Tag smooth jazz

cover to the 1994 debut self-titled album by contemporary jazz saxophonist Mark Johnson

Mark Johnson Contemporary Jazz Review

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…

cover to The Benoit/Freeman Project a collaboration album by contemporary jazz musicians David Benoit and Russ Freeman

The Benoit/Freeman Project Review

On 2.22.22 (Feb. 22, 2022), I was thinking about duets and some of my favorites. One that immediately came to mind was the first Benoit/Freeman Project. Here’s the review I wrote for a newsletter I wrote and designed for KBIA,…

contemporary jazz legend Joe Sample

Joe Sample Week!

This week at ContemporaryJazz.com, we’re celebrating the music of contemporary jazz legend Joe Sample. Joe was born on Feb. 1, 1939 and passed on Sept. 12, 2014. He will not be forgotten as so much of his music will be…