Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Bassist John Patitucci has released his new Line By Line (Concord). He plays acoustic and electric basses on the disc, which also features an array of colleagues, including guitarist Adam Rogers, drummer Brian Blade and tenor saxophonist Chris Potter.
Most of the disc is comprised of Patitucci’s compositions, which draw on his experiences in jazz, classical and Brazilian music. He also interprets Thelonious Monk’s “Evidence,” Rogers’ “Dry September” and the spiritual, “Jesus Is On The Mainline.”
“I’ve always been averse to having one sound or orchestration for an entire record,” Patitucci said. “My goal was to have a lot of variety, hopefully without being too schizoid. Various heroes over the years have reinforced the idea of doing things with colors and expanded instrumentations—Wayne Shorter tops the list. I wanted to find a way to do it that was comfortable for me, and try to find a personal path.”
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
Jul 17, 2025 11:35 AM
The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…