August 2018

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Cover

Vijay Iyer

Communities Of Sound

Iyer, one of the top pianists of his generation, won two categories in this year’s Critics Poll. DownBeat’s Jazz Artist of the Year discusses his artistic vision, his approach to improvisation and his role as an educator at Harvard.

Features
  • Annual 66th Critics Poll

    Complete Poll Results

    The complete poll results include dozens of categories, both for established artists and Rising Stars. Plus, we’ve got brief descriptions of the year’s Top 10 Jazz Albums and Top 10 Historical Albums.

  • Cécile McLorin Salvant

    Creating New Stories

    When told she once again was voted the top Female Vocalist in the Critics Poll, Harlem-based Cécile McLorin Salvant said, “I’m grateful and shocked.” She also took home honors for the top jazz album of the year.

  • Benny Golson

    Hall Of Fame

    As a recipient of countless accolades during his 70 years in the music business, Benny Golson might well be blasé about his election to the Downbeat Hall of Fame. But the 89-year-old tenor saxophonist and composer considers this latest honorific a consequential milestone.

Blindfold Test

Marcus Printup was tested on the following tracks for the “Blindfold Test”:

  • Nate Wooley: “Hesitation” from Dance To The Early Music (Clean Feed)
  • Brian Lynch: “Sweet Love Of Mine” from Madera Latino (Hollistic)
  • Andrew Rathbun Large Ensemble: “Two Islands II” from Atwood Suites (Origin)
  • Tom Harrell: “View” from Something Gold, Something Blue (High Note)
  • Caroline Davis: “Penelope” from Heart Tonic (Sunnyside)
  • Ingrid & Christine Jensen: “Duo Space/Old Time” from Infinitude (Whirlwind)
  • Terence Blanchard: “Tit For Tat Nocturne” from The Comedian (Blue Note)
  • Ron Miles: “I Am A Man” from I Am A Man (Enja)
Also in this Issue
  • Master Class: Mark Wade
  • Pro Session: Sandy Cressman
  • Transcription: Rudresh Mahanthappa Alto Saxophone Solo
  • Toolshed


PLUS: Dozens of album reviews, product reviews and much more!