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…
Sonic Portraits Entertainment, a new independent label producing recordings in various jazz-oriented genres, will debut this month with its first release and performances at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, May 26–28.
The label, founded by Robert Irving III and Terri Lyne Carrington, calls itself artist-friendly because it was founded on the proposition that the most interesting recordings will be made when they are artist-directed.
Each project will be artist-directed in order to support the artists’ vision and concept and enable the artist to attain a standard of excellence beyond the expected industry standard.
The label’s first release is Irving’s New Momentum. Irving, a keyboardist, is accompanied on the album by Buster Williams and Marlene Rosenberg on bass, and Yusef Ernie Adams on drums.
Carrington will perform at the Atlanta Jazz Festival May 26.
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…
