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 Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band will perform at the University of Southern California’s Bovard Auditorium on April 16. Architects of a musical hybrid that combines Afro-Cuban rhythms with bebop, the octet maintains the traditions pioneered by Machito, Tito Puente and Dizzy Gillespie.
Exploring traditional salsa and Cuban music, the band includes conguero Sanchez, Scott Martin (alto, tenor saxophones, background vocals); Stan Martin (trumpet); Alex Henderson (trombone); Ruben Estrada (vibraphone); David Torres (piano); Tony Banda (bass, background vocals); and Jose “Papo” Rodriguez (percussion).
More info: usc.edu/spectrum
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…
