Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Theo Croker’s Dream … Manifested!
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
The American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Mo., is pleased to announce the appointment of its new executive director, Greg Carroll, outgoing director of education for the International Association for Jazz Education. Carroll, who has directed IAJE education and outreach programs worldwide, will assume the role July 1.
Carroll has served as director of jazz studies at the University of Colorado and instrumental music director for several Colorado school districts. As a vibraphonist, he has also performed with jazz luminaries such as George Benson and Dianne Reeves, and he performs and records with his own group, the Midnight Blue Jazz Quartet.
The museum is located in the historic 18th and Vine district of Kansas City and includes interactive exhibits and educational programs as well as the Blue Room, a working jazz club, and the Gem Theater, a modern 500-seat performing arts center.
“The Historic 18th and Vine jazz district is one of the true great crossroads of jazz—I’m extremely excited to have an opportunity to serve this wonderful institution that plays a key role in sustaining Kansas City’s strong jazz heritage,” Carroll said in a news release. “I’m eager to help continue the outstanding tradition of musical excellence that was established right here at 18th and Vine.”
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.”
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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.
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You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
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Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
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Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
