Sep 1, 2020 10:00 AM
In Memoriam: Saxophonist Mark Colby
Saxophonist Mark Colby died Aug. 31 from complications related to cancer, according to an email sent to DownBeat from…
Pianist Christian Sands is set to release Be Water on July 17.
(Photo: Anna Webber)Despite Christian Sands’ clear affinity for Erroll Garner, the pianist’s upcoming release, Be Water, depicts an artist moving well beyond the confines of the jazz tradition.
Expanding on his 2018 album, Facing Dragons, Sands again taps saxophonist Marcus Strickland for assistance on “Drive,” a tune off the upcoming album that premieres below. While the pair clearly are working in a 21st-century mode, a solo from guitarist Marvin Sewell helps the ensemble push toward the edge of genre.
“‘Drive’ is about ambition. It’s about being determined on wherever you’re going,” Sands said. “It’s also about the journey itself, the moves one makes to get to a goal. It’s self-reflection, it’s aspiration, intention and purpose.”
Be Water is set for release through the Mack Avenue label on July 17. DB
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the release date of Be Water. DownBeat regrets the error.
Mark Colby (1949–2020)
Sep 1, 2020 10:00 AM
Saxophonist Mark Colby died Aug. 31 from complications related to cancer, according to an email sent to DownBeat from…
Bassist Christian McBride (left), saxophonist Joshua Redman, drummer Brian Blade and pianist Brad Mehldau reconvened in the studio after more than two decades for RoundAgain.
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Joey DeFrancesco, widely celebrated as an organist, also sings and plays trumpet and tenor saxophone.
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Gary Peacock (1935-2020)
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