Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Drummer Matt Wilson tops two categories in the 2018 Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards.
(Photo: John Abbott)Matt Wilson, Jazzmeia Horn and DownBeat are among the winners of the 22nd annual Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards.
The announcement was made in an email on Monday.
Wilson was tapped as musician of the year, in addition to being awarded Record of the Year honors for Honey and Salt: Music Inspired by the Poetry of Carl Sandburg (Palmetto). Horn won the Up and Coming Musician of the Year category.
On June 12, an awards party at the Theresa Lang Center in New York is set to be held and will include an awards presentation, as well as performances by singer Polly Gibbons and others.
Michael Jackson, a longtime DownBeat contributor, won the Lona Foote-Bob Parent Award for Career Excellence in Photography.
For a complete list of winners, visit the JJA website. DB
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…