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.

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  • 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.

  • Grammy_Nominations_2026_copy.jpg

    To see the complete list of nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, go to grammy.com.

    The Grammy Nominations Are In

    The nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards are in, with plenty to smile about for the worlds of jazz, blues and beyond.…

  • Ray_Drummond_-_RI_Sutherland-Cohen_-_JAN_2019_2_copy.jpeg

    Drummond was cherished by generations of mainstream jazz listeners and bandleaders for his authoritative tonal presence, a defining quality of his style most apparent when he played his instrument unamplified.

    Bassist Ray Drummond Dies at 78

    Ray Drummond, a first-call bassist who appeared on hundreds of albums as a sideman for some of the top names in jazz…