Recent posts: jazz

Returning to NAMM Show held annually by the largest world non-profit music trade org, 1852 companies representing 4300 brands descended upon Anaheim and excitedly displayed the latest and greatest music technology as you might expect. This year, however, the LA Fires which wreaked unexpected havoc and smoldered an hour away were on attendees’ minds as some Angelenos there naturally wanted to swap survivor stories in the convention center hallways and LA Wildfire Relief Fund donations were collected via QR code. Immediately acknowledged on NAMM’s Media Day, the music community’s outpouring of support for their affected brethren set the tone for the next five days as a tragedy such as this is an obvious reminder now, more than ever, to live in the moment and cherish the joy creating and listening to music brings.

As I wrap up this musical year, I ponder my favorite moments of 2024, and one clear standout came during this year’s impressive annual NAMM Show. Perusing the list of performing acts, I knew I couldn’t miss Yamaha’s Grand Plaza Stage Night of Worship with Take 6. Hooked since I heard “Spread Love’ as a kid, the acapella legendary gospel and jazz sextet livened the crowd’s spirit and did not disappoint live.

Throughout the 2010’s, nestled in North Carolina’s Bull City stood one of the premier jazz and R&B festivals. Assembling historic lineups with ease, where one could view legendary and rising talent favs at several venues across Durham, the Art of Cool Fest became a yearly highlight. During its second year, it drew bandleader, film and TV composer Kris Bowers. Connecting with him then in 2015, he spoke of working on Showtime’s Kobe Bryant ‘Muse’ documentary and the booked and busy musical road ahead of him.

As images of elaborate floats descend down historic New Orleans streets and mid-air bead tossing continue into the late night hours, one can’t help but get swept up in the mardi gras madness. An album that perfectly encapsulates this distinct time of year and its special festive atmosphere is Delfeayo Marsalis and The Uptown Jazz Orchestra’s “Uptown On Mardi Gras Day”. Whether it’s the “Mardi Gras Mambo” or the “Uptown Boogie”, this 2023 12-song offering takes the listener down to Bourbon St right quick.

As the clock continues to tick down on a strange but musically productive year, the producers who placed a lasting impression on critical projects in 2016 def deserve year-end props. Terrace Martin, one such artist/producer, garners such recognition, with undeniably dope contributions, releasing his 2017 “Best R&B Album” Grammy-nominated solo project ‘Velvet Portraits’ as well as producing for several artists like Rapsody, Schoolboy Q, YG, Herbie Hancock and Kamasi Washington to name a few. Already a two-time Grammy winner for his work on Kendrick Lamar’s brilliant ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’, it’s probably safe to assume 2017 will be just as hectic. Starting his career, working for Diddy in high school, set Terrace on his accolade-filled musical path.

Earlier in 2016, I chatted with Terrace at a press conference at Durham’s Art of Cool Fest which also provided a rare opportunity to see him live. Taking time out of his busy schedule, I got a chance to ask about his experience working with Busta Rhymes, Stevie Wonder and Snoop, a description of his production process and his Grammy-winning experience with Kendrick. Listen to the soundclips BELOW and go cop his latest solo project HERE!