May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Bassist Stanley Clarke is preparing to hit the road touring as he gets ready for the release of his first solo record in more than 10 years for Sony/Epic.
This past decade has introduced Stanley as a consummate film composer with credits that include “Boyz In The Hood,” “Poetic Justice,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Passenger 57,” “Undercover Brother” and “The Transporter” to name a few.
Joining Stanley on tour is Deron Johnson (keyboards) who has played with everyone from Miles Davis and Billy Cobham to Alanis Morrisett and Boz Skaggs, bassist Armond Sabal-Lecco whose credits include Sting, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon and Jeff Beck, Gerry Brown on drums who’s played with Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, George Benson and Joe Sample, and Stanley’s long-time band member keyboardist Nick Smith of the Tonight Show Band with Branford Marsalis.
Clarke just finished taping a special for Black Entertainment Television (BET) to be aired in February with guest stars that featured bands including Stevie Wonder, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Shiela E, Stewart Copeland, Lenny White, Patrice Rushen, Wayman Teasdale, Bela Fleck, Billy Sheehan, Rodney Franklin and Wallace Roney to name just a few.
Clarke’s tour dates are:
Nov. 23: Seattle, About The Music
Nov. 24: Portland, Ore., The Aladdin Theater
Nov. 29: San Diego, Victor’s On The Bay
Nov. 30: Los Angeles, Key Club
Dec. 1: Santa Ana, Calif., Galaxy Club
Dec. 4-8: Oakland, Yoshi’s
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
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,…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
“I wanted to get into the real feeling,” Melissa Aldana says of studying the work of singers from Cuba’s filin tradition in preparation for her collaboration with pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba.
May 19, 2026 11:46 AM
Melissa Aldana is an investigator. She’s not comfortable resting on what she knows, instead seeking to learn more and…