contemporary jazz
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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…
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Spyro Gyra Celebrates 50th Anniversary with New Compilation “Jubilee”
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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 Release “Jubilee” will be available in two formats: a 2-LP gold and purple colored vinyl…
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Driving Beverly Hills – Mark Portmann goes solo in 1994
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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 one of top groups in contemporary jazz was bound to have an effect. Mark Portmann…
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David Sanborn has died
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David Sanborn, a true contemporary jazz legend, passed Sunday afternoon, May 12th, after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications. This is such a sad loss. Sanborn was an influence and inspiration to a lot of contemporary jazz musicians. He would be one of the four in a contemporary jazz version of Mt. Rushmore. He…