contemporary jazz
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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….
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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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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…