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…
The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the musical heritage of Latin jazz with the dedication of the Latin Jazz commemorative stamp. Attendees to the stamp’s dedication ceremony, which took place Monday at the National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C., included Postal Service vice president of Government Relations and Public Policy Marie Therese Dominguez, 2008 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Candido Camero and Daniel Sheehy, acting director of the Latino Center at the Smithsonian.
The Latin Jazz stamp features a bold, graphic design by San Francisco-based artist and Latin jazz fan Michael Bartalos. Eager to capture the upbeat, energetic and romantic spirit that characterizes much of Latin jazz, Bartalos created a tropical evening scene that depicts three musicians playing bass, piano and conga drums and conveys the multicultural aspects of the music, its percussive and improvisational nature and its rhythmic complexity.
MP3 downloads of Camero’s performance at the ceremony will be available on the U.S. Postal Service web site.
More info: usps.com/news
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…
