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…
Blade will lead multiple performances during this year’s Detroit Jazz Festival.
(Photo: Courtesy Detroit Jazz Festival)Brian Blade has been named Artist-in-Residence for this year’s Detroit Jazz Festival, which will be held Aug. 30–Sept. 2 (Labor Day weekend) in downtown Detroit. The two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz drummer, composer and bandleader is also a highly sought-after sideman and collaborator.
As the 2024 Artist-in-Residence, Blade will support Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation educational initiatives for students and community engagement activities across the region throughout the year. In addition, Blade will lead multiple diverse performances during the festival on Labor Day weekend. Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band will also perform at a sneak peek for the new Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center on the campus of Wayne State University on April 10 during the Detroit Jazz Festival Preview Event, which will be livestreamed for free on detroitjazzfest.org. The Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center is scheduled to open to the public later this fall.
“Brian Blade’s career, beginning with his gospel roots in Shreveport, Louisiana, to his ascension to becoming one of the most acclaimed jazz drummers in the country, is a shining testament to his dedication and commitment to jazz and its evolutions,” said Chris Collins, president and artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation. “His legacy and contributions to this year’s festival will be greatly appreciated by our fans and the entire global jazz community.”
Over the 25 years The Fellowship Band has existed, the group has released seven recordings, including Fellowship (1998), Perceptual (2000), Season Of Changes (2008), Landmarks (2014), Body And Shadow (2017), Live From The Archives (2022) and Kings Highway (2023).
For more information, 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.
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…
