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…
Christian McBride’s “The Movement Revisited,” a tribute to four civil rights icons, will debut at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on May 16. The performance concludes the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association’s 2007/2008 jazz series.
McBride composed the music for “The Movement Revisited,” which features a 17-piece big band, spoken narrators and the St. James Sacred Nation Choir. Loretta Devine narrates the words of Rosa Parks, Carl Lumbly narrates the words of Malcolm X, James Avery narrates the words of Muhammad Ali and Wendell Pierce narrates the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“The sacrifices made by these four African Americans have been so enveloped in myth, that, to a large extent, their names are remembered more than their accomplishments,” McBride said. “This piece will capture musically how their deeds shaped our world, and remind us of our responsibility to see, paving theway for so many to live a better life.”
More info: laphil.org
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…
