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…
Bassist Chris Lightcap (third from right) merges his two working ensembles for SuperBigmouth, which is set for release Oct. 4 on Pyroclastic Records.
(Photo: Bradley Scott Rosen)Chris Lightcap’s compositional and performative dexterity stretches back to the ’90s, when he began working with some of New York’s best-known avant-gardists. A few folks who were gigging and recording with the bassist back then again congregate for SuperBigmough, a composite picture of the bandleader’s two regular ensembles that’s set for release Oct. 4 through Kris Davis’ Pyroclastic Records.
Splicing together Suprette—a group that last year issued a self-titled disc via The Royal Potato Family imprint—and Bigmouth, Lightcap’s sussed out the best of what electrified acts have to offer, as guitarists Curtis Hasselbring and Jonathan Goldberger trim the proceedings with some undeniably rockist intentions. That saxophonist Tony Malaby and drummer Gerald Cleaver are along for the session only hints at the level of musicianship captured here.
But for “Through Birds, Through Fire”—a tune named after a 1943 Yves Tanguy oil painting which debuts below—Lightcap’s nothing short of effusive over the contributions from another ensemble member.
“The opening section is made up of a bunch of different melodic fragments that eventually come together and serve as a springboard into Craig Taborn’s solo,” the bandleader began while explaining “Through Birds.” “[H]e takes one of the most compelling Hammond B3 organ solos I’ve ever heard, and throughout it you can feel how his playing drives and inspires the rest of us.”
For additional info about the album, visit the Pyroclastic website. 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.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
“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’…
Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet will record live at New York’s Village Vanguard for ECM records on Aug. 26–27.
Jul 22, 2026 12:46 PM
One of Joe Lovano’s buzz terms is “the moment of now” and with seemingly infinite patience — despite a schedule…
