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…
D’Angelo achieved commercial and critical success experimenting with a fusion of jazz, funk, soul, R&B and hip-hop.
Oct 14, 2025 1:47 PM
D’Angelo, a Grammy-winning R&B and neo-soul singer, guitarist and pianist who exerted a profound influence on 21st…
To see the complete list of nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, go to grammy.com.
Nov 11, 2025 12:35 PM
The nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards are in, with plenty to smile about for the worlds of jazz, blues and beyond.…
Drummond was cherished by generations of mainstream jazz listeners and bandleaders for his authoritative tonal presence, a defining quality of his style most apparent when he played his instrument unamplified.
Nov 4, 2025 11:39 AM
Ray Drummond, a first-call bassist who appeared on hundreds of albums as a sideman for some of the top names in jazz…
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…
