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…
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation will present a new festival later this month on the city’s storied Congo Square.
The inaugural Congo Square Rhythms Festival on Sept. 30 will feature a lineup of Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, and African drum and dance performances, as well as a special mass featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama.
The festival will pay tribute to the square’s significant past as a birthplace of sorts for new African-American art forms. The festivities include a mass at St. Augustine Church (1210 Governor Nicholls St.), a procession to the square and two stages of free music throughout the day.
For more information about the festival, visit jazzandheritage.org/congosquare.
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…
