Dec 9, 2025 12:28 PM
In Memoriam: Gordon Goodwin, 1954–2025
Gordon Goodwin, an award-winning saxophonist, pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger, died Dec. 8 in Los Angeles.…
The 1989 classic The Healer served as a true comeback for John Lee Hooker.
(Photo: Jazz Detective)Around this time of year, it’s sometimes just hard to stop! So, here are a few more great titles to check out!
Ahmad Jamal
Emerald City Nights: Live At The Penthouse (1963–1964) and (1965–1966) (Deep Digs/Jazz Detective)
Just in time for Record Store Day’s Black Friday extravaganza, producer Zev Feldman launches his new imprint, Jazz Detective, with two volumes of previously unreleased live music by the great pianist Ahmad Jamal. Each volume delivers two LPs of music from the famed Seattle-based nightclub. The packages come on 180-gram vinyl transferred from the original tapes and mastered by Bernie Grundman. deepdigsmusic.com
John Lee Hooker
The Healer (Craft)
This 1989 classic served as a true comeback for the legendary bluesman. With a little help from friends like Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, George Thorogood, Charlie Musselwhite and others, the record went on to win accolades, awards and listeners, bringing a new generation of fans to Hooker’s music. craftrecordings.com
Jazz Re:freshed x British Underground
Outer National, Live From Studio Two, Abbey Road Studios
Here we have a live recording featuring U.K.’s rising jazz stars performing in the winter of 2021 during COVID lockdown. Tuba player Theon Cross leads this cast of artists that includes DoomCannon, Camilla George, Richard Spaven, Noya Rao, Daniel Casimir and Tess Hirst. britishunderground.net
Tom Skinner
Voices Of Bishara (Brownswood/Nonesuch)
Another voice from the London scene, drummer, composer, producer and bandleader Tom Skinner serves up a deep groove on Voices, which features cello, bass and two saxophones. It’s a hip and hypnotic blend of East meets West. nonesuch.com
RA Washington/JahNada
In Search For Our Father’s Gardens
This auspicious debut features RA Washington on piano, drum machines and vocals, and Jah Nada on bass, drums and synths. It’s a two-LP set with a 14-piece cast. Cool that sides B and C were designed to be played separately … or together. DB
Check out all of DownBeat’s Holiday Gift Guide here!
Goodwin was one of the most acclaimed, successful and influential jazz musicians of his generation.
Dec 9, 2025 12:28 PM
Gordon Goodwin, an award-winning saxophonist, pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger, died Dec. 8 in Los Angeles.…
Belá Fleck during an interview with Fredrika Whitfield on CNN.
Jan 13, 2026 2:09 PM
The fallout from the renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to include President Donald…
The success of Oregon’s first album, 1971’s Music Of Another Present Era, allowed Towner to establish a solo career.
Jan 19, 2026 5:02 PM
Ralph Towner, a guitarist and composer who blended multiple genres, including jazz — and throughout them all remained…
Flea has returned to his first instrument — the trumpet — and assembled a dream band of jazz musicians to record a new album.
Dec 2, 2025 2:01 AM
After a nearly five-decade career as one of his generation’s defining rock bassists, Flea has returned to his first…
Rico’s Anti-Microbial Instrument Swab
Jan 19, 2026 2:48 PM
With this year’s NAMM Show right around the corner, we can look forward to plenty of new and innovative instruments…
