Top Contemporary Jazz Albums
Week of July 2, 1994

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Inspired by his playing and writing, I had to check out his first solo release, Song of the Sun, which was out about the same time around 1990. It did not disappoint. Song of the Sun was a great debut, featuring Michael Brecker and many of the musicians who were on Now You See It…. Also playing on Song of the Sun was Wayne Shorter, Bob Mintzer, and Toots Thielemans. Beard composed, arranged, and produced each track and each one is a story of its own. They’re unique and rich songs, drawing from multiple styles, with exceptional playing on every track.  I’d forgotten how much I appreciated his work. I’m going to be listening to his other six solo recordings this week.

Beard’s music productions and compositions were nominated for seven Grammy Awards. He won a Grammy in 2007 as a featured performer on the Randy and Michael Brecker live recording Some Skunk Funk.

Among the list of jazz artists he’s played with and produced is the unbeatable Mike Stern. Stern’s 2024 recording Echoes and Other Songs is dedicated to him.

Beard died March 5, 2024 at the age of 63 due to complications of a sudden illness.

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Simple Pleasures was a bestseller thanks to the massive success of the single “Don’t Worry Be Happy” According to McFerrin on the Questlove Supreme podcast, he has not performed that song live since November 1988. “I wanted the audience to know me as an improviser. I didn’t want to be falling back on that tune all the time or have them expect that.” He did admit that he will sometimes hint at it in the middle of a piece and he might do it for kids.

Rounding out the Top Ten of the Contemporary Jazz chart:

1. 1. Bobby McFerrin, Simple Pleasures
2. 2. George Howard, Reflections
3. 3. Basia, Time and Tide
4. 4. Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman, Kilamanjaro
5. 5. David Benoit, Every Step of the Way
6. 6. Kirk Whalum, And You Know That!
7. 7. Dianne Reeves, Dianne Reeves
8. 8. Gamalon, Gamalon
9. 9. Tim Heintz, Searching the Heart
10. 10. Steve Kindler & Teja Bell, Dolphin Smiles

Debuting on the week’s chart at #21 was the first album from the husband and wife duo of Tuck & Patti with Tears of Joy. According to the Tuck & Patti website and Twitter account, Bobby McFerrin calls them “the best duo on the planet!” And they’re still together, which is really awesome.

John Patitucci led the Top Jazz Albums chart with his debut self-titled recording, released on GRP. He had a strong start with the album produced by his Electric Band boss Chick Corea and featuring bandmate Dave Weckl. Also enhancing John’s compositions were mighty Michael Brecker, Peter Eskine, Vinnie Colaiuta, John Beasley, and David Witham.

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