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…
Icons from the world of rock, blues, reggae, pop and country music have joined together to salute legendary piano man Fats Domino for the upcoming double CD Goin’ Home: A Tribute To Fats Domino.
The roster of musicians contributing their interpretations of classic Fats Domino songs includes Herbie Hancock (“I’m Gonna Be A Wheel”), Paul McCartney (“I Want To Walk You Home”), Tom Petty (“I’m Walkin’”), Robert Plant (“It Keeps Rainin’”), Willie Nelson (“I Hear You Knockin’”), B.B. King (“Goin’ Home”) and Norah Jones (“My Blue Heaven”). The release will also feature John Lennon’s version of Fats’ most popular song, “Ain’t That A Shame.”
The album is set for a Sept. 25 release on Vanguard Records. The tribute will help raise funds specifically earmarked for instruments to be donated to New Orleans’ public school children. Monies raised will also go toward rebuilding Fats Domino’s home and creating a community center in the Crescent City’s still ravaged Lower 9th Ward.
The Tipitina’s Foundation, a non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving the cultural legacy of New Orleans through music education for youth and providing programs that support working musicians of New Orleans and the Gulf Region, conceived and executive produced Goin’ Home. For more information about the album, see tipitinasfoundation.org.
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…