http://mp3.rhapsody.com/charts?cat=artist&category=genre&genreId=266&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rssTop Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody OnlinePop-Jazzen720Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:48:31 -0800 http://static.realone.com/rotw/images/logo_rhapsody_113x22.gif http://mp3.rhapsody.com/charts?cat=artist&category=genre&genreId=266&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.39580&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:57:28 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.39580 art.39580 Norah Jones art.39580 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.39580&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.39580&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Come Away With Me, was so enthusiastic that the album eventually became one of the biggest sellers of the new millennium. Blue Note wisely chose not to try to make her even more successful and left Jones and her band to their own devices for 2004's Feels Like Home, a slightly darker return to the sophisticated but comforting acoustic sound of her debut. Jones and her band avoided the sophomore slump with the album, which hit the gates as a massive hit and further secured her career in music. In early 2007, Jones released Not Too Late, her first all self-penned set. She also performs regularly with other bands and musicians, including the Little Willies, Peter Malick (she appears on every track of his New York Cityalbum), jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter, electronica band Wax Poetic, and a number of her heroes, among them Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2152&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Quiet Storm Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:20:21 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.2152 art.2152 Sade art.2152 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2152&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2152&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Promise (1985), her approach shifted as she began to mix overly repetitive light funk workouts with darker mood pieces; so while Stronger Than Pride and Love Deluxe each contain a bit of filler, strong tracks abound. Lover's Rock (2000) is her best since Promise, and it proves that Sade doesn't have to compete with changing fashion or styles. She is a genre of one. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.39770&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:24:21 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.39770 art.39770 Chris Botti art.39770 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.39770&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.39770&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss A Thousand Kisses Deep, which successfully brought elements of downtempo into the mix. He next cut the stripped-down string set When I Fall in Love, which went from being a contemporary best-seller to a pop sensation after Oprah endorsed it. Botti has since followed its winning formula, recording standards and a few modern romantic tunes with different ensembles and guest vocalists. Critics may be surprised to learn that he got his start playing for bop veterans Woody Shaw and George Coleman (who played with Miles Davis). A listen to his live readings of "My Funny Valentine" or "Why Not" (from 2006) lets you see why even old jazzers heard potential in the young Botti. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1834&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Jazz Instrumental Pop Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:51:11 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.1834 art.1834 Kenny G art.1834 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1834&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1834&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3922&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop Standards Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:57:28 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3922 art.3922 Tony Bennett art.3922 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3922&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3922&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Columbia hit machine of the '50s and '60s and he had to fight Mitch Miller tooth and nail to do the jazz albums and classy material he loved. He toured extensively with Duke Ellington and become the first white star to record with Count Basie. The cream of this era is collected on the exceptional Jazz, a compilation which also features Art Blakey, Stan Getz, and Bennett's main ivory tinkler, Ralph Sharon. A few years after "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," Bennett got knocked down during the acid rock wave of the late '60s but he answered back with his own label, Improv and cut two great albums with Bill Evans. Always a warm and good-humored singer, age and experience took the brassy edge off Bennett's voice and he decided to stick with jazz accompaniment. In the late '80s he recorded with Dexter Gordon, Dizzy Gillespie and George Benson, and slowly rebuilt his base. The '90s MTV generation took to Bennett's music and his unruffled cool personality in a very big way. His music is timeless. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6351&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:43 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.6351 art.6351 George Benson art.6351 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6351&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6351&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.65269&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:24:19 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.65269 art.65269 Harry Connick, Jr. art.65269 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.65269&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.65269&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss is big -- both as an performer and actor. A native of New Orleans, he was a child prodigy who fell in love with jazz piano, and the rich musical legacy of his hometown has always informed his work. After moving to New York City, the handsome and charismatic Connick took a friend's advice and threw on some retro duds, he quickly landed a major recording contract. Connick's first two albums were jazz piano affairs, but when his pseudo-soundtrack for When Harry Met Sally (done in Frank Sinatra's patented 1950s Swingin' Lovers style) became a surprise smash hit that stayed atop the jazz charts for years, Connick kept the Sinatra thing going for a while. Then came an ill-advised but heartfelt New Orleans R&B detour. His old school R&B wasn't embarrassing, but since he'd always incorporated the feel of the city into much of his work, it did feel a bit redundant. When Connick returned to jazz-based pop music with 1997's To See You, one could hear his renewed enthusiasm - in fact, his recordings from this point on are often better and more exciting than some of his earlier, better-selling releases. Many critics have failed to see (or hear) how much Connick's singing, songwriting and piano playing have matured over the years. His single greatest development may be in the unheralded field of arrangements; his imaginative band charts on albums such as Come By Me and Songs I Heard show an originality and spark that would earn him acclaim in the jazz world if he weren't a pop star. At the same time, Connick take pains to strip all the other instruments away and show off his uncompromising jazz piano playing, often on Branford Marsalis' label. In 2007, he returned to New Orleans for Oh, My Nola, an album that contains all the verve and fire that his earlier efforts in the style sometimes lacked. