May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Bassist Jorge Roeder offers up El Suelo Mío, a solo effort, as his leader debut.
(Photo: Isabel Roeder)Jorge Roeder’s supported a sweeping variety of bandleaders, ranging from his work alongside guitarist Julian Lage and trombonist Ryan Keberle to the bassist’s time with pianist Shai Maestro and vocalist Thana Alexa.
For his leader debut, though, Roeder saw fit to eschew a group setting, instead turning in the solo vehicle El Suelo Mío, a tribute to both his Peruvian background and the woody, resounding tone of his bass. The video for “Bounce,” a tune from the upcoming album, debuts below.
“It initially evoked what I think is the sound of the oud and its ability to produce microtonal scales and melodies,” Roeder said about his bass on “Bounce.” “Being a fretless instrument, the bass has this ability as well—although in the Western tradition of the violin family, most instrumentalists work all their lives to try to avoid microtones, as they sound ‘out of tune’ to some ears. As I was experimenting with this type of playing, I stumbled upon a groove, and the groove became the song, sans the microtones. The end has two very different and subtle references: The second movement from Shostakovich’s 6th Symphony, and ‘A Day In The Life’ by The Beatles.”
In addition to Shostakovich and Fab Four, Roeder touches upon influences as broad as Ornette Coleman (a cover of “Lonely Woman” is included) and Peruvian vocalist and composer Chabuca Granda, whose song “Bello Durmiente” has a lyric the bassist turned into his album’s title.
The self-released El Suelo Mío is due out July 3. DB
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
