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…
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
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…
Ibrahim was an early jazz acolyte, studying the music via 78s he would buy from soldiers stationed in South Africa — who also gave him the nickname “Dollar.”
Jun 30, 2026 3:19 PM
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, the NEA Jazz Master from South Africa who helped fuse the folk music of his home country with…
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…
Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli with Tony Bennett at their wedding reception in 1998.
Aug 4, 2026 12:32 PM
Well, what can be said about Tony Bennett that you don’t already know? As I type this, I’m listening to Tony…
