Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Miles Davis during the ’Round About Midnight sessions in June 1956
(Photo: Don Hunstein/Sony Music Archives/Courtesy of Abramorama/Eagle Rock)Dancer Frances Taylor, Davis’ first wife and occasional muse (who died in 2018 at age 89), is one of the movie’s more lively and entertaining interview subjects. She’s clearly enamored of the memory of their early relationship, even as the more painful details of their marriage come into focus. She describes, for instance, Davis’ jealousy when she got a role in West Side Story. He told her to back out of the production, and she did. She describes being struck by him for the first time. She describes leaving him.
Pianist Herbie Hancock, guitarist Carlos Santana, saxophonist Joshua Redman, writer/producer Greg Tate, historian/journalist Ashley Kahn and poet/educator Quincy Troupe (co-author of Miles: The Autobiography) are also interviewed.
Following the premiere at Film Forum, Nelson took the stage with Davis’ son Erin Davis and his nephew Vince Wilburn Jr. to field questions from the audience. At one point, a man asked Nelson why he hadn’t focused more on Davis’ many wives and girlfriends, who in the film tend to flit in and out as one-dimensional figures. It was a reasonable question, but Nelson bristled when the man repeated it after the director had already given his answer.
“I look forward to your film,” Nelson said curtly, ending the discussion. It might have seemed a bit hostile and defensive of him—but it also was completely in the spirit of Miles Davis. DB
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
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Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
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The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
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Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli with Tony Bennett at their wedding reception in 1998.
Aug 4, 2026 12:32 PM
Well, what can be said about Tony Bennett that you don’t already know? As I type this, I’m listening to Tony…
