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…
The Wayne Escoffery/Jeremy Pelt Quartet kicked off the spring outdoor series on April 4.
(Photo: Jimmy & Dena Katz)Giant Step Arts and Keyed Up! have launched a spring performance series called “Walk With The Wind” honoring politician, statesman and civil rights activist John Lewis.
The concerts, which take place at pop-up locations in Central Park in New York, have served as a way for jazz musicians to perform live — safely — outdoors. When the pandemic hit, Jimmy and Dena Katz, photographers and founders of the not-for-profit Giant Step Arts, looked for a way to help the jazz community they have been documenting for decades.
Last fall, they launched the series to glowing reviews for the music and the mission with acts including the Leap Day Trio (drummer Matt Wilson, bassist Mimi Jones and saxophonist Jeff Lederer), the Joel Ross Quartet, drummer Nasheet Waits with saxophonist Mark Turner and bassist Rashaan Carter, and Chris Potter with Waits and bassist Joe Martin.
The spring season kicked off April 4 with the Wayne Escoffery/Jeremy Pelt Quartet. Twelve other shows have been booked:
April 10: William Parker Trio, Robert Lotreck Quartet
April 11: Melissa Aldana Trio with Pablo Maneras and Kush Abadey, Steve Slagle Trio, Robert Lotreck Quartet
April 17: Chris Potter Trio with Joe Martin and Nasheet Waits.
April 18: Antonio Sanchez Trio with Donny McCaslin and Matt Brewer.
April 24: Marquis Hill Quartet
April 25: Michael Thomas Quartet
May 1: James Brandon Lewis, Freed Style Free Trio, Aaron Burnett Quartet
May 8: Marika Hughes: The New String Quartet
May 15: Jason Palmer Quartet
May 23: Jonathan Blake Trio, Nasheet Waits Quartet
May 29: Abraham Burton Trio
May 31: Jason Palmer Quartet
To learn more, find the location for each show or to donate, go to giantsteparts.org. DB
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…
