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…
Steve Davis Meets Hank Jones, Vol. 1 on Smoke Sessions Records.
(Photo: Courtesy Smoke Sessions)Smoke Sessions Records has expanded its growing list of vinyl offerings. In addition to the mammoth five-LP box of guitarist Peter Bernstein (see Boxed Sets article), the label has recently released three other vinyl gems.
Steve Davis
Steve Davis Meets Hank Jones, Vol. 1
When trombonist Steve Davis met pianist Hank Jones with bassist Peter Washington in June of 2008, the recording was never released. Well, here it is now on vinyl, an intimate trio date where the elder statesmen and the younger generation beautifully glide through the American Songbook.
Eddie Henderson
Witness To History
The trumpet icon celebrates the 50th anniversary of his debut recording with a new set that features pianist George Cables, saxophonist Donald Harrison, bassist Gerald Cannon and drummers Lenny White and Mike Clark. At the age of 83, Henderson uses the opportunity to look back at his prodigious career and tip his hat to a documentary about his life that’s coming out in 2024. This is being offered as a limited pressing of 500 pieces, so get ‘em while they’re hot!
Hays Street Hart
Bridges
This trio of Kevin Hays on piano, Ben Street on bass and Billy Hart on drums came together in December 2020 as a performance in honor of drummer Hart’s 80th birthday. The venue: New York’s Smoke Jazz & Supper Club; the time: smack dab in the middle of the pandemic. So, it was streamed with no audience, but became the trio’s 2021 debut, All Things Are. Spin ahead two years and the group regrouped for a second, and that recording is now available on vinyl. The trio melds styles, generations and times to deliver music for now.
Click here to read this article in the December 2023 issue.
Check out all of DownBeat’s Holiday Gift Guide here! DB
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…
