contemporary jazz
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Steve Reid Has Passed
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My heart is heavy at the news of the passing of percussionist Steve Reid of The Rippingtons. Jeff Kashiwa posted it today on Facebook. 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…
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The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter 1 – Kirk Whalum’s Spirit in Sound
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When Kirk Whalum released The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter 1 on October 13, 1998, he wasn’t simply launching a new album. He was coming full circle. Raised in Memphis in a family of ministers and musicians, Whalum grew up surrounded by the sound of hymns and harmony. His father and grandfather were pastors, and…
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Bob James – Morning, Noon & Night
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[ Morning, Noon & Night by Bob James was released September 24, 2002. This was the original 2002 press release. ] Sometimes it’s the quiet revolutions that change things the most… Bob James knows this. Along with being a superlative pianist, composer, and arranger, he’s a musical iconoclast. As one of the creators of the…
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charts, contemporary jazz, david sanborn, george benson, george howard, lee ritenour, miles davis, spyro gyraStanley Jordan Tops the Top Jazz Albums – August 3, 1985
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ContemporaryJazz.com is looking back at the Billboard Jazz Chart from 40 years ago. This was published before the magazine split the chart into Top Contemporary Jazz Albums and Top Jazz Albums. There was quite a mix of artists on this chart: Sade to Maynard Ferguson to Yellowjackets to George Winston. Magic Touch, the debut recording…
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Fatherhood: Geoff Mann Salutes His Dad, Nathan and Noah East
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Being a father has been the most rewarding role in my life and the one I’m most thankful for. The responsibility of being Dad has enriched me in ways that words can’t seem to convey. It’s simply been my favorite thing. It certainly can be challenging. Fatherhood, at its best, is an improvisation. It’s listening,…