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…
Acclaimed Chicago filmmaker Daniel Kraus has announced that his newest documentary, Musician—a profile of one of the world’s hardest working jazz figures, saxophonist Ken Vandermark—will have its world premiere at the Two Boots Pioneer Theater in New York City, Sept. 5-11 at 9 p.m. Vandermark will perform a rare solo set of music before each screening.
Musician is the second entry into Kraus’ nascent “Work Series” (workseries.com), a series of cinéma vérité documentaries about working in America. After a successful film festival and theatrical run, the first movie, Sheriff, became the 2006 season premiere of the Emmy award-winning PBS series “Independent Lens.”
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…
