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…
Pianist Billy Taylor will release Billy Taylor & Gerry Mulligan Live at MCG on Tuesday, following the online release of his first extended work.
The album, recorded live at Pittsburgh’s Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG) in 1993, captured a unique performance between the two jazz masters, also including Chip Jackson on bass and Carl Allen on drums. The date took place three years before Mulligan’s death, and showcases his jovial relationship with longtime friend Taylor.
The record comes on the heels of new material on Taylor’s web site. His extended work, Suite for Jazz Piano and Orchestra, has made its online debut on billytaylor.com. Taylor was commissioned to write the suite for the Utah Symphony in the 1970s, and he went on to write a number of other lengthy works, including “Let Us Make A Joyful Noise” and “Peaceful Warrior,” which will also be featured on the site later this year.
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…
