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 city of Chicago is proud to announce the lineup for this year’s Chicago Jazz Festival, taking place from Aug. 30-Sept. 2.
The festival begins with Herbie Hancock performing a ticketed concert at the Chicago Symphony Center and then moves to Grant Park for three days of free music. At 5 p.m. each day, music lights up the night at the Petrillo Music Shell for three evenings of jazz performances. Featured performers will be Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood on Aug. 31, Ernestine Anderson and Frank Wess on Sept. 1, and the Mingus Big Band on Sept. 2.
This year’s Artist in Residence is Charlie Haden. The bassist will play in Grant Park on multiple stages with the Jazz Institute of Chicago Jazz Links Students on Aug. 31, the Liberation Music Orchestra on Sept. 1 and “A Chicago Jam,” with local jazz veterans on Sept. 2.
Ticket prices for “An Evening With Herbie Hancock” range from $16-$46 and are available by calling the Chicago Symphony Center box office at (312) 294-3000, or at cso.org. For more information about the Chicago Jazz Festival, go 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.
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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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The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
