John Hilderbrand
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2005 Grammy Jazz Analysis Part 2
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Nominees in the Best Contemporary Jazz Album (For albums containing 51% or more playing time of INSTRUMENTAL tracks.) Shouldn’t they replace the word “album” with “recording?” Nominees are: Journey by Fourplay, Unspeakable by Bill Frisell, In Praise of Dreams by Jan Garbarek, The Hang by Don Grusin, and the Strength EP from Roy Hargrove (The…
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Review: David Sanborn – Closer
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When I first saw that the new release from David Sanborn, Closer, identically follows the formula from his last release, I was going to write that he’s applying the if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it approach. Closer has the same players, producer, and the same ratio of known, not-so-known, and original Sanborn compositions. I…
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Review: End of the World Party (Just In Case) by Medeski, Martin and Wood
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I’ve been listening to modern jazz for years. Naturally I knew of Medeski, Martin and Wood. They’ve received good press but I’d never heard anything that I enjoyed. However, I never gave up on finding what MMW fans were talking about. My patience has paid off with their new release, the memorably titled End of…
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Review: Spirit of the Season from Hiroshima
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Even though Hiroshima had songs on a couple of Windham Hill holiday compilations, Spirit of the Season is the first full holiday release from the band. After listening to this 11-song collection, I’m ready for the sequel. This is an excellent holiday recording and makes me wonder why they haven’t done it before. June Kuramoto’s…
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Chick Corea Elektric Band – To the Stars
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Where is the hoopla around the new Chick Corea Elektric Band release To the Stars? The band easily ranks among the top fusion bands of all time. Every member – John Patitucci, Dave Weckl, Frank Gambale, and Eric Marienthal – all have sustained solo careers. I must not be in the loop because I’m not…