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…
Jacksonville, Fla. has announced the lineup for the 2008 Jacksonville Jazz Festival to be held April 11–13.
“The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is one of the city’s signature events,” said Mayor John Peyton. “It gives us a chance to listen to great music and show off our city to attendees who travel here from throughout the country.”
Artists scheduled to perform include Benny Golson, Rufus Reid, Terence Blanchard, Poncho Sanchez, Dave Koz and Norman Brown.
Metropolitan Park will be the site of Art At The Met, an art show and sale featuring artists and craftspeople and 38° Latitude: A Wine Tasting Experience.
Also on April 11, the Jacksonville Jazz Piano competition will continue. Five finalists, chosen by a selection committee through blind judging, will compete for this award. The first-place winner will receive a prize of $3,500 and will perform at the 2008 Jacksonville Jazz Festival the following day at Metropolitan Park. A rhythm section will accompany the five finalists during the piano competition with Danny Gottlieb on drums.
The ‘Round Midnight Jazz Jam at the Jacksonville Marriott on April 12 is free to the public. Jazz fans are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam with festival performers.
More info: jaxjazzfest.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.
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Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
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“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
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At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
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The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
