Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
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!
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
“These days, with curated news, where people only get half the story, people can’t even speak to family members anymore,” Schneider laments.
Mar 10, 2026 1:43 PM
Maria Schneider is doing her part to try to fix what ails America. Which got her thinking about crows, specifically,…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“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.…
