Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
In Memoriam: John Hammond Jr., 1942–2026
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
Tomasz Stańko (1942-2018)
(Photo: Andrzej Tyszko)According to Reuters, the influential Polish trumpeter Tomasz Stańko died Sunday at the age of 76.
Performers took to social media to express their appreciation for his work, which stretches back to the 1960s when Stańko performed in groups helmed by Polish pianist Krzysztof Komeda.
R.I.P. Tomasz Stanko ! Thank you for the love, inspiration and encouragement over the years.
— Ambrose Akinmusire (@amBROSEire) July 29, 2018
Just heard that trumpeter Tomasz Stanko has died after a courageous fight against illness for some time. He was a unique musician with deep feelings and a gentle soul. #tomaszstanko
— Dave Holland (@TheDaveHolland) July 29, 2018
Read an interview from the DownBeat archives with the trumpeter here. DB
Hammond came to the blues through the folk boom of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which he experienced firsthand in New York’s Greenwich Village.
Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater will be among the headliners at this year’s DC JazzFest.
Mar 2, 2026 9:48 PM
The first wave of artists scheduled to perform at the 2026 DC JazzFest have been announced. This year’s headliners…
“These days, with curated news, where people only get half the story, people can’t even speak to family members anymore,” Schneider laments.
Mar 10, 2026 1:43 PM
Maria Schneider is doing her part to try to fix what ails America. Which got her thinking about crows, specifically,…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
