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…
Jazz Record Mart has closed after more than 50 years of busines.
(Photo: Courtesy of Jazz Record Mart)Chicago’s Jazz Record Mart, the self-proclaimed “Largest Jazz and Blues Record Store,” has closed after more than 50 years of business, according to manager Kent Richmond.
The store’s final day of operation was Monday, Feb. 15, the same day the company was sold to the Nevada-based Wolfgang’s Vaults, a private company specializing in the sale of music memorabilia.
Jazz Record Mart was owned and operated by Bob Koester, who opened the store at its previous location at the intersection of State and Grand Street in downtown Chicago in 1962. The store specialized in jazz, blues, r&b, gospel and international music, and carried tens of thousands of LPs, CDs, cassettes, books and magazines.
On Monday, Koester told the Chicago Tribune that rising rents influenced his decision to sell the store. The company announced that it was closing on its website.
Koester also runs Delmark Records, one of the oldest independently operated record labels in the country. Koester plans to keep the label in business despite the store’s closure.
For more information on the store’s history, visit jazzrecordmart.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…