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…
New York-based guitarist Bill Perry, whose powerful blues playing and raspy vocals made him a favored sideman and prolific leader, died Tuesday at 49 years of age.
The musician was found at his apartment in Sugar Loaf, N.Y., according to a statement from his label, Blind Pig Records. Emergency medical personnel tried to revive Perry, but he died on the way to the hospital, an apparent heart attack victim, although no official cause of death has been determined.
Perry first made his mark in the clubs of New York in the 1980s, when he was spotted by folk-rock singer Richie Havens. Perry spent four years on the road as the featured guitarist in Havens’ band. During the same period, he also toured with The Band’s Garth Hudson and Levon Helm.
Good friend and labelmate Popa Chubby produced Perry’s most recent release, Don’t Know Nothin’ About Love. “The best thing about Bill was that his talent was effortless,” he said. “He was a natural. He could sing the phone book and draw you in. He didn’t have a mean or a bad bone in him. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He was a brother and I’ll miss him dearly.”
Perry is survived by his 25-year-old son, Aaron, three brothers and a sister.
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
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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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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…