Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Russian saxophonist Igor Butman is set to perform at the Jazz Across Borders forum&festival gala with
(Photo: Courtesy Jazz Across Borders forum&festival)The second installment of the Jazz Across Borders forum&festival in St. Petersburg, Russia, is set for Nov. 16-17 as part of the International Cultural Forum.
Five components make up the event: a conference (panel and roundtable discussions, master classes and meetings with members of the industry), music showcases, a series of performances in St. Petersburg clubs, an expo of jazz industry representatives and a gala concert with saxophonist Igor Butman, vocalist Patti Austin and the Moscow Jazz Orchestra.
“The first Jazz Across Borders forum&festival was visited by more than 1,000 people from 32 countries of the world,” Butman said in a press release. “Major promoters, prominent figures of the jazz industry, young musicians, representatives of big and small festivals, our teachers and students—all of us came together for the common goal: to show and prove to others that jazz art is being developed, loved and appreciated in this country, and that we want to continue developing and improving this genre of music. ... We’ve set a high standard and promise to aim higher every year.”
Butman—along with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation—initially conceived of the festival. Additional information about the festival, including details on how to register register, can be found on the JAB website. DB
• On June 15, the U.S. Department of State issued an advisory saying that Americans should reconsider travel to Russia.
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
“Branford’s playing has steadily improved,” says younger brother Wynton Marsalis. “He’s just gotten more and more serious.”
May 20, 2025 11:58 AM
Branford Marsalis was on the road again. Coffee cup in hand, the saxophonist — sporting a gray hoodie and a look of…
“What did I want more of when I was this age?” Sasha Berliner asks when she’s in her teaching mode.
May 13, 2025 12:39 PM
Part of the jazz vibraphone conversation since her late teens, Sasha Berliner has long come across as a fully formed…
Roscoe Mitchell will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Vision Festival.
May 27, 2025 6:21 PM
Arts for Art has announced the full lineup for the 2025 Vision Festival, which will run June 2–7 at Roulette…
Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
Jun 3, 2025 10:31 AM
The time and labor required to tour is, for many musicians, daunting at best and prohibitive at worst. It’s hardly…
