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…
Wong Kar Wai’s new film My Blueberry Nights serves as his first English film and the film debut for pianist/vocalist Norah Jones.
She didn’t even know of his work and director Wong Kar Wai had only heard her music before selecting her for his film My Blueberry Nights.
“I was first introduced to Norah [Jones] through her music,” explains Wong. “As a matter of fact, I didn’t even know what she looked like at the time. However, her voice intrigued me. It was so visual that it gave me a very specific image of her.”
On Feb. 5, Blue Note Records will release My Blueberry Nights, music from the new motion picture. The soundtrack features “The Story,” a new song by Jones based on her experience in the film, as well as a wide swath of American music that touches upon r&b, soul, rock, folk and jazz. Artists on the soundtrack include Cat Power, Otis Redding, Ruth Brown, Mavis Staples, Amos Lee and Cassandra Wilson.
My Blueberry Nights is a romantic drama set as an American road movie featuring Jude Law, David Strathairn, Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman. It will be released Feb. 13, 2008.
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…