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…
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival has announced details for “A Tribute to Armando Peraza,” set to take place September 1 at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco.
Sponsored by Latin Percussion, the tribute concert will feature many of today’s top percussionists, who cite Armando among their biggest influences. The lineup includes John Santos, Michael Spiro, Karl Perazzo, Edgardo Cambón and Carol Steele with “Fito” Reinoso.
Born in Havana in 1924, Peraza is considered one of the world’s best percussionists—a master of both the conga and bongos. He is well-known through his long associations with jazz pianist George Shearing, vibraphonist Cal Tjader and guitarist Carlos Santana.
For more information, visit ybgf.org.
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…
