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 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival continued late into the night on Friday, April 29 with a free improvised set by bassist Cecil McBee and alto player, Gary Bartz. Joined by local composer, Hannibal Lokumbe on trumpet and Adonis Rose on drums, McBee and Bartz rounded out their group with percussionist, Alfred Uganda Roberts, who made his mark recording with Allen Toussaint, Professor Longhair and the Wild Magnolias back in the ‘70s. Playing to a small crowd of locals, McBee combined a New Orleans sense of rhythm and blues with odd times that sounded like they were caught somewhere between funk and free jazz.
At the Fairgrounds yesterday, Jamie Cullum played a new composition he said he wrote over the holidays when he was visiting family, looking at old photos. Using just piano and voice, the ballad, “Ordinary Life,” showcased Cullum’s rich rasp well, but some of his usual energy was lost on the big stage. Still, he managed to win back the baking hot audience with his Coldplay cover, “High And Dry.”
Playing a much funkier brand of piano, Henry Butler heated up the blues tent with a few tunes from his new album, “Homeland,” while the New Orleans Klezmer Allstars brought a little rock to their Klezmer swamp-funk with the help of a large dose of guitar feedback. Nicholas Payton joined the Doc Cheatham Tribute, playing traditional classics like Fats Waller’s “What Did I Do To Be So Black and Blue.” While Payton shines among older players, though, he seemed constricted by the formal format of the music and a somewhat predictable order of solos. Payton’s Sonic Trance plays today in the Jazz Tent, where the leader should feel more comfortable letting as loose as he does on the album.
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…