Category contemporary jazz

Children read by James Earl Jones

I was saddened by the recent death of the iconic James Earl Jones. His booming voice and presence will always be felt and remembered. When thinking about him recently I think I recalled something he did on a contemporary jazz…

John Hilderbrand
September 28, 2024

Design for Spyro Gyra 50th anniversary collection, Jubilee

Spyro Gyra Celebrates 50th Anniversary with New Compilation “Jubilee”

Spyro Gyra has announced the release of a special compilation, titled “Jubilee,” in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The collection, set to be released in November, highlights the band’s evolving sound from their first decade of recording (1977-87). About the…

John Hilderbrand
September 12, 2024

photo of Mark Portmann from the 1990s provided by the musician and the cover of his recording Driving Beverly Hills

Driving Beverly Hills – Mark Portmann goes solo in 1994

Before he became a nine-time Grammy nominee, a baby-faced Mark Portmann was a part of the contemporary jazz scene. Here’s a review of his Driving Beverly Hills release that I originally wrote 30 years ago (with some updates). Playing with…