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…
Charles Lloyd’s Sangam featuring Zakir Hussain and Eric Harland will perform at this year’s Big Ears Festival.
(Photo: Courtesy Big Ears Festival)Knoxville, Tennessee’s Big Ears Festival has announced the daily schedule for its 12th edition, which runs March 27–30 in downtown Knoxville. Featuring nearly 200 concerts spread across 14 venues, plus films, conversations, exhibitions, workshops and interactive experiences, the genre-defying festival remains an iconic gathering of many of the world’s most influential and visionary musical creators.
Alongside the day-by-day schedule announcement, Big Ears has announced the additions of the improvising electronica outfit Darkside, Charles Lloyd’s Sangam (featuring Zakir Hussain and Eric Harland) and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, who will perform a special program that includes Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined featuring pianist Lara Downes along with Tyshawn Sorey’s 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning work Adagio (for Wadada Leo Smith) with special guests to be announced.
In addition, a limited allotment of single-day passes — both general admission and premier — are available alongside remaining four-day weekend passes.
To view the full festival lineup by day and to purchase passes, CLICK HERE. DB
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.
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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.
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“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
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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…
