Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
A new compilation of New Orleans musicians is being released to benefit the victims of the recent Gulf Coast hurricanes.
Our New Orleans (Nonesuch) features a wide range of prominent Louisiana musicians performings songs that are identified with their home state. Net proceeds from the sale of the disc will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International and a portion of these funds will help provide housing for musicians who lost their homes because of the hurricanes.
Participants include Dr. John (“World I Never Made”), BeauSoleil (“L’ouragon,” which translates as “The Hurricane”), Irma Thomas (“Back Water Blues”), Preservation Hall Jazz Band (“Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans”), and Randy Newman with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (“Louisiana 1927”).
Allen Touissaint, who contributes two songs to Our New Orleans told the disc’s liner note writer, Nick Spitzer, “My Steinway, my records, my arrangements, my studio — it’s all gone. I had eight feet of water in my house near Bayou St. John. But the spirit didn’t drown. I still have my music. Give me a hammer. I’m ready to do my part.”
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
