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…
Acoustic guitarist Earl Klugh will release the ensemble recording The Spice Of Life April 29 on Koch Records. The album is Klugh’s first full-production release in nine years, and is the follow-up to his 2005 solo disc, Naked Guitar, which garnered Klugh his eleventh career Grammy nomination.
This collection was inspired by the music of Klugh’s life and includes original compositions “Ocean Blue,” “Driftin’,” “Sleepyhead” and “Snap!”
“One of the solo pieces I wrote is directly in the style of Antonio Lauro, a classical guitarist and composer from Venezuela,” Klugh said. “When I was young, there wasn’t a lot of sheet music for classical guitar. Antonio’s waltzes were some of the first transcriptions I ever had. I wrote and named the piece ‘Venezuelan Nights’ in honor of Antonio.”
Klugh will present his 5th Annual Weekend of Jazz April 3 at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., joining Ramsey Lewis, Boney James, Mindi Abair and Sophie Milman.
More info: kochrecords.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…
