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 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival kicked off slowly yesterday under brilliant, sunny skies. With bands like Wilco, the Black Crows and Steve Winwood on the roster, pickings were on the slim side in the jazz and traditional tents. This year, programmers also decided not to feature music from one particular country, leaving the Congo Square stage a bit hit-or-miss as well. Still, C.C. Adcock, blues harmonica giant, Charlie Musselwhite and Henry Hippolyte’s performances made it a strong day for blues, which climaxed at Sonny Landreth’s slide guitar set at the Sprint stage.
Later at the Economy Hall tent, clarinetist, Tim Laughlin had second liners dancing in the aisles as he played tunes from his latest release, ‘The Isle of Orleans’ (Gentilly Records).
One of the most interesting developments at the Fairgrounds this year is the new Jazz and Heritage Stage, which drew a small but devoted crowd for the Stooges Music Group yesterday and is sure to heat up today with Donald Harrison’s New Sounds of Mardi Gras. Featuring brass bands like the Golden Star Hunters and the more traditional Olympia Brass Band, the new stage brought out a segment of the New Orleans music scene that doesn’t usually get much representation at the Fairgrounds.
After the official Fest ended yesterday, music continued around town with late-night lineups at spots like Tipitina’s, which rang in Jazz Fest Thursday night with a Galactic show. This year, Tip’s is getting some competition from a new series at Preservation Hall, perhaps the most noteworthy unofficial Jazz Fest development.
Last night, Stanton Moore hooked up with Robert Walter on organ, Skerik on alto sax and a series of room-stopping solos from Mark Mullins, one of the most virtuosic trombone players in town. The series continues through Sunday night with different guests.
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…
