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…
Grammy nominations for the 50th annual awards presentation were announced today in Los Angeles. Herbie Hancock’s River: The Joni Letters (Verve) was nominated for album of the year and best contemporary jazz album, as well as best jazz instrumental solo for “Both Sides Now.” Hancock’s competition in the jazz instrumental category include Will Bernard’s Party Hats (Palmetto), Downright Upright (Artistry) by Brian Bromberg, Re-imagination (Masterworks Jazz) from Eldar and Jeff Lorber’s He Had A Hat (Blue Note).
Recipient of a five-star DB album review, Maria Schneider Orchestra’s Sky Blue (Artistshare) was nominated for best large jazz ensemble album.
Dee Dee Bridgewater received a nomination for best jazz vocal album for Red Earth-A Malian Journey (DDB/EmArcy). The category features some tough competition with other nominees including Kurt Elling’s Nightmoves (Concord), Freddy Cole’s Music Maestro Please (HighNote), Best traditional blues album nominations went to, among others, Koko Taylor for Old School (Alligator), Otis Rush and Pinetop Perkins. Bettye LaVette’s The Scene Of The Crime (Anti) was nominated for best contemporary blues album.
The 50th annual Grammy Awards will take place Feb. 10 in Los Angeles.
More info: grammy.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…
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