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…
MARKHAM, ONTARIO—The Markham Jazz Festival runs from August 17–August 19, featuring Canadian pianist Oliver Jones at its 10th Anniversary Gala.
Returning to Markham after performing at the city’s inaugural jazz festival, Jones is one of Canada’s most well-regarded jazz musicians, with a career that spans six decades. The gala concert will take place at the Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery on August 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $60.
Festival events take place about 30 minutes north of downtown Toronto. The main stage events are located at the Millennium Bandstand and the Varley Patio on Unionville Village’s Main Street, and at the Markham Heritage Museum. To complement the Main Stage events, a variety of venues in Unionville and Markham will present jazz artists in a street festival and concert environment. The theme for this year’s festival is “Servin’ Up Jazz for the Past 10 Years.”
For more information, see markhamjazzfestival.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.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
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“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…
