Jazz

(Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny)

Music That Matters: KEXP

Natalie
I fell in love with the series nearly two years ago during one of my lovely commutes to work for one simple reason - it brings you the most amazing variety of music just in time when you can no longer listen to the same songs you had on your iPod since 2000. Each podcast comes with a theme and a selection of sounds (from nearly every genre imaginable, with a slightly greater love for alternative and indie rock) put together by some of the greatest DJs from Northwest.
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Tense Kids: Oh, Idaho!

Valerie
Oh, Idaho! is a sweet and eclectic sounding compilation by three teens from Lexington, KY. Filled with 7 easy to listen and very diverse indie pop/rock, this debut compilation is a great listen. It features a great mix of indie pop vocals, quirky sounding vocals and pretty cool and catchy rhythm. Tense Kids is made up of Alex John and Joe Harbison. They're joined together by Eric Myers, Kyle Randall, Allen Shariaty, Dimitri Lozovoy and Aaron Graham. The group formed in late 2008 and spearheaded by Harbison, who also has several albums under his name. His songs are available for download here.
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San Miguel: Primavera Sound Music 2011

Natalie
Tents, amazing food, crazy outfits, dancing, drinking, and great music that turns thousands of people into your soon-to-be closest new friends; sounds like a ready-made vacation. And if you want to feel like a part of this summer music festival 'movement' be sure to check out the new mix from Primavera Sound. Since crossing into the new year the Primavera Festival already released its preliminary lineup for 2011, and as many of the artists also have some of their mp3s available on the Free Music Archive, Primavera Sound put together a little free album of what is coming up this year.
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Intercontinental Music Lab: IIML Goes to War

Valerie
The Intercontinental Music Lab has finally come out with their latest effort. A compilation of 14 tracks that combine folk, pop, rock, alternative, jazz and everything in between. Intercontinental Music Lab Goes to War is the latest effort from this experimental group. Basically, the group/organization has been around since 2008 and has released five previous albums. Each record revolves around a theme or concept, which musicians or groups can pick a subject from and create music about. It's much more detailed than that of course, but the result is nevertheless, an epic collaboration between musicians and artists. This is one great record to have by your side whether you're heading out to war or not.
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Frau: Starlit Carousel

Valerie
To say that this girl blows my mind is a complete understatement. The first time I came across this artist was from an Aaahh Records blog. The voice behind this record is actually an Indonesian singer. Ironically, she has named herself after the German word for woman, Frau. Starlit Carousel is her first album and is a beautiful compilation that features English as well as Indonesian tracks. If you love broadway musicals and can sincerely appreciate gorgeous vocal work; then you should listen to this album. Even if you don't understand the Indonesian songs, you'll definitely appreciate it still. It's hard not to rave about this album because every single piece of pop, jazz, theater/broadway inspired track is simply lovely. Plus, the voice is stunning. Besides, who can resist that cool album cover anyway? Check it out for yourself.
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Rushus: Stories

Valerie
Dreamy instrumental and experimental jazz from a Russian trio. Stories is a reflective compilation that is filled with whimsical melodies that makes you wish all instrumental music was created this way. Aptly described by one reviewer as "a fine collection of intelligent jazz tracks;" the compilation features experimental, progressive music with touches of blues and jazz. Rushus is primarily made up of Ilya Lipkin, guitar player extraordinaire. He's accompanied by two equally talented individuals, Evgeniy Tkachev on percussion and Vladimir Nikulin playing bass. Together, they create this sonic fusion of instrumental jazz that is filled with melodic rhythms and unconventional beats. Stories isn't just perfect for a Saturday night, it serves as great background music for almost any relaxing, quiet afternoon.
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Alex Bailey: The Four Seasons

Valerie
I could've sworn Alex Bailey was simply Damien Rice in disguise! Of course, I was wrong. This talented singer creates beautiful acoustic folk pop music that's meshed with a tinge of classical. If you ever enjoyed downtempo, moody music like Damien Rice's, then this album is definitely right up your alley. Sometimes the similarities are a little too uncanny, but there's no doubt it's still great music. Definitely an artist worth checking out as long as you appreciate acoustic folk pop.
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K. Sparks: The Trilogy Chapter 3: The Resurrection

Valerie
New York based rapper, K. Sparks, hits up the airwaves again by putting a final cap to his Trilogy series. This latest release is entitled Chapter 3: The Resurrection. This new effort comes doused with 19 hot tracks that are true to K. Sparks fashion. It's filled with catchy beats, great skills and an awesome vibe to it. Like his previous releases, Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, this compilation also sees several talented artists and producers contributing their skills. Artists and musicians like Wordsmith, Laëtitia Dana, Jeff Chery, and Ahmad , to name a few, pitch in their talents to complete this record. If you love the sound of K. Sparks and have followed this awesome series, then you definitely shouldn't miss this one. He pulls out all the stops and hands out great tracks one after the other.
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