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…
On June 6, the Impulse record label will mark its 45th anniversary with the publication of the book The House That Trane Built: The Story Of Impulse Records (W. W. Norton & Co) by Ashley Kahn; the release of 12 Best-Of Impulse CDs (including a four-CD companion collection to the book); the national broadcast of the radio program “The House That Trane Built” (based on the book); and the kickoff of an international tour by the all-star group, McCoy Tyner Septet—An Impulse Tribute.
The Impulse Story series of single artist Best-Ofs, and the four-CD companion set The House That Trane Built: The Story of Impulse Records, the single artist series offers the best musical moments in the Impulse catalog, focusing on ten label legends John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, Charles Mingus, Sonny Rollins, Archie Shepp, Pharoah Sanders, Albert Ayler, Alice Coltrane, Gato Barbieri and Keith Jarrett. The series also features a single disc compilation culled from the box set.
The McCoy Tyner Septet – An Impulse Tribute—is a seven-man band led by Tyner, one of the label’s first contracted stars. From late spring 2006 through spring 2007, Tyner and an all-star septet will be performing over a dozen Impulse classics and features: saxophonists Dave Liebman, Donald Harrison and Eric Alexander (on selected dates), trumpeter Nicholas Payton, trombonist Steve Turre, bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer Eric Gravatt, with arrangements from arranger/producer Bob Belden.
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.
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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.”
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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…
