May 5, 2026 12:03 PM
International Jazz Day’s Chicago Serenade
For those around the globe who celebrated International Jazz Day on April 30, the occasion, as usual, seemed like a very…
The bows at the end of the star-studded event featured a ridiculous collection of jazz artistry including Helen Sung, Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, Tiger Okoshi, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, Buddy Guy, James Reedus, John Beasley, Jacob Collier, Lizz Wright and many more.
May 5, 2026 12:03 PM
For those around the globe who celebrated International Jazz Day on April 30, the occasion, as usual, seemed like a very…
While writer Ted Panken, right, didn’t play Ella Fitzgerald for the Blindfold Test with Janis Siegel, the vocalist passed with flying colors!
May 5, 2026 11:45 AM
Midway through February, Janis Siegel hosted DownBeat for her first-ever Blindfold Test in the living room of her…
Charles Tyler in New York, 1974.
May 5, 2026 11:01 AM
The most striking, unexpected music on these archival releases is from Charles Tyler: Voyage From Jericho…
“If you’re creative, then it means that you can approach anything with a creative spirit and just do your best at it,” says Shabaka.
Apr 28, 2026 12:25 PM
In the fall of 2023, this writer first witnessed a saxophonist from the U.K. on stage at the Hollywood Bowl, surrounded…
“The secret is to surrender to the music and let it take you where it wants to go,” says Marquis Hill. “Understanding and vulnerability are key. It’s bigger than just you.”
Apr 28, 2026 12:21 PM
Shortly after his major label connection with Concord Records (contingent with winning the über prestigious Thelonious…
“If we travel to Europe or if we go play gigs around the States, I call it a ‘playcation,’” says guitarist Steve Masakowski, center, of his family band with daughter Sasha, left, and son Martin.
Apr 28, 2026 12:11 PM
Guitarist, composer and educator Steve Masakowski has racked up an impressive list of credentials in his storied career.…
Montreux Jazz Festival at night.
Apr 22, 2026 2:19 PM
It’s a crazy world we’re living in, so right now we need to be enjoying the things that are not just good, but great…
“The goal was never just scale, but density: to offer a complete, panoramic overview of jazz and related art forms in a single weekend,” says Irene Peters, North Sea’s director.
Apr 22, 2026 2:12 PM
This July, North Sea Jazz — officially known as NN North Sea Jazz Festival — joins the elite club of jazz festivals…
Frank Malfitano, right, with B.B. King in 2014.
Apr 22, 2026 2:04 PM
With Frank Malfitano, founder of the Syracuse Jazz Festival, conversations don’t go in straight lines. They twist and…
Daniel Atkinson, left, founder of the San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival, and Julián Plascencia, his fest partner in Tijuana.
Apr 22, 2026 2:00 PM
When “international” is used in the name of a jazz festival, it’s typically to indicate the geographic origins of…
