Oct 28, 2025 10:47 AM
In Memoriam: Jack DeJohnette, 1942–2025
Jack DeJohnette, a bold and resourceful drummer and NEA Jazz Master who forged a unique vocabulary on the kit over his…
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!
Jack DeJohnette boasted a musical resume that was as long as it was fearsome.
Oct 28, 2025 10:47 AM
Jack DeJohnette, a bold and resourceful drummer and NEA Jazz Master who forged a unique vocabulary on the kit over his…
“I’ve told students, ‘I don’t mind if you use AI for this or that project,’” says MIT’s Pascal Le Boeuf. “‘But you need to tell me.’”
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A standard joke when it comes to discussing artificial intelligence, or AI, is that it’s developing so rapidly that…
Chuck Manning Works for NASA … and plays jazz.
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Congratulations! After years of study, you’ve earned your degree in jazz performance. But let’s face it: Making a…
Always a sharp dresser, Farnsworth wears a pocket square given to him by trumpeter Art Farmer. “You need to look good if you want to hang around me,” Farmer told him.
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When he was 12 years old, the hard-swinging veteran drummer Joe Farnsworth had a fateful encounter with his idol Max…
“Make time and energy to meet people and make friends,” suggests Millie Ahearn, a student at DePaul University.
Sep 18, 2025 11:32 AM
For many students, the transition into a collegiate jazz program can feel overwhelming — new peers, unfamiliar…
