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…
“His music will live on forever,” the Onaje Allan Gumbs & Sandra Gumbs Community JazzArts Foundation said in a statement.
(Photo: Courtesy of the Onaje Allan Gumbs & Sandra Gumbs Community JazzArts Foundation)On July 5, a street sign co-named Onaje Allan Gumbs Way was erected at the intersection of De Kruif Place and Dreiser Loop in the Bronx, New York, where Gumbs lived. A pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger and educator who performed in jazz, R&B, pop and others genres for nearly five decades, Gumbs worked with a wide range of musicians — from Norman Connors and Phyliss Hyman to Kenny Burrell and Kurtis Blow. He died in June 2021.
New York City Councilman Kevin C. Riley, along with the staff of the Onaje Allan Gumbs & Sandra Gumbs Community JazzArts Foundation, officiated the ceremony. Many guest speakers and notable musicians were also in attendance.
“The foundation is happy to announce the street co-naming of Onaje Allan Gumbs,” it said in a statement. “We are all the better for Onaje’s contribution to music. His music will live on forever.” 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…
