Posts Tagged ‘Smooth Jazz’

Classy Brass: Dave Koz & Friends

August 8, 2013

By: Laura G. Thorne, Ten Ton Troll

Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot – these four saxophonists have each had extraordinary careers, their resumes impressively gilded with gold and platinum-selling CD’s and numerous awards. An ingenious concept then for all four stars to come together on Dave Koz and Friends: Summer Horns, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart and has become the feel-good smooth jazz release of the season. For its identity, the Summer Horns project …

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Boney James: Making Contact

July 23, 2012

By: Laura G. Thorne

Though considered a contemporary or smooth jazz artist – in 2010, Billboard Magazine named James “The Number 3 Top Contemporary Jazz Artist of the Decade” – Boney James says he has never thought of himself as a jazz artist, specifically. He cites legendary producer Quincy Jones as a major inspiration, and also says he’s long been influenced by contemporary R&B. Says James, “I always try to make sure my records possess integrity. I make Boney …

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