Jul 9, 2024 11:35 AM
Trumpeter, Educator Jim Rotondi Dies at 61
Jim Rotondi, a renowned hard-bop trumpeter, composer and educator, died suddenly on July 7 at a hospital in France. He…
Medeski Martin & Wood teamed up with producer John King of the Dust Brothers to put together their 14th album (and fifth on Blue Note Records), End Of The World Party (just in case). It will hit stores Sept. 7.
Known for his work with the Beastie Boys and on the Fight Club soundtrack, King joined the trio for some jam sessions in their converted loft studio on the Brooklyn waterfront. They gave him the tapes to paste together.
John Medeski admits he expected more looping. “But he ended up doing a lot of listening,” the keyboardist said. Drummer Billy Martin has dubbed the 12 original tracks on the album, “groove-driven minimalism.” “[It’s] as organic and natural as anything we’ve ever done,” said bassist Chris Wood.
The band will be touring throughout the summer and fall to promote the album, and, well, because they always do. They will be at the Bonnaroo festival in June, and then on the road with 311 and The Roots for the rest of the summer.
For more information, visit www.mmw.net
Jim Rotondi was acclaimed for his wide, round trumpet tone, remarkable virtuosity and assured swing.
Jul 9, 2024 11:35 AM
Jim Rotondi, a renowned hard-bop trumpeter, composer and educator, died suddenly on July 7 at a hospital in France. He…
Charles Lloyd, seen here at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, makes DownBeat Poll history!
Jul 11, 2024 12:23 PM
The incomparable Charles Lloyd swept the 72nd Annual DownBeat Critics Poll, becoming the first artist ever to earn…
“Being president of Blue Note has been one of the coolest things that ever happened to me,” Was said. “It’s a gas to serve as one of the caretakers of that legacy.”
Jun 4, 2024 12:21 PM
Sitting with Don Was is a comfortable and unhurried exercise. He may seem slightly reserved at first, but ideas and…
The Century Room in downtown Tucson, Arizona, was born in 2021.
May 21, 2024 12:58 PM
Players got to play. It’s long been a part of jazz history: When there’s a venue vacuum, when there are fewer…
“She reminds me of my childhood and makes we want to cry,” Cécile McLorin Salvant, pictured here with writer Ashley Kahn, said of Dianne Reeves.
Jun 11, 2024 12:31 PM
Italy’s Umbria Jazz Winter is one of those rare annual festivals that not only coincides with a major holiday —…
