Jul 29, 2025 12:53 PM
Camila Meza’s Celebration of Women
Camila Meza has been on a journey of self-discovery since the multifaceted vocalist, guitarist and composer first…
“All those female voices are choirs of women coming to heal the world from the imbalance of the masculine and feminine,” Meza says of her new album, Portal.
Jul 29, 2025 12:53 PM
Camila Meza has been on a journey of self-discovery since the multifaceted vocalist, guitarist and composer first…
Nicholas Payton looked very zen in this photo used for a feature in the January 2024 edition of DownBeat. His departure from Berklee College of Music was anything but.
Jul 29, 2025 12:45 PM
We live in divisive times. Earlier this year, we learned that the gifted composer, bandleader and trumpeter Nicholas…
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…
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones have announced dates for their Jingle All the Way tour.
Jul 22, 2025 10:57 AM
Looking for something cool to check out in the heat of a sweltering summer? Here are five upcoming tours and musical…
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…
“Tito’s charisma, along with the rhythmic interaction and melodic interaction — everything was so fine, so exquisite,” said percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo.
Jul 17, 2025 12:36 PM
When percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo speaks about Tito Puente, he spins out a flood of examples of his mentor’s…
“I’m always searching,” said Lewis. “The work never ends.”
Jul 17, 2025 12:32 PM
James Brandon Lewis is no stranger to the DownBeat Critics Poll. In 2023, the Brooklyn-based saxophonist received the…
“No matter how complex the source is, I still ask myself a question: Does it feel good?” says Brennan.
Jul 17, 2025 12:27 PM
You could pretty much see this one coming. If you were one of Patricia Brennan’s Facebook friends, her wall posts…
Isaiah Collier, the critics’ choice for Rising Star Group of the Year, Rising Star Tenor Saxophonist of the Year and Rising Star Flutist of the Year.
Jul 17, 2025 11:51 AM
We asked our participating critics to elaborate on several of this year’s honorees in the 73rd Annual DownBeat…
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…
