The latest issue of Downbeat Magazine announced the winners of the annual critics poll and also announced that selections are being taken via the Internet for the Readers Poll. I know these polls are controversial, and often seem to be nothing more than a popularity contest, but they can also allow fans to pay their respects to their favorite musicians, and make an fun jumping off point for discussion on the state of the music and musicians. These are the musicians that I chose, in many cases it was a difficult decision, but in the end I whittled my selections down to the following:Hall of Fame - Fred Anderson
Jazz Artist - Vijay Iyer
Jazz Album - Henry Threadgill - This Brings Us To, Vol. 1
Historical Album - John Coltrane - Side Steps
Jazz Group - Mostly Other People Do the Killing
Big Band - Charles Tolliver Big Band
Trumpet - Charles Tolliver
Trombone - Steve Swell
Soprano Saxophone - Chris Potter
Alto Saxophone - Steve Coleman
Tenor Saxophone - Billy Harper
Baritone Saxophone - Ken Vandermark
Clarinet - Anat Cohen
Flute - Sam Rivers
Piano - Vijay Iyer
Organ - Dr. Lonnie Smith
Electric Keyboard - Craig Taborn
Guitar - Nels Cline
Acoustic Bass - Dave Holland
Electric Bass - Christian McBride
Drums - Hamid Drake
Percussion - Susie Ibarra
Vibes - Jason Adasiewicz
Misc. Instrument - David Murray - bass clarinet
Male Vocalist - Mose Allison
Female Vocalist - Jen Shyu
Composer - Dave Douglas
Record Label - Hot Cup Records
Blues Artist - Magic Slim & The Teardrops
Blues Album - Nick Moss - Live At Chan's – Combo Platter No. 2
Violin - Billy Bang
Arranger - John Hollenbeck
Beyond Group - The Black Keys
Beyond Album - The Black Keys - Brothers
Send comments to Tim.
