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…
Kurt Elling’s upcoming album, The Questions, features songs combining the singer’s own writing with well-known poems.
(Photo: Anna Webber)Vocalist Kurt Elling has a new disc, The Questions, slated for release March 23 on the OKeh imprint. Today, he debuts “A Happy Thought,” which prominently features Chicago-bred pianist Stu Mindeman.
The track finds Elling in a contemplative mode with supple, tasteful backing from drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts. Mulling over death and fear, the singer slowly moves through the composition, arriving at the conclusion that maybe there’s really not too much to worry about.
Elsewhere on The Questions, Elling’s joined by genre stalwarts like saxophonist Branford Marsalis and trumpeter Marquis Hill. For more information about the album, as well as upcoming tour dates, visit Elling’s homepage. 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…
Kurt Rosenwinkel released Angels Around on his own label, Heartcore Records.
Jul 22, 2020 9:00 AM
Kurt Rosenwinkel was three dates into an eight-city tour of Sweden in mid-March. Asked where, exactly, he could only…
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…
