smooth jazz

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    Restless by Bob James turns 25

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    Here’s a review I wrote of the Restless release by contemporary jazz legend Bob James in spring 1994. The album was released Feb. 8 of that year. The review holds up, but after 25 years the track I listen to most is “Under Me” with its driving dance beat, sweet Luther Vandross vocal and Michael…

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    Top Contemporary Jazz Albums – October 31, 1998

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    The top ten contemporary jazz recordings from Oct. 31, 1998!

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    Top Contemporary Jazz July 8, 1988: George Howard, Bobby MeFerrin and More

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    Here were the top-selling contemporary jazz recordings in summer 1988, according to the July 8, 1988 issue of Billboard! George Howard – Reflections Bobby McFerrin – Simple Pleasures Basia – Time and Tide Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman – Kilamanjaro David Benoit – Every Step of the Way Tim Heintz – Searching the Heart Chick Corea…

  • Paul Brown & Marc Antoine

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    Contemporary jazz guitar collaborations between label mates have resulted in some memorable recordings over the history of the genre. The first ones that pop in my head are George Benson and Earl Klugh (Collaboration on Warner Bros.) and Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton (Larry & Lee on GRP). Peak Records joins in on the tradition…

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    Thanks, Carol Archer

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    Radio & Records, an industry staple, has ceased publishing its smooth jazz chart. It had been published for 15 years. Carol Archer, the only editor for the format for its entire tenure, posted a fond farewell. Carol was one of the first to write about jazz on the web back in the mid-90s. She mentioned…