It’s been eight years since Brian Hughes entered a recording studio to document his own music. He’s been busy, recording and touring with fellow Canadian … Read More “Brian Hughes: Fast Train to a Quiet Place”
The main ingredients for the U.K. collective Down to the Bone should be clear after eight CDs: long jams, horns o’ plenty, a few soulful … Read More “Down To The Bone: The Main Ingredients”
Spyro Gyra is a quintessential American jazz band that often gets lumped into the pop-jazz category thanks to two monster radio hits from more than … Read More “Spyro Gyra: A Foreign Affair”
The U.K. synth wizard can’t seem to let go of his two biggest hits, “19” and “Rainforest.” He leads with “Rainforest/What’s Going On,” featuring a … Read More “Paul Hardcastle: Hardcastle 6”
Veteran contemporary jazz guitarist Chuck Loeb hinted at what was in his head with 2009’s Between 2 Worlds, a swinging project that built on his … Read More “Chuck Loeb: Plain ‘n’ Simple”
As most baby-boomer jazz fans will recall, Brazilian pianist, producer and arranger Eumir Deodato, billed by only his surname, created quite a stir in the … Read More “Eumir Deodato: The Crossing”
Music icon Paul Simon’s new CD has been well received, and audiences on his summer tour are no doubt digging it. But they also may … Read More “Andy Snitzer: Traveler”
Veteran composer and pianist Dave Grusin has won 10 Grammys, but he’s also that rare musician who’s earned an Academy Award- a statue for his … Read More “Dave Grusin: An Evening With Dave Grusin”
Saxophonist Boney James returns with his first CD of all-new music since 2006’s Shine. James has always leaned toward the R&B side of instrumental music, … Read More “Boney James: Contact”
Seasoned guitar master Larry Carlton gets to pick his own music now that he’s free from Fourplay and on his own record label. Since he … Read More “Larry Carlton: Plays the Sounds of Philadelphia: A Tribute to Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff”
Keiko Matsui is a master on the piano or the keytar, and she’s demonstrated her technical skills both on record and onstage-especially during her remarkable … Read More “Keiko Matsui: The Road”
And now for something completely different but not at all unexpected. Windy City saxophonist Steve Cole, who released his debut CD in 1998, has been … Read More “Steve Cole: Moonlight”
The Rippingtons’ Russ Freeman has always led a peripatetic existence, growing up in Nashville and living in L.A., Colorado and Florida, among other locales. His … Read More “The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman: Cote D’Azur”
His bio proclaims him the most-recorded drummer in history. He’s performed on tons of songs from top artists: Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Lionel Richie, Madonna. … Read More “John JR Robinson: Platinum”
Michael Powers is a well-known contemporary jazz artist in the Pacific Northwest, where he frequently performs at festivals and clubs. But Powers, who has recorded … Read More “Michael Powers: Urban Ukulele”
Maybe smooth-jazz saxophonists with an R&B feel are slowly, finally, realizing that what’s come before just ain’t doing it. One listen to the first track … Read More “Jackiem Joyner : Jackiem Joyner”
Tom Schuman gets some spoken-word help from a few of his heroes on the Spyro Gyra keyboardist’s fifth solo CD. The late Joe Zawinul extols … Read More “Tom Schuman: Reflections Over Time”
Keyboardist and Dave Koz bandleader Brian Simpson is simply at the top of his game. Combine the best and brightest from Joe Sample, David Benoit, … Read More “Brian Simpson: South Beach”
“Experience the long-winded, smooth and sensual sounds of jazz artist Aaron Bing,” reads his current press bio. That statement veers into unintentional hilarity after you’ve … Read More “Aaron Bing: Secret Place”
Review of new album from contemporary jazz keyboardist
Guitarist Eric Krasno has stepped away from the funk-and-jam trio Soulive for a funk-and-jam solo CD, his first. Soulive members Neal (organ) and Alan Evans … Read More “Eric Krasno: Reminisce”
The Grammy Award-winning Norman Brown sound is alive and kickin’ on the guitarist’s eighth solo CD. His fans know what that sound is: an easy, … Read More “Norman Brown: Sending My Love”
Gerald Albright doesn’t try to do too much-just kidding. With his aptly named new CD, Albright simply burns on his soprano, alto, tenor and baritone … Read More “Gerald Albright: Pushing the Envelope”
Brian Soergel on live recording from the late saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr.
After an orchestral CD, some more Peanuts music and an unplugged set paying tribute to his heroes, David Benoit reclaims his stature as one of … Read More “David Benoit: Earthglow”
If all you’ve heard from Mindi Abair is what’s played on smooth-jazz radio, you’ve probably got her pegged as a Sanborn-style saxophonist who offers bright … Read More “Mindi Abair: In Hi Fi Stereo”
Religion isn’t just a part of Kirk Whalum’s life, it is his life. That’s what makes the third installment in Whalum’s fusion of gospel and … Read More “Kirk Whalum: The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter III”
Vocalist Maysa has the kind of soulful and husky vocals that allow her to travel seamlessly between genres. She’s amassed an underground-soul rep with the … Read More “Maysa: A Woman In Love”
Nestor Torres is one versatile flutist, having created smooth-jazz tunes in addition to contemporary jazz with hard-driving Latin rhythms. On Nouveau Latino, the Puerto Rican … Read More “Nestor Torres: Nouveau Latino”
Two years ago, guitarist Ken Navarro made a statement with The Grace of Summer Light, a CD of anthemic qualities and a vigorous style of … Read More “Ken Navarro: Dreaming of Trains”
