nelson rangell

  • photo of Mark Portmann from the 1990s provided by the musician and the cover of his recording Driving Beverly Hills
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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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    Review: By Light from Nelson Rangell

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    My initial impression after listening to By Light, the latest recording by multi-instrumentalist Nelson Rangell is one word: STRONG! Multiple listens since have only confirmed that. His sound on alto sax and flute is as strong as it always has been, which is saying a lot. I’ve always considered him a powerhouse on sax and…

  • David Benoit and Russ Freeman in 1994
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    Top Contemporary Jazz Feb. 13, 1994: The Benoit/Freeman Project

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    The top ten contemporary jazz recordings from the week of Feb. 13, 1994! David Benoit and Russ Freeman, The Benoit/Freeman Project Nelson Rangell, Yes Then Yes Tom Scott, Reed My Lips Richard Smith, From My Window Torcuato Mariano, Paradise Station Marcus Miller, The Sun Don’t Lie Yellowjackets, Run for Your Life Fourplay, Between the Sheets…

  • Don Grusin – The Hang

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    Don Grusin’s The Hang is a throwback to the good old days of the New Adult Contemporary format before the sound of contemporary jazz degraded into bland smooth jazz. The pianist rounded up a band of all-stars to jam on this live event, with much of the music originally recorded when the GRP label was…