As Jazz Con Class listeners already know, on every Saturday the “Contemporary Playlist” is showcased. The Jazz music on this playlist consists of mostly young aspiring artist and others who have been around but are still producing great Jazz. These artists have one thing in common in there style of play and it complies with the particular Jazz music that specifically plays here. They play traditional/classic Jazz and this playlist is named “Contemporary” because this music was recorded recently. These are a special breed of musicians who respect/admire classic/traditional Jazz and keep it current. Great music never gets old and these artists are proving it. This is a difficult task for them to prosper, in respect to the ideals of the few but very powerful music industries. It is a constant struggle for all these Jazz musicians, they need to take all sorts of different routes to obtain true recognition. Pop music dominates the billboard ratings and almost most of the times the great musicians are ignored. Maybe they are just too good or maybe they have more pride. This is why the “Contemporary Playlist” is featured here on Jazz Con Class, they belong right there with all the greats that came before them.
This week I added Josh Maxey, a great Jazz guitarist from New York City. Here are some opinions of him:
“Josh Maxey is at the forefront of the continuing evolution of jazz and in particular the jazz guitar. In an era where there are so many truly gifted musicians, Josh stands out because of the feeling of his music and playing. His music reflects a deeper purpose and a more mature evolvement than many of the “Young Lion’s” of jazz today who garner so much media coverage. His music and playing reflect his awareness that it is not mechanics, or complexity that define great art, but the intent and awareness of the artist and the ability to reach the heart of the listener in a transformative way.”
Rodney Jones
Professional Guitarist
Professor of Jazz Guitar Studies – Juilliard School of Music
Professor of Jazz Guitar Studies – Manhattan School of Music“Sophisticated yet demure…even sublime at times, Maxey has embodied the culture of his experiences into a captivating collection that reinvents the wheel, over and over again. This is one collection of beauty & art through jazz that will not disappoint. Even the most critical of ears will find that this is a must have.”
Cicily Janus
Author, The New Face of Jazz
Learn more about Josh by visiting his website here. Check the schedule link for play times of the “Contemporary Playlist” (Twice on Saturdays) and all the others featured playlists here on Jazz Con Class, ENJOY!
