May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
New Orleans’ most celebrated jazz family led by the patriarch, Ellis Marsalis recently concluded their first-ever tour in support of the album and PBS special, The Marsalis Family: A Jazz Celebration. The April 15 DVD release furthers the celebration and features all of the music-making Marsalises—father Ellis on piano and sons Branford (tenor and soprano saxophones), Delfeayo (trombone) Jason (drums), and Wynton (trumpet)—along with bassist Roland Guerin and a special guest appearance by
Harry Connick Jr.
Ellis, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason will make a special Father’s Day performance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC, Monday, June 9. On June 5, “Jazz Set,” hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater, will feature selections from the live recording of the sold-out March 2 concert held at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.
Marsalis Music’s premier DVD release showcases two generations of jazz and captures the essence of the family’s historic August 4, 2001, New Orleans concert, with bonus performance and exclusive interview footage added (including “Caravan,” “Limehouse Blues” and “The Party’s Over,” only on DVD). The entire DVD also features Dolby 5.1 Video/Audio surround sound. Harry Connick, Jr, perhaps Ellis’ most prominent former student, stated that. “I’ve played for presidents and queens and every other thing—nothing made me feel better than seeing my name up there with the Marsalis.”
Delfeayo added that the concert “Was an accurate representation of our family collectively and individually—who we are as people and where we are as musicians.”
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
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With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
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The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
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Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
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Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
