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 fourth annual Panama Jazz Festival will be held in Panama City, Jan. 18–20, 2007. Along with festival organizer Danilo Perez, other featured acts include Nneena Feelon, Edmar Castaneda and Billy Cobham. Victor Paz will lead the Panamerican Big Band, which will bring together students from the New England Conservatory, Berklee College of Music and the University of Panama.
Next year’s festival honoree will be Panamanian vocalist Barbara Wilson, who died in June 2005. Perez called her, “the Billie Holiday of Panama.”
“Barbara’s life is the perfect example of the struggle that many great musicians live in Latin America,” Perez said. “She was able to bridge styles and genres with tremendous ease without losing her jazz sensibility. We hope that her tribute will serve as an inspiration for future generations.”
For more information go to: panamajazzfestival.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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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…
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The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
