The GRP label was really rolling after MCA artists were moved to the label. That brought over Spyro Gyra (with the only Spyro Gyra release that said “featuring Jay Beckenstein”), Acoustic Alchemy, and Michael Brecker. I count eight GRP recordings in this top 20.

Of note, that Bob James recording, Grand Piano Canyon, was the birth of Fourplay with James, Lee Ritenour, Harvey Mason, and Nathan East on two tracks.

Also worth noting in the October 13 issue: George Benson debuted at #8 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart with Big Boss Band, his collaboration with the Count Basie Orchestra.

Top Contemporary Jazz Albums

Week of October 13, 1990

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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 Steely Dan Becker) each bring a distinct touch. The album’s opening track “The Art of Love” is a clear Lorber production and we played it a lot on the late night contemporary jazz radio show. No matter which producer is used, Franks will always sound unique, not just because of his voice but because of his uniqueness as a lyricist.

Top Contemporary Jazz Albums
Week of September 15, 1990

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Inspired by his playing and writing, I had to check out his first solo release, Song of the Sun, which was out about the same time around 1990. It did not disappoint. Song of the Sun was a great debut, featuring Michael Brecker and many of the musicians who were on Now You See It…. Also playing on Song of the Sun was Wayne Shorter, Bob Mintzer, and Toots Thielemans. Beard composed, arranged, and produced each track and each one is a story of its own. They’re unique and rich songs, drawing from multiple styles, with exceptional playing on every track.  I’d forgotten how much I appreciated his work. I’m going to be listening to his other six solo recordings this week.

Beard’s music productions and compositions were nominated for seven Grammy Awards. He won a Grammy in 2007 as a featured performer on the Randy and Michael Brecker live recording Some Skunk Funk.

Among the list of jazz artists he’s played with and produced is the unbeatable Mike Stern. Stern’s 2024 recording Echoes and Other Songs is dedicated to him.

Beard died March 5, 2024 at the age of 63 due to complications of a sudden illness.

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