Jazz your Lifes

Posts Tagged ‘artist’

Jazz Improvisation Transports the Human Brain to a Different Realtiy
New research by John Hopkins University and National Institute of Health scientists found that the brains of improvising jazz musicians operate in a fundamentally different way than those of musicians playing a memorized, composed melody. .
The study was under the direction of Charles Limb, a hearing specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital and teacher at the University, lecturer on the neuroscience of music and music perception at Peabody Conservatory of Music, is also a jazz saxophonist.
Jazz and the Brain Research Methods
Designing effective equipment for watching the brain at work is difficult. Limb and Allen Braun, who co-authored the paper published in the journal PLoS One, used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to look into their subject brains. The device emits a strong magnetic field, which creates images based on the movement of blood through the brain. Interpreting the images is based on the idea that blood flows in larger amounts to active areas of the brain.
A Jazz Instrument that would Work inside a Scanner
The researchers created a keyboard with no magnetic parts that could be linked to a computer outside the scanner. It plays like a piano, but when someone presses a key, it actually sends a signal to a computer, which then sends a sound sample from a real piano into a set of headphones worn by the musician in the scanner. Read the rest of this entry »

For over three decades, one name has been associated with jazz music and he is David Benoit. Ever since he began his music career back in 1977, the contemporary pianist and eminent jazz performer has released several memorable songs, including groundbreaking classics such as Freedom at Midnight, This Side Up and Every Step of the Way.
Freedom at Midnight, released in 1987, clinched the fifth best slot at the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz albums chart. This album has also been known to be David’s favorite to make as he quipped “everything came together.”
Take A Look Inside My Heart
Benoit released the album Artist’s Choice in 1998, an album which featured one of jazz’s most notable songs named Take A Look Inside My Heart. The many time Grammy nominee has released several albums since and has conducted, arranged and performed for musicians like Brian McKnight, Kenny Rankin, Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons, Patti Austin, Kenny Loggins, Dave Koz, David Lanz, Cece Winans, David Sanborn and David Pack. Read the rest of this entry »

Create a Relaxed Atmosphere With Soft Song Styles
In today’s fast-paced world, easy listening music can be a source of relaxation. After a long, stressful day, a ballad or a soft jazzy song may help you unwind. The music of easy listening artists can also be used to create a romantic backdrop. Here are some ideas of performers, past and present, whose musical style will entertain, soothe and inspire.
The Crooner
Many male performers of the 1930s, 40s and 50s are often described as crooners. These artists were known for their rich tones and the ability to weave a spell with a romantic ballad or classic melody. Many crooners performed songs influenced by jazz, big band and swing music. Although crooning may not be one of the most popular styles of singing these days, there are some present-day artists who are doing their part to carry on the tradition.
Some famous crooners include:
• Frank Sinatra. The smooth sound of an Ol’ Blue Eyes tune is the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening. Sinatra first gained success in the 1940s during the swing era. He is known for ballads such as Strangers in the Night and standards such as I’ve Got You Under My Skin. Read the rest of this entry »