Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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
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.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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…
