He was my favorite percussionist. I’ve loved The Rippingtons for many years, and so much of that love came from Steve’s percussion and the soundscapes he created. His playing had this magic that was a huge part of what made those first Rippingtons recordings so special to me.

There was this one instrument he used — I never even knew what it was called — it became his signature to me. When I heard it, I always smiled, knowing who it was. Whether it was on a Rippingtons track, his Bamboo Forest project, a solo release, whatever, Steve always brought extra color and life.

I know what I’ll be listening to tonight.

The post Steve Reid Has Passed appeared first on ContemporaryJazz.com.

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.

The post Remembering Jim Beard appeared first on ContemporaryJazz.com.

“As the music community celebrates Black History Month, we would like to reflect back onto the story of a real-life HERO; Zachary Breaux. Zachary Breaux’s release, Uptown Groove, was nominated for Best Jazz Album of the Year for the 12th Annual Soul Train Music Awards which will air on February 27, 1998.

The track “Never Can Say Goodbye” was a #1 NAC Radio hit, spending 21 weeks on the charts.

The accompanying video was nominated for two Billboard Music Video Awards; Best Jazz clip & Best New Artist Clip 

Zachary Breaux was a father to three daughters, a husband, a guitarist and an accomplished musician.His music touched upon passion. . .one second it could be hip hop/funk, the next  Coltrane, followed by a little Wes Montgomery . . . but always it was Zachary Breaux. He lived his life with a belief in, and a passion for, all people. He died. . . showing this belief in his actions.

Please don’t let his story go untold, or his music unheard.

Zachary Breaux and his family were walking on the beach in Miami, when they noticed a woman drowning in the ocean. They asked others on the beach to help, but were unable to get anyone to assist. Zachary told his wife to find a lifeguard, and he dove into the ocean to save the drowning woman. The closest lifeguard was more than two miles away and because there were no signs posted, Zachary was unaware of the dangerous riptides awaiting him that could render even a man his size and strength helpless. He reached the 66 year old New York woman (the wife of a Rabbi from Brooklyn) and began to bring her in. The riptides were much too strong and they separated Zachary and the woman. While his wife pleaded with those sunning themselves on the sandy beach to help, Zachary died, as his three daughters watched in horror. This man that believed so much in people, so much in life . . . left this life in such a tragic way. . . there must be a lesson for us to learn from his death.

A message.”

The post Remembering Zachary Breaux appeared first on ContemporaryJazz.com.