Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

2023 in jazz

2023 in jazz was a year defined by innovative releases, vibrant programming, the establishment of new awards honoring the , and the profound impact of numerous passings among its elder statesmen, reflecting both the vitality and the transitional nature of contemporary . The year featured standout recordings that pushed boundaries across subgenres, with critics praising works such as Meshell Ndegeocello's The Omnichord Real Book for its fusion of jazz, funk, and R&B influences, and Darcy James Argue's Dynamic Maximum Tension for its expansive big-band orchestration. Other notable releases included Jason Moran's From the Dancehall to the Battlefield, exploring historical and improvisational themes, and Tyshawn Sorey's Continuing, which earned acclaim for its trio's intricate interplay. Vocal highlights encompassed Cécile McLorin Salvant's Mélusine and Lakecia Benjamin's Phoenix, both lauded for their interpretive depth and modern flair. Major events underscored jazz's global reach, including the annual International Jazz Day on April 30, which featured an all-star global concert with performers like Cyrille Aimée and , and the Chicago Jazz Festival from August 31 to September 3, showcasing diverse artists in . The Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival returned in July, curated by and highlighting emerging and established talents. Awards celebrated excellence amid ongoing evolution, with the inaugural Jazz Music Awards broadcast in October, hosted by and , recognizing achievements in categories like instrumental and vocal performance. At the , Samara Joy won Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album for , while the Jazz Journalists Association honored Charles Lloyd with a Lifetime Achievement Award and as Electric Bassist of the Year. DownBeat's Critics Poll crowned Lloyd as Artist of the Year. The jazz community mourned the loss of icons whose legacies shaped the genre, including saxophonist on March 2 at age 89, known for his work with and ; pianist on April 16 at 92, a master of space and rhythm; composer on October 17 at 87, influential in and big-band jazz; and bassist on September 6 at 93, a versatile collaborator across jazz and classical realms. Other significant departures included trombonist Curtis Fowlkes on August 31 at 73 and saxophonists on June 22 at 82 and on September 5 at 84, each leaving indelible marks on and .

Events

Awards and Honors

The , held on February 5, 2023, at in , highlighted several achievements in . , a 23-year-old vocalist from , made history by winning Best New Artist—the first performer to claim the award since in 2011—as well as Best Jazz Vocal Album for her debut and Best Jazz Performance for the track "Tight" from the same album. , alongside Kris Davis, , , and , received Best Jazz Instrumental Album for New Standards Vol. 1. Steven Feifke and Bijon Watson, leading the , won Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for their self-titled recording. & The Afro Latin took Best Latin Jazz Album for Fandango at the Wall in , while earned Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for "Serenata" performed by the London Symphony and Sinfonia of London. These Grammy victories significantly elevated Samara Joy's profile, propelling to greater commercial success and expanding her festival bookings throughout the year. On May 15, 2023, the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) presented its 28th annual Jazz Awards, voted by its professional membership to honor outstanding contributions in performance and recordings. Saxophonist and composer Charles Lloyd, an NEA Jazz Master known for his innovative fusion of improvisation and spiritual depth across six decades, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Drummer and bandleader was named Musician of the Year for her multifaceted work as a performer, educator, and producer. Bassist earned Electric Bassist of the Year for his technical prowess and collaborations spanning acoustic and electric jazz traditions. Samara Joy was recognized as both Up & Coming Musician of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year, underscoring her rapid ascent. Other notable honorees included Miguel Zenón for Composer of the Year and Maria Schneider for Arranger of the Year. The Jazz Music Awards, in its second edition on October 21, 2023, at the in , marked a milestone in dedicated jazz recognition with categories spanning traditional, contemporary, vocal, instrumental, and experimental styles. Hosted by vocalist and actor , the ceremony featured live performances by alto saxophonist and the French-Brazilian ensemble Ensemble Iberiquette, blending global influences. Winners encompassed for Best New Artist (for Samara Joy), reflecting her ongoing momentum; Ragan Whiteside for Best Contemporary Jazz Album (Off the Cuff); and for instrumental excellence. Awards of Distinction went to composer for lifetime impact in jazz composition, pianist (posthumously honored), and the late trumpeter Wallace Roney. The event, produced in partnership with Jazz 91.9 WCLK, aimed to amplify jazz's diverse voices through broadcast on stations.

Festivals

The year 2023 featured a vibrant array of festivals worldwide, serving as key gatherings for musicians, fans, and cultural exchange in the community. These events highlighted both traditional and contemporary expressions of the genre, often blending international headliners with local talent and drawing large audiences to celebrate 's enduring legacy. Major festivals underscored the genre's global reach, from multi-day extravaganzas in the United States to Europe's indoor spectacles, fostering innovation and preservation amid post-pandemic recovery. The , held April 28–30 and May 4–7 in , combined roots with broader musical influences at the . Headliners included and , alongside core acts such as the , which performed traditional New Orleans sounds across multiple stages. This 52nd edition attracted over 460,000 attendees, emphasizing the festival's role in showcasing and traditions. In , the Jazz Festival ran from May 31 to July 2 across venues like the Beacon Theatre and , presenting a diverse program that fused with soul, R&B, and pop. Featured artists included , , and , with the latter delivering quintet performances rooted in and New Orleans heritage. The 12th annual event highlighted urban innovation, drawing crowds to intimate and large-scale settings alike. The Montreal International Jazz Festival, occurring June 29 to July 8 in Montreal, Canada, stood as one of the world's largest jazz events, with over 500 concerts across indoor and outdoor stages in the Quartier des Spectacles. Japanese pianist Hiromi and her Piano Quintet collaboration with PUBLIQuartet offered energetic fusion sets, while the festival's scale—boasting two million visitors historically—reinforced its status as a premier platform for global jazz dialogue. Europe's North Sea Jazz Festival took place July 7–9 in , , at the Ahoy arena, featuring more than 150 performances on 16 stages. The lineup spotlighted in quintet formation and soul-jazz icon , blending with crossover appeals in a compact, multi-genre format that has defined the event since 1976. The , held June 16–17 in , California, was curated by and featured a mix of established and emerging artists, including , the Quartet, and the , celebrating jazz's innovative spirit in an outdoor amphitheater setting. The International Jazz Festival, a free public event from August 31 to September 4 in , , utilized multiple downtown stages including the Hall. Highlights included the DSO's jazz ensemble collaborations and international acts like the Global Connect International All-Stars, underscoring the city's Motown-era connections and commitment to accessible live jazz. The , marking its 69th edition August 4–6 at State Park in , showcased a broad spectrum of styles with headliners such as , , and , alongside educational workshops and harbor cruises, drawing around 50,000 attendees to honor the genre's coastal legacy. marked its 66th edition September 15–17 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, focusing on high-caliber and vocal performances. headlined with her versatile quartet, exploring standards and originals, while the paid homage to through dynamic orchestral arrangements. This nonprofit event emphasized education and archival preservation in history. Closing the summer season, the Jazz Festival occurred August 31–September 3 at in , , offering free concerts by local ensembles like the Chicago Jazz Orchestra alongside global talents such as Ron Carter's Golden Striker Trio. The event celebrated the city's rich heritage, with stages hosting everything from to mainstream in a public park setting. Grammy winner , fresh from her 2023 Best New Artist accolade, appeared at several festivals, amplifying the visibility of emerging vocalists.

