Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Rachel Therrien fifth album as a leader, VENA (Bonsaï), is due out March 27.
(Photo: Nicolas Gerardin)Trumpeter/flugelhornist Rachel Therrien’s collected 15 original compositions for VENA (Bonsaï), which is set for release March 27.
“The letter V is significant to me. I was struck by the formation birds make when they migrate; they fly in a perfect ‘V’ onward to their next destination. By flying this way, the birds are able to assist each other in achieving a longer distance,” Therrien said while discussing “V For Vena,” which debuts below. “With this new project, I feel like I’m flying in a new direction with the support of this wonderful group, just like those birds. Also, Vena is my fifth album, which is signified by the Roman numeral ‘V.’”
The Canadian-bred bandleader’s set a handful of release shows befitting the international band—which counts drummer Mareike Wiening in its ranks—that she’s assembled. Therrien plays Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York on March 24; at Diese Onze in Montreal on March 27; and at Studio de l’Ermitage in Paris on May 4.
For additional information about the bandleader, visit Therrien’s website. DB
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
Jun 3, 2025 10:31 AM
The time and labor required to tour is, for many musicians, daunting at best and prohibitive at worst. It’s hardly…
To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.
Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