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3503&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Quiet Storm Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:24:22 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3503 art.3503 Anita Baker art.3503 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3503&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3503&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.43121&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:12:25 -0700 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.43121 art.43121 Pat Metheny art.43121 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.43121&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.43121&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Zero Tolerance for Silence, an album featuring forty minutes of feedback noise. As a soloist, Metheny is among the top modern guitarists, using his lightly chorused electric guitar to play startlingly original chromatic lines with exceptionally tasteful phrasing. He has worked with countless artists, but collaborations with Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Gary Burton and Ornette Coleman stand out as noteworthy. Metheny may also be responsible for fusing Heavy Metal and jazz -- at least in terms of his hairstyle decisions. - Jessy Terry]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.59176&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:53:07 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.59176 art.59176 The Rippingtons art.59176 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.59176&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.59176&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.28963&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Vocal Jazz Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:25:01 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.28963 art.28963 Madeleine Peyroux art.28963 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.28963&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.28963&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Dreamland, her major label debut, and showcased an ageless voice that belied the fact that she was a fresh-faced 22 year old at the time. The album earned rave reviews, and coupled with strong word of mouth from fans, the album moved from the top of the jazz world to the pop/rock charts without the aid of any radio play or TV exposure. Believe it or not (actually, believe it), this wasn't good enough for the major label that she was signed to, so Peyroux went back to performing on Parisian streets only to return in 2004 on Rounder Records, the famed independent roots label. Careless Love took off where Peyroux left off, even improving on her debut and quickly went to the top of the jazz charts before starting to sell to mainstream pop rock audiences. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3940&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:24:18 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3940 art.3940 Boney James art.3940 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3940&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3940&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.69153&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Tue, 1 Dec 2009 09:48:02 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.69153 art.69153 Peter White art.69153 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.69153&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.69153&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.18492842&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:52:07 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.18492842 art.18492842 Melody Gardot art.18492842 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.18492842&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.18492842&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Worrisome Heart was a solid addition to the jazzy singer-songwriter revival. Gardot occupies a comfortable middle ground between Norah Jones' mellow jazz, Inara George's whimsical indie pop and Tom Waits' early beatnik retro vibe. Her follow-up, My One and Only Thrill, was an even greater leap forward. A ravishing torch set, the album proved the singer-songwriter to be an old world talent for the 21st century. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.377&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary Instrumental Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:29:18 -0700 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.377 art.377 Acoustic Alchemy art.377 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.377&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.377&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3516&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:20:21 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3516 art.3516 Grover Washington, Jr. art.3516 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3516&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3516&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Mister Magic features a bearded Washington rocketing from a pool, emerging like the lofty lines he blew, covered in a lush coating of keyboard and strings. "Just the Two of Us" with Bill Withers solidified his status as a major star -- and recently brought Washington back to attention with a series of sampled remakes. In Philadelphia he's bigger than Ben Franklin, and his soaring notes have been missed since his death in 1999. - Jessy Terry]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3625&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Jazz Instrumental Pop Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:52:24 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3625 art.3625 Earl Klugh art.3625 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3625&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3625&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss White Rabbit. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.5290837&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:19:28 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.5290837 art.5290837 Jamie Cullum art.5290837 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.5290837&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.5290837&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Twentysomething -- a mix of original tunes and standards -- instantly conquered the British jazz charts and continued sailing up to the top of the pop charts in 2003. Twentysomething is an easy album to like, and its multigenerational appeal coupled with the musician's heavy touring schedule has helped it sell around the world. The follow-up Catching Tales saw Cullum boldly recruit the likes of Dan The Automator and move from covering the Doves to delivering a fresh take on Harry Warren's "I Only Have Eyes For You," while still managing to keep the Essex-born, Wiltshire-raised Brit's voice and piano at the heart of affairs. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.69006&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:49:13 -0700 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.69006 art.69006 Rick Braun art.69006 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.69006&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.69006&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3846&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Vocal Jazz Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:45:13 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3846 art.3846 Al Jarreau art.3846 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3846&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3846&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Tenderness is a breathtaking mainstream document of an artist at the top of his game. Jarreau continues to spellbind audiences at jazz festivals around the world. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6257&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Big Band Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:08:51 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.6257 art.6257 Quincy Jones art.6257 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6257&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6257&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.18336&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Jazz Instrumental Pop Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:29:17 -0700 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.18336 art.18336 Marc Antoine art.18336 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.18336&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.18336&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2528&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:53:05 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.2528 art.2528 David Sanborn art.2528 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2528&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2528&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1896&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Sun, 9 Aug 2009 08:39:45 -0700 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.1896 art.1896 Michael Franks art.1896 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1896&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1896&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.14350&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:42:19 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.14350 art.14350 Brian Culbertson art.14350 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.14350&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.14350&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Long Night Out, went to the upper reaches of the contemporary jazz charts and crossed over with pop audiences. Since then, Culbertson has preferred the band approach and regularly works with such smooth jazz stars as Richard Elliot, Gerald Albright and Rick Brian. Culbertson can play lush New Age-tinged piano instrumentals or lay down funky, 1970s-inspired workouts with equal ease. He also occasionally solos on the trombone. