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…
Verve will release Lost And Found, soul singer Ledisi’s major-label debut, on Aug. 28. The album follows her two self-produced and independently released CDs—2000’s Soulsinger and 2003’s Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue.
Prior to recording Lost And Found, Ledisi moved from her home in Oakland, Calif., to New York, where she played a pivotal role in inspiring characters and musical compositions during the development of Oprah Winfrey’s stage adaptation of The Color Purple. More recently, she performed “Blues In The Night” as part of the PBS special “We All Love Ella,” a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. Ledisi’s cover of “Blues In The Night” was previously recorded for the show’s companion CD, released in June.
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…
