May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Duke Ellington is recognized as an unparalleled American musical genius who was a composer, bandleader and pianist. The impact of the mastery of Duke Ellington on other composers and musicians has rarely been examined. This concert seeks to change that as it will illustrate the impact of Duke Ellington on another major 20th Century American composer and musician, Charles Mingus.
The compositions which Charles Mingus wrote in tribute to Duke Ellington will be brought together into one dynamic concert. The Mingus Big Band will perform “Duke Ellington Sound of Love”, “Open Letter to Duke” and “Alive and Living in Dukeland”, among others. Selected Ellington music will be presented. The Duke Ellington Society is sponsoring this concert that will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m. in Saint Peter’s Church, Lexington Avenue at 54th Street. Donation is $25 each at the door or reservations in advance, call (212) 675–7477.
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
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,…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
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…
