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 Venezuelan-based Cacao Musica jazz and Latin music label will being selling its titles in North American stores on Nov. 27. Venezuelan broadcaster Omar Jeanton formed the label in a partnership with New York Yankees player Bobby Abreu.
“Cacao’s mission is to produce and market internationally an eclectic catalog of CDs and DVDs spanning diverse musical genres and styles, including jazz, Latin-jazz, fusion, Afro-Latin, Afro-Venezuelan, pop and folk,” Jeanton said. “Venezuela is home to some of the greatest musicians in the world and they are finally starting to appear on the world stage.”
The first set of Cacao releases include drummer Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez’s Italuba II , vibraphonist Alfredo Naranjo’s Alfredo Naranjo Y El Guajeo and percussionist Changuito’s Telegrafia Sin Hilo .
For more information go to cacaomusica.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…
