Bebop Spoken Here’s Faves Score in Downbeat Poll

(Comments by Russell).

Some familiar names to readers of Bebop Spoken Here feature highly in the prestigious Down Beat 79th Annual Readers’ Poll. Gregory Porter tops the chart as Male Vocalist. Second place goes to Kurt Elling and the promising Tony Bennett took third place. The Female Vocalist list contained some big names; all but three of them (Krall, Reeves and Spalding) denying Cécile McLorin Salvant top spot. 

The Jazz Artist category featured Porter in ninth place, Elling (13th) and 22nd (and one of only four women on the list) McLorin Salvant.   

Gregory Porter’s Liquid Spirit took fourth place in the Jazz Album of the Year category, with McLorin Salvant’s Woman Child making the top twelve.

Joshua Redman just missed out on third spot to Joe Lovano in the tenor saxophone poll. Hear the man in concert at next year’s Gateshead International Jazz Festival April 10-12 at Sage Gateshead. Third best in the guitar stakes went to John Scofield. Sco will also be joining Redman in an impressive line-up at Sage Gateshead next year. Festival tickets are available by telephone. Book now on 0191 443 4661.   

Russell.