Notable Performances

In January 2023, Winter Jazzfest returned to after a two-year hiatus, running from January 12 to 18 across dozens of venues in and . The event featured a marathon lineup of over 150 performances by emerging and established artists, including tributes to , sets by , and world premieres of new works, emphasizing the genre's innovative spirit and community vibrancy. The International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert on April 30, 2023, was presented as a virtual webcast hosted by , uniting artists from 13 cities worldwide to celebrate jazz's unifying power. Performances included interpreting Silver's "" in , contributing from , and ensembles from Beijing's China Jazz Orchestra, Beirut's musicians, Johannesburg's JazzWomenAfrica, and , underscoring the genre's diplomatic role through UNESCO's initiative. On October 21, 2023, the young French-American duo opened for at in , delivering a dynamic set that highlighted their improvisational keyboard-and-drums interplay and genre-blending style to an enthusiastic sold-out audience. headlined her debut at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Theater on October 6 and 7, 2023, following her Grammy wins earlier that year for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album. The solo vocal showcase featured interpretations of standards and originals, drawing large crowds and affirming her rise as a leading contemporary vocalist. Guitarist launched his Dream Box solo tour in September 2023, presenting intimate performances of material from his newly released album alongside classics, with shows across the and Europe that showcased his signature melodic and textural approach. Bassist and vocalist supported her debut album with a series of promotional performances in 2023, including a September 1 concert at and fall U.S. dates, where she explored hybrids with collaborators like Jason Moran and .

Album Releases

January–June

In the first half of 2023, the jazz album landscape featured a mix of innovative live recordings, cultural explorations, and genre-blending works that highlighted both tradition and experimentation. Releases from this period often built momentum toward major awards, including Grammy recognitions, while showcasing diverse ensembles and thematic depth. Pianist Jason Moran's From the Dancehall to the Battlefield, released digitally on January 1 via YES Records, is a solo piano album paying tribute to Black composer James Reese Europe, blending historical reflections with improvisational techniques across 10 tracks that evoke early 20th-century dancehall energy and battlefield intensity. On January 6, Fred Hersch and Esperanza Spalding released Alive at the Village Vanguard on Palmetto Records, a live album capturing their duo performances of jazz standards on piano and bass at the iconic New York venue, emphasizing intimate interplay and reinterpretations of classics like "Little Suede Shoes." Alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin's Phoenix, issued January 27 on Whirlwind Recordings, features a septet with guest appearances by icons like Wayne Shorter and Angelique Kidjo, delivering original compositions that fuse hard bop, soul, and global influences in a triumphant exploration of resilience and rebirth. Joe Chambers' Dance Kobina, issued February 3 on , marked the drummer and vibraphonist's third outing with the label, featuring a multinational ensemble exploring African rhythmic influences through vibraphone-led compositions that fuse with global percussion traditions. Cécile McLorin Salvant's Mélusine, released March 24 on , presented a drawing from , with the vocalist delivering originals and traditional songs in , Occitan, and English, accompanied by a chamber ensemble that integrates jazz improvisation with narrative storytelling. Meshell Ndegeocello's Blue Note debut, The Omnichord Real Book, arrived June 16, blending neo-soul, jazz fusion, and funk across covers and originals performed with a stellar cast including Brandee Younger and Joel Ross, evoking the communal spirit of a real book session while addressing themes of community and legacy. Drummer Tyshawn Sorey's Continuing, released June 30 on Pi Recordings, showcases his trio with Aaron Diehl on piano and Matt Brewer on bass in a program of standards and originals, emphasizing deep interplay and structural invention that bridges classic jazz forms with contemporary expression. Among Grammy-nominated works gaining prominence in early 2023 was Samara Joy's Linger Awhile (Verve, originally 2022), which swept awards including Best Jazz Vocal Album for its fresh takes on standards, underscoring the rising visibility of young vocalists in the genre. These releases, many of which earned high critical acclaim as detailed in aggregate reviews, reflected jazz's evolving vitality amid festival seasons ahead.

July–December

In the latter half of 2023, jazz album releases highlighted innovative fusions, posthumous tributes, and genre-crossing debuts, often reflecting broader cultural and social themes through experimental structures and instrumentation. Composer Darcy James Argue's Dynamic Maximum Tension, released September 8 on , features his 18-piece in a double album of expansive, cinematic compositions inspired by and , blending with electronic elements and bold arrangements. Trumpeter and composer jaimie branch's final recording, Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)), was released on August 25 by International Anthem Recording Company. This posthumous album delivers fiery trumpet-led protest music, encapsulating branch's punk-jazz with raw energy, vocal contributions from Damon Locks' Black Voices, and tracks addressing global conflicts and personal resilience, recorded in the months before her death in 2022. Drummer Kate Gentile's Find Letter X, issued on October 13 via Pi Recordings, stands out as a drum-centric exploration. The triple-disc set features her ensemble—including pianist Matt Mitchell, saxophonist Jeremy Viner, and bassist Kim Cass—navigating intricate, through-composed pieces that blend rhythmic complexity with improvisational freedom, emphasizing Gentile's compositional depth and percussive leadership in modern creative music. Hip-hop icon ventured into with his debut solo album on November 17 through . This flute-based ambient effort spans 87 minutes of instrumental tracks, drawing on spiritual and meditative influences with collaborators like flutist and multi-instrumentalist , creating ethereal soundscapes that evoke healing and introspection without any vocals or rapping.

Critically Reviewed Albums

Metacritic

Metacritic aggregates review scores from a select group of professional critics and publications to generate a normalized Metascore out of 100, providing a consensus metric for albums across genres, including . For 2023 releases, the platform's data reflects a year of boundary-pushing work, with critics highlighting the genre's evolution through fusions of , global influences, and social themes. observed that many standout albums "dismantle the segregationist framework of genre by incorporating vernacular sounds both global and homegrown," underscoring 's adaptive vitality. The highest-rated jazz album of 2023 on was trumpeter Jaimie Branch's posthumous Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)), which earned a 95/100 based on 10 critic reviews. Released in August, the album blends , energy, and global rhythms, praised for its bold innovation and unflinching political edge; described it as a "testament to her inventiveness and commitment to making music into a weapon against injustice." further lauded its "rapturous grooves" and genre-defying liberation themes, marking it as a pinnacle of Branch's brief but transformative career. Cécile McLorin Salvant's Mélusine, scoring 89/100 from four reviews, stood out for its vocal artistry and narrative depth. The March release weaves five originals with ancient folk songs in French, Occitan, and Haitian Kreyòl, exploring mythology and heritage through intricate arrangements; critics celebrated its "courage and imagination," positioning it as a sophisticated evolution of jazz vocal traditions. Saxophonist James Brandon Lewis's For Mahalia, with Love achieved 87/100 across five reviews, reinterpreting gospel icon Mahalia Jackson's songs through and lenses. The September double album emphasizes empowerment and emotional resonance, with Lewis's tenor sax evoking passion and audacity; it was noted for bridging gospel roots with modern , fostering a "three-way conversation" across generations. Bassist Yussef Dayes's debut , with an 86/100 from five reviews, exemplified orchestral . Featuring the and guests like , the September merges drum-centric grooves with string swells, advancing 's dialogue with classical and elements for a panoramic view of Black musical heritage. Among lower-ranked but notable releases, André 3000's garnered 77/100 from 12 reviews, venturing into ambient, flute-led experimentation without vocals. The November instrumental project, spanning 87 minutes of improvisational woodwinds and synths, was commended for its emotional directness and genre pivot; called it a work where "no doors are closed but several windows have swung open," signaling rap's crossover potential into meditative . Meshell Ndegeocello's , at 81/100 from eight reviews, blended , , and R&B for intimate, collaborative innovation on .

