Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Mike Casey’s Stay Surprising: Live At The Side Door will be posted piecemeal through November, when the album is set for released.
(Photo: Airen Miller)Stay Surprising: Live At The Side Door, which is set for a November release, is saxophonist Mike Casey’s follow-up to last year’s The Sound Of Surprise: Live At The Side Door.
That earlier album has garnered 500,000 streams since February 2017, according to a news release.
Below is the debut of “West End,” the first cut to be released from Casey’s pending album, which will be posted piecemeal through November. It unquestionably springs from a bop lineage, and with contributions from drummer Corey Garcia seems to reference Sonny Rollins’ troupe on Way Out West, if only revved up a bit.
On the upcoming album—which like its predecessor was recorded at the Old Lyme, Connecticut, club—Casey and Garcia are joined by bassist Matt Dwonszyk.
For additional streaming options, visit the saxophonist’s website. DB
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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…
