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,…
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
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…
