Aug 9, 2022 1:52 PM
Old Friends, New Listeners Celebrate Smoke’s Grand Reopening
Thursdays have always set the vibe for weekends at Smoke. The first of a four-night run for headliners, Thursday would…
Performing at the newly reopened Smoke Jazz Club in New York, from left: Julius Rodriguez, Gerald Cannon, Eddie Henderson, Melissa Aldana and Joe Farnsworth
Aug 9, 2022 1:52 PM
Thursdays have always set the vibe for weekends at Smoke. The first of a four-night run for headliners, Thursday would…
“This is right up my alley,” Marc Johnson said of a Gary Peacock cut.
Aug 9, 2022 1:42 PM
Bassist Marc Johnson says, “Rhythmically, a bassist has to perform very secure and confident phrases to really…
“People gave me so much in this business, I just want to give something back,” Bob Stroger said about playing with younger musicians.
Aug 9, 2022 1:24 PM
Just before the COVID pandemic, bassist Bob Stroger’s touring itinerary took him around the world. He also recorded…
“Careers were launched and lives enhanced thanks to Howard’s vision,” said Amanda Blevins, Vail Jazz executive director.
Aug 9, 2022 1:09 PM
Vail Jazz Festival co-founder Howard Stone died on Aug. 3 of post-surgical complications, according to a statement from…
The Marvels, from left: Bill Frisell, Eric Harland, Charles Lloyd, Reuben Rogers and Greg Leisz.
Aug 3, 2022 12:38 PM
Leading a secluded life in the expansive hill country above Montecito, California, Charles Lloyd has plenty of time and…
“I value musicians who really appreciate not playing and listening and waiting for the right moment to make their entrance,” Schneider said.
Aug 3, 2022 12:31 PM
A year ago, Maria Schneider was, like many people, stuck in a pandemic holding pattern. With live gigs for The Maria…
Aldana has acquired a reputation for intense commitment to her instrument.
Aug 3, 2022 12:26 PM
To those who have followed saxophonist Melissa Aldana’s career, her victory as Rising Star Artist of the Year in the…
“Big band jazz can teach us what Dizzy Gillespie talked about, which is you should have one foot in the present, one foot in the past and one foot in the future,” Owens said.
Aug 3, 2022 12:21 PM
The votes are in, and the Ulysses Owens Jr. Big Band has been selected as Rising Star Large Ensemble of the Year in the…
Jon Batiste, the critics’ choice for Jazz Artist and Beyond Artist of the Year as well as Beyond Album of the Year.
Jul 26, 2022 2:27 AM
The 70th Annual DownBeat International Critics Poll has made history with pianist Jon Batiste being the first artist to…
Batiste performing his hit “Freedom” at this year’s Grammy Awards.
Jul 26, 2022 2:25 AM
On the surface of things, it seems counterintuitive that DownBeat critics would name the same musician both Jazz Artist…
