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…
The Gilmore in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is broadcasting a recent concert by pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Marcus Gilmore.
(Photo: Mark Bugnaski)Dr. Pierre van der Westhuizen, executive and artistic director of The Gilmore in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has announced the premiere video release of a recent concert by three Grammy-winning jazz artists: pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Marcus Gilmore. Performed before a sold-out audience at The Gilmore on April 13, 2025, the powerhouse trio shared the stage for an 80-minute set stocked with Mehldau originals and cover tunes. The premiere video will be broadcast on Tuesday, July 8, on Christian McBride’s YouTube channel, and will remain available in perpetuity.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride and Marcus Gilmore to bring their new trio to audiences worldwide, to enjoy from the comfort of their homes,” said van der Westhuizen. “This exclusive video captures rare live footage of the talented threesome’s Michigan debut.”
Mehldau has vastly extended and refined the piano trio’s possibilities over the last quarter century. One of the most lyrical voices of contemporary jazz piano, his path embodies the essence of jazz exploration, classical romanticism and pop allure.
McBride is a nine-time Grammy winner who is regarded as the foremost jazz bassist in the 21st century and an innovative composer and bandleader. He heads ensembles including Inside Straight and The Christian McBride Big Band. His skills encompass straight-ahead, experimental and free-leaning jazz; funk, soul, Latin, hip hop, and rhythm and blues.
Gilmore, grandson of iconic drummer Roy Haynes, can be heard on the soundtrack for the film Soul. He premiered his first orchestral composition with members of the Cape Town Philharmonic in 2020. He has worked with Pharoah Sanders, Ravi Coltrane, Robert Glasper, Vijay Iyer, Derrick Hodge, Jill Scott, Norah Jones, Terence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove and Terrace Martin. DB
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…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
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…
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).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
