Photo by Caique Araujo on Pexels.com California-born and bred, Dave Koz, thus far, has had a very illustrious career. He has racked up nine (9) Grammy nominations, twelve (12) number-one albums, and has performed for multiple U.S. presidents, just to name a few of the feathers in his cap. And, yes - he even has … Continue reading Spotlight: Dave Koz
Author: jblackstarr
novelist and screenplay writer, also known as "the wordsmith", "blackstarr", "the literary sculptist", as well as "the master of word manipulation".
Spotlight: Ramsey Lewis
Photo by Steve Johnson on Pexels.com Ramsey Lewis (May 27, 1935 - September 12, 2022) was a jazz pianist and composer born in Chicago, IL. Some of his greatest hits include The 'In' Crowd, Hang On Sloopy, and Wade In The Water. Those three barely even scratch the surface. They are, however, three of my … Continue reading Spotlight: Ramsey Lewis
Spotlight: Danny Grissett
Photo by Thuyen Vu on Pexels.com My first encounter with the music of Danny Grissett came with the first time that I heard Journey To The Stars, from trumpeter Tom Harrell's recording Number Five (2012). I was so thoroughly impressed by his expertise on the black & whites that I became his number-one fan. OK … Continue reading Spotlight: Danny Grissett
jblackstarr faves (one)
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pex I'm kickstarting your week with an olio of my favorite tunes, hoping all the while that they will rub off on you. Like I always say "Jazz, jazz, and nothing but jazz". Then, I backtrack and give you more options. You've got jazz choices, jazz(y) choices, chillout options, and … Continue reading jblackstarr faves (one)
The Weekend Mix: 05.06.23
Photo by Bri Schneiter on Pexels.com Is that . . . can't be . . . the weekend's here, already??!! Wow! Well, there's music just chompin' at the bit for a chance to help you chill. Bottle of red? Maybe a steaming, hot cup of java? I know what you're about to do, so go … Continue reading The Weekend Mix: 05.06.23
Essentials: The Real McCoy, by McCoy Tyner
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com If you want to get a feel for what jazz is all about, start with a classic, must-have, essential recording. The right one, even if it's not a "live" recording, will immediately transport you to a smoke-filled, rowdy but respectful jazz club. Essential recordings give you a taste of jazz … Continue reading Essentials: The Real McCoy, by McCoy Tyner
(Another Trio of) Trios
Photo by Black ice on Pexels.com Of all of the variations of jazz groups, the trio has always been my favorite. I can be happy with a quartet, and sit through a quintet, but when it reaches the sextet level and beyond, I am totally non-plussed. Not only do these three trios exhibit my favorite … Continue reading (Another Trio of) Trios
Chicken Noodle Soup.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com Here's a playlist that's good for all that ails you. Whether you're at the office, off location yet still working, or perhaps just in need of some music to get you over the hump wherever you may be working. That's right - Chicken Noodle Soup, ergo - good for … Continue reading Chicken Noodle Soup.
Spotlight: Marc Antoine
Photo by Nothing Ahead on Pexels.com Marc Antoine never fails to please. So, this "Deejay" will not be talking. Instead, hit the play button and be amazed. Jazz, jazz, and nothing but jazz. Mostly. Listen on SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/770VbyuZOPxA7LjxbEEfLc?si=a8df28f21f204a3b Listen on TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/10f74b36-f8d1-47e0-ad8e-fb58a3321328 copyright 2023 jblackstarr for SMOOTHE
The Mellow Mix: 05.01.23
Photo by Anand Dandekar on Pexels.com As promised, no more "manic", no more "hustle & bustle", just "easy does it" to gently guide you through the start of a brand new week. This is part two of that exhaustive playlist that I mentioned last week. I'm going to keep going with that one til I … Continue reading The Mellow Mix: 05.01.23
Smoothe 