saxophone
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George Howard – There’s a Riot Goin’ On
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Shortly after his untimely passing, contemporary jazz saxophonist George Howard’s There’s a Riot Goin’ On was released. This was no ordinary release — it was a smooth jazz homage to Sly and the Family Stone’s seminal 1971 album of the same name, reimagined through Howard’s expressive, melodic lens. George Howard passed away on March 20,…
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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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Review: Tequila Moon from Jessy J
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Wow! What a discovery! I was at the Berks Jazz Festival last week. Unfortunately, I was only able to spend two of the festival’s ten days taking in music. Simultaneously I realized that Peak has released the debut of 26-year-old saxophonist Jessy J, who also was to appear at Berks as part of the Guitars…
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Boney James – Boney’s Funky Christmas
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[This is an archived review I wrote at some point between 1997 and 1999.] The ads for Boney’s first holiday release call this “the album to put on after you put the kids to bed.” Sure enough, Boney’s Funky Christmas features the seductive grooves you know the saxman for. This is the smoothest Christmas release I’ve heard…