Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Sonic Creed (Motéma) is vibraphonist Stefon Harris’ third album with his troupe Blackout.
(Photo: Deneka Peniston)Vibraphonist, educator and DownBeat Critics Poll winner Stefon Harris has recorded a new album, Sonic Creed (Motéma), featuring his Blackout ensemble.
The recording, which is set for release on Sept. 28 and available for pre-order July 20, includes an homage to legendary vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson (1941–2016). Below is the debut of Harris’ rendition of “Now,” which was the title track to a 1970 Hutcherson LP.
“Hutch was such a beautiful human being, and a genius, harmonically and technically, of course,” said Harris, who is associate dean and director of jazz arts at the Manhattan School of Music. “He had an insatiable curiosity, and it was a privilege to witness him evolving and growing throughout his life. He would always tell me, ‘family first,’ and I took that to heart.”
Jean Baylor, who’s contributed vocals to recordings by the Yellowjackets, SWV, Kenny Garrett and Jimmy Greene in addition to performing in the Grammy-nomiated Baylor Project, offers breathy, sometimes wordless vocals on the Hutcherson-penned tune. And on Harris’ arrangement, the chorus of voices Baylor floats over supplants strings that filigreed Hutcherson’s original recording.
Harris, who topped the Vibraphone category in the 66th annual DownBeat Critics Poll, uses the Hutcherson song to segue seamlessly into the album’s final track, “Gone Too Soon,” a powerful, 5-minute duet with vibraphonist Joseph Doubleday.
For more info on Harris, visit his website. DB
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…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
