Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Saxophonist, Sonic Explorer Casey Benjamin Dies at 45
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
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)
Benjamin possessed a fluid, round sound on the alto saxophone, and he was often most recognizable by the layers of electronic effects that he put onto the instrument.
Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
“He’s constructing intelligent musical sentences that connect seamlessly, which is the most important part of linear playing,” Charles McPherson said of alto saxophonist Sonny Red.
Feb 27, 2024 1:40 PM
“I might not have felt this way 30 to 40 years ago, but I’ve reached a point where I can hear value in what people…
Albert “Tootie” Heath (1935–2024) followed in the tradition of drummer Kenny Clarke, his idol.
Apr 5, 2024 10:28 AM
Albert “Tootie” Heath, a drummer of impeccable taste and time who was the youngest of three jazz-legend brothers…
“Both of us are quite grounded in the craft, the tradition and the harmonic sense,” Rosenwinkel said of his experience playing with Allen. “Yet I felt we shared something mystical as well.”
Mar 12, 2024 11:42 AM
“There are a few musicians you hear where, as somebody once said, the molecules in the room change. Geri was one of…
Henry Threadgill performs with Zooid at Big Ears in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Apr 9, 2024 11:30 AM
Big Ears, the annual four-day music celebration that first took place in 2009 in Knoxville, Tennessee, could well be…
