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…
Filmmaker Bret Primack has produced new podcasts available through his site and iTunes. The new installments are part of the Orrin Keepnews series featuring the work of Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans and Thelonious Monk.
Keepnews discusses producing Adderley’s third live recording, The Cannonball Adderley Sextet in New York, in the podcast. In addition to the record producer’s memories of his friend and his live date at the Village Vanguard, this podcast includes video of a 1958 Adderley interview where he recalls hearing Charlie Parker, and a performance clip from his 1963 sextet.
Keepnews worked closely with Evans, producing the pianist’s first recordings when he arrived in New York in the mid-’50s for Riverside Records. This episode, “Portrait Of Bill,” features Portrait In Jazz, Evans’ first recording with his own trio and includes 1958 video of the pianist playing George Russell’s “Billy The Kid.”
“Thelonious Monk, Town Hall Concert, Part 2” captures Monk’s 1959 Town Hall Concert. Before the concert, Keepnews explained to Monk a series of signals they would use so that between numbers, Monk would wait and make sure the tape was running. But in performance, things ran amok.
More info: jazzvideoguy.tv
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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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…