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…
Philip Arneill and James Catchpole’s book Tokyo Jazz Joints documents a vanishing world of Japanese jazz culture.
(Photo: Courtesy Kehrer Verlag)Germany-based publisher Kehrer Verlag has released Tokyo Jazz Joints, a visual chronicle of Japanese jazz bars and coffee shops that captures the transient beauty of intimate gathering spaces where time seems to cease to exist. Tokyo Jazz Joints is a documentary photography project by Northern Irish photographer Philip Arneill in collaboration with American broadcaster James Catchpole, both long-term residents of Japan. The hardcover, 168-page book contains 129 color illustrations.
Established in 2015 to document Tokyo’s myriad jazu kissa, the project gradually expanded to cover the whole of Japan. The dedicated jazz listening spaces depicted in the new collection — far removed from the chaos of the country’s modern urban landscapes — are slowly vanishing in the face of changing trends, aging customers and an overall movement toward gentrification. The book aims to preserve the essence of these iconic, living museums before they disappear forever.
For more information on Tokyo Jazz Joints, visit the publisher’s website, or go to tokyojazzjoints.com. 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…
