The Manhattan Transfer went decidedly contemporary with The Offbeat of Avenues at #3. Jeff Lorber co-wrote and produced “10 Minutes Till the Savages Come,” David Pack and Michael McDonald helped write “A World Apart,” and Donald Fagen wrote “Confide in Me.” The album’s “Sassy” would go on to win the Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Performance. And check out the debuts: Fourplay’s self-titled first album was already at #6 on its way to #1. At #7 was Candy Dulfer’s debut, Saxuality. Dulfer had already scored an international crossover hit alongside Eurythmics’ David A, Stewart with the instrumental “Lily Was Here,” which reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Saxuality would reach #22 on the Billboard 200 and earn Dulfer a Grammy nomination. And at #11, saxophonist Warren Hill was beginning his career with his debut, Kiss Under the Moon.

Top Contemporary Jazz Albums

Week of October 12, 1991

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So what made Rit want to go out on his own after a lengthy stay at GRP? “In this day and age where thousands of records are released in a given year, I wanted more control over my music and destiny,” Lee Ritenour told Billboard in May 1998. “To have a successful record, you need great music and a great record company. If you have one without the other, it never works. With jazz, you need a team that understands the music and the marketing and promotion that goes with it.”

Captain Fingers was also excited about nurturing new talent. “I’ve been making music for 25 or 30 years. I wanted to give the talents and experience that I’ve been fortunate to develop back to some young artists.”

i.e. music issued a number of recordings in a little more than a year, including two Eric Marienthal discs and Ritenour’s This Is Love solo recording. The next “Twist of…” recording was A Twist of Marley on the GRP label in 2001.

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Jazz at Lincoln Center will honor the music and legacy of late legend Chick Corea on April 15 and 16 with “Celebrating Chick Corea“.

John Patitucci will direct the concerts, which will include a mighty who’s who of talent. Expect a reunion the classic members of the Elektric Band: Patitucci, Dave Weckl, Eric Marienthal and Frank Gambale with Geoff Keezer. Others scheduled to be on stage: Christian McBride, Steve Gadd, Hubert Laws, Béla Fleck, Rubén Blades, Renee Rosnes, Billy Childs, Brian Blade,  Marcus Gilmore, Ravi Coltrane, and Chris Potter.

Celebrating Chick Corea will also be available for audiences to attend via livestream and on demand for one week following the performance.

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