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…
Concord Records and Ray Charles have inked a deal for Charles’ first new recording effort since 2001—an album of duets—scheduled for release on Aug. 31.
Guests on the as-yet-untitled album include Norah Jones, B.B. King, Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt and James Taylor. The album contains mostly standards, recorded in setups from big band to trio.
The 73-year-old pianist, composer and vocalist first worked with Concord on Poncho Sanchez’s Out Of Sight. “We had such a fun time and enjoyed a great rapport,” Charles said. “It seemed like a natural step to work on a whole album together.”
A feature film based on Charles’ life, “Unchain My Heart: The Ray Charles Story,” will also be out this year. Comedian and actor Jamie Foxx will portray Charles.
For more information, visit www.raycharles.com or www.concordrecords.com
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…
“There was something about her tone and sound and phrasing — an intimacy, a vulnerability, an honesty,” says Joshua Redman, who produced Cavassa’s record after she toured with his band.
Jun 16, 2026 1:27 AM
Gabrielle Cavassa is an avowed perfectionist. So when she failed to place despite becoming a finalist in the 2018 Sarah…
