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





  • Gordon_Goodwin_2020.jpg

    Goodwin was one of the most acclaimed, successful and influential jazz musicians of his generation.

  • Bela_Fleck_on_CNN_with_Fredricka_Whitfield_2026.jpg

    Belá Fleck during an interview with Fredrika Whitfield on CNN.

  • Flea_-_Photo_2_by_Clara_Balzary_copy.jpg

    Flea has returned to his first instrument — the trumpet — and assembled a dream band of jazz musicians to record a new album.

  • Best_of_Art_copy.jpg
  • 2707_Pressphoto2_copy_2.jpg

    The success of Oregon’s first album, 1971’s Music Of Another Present Era, allowed Towner to establish a solo career.


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January 2026
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