Jazz-Leaning Donny McCaslin Band Brings Grooves With Crunch, In-Studio

Soundcheck | Dec 22, 2025

Saxophonist and composer Donny McCaslin has been playing with jazz luminaries like Maria Schneider and Dave Douglas, and leading his own band, for a couple of decades. But he’s best known for his work with David Bowie, who basically hired Donny’s whole ensemble to be the band on his final album Blackstar. His latest, Lullaby for the Lost, is a guitar-driven, rock-influenced, groove-laden beast (in the best way). Donny McCaslin and his band - guitarist Ben Monder, keyboardist Jason Lindner, bassist Jonathan Maron, and drummer Nate Wood - play some of the tunes live, in-studio.  - Caryn Havlik

Set List: 1. KID 2. Solace 3. Mercy

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

Top Stories

Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress

Gina Hinojosa Aims to Make Texas Blue Again. Plus, Reading Is Alive and Well

Claire Valdez on populism and the DSA agenda in Congress

The Classroom/Technology Pipeline

YOU ARE ONLINE