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…
On Monday, June 9, guitar legend Les Paul will celebrate his 88th birthday at his long time New York City home The Iridium Jazz Club. The club is at 1650 Broadway.
To help Paul celebrate special guests Al DiMeola, Russell Malone, Pat Martino, Bucky Pizzarelli, Jon Paris and many more surprise guests will be in the house.
Paul is a living legend and an icon of the music world. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, received multiple Grammy Awards, pioneered the modern electric guitar and invented numerous recording techniques. Les has influenced countless musicians and guitarists and is hailed as “The Father Of The Electric Guitar”.
Paul’s regular Monday night appearances at The Iridium Jazz Club since April 1995 attract devoted fans from all over the world. Musicians like Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Tony Bennett, Steve Miller, George Benson, Pat Metheny, Jeff Beck, Slash and countless others come to pay homage. By far, this is the music industry’s most important regular music gig in NYC. This past April Les was honored by the New School University’s Jazz Program with their annual Beacons In Jazz Award.
For details, go to www.iridiumjazzclub.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.
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…
