Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Bandleader Brandi Disterheft is set to release her fifth album, Surfboard, on Oct. 30.
(Photo: Joanne K)Bassist-vocalist Brandi Disterheft, a frequent rhythm partner of drummer Joe Farnsworth, drifts through originals and standards on her latest full-length, Surfboard. On the album, she proves to be equally engaging behind the microphone as when her ensemble nails instrumentals like the Jobim-penned title track.
For the bassist’s own “Coup De Foudre,” she propels the band through a descending melody while breathlessly relating a timeless love song. Saxophonist George Coleman narrates the whirlwind encounter in a track that premieres below.
“Between the samba dancers improvising to a waltz and George Coleman’s prowess, I’m very pleased to share this video,” Disterheft wrote in an email to DownBeat. “I’ve always enjoyed George’s prolific ability to trail-blaze intense emotion while sounding relaxed. Inspired by a F. Scott Fitzgerald quote translating to bolts of lightening or love at first sight, the story takes an unexpected turn.”
Surfboard, Disterheft’s fifth leader date, is due out Oct. 30 on Justin Time. DB
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
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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.
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“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.
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Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
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The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
