contemporary jazz
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Lakecia Benjamin: Finding the Light with We Dream
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Lakecia Benjamin’s latest studio project, We Dream, feels less like a standard album release and more like a necessary pivot. As the world feels increasingly heavy, Benjamin is using this record to shift her focus toward something intentional. “It felt like that story couldn’t go all the way, given the state of the world,” she…
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Next Jazz Legacy 2026
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The future of jazz is always unfolding, and programs like Next Jazz Legacy are helping make sure the next generation of artists has the support and mentorship they need to thrive. New Music USA and the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice have announced the 2026 Next Jazz Legacy cohort, a group of seven…
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30 Years of ContemporaryJazz.com!
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I launched this site, ContemporaryJazz.com, on January 13, 1996. Hard to believe it’s been 30 years! I had, and still have, a love of technology, a love of communicating and sharing, and a love of the music. I was born to do something like this—the medium just didn’t exist until the World Wide Web started…
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New Holiday Jazz Roundup 2025
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Christmas is a favorite time of the year for many, and it’s always exciting to hear new recordings that bring fresh spirit to the season. This roundup of recently released jazz highlights several releases that offer everything from reflective takes on sacred music to lively reinterpretations of holiday favorites. Lakecia Benjamin – “The Christmas Song”…
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Thanksgiving Week Listening: A Couple of Contemporary Jazz Favorites
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Gratitude is something I stay mindful of all year long (it’s great for mental health), but Thanksgiving week gives it a little extra boost. I’m thankful for my kids, now grown and living their own lives. I’m thankful for the ability to shape my life in small, meaningful ways. There is a lot to appreciate….