May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Oscar Peterson Trio’s On A Clear Day–Live in Zurich, 1971 (Mack Avenue)
(Photo: RSD)Every year, while shoppers rush out for deals at big box stores after Thanksgiving, a smaller contingent files out for Record Store Day Black Friday — though things are likely get just as heated among those lining up for these tasty new platters as, say, those looking for a hot deal on a giant TV. DownBeat has scrubbed the RSD Black Friday list and presents the best of it — from jazz, blues and beyond — below. Good luck snagging these!
• Mose Allison
Live 1978 (Liberation Hall)
• Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Cheek To Cheek: Live! (Streamline/Interscope)
• Big Bill Broonzy
Live In Amsterdam, 1953 (Liberation Hall)
• Larry Coryell
Coryell (Culture Factory USA)
• Ahmad Jamal
Emerald City Nights: Live At The Penthouse (1963–1964), Emerald City Nights: Live At The Penthouse (1965–1966) (Deep Digs/The Jazz Detective)
• Etta James
Etta Is Betta Than Evvah! (Anagram)
• Skip James
The Complete 1931 Session (ORG Music)
• Lonnie Mack with Stevie Ray Vaughan
Strike Like Lightning (Alligator)
• Charles Mingus
Mingus (Candid)
• Thelonious Monk
The Classic Quartet (Candid)
• Jaco Pastorius
Truth, Liberty & Soul–Live In NYC: The Complete 1982 NPR Jazz Alive! Recording (Resonance)
• Oscar Peterson Trio
On A Clear Day–Live in Zurich, 1971 (Mack Avenue)
• Pucho and His Latin Soul Brothers
Super Freak (Ubiquity Records)
recordstoreday.com/NewsItem/10387
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
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With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
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The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
