Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
On May 7, Rounder Records will releaseCorey Harris’ fourth studio album, Downhome Sophisticate. Recorded in Charlottesville, Va., and co-produced by Harris and frequent collaborator Jamal Millner, Downhome Sophisticate marks the blues-influenced singer/songwriter’s Rounder Records debut and first studio recording since 2000’s collaboration with pianist Henry Butler, Vü-Dü Menz.
Drawing on a diverse range of traditional music—from African guitar styles, sounds of the Caribbean, and country blues of the American South—Downhome Sophisticate explores a unique and refreshingly modern approach to roots-based music. Backing Harris on the album is his longtime band - The 5x5 (Vic Brown - bass, Johnny Gilmore - drums, Jamal Millner - vocals, guitar, mandolin).
Harris will also be featured in Martin Scorsese’s upcoming six-part PBS mini series, “The Blues.” Set to air in the winter of 2003, each episode of “The Blues” will be directed by acclaimed filmmakers such as Charles Burnett, Marc Levin, and Wim Wenders (Scorsese himself directs Corey’s episode; the first installment of the series).
For more information, go to www.coreyharrismusic.com.
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
Jun 3, 2025 10:31 AM
The time and labor required to tour is, for many musicians, daunting at best and prohibitive at worst. It’s hardly…
To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.
Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
