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…
The Blues Foundation will present the Blues Music Awards May 8, 2008, at the Grand Casino Event Center in Tunica Resorts, Miss.
Among those heading the list of honorees is Bobby Rush who garnered four nominations. Watermelon Slim & the Workers received six nominations for the second consecutive year with their album of the year candidate The Wheel Man. Koko Taylor returns to form with four nominations, including one for her album of the year nominee Old School. Lurrie Bell also was honored with three nominations, including one he shares with his late father Carey in the newly-created DVD category.
Album of the year nominees include:
Bettye LaVette’s The Scene of the Crime
James Blood Ulmer’s Bad Blood in the City
Koko Taylor’s Old School
Nick Moss & the Flip Tops’ Play It ‘Til Tomorrow
Omar Kent Dykes & Jimmie Vaughan’s On the Jimmy Reed Highway
Sugar Ray & the Bluetones’ My Life, My Friends, My Music
Watermelon Slim & the Workers’ The Wheel Man
More info: blues.org
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…
