John Hilderbrand
-
Jazz Grammy Nominees – Same Old
.
The nominees for the 51st Grammy Awards have been announced. I don’t have anything to say about this year’s jazz nominees that I haven’t already said. It’s a lot of familiar names if you’ve followed the nominees and winners in the past. My criticism from three years ago is still valid. Except for maybe the…
-
David Sanborn – “Winter Wonderland”
.
I don’t know of David Sanborn covering any Christmas songs before, though I know he composed a song titled “Rain on Christmas.” Decca has a new, expanded recording of Sanborn’s latest Here & Gone exclusively on Amazon. It has three live songs recorded for XM Radio – “Full House,” “Brother Ray,” and “Winter Wonderland.” Give…
-
Holiday Music Roundup: Remixes
.
I’ve been a fan of jazz remixes since I first heard the original Verve//Remixed. I guess it was a fad. I don’t see many anymore. I thought it was a good way to introduce younger generations to some classic jazz. However, some remixers completely destroyed any jazz element of some of the songs I heard….
-
Bounce with Bodega!
.
I’m always seeking fresh sounds that keep my attention. Bodega has my ear. The band cites influences ranging from Herbie Hancock, Fela Kuti, Weather Report, Talking Heads, Stereolab, Kurt Rosenwinkel, MMW, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, livetronica and beyond. Ropeadope’s site said “Bodega has always blended elements of funk, philly soul, jazz, breakbeat, and afrobeat to make…
-
Remembering XM 72 Beyond Jazz
.
This is the last week of broadcasting for XM satellite radio channel 72 – Beyond Jazz. When I originally decided to get satellite radio over six years ago, the primary reason was to get the jazz channels. The only jazz I could regularly get on the radio in Kansas City was a not-to-my-liking, now-gone smooth…