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 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, is in currently full swing. The University of Idaho is home to the Lionel Hampton School of Music. Approximately 18,000 junior high, high school and college students are expected to attend the festival this year, running from Feb. 20-23, which features student competitions and masterclasses during the day and all-star concerts during the evening.
Some of the artists performing at this year’s festival include: John Pizzarelli, Roy Hargrove, Freddy Cole, Jane Monheit, Slide Hampton, Howard Johnson, Lou Rawls, David “Fathead” Newman, Ray Brown, Robin Eubanks and Claudio Roditi.
Vibes legend Hampton attends the festival every year, and he’s there once again this year. The last night of the festival he is scheduled to lead his New York Big Band through a performance. In addition, the entire festival this year is a tribute to Hampton and his musical and educational legacy.
For more information on the festival, go to www.jazz.uidaho.edu/home.html.
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…
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Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
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The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