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2608&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Tue, 1 Dec 2009 09:47:57 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.2608 art.2608 Dave Koz art.2608 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2608&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2608&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4388&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Adult Contemporary Sat, 3 Oct 2009 10:44:45 -0700 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.4388 art.4388 Basia art.4388 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4388&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4388&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Sweetest Illusion didn't sell as well as her early albums and her career started stalling. Like so many artists, Basia now only has a record deal in Japan, where both she and the reformed Matt Bianco continue to experience major sales. Though it sounds vaguely exotic to American ears, Basia is a common moniker in Poland, but the spelling of her last name -- Trzetrzelewska -- helps explain why she's known exclusively on a first name basis. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4641&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:27:43 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.4641 art.4641 Fourplay art.4641 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4641&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4641&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1739&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:21:21 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.1739 art.1739 Kirk Whalum art.1739 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1739&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1739&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.60154&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Post Bop Wed, 4 Nov 2009 12:13:58 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.60154 art.60154 Beegie Adair art.60154 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.60154&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.60154&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.14435570&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:48:49 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.14435570 art.14435570 Smooth Jazz Allstars art.14435570 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.14435570&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.14435570&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.45861&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:01:19 -0700 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.45861 art.45861 Norman Brown art.45861 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.45861&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.45861&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Just Chillin' (2002) and Celebration (1999)) that were leaner and earthier instead of sterile and produced. This knack for putting real muscle into a highly accessible sound makes Brown one of the more exciting smooth jazz stars currently on the scene. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.17728&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:19:35 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.17728 art.17728 Bob James art.17728 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.17728&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.17728&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Bold Conceptions shows how well versed he is in hard bop. He quickly went on to become Sarah Vaughan's piano accompanist but during this same period he started breaking ground in the world of electronic music by combining (then) new computer technology with jazz. While his releases from the 1960s were critically well received, in the early '70s, James cut a series fusion albums on which he usually played the Rhodes, Clavinet or other electric keyboards. The albums One, Two, and Three combined solid jazz musicianship, with a breezy funk vibe and clever easy listening arrangements. While they were considered jazz sellouts at the time of release, these discs have aged very well and often show up as hip-hop and electronica samples. By the late 1970's, James was one the top-selling artists in jazz when his melancholy theme song and incidental music for the excellent sitcom Taxi brought his music to a whole new audience. James has become more and more mainstream as the decades have progressed but that partly stems from the fact that he helped create the sonic template and textures for smooth jazz. James currently divides most of his time between cutting very commercial instrumentals and R&B heavy smooth jazz (often with his all-star band Fourplay) but he still keeps his hand in the acoustic jazz world. His superb 1996 release Straight Up proved that his more exploratory albums can actually sell just as well as his more commercial products. Besides his soundtrack work on Taxi, James has also recorded film scores for director Sidney Lumet. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1934&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Blue-Eyed Soul Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:30:20 -0700 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.1934 art.1934 Swing Out Sister art.1934 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1934&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1934&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2642&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Jazz Instrumental Pop Wed, 4 Nov 2009 12:14:33 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.2642 art.2642 David Benoit art.2642 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2642&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2642&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Peanuts cartoon specials. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.68996&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Sun, 6 Dec 2009 09:55:41 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.68996 art.68996 Richard Elliot art.68996 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.68996&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.68996&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.43283&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:55:28 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.43283 art.43283 Jeff Lorber art.43283 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.43283&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.43283&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1423&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:41:02 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.1423 art.1423 Spyro Gyra art.1423 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1423&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1423&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1412&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:13:26 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.1412 art.1412 Najee art.1412 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1412&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.1412&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Najee's Theme and has stuck closely to it ever since. His recordings are full-scale productions, employing large casts of drum programmers, vocalists, and keyboardists to back up his vapory soprano sax and flute melodies. His 1995 recording Songs From the Key of Life was something of an exception, as it added a little more muscle as well as a few touches of improvisation and some relatively creative string and horn arrangements. In general though, he likes to keep things smooth, polished and predictable, and that's why he's sold so many records over the years. - Will York]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.67022&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:52:18 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.67022 art.67022 Joe Sample art.67022 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.67022&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.67022&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Carmel, still sounds good today, and the much-sampled Crusaders continue to spread their R&B-drenched gospel to younger listeners who have discovered jazz through the club scene. