Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
Kandace Springs Sings Billie Holiday
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
Herbie Hancock performs at the International Jazz Day “All-Star Global Concert” in Havana, Cuba, on April 30.
(Photo: International Jazz Day)The International Jazz Day “All-Star Global Concert” took place in Havana, Cuba, on, April 30, and is now archived at these two websites: jazzday.com or unesco.org/jazzday. Fans can stream this webcast, which is about two hours long.
Herbie Hancock and Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés served as the artistic directors for the concert, and John Beasley and Emilio Vega were the musical co-directors.
The announced lineup for the show included Ambrose Akinmusire (United States), Carl Allen (United States), Pancho Amat (Cuba), Marc Antoine (France), Richard Bona (Cameroon), Till Brönner (Germany), A Bu (China), Igor Butman (Russian Federation), Bobby Carcassés (Cuba), Regina Carter (United States), Kurt Elling (United States), Kenny Garrett (United States), Antonio Hart (United States) and Takuya Kuroda (Japan).
Other performers announced as part of the diverse roster included Ivan Lins (Brazil), Sixto Llorente (Cuba), César López (Cuba), Marcus Miller (United States), Youn Sun Nah (Republic of Korea), Julio Padrón (Cuba), Gianluca Petrella (Italy), Gonzalo Rubalcaba (Cuba), Antonio Sánchez (Mexico), Christian Sands (United States), Esperanza Spalding (United States), Ben Williams (United States), Tarek Yamani (Lebanon) and Dhafer Youssef (Tunisia).
The celebration in Havana marked the 70th anniversary of Cuba’s accession to UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and the foundation of the National Commission for UNESCO. DB
“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…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…