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…
The King Crimson Songbook: Volume 1 by The Crimson Jazz Trio (CJ3) is a unique addition to the King Crimson concept.
While on tour with the 21st Century Schizoid Band, King Crimson drummer Ian Wallace came up with idea for the trio. “I thought it might be fun to rearrange some of Crimson material in a jazz format,” said Wallace. The trio members include Wallace on drums, Jody Nardone on piano and Tim Landers on bass.
Pianist Jody Nardone is a former member of the Rod McGaha quartet and is currently on staff at the Currey Ingram Academy in Tennessee. The man on bass, Tim Landers, writes for television, film and other recording projects, and was also a founding member of the group Vital Information. The three men brought their individual talents together and created a songbook that celebrates jazz.
The CD was released on Sept.27 through the Voiceprint label and delivers jazz remixes of classic King Crimson songs like “21st Century Schizoid Man,” “Red,” and “Three Of A Perfect Pair.
King Crimson founder, composer and guitarist, Robert Fripp approves of the jazz reinvention of his songs. “The CJ3 have respectfully and irreverently taken eight Crimson classics, repositioned them in the musical spectrum, and delivered their first songbook with superb musicianship in service to wit and invention,” Fripp said.
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…
