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…
Oscar Peterson Trio’s On A Clear Day–Live in Zurich, 1971 (Mack Avenue)
(Photo: RSD)Every year, while shoppers rush out for deals at big box stores after Thanksgiving, a smaller contingent files out for Record Store Day Black Friday — though things are likely get just as heated among those lining up for these tasty new platters as, say, those looking for a hot deal on a giant TV. DownBeat has scrubbed the RSD Black Friday list and presents the best of it — from jazz, blues and beyond — below. Good luck snagging these!
• Mose Allison
Live 1978 (Liberation Hall)
• Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Cheek To Cheek: Live! (Streamline/Interscope)
• Big Bill Broonzy
Live In Amsterdam, 1953 (Liberation Hall)
• Larry Coryell
Coryell (Culture Factory USA)
• Ahmad Jamal
Emerald City Nights: Live At The Penthouse (1963–1964), Emerald City Nights: Live At The Penthouse (1965–1966) (Deep Digs/The Jazz Detective)
• Etta James
Etta Is Betta Than Evvah! (Anagram)
• Skip James
The Complete 1931 Session (ORG Music)
• Lonnie Mack with Stevie Ray Vaughan
Strike Like Lightning (Alligator)
• Charles Mingus
Mingus (Candid)
• Thelonious Monk
The Classic Quartet (Candid)
• Jaco Pastorius
Truth, Liberty & Soul–Live In NYC: The Complete 1982 NPR Jazz Alive! Recording (Resonance)
• Oscar Peterson Trio
On A Clear Day–Live in Zurich, 1971 (Mack Avenue)
• Pucho and His Latin Soul Brothers
Super Freak (Ubiquity Records)
recordstoreday.com/NewsItem/10387
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…
“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…
