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…
Ethan Hawke stars as jazz trumpeter Chet Baker in the biopic Born to be Blue
(Photo: Courtesy of IFC Films)IFC films has released the official trailer for Born to be Blue, a new biopic starring Ethan Hawke as the talented but troubled West Coast trumpeter Chet Baker.
The film depicts Baker’s life in the 1950s and ’60s, when the trumpeter’s career and personal life were in shambles due to years of heroin addiction. Spurred in part by a passionate romance, Baker attempts to stage a hard-fought comeback and secure his legacy as a jazz icon.
Directed by Robert Budreau, the film co-stars British actress Carmen Ejogo and Canadian television actor Callum Keith Rennie.
Born to be Blue debuted at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. It will be released in select theaters March 11 and will be available on Video on Demand March 31. The soundtrack for the film, which includes two tracks sung by Hawke, will be available March 18 from Rhino Records.
Watch the trailer here:
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…
