Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Meet Cindy Bradley, trumpeter extraordinare. She was born in upstate NY in 1977. At nine (9), she was already playing piano, and that was also the age that she began playing the trumpet. She also plays Flugelhorn. She recorded her first album, Just A Little Bit (2007), on her own … Continue reading Spotlight: Cindy Bradley
Tag: TIDAL
Spotlight: Dave Koz
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
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
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 Weekend Mix: 04.29.23
Photo by Bernyce Hollingworth on Pexels.com Here it is - that elusive entity known as "the weekend". Here's a mix of jazz, jazz(y), Scandinavian, chill, and everything in between. Here's hoping that your weekend is all that you had hoped it would be and more. Now, pop the cork on that bottle of red (or … Continue reading The Weekend Mix: 04.29.23
Smoothe 