Steve Reid Has Passed
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…
Celebrating 30 Years Online!
Celebrating 30 Years Online!
John Hilderbrand
Longtime contemporary jazz fan and founder of ContemporaryJazz.com.
The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter 1 – Kirk Whalum’s Spirit in Sound
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…
Bob James – Morning, Noon & Night
[ 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…
Top Contemporary Jazz Albums – September 15, 1990
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.…
Kombo Brings the Joy with Pretty Solid
Kombo – the long-running contemporary jazz duo of Hammond B3 player Ron Pedley and guitarist John Pondel – return with Pretty Solid, their second album for Shanachie. The project highlights the pair’s 40-year musical partnership, first sparked at a Barry…