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…
Organist Dr. Lonnie Smith is releasing his new Jungle Soul (Palmetto) on July 11 and is beginning a world tour.
Jungle Soul includes songs by Marvin Gaye, Thelonious Monk, Frank Foster, and others, including some of Smith’s own compositions. The disc also features guitarist Peter Bernstein, drummer Allison Miller and guitarist Matt Balitsaris.
Smith’s tour includes the Umbria Jazz Festival in Umbria, Italy, from July 7 – 16, New York’s Jazz Standard from July 18 – 23, San Jose Jazz Festival in San Jose, Calif., on Aug. 19, Chicago Jazz Festival on Sept. 3, Monterey Jazz Festival in Monterey, Calif., on Sept. 17, Kennedy Center Jazz Club in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 21, Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle, Wash., on Nov. 2 and San Francisco Jazz Festival on Nov. 3.
For more information go to: drlonniesmith.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…