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 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
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…
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