Saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana is a living bridge between traditional and modern jazz. Her new album Melissa Aldana & Crash Trio offers gorgeous cascades of melody and daring – from the joyful post-bop rush of “M&M” to the closing notes of her solo performance “Ask Me Now,” which boldly… Read more...
Antonio Sanchez fondly recalls an inadvertent compliment he received years ago. Scheduled to accompany the legendary jazz bassist Charlie Haden at New York’s Village Vanguard nightclub, Sanchez was warned beforehand that Haden harbored a particular distaste for loud drummers. Sanchez took heed. “I started out playing with brushes, then little… Read more...
Downbeat has released its 73rd Annual Readers Poll with BMI jazz composers topping 24 of the 29 categories, accounting for 84% of the winners. These composers represent the “who’s who” of jazz performers and BMI’s dominance in the genre. Sonny Rollins top two categories, Jazz Artist and Tenor Saxophone, while… Read more...
The second International Jazz Composers’ Symposium, held June 12-14 in Tampa, Florida, proved a veritable haven for the professional and aspiring jazz composer. Sponsored by BMI and the University of Southern Florida’s Center for Jazz Composition, the annual Symposium drew more than 80 jazz composers and musicians from throughout the… Read more...
BMI songwriters, composers and artists made a historically impressive showing February 10 at the 2008 Grammys as they swept the most elite categories of music’s biggest night. Neo-soul chanteuse Amy Winehouse claimed five trophies, including Record, Song and Best New Artist of the Year, while Mark Ronson received Producer of… Read more...
BMI songwriter/artists Sheryl Crow, Eminem and Norah Jones lead the list of nominees for this year's Grammy Awards with five nods each. Nominees were announced today (1/7) at a press conference at New York's Madison Square Garden. The 45th Grammy Awards will be held on… Read more...
