smooth jazz
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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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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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Spyro Gyra Celebrates 50th Anniversary with New Compilation “Jubilee”
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Spyro Gyra has announced the release of a special compilation, titled “Jubilee,” in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The collection, set to be released in November, highlights the band’s evolving sound from their first decade of recording (1977-87). About the Release “Jubilee” will be available in two formats: a 2-LP gold and purple colored vinyl…
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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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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…