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…
Pianist Jason Moran will commemorate the 90th anniversary of Thelonious Monk’s birthday with a series of events during October and November.
On October 27, Moran will debut “In My Mind: Monk at Town Hall, 1959” at Duke University in Durham, N.C., which is nearby Monk’s birthplace of Rocky Mount, N.C. The new piece will incorporate live performance by an eight-piece ensemble, video projections and recorded samples of Monk rehearsing. Moran will also take the project to George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 28, Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on Nov. 2 and Chicago’s Symphony Center on Nov. 16.
On Monk’s birthday, Oct. 10, Moran will participate in a conversation with critic Gary Giddins and then perform a solo concert at Elebash Recital Hall at City University of New York.
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…