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…
New Orleans’ most celebrated jazz family led by the patriarch, Ellis Marsalis recently concluded their first-ever tour in support of the album and PBS special, The Marsalis Family: A Jazz Celebration. The April 15 DVD release furthers the celebration and features all of the music-making Marsalises—father Ellis on piano and sons Branford (tenor and soprano saxophones), Delfeayo (trombone) Jason (drums), and Wynton (trumpet)—along with bassist Roland Guerin and a special guest appearance by
Harry Connick Jr.
Ellis, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason will make a special Father’s Day performance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC, Monday, June 9. On June 5, “Jazz Set,” hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater, will feature selections from the live recording of the sold-out March 2 concert held at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.
Marsalis Music’s premier DVD release showcases two generations of jazz and captures the essence of the family’s historic August 4, 2001, New Orleans concert, with bonus performance and exclusive interview footage added (including “Caravan,” “Limehouse Blues” and “The Party’s Over,” only on DVD). The entire DVD also features Dolby 5.1 Video/Audio surround sound. Harry Connick, Jr, perhaps Ellis’ most prominent former student, stated that. “I’ve played for presidents and queens and every other thing—nothing made me feel better than seeing my name up there with the Marsalis.”
Delfeayo added that the concert “Was an accurate representation of our family collectively and individually—who we are as people and where we are as musicians.”
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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“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…