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…
From Nov. 1-5, Chicago will burst with improvised music as the second annual Umbrella Festival features local improvising musicians as well as artists from all around the globe. The event will culminate on Nov. 5 at the Chicago Cultural Center with a series of concerts under the banner “European Jazz Meets Chicago.” The festival is presented by Umbrella Music, a group of Chicago-based musicians and presenters who are working together to provide concert opportunities for creative and improvising musicians.
Concerts take place at venues such as Elastic, the Hideout, Velvet Lounge and Hungry Brain. Artists scheduled to perform include Peter Evans, Cor Fuhler/Jim Baker Duo, Frequency, Mat Maneri/Randy Peterson Duo, Loose Assembly, Jeb Bishop, Sabir Mateen, Dave Rempis, Rudi Mahall, Ari Brown, Gianluca Petrella, Axel Dorner, Fred Lonberg-Holm, Wolfgang Seligo, Eric Boeren and Irene Schweitzer.
For more information about the festival, visit umbrellamusic.org/2007fest.html.
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…
