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…
On Dec. 12, Frank Sinatra would have turned 90. In celebration, Capitol/EMI will release Frank Sinatra—Duets And Duets II: 90th Birthday Limited Edition on Nov. 22.
The collection features a new two-CD commemorative package with both original duets albums, plus a previously unreleased version of “My Way” sung by Sinatra and Willie Nelson.
The first of Sinatra’s duets album was recorded during the summer of 1993. The standards album, his first in nine years, includes songs with such contemporary artists as Anita Baker, Bono, Gloria Estefan, Kenny G and Luther Vandross. The following year, Sinatra released Duets II, a collection of newly interpreted, classic Sinatra songs. The second album featured artists like Jimmy Buffett, Neil Diamond, Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder and Linda Ronstadt. Now both albums are available together through this anniversary collection.
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…