Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
In Memoriam: Ken Peplowski, 1959–2026
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
The Immanuel Wilkins Quartet: bassist Daryl Johns (left), drummer Kweku Sumbry, Wilkins on saxophone and pianist Micah Thomas
(Photo: Rog Walter)This week’s streaming highlights include the 2021 Virtual Blues Music Awards with Shemekia Copeland leading the charge with four nominations. Or, head over to Europe for the Helsinki International Big Band Composing Contest. For another large ensemble experience, check out Orbert Davis’ Jazz Philharmonic from Chicago. And for something completely different, head on up to Vermont to hear saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and his quartet. A fee is associated with some of the material listed, and some items have been sourced from WBGO, WDCB and WWOZ. Please support jazz radio. DB
June 2: Adam Kolker’s Expanded Trio at Bar Bayeux (Brooklyn)
June 2: Simone Baron & Friends, An Die Musik (Baltimore)
June 3: Zawadi Noël, Joe’s Pub Uncharted Concert Series (New York)
June 3: Brad Linde Solo Saxophone, An Die Musik (Baltimore)
June 3: Artifacts at Constellation (Chicago)
June 4: Helsinki International Big Band Composing Contest (Finland)
June 4: Hatcher/Maunu/Roebke/Kirshner at Constellation (Chicago)
June 4: Arturo O’Farill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra with Guests, Shapeshifter Labs (Brooklyn)
June 5: Bill Heid Trio, An Die Musik (Baltimore)
June 5: Benito Gonzalez Trio, An Die Musik (Baltimore)
June 5: Immanuel Wilkins Quartet, Vermont Jazz Center
June 5: Irreversible Entanglements at Constellation (Chicago)
June 5–July 3: Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, Messages of Hope (Chicago)
June 6: 2021 Virtual Blues Music Awards
June 6: Quintet Attacca at Constellation (Chicago)
Peplowski first came to prominence in legacy swing bands, including the final iteration of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, before beginning a solo career in the late 1980s.
Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
The success of Oregon’s first album, 1971’s Music Of Another Present Era, allowed Towner to establish a solo career.
Jan 19, 2026 5:02 PM
Ralph Towner, a guitarist and composer who blended multiple genres, including jazz — and throughout them all remained…
Hammond came to the blues through the folk boom of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which he experienced firsthand in New York’s Greenwich Village.
Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
Rico’s Anti-Microbial Instrument Swab
Jan 19, 2026 2:48 PM
With this year’s NAMM Show right around the corner, we can look forward to plenty of new and innovative instruments…
Richie Beirach was particularly renowned for his approach to chromatic harmony, which he used to improvise reharmonizations of originals and standards.
Jan 27, 2026 11:19 AM
Richie Beirach, a pianist and composer who channeled a knowledge of modern classical music into his jazz practice,…
