Complete Critics Poll Results!

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The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great artists to discover. Completing the task this year were a record 251 participating critics. The ballot for the poll contained nearly 4,000 line items (artists, albums and groups) across 62 categories.To see the complete results of the 73rd Annual DownBeat Critics Poll, just click on the August 2025 issue cover image below. DB





  • Jack_DeJohnette_by_Steve_Sussman.jpg

    ​Jack DeJohnette boasted a musical resume that was as long as it was fearsome.

  • JoeFarnsworth_by_Osmel_Portuondo_Azcuy_copy_2.jpg

    Always a sharp dresser, Farnsworth wears a pocket square given to him by trumpeter Art Farmer. “You need to look good if you want to hang around me,” Farmer told him.

  • 750x750_copy.jpg

    ​D’Angelo achieved commercial and critical success experimenting with a fusion of jazz, funk, soul, R&B and hip-hop.

  • 1_Kandace_Springs_by_Joey_Kennedy_2025_Pittsburgh_Jazz_Fest_copy.jpg

    Kandace Springs channeled Shirley Horn’s deliberate phrasing and sublime self-accompaniment during her set at this year’s Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival.

  • Jim_McNeely_Courtesy_jim-mcneely.com_copy.jpg

    ​Jim McNeely’s singular body of work had a profound and lasting influence on many of today’s top jazz composers in the U.S. and in Europe.


On Sale Now
November 2025
Gary Bartz
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