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 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation is launching Sync Up, an initiative to connect the independent musicians of Louisiana with professional music buyers from around the world who will be in New Orleans for Jazz Fest.
The project is the result of a partnership between the foundation and three agencies of the Louisiana state government: Louisiana Economic Development, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
“We have long known that many music business people from around the world come to Jazz Fest,” said Don Marshall, the Foundation’s executive director. “For us, the goal is to find the right way to leverage the festival’s impact for the benefit of the local music industry–especially our performing artists.”
Sync Up’s goal is to connect independent artists with festival promoters, who hire bands for well-paying live performances, and music supervisors, who select music to be licensed for use in films, TV shows, commercials, videogames and other visual media.
For festival promoters, the foundation will host a series of breakfasts on both Jazz Fest weekends that will feature panel discussions with visiting festival buyers, digital media distributors and others.
More info: jazzandheritage.org/syncup
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.
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Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
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“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
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At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
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The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
