Mar 2, 2023 10:46 AM
In Memoriam: Wayne Shorter, 1933-2023
One of the most prodigious composers and singular, harmonically sophisticated improvisers in jazz history, tenor and…
Keiko Matsui’s new album, Euphoria, comes out March 31.
(Photo: Courtesy Shanachie)Pianist and composer Keiko Matsui plans to release her 30th album, called Euphoria (Shanachie), on March 31. DownBeat got an early listen to this star-studded affair, which includes Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Grégoire Maret, John Beasley, Joel Ross, Lalah Hathaway and Kirk Whalum.
Check out the title track, featuring Ross on vibes and arranged by Beasley, by clicking on the image below.
“This album is about the hope that we all carry inside of us,” said Matsui, who has worked with everyone from Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder to Bob James and Hugh Masekela. “I have this dream where we can each cherish our own happiness and learn to accept and care for one another. When I tour around the world and witness how my music cuts through our differences and connects everyone, it makes me feel euphoric.” DB
Shorter performing at the 2015 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle.
Mar 2, 2023 10:46 AM
One of the most prodigious composers and singular, harmonically sophisticated improvisers in jazz history, tenor and…
“There was a time I decided I was not a composer, only an improvisor, and I find that very difficult to do with one hand,” Jarrett says. “Jumping off a cliff takes two hands and two feet.”
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Keith Jarrett can do more with his right hand than most pianists can with two. As he pulls the protective cloth from…
Burt Bacharach with Carol Bayer Sagar and Miles Davis in 1984.
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Burt Bacharach, who died in Los Angeles at age 94 on Feb. 8, was among the last of a small, oddly isolated island of…
Samara Joy gives her acceptance speech at the Grammys on Feb. 5.
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Jazz vocalist Samara Joy was crowned Best New Artist during this year’s Grammy Awards on Feb. 5. The deeply emotive…
The album Alive At The Village Vanguard (Palmetto), featuring Hersch on piano and spalding on vocals, was recorded in 2018.
Feb 7, 2023 12:05 AM
Fred Hersch was in good spirits, appearing relaxed on the video screen from his New York City loft. The pianist turned…
