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 Portland Jazz Festival will present numerous free performances throughout Portland, February 13-22. Performances will take place at venues that include The Art Bar at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Rogue Ales Public House, West Café and Dragon Fish at the Paramount Hotel. The ongoing PDX Jazz @ RiverPlace series at the RiverPlace Hotel will also present Portland vocalist Rebecca Kilgore, saxophonist Devin Phillips and pianist/vocalist Dave Frishberg.
The festival will also include late-night jam sessions hosted by members of the Portland Jazz Orchestra at various venues. Along with all performances, the jam sessions will be free and open to the public.
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records, all Portland Jazz Festival ticketed concerts will feature current and past Blue Note artists. A package of Blue Note anniversary events will include performances, plus Jazz Conversations with Blue Note officials and artists, panel discussions with jazz writers and journalists, and archival Blue Note film screenings. Current Blue Note artists Terence Blanchard, Joe Lovano, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves and Patricia Barber will headline the 10-day event, which will also feature Blue Note heritage artists McCoy Tyner, Bobby Hutcherson, Lou Donaldson and Pat Martino.
More info: pdxjazz.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.
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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.
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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.
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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…
