George Howard | Asphalt Garden

Tags

African American, Contemporary Jazz, Saxophone

George Howard | Asphalt Garden [Contemporary jazz]

George Howard

“Asphalt Garden” was soprano saxophonist George Howard’s introduction to modern jazz enthusiasts on vinyl. His debut was unique, yet an unpolished blend of funk, jazz and soul that lifted his voice as one of the raising stars on the contemporary jazz scene until his untimely death of having lymphoma in 1998.

After recording his debut, on his next few albums on TBA Howard begin search deep within the landscape of fusion styles in order to revamp his unparalleled sound and style by concentrating more on groove aspect of this music instead of improvisation. His successful recording career included time spent honing his skills on MCA and GRP Records.

Bennie Maupin | Moonscapes

Tags

African American, Jazz Fusion, Saxophone

Bennie Maupin | Moonscapes [Jazz Fusion]

Bennie Maupin

This original member of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters released this solo album in 1978 on Mercury Records, it features Bennie Maupin on sax, flute and clarinet, Bobby Lyle on piano and clavinet, Harvey Mason on drums, Mike Sembello on guitar, Abraham Laboriel on bass, Mongo Lewis on congas & percussion, Onaje Allen Gumbs on piano and Beverly Bellows on harp, plus Derrick Youman on vocals and Patrick Gleeson who produced the album and did the synthesizer programming.

..:: Source: MyJazzWorld.blogspot.com ::..

Changing kids’ lives through jazz

Tags

African American, Jazz

Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis knows how important education is for youth, but what feeds their minds and souls, he says, often lies beyond traditional classroom walls.

“The most essential thing for the development of kids and their understanding of the world are those things they do that’s not school related — just any extracurricular activity,” says the Pulitzer Prize winner. “When you have activities you learn at a young age, you can do whatever you put your mind to!”

Marsalis, 47, co-founded Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. As part of its goal to inspire and cultivate jazz audiences, Jazz at Lincoln Center sponsors youth events, including an annual nationwide high school jazz band competition and festival, a Band Director’s Academy, and a popular concert series for kids.

“Jazz helps younger kids, especially, to connect with their innermost feelings and learn that [there’s] nothing wrong with being real,” says Marsalis.

Read the complete article by visiting … CNN.com