Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Kenny Garrett
(Photo: Hollis King)“Joe Hen’s Waltz” is alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett’s contribution to Relief, an album to benefit the Jazz Foundation of America’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund. The cut below is an outtake from Seeds From The Underground, Garrett’s 2012 release on Mack Avenue. The legend pays tributes to one of his heroes, fellow saxophonist Joe Henderson, with the help of bandmates Benito Gonzalez on piano, Nat Reeves on bass and Ronald Bruner on drums. To hear the tune, click here:
In March 2020, during the early days of the pandemic, a consortium of record labels and industry partners assembled to support the launch of the Jazz Foundation of America’s COVID-19 Musicians’ Emergency Fund. The mandate was simple and urgent: to provide direct financial assistance for basic living expenses to musicians and families whose livelihoods and security were jeopardized by the collapse of the global performance industry.
Blue Note Records, Concord Music Group, Mack Avenue Music Group, Nonesuch Records, the Verve Label Group and Warner Music Group banded together to raise the funds. It was a first-of-its-kind alliance of the leaders in the jazz industry.
The proceeds of this album benefit that fund. To buy your copy, click HERE. DB
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“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…
