Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
The 1985 legendary Pat Metheny/Ornette Coleman collaboration Song X has been reissued by Nonesuch Records. The remixed and remastered album includes six new songs in addition to the original eight tracks.
On the 20th anniversary of the release, guitarist Metheny says, “There may have been a few different decisions made about what did and didn’t get included on the record and especially about how the whole thing actually sounded ... with this opportunity to look at things again two decades later, it seems upon review that although I did pick the right takes of the tunes that were on the original version of the release, there were in fact major improvements to be made in the mixing and mastering of the record.”
The remastering and remixing help to create “a more complete picture of our efforts,” Metheny says. In addition to Metheny and Coleman, Song X features Charlie Haden on bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums and Denardo Coleman, Ornette’s son, on drums and percussion. The album was remastered by Ted Jenson at Sterling Sound and remixed by Peter Karam.
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
Jun 3, 2025 10:31 AM
The time and labor required to tour is, for many musicians, daunting at best and prohibitive at worst. It’s hardly…
To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.
Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
