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…
Alto saxophonist Frank Morgan died at age 73 of complications from colon cancer at his Minneapolis home on Dec. 14. Morgan will be remembered at a memorial service Dec. 23, at the Artists’ Quarter in St. Paul, Minn.
He was born in Minneapolis and returned there in 2005 to live with his cousin Melanie Taylor and her husband Lance Taylor. The event will include brief remembrances from his family members and Twin Cities jazz community members, followed by the music of tenor saxophonist Irv Williams and other Twin Cities jazz musicians. Dec. 23 would have been Morgan’s 74th birthday. The memorial service is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
More info: artistsquarter.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.
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…
