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…
Jack Schantz is stepping down as artistic director of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra to pursue other artistic and personal interests. Schantz, who has served as artistic director for 15 years, will stay with the CJO through the 2008-2009 season if the the orchestra is unable to find a successor.
The trumpet and flugelhorn player also serves as the coordinator of jazz studies at the University of Akron. The move, Schantz explained, will allow him to perform in more intimate settings with the avant-garde group the Cleveland Jazz Unit.
Schantz suggested that his greatest joy in leading the CJO consisted in collaborating with the best players in jazz, both on stage and as guests. He hopes that his successor is someone with an international reputation who can catapult the CJO into the top ranks of global jazz bands.
“I think I’d like to see the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra play a more prominent role on the national, maybe even the international, level,” Schantz said.
More info: clevelandjazz.org
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…