AnyDecentMusic

AnyDecentMusic aggregates reviews from over 50 global specialist sources to provide averaged scores out of 10 for new albums, emphasizing a blend of expert critiques and broader perspectives to reflect diverse opinions on . In 2023, this methodology highlighted several standout releases, drawing from at least 20 reviews per album to ensure robust evaluation, with scores calculated as weighted averages that account for the number and quality of contributing outlets. Among the top-ranked jazz albums of the year on AnyDecentMusic was Tyshawn Sorey's Continuing, earning an 8.4/10 for its innovative fusion of classical and elements through reimagined standards performed by Sorey's trio featuring pianist Aaron Diehl and bassist Matt Brewer. The album's spontaneous yet disciplined interpretations showcased Sorey's multi-instrumental prowess and genre-blurring approach, earning praise for its emotional depth and technical mastery. Jaimie Branch's posthumous Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)) followed closely with an 8.2/10, celebrated for its energetic blend of , punk-infused aggression, and activist themes addressing global conflicts and . Branch's work, supported by her Fly or Die quartet, delivered raw intensity and rhythmic drive, marking a poignant capstone to her boundary-pushing career. Darcy James Argue's Dynamic Maximum Tension secured an 8.1/10, lauded for its bold orchestral arrangements in a big-band format that incorporated electronic elements and political commentary on . The double album's intricate compositions, performed by Argue's 18-piece , balanced complexity with accessibility, drawing from historical traditions while pushing forward-sounding experimentation. As an emerging favorite, Steve Lehman's (collaborating with the Orchestre National de Jazz) received a 7.9/10 for its intricate arrangements merging spectralist harmonies, rhythms, and . The project highlighted Lehman's in a large-ensemble setting, offering a fresh exploration of timbral and structural innovation in contemporary . These scores align closely with high aggregates for similar top releases, underscoring broad critical consensus.

Deaths

January–March

In January, jazz vocalist Carol Sloane died on January 23 at age 85 from complications of a in . Born in 1937 in , Sloane was renowned for her interpretations of bop standards, gaining early acclaim in the with pianist 's band and later collaborating with , whose endorsement helped revive her career in the 1970s and beyond. Her warm, precise phrasing on albums like Carol (1962) and live recordings from exemplified her resilience amid shifting musical landscapes. February saw the passing of several instrumentalists integral to and ensemble traditions. Drummer died on February 2 at age 78 in , after a period of illness. Born in 1944 in , Miles specialized in drumming, serving as a key member of the from 1975 to 1979 and rejoining its successor from 1997 to 2007, where his crisp, swinging style supported leaders like Frank Foster. Trumpeter died on February 13 at age 85 in from natural causes. A Canadian pioneer born in 1937 in , Basso co-founded Rob McConnell's Boss Brass in 1967, contributing and arrangements that blended with orchestral sophistication over five decades. Saxophonist and flutist Jerry Dodgion died on February 17 at age 90 in , , from complications of an infection. Born in 1932 in , Dodgion was a consummate in the Thad Jones/ Orchestra from 1965 to 1979, his lyrical alto lead and flute work enhancing recordings like Live in Munich (1969). March brought further losses, beginning with clarinetist and cartoonist , who died on at age 98 in . Born in 1924 in to English parents, Fawkes was a figure, playing and with Humphrey Lyttelton's band in the late 1940s and early 1950s, while his alter ego "Trog" created the comic strip Flook for the Daily Mail. Saxophonist and composer died on March 2 at age 89 in . Born in 1933 in , Shorter co-founded Weather Report in 1970, shaping fusion with compositions like "" and earning 12 for his tenor work across hard bop, modal, and contexts. Multi-reedist died on March 16 at age 88. Born in 1934 in , , Coe was an innovator on , , and , collaborating with Michael Garrick's and contributing insinuating, spaced phrasing to albums like First, Clear Day (1980). Shorter's death prompted widespread tributes that influenced 2023 festival programming, including an all-star performance of his symphonic music headlining the EFG London Jazz Festival on November 19 at the Royal Festival Hall, featuring , the , and members of his former groups.

April–June

In April 2023, jazz pianist died on April 16 at the age of 92 in Ashley Falls, , from complications related to . Jamal, born Frederick Russell Jones in 1930, was renowned for his innovative trio format that emphasized space, restraint, and rhythmic interplay, influencing generations including . His 1958 live album At the Pershing: But Not for Me, featuring the standard "," became a commercial breakthrough, selling over a million copies and exemplifying his minimalist approach to . Jamal's legacy extended through his exploration of and his role in bridging with , earning him a spot in the Hall of Fame in 1994. The month continued with the passing of tenor saxophonist Bernt Rosengren on May 15 in at age 85. Born in 1937, Rosengren was a pivotal figure in Scandinavian , blending , , and while drawing from influences like and . His work with ensembles like the Stockholm Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra and his leadership in projects, including collaborations with and , helped establish as a hub for in . Rosengren's discography, spanning over 100 recordings, earned him five Golden Disc awards, underscoring his enduring impact on the Nordic scene. May also saw the death of jazz bassist and composer Bill Lee on May 24 in , , at age 94. Born William James Edwards III in 1928, Lee was a versatile sideman who performed with artists such as , , and , contributing to landmark recordings like Dylan's . As the father of filmmaker , he composed jazz-infused scores for films including (1986) and (1989), blending and modal elements to enhance cinematic narratives. Lee's understated groove and melodic sensibility left a mark on both jazz and film music, with his work preserving the genre's accessibility during the 1960s and 1970s folk-jazz crossover era. In June, vocalist died on June 5 in at age 83. Born in 1940 in Salvador, Brazil, Gilberto's breathy, English-language delivery on "" from the 1964 album Getz/Gilberto—a collaboration with and her then-husband —propelled into global consciousness, earning a Grammy for . Though primarily associated with , her cool, understated influenced vocalists and helped Brazilian rhythms with improvisation, as heard in her solo albums like (1964). Gilberto's reluctant rise to fame highlighted the improvisational spirit of , with her phrasing adding an air of spontaneous elegance to standards. The quarter closed with the death of German free jazz saxophonist Peter Brötzmann on June 22 in at age 82, due to . Born in 1941, Brötzmann was a cornerstone of European improvisation, leading the 1968 album , a blistering effort with Peter Kowald and Han Bennink that challenged jazz conventions through raw energy and extended techniques. His thunderous sound, often evoking industrial noise and protest, shaped the fluxus-influenced movement, influencing artists like and the AACM . Tributes following his passing emphasized his role in democratizing jazz beyond American boundaries, with festivals like the Total Music Meeting in dedicating events to his legacy of sonic rebellion and collaborative intensity. These spring losses, building on earlier departures like Wayne Shorter in March, underscored a transitional moment for jazz amid its ongoing festival circuits.

