I’ve posted over 500 tweets of contemporary jazz news, release dates, and site information on Twitter in the last few months. It’s how I communicate quick contemporary jazz items of interest. In today’s quick-moving world, this is how I get most of my information – through brief, one-sentence notifications. Later, I can go back and [...]

Try It Out Trekkers is a one-time variation of Try It Out Tuesdays in celebration of the opening of the new Star Trek movie. TIOT offers a free full MP3 of an artist. This New Cool Collective cut is from their big-band/acid jazz recording released about nine years ago called Big. The release also features [...]

Contemporary jazz guitar collaborations between label mates have resulted in some memorable recordings over the history of the genre. The first ones that pop in my head are George Benson and Earl Klugh (Collaboration on Warner Bros.) and Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton (Larry & Lee on GRP). Peak Records joins in on the tradition [...]

Try It Out Tuesdays offers a free full MP3 of an artist. Today’s track is from guitarist Jack Broad. Drumolator at The Forum recently asked if there are any fusion fans. It’s been a popular post. There are a number of jazz fans who miss that rock-jazz sound. Fusion fans, as well as fans of [...]

Try It Out Tuesdays offers a free full MP3 of an artist. Today’s track is from guitarist Torcuato Mariano. Mariano made an impact on contemporary jazz listeners with his first two recordings in the 90s. The memorable melodies and sweet playing allowed him to rocket up the new adult contemporary radio charts, no easy feat [...]

Alexander Shulgin is a Russian composer and jazz artist. He’s got quite a resume that includes being a leader in the Russian music industry and a composer in television and film. Learn more about him at the MusicDish Network or on MySpace. I received three MP3s of Shulgin’s work and there is a diversity in [...]

Try It Out Tuesdays offers a free full MP3 of an artist. Today’s track is from Groove Thing, the acid jazz effort from vibraphonist Bill Ware. This track, “On the Sand,” came on my iPod while driving home today. As I wrote about last summer, This Is No Time… is a favorite of mine. Vibes [...]

It’s Black History Month. It’s Motown’s 50th Anniversary. It’s Blue Note’s 70th Anniversary. Here’s one track to acknowledge all three. From the Blue Note Salutes Motown compilation (originally on her Dig This! release), here’s Bobbi Humphrey covering the Norman Whitfield/Barrett Strong composition “Smiling Faces Sometimes.” Bobbi had success during her recording tenure with Blue Note [...]

Try It Out Tuesdays offers a free full MP3 of an artist. Today’s artist is someone you likely don’t need to try out. You know him. Joe Sample is a contemporary jazz legend. I love his work with the Crusaders and his solo recordings equally. I think my favorite disc of his is Ashes To [...]

Try It Out Tuesdays offers a free full MP3 of an artist. Today’s artist is JEN meets CAN7. This composition, “Temptation & Seduction,”…it’s erotic. It is to be listened to only late at night. I’m entranced by the lyrics and voice. The jazz vibe is perfect. Click the play button to experience “Temptation & Seduction.” [...]