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The May 2011 issue of DownBeat shines a spotlight on bassist Marcus Miller and provides readers with an extensive Summer Festival Guide. On the cover is James Carter, one of the most respected saxophone players of his generation. Other artists featured in this issue include pianist Monty Alexander, drummer Eric Harland and baritone saxophonist Claire Daly.
1977 DownBeat Critics Poll Back to Index
by DownBeat Critics
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8/31/1977 An Online Exclusive
Hall of Fame: Benny Carter Jazz Artist of the Year: (Not voted on) Jazz Album of the Year: Anthony Braxton, Creative Orchestra Music 1976 (Arista) Big Band: Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Acoustic Jazz Group: McCoy Tyner Alto Saxophone: Phil Woods Tenor Saxophone: Dexter Gordon Baritone Saxophone: Gerry Mulligan Soprano Saxophone: Wayne Shorter Trumpet: Dizzy Gillespie Trombone: Bill Watrous Clarinet: Anthony Braxton Flute: Hubert Laws Drums: Elvin Jones Percussion: Airto Moreira Vibes: Milt Jackson Acoustic Bass: Ron Carter Electric Bass: Stanley Clarke Guitar: Jim Hall Piano: McCoy Tyner Organ: Jimmy Smith Electric Keyboard: Joe Zawinul Miscellaneous Instrument: Howard Johnson-Tuba Arranger: Gil Evans Composer: Charles Mingus Record Label: Pablo Male Vocalist: Joe Williams Female Vocalist: Sarah Vaughan Blues Artist: Stevie Wonder Beyond Group: B.B. King Violin: Joe Venuti Producer: Norman Granz Reissue Of The Year: Lester Young, Lester Young Story, Vol. 1 (Columbia)