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…
Jon Batiste will perform at the Newport Jazz Festival on Aug. 5.
(Photo: Courtesy Newport Jazz Festival)The Newport Jazz Festival has announced the lineup of performers scheduled to appear at this year’s event, which takes place the weekend of Aug. 4–6 in Newport, Rhode Island.
Day one headliners include Kamasi Washington, DOMi & JD Beck, Lakecia Benjamin, Immanuel Wilkins Quartet and Soulive, among others.
Saturday, Aug. 5, will feature performances by Jon Batiste, Christian McBride, Charles Lloyd New Quartet, Julian Lage, Orrin Evans, James Brandon Lewis, Keyon Harrold and Superblue: Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter with Nate Smith & Huntertone Horns.
On Sunday, Aug. 6, Herbie Hancock takes the Newport Jazz Festival stage. Other Sunday performers include Diana Krall, Samara Joy, Bill Charlap Trio, Charles McPherson Quintet and A Moodswing Reunion: Redman, Mehldau, McBride, Blade.
More performers will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets, including multi-day passes and other cost-saving options, are currently on sale. Discount pricing is available for students. Check the festival’s website for lineup and schedule updates. DB
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…