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…
Telar has expanded its artist roster with the recent additions of John Lee Hooker Jr. and Liquid Soul.
John Lee Hooker Jr., the son of one of the most prestigious names in blues, will release his debut album on the label, Cold As Ice, on June 27. The son of the man who brought the world “I’m In The Mood” takes elements from this old school and mixes them with something newer and younger that appeals to the 21st century audience. That mix earned Hooker a Grammy nomination and caught the attention on Telarc, a label that the musician is exited about joining. “We wanted a label with a family feel to it, a place that dealt with artists from a standpoint of honesty and integrity,” Says Hooker. “We found all those things in Telarc, and we feel fortunate and blessed to be with them.
Liquid Soul, the Chicago-bred combo that is known for mixing jazz, hip-hop, funk and hard-bop, will release their Telarc debut, One-Two Punch, on March 23.
The pioneers of the acid-jazz movement during the mid-1990s in Chicago, Liquid Soul expanded their musical style — a style that starts with jazz and embraces R&B, spoken word and more — that is now a compilation of sound that has evolved over the years. Led by saxophonist/composer Mars Williams, the eight-piece collective is looking forward to expanding their audience into to Europe with the help of their new label.
“Telarc is the kind of label that we wanted to build a relationship with,” says Williams. “They are pioneers of an awesome digital sound, and they have a worldwide distribution system that could enhance our exposure beyond North America.”
Not only are the artists happy to be at a new music home, but Telarc is more than happy to welcome them into the jazz family. President of Telarc, Robert Woods, said he is “excited about having Liquid Soul on board,” and “very proud to have John Lee Hooker Jr. on the Telarc Roster.”
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…
