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 modern funk band Soulive is marking its 10th anniversary with a new album, Up Here , which is being released on April 14 on its own label, Royal Family Records.
The label will market and distribute all Soulive recordings as well as numerous affiliated projects such as the hard funk outfit Lettuce, guitarist Eric Krasno’s soul project Chapter 2 and brothers drummer Alan and keyboardist Neal Evans’ solo records. The label will also sign and develop emerging talent. The first artist to join up is soul singer Nigel Hall, who will release an EP this spring and join the band on the road.
Soulive’s tour begins at Peral Street in Northampton, Mass. on April 15 and will continue across the United States through May 17 with a concert at the House of Blues in San Diego, Calif. Other stops include Magic Bag in Detroit on April 25, Chicago’s Double Door on April 26, Nuemo’s in Seattle, Wash., on May 9 and Los Angeles’ The Key Club on May 16.
Details: velourmusic.com
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…