contemporary jazz
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Driving Beverly Hills – Mark Portmann goes solo in 1994
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Before he became a nine-time Grammy nominee, a baby-faced Mark Portmann was a part of the contemporary jazz scene. Here’s a review of his Driving Beverly Hills release that I originally wrote 30 years ago (with some updates). Playing with one of top groups in contemporary jazz was bound to have an effect. Mark Portmann…
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Top Contemporary Jazz April 17, 1994: Incognito, Bob James and more
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The top ten contemporary jazz recordings, ranked by ContemporaryJazz.com, from the week of April 17, 1994! David Benoit and Russ Freeman, The Benoit/Freeman Project Paul Hardcastle, Hardcastle Dave Weckl, Hard-Wired The Solsonics, Jazz in the Present Tense Mark Johnson, Mark Johnson Incognito, Positivity Bob James, Restless John Scofield and Pat Metheny, I Can See Your…
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Mark Johnson Contemporary Jazz Review
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I wrote this review in 1994, when Mark Johnson’s debut self-titled solo recording was released: With so many saxophonists trying to copy the funky Sanborn sound, it’s difficult for new artists not to get lost in the shuffle. A new release has to really have a good, strong sound and great songs to stand out…
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Chick Corea Elektric Band Box Set
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I didn’t know that Chick Corea Elektric Band members John Patitucci and Frank Gambale shared the same birthday (December 22)! Happy birthday, gentlemen! This year has been an especially good year to celebrate this all-star band. The original five Elektric Band studio albums, from 1986-1991, have been released in a deluxe 10-LP box set and…
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Nicholas Payton – Drip
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Nicholas Payton, a multi-faceted jazz artist and social activist, recently released his 26th recording, Drip. The album features new versions of six previously recorded compositions, including collaborations with Robert Glasper, Michael Franks, and Patrice Rushen. Payton emphasizes the importance of life experiences in his work, with a goal to uplift his audience and challenge status…