Jul 28, 2020 9:00 AM
Redman, Blade, Mehldau, McBride Defy Notions Of The Genre
Twenty-six years ago, a new quartet led by a rising star in the jazz world demonstrated how the music could be…
Vocalist Ledisi is one of the artists featured on International Jazz Day from Australia, a concert special that premieres on PBS on Friday.
(Photo: Steve Mundinger/Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz)With the concert industry at a complete halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, jazz fans are turning to their computer screens and TVs to see performances.
Typically, fans look forward to an annual all-star concert to celebrate International Jazz Day. This year, however, the April 30 event will be a “virtual” one that takes place online. Fans can visit the International Jazz Day website for more information.
On Friday, the PBS network will premiere the special International Jazz Day from Australia, which was filmed during last year’s International Jazz Day celebration. The special features footage shot during the All-Star Global Concert at the Melbourne Arts Centre’s Hamer Hall in Australia on April 30, 2019.
This new special will include performances by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, Joey DeFrancesco, Kurt Elling, Ledisi, Jane Monheit, James Morrison, Antonio Sánchez, Somi, Ben Williams, Lizz Wright and John Beasley, who served as musical director.
The special also will be streamed at pbs.org. DB
Bassist Christian McBride (left), saxophonist Joshua Redman, drummer Brian Blade and pianist Brad Mehldau reconvened in the studio after more than two decades for RoundAgain.
Jul 28, 2020 9:00 AM
Twenty-six years ago, a new quartet led by a rising star in the jazz world demonstrated how the music could be…
Mark Colby (1949–2020)
Sep 1, 2020 10:00 AM
Saxophonist Mark Colby died Aug. 31 from complications related to cancer, according to an email sent to DownBeat from…
Saxophonist Kamasi Washington performs during the 2019 Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island.
Sep 8, 2020 11:34 AM
Fort Adams State Park—traditionally home to the Newport Jazz Festival—was uncharacteristically quiet the first week…
Joey DeFrancesco, widely celebrated as an organist, also sings and plays trumpet and tenor saxophone.
Aug 14, 2020 8:01 AM
With touring on hold due to the pandemic, multi-instrumentalist and jazz organ icon Joey DeFrancesco has been staying…
Gary Peacock (1935-2020)
Sep 8, 2020 11:05 AM
Bassist Gary Peacock, who performed and recorded alongside trailblazing bandleaders Albert Ayler, Keith Jarrett and…
