John Hilderbrand
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Valley Voice Debut Recording
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Toronto saxophonist and composer Harrison Argatoff has launched a new quartet, Valley Voice, whose debut album Stars, Engines was recently released on Elastic Recordings. The group – featuring vibraphonist Michael Davidson, bassist Dan Fortin, and drummer Ian Wright – embodies more than just a meeting of accomplished Canadian jazz musicians. At its heart, Valley Voice…
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Steve Reid Has Passed
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My heart is heavy at the news of the passing of percussionist Steve Reid of The Rippingtons. Jeff Kashiwa posted it today on Facebook. He was my favorite percussionist. I’ve loved The Rippingtons for many years, and so much of that love came from Steve’s percussion and the soundscapes he created. His playing had this…
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The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter 1 – Kirk Whalum’s Spirit in Sound
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When Kirk Whalum released The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter 1 on October 13, 1998, he wasn’t simply launching a new album. He was coming full circle. Raised in Memphis in a family of ministers and musicians, Whalum grew up surrounded by the sound of hymns and harmony. His father and grandfather were pastors, and…
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Bob James – Morning, Noon & Night
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[ Morning, Noon & Night by Bob James was released September 24, 2002. This was the original 2002 press release. ] Sometimes it’s the quiet revolutions that change things the most… Bob James knows this. Along with being a superlative pianist, composer, and arranger, he’s a musical iconoclast. As one of the creators of the…
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Top Contemporary Jazz Albums – September 15, 1990
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ContemporaryJazz.com is looking back at the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums Chart from 35 years ago. Michael Franks’ 1990 release Blue Pacific glowed with his trademark lyrical cleverness – playful turns of phrase and gentle humor wrapped in breezy storytelling. The album’s uncommon trio of producers: Jeff Lorber, Tommy LiPuma, and Walter Becker (yes, the…