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One hasn't got to like a genre to appreciate individual artistry and superior musicianship, and production, and song-writing and...Thus: Dave Koz He's pleased millions and satisfied the harshest critics by being in the top-rank and working at it hard. Quite a businessman too: a line of wines plus running the always-sold-out Smooth Jazz Caribbean Cruises for a decade. He's been so good for so long, I'm sure to miss some of your fave songs--please chime in. I've heard him described as "David Sanborn with the rougher edges smoothed down"--not snarky; high praise indeed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNPzuthaxiQ << I do like Phil Perry...What they do at 4:15 is amazing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cshiIac91U << one of his better songs<< Java, Indonesia '12 << Dude's got a heart as big as all outdoors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N52yMnHuFo << Terrif ensemble doin's << Million-Dollar sax lineup, prolly never to be repeated Couldn't find a DVD of this (it's got to exist unreleased) but here's the AMG on the CD: http://www.allmusic.com/album/summer-horns-mw0002475690 The last sentence says it all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81ifF1MzDHs << love this song; if made today, that drummer would be laying well back....
Same song, different approach, but, hey, Mr. Koz contributes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVXziMFEqX0 << Great band, this--turn on a dime and give you 9 cents change.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LwBFiqwKkI << Was this a set-up or truly ad-hoc? Does it matter? Lovely street session.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLaujl4auro << Thing of it is, on CD maybe smooth jazz--THIS is hard-driving funk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCnMklgR...R0k0#t=131 << limpid, lucid, lovely
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw719G49yUQ << sings a bit too
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bx3jOh5oeQ << I'll close with this
BONUS 1: full concert recently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blbZRs1j5eo << Playing to ancestral homeboys--Tver Oblast q.v.
Personal Statement: I came in genre-negative...but what these folks play live is no-joke straight-up JAZZ. Big thanks to that Exceptional Chicago Woman for leading me here.
A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind--Dr. Johnson
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR
Posts: 3,953
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Joined: Feb 2014
Next up is a schizo artist-- Bob James--smooth jazz El Supremo yet has a couple of no-excuses jazz albums (I'll get to them at the end). Been a top-notch musician long enough to be Sarah Vaughan's music director (1965-8). One of the more sampled artists. A professional to the core.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFwhlGTYYQ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDuHAN6RAJQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2XXDKpofYk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8bwmv0EK14
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrsUGAKyXm8 << He and Earl Klugh did nice things together
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSsGIQt2Lbg
I'd be remiss in not presenting some Fourplay (a TCFW group-name if there ever was one)--Mr. James is a founding member.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWGrULet...KlhcKsKC-8
BONUS: One of the touch-stones of the smooth jazz movement though this is rougher, more "listen to this" than it became << a "burnishing the chops" disc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2y0UEw3mwI
Some "sit-up-and-take-notice" jazz from Mr. James: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcKR9Y68rzA << This unit is making terrif music AND enjoying themselves, the bass player especially--seldom a given in jazz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLbUJLjpAO4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zp9IXH4LTo
A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind--Dr. Johnson
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR
Posts: 3,953
Threads: 645
Joined: Feb 2014
Acoustic Alchemy Mostly strings with percussion, though sometimes with an added sting quartet. 15 fresh albums in 24 years. Had quite a few members shuffle in and out but maintained a sound. They got started as (get this) a group playing on trans-Atlantic airline crossings! Get in touch: http://acoustic-alchemy.net/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwqNoppA4R8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ra-3dLy9qk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAzlDJ8gzTU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDr7YmNWpkg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaylzlHSnhU << What? Smooth jazz you can fast-dance to?
BONUS: full concert, recently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVtQHpwv9sE << Bet those rich retired Brits and middle-years turistas from the cruise-ship loved them
A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind--Dr. Johnson
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR
Posts: 196
Threads: 9
Joined: Jun 2014
jazzboCR Wrote:One hasn't got to like a genre to appreciate individual artistry and superior musicianship, and production, and song-writing and...Thus: Dave Koz He's pleased millions and satisfied the harshest critics by being in the top-rank and working at it hard. Quite a businessman too: a line of wines plus running the always-sold-out Smooth Jazz Caribbean Cruises for a decade. He's been so good for so long, I'm sure to miss some of your fave songs--please chime in. I've heard him described as "David Sanborn with the rougher edges smoothed down"--not snarky; high praise indeed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNPzuthaxiQ << I do like Phil Perry...What they do at 4:15 is amazing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cshiIac91U << one of his better songs<< Java, Indonesia '12 << Dude's got a heart as big as all outdoors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N52yMnHuFo << Terrif ensemble doin's << Million-Dollar sax lineup, prolly never to be repeated Couldn't find a DVD of this (it's got to exist unreleased) but here's the AMG on the CD: http://www.allmusic.com/album/summer-horns-mw0002475690 The last sentence says it all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81ifF1MzDHs << love this song; if made today, that drummer would be laying well back....
Same song, different approach, but, hey, Mr. Koz contributes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVXziMFEqX0 << Great band, this--turn on a dime and give you 9 cents change.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LwBFiqwKkI << Was this a set-up or truly ad-hoc? Does it matter? Lovely street session.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLaujl4auro << Thing of it is, on CD maybe smooth jazz--THIS is hard-driving funk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCnMklgR...R0k0#t=131 << limpid, lucid, lovely
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw719G49yUQ << sings a bit too
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bx3jOh5oeQ << I'll close with this
BONUS 1: full concert recently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blbZRs1j5eo << Playing to ancestral homeboys--Tver Oblast q.v.
Personal Statement: I came in genre-negative...but what these folks play live is no-joke straight-up JAZZ. Big thanks to that Exceptional Chicago Woman for leading me here.
