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…
Saxophonist Gary Smulyan has announced plans to release a new album, High Noon: The Jazz Soul Of Frankie Laine (Reservoir) on Jan. 28, 2009.
The album explores the work of vocalist and composer Frankie Laine, who died in February 2007. As a singer/songwriter, Laine released hit records like “Mule Train” and “Jezebel” in the ‘40s and ‘50s and sang the theme songs to the television series Rawhide and films like 3:10 To Yuma and Blazing Saddles in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Laine was also a prolific composer with more than 80 songs to his credit.
Smulyan worked with arranger Mark Masters of Los Angeles’ American Jazz Institute to select 10 songs that display the depth and sophistication of Laine’s music. Tunes include hits like “High Noon” and “That Lucky Old Sun,” along with Laine’s own compositions like “Baby, Baby All The Time,” “I’d Give My Life” and “We’ll Be Together Again.”
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…