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…
Composer Tom Harrell’s new studio album, Wise Children, hit stores Sept. 9 on Arista’s Bluebird label with 10 new, original compositions.
The 20th recording from the trumpeter and flugelhornist once again brings together his quintet of tenor saxophonist/flutist Jimmy Greene, pianist Xavier Davis, bassist Ugonna Okego and drummer Quincy Davis. The album also features guest vocalists Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Claudia Acuña and Jane Monheit and guest instrumentalists Howard Johnson, Café and Reuben Rodgers, among others.
“Every time I record a new album , I try to make it different from what I’ve done in the past,” Harrell said of his vocal follow-up to 2002’s Live At The Village Vanguard. “Everything is in flux. It’s like…surrealism: The minute you feel you’ve got a grip on life, it’s already slipped away and changed into something else. You can’t do the same thing over and over again.”
For more information, go to www.bluebirdjazz.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…
