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…
Tierney Sutton, right, and Serge Merlaud.
(Photo: Courtesy Tierney Sutton)Vocalist Tierney Sutton has released a beautiful new ballad, “I Knew I Loved You.” It’s the first single from Paris Sessions II, Sutton’s new album due out this spring. Written by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman and Ennio Morricone, it is a nearly forgotten chestnut featuring Sutton’s silky vocals with guitarist Serge Merlaud and NEA Jazz Master flutist Hubert Laws.
“No two words evoke musical romance more than ‘Morricone’ and ‘Bergman,’” Sutton said. “This track marries two of Ennio Morricone’s best-loved themes. The first, from Cinema Paradiso, has been widely recorded. The second, ‘Deborah’s Theme’ from 1984’s Once Upon A Time In America, is also widely beloved, yet the song based on the theme, created at the request of Quincy Jones, has been inexplicably overlooked.”
You can now hear, and view, the song here. DB
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…