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…
Now in its 31st year, the Savannah Jazz Festival in Savannah, Ga., began on Sept. 23 and will run until Sept. 30. The event is the largest free festival in the Southeast and will feature a versatile program that ranges from swing to hard-bop to blues, with a headlining set by Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials.
The 2012 edition of the fest will have increased presence from endorsers and sponsors, both on the stage and off. “This year is particularly significant for [mouthpiece manufacturer] JodyJazz because it represents the company’s deepest involvement and sponsorship to date,” said Colin Schofield, vice president of sales and marketing. “That support is both through the broad participation of [JodyJazz President] Jody [Espina] himself in many of the concerts and events and also by sponsoring the special guest appearance of Ed Calle and Sam Skelton, two of the company’s most influential endorser artists.”
Presented by the Coastal Jazz Association, the Savannah Jazz Fest’s Sept. 27 blues program will be headlined by Chicago band Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, who play at the festival’s main venue, The Bandstand at Forsyth Park. Also included in this week’s program are several late-night jam sessions at local performance space and restaurant Blowin’ Smoke. On Sept. 24, the venue will screen the documentary In Good Time: The Piano Jazz Of Marian McPartland, followed by a special appearance by producer and director James “Huey” Coleman Jr.
Other acts to perform this week include The Jody Espina Quartet (which will feature President of Benedetto Guitars Howard Paul), Bob Mastellar & The Jazz Corner All-Stars, the Tony Monaco B3 Trio and the Eric Culberson Band.
“The Savannah Jazz Festival has been gaining momentum every year and is gaining recognition beyond the Savannah area,” Schofield said. He added that JodyJazz will be sponsoring the Sept. 29 performance by the Savannah Jazz Orchestra, which will spotlight saxophonists Calle, Skelton and Espina on select original works.
For more information on the lineup and schedule, visit the Savannah Jazz Festival’s website.
DB
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…
