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…
Heads Up announced Monday the signing of an exclusive recording agreement with Fourplay, the contemporary jazz quartet. Fourplay will make its Heads Up debut with a yet-to-be-titled album scheduled for release in summer 2008.
The band is scheduled to perform at an after-show party following the Grammy Award ceremonies at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 10. Fourplay’s after-show performance is scheduled for the Jazz Lounge in the west hall of the Staples Center.
Fourplay, whose current lineup consists of keyboardist Bob James, bassist Nathan East, guitarist Larry Carlton and drummer Harvey Mason, has combined elements of r&b and pop to their jazz foundations. In a span of seventeen years and ten albums, the quartet has continued to explore the dimensions and permutations of jazz while at the same time appealing to a broad mainstream audience.
East sees independent labels like Heads Up as the place to be, given the current record industry climate. “While the major labels are trying to keep the record business alive, the indies are doing a better job at keeping the music business alive,” East said. “The independents seem to be able to offer a more hands-on approach than the majors, which is definitely a benefit to the artist.”
More info: headsup.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…
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