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…
Now in its sixth year, the Empty Bottle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music, April 25-27, brings terrific experimental jazz and free-improv musicians from around the world to this Chicago club. All shows start at 9:30, and cost $15.
The lineup for this year’s festival is:
April 25: The opening night of this year’s festival features a special trio performance by saxophonist MATS GUSTAFSSON, who will be joined by KEVIN DRUMM and bassist TORSTEN MÜLLER. DAVE REMPIS will also stage his TRIAGE project, a group featuring bassist JASON AJEMIAN and drummer TIM DAISY. And as usual, the night will feature a special surprise set of material by a grouping of unannounced performers.
April 26: The second day of our Jazz and Improvised Music Festival features MATS GUSTAFSSON’S AALY TRIO, an ensemble that includes PETER JANSEN, KJELL NORDESON and contribution from sometime collaborator KEN VANDERMARK. There will also be a screening of a short film of AALY TRIO footage, to be shown beforehand, as well as an opening duo performance by saxophone and electronics improviser LOL COXHILL and bassist TORSTEN MÜLLER. And of course the famed special surprise set.
April 27: The closing night of this year’s fest features a duo performance with guitarist DAVID STACKENÄS and bassist JOHAN BERTHLING. DAVID BOYKIN’S EXPANSE project will also perform, with an ensemble lead by trombonist PAUL RUTHERFORD opening the show.
For more information, go to www.emptybottle.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.
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