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…
Bassist Alain Perez will release his upcoming disc En El Aire (AYVA) in January 2007. The 29-year-old musician, who was born in the Cuban small town of Manaca Iznaga, brings together a range of Latin rhythms with his conservatory training and experience as a jazz improvisor.
“I try to compose for my muse, but when she doesn’t come, I search for colors and images that will suggest a certain path,” Perez said. “Harmony is food for the melody and as I am a rumbero, the end comes through the clave. Very humbly, I consider myself to be versatile, and life has given me proof that one has to be subservient to their instincts.”
Other musicians on En El Aire include pianist Ivan “Melon” Gonzalez Lewis, saxophonist Roman Filiu and trumpeter Carlos Sarduy.
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…
