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,…
Max Roach, whose pioneering bebop drumming was revered for its tenacity and musicality, died early Thursday morning in his sleep due to complications of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 83.
Roach is considered one of the most important and influential jazz drummers of all time. His work with Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker first thrust him into the jazz spotlight during the mid-‘40s. At this time, Roach drew on the style of Kenny Clarke to advance new approaches to drumming, including the use of the bass drum as a comping instrument and a more melodic style of soloing.
Roach recorded with Miles Davis for his groundbreaking Birth Of The Cool sessions, and later he and trumpeter Clifford Brown led an influential hard-bop quintet. Beginning in the ‘60s, Roach pursued a range of more avant-garde and eclectic projects, performing with such artists as Cecil Taylor and Anthony Braxton.
Roach garnered numerous awards throughout his robust career, including an induction into the DownBeat Hall of Fame in 1980 and a MacArthur “genius grant” in 1981. He also joined the faculty at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1972.
In recent years, Roach had become less active due to hydrocephalus-related complications. He was living in New York at the time of his death.
Roach is survived by five children: Darryl, Maxine, Ayo, Dara and Raoul. His family issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened by his passing, yet heartened and thankful for the many blessings and condolences we have received during as we grieve.”
Services for will be held Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. in New York’s Riverside Church. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. The internment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601. In addition, fans can leave their thoughts at an online guestbook here.
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.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Ibrahim was an early jazz acolyte, studying the music via 78s he would buy from soldiers stationed in South Africa — who also gave him the nickname “Dollar.”
Jun 30, 2026 3:19 PM
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, the NEA Jazz Master from South Africa who helped fuse the folk music of his home country with…
Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet will record live at New York’s Village Vanguard for ECM records on Aug. 26–27.
Jul 22, 2026 12:46 PM
One of Joe Lovano’s buzz terms is “the moment of now” and with seemingly infinite patience — despite a schedule…
