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…
On March 14 and 15, Saint Peter’s Church in New York will feature a program dedicated entirely to Billy Strayhorn, “Prez Fest 2009: Celebrating Billy Strayhorn.” The festival begins with a listening session of Billy Strayhorn recordings on March 14 at 3 p.m. and continues on Sunday with a lecture on Billy Strayhorn, a show by the Jazz Vespers and a large concert. A variety of groups will perform Strayhorn’s music
Musicians who are already confirmed to perform at the Sunday evening concert are Randy Weston, Billy Taylor, Ron Blake, Darius deHaas, Jeb Patton, David Wong, Winard Harper, Valerie Capers, John Robinson, Rudy Lawless, Alan Givens, Michael Morris, Aaron Diehl, Gene Bertoncini, Sara Caswell, Alan Ferber Quartet, Jimmy Owens, Kenny Davis, Mike Howell, Sarah McLawler, Mike Hashim, Ehud Asheri and The Ellington Legacy Band (with Edward Ellington, Norman Simmons, Virginia Mayhew, Nancy Reed, Jami Dauber, Paul Wells, Tom David Hajdu, scholar and author of Lush Life: A Biography of Billy Strayhorn, will speak about Billy Strayhorn on Sunday at 4:00 PM with recorded music. Junior Mance and Hide Tanaka (piano/bass duo) will lead the music at Jazz Vespers at 5:00 PM.
An exhibit of Billy Strayhorn memorabilia will also be a part of the tribute.
More info: saintpeters.org/jazz
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…