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 University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) and Jazz St. Louis will team up for the Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival (GSLJF). The fest will bring jazz masters together April 16–19 with regional students and public audiences for four days at two different venues.
UMSL Jazz Studies Director Jim Widner and guest artists clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, trumpeter Wayne Bergeron, trombonist Paul McKee, and the Shelly Berg Trio with saxophonist Tom Scott, drummer Gregg Field, bassist Chuck Berghofer and the UMSL Jazz Ensemble will participate in the event.
Daytime performances are free and evening programs range from $10–$25.
This festival provides daytime opportunities for more than 750 students from elementary school through college to participate in adjudicated performances. Experienced adjudicators make written comments during their shows and meet with the large ensembles immediately following for a clinic to review their performance and offer suggestions for improvement.
More info: gsljazzfest.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…