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The Top 100 Contemporary Jazz Songs

The Top 100 Contemporary Jazz Songs – #95 | Checkfield – Through The Lens


 
The power of Contemporary Jazz Music…
 
So many styles, contrasts…angles.
 
A jazz group that was formed in San Diego back in 1982 – Checkfield, did just that when they released obscure, home run hitter “Through The Lens” (1988-American Gramaphone Records). A single that steadily grew in popularity over the years from the initial release date, title track “Through The Lens” is the embodiment of what a well composed, well rounded, openly instrumental cjazz single should sound like. It ages like fine wine…

The Top 100 Contemporary Jazz Songs – #96 | Bobby Lyle – Ivory Dreams


 
Whats Happening Jazz Lovers…
 
This one was a ‘selective’ choice, not chosen because it was a big Billboard Singles hit or blazed the charts throughout the globe back in the day.  Considering how big of a fan I am of legendary contemporary jazz pianist Bobby Lyle‘s work, I came to a decision to add the title track from stellar 1989 album “Ivory Dreams” (Atlantic Records).

The Top 100 Contemporary Jazz Songs – #98 | Herb Alpert – Fragile


 
I bet most of you didn’t know Jazz Trumpet Legend Herb Alpert did this…
 
Back in 1988, Mr. Alpert released a cover of one of the finest late 70’s/early 80’s new wave rock band Police – frontman Sting’s classic, meaningful hit “Fragile” from album ‘Under A Spanish Moon.’ Other than charting numerous singles, Herb graced the horn effortlessly throughout the composition and like I said about cjazz brethren Earl Klugh, …he took it straight to the top.

The Top 100 Contemporary Jazz Songs – #99 | Earl Klugh – Dance With Me


 
It’s going to be a long night…..literally.
 
One of the greatest joys of Contemporary Jazz music is the ability of the jazz artist back in the day to do a well done, well executed, well released version – rendition – cover of a hit track from any given genre in the music industry. Re-release it as their very own, and watch it take FLIGHT.