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 14th annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival will be held May 14–16 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Dee Dee Bridgewater will host the event, which will also include performances from Esperanza Spalding, Anat Cohen, Janis Siegel, Anne Drummond, Carmen Lundy and the Maria Scheinder Orchestra. Along with ticketed events at the Terrace Theater, the festival will include free performances on the Millennium Stage, including the winners of this year’s Mary Lou Williams Competition, which focused on pianists. Williams’ biographer Tammy Kernodle and pianist and pianist Deanna Witkowski present a program of discussion devoted to the her sacred jazz works.
More info: kennedy-center.org
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…
