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…
BMG’s adult music division, The RCA Victor Group, has signed the contemporary instrumental supergroup Fourplay to the Bluebird label. Fourplay—Bob James (keyboards), Nathan East (bass), Harvey Mason (drums) and Larry Carlton (guitar)—are currently recording a new album to be released in summer 2002 and followed by a world tour.
Together and individually, Fourplay have been at the top of the pop, rock and jazz charts for the past three decades, earning an international reputation as “America’s Contemporary Jazz Supergroup.” The group’s members have collaborated with such artists as John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Seal, Babyface and Steely Dan, among many others.
“Bob, Harvey, Nathan and Larry are four of the most dazzling musicians we’ve ever had the privilege of working with,” commented David Weyner, Executive Vice President, General Manager of The RCA Victor Group. “Fourplay are a musical franchise and global market leaders who we are delighted to welcome to the Bluebird family. Everyone at BMG and RCA Victor Group look forward to a long creative and commercial future with our friends in Fourplay.”
For e-mail updates and information regarding Bluebird artists, promotions, tours, and repertoire, visit www.bluebirdjazz.com.
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.
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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.
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Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
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The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
Jordan was a dyed-in-the-wool bebopper whose formative musical experiences were with Charlie Parker.
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Sheila Jordan, a vocalist who was celebrated for her scatting and lyric-improvising abilities, died Aug. 11 at her home…
