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…
Charnett Moffett
(Photo: Courtesy of Motéma)Charnett Moffett’s silky bass lines come to the fore on his tune “Rejoice” from his new album, New Love. Check out the song’s premiere in the video link below.
“When you’re using the bass as a lead instrument — as a voice, to create melodies — and you have more space, the sound of the instrument can resonate more and be heard in a more complete way for its ‘new’ position,” Moffet said.
New Love features a pared-down crew of Jana Herzen on guitar and vocals, Corey Garcia and Malick Koly on drums and Irwin Hall on saxophones and flute. Moffett aimed to catch the spontaneous nature of jazz for the project by having band members learn the material at the recording sessions, with no prior rehearsals.
“He taught us the parts at the session,” Herzen said of Moffett. “Everything you hear becomes part of a high-level conversation.” 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…
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Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
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The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
