer and educator, died suddenly on July 7 at a hospital in France. He…
Charles Lloyd, seen here at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, makes DownBeat Poll history!
Jul 11, 2024 12:23 PM
The incomparable Charles Lloyd swept the 72nd Annual DownBeat Critics Poll, becoming the first artist ever to earn…
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The Century Room in downtown Tucson, Arizona, was born in 2021.
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Italy’s Umbria Jazz Winter is one of those rare annual festivals that not only coincides with a major holiday —…