July–September

In July 2023, the jazz community mourned the loss of several prominent figures during the height of the summer festival season. British-born drummer Barry Martyn, a key exponent of traditional New Orleans jazz who relocated to the city in the 1960s and led his own band while preserving early jazz traditions through recordings and performances, died on July 17 at age 82 in New Orleans. Iconic American vocalist Tony Bennett, renowned for his interpretations of the Great American Songbook and his seven-decade career that included 19 Grammy Awards, collaborations with Count Basie, and late-career duets with Lady Gaga on albums like Cheek to Cheek (2014) and Love for Sale (2021), passed away on July 21 at age 96 in New York City from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Norwegian saxophonist Knut Riisnæs, a versatile player in fusion and mainstream jazz who contributed to ensembles like the Norwegian Big Band and released over 50 albums as a leader or sideman, including collaborations with his brother Odd Riisnæs, died on July 22 at age 77 in Oslo after a period of illness. Brazilian singer Leny Andrade, celebrated as the "First Lady of Brazilian Jazz" for her innovative blend of bossa nova, samba, and scat singing that earned her comparisons to Ella Fitzgerald and collaborations with artists like Stan Getz, died on July 24 at age 80 in Rio de Janeiro from Lewy body dementia. Bennett's passing prompted widespread tributes at summer jazz festivals, including dedications during the Newport Jazz Festival later that month, where performers honored his standards repertoire. August 2023 saw fewer high-profile departures in jazz, reflecting a relatively quieter period amid ongoing global touring. American trombonist Curtis Fowlkes, a co-founder of the ensemble the Jazz Passengers whose versatile playing bridged , punk influences, and theatrical elements on albums like Broken Night (1987) and contributions to John Lurie's soundtracks, died on August 31 at age 73 in from . September brought the death of free jazz saxophonist Charles Gayle on September 5 at age 84 in Brooklyn, New York, after battling Alzheimer's disease. Born in 1939 in Buffalo, New York, Gayle was a fierce improviser known for his intense, spiritual tenor saxophone style, often performing under the alter ego "Streets the Clown." His recordings, including Always Calling (1993) and collaborations with William Parker and Rashid Bakr, embodied the raw energy of post-Coltrane free jazz, influencing the downtown New York scene. Esteemed bassist Richard Davis, whose innovative arco and pizzicato techniques shaped modern jazz across genres; he performed with artists including Eric Dolphy, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and Bill Evans on landmark recordings like Conversations with Myself (1963), while also championing racial justice and education as a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for over 40 years. Davis died on September 6 at age 93 in Madison, Wisconsin, after two years in hospice care. His passing resonated during the fall festival circuit, with tributes at events like the Detroit Jazz Festival emphasizing his civil rights activism alongside his musical legacy.

October–December

In October 2023, jazz composer and organist died on the 17th at age 87 from complications of brain cancer, as confirmed by her husband, bassist . Bley was a pioneering leader whose expansive works, including the 1968–1971 opera Escalator over the Hill, blended with classical and rock elements, influencing generations of improvisers. Also that month, on the 25th, artist Robert Irwin passed away at 95; known primarily as a painter, his abstract works from the 1950s graced several Pacific Jazz album covers, such as those for and releases, linking visual art to West Coast aesthetics. November brought further losses, including clarinetist Michel Pilz on the 2nd at age 78. Born in but raised in , Pilz was a key figure in European , studying classical before embracing with groups like the New Phonic Art and collaborations across the Continent. Saxophonist died on the 20th at 68 from ampullary cancer; a mainstay, he fused jazz with rock as a member of —a Grammy-nominated ensemble—and the band , while leading projects like the multimedia trio CCMC. December's deaths underscored the year's toll on jazz elders, beginning with pianist Michel Sardaby on the 6th at 88. Hailing from Martinique and long based in Paris, Sardaby contributed to the French jazz scene through hard bop and modal recordings with artists like Sonny Criss and his own trio albums on labels such as Futura and America. Drummer Tony Oxley followed on the 26th at 85; a Sheffield native and free improvisation pioneer, he co-founded the Joseph Holbrooke Trio with guitarist Derek Bailey in the 1960s and later led his own sextet, emphasizing graphic notation and extended techniques. The month closed with pianist and vocalist Les McCann on the 29th at 88; renowned for his soul-jazz fusion, McCann's electrifying 1969 rendition of "Compared to What"—a Vietnam War protest performed with Eddie Harris at the Montreux Jazz Festival—became a civil rights anthem and hip-hop sampling staple. As 2023 ended, reflections on these losses highlighted 's enduring legacy, with her compositions featured prominently in winter jazz programming, including tributes by ensembles like the and broadcasts revisiting her large-ensemble works amid holiday-season retrospectives. These year-end honors, alongside earlier departures like trumpeter 's in July, prompted broader contemplation of jazz's evolving lineage.

