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…
Sal Mosca, a jazz pianist who played with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan, passed away of complications from emphysema on July 28 in White Plains, N.Y. He was 80.
His recording career included cool jazz dates such as “Ezz-thetic,” with Miles Davis, and “Subconscious-Lee,” with saxophonist Lee Konitz. Since the ‘80s, Mosca has rarely performed or recorded, focusing instead on disciplined practicing and teaching.
“Perhaps more so than his music, Sal’s values for living affected everyone who knew him,” reads a requiem posted on his web site, salmosca.com. “Those who knew Sal only from appreciation of his music surely were able to glean the depth of his commitment to purity and the integrity he brought to everything he produced.”
Mosca is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.
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…
