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…
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.”
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.
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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.
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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.
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…