References

  1. [1]
    The 10 best jazz albums of 2023 - NPR
    Dec 19, 2023 · The 10 best jazz albums of 2023 · Meshell Ndegeocello The Omnichord Real Book · Darcy James Argue's Secret Society Dynamic Maximum Tension.
  2. [2]
    Jazz Albums of the Year 2023 | Jazzwise
    Dec 1, 2023 · The complete shortlist of the year's best jazz albums, featuring Joshua Redman, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Lakecia Benjamin, Jaimie Branch, Shakti, Tyshawn Sorey ...
  3. [3]
    Arts Remembrance: Jazz Notables We Lost in 2023
    Jan 7, 2024 · Gabrielle Agachiko, 64, Kenyan-American singer [01/03] · Ulf Andersson, 83, Swedish saxophonist [02/02] · Burt Bacharach, 94, American songwriter ...
  4. [4]
    International Jazz Day 2023
    International Jazz Day (April 30) is the world's largest celebration of jazz. Declared in 2011 by UNESCO, Jazz Day recognizes jazz music as a worldwide ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
  5. [5]
    Chicago Jazz Festival, 2023
    Aug 31, 2023 · Four days of celebrating all forms of jazz from world-class artists. August 31-September 3, 2023 Millennium Park, downtown Chicago, Chicago Cultural Center, ...
  6. [6]
    Jazz Around Town July 2023
    The 2023 Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival had its good and bad points. The successor to the Playboy Jazz Festival, the two-day marathon was curated this year by ...
  7. [7]
    Jazz Music Awards 2023 | PBS
    The Jazz Music Awards 2023 celebrates the best in today's jazz. The inaugural broadcast is hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater and Delroy Lindo, under the musical ...
  8. [8]
    2023 Winners for Jazz Performance and Recordings
    May 15, 2023 · 2023 Winners for Jazz Performance and Recordings ; Electric Bassist of the Year. John Patitucci ; Lifetime Achievement in Jazz. Charles Lloyd.
  9. [9]
    Charles Lloyd tops 2023 DownBeat Critics Poll - JAZZ.FM91
    Jul 28, 2023 · Charles Lloyd has topped the 71st annual DownBeat Critics Poll, winning two main categories including artist of the year.
  10. [10]
    Remembering four jazz notables who died in 2023 - NPR
    Dec 19, 2023 · Bass improviser Richard Davis, trombonist Curtis Fowlkes and saxophonists Charles Gayle and Peter Brötzmann are among the notable musicians we lost this year.
  11. [11]
    https://www.grammy.com/news/samara-joy-wins-best-new-artist-2023-grammys-meaning-jazz-community
  12. [12]
    2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Winners & Nominees List | GRAMMY.com
    Summary of each segment:
  13. [13]
    Here Are the 2023 Grammy Awards Winners: Full List - Billboard
    Feb 5, 2023 · WINNER: Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story, Various Artists Frank Marshall & Ryan Suffern, video directors; Frank Marshall, Sean Stuart & Ryan ...
  14. [14]
    Samara Joy's Grammy for Best New Artist - Billboard
    Feb 6, 2023 · The award instead went to Samara Joy, a 23-year-old jazz singer whose chances of winning were discounted by many pop-focused fans.
  15. [15]
    2023 JJA Jazz Awards winners announced!
    May 17, 2023 · 1 – singer Samara Joy recognized as Up & Coming Musician of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year in the 2023 Jazz Journalists Association ...
  16. [16]
    Jazz Music Awards broadcast celebrates the genre and its creators
    Jan 2, 2024 · Formats: Video stream; television broadcast. Online date: December 28, 2023 ... inaugural Jazz Music Awards event. The goal achieved here ...
  17. [17]
    Inaugural Jazz Music Awards Brings Soul-Stirring Inspiration to Atlanta
    Oct 25, 2022 · The second Annual Jazz Music Awards is scheduled for Oct. 21, 2023. Jazz Music Awards Week will run Oct. 18–21. The Jazz Music Awards recognizes ...
  18. [18]
    New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2023 Lineup
    Jan 13, 2023 · The 2023 Festival weekend dates are April 28 – 30 and May 4 – 7. Artists scheduled to appear at the 2023 Jazz Fest include: Dead & Company ...
  19. [19]
    Music - New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
    Lineup Poster. Thursday, April 24. Friday, April 25. Saturday, April 26. Sunday, April 27. Thursday, May 1. Friday, May 2. Saturday, May 3. Sunday, May 4.
  20. [20]
    New Orleans Jazz Fest Reveals 2023 Lineup: Dead & Co, TTB ...
    Jan 13, 2023 · New Orleans Jazz Fest Reveals 2023 Lineup: Dead & Co, TTB, Santana, Lizzo, Jon Batiste, More · Shell · Dead & Company · Ed Sheeran · Lizzo · Mumford ...
  21. [21]
    New York - Blue Note Jazz Festival
    Blue Note Jazz Festival New York is back, May 27-July 2! Featuring performances by Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe, Branford Marsalis + more!Missing: headliners | Show results with:headliners
  22. [22]
    Blue Note Jazz Festival Reveals New York City Lineup & Dates
    Mar 14, 2023 · This year's festival will happen across a number of New York City venues including the Beacon Theatre, Sony Hall, Town Hall, SummerStage in ...
  23. [23]
    Festival international de Jazz de Montréal | June 25 to July 4, 2026
    Eighteen new performances join the lineup, featuring Melody Gardot, Pink Martini, Marcus Miller, Flore Laurentienne, Dominique Fils-Aimé, and many more.
  24. [24]
    Hiromi Setlist at Festival International de Jazz de Montréal 2023
    Jun 29, 2023 · Get the Hiromi Setlist of the concert at Théâtre Maisonneuve, Montreal, QC, Canada on June 29, 2023 from the The Piano Quintet 2023 - Silver ...
  25. [25]
    Friday 07 July 2023 | NN North Sea Jazz Festival
    See the full line up and time tables of North Sea Jazz 2023.Missing: headliners | Show results with:headliners
  26. [26]
    North Sea Jazz Festival 2023 Lineup - Jul 7 - JamBase
    Jul 9, 2023 · Benny Sings · Branford Marsalis · Cymande · Ezra Collective · Gabriels · Hermeto Pascoal · Kandace Springs · Latanya Alberto · Laufey · Lizzo ...
  27. [27]
    Detroit Jazz Festival Official Website
    Detroit Jazz Festival Expands Global Audience · October 9, 2025 November 12, 2025 ; 46th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival Program Guide Now Available for Download.Artist Submissions · Archive · 2025 Detroit Jazz Festival... · 2024 Jazz Festival Day 2Missing: 2023 | Show results with:2023
  28. [28]
    Detroit Jazz Festival 2023 Program Schedule
    Jun 26, 2023 · Detroit Jazz Festival 2023 Program Schedule updated 8-22-23. Download the 2023 event schedule here.Missing: International headliners
  29. [29]
    Schedule - Monterey Jazz Festival
    Stay updated on the Monterey Jazz Festival schedule, featuring performance times, lineup updates, and must-see acts. Check back for the latest event details!Missing: 2023 Cecile McLorin Salvant Mingus Dynasty
  30. [30]
    Monterey Jazz Festival 2023: Everything you need to know about ...
    Sep 14, 2023 · The longest-running jazz festival in the world, is gearing up to play a full weekend of music at the Monterey County Fairgrounds for its 66th edition.
  31. [31]
    Chicago Jazz Festival Schedule - Fri., Aug. 29, 2025
    The Chicago Jazz Festival schedule for Friday, August 29, 2025, includes performances by Monty Alexander and Patricia Barber.
  32. [32]
    Ron Carter, Brandee Younger, and Makaya McCraven highlight ...
