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…
Hal Gaba, who, along with Norman Lear helped to build Concord Records from a small independent jazz label to one of the largest independent record labels in the world, died at his Los Angeles home on March 9 of prostate cancer. He was 63.
Gaba and Lear bought Concord Records in 1999, and immediately began to expand the company. From the purchase of Fantasy Records and Telarc to the company’s partnership with Starbuck’s that led to releases such as the Grammy winning Ray Charles album Genius Loves Company—in addition to a devotion to signing and promotion jazz artists at a time when few companies are—Concord became the preeminent label in jazz.
“A life-long passion, knowledge and commitment to popular music and film formed the basis of the close friendships he developed with many of the artists and colleagues he worked with and admired, always making sure that the artists’ creativity and careers were properly in the spotlight,” wrote Joel Amsterdam, Concord vice president of publicity, on Concord’s web site. “His genuine love, appreciation and generosity sustained those relationships throughout his life.”
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…