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…
MONTEREY, CALIF.—The Monterey Jazz Festival has announced the release of The Art of Jazz: Monterey Jazz Festival / 50 Years, a celebratory coffee table book that captures the MJF experience through posters, program covers and exclusive photographs dating back to 1958.
“As we approached our 50th year, we wanted to have a book that showed literally the ‘art’ of the festival,” said Tim Jackson, general manager of the Monterey Jazz Festival since 1992. “The posters demonstrate the progression of the festival’s artistic statement, not just on stage, but how its images have changed over the years.”
The book also includes a foreword by actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood (a member of MJF’s board of directors) and a decade-by-decade look at the world and the festival, explored through essays and photographs.
The 142-page book is available for pre-order at the MJF website, montereyjazzfestival.org. It will arrive in bookstores across the country July 31.
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…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
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).…
