John Hilderbrand
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Nu Jazz Sessions and Groove Gravy
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I love new discoveries. My interest in jazz remixes recently led me to a compilation called Nu Jazz Sessions. This twelve-track compilation features a mix of original jazztronica/soul/funk tunes as well as remixes of music from Sarah Vaughan and McCoy Tyner by Jazzelicious. The CD, which is also a non-stop mix by Jazzelicious, immediately grabbed…
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Bird Up!: The Charlie Parker Remix Project
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We’ve heard jazz classics from the Verve and Blue Note catalogs remixed and reworked. Now it’s Bird’s turn. On October 21, Savoy Records will release Bird Up: The Charlie Parker Remix Project. Dan the Automator, Me’shell Ndegeocello, Hal Willner, Rob Swift, and Serj Tankian (from System of a Down) are among the artists transforming some…
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Review: The Grand Unification Theory by Stefon Harris
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I’d made multiple mentions of Stefon Harris’ The Grand Unification Theory prior to its release in February. The word “ambitious” was used by myself and nearly every person referring to the project. The word is appropriate. What else do you call a young man who writes a 13-movement suite about the meaning of life for…
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Review: Verve//Remixed 2
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Verve has released the second in what I hope will be many more volumes of its Remixed series. Verve//Remixed 2 effectively modernizes music from the Verve catalog that may already be labeled as timeless. As on the first volume, Verve has some of the most notable DJs on the scene contributing. Grammy-nominated Felix da Housecat…
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Review: Jaco Pastorius Big Band – Word of Mouth Revisited
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A scenario I’d like to see at the 2004 Grammy Awards ceremony: The Grammy returns to honoring jazz during its primetime special. Some of modern jazz’s best known bassists are playing a tribute to Jaco Pastorius. After thunderous applause, the award for Best Large Ensemble Album is announced. The winner: The Jaco Pastorius Big Band…