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…
Vibraphonist Stefon Harris’ seventh album as leader, Urbanus (Concord), is set for an Aug. 25 release. It will be his debut for the label.
Keyboardist Marc Cary and saxophonist Casey Benjamin are part of Harris’ core group, and the disc also features his new arrangements for strings and woodwinds.
“One of the biggest indicators of our growth as a band is the level of contribution from all the members of the ensemble,” Harris said. “The music not only incorporates all of our writing but everyone’s cultural backgrounds as well.”
New compositions include the ballad “For You” and “Gone,” which features go-go polyrhythms. Harris’ group also covers Stevie Wonder’s “They Won’t Go (When I Go).”
For more info go to concordrecords.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…
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Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
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The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
