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…
On June 10, Cryptogramophone Records will release new albums by bassist/keyboardist Todd Sickafoose and violinist (and label founder) Jeff Gauthier.
Sickafoose’s Tiny Resistors features 11 original compositions. The leader arranged the pieces for an large band, which features two drummers, two guitarists, his own array of keyboards, violin and a three- or four-piece horn section. Artists include Adam Levy, Mike Gamble, Shane Endsley, Ben Wendel, Alan Ferber, Skerik, Simon Lott and Allison Miller. Andrew Bird and Ani DiFranco also appear on the album.
Gauthier’s House Of Return features his Goatette: bassist Joel Hamilton, keyboardist David Witham, drummer Alex Cline and guitarist Nels Cline. On the original compositions, Gauthier shifts back and forth between electric and acoustic violin, and the album uses electronically affected instruments in real time.
More info: cryptogramophone.com
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…