    Jul 20, 2023 · Ron Carter, Brandee Younger, and Makaya McCraven highlight 2023 Chicago Jazz Fest lineup! · Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy TheaterMissing: headliners | Show results with:headliners
  33. [33]
    2023 Lineup - Winter Jazzfest
    2023 Lineup · Abraham Reunion · Adam O'Farrill's Stranger Days · Alfredo Colon · Alissia · Antonio Sánchez Solo Special Guest Thana Alexa + Panagiotis Andreou.Missing: January 11-14
  34. [34]
    Winter Jazzfest 2023 initial lineup: Jaimie Branch tribute, Makaya ...
    Nov 14, 2022 · Winter Jazzfest didn't happen in 2021 or 2022 due to Covid, but it's set to return in 2023 from January 12-18 at venues all over NYC.
  35. [35]
    Past is prologue, thrillingly, as the Winter Jazzfest marks its return
    Jan 17, 2023 · During its first in-person edition since the start of the pandemic era, the Winter Jazzfest found familiar purpose and renewed conviction in ...
  36. [36]
    2023 All-Star Global Concert - International Jazz Day
    Herbie Hancock enlisted Ambrose Akinmusire and Walter Smith, III to perform Wayne Shorter's iconic composition, “Footprints.” Dianne Reeves brought the ...
  37. [37]
    International Jazz Day – 30 April 2023: A Jazz Journey around the
    Apr 26, 2023 · The All-Star Global Concert will be webcast worldwide on 30 April at 4 pm EDT/1 pm PDT/10 pm CET on jazzday.com, unesco.org and hancockinstitute ...<|separator|>
  38. [38]
    International Jazz Day 2023 will be another globetrotting virtual affair
    Apr 24, 2023 · This year's International Jazz Day Global All-Star Concert, which falls as usual on April 30, will be streamed from 13 cities.
  39. [39]
    Polyphia with DOMi and JD Beck at HISTORY - Concert Reviews
    Oct 23, 2023 · Instrumental prog-rock band, Polyphia, brought their Remember That You Will Die Tour to HISTORY in Toronto for a sold out show with DOMi and JD Beck.
  40. [40]
    Polyphia announce Fall 2023 North American tour
    Mar 23, 2023 · Get tickets here. Polyphia's 2023 North American Tour Dates with DOMi & JD Beck: ... 10/21 – Toronto, ON @ History 10/24 – Montreal, QC ...
  41. [41]
    Jazz at Lincoln Center Announces 2023-24 Season of World ...
    Mar 14, 2023 · The 2023-24 season includes online classes, family concerts, in-school programs, the JLCO with Wynton Marsalis touring, and the JLCO with ...
  42. [42]
    News: 'Dream Box', Out Now - Pat Metheny
    6.16.2023. Pat Metheny Announces His Newest Album, 'Dream Box'. The Album Is Available Now On CD, Vinyl And Digital Formats.
  43. [43]
    Pat Metheny US tour 2023: Dream Box Tour - SOLO
    Apr 6, 2023 · Pat Metheny has announced his upcoming U.S. tour for 2023. It's called the Dream Box Tour - SOLO. I'm assuming that means he will be playing ...
  44. [44]
    Meshell Ndegeocello | Official Website
    Blue Note recording artist Meshell Ndegeocello. Click here find new music and tickets to live shows. Sign up for the exclusive newsletter.Missing: promotional 2023
  45. [45]
    Meshell Ndegeocello - 1 (Philharmonie - Paris - September 1st 2023)
    Jan 26, 2024 · Meshell Ndegeocello - 1 (Philharmonie - Paris - September 1st 2023) · Comments.
  46. [46]
    Alive at the Village Vanguard - Fred Hersch, E... - AllMusic
    Rating 8/10 (69) Release Date: January 6, 2023. Duration: 01:07:30. Genre: Jazz. Styles: Piano Jazz, Standards, Vocal Jazz, Post-Bop, Straight-Ahead Jazz, Jazz Instrument.
  47. [47]
    JOE CHAMBERS "DANCE KOBINA" - Blue Note Records
    Feb 3, 2023 · February 3, 2023. Acclaimed composer and multi-instrumentalist Joe Chambers brings together a global cast of talent on Dance Kobina, ...
  48. [48]
    Mélusine - MP3 Downloads, Free Streaming Music, Lyrics
    Jan 10, 2023 · Cécile McLorin Salvant's album Mélusine, was released March 24, 2023, on Nonesuch Records, with vinyl out May 5. Mélusine features a mix of ...
  49. [49]
    Singer/Composer Cécile McLorin Salvant's New Album, 'Mélusine ...
    Jan 26, 2023 · Cécile McLorin Salvant's new album, Mélusine, is due March 24, 2023, on Nonesuch Records; vinyl is due May 19. Mélusine features a mix of five ...
  50. [50]
    MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO "THE OMNICHORD REAL BOOK"
    Jun 16, 2023 · June 16, 2023. Acclaimed GRAMMY-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer Meshell Ndegeocello makes her Blue Note ...
  51. [51]
    jaimie branch - Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war))
    Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)). Releases August 25, 2023. Available on LP/CD/Digital via our Bandcamp page. In July of 2022, just one ...Missing: label | Show results with:label
  52. [52]
    [PDF] DB23_09.pdf - DownBeat
    Sep 13, 2023 · The spring 2023 release Continuing (Pi) is the final album of a trilogy documenting Sorey's pursuit of that endeavor in conjunction with pianist ...
  53. [53]
    Find Letter X | Pi Recordings
    Oct 13, 2023 · Kate Gentile · Jeremy Viner · Matt Mitchell · Kim Cass. PI100 – Release date: October 13, 2023. CD · Bandcamp ... Find Letter X is the eponymously ...
  54. [54]
    Find Letter X | Kate Gentile
    $$32.50 Free deliveryFind Letter X by Kate Gentile, released 13 October 2023 1. pulse capsule 2. laugh magic 3. find letter X 4 ... Pi Recordings more from Pi Recordings.
  55. [55]
    André 3000's first album in 17 years, 'New Blue Sun,' is out now - NPR
    announced Nov. 14 via NPR and released Friday, Nov. 17 — is a stunning 87-minute mind-bender, minimalist and experimental, tribal ...
  56. [56]
    The 30 Best Jazz and Experimental Albums of 2023 | Pitchfork
    Dec 14, 2023 · The 30 Best Jazz and Experimental Albums of 2023 ; Andr 3000 New Blue Sun. Epic ; Love in Exile album cover. Verve ; Bill Orcutt Jump on It.
  57. [57]
    Jaimie Branch - Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die (world war) - Metacritic
    Aug 25, 2023 · Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die (world war) is both a pinnacle of that bold creative musical vision and a tantalizing spark of what might have been.
  58. [58]
    Jaimie Branch: Fly Or Die Fly Or Die Fly Or Die ((world war)) review
    Aug 19, 2023 · The punk-jazz trumpeter died last year without star recognition but this posthumous album is testament to her inventiveness and commitment ...
  59. [59]
    jaimie branch: Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)) - Pitchfork
    Aug 28, 2023 · The late trumpeter's third and final album opens dazzling new paths in her work. It's a heartbreaking glimpse of where she might have gone next, but more ...
  60. [60]
    Melusine by Cécile McLorin Salvant Reviews and Tracks - Metacritic
    Mar 24, 2023 · Melusine Image. Melusine · Cécile McLorin Salvant | Release Date: March 24, 2023. 89. Metascore 4 reviews · tbd. User Score 1 ratings. Stream ...
  61. [61]
    Critic Reviews for Melusine - Metacritic
    "Apart from McLorin's Salvant's singular voice and compelling musical arrangements, it's her courage and imagination for such heady projects ...
  62. [62]
    For Mahalia, With Love | James Brandon Lewis / Red Lily Quintet
    Free deliveryMuch more than a tribute, this work is “really a three-way conversation between Mahalia, my grandmother and me.”<|control11|><|separator|>
  63. [63]
    New Blue Sun by André 3000 - Metacritic
    Nov 17, 2023 · Stream Now ; 8 Positive Ratings 66% ; 4 Mixed Ratings 33% ; 0 Negative Ratings 0%.
