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…
Jane Bunnett (second from left) leads Maqueque through 12 tracks on On Firm Ground/Tierra Firme.
(Photo: Lauren Deutsch)Janne Bunnett and Maqueque are set to follow-up 2016’s Oddara with On Firm Ground/Terra Firme, scheduled for release on Sept. 6 through the Linus imprint.
The Canadian bandleader helms the six-piece troupe on a dozen tracks that incorporate ideas from the jazzworld and the vast well of Cuban music. Vocalist Daymé Arocena returns to fold and offers up “Mysteries Of Jane’s House,” but on Bunnett’s “Monkey See, Monkey Do” another one-time singer with the group, Melvis Santa, takes the mic. The song debuts below.
Come for the group interplay and positive message, but stay for the mesmeric drumming of Yissy García on traps and Mary Paz on percussion.
For additional information about the album, visit the Linus Entertainment homepage. 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.
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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…
