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 second Jazz at Sunset spring concert series, produced by the Monterey Jazz Festival organizers, will take place between March and May at the Sunset Center in Carmel, Calif. Performers this year are Ahmad Jamal, Regina Carter, Wayne Shorter and Poncho Sanchez.
Jamal and his trio, drummer Idris Mohammad and bassist James Cammack, will launch the series on March 23; Carter and her quintet with bassist Chris Lightcap, percussionist Mayra Casales and drummer Alvester Garnett perform on March 31; Shorter and his award-winning quartet of bassist John Patitucci, pianist Danilo Perez and drummer Brian Blade will perform on April 15; And Sanchez with the eight other instrumentalists in his Latin Jazz Band will close the series on May 7.
The Jazz at Sunset idea started in the 1950s when Monterey Festival founder Jimmy Lyons produced concert series at the Center in the years before the inaugural Monterey Festival. The Sunset was renovated and re-opened in 2003, and the Monterey Festival decided to give the series new life.
Tickets for the 2004 Jazz at Sunset concerts go on sale Feb. 2 and range from $20–$55 depending on seat location and performer. Packages range from $80-–$175.
For more information, call (925) 275-9255 or visit www.montereyjazzfestival.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…