  64. [64]
    André 3000: New Blue Sun Album Review | Pitchfork
    Nov 20, 2023 · It's beautiful, demanding, and among the most fascinating artistic left turns in recent memory.
  65. [65]
    The Omnichord Real Book by Meshell Ndegeocello - Metacritic
    Jun 16, 2023 · This is a jazz project in its purest and most unadulterated form, and a very solid start to Ndegeocello's tenure at Blue Note.
  66. [66]
    ADM Report 2023 - Any decent music?
    The AnyDecentMusic top 10 of 2023 is the most reliable guide to what earned the most extensive overall praise from reviewers. We have excluded from the rankings ...
  67. [67]
    Tyshawn Sorey Trio: Continuing review – genre-hopping triumph ...
    Aug 11, 2023 · Brewer's bass is powerfully foregrounded and Sorey's wide-spaced drum-hits are unflinchingly blunt. The three compellingly unpick Shorter's ...Missing: score | Show results with:score
  68. [68]
    Tyshawn Sorey Trio: Continuing - Album Review - All About Jazz
    Jul 2, 2023 · With the multi-instrumentalist Sorey on drums, Aaron Diehl on piano and Matt Brewer on bass, the group delivered one of the best piano trio albums of the year.Missing: ECM | Show results with:ECM
  69. [69]
    Jaimie Branch Adds to a Brilliant Legacy With Fly or Die's Final LP
    Aug 24, 2023 · It's an uncommonly good and unruly set of records: Each is devilishly fun but also musically serious and, as time went on, increasingly razor- ...
  70. [70]
    Darcy James Argue's Secret Society: Dynamic Maximum Tension
    Railing against authoritarianism and disinformation, this music has an edge. A heady elixir of the past, the present and an imagined future.
  71. [71]
    Darcy James Argue's Secret Society Dynamic Maximum Tension
    Each track on this new double disc from Darcy James Argue's Secret Society stands as a marvel of musical architecture, a self-contained miniverse.
  72. [72]
    Steve Lehman: Ex Machina - Album Review - All About Jazz
    Sep 5, 2023 · Steve Lehman: Ex Machina album review by Karl Ackermann, published on September 5, 2023. Find thousands jazz reviews at All About Jazz!
  73. [73]
    Darcy James Argue's Secret Society - Dynamic Maximum Tension
    Oct 15, 2023 · This album is a celebration of big band magnificence, characterized by sterling layering taste, solid movements, and expertly seamless passages.
  74. [74]
    Jazz Singer Carol Sloane Dies at 85 - DownBeat
    Jan 31, 2023 · Jazz singer Carol Sloane died Jan. 23 at a senior care center in Stoneham, Massachusetts. She was 85. The cause was complications from a stroke she suffered ...
  75. [75]
    Carol Sloane, Jazz Singer Who Found Success Early and Late, Dies ...
    Feb 5, 2023 · Carol Sloane, Jazz Singer Who Found Success Early and Late, Dies at 85 · She became a favorite of the piano virtuoso Oscar Peterson, who had her ...
  76. [76]
    Carol Sloane, a jazz singer of impeccable taste, is dead at 85 | WRTI
    Jan 25, 2023 · The cause was complications from a stroke, her niece, Carol Bates, tells WRTI. Sloane had a career equally touched by good fortune and bad ...
  77. [77]
    Butch Miles (1944-2023) - Modern Drummer Magazine
    Feb 3, 2023 · Drummer-bandleader Butch Miles (1944-2023) has died. Butch and his drumming were loved and admired all over the world.
  78. [78]
    Butch Miles - Percussive Arts Society
    Jazz drummer Butch Miles died on Feb. 2, 2023. He was best known as the drummer for the Count Basie Orchestra from 1975–79 and again from 1997–2007.
  79. [79]
    Obituary: Guido Basso - Jazz Journal
    Feb 20, 2023 · Guido Basso died from natural causes on 13 February 2023. He is survived by his wife, Kristin. His daughter Mia Basso Noble pre-deceased him ...
  80. [80]
    Jazz musician Guido Basso dead at 85 | CBC News
    Feb 15, 2023 · Jazz musician Guido Basso has died at age 85. Basso was a founding member of Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass.
  81. [81]
    Jerry Dodgion, saxophonist and flutist who embodied the versatile ...
    Feb 20, 2023 · Jerry Dodgion, saxophonist and flutist who embodied the versatile grace of a sideman, is dead at 90 | WRTI.
  82. [82]
    Obituary: Jerry Dodgion - Jazz Journal
    Mar 16, 2023 · Prolifically recorded saxophonist and Jones-Lewis sideman who stood out among often strident lead altoists for his light, sotto voce approach.
  83. [83]
    Obituary: Wally Fawkes - Jazz Journal
    Mar 7, 2023 · Our thoughts go to his wife, Susan Clifford, and to his children and family. Walter Ernest Fawkes (21 June 1924 – 1 March 2023). - Advertisement ...
  84. [84]
    Wally Fawkes obituary | Newspapers - The Guardian
    Mar 7, 2023 · Wally (Walter Ernest) Fawkes, cartoonist and clarinettist, born 21 June 1924; died 1 March 2023. This obituary has been updated since George Melly died in 2007.
  85. [85]
    Wayne Shorter, Innovator During an Era of Change in Jazz, Dies at 89
    Mar 4, 2023 · Wayne Shorter, the enigmatic, intrepid saxophonist who shaped the color and contour of modern jazz as one of its most intensely admired composers, died on ...
  86. [86]
    Wayne Shorter, sage of the saxophone, dies at 89 - NPR
    Mar 2, 2023 · Shorter was 89 years old. Cem Kurosman, a publicist at Blue Note Records, which released Shorter's recent recordings, confirmed his death in an ...
  87. [87]
    Tony Coe obituary | Jazz | The Guardian
    Mar 27, 2023 · Coe, who has died aged 88, developed a tone on the tenor saxophone that was sultry, smoky and insinuating, his phrasing idiosyncratically spaced ...
  88. [88]
    Tony Coe: 29 November 1934 – 16 March 2023 | Jazzwise
    Mar 17, 2023 · Alyn Shipton remembers the internationally renowned British virtuoso multi-reedist who has died aged 88. ... Tony Coe: 29 November 1934 – 16 March ...
  89. [89]
    All-star Wayne Shorter tribute leads EFG London Jazz Festival 2023 ...
    Apr 12, 2023 · All will appear under the banner of 'The Symphonic Music of Wayne Shorter' at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre on 19 November.
  90. [90]
    Ahmad Jamal, measured maestro of the jazz piano, dies at 92 - NPR
    Apr 16, 2023 · Ahmad Jamal, measured maestro of the jazz piano, dies at 92. April 16, 20237:54 PM ET. By. Martin Johnson. Enlarge this image. Ahmad Jamal ...
  91. [91]
    Ahmad Jamal, Whose Spare Style Redefined Jazz Piano, Dies at 92
    Apr 16, 2023 · April 16, 2023. Ahmad Jamal, whose measured, spare piano style was an inspiration to generations of jazz musicians, died on Sunday at his ...
  92. [92]
    Ahmad Jamal obituary - The Guardian
    Apr 17, 2023 · Jamal, who has died aged 92, was hailed in the 1940s and 50s by ... died 16 April 2023. This article was amended on 17 April 2023, to ...
  93. [93]
    Ahmad Jamal, jazz pianist with a spare, hypnotic touch, dies at 92
    Apr 16, 2023 · The cause was complications from prostate cancer, said his daughter Sumayah Jamal. In a professional career that began at 14 in his native ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  94. [94]
    https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/02/arts/music/wayne-shorter-dead.html
  95. [95]
    Bill Lee, Bassist and Composer of Son Spike Lee's Films, Dies at 94
    May 25, 2023 · Bill Lee, Bassist and Composer of Son Spike Lee's Films, Dies at 94. He accompanied a wide range of jazz and folk musicians and scored “She's ...
