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 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)
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…
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…
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).…
