contemporary jazz

The new Yellowjackets recording, Raising Our Voice, supposedly is “subtly taking a resistant stand against the status quo of the cultural and political undercurrent of our times.” But I don’t even hear any subtle stand.  No resistance, protest, or even a song title that indicating the current times other than maybe “Strange Times.” It’s the…

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, passed away today at age 76. The cause of death was “advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type.” Indisputably a legend, she impacted many lives. Here’s what some jazzers had to say: From the time that Dinah Washington 1st told me that Aretha was the “next one” when she…

Find out what legendary contemporary jazz bassist and composer John Patitucci has been up to! Jon Liebman recently posted an interview with the the busy bassist for his ForBassPlayersOnly.com site. Patitucci discusses his 2017 schedule, his current basses, the state of jazz, and possible upcoming projects!

This week, in 1990, the Blue Pacific recording by Michael Franks hit #1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart. It was really my first exposure to him. I recall that his voice surprised me. It wouldn’t be until later that I gained appreciation for the wittiness and uniqueness of his lyrics. I think I remember some…

While researching jazz magazines for something else, I ran across this 1993 advertisement from the MoJazz label. MoJazz wanted to get your attention so they did a Model of the Month. “Alicia is from Los Angeles, CA. This 5’10” Sagittarian enjoys horseback riding, stimulating conversation and romantic evenings listening to JAZZ. Her favorite Jazz Artists are…