Jazz News: RIP bassist Ray Drummond; Marcia Ball retires; Craig Taborn wins genius grant
This is Jazz News, a look at what’s news in jazz, music, and the arts.
Bassist, composer and educator Ray Drummond passed away over the weekend (November 1, 2025) at the age of 78. Drummond had hundreds of credits as a leader and a sideman. Among his collaborations: Kenny Barron, George Coleman, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Freddie Hubbard, Etta Jones, and many others.
Accolades are pouring out on social media. Multi-instrumentalist Steve Wilson said, “It was impossible NOT to love The Bulldog,” who also held court regularly at Bradley's saloon in Greenwich Village. Mike LeDonne wrote: “His solos were always melodic and intelligent.” SOURCE: WBGO / Ray Drummond dies at 78
Legendary blueswoman Marcia Ball has cancelled her touring, performing, and recording schedule. The multi-Grammy nominee says she’s retiring due to a diagnosis of ALS – Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
She released a statement describing her visit to Mayo Clinic and her upcoming treatment at UT San Antonio. She writes, “Performing is something I can no longer do. I can’t sing. The absolute last thing I want to do is to cancel shows. My sincere apologies.”
Since there is no known cure for ALS, the 76-year-old Ball says she’s hoping for a slow progression of symptoms. And there’s an outpouring of love for the singer-songwriter-pianist from her label Alligator Records, booking agents, and the hundreds of venues that hosted her trademark blues and roots shows over the past 50-plus years. SOURCE: Blues Rock Review / Marcia Ball Retirement
Congratulations to pianist, keyboardist and composer Craig Taborn, just named 2025 MacArthur Fellow. Taborn is the only musician in the new class of 22 fellows. This prize is called a “genius grant,” totaling $800,000 in total from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The prize is given to scientists, artists, and others as an investment in their future work. Downbeat magazine notes other recent jazz honorees from the MacArthur Foundation include Tomeka Reid (2022), Cécile McLorin Salvant (2020), Mary Halvorson (2019), and Tyshawn Sorey (2017).
Taborn’s work over 30 years includes traditional and contemporary jazz, contemporary classical, experimental, electronic, rock, metal, and hip-hop. Taborn is also a member (with guitarist Nels Cline and drummer Marcus Gilmore) of Trio of Bloom. He is currently preparing for a European tour in November. SOURCE: MacArthur Foundation / Fellows / Class of 2025 - Craig Taborn
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