Michael Moss

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of drummer Roy Haynes. In a career lasting over 80 years, Haynes has influenced and innovated, shaping some of the greatest recordings in jazz while altering the very fabric and direction of jazz improvisation with his mercurial, intelligent, joyous drumming. Nicknamed “Snap Crackle” for his punchy snare and cymbal patterns, Haynes’ style was characterized by crispness and finesse, as well as a tremendous sense of drive. His playing has never sounded dated. On the contrary, in every decade he has been associated with musicians on the cutting edge, having worked with such artists as Lester Young and Charlie Parker in the 1940s, Bud Powell, Sarah Vaughan and Thelonious Monk in the ‘50s, Stan Getz and Gary Burton in the ‘60s, Chick Corea in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and Pat Metheny in the ‘80s and ‘90s. His bands have included some of the more exceptional young musicians on the scene, ranging from his Hip Ensemble to his various quartets.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of bandleader, composer and saxophonist Lou Donaldson. Known as “Sweet Poppa Lou” Donaldson was the final surviving member of the original Art Blakey quintet that in 1954 introduced “hard bop” into the growing jazz lineage of classification. He also stands as a pioneer of soul jazz, helping to shape the genre by merging bebop with blues, gospel, and R&B elements. Known for his rich, soulful tone and groove-oriented sound, Donaldson made jazz more accessible and danceable, paving the way for the soulful, funky styles that followed. His innovative approach, particularly on albums like Alligator Bogaloo and Blues Walk, helped expand the music’s reach to a broader audience while maintaining its expressive depth. Donaldson also helped launch the career of Clifford Brown, the gifted trumpeter who was just 25 when he was killed in a 1956 road accident. He also was on hand for some of pianist Horace Silver’s earliest sessions.