Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
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
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“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.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
