Category Archives: Contemporary Jazz News

John Legend Announces Album ‘Legend’ For September 9

Multiplatinum, 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend announced his highly anticipated eighth studio album, LEGEND, out September 9th via Republic Records.  Executive produced by Legend and prolific producer-writer Ryan Tedder (Beyoncé, Adele, et al), the forthcoming project is a vibrant double album suffused with an unapologetic spirit of sensuality and joy, informed by the full vulnerability of pain, praise and healing.  LEGEND is available to

Samara Joy Announces Album ‘Linger Awhile’ For September 16

Once-in-a-generation vocalist Samara Joy has signed with Verve Records, and will release Linger Awhile, her full-length debut for the label, on September 16. At just 22 years old, Samara has already garnered critical acclaim for a voice “as rich as custard” (The New York Times) and a delivery that is  “disarming [and] unhurried” (NPR Fresh Air), just as she

Review – ‘Forecast’ by Jazz Funk Soul

Jazz Funk Soul is back for 2022 with a new album, called Forecast. The lineup consists of saxophonist Everette Harp, keyboardist Jeff Lorber and guitarist Paul Jackson Jr.  If you want to know the definition of a group of musicians being “tight”, just take a listen to any of the tracks on this album.  “We

Eight Is Enough for Antonio Adolfo on Octet and Originals

If some of the songs on Brazilian pianist/composer/arranger/bandleader Antonio Adolfo’s latest album Octet and Originals sound familiar, well … they should. “Pretty World” has been an international hit, … Read More “Eight Is Enough for Antonio Adolfo on Octet and Originals” The post Eight Is Enough for Antonio Adolfo on Octet and Originals appeared first on JazzTimes.

Tony Williams: Play or Die (M.I.G.)

Play or Die is a macabre title for this reissue by Tony Williams (1945-1997), the incredible drummer who rose to fame as a teenager with … Read More “Tony Williams: Play or Die (M.I.G.)” The post Tony Williams: Play or Die (M.I.G.) appeared first on JazzTimes.

Nick Colionne ‘Step To This’ – LISTEN

Nick Colionne  Step To This  Courtesy of Trippin N’ Rhythm Records – 2022 The post Nick Colionne ‘Step To This’ – LISTEN appeared first on Smooth Jazz and Smooth Soul.

Al DeGregoris ‘Road Trip’ – LISTEN

Al DeGregoris – Road Trip Composers: Al DeGregoris and Jeff Lorber  Special Guests:  Jeff Lorber Gary Novak David Mann  The post Al DeGregoris ‘Road Trip’ – LISTEN appeared first on Smooth Jazz and Smooth Soul.

Marlon McClain ‘Funky Fridays Vol. ll’ Out Now

Veteran acclaimed guitarist, songwriter, producer, artist manager, and entrepreneur Marlon McClain has released his latest full length project, Funky Fridays Vol. II. The set includes three collaborations featuring New York based MC and lyricist BD3. The three collaborations Aint No Stoppin, Get Down,  and I Want Your Love  have garnered  over 600,000 streams and have

Steve Oliver ‘New Heights’ EP Out Now

“New Heights”, is the new EP from Steve Oliver.  The EP features a radio edit, the extended album version, and a solo guitar version to be included on the solo guitar album, due out later this year. Current Billboard hit maker Michael Broening co-produced the track and plays keyboards along with Larry Antonino from Pablo Cruise on bass and

Kings Elliot ‘Butterfly Pen’ – WATCH

Kings Elliot is back with the new single, called Butterfly Pen.  On her second EP, Bored of the Circus (out September 16), the London-based singer-songwriter continues refining her craft, pairing lyrics that acutely describe mental illness with music that updates the idea of “the perfect pop song” for the 21st century — although it does so