BMI Jazz Composers Top ‘Downbeat’ Readers Poll

Posted in News on November 11, 2008

Downbeat has released its 73rd Annual Readers Poll with BMI jazz composers topping 24 of the 29 categories, accounting for 84% of the winners. These composers represent the “who’s who” of jazz performers and BMI’s dominance in the genre.

Sonny Rollins top two categories, Jazz Artist and Tenor Saxophone, while the Pat Metheny Trio garnered the Jazz Group award; Pat Metheny himself nabbed the Guitar title. Top honors went to Keith Jarrett, who was inducted in Downbeat’s Hall of Fame; Michael Brecker’s Pilgrimage received the Jazz Album honor and B.B. King received the Blues Artist title. Additional instrumentalists honored include Herbie Hancock (Piano), James Carter (Baritone Saxophone), Steve Turre (Trombone) and Miles Davis (Historical Album).

BMI’s Downbeat Readers Poll winners:

Keith Jarrett<br/ > Hall of Fame

Sonny Rollins<br/ > Tenor Saxophone<br/ > Jazz Artist

Michael Brecker<br/ > Jazz Album

Miles Davis<br/ > Historical Album

Pat Metheny Trio<br/ > Jazz Group

Pat Metheny<br/ > Guitar

Steve Turre<br/ > Trombone

Wayne Shorter<br/ > Soprano Saxophone

Phil Woods<br/ > Alto Saxophone

James Carter<br/ > Baritone Saxophone

Paquito D’ Rivera<br/ > Clarinet

James Moody<br/ > Flute

Herbie Hancock<br/ > Piano

Joey DeFrancesco<br/ > Organ

Chick Corea<br/ > Electric Keyboard/Synthesizer

Christian McBride<br/ > Acoustic Bass

Steve Swallow<br/ > Electric Bass

Jack DeJohnette<br/ > Drums

Poncho Sanchez<br/ > Percussion

Bobby Hutcherson<br/ > Vibes

Toots Thielemans<br/ > Miscellaneous Instrument

Kurt Elling<br/ > Vocals

B.B. King<br/ > Blues Artist/Group

SOURCENews TAGS Jazz Michael Brecker James Carter Chick Corea Paquito D’ Rivera Miles Davis Joey DeFrancesco Jack DeJohnette Kurt Elling Herbie Hancock Bobby Hutcherson Keith Jarrett B.B. King Christian McBride Pat Metheny James Moody Pat Metheny Trio Sonny Rollins Poncho Sanchez Wayne Shorter Steve Swallow Toots Thielemans Steve Turre Phil Woods