May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Jon Faddis and The Chicago Jazz Ensemble will present its 10th American Heritage Jazz series, featuring the performance “Paquito D’Rivera and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble: Commemorating Goodman, Celebrating Swing and Latin Jazz,” on Dec. 12 at the Harris Theater, Chicago. Faddis, artistic director of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, will also present a pre-concert conversation about the performance with Neil Tesser before the show.
“Paquito and I first met on the bandstand when we both were sitting in with Dizzy Gillespie in the 1980s,” Faddis said. “We continued to work together with Diz and, of course, with Diz’s United Nation Orchestra, for which we each served as music director over the years. I’m excited to once again share the stage with Paquito, who is a master of classical, jazz and Caribbean-infused music. He is tremendous fun and a great friend. With the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, these renditions of Benny Goodman’s music will definitely shine.”
The Chicago Jazz Ensemble’s 10th anniversary series will also include “The Great American Songbook,” featuring Bobbi Wilsyn, on Feb. 20, and “The Artist of the Composer: Music by William Russo and Frank Foster” on March 20.
More info: chicagojazzensemble.com
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
