Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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
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.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
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