  96. [96]
    Bill Lee, Jazz Bassist and Father of Spike Lee, Dead at 94
    May 24, 2023 · Bill Lee, Jazz Bassist and Father of Spike Lee, Dead at 94 ... May 24, 2023. bill lee spike lee obituary. Bill Lee and Spike Lee at ...
  97. [97]
    Bill Lee, jazz bassist and father of filmmaker Spike Lee, dies at 94
    May 24, 2023 · Spike Lee's father, Bill Lee, a jazz bassist who played with Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin, died at home in Brooklyn on Wednesday morning.
  98. [98]
    Astrud Gilberto, 'The Girl from Ipanema' singer, dies at 83 - NPR
    Jun 6, 2023 · Her death on Monday night was confirmed by her son, bassist Marcelo Gilberto. She was 83. The story of exactly who asked Gilberto to perform the ...
  99. [99]
    Astrud Gilberto, 83, Dies; Shot to Fame With 'The Girl From Ipanema'
    Jun 7, 2023 · Astrud Gilberto, 83, Dies; Shot to Fame With 'The Girl From ... Published June 6, 2023Updated June 7, 2023. Astrud Gilberto, whose ...
  100. [100]
    Astrud Gilberto obituary | Pop and rock - The Guardian
    Jun 7, 2023 · Astrud Gilberto, who has died aged 83, became the best known female bossa nova singer, thanks to her cool, breathy and delightful treatment of The Girl from ...
  101. [101]
    Astrud Gilberto: 29 March 1940 – 5 June 2023 | Jazzwise
    Jun 7, 2023 · Astrud Gilberto: 29 March 1940 – 5 June 2023 ... So tchau and obrigada, Brazilian samba and bossa nova icon Astrud Gilberto, who has died aged 83.
  102. [102]
    Peter Brötzmann, the heart — and lungs — of European free jazz ...
    and lungs — of European free jazz, dead at 82. June 23, 202312:09 PM ET. From ...
  103. [103]
    Peter Brötzmann, 82, Dies; His Thunderous Saxophone Shook Jazz ...
    Jul 7, 2023 · He was 82. His death was confirmed by Michael Ehlers, the director of Eremite Records, who served as Mr.
  104. [104]
    Peter Brötzmann obituary | Jazz - The Guardian
    Jul 11, 2023 · He is survived by their son, Caspar, and daughter, Wendela. Peter Brötzmann, jazz saxophonist, born 6 March 1941; died 22 June 2023.
  105. [105]
    New Orleans Drummer Barry "Kid" Martyn has died
    Aug 19, 2023 · British born drummer Barry “Kid” Martyn died on July 17th, he was 82. He first heard New Orleans jazz on Alistair Cooke's Letter from America radio program ...
  106. [106]
    Tony Bennett, king of the American Songbook, dead at 96 - NPR
    Jul 21, 2023 · Bennett died Friday morning in New York City, according to a representative for the singer. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016, ...
  107. [107]
    Knut Riisnæs (1945 – 2023): En saksofonist i verdensklasse
    Jul 24, 2023 · Saksofonist Knut Riisnæs døde lørdag 22. juli etter en tids sykdom, 77 år gammel. Ballade har samlet noen av jazzlivets minneord om musikeren, ...<|separator|>
  108. [108]
    Leny Andrade, known as the first lady of Brazilian jazz, dies at 80
    Jul 26, 2023 · Leny Andrade performs at Birdland in New York in 2008. Andrade died on July 24, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  109. [109]
    Tony Bennett, Jazzy Crooner of the American Songbook, Dead at 96
    Jul 25, 2023 · Tony Bennett, Jazzy Crooner of the American Songbook, Is Dead at 96 · He made his film debut in 1966, in a critically reviled Hollywood story, “ ...
  110. [110]
    Curtis Fowlkes, prolific trombonist who co-led The Jazz Passengers ...
    Sep 6, 2023 · Curtis Fowlkes, prolific trombonist who co-led The Jazz Passengers, is dead at 73. Trombonist Curtis Fowlkes, who died on Aug. 31, 2023 at 73.
  111. [111]
    Virtuoso Bassist, Longtime Educator Richard Davis Dies at 93
    Sep 12, 2023 · Richard Davis, a bassist whose virtuosity was equaled by his astounding versatility, died Sept. 6 in Madison, Wisconsin. He was 93.
  112. [112]
    Richard Davis, legendary jazz bassist and UW professor, dies at 93
    Sep 7, 2023 · Richard Davis, the legendary jazz bassist and UW professor emeritus who lived in Madison since 1977, died Wednesday at 93, according to ...
  113. [113]
    Carla Bley, prolific and expansive jazz pianist, dies at 87 - NPR
    Oct 17, 2023 · Her death was confirmed by her husband and longtime collaborator, bassist Steve Swallow; the cause given was complications from brain cancer.
  114. [114]
    Carla Bley, Jazz Composer, Arranger and Provocateur, Dies at 87
    Oct 17, 2023 · Oct. 17, 2023. Carla Bley, an irrepressibly original composer, arranger and pianist responsible for more than 60 years of wily provocations ...
  115. [115]
    2023 - Jazz Passings
    Notable jazz passings in 2023 include harpist Elizabeth Panzer, vocalist Jay Clayton, trombonist Sam Burtis, and composer/arranger Don Sebesky.
  116. [116]
    PJ/WP West Coast Artist Covers - Jazz Research
    May 4, 2012 · Robert Irwin would also continue to have his paintings featured on Pacific Jazz albums: The Robert Irwin cover for PJ-1206 was recognized by the ...
  117. [117]
    Michel Pilz (1945 - 2023) - The Free Jazz Collective
    Nov 6, 2023 · Michel Pilz was born on October 28th, 1945 in Bad Neustadt/Saale in Germany but grew up in Luxembourg and studied classical clarinet at the conservatory there.Missing: death | Show results with:death
  118. [118]
    Mars Williams, 68, Saxophonist Who Straddled New Wave and Jazz ...
    Dec 19, 2023 · Mr. Williams died at a hospice facility in Chicago on Nov. 20. He was 68. His brother, Paul R. Williams, said the cause was ampullary cancer.
  119. [119]
    Mars Williams dead: Psychedelic Furs, Liquid Soul's saxophonist ...
    Nov 21, 2023 · Mars Williams, saxophonist of the Psychedelic Furs and Liquid Soul, has died. He was 68. The Chicago native died on Monday from ampullary cancer.
  120. [120]
    Michel Sardaby Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & M... - AllMusic
    Born. September 4, 1935 in Fort de France, Martinique, French West Indies ; Died. December 6, 2023 ; Genre. Jazz, Vocal ; Styles. Hard Bop, Jazz Instrument, Piano ...
  121. [121]
    Tony Oxley obituary | Jazz | The Guardian
    Dec 28, 2023 · ... Oxley, the guitarist Derek Bailey, a Sheffield neighbour ... drummer, percussionist and composer, born 15 June 1938; died 26 December 2023.
  122. [122]
    Tony Oxley (15/6/1938 - 26/12/2023) | Jazzwise
    Jan 2, 2024 · Alyn Shipton pays tribute to the versatile virtuoso British jazz drummer who has died aged 85. ... Derek Bailey and Gavin Bryars in the ...
  123. [123]
    Jazz great Les McCann, a wellspring for hip-hop samples, dies at 88
    Dec 31, 2023 · Les McCann, a jazz titan best known for his performance with musical partner Eddie Harris of the protest song "Compared to What," has died ...
  124. [124]
    Les McCann obituary | Jazz - The Guardian
    Jan 3, 2024 · Several albums for the Limelight label in the middle of the decade include one featuring an early version of Compared to What. ... 29 December ...
  125. [125]
    Remembering jazz composer Carla Bley - Blue Ridge Public Radio
    Dec 21, 2023 · Composer Carla Bley died in October at the age of 87. She led her own large and small touring bands from the 1970s until a few years ago, but ...
  126. [126]
    In Remembrance: Carla Bley | KNKX Public Radio
    Dec 27, 2023 · An important figure in the free jazz movement, pianist and composer Carla Bley passed away this year at 87.