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62114&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Vocal Jazz Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:51:14 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.62114 art.62114 The Manhattan Transfer art.62114 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62114&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.62114&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Vocalese (a collaboration with mentor Jon Hendricks and a host of jazz greats), 1986's Brasil, 1997's Swing, and 2000's The Spirit of St. Louis (although the sainted one they toast on this album is Louis Armstrong, not the city famous for its arch). Manhattan Transfer can even surprise on a mixed bag like 1991's The Offbeat of Avenues, on which they suddenly drop the programmed beats and dig deep into the moody Miles Davis classic "Blues for Pablo." All of Manhattan Transfer are superb vocalists in their own right, but Janis Siegel has had the greatest success as a solo artist. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.59168&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Contemporary Instrumental Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:29:17 -0700 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.59168 art.59168 Keiko Matsui art.59168 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.59168&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.59168&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Deep Blue, which topped the contemporary jazz charts and also scored with pop audiences. Matsui's alternately dreamy and dramatic soundscapes touch upon Asian motifs, but European film soundtracks seem to be her heavier influence. She's married to Kazu Matsui, who has a rewarding New Age career of his own. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4467&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Jazz Piano Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:09:52 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.4467 art.4467 Ramsey Lewis art.4467 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4467&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.4467&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Sun Goddess was recorded with the band and it still sounds great). He went through a bland, faceless fusion period but things are looking up once again and Appassionata (1999) finds him performing mellow but beautiful mainstream jazz. Lewis' funky piano style has been embraced by a young generation of Acid Jazz fans. Many of these youngsters try to ape his groove, but few (if any) can reach his level of funkified artistry. He's recorded a lot of crap, but the choice stuff stands out -- and will kickstart any party outside of the Utah state lines as quickly as the cast of Baywatch suggesting a game of Twister. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6390&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Bop Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:14:05 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.6390 art.6390 Wes Montgomery art.6390 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6390&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6390&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2624&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:07:25 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.2624 art.2624 George Duke art.2624 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2624&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2624&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Muir Woods Suite. This lovely classical-meets-acoustic-jazz suite is a nice change of pace -- even for a man who constantly changes pace. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3214&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:30:58 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.3214 art.3214 Lee Ritenour art.3214 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3214&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.3214&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2503&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Smooth Jazz Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:55:19 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.2503 art.2503 Gerald Albright art.2503 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2503&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2503&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Live at Birdland West (1991) proves that Albright can play straight-ahead jazz with verve and passion most of his releases stick to the Smooth Jazz format. Simplifying his R&B-rooted approach on alto and tenor saxophone, he's released a number of popular efforts in the Smooth Jazz/Quiet Storm realm. Lite Funk rhythms, slick production, cooing background vocalists and easy melodies are the key components of his candlelight-beckoning seduction soundtracks. - Will York]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.22209&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Pop-Jazz Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:50:44 -0700 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.22209 art.22209 Tommy Emmanuel art.22209 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.22209&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.22209&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.34686&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Vocal Jazz Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:21:31 -0700 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.34686 art.34686 Jane Monheit art.34686 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.34686&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.34686&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Never Never Land, in 2000, kicking off the set with the self-deprecating "Please Be Kind." Monheit needn't have worried, since the CD was a big hit, shooting up to the No. 2 spot in the jazz charts and reaching No. 3 in the then-new Internet sales chart. Her 2001 follow-up did even better, going to the top spot in the jazz charts and featuring a cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" that shows that Monheit could've easily entered the Sarah McLachlan pop realm if she had wished to. In the Sun, released in 2002, grafted lush string arrangements onto a small-group jazz palette, while the next year's Live at the Rainbow surprisingly had more of an old-fashioned, Streisand-in-the-1960s vocal feel to it than her studio albums. Monheit signed to Sony in 2004 and released Taking a Chance On Love, a run-through of the standards originally written for MGM films. Another mix of small-group and orchestral numbers, the album returned Monheit to No. 1 in the jazz charts and showcased her strengths as both a jazz and classic pop vocalist. - Nick Dedina]]> http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2211&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss Jazz-Funk Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:19:34 -0800 Top Pop-Jazz Artists on Rhapsody Online art.2211 art.2211 Roy Ayers art.2211 http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2211&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss http://mp3.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.2211&variant=data&rws=%2Fjazz%2Fpop-jazz%2Fartist-chart.rss