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…
Mack Avenue Records announced today the acquisition of Los Angeles-based Artistry Music Group, a label co-founded by industry executives Denny Stilwell and Lucille Hunt, jazz musician/producer Brian Bromberg and singer/producer Rahsaan Patterson.
Under the new agreement, Artistry Music will remain an imprint of Mack Avenue and will continue its emphasis on music spanning urban adult contemporary, smooth and contemporary jazz. Stilwell has been named president of Mack Avenue Records, reporting to CEO Tom Robinson. Mack Avenue Records is owned by Detroit-based businesswoman, Gretchen Valade.
Artistry Music’s recent releases include Bromberg’s Downright Upright, Alan Broadbent’s Round Midnight and Patterson’s Wines And Spirits.
Bromberg and Patterson will continue to release albums on the Artistry Music imprint. The company will continue to distribute the Los Angeles-based jazz label, Cryptogramophone Records.
Mack Avenue will begin its second decade of operations in 2008 with upcoming releases by multi-reed and “Saturday Night Live” band instrumentalist Ron Blake (Jan. 29) and guitarist Stanley Jordan (April 22). The label recently released albums by Sean Jones, Sachal Vasandani, Gerald Wilson, Rodney Whitaker, Carl Allen and Tia Fuller.
More Info: www.mackavenue.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…