Bless you, jazzbo. I have completely enjoyed every single one of these tunes and your comments on them! Thank you for keeping an open mind and finding something of value in this much maligned genre. You make my heart smile...and my toes tap!!
Everyone has an Angel: a Guardian who watches over us. We can't know what form they'll take. One day, old man. Next day, little girl. But don't let appearances fool you, they can be as fierce as any dragon. Yet they're not here to fight our battles, but to whisper from our heart. Reminding that it's us: it's everyone of us who holds power over the world we create. -Sweet Pea
Posts: 3,953
Threads: 645
Joined: Feb 2014
MAG2NYC Wrote:You make my heart smile...and my toes tap!!
For what else does a real man strive? Personal glory? That's a cold, cold victory.
A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind--Dr. Johnson
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR
Posts: 3,953
Threads: 645
Joined: Feb 2014
Next up is Ronnie Laws, distinguished brother of master flautist, Hubert Laws. Has not often lent his talents to the jazz world, sticking to R&B and adult/urban contemporary--but doing it very, very well. One of the "go-to" sax guys. He's also a fine singer, earlier on. NOTE: his 1st three albums (on Blue Note) were straight-up jazz/funk affairs; he found his metier later. 22 recordings since '75 and been a sideman for everybody important. Here's the Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronnie_Laws and his FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ronnie-La...7329024394
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANhb-svKimY << from his first, so it ain't smooth...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImWHXk72EIo << There's such a difference between live and recorded versions--this, folks, is, JAZZ--not the sodden, over-rehearsed, no-dynamics versions on disc. << Nice "voicing" on the keys. << it's criminal how this cuts off at the end. I'd go to this and enjoy it immensely, then go home and use the CDs for skeet-shooting...Just sayin'...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfIa2YKnKPM
A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind--Dr. Johnson
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR
Posts: 3,953
Threads: 645
Joined: Feb 2014
08-12-2014, 06:01
(This post was last modified: 14-12-2014, 01:27 by jazzboCR.)
David Benoit Yes, a great pianist. Yes, principal conductor of 2 orchestras, and an associate at another. Yes, he's been pianist/music director for a slew of others' albums. Yes, he's a DJ. Yes, 23 fresh albums in 37 years (stepping up his game with his '15 release). Yes, Here's the Wiki and Site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Benoit_(musician) and http://benoit.com/ Yes, here's some tunes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcReFUyEkLQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4FJbMilxsQ << his bandmates are all high-school students. Mr. Benoit has a long history as a mentor and talent scout.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOg17QnLGVs << surely you know this one....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG0V5LA12oU << Let Little David out to play << a promo video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG2sSl1ykyU << music industry trade-show perf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMKGOdlmmYY << 2 masters interplaying...does it get much better?
BONUS: his Christmas album, jazz-oriented but accessible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwRCDJc2HNA
A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind--Dr. Johnson
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR
Posts: 3,953
Threads: 645
Joined: Feb 2014
Next is a guitarist who stands right there with George Benson and Earl Klugh-- Norman Brown. 9 albums on his own in 22 years but has made excellent music with BWB (see Wiki). Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Brow...itarist%29 His Site: http://www.normanbrown.com/ Not to be confused with: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_O._Brown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArNNsdDQEaY << playing with a backing track but, hey, playing. These NAMM booth thingies are always fun because the artists, playing to music/industry pros, can let it out a bit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1uTblGwzU4 << that Exceptional Chicago Woman should maybe note that Web address--kindred spirits?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrkz6YqOeF0 << BWB live in South Africa and aren't they fine? << They just freaking kill on this 1st tune...and then go on, strength to strength. 23 minutes of "don't you dare call it smooth" jazz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMsJxDAjaDE << a more typical NB outing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN6vC6ykPd0 << a productive partnership with Gerald Albright
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQNmv5TfrcM
BONUS 1: an early album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcIPQJ-Oye8
BONUS 2: a later album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8JlPoUhTTQ
BONUS 3: a live German TV perf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9xxNpNFeC0 << Our Man breaks loose << the keys player stage left seems especially invested.
A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind--Dr. Johnson
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR
Posts: 32
Threads: 0
Joined: Dec 2014
Jazz music is basically like by everyone, it can also present in many radio channels for enjoyment. Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and it is also influence by jazz.
Posts: 196
Threads: 9
Joined: Jun 2014
jazzboCR Wrote:Acoustic Alchemy Mostly strings with percussion, though sometimes with an added sting quartet. 15 fresh albums in 24 years. Had quite a few members shuffle in and out but maintained a sound. They got started as (get this) a group playing on trans-Atlantic airline crossings! Get in touch: http://acoustic-alchemy.net/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwqNoppA4R8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ra-3dLy9qk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAzlDJ8gzTU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDr7YmNWpkg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaylzlHSnhU << What? Smooth jazz you can fast-dance to?
BONUS: full concert, recently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVtQHpwv9sE << Bet those rich retired Brits and middle-years turistas from the cruise-ship loved them
I am loving this group!! I didn't realize I "knew" them until I started listening to your list, jazzbo. They're on a compilation cd I have, and I love "Mr. Chow," but I don't think I knew that that was it's title (sorry, sometimes I listen and forget to read the liner notes or even the song lists...I know, I know). This is the perfect Sunday smooth jazz!! Thank you, jazzbo!!!
Everyone has an Angel: a Guardian who watches over us. We can't know what form they'll take. One day, old man. Next day, little girl. But don't let appearances fool you, they can be as fierce as any dragon. Yet they're not here to fight our battles, but to whisper from our heart. Reminding that it's us: it's everyone of us who holds power over the world we create. -Sweet Pea
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