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In 2024, TOPAZ unveils his debut solo EP, a vibrant fusion of Synth Pop, French House, Italo Disco, and Bloghouse inspired by his DJing escapades during the pandemic. Drawing from influences like Daft Punk, David Bowie, Chromeo, and Steve Monite, Topaz’s solo venture promises a refreshingly playful brand of synth-laden indie pop that will make you smile and bop.
Topaz' music isn't exactly revolutionary, nor is it exceptionally technical like you might expect a contemporary jazz fusion act might be. Of course, McGarrigle's work on the sax is extremely proficient in both standard style and avant-garde, as well Squantch on the trombone. But what Topaz's The Zone exudes more than anything is personality.
- Guru
- United Future Organisation
- Brand New Heavies
- Home Rulez
- Justice System
- St Germain
- Topaz
- Us3
- Jamiroquai
- James Taylor Quartet
Guru (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) was the stage name of Massachusetts born rapper, Keith Edward Elam whose approach to his craft was revolutionary at the time; he got jazz musicians to come to the studio so he could combine their music with his rapping, providing the songs with real contrast. Elam, who died of myeloma in 2010 aged just 48, e...
Jazz has infiltrated all four corners of the world and, back in 1990, this was none more evident than in Japan, where the group United Future Organization were formed. Starting out as a trio consisting Raphael Sebbag, Toshio Matsuura and Tadashi Yabe, they released a number of albums through the ‘90s alongside a selection of singles and remixes. Ov...
The Brand New Heavies were formed in Ealing, West London in 1985 by musician/songwriters Andrew Levy and Simon Bartholomew. By the early ‘90s they were joined by lead vocalist N’Dea Davenport and are still active as a group, producing albums and touring heavily.
Home Rulez is a Korean trio made up of Seo Ro, Paco and Young Hyo whose music spans a broad range of styles mixing acid jazz with things like electronica and R&B.
Justice System are a hip-hop/jazz crossover group who hail from New York and who have been on the scene since 1990. They have released five albums to date, including the 2022 album ‘Quantum Field Crew’. The line-up includes Bim-E, Coz Boogie, Eric G, Sugadeezil and Wizard C Rock.
French producer Ludovic Navarre goes by the stage name St Germain and he has been bringing his eclectic sound to audiences and vinyl since 1995. Citing Miles Davis and Bob Marley as two influences, his debut album ‘Boulevard’ sold over a million copies.
Topaz are named after frontman saxophonist Topaz McGarrigle and, although they never truly made it to cult acid jazz status, they put out a selection of great records. Formed in 1997, they continued to evolve in the subsequent years despite acid jazz having calmed down somewhat since the turn of the 21st Century. The Texan group mixes an infectious...
Us3 is a British jazz rap group formed by Mel Simpson and production partner, Geoff Wilkinson in London in 1992. Named after the Horace Parlan record ‘Us Three’, their breakthrough albums featured samples from the iconic Blue Note catalogue.
Jamiroquai are actually celebrating 30 years since their formation this year; they are a quintessential British Jazz and funk outfit who enjoyed huge success in the 1990s with a string of hits in the UK Top 40. Led by Jay Kay (otherwise known as the Buffalo Man or ‘The Cat in the Hat’), they are still active, with their last album Automaton coming ...
One of the best known acid jazz groups of all time, the James Taylor Quartet (or JTQ) formed in 1987 after Stiff Records went bust and James Taylor’s former band, The Prisoners, split up. Largely instrumental with occasional featured vocalists, their early material included film soundtrack covers and was heavily centred around JT’s signature Hammon...
Topaz McGarrigle was the first to realize that 6th Street was the center of musical activity in Austin, TX. He began performing on his tenor-saxophone to get tips from passersby and he continued to push the boundaries of his musical vocabulary in pursuit of his dream of becoming a jazz musician for New York City.
Oct 1, 2001 · Topaz McGarrigle and his sax (among other instrumental) chops has returned to his Texas roots and his band Topaz & Mudphonic is assembled from veterans of some of Austin's finest, with Bobby Perkins (bass, Carolyn Wonderland), Alex Marrero (drums, lead singer of Ghandaia) and John Branch (guitar). Together they have cooked a down-home record ...
- Phil Dipietro
Feb 2, 2024 · 43: Joe Lovano (born 1952) The youngest-born entry among the world’s best jazz saxophonists, Ohio-born Lovano can play a clutch of different instruments, though his name is synonymous with the ...
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Aug 27, 2024 · This list features the best saxophonists of all time, ranked as the best by music lovers. This list includes greats like John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Sonny Rollins, John Zorn, Eric Dolphy, and Joshua Redman. Vote up the best saxophone players below and see where the musicians you think are great rank. Photo:
