contemporary jazz
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8-Bit Big Band’s Orchestrator Emulator Turns Video Game Themes Into Big Band Joy
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Every once in a while, something unexpected makes you stop what you’re doing and smile. That happened to me recently while listening to Orchestrator Emulator, the upcoming album from The 8-Bit Big Band. A Nintendo-inspired contemporary jazz orchestra project blends unexpected elements into something that genuinely swings. This fifth full-length release from GRAMMY-winning composer Charlie…
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Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway – The Song Lives On
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When legendary jazz pianist Joe Sample joined forces with vocalist Lalah Hathaway, the result was The Song Lives On—a soulful and emotionally rich collaboration that bridges generations and genres. The recording was released on April 20, 1999. Sample, a founding member of The Crusaders, had already established himself as a composer with a gift for…
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1995, charts, chris botti, contemporary jazz, david sanborn, fourplay, george duke, grover washington jr., incognito, pat metheny, rippingtons, smooth jazz, spyro gyraTop Contemporary Jazz Albums – April 22, 1995
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According to Billboard magazine, here were the Top Contemporary Jazz Albums for the week of April 22, 1995! Meanwhile, over on the Top Jazz Albums for the same week, David Sanborn was on top with Pearls, his lush recording with orchestral arrangements. And Grover Washington, Jr. was also on the chart with All My…
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Remembering Jim Beard
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I first came across Jim Beard’s music on the Michael Brecker recording Now You See It… . He was playing keyboards on this contemporary jazz recording, making modern sounds and jazzing things up. His compositions on that album, “Ode to the Doo Day Day” and especially “Quiet City,” remain some of my favorite memorable songs…
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Live Music from Grover Washington, Jr. and Al Jarreau
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In recent months, live recordings from two contemporary jazz titans — Grover Washington Jr. and Al Jarreau — have been released, offering fans a fresh opportunity to experience their brilliance. Grover Live, Vol. 2, recorded in 1998, showcases the legendary saxophonist in peak form. Produced by Grammy-winner and contemporary jazz veteran Jason Miles, this album…