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…
Bobby Sanabria leading the Manhattan School of Music’s Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra through a live take on Machito’s Kenya album has been released as Kenya Revisited “Live” (Jazzheads).
Originally recorded in December of 1957 by The Machito Afro-Cubans and released in 1958 (featuring Cannonball Adderley, as well as trumpeter Joe Neumann, and percussionist Candido Camero) Kenya had never been performed in its entirety. Under Sanabria’s direction, the entire repertoire of the Kenya album has been updated with new arrangements and performed by the Manhattan School’s orchestra. Camero, now an NEA Jazz Master, joined the orchestra on this recording.
This recording also marks the first release in a series of four collaborations between The Manhattan School of Music and Jazzheads Records. Scheduled for release in the coming months are three Manhattan School of Music interpretations of Miles Davis’ Porgy & Bess , Sketches Of Spain and Miles Ahead. All three of upcoming recordings will feature saxophonist Dave Liebman with the Manhattan School of Music Jazz Orchestra conducted by Justin DiCioccio. Jazzheads Records will donate proceeds from the sales of these discs to the Manhattan School of Music Fund-Jazz Arts Program.
More info: msmnyc.edu
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…
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…
To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.
Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
