Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
New York’s Jazz Standard will present the reunited Charles Tolliver Big Band, Sept. 27–28.
Joining Tolliver for five sets will be trumpeters Jon Faddis, David Guy, Keyon Harrold and David Weiss, trombonists Clark Gayton, Jason Jackson and Aaron Johnson, saxophonists Gary Bartz, James Spaulding, Gary Thomas, Craig Handy and Howard Johnson, pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Billy Drummond.
After starting on the cornet at 8 years old, the former pharmacy student started his career as a jazz trumpeter with Jackie McLean in the ‘60s. Since then, he has performed or recorded with many jazz greats including Roy Haynes, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Andrew Hill, Art Blakey and Max Roach.
In 1971, Tolliver and Stanley Cowell formed Strata-East Records, one of the first independent, artist-owned jazz labels, and released more than five albums leading his band, Music Inc.
As DownBeat contributor Ray Townley puts it, “Tolliver’s horn style is possessed of a melodic warmth and compactness of expression shared by few other trumpeters.”
For more information, visit www.jazzstandard.net
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
“It was just that suddenly … I could hear it,” Ravi Coltrane said of an epiphany he experienced during his late teens regarding his father’s music. “And it was almost like a calling, like something saying, ‘Hey, man, come on. It’s time to get serious.’ And the first time you really tune in and dial in and focus like that, it can be very life-changing.”
Sep 22, 2026 1:39 PM
Editor’s Note: Tomorrow, Sept. 23, is the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth. In honor of the tenor and…
