contemporary jazz
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Remembering Jim Beard
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I first came across Jim Beard’s music on the Michael Brecker recording Now You See It… . He was playing keyboards on this contemporary jazz recording, making modern sounds and jazzing things up. His compositions on that album, “Ode to the Doo Day Day” and especially “Quiet City,” remain some of my favorite memorable songs…
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Live Music from Grover Washington, Jr. and Al Jarreau
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In recent months, live recordings from two contemporary jazz titans — Grover Washington Jr. and Al Jarreau — have been released, offering fans a fresh opportunity to experience their brilliance. Grover Live, Vol. 2, recorded in 1998, showcases the legendary saxophonist in peak form. Produced by Grammy-winner and contemporary jazz veteran Jason Miles, this album…
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Top Contemporary Jazz – December 3, 1999
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The top ten contemporary jazz recordings 25 years ago, ranked by ContemporaryJazz.com! As it was in the 1990s, Kenny G topped the chart. However, this week he had two recordings: his renditions of standards and his third holiday album. Other Christmas and holiday music were moving into the top 10, including a nice compilation from…
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Soul Funk from Lettuce
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Lettuce has a sweet new funk-groove single, “Monorail 3000.” The track pays homage to The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, with a pocket rhythm section, hypnotic grooves, and sultry horn lines. “‘Monorail 3000’ is an ode to ‘J.B Monaurail’, one of our favorite James Brown tunes. The mood of the song is cool and steady….
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Children read by James Earl Jones
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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 recording. And I remember that oh my God, he did. He was on one of…