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…
“Origin represents a turning point for me,” said Joey Alexander of his new recording on Mack Avenue.
(Photo: Courtesy Mack Avenue)Mack Avenue Music Group has signed Joey Alexander. The pianist’s label debut, Origin — his first album of all original compositions — is slated for a spring release.
A child prodigy who taught himself to play jazz at age 6, Alexander came to the attention of international audiences when he won the Grand Prix at the 2014 Master-Jam Fest as a 9-year-old. A year later, he played Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis and released his first album, My Favorite Things, on Mótema. That album was nominated for two Grammys, making him the youngest Grammy nominee ever.
Alexander, now 18, is stepping out as a composer and bandleader as well as a virtuoso pianist. “These past years have been especially trying for everyone, including those of us who didn’t know when we would ever perform for live audiences again,” Alexander said. “Origin represents a turning point for me — the time when I decided to turn frustration into an opportunity to truly express myself and to rise above the circumstances.”
The new album will feature saxophonist Chris Potter, bassist Larry Grenadier, drummer Kendrick Scott and guitarist Gilad Hekselman. DB
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…
