Currently browsing category

Jazz, Page 15

Lynn Riley | Too Cool

Lynn Riley - Too Cool
 
Lynn Riley | Too Cool
by Terrill Hanna
 
Just a taste of contemporary jazz, I believe, is a statement Philadelphia native Lynn Riley wanted to leave on the minds and palates of music listeners through the album, “Too Cool”. Gently swayed with an aura of island fresh, breezy musical overtones along with a personal dedication to one of jazz’s trademark players in Grover Washington. Ms. Riley shares an inspiration to culture & influence from her extensive travels throughout various places around the planet & transcended those measures into a 10 track collection of upbeat, romantic & peaceful compositions.

Benny Reid | Escaping Shadows

Benny Reid - Escaping Shadows
 
Benny Reid | Escaping Shadows | Concord Jazz, 2009 [Reviewed]
By Rob Young
 
Perhaps seizing the moment cherishing love, life, and time given is “encouraging to someone as is oxygen to our soul,” … furthermore, having the opportunity to relish new and stimulating music by the multi-facet saxophonist Benny Reid and his compelling and creative sophomore release “Escaping Shadows” is surely icing on the cake.

Criss Starr | Yours 4 Ever

Criss Starr - Yours 4 Ever
 
Criss Starr | Yours 4 Ever
by Terrill Hanna
 
Sometimes, all it takes is a few tracks on a EP to highlight a particular gift in music an artist has for themselves to offer is enough. In some cases, this formula is good enough. For others, it requires some more work in the studio to put out 10-12 tracks. For another set, 12-20 tracks. Some compositions with none to little minutes, the other half, minimum 3 minutes & more are needed. But it depends.

Najee | Mind Over Matter

Najee - Mind over matter
 
Najee | Mind Over Matter
by Peggy Oliver
 
Whether Najee‘s music is labeled as sophisticated R&B, smooth jazz, or slick pop, his saxophone’s melodic quality is fresh as the summer breeze, and he also knows when improvising is in the best interest of the song. His reputation in contemporary jazz circles still remains indisputable after all these years as being one of the innovators of the ‘rhythm and jazz’ movement; a decade after Bob James, Grover Washington, Jr., Stanley Clarke and others set the tone during the jazz fusion era of the seventies.

Hide