Jazz News: Brad Leali named Educator of the Year; Colorado reps at educator conference; Recording Academy honors Santana, Kuti, & Palmieri
This is Jazz News, a look at what’s news in jazz, music, and the arts.
The Jazz Education Network has announced the 2026 honorees ahead of their January meeting in New Orleans. Congratulations to Denver’s own Brad Leali, longtime professor at the University of North Texas. He was named 2026 Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Jazz Educator of The Year at the college level.
Called “one of the most notable saxophonists of current times,” the Network noted Leali’s practical training at the El Chapultepec club, his time as music director with the Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, and Benny Golson’s Big Band, as well as his work with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band.
He was in Denver last year with the Willie Jones III Trio and visited The Morning Set. He described his own motivation that pushed him to sit under the greats at El Chapultepec and study so hard.
“Jazz was something that I loved. And it wasn’t even ‘practicing.’ It wasn’t even working hard to me. I loved it so much, and I wanted to be involved in it and immersed in it at all times.” (Source: Congratulations Brad Leali!
Colorado is well represented at the Jazz Educators conference in NOLA January 7 through 10. The Annie Booth Big Band presents, as well as two groups from Greeley, the University of Northern Colorado Compass Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Dana Landry, and the Northern Colorado Voices, under the direction of Marion Powers. Go Bears! (Source: Jazz Education Network)
There is more to the Grammy awards than golden gramophone trophies. The Recording Academy announced the Lifetime Achievement awardees, including Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, and Fela Kuti. Also receiving lifetime achievement awards are Whitney Houston, Paul Simon and Cher.
And among the Trustee Award honorees are Eddie Palmieri, lyricist Bernie Taupin and just-retired CEO of Epic Records Sylvia Rhone.
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