Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Saxophonist Gary Smulyan has announced plans to release a new album, High Noon: The Jazz Soul Of Frankie Laine (Reservoir) on Jan. 28, 2009.
The album explores the work of vocalist and composer Frankie Laine, who died in February 2007. As a singer/songwriter, Laine released hit records like “Mule Train” and “Jezebel” in the ‘40s and ‘50s and sang the theme songs to the television series Rawhide and films like 3:10 To Yuma and Blazing Saddles in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Laine was also a prolific composer with more than 80 songs to his credit.
Smulyan worked with arranger Mark Masters of Los Angeles’ American Jazz Institute to select 10 songs that display the depth and sophistication of Laine’s music. Tunes include hits like “High Noon” and “That Lucky Old Sun,” along with Laine’s own compositions like “Baby, Baby All The Time,” “I’d Give My Life” and “We’ll Be Together Again.”
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
“It was just that suddenly … I could hear it,” Ravi Coltrane said of an epiphany he experienced during his late teens regarding his father’s music. “And it was almost like a calling, like something saying, ‘Hey, man, come on. It’s time to get serious.’ And the first time you really tune in and dial in and focus like that, it can be very life-changing.”
Sep 22, 2026 1:39 PM
Editor’s Note: Tomorrow, Sept. 23, is the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth. In honor of the tenor and…
Camille Thurman took to the stage alongside bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Tommy Campbell for a rendition of Johnny Mercer’s “I’m An Old Cowhand” that recalled Rollins’ epochal 1957 trio outing Way Out West.
Oct 6, 2026 1:33 PM
As emcee Mark Ruffin noted at the commencement of an epic tribute to saxophonist Sonny Rollins at the Cathedral of…
