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…
Saxophonist John Ellis will tour the West Coast in October to promote his recent disc, By A Thread (Hyena). Ellis’ group features guitarist Mike Moreno, bassist Alan Hampton and drummer Derrek Phillips. Pianist Aaron Parks will join the band for its appearances at Yoshi’s in Oakland, Calif., on Oct. 18 and Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, Calif., the following day.
Along with the Yoshi’s and Kuumbwa concerts, Ellis’ band will perform at The Tractor Tavern in Seattle on Oct. 11, JazzBones in Tacoma, Wash., on Oct. 12, The Upstage in Port Townsend, Wash., on Oct. 13, The Goodfoot Lounge in Portland, Ore., on Oct. 14, Sam Bond’s Garage in Eugene, Ore., on Oct. 15, The Mobius in Ashland, Ore., on Oct. 16, Six Rivers Brewery in McKinleyville, Calif., on Oct. 17, California State University–Fullerton in Fullerton, Calif., on Oct. 20, Knitting Factory AltKnit in Los Angeles on Oct. 21 and Dizzy’s in San Diego, Calif., on Oct. 22.
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…
