By Fred Kaplan • Posted: Oct 1, 2013
The world is catching up with Darcy James Argue. Two years ago, he was known mainly for having the strangest name in jazz since Ornette Coleman. Now he’s a double winner in Downbeat’s 2013 Critics’ Poll—the top pick for Best Arranger, and tied with Maria Schneider for Best Big Band Leader.
By no stretch is Argue “rich and famous.” This is jazz, after all. But he’s making it within the realm of his choosing, and the band he created—in its vibe and its music—has crossover potential.