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New Jazz City

Aloha Jazz Fest 2025 Brings Jazz and Island Magic Together in an Unforgettable Debut

  By Doug D. Sims The first-ever Aloha Jazz Fest swept into Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach this August 21–25, 2025, and left an indelible mark on the jazz world. With five days of music, culture, and connection, the festival proved it’s more than a new addition to the calendar—it’s the beginning of a tradition that feels destined to last. The Sound of Paradise The Hilton Hawaiian Village set the stage for an atmosphere that was as breathtaking as it was soulful. […]

todaySeptember 4, 2025 57

New Jazz City

Brian Culbertson, Marcus Miller, and Sheila E. Blaze a New Trail with “On the Road”

When three musical powerhouses like Brian Culbertson, Marcus Miller, and Sheila E. come together, expectations soar—and their 2025 single “On the Road” doesn’t just meet them, it exceeds them. Released June 13 as the first taste of Culbertson’s upcoming Day Trip album, the track is a masterclass in groove, interplay, and contemporary jazz fusion.From the jump, Culbertson’s keyboards set the pace with smooth, melodic phrasing that feels both polished and adventurous. But it’s the rhythm section that makes the track […]

todaySeptember 1, 2025 133

Liquid Lounge

The S.O.S. Band’s “No One’s Gonna Love You”

How Jam & Lewis Redefined R&B with a Drum Machine and a Dream In 1984, a sultry, synth-laced slow jam slipped onto airwaves and into the hearts of R&B lovers. “No One’s Gonna Love You” by The S.O.S. Band wasn’t just another soulful ballad—it was a blueprint for the future of modern R&B. And at its core was a revolutionary production duo who were just getting started: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Fresh off their departure from Prince’s band The […]

todayMay 9, 2025 232

Liquid Lounge

Music Review: “Tell Me” by Groove Theory – A Timeless Urban Classic (2025 Revisit)

By Doug D. SimsIn 2025, nearly three decades after its original release, Groove Theory’s “Tell Me” remains an essential fixture in urban R&B culture. Released in 1995, this sultry track has aged like fine wine—still as smooth, seductive, and soulful as the day it dropped. From an urban standpoint, “Tell Me” isn’t just a song; it’s a cultural artifact, a bridge between the golden era of ‘90s neo-soul and today’s genre-blending soundscape.Sonically, “Tell Me” is a masterclass in minimalism. The […]

todayMay 9, 2025 82 2

New Jazz City

Norah Jones on Creativity, Parenthood, and Finding Joy in Music

With over two decades of musical brilliance, nine solo albums, and more than 11 billion streams to her name, Norah Jones continues to evolve—artistically and personally. In a recent Vanity Fair interview published on May 7, 2025, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter offered an intimate look into her life, reflecting on a career defined by authenticity, experimentation, and resilience.Jones’s signature blend of jazz, soul, country, and pop first took the world by storm with her 2002 debut, Come Away With Me. Yet, […]

todayMay 9, 2025 103 2

Music

Dreamville Festival 2025 Felt Like a Homecoming for the Culture

Dreamville Festival 2025 was not just a music event—it was a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the importance of connection. It's the kind of gathering where passion is ignited, long-lost friends reunite with renewed energy, and the atmosphere is charged with the spirit of creativity and inspiration. With beautiful spring weather enveloping Raleigh, North Carolina, around 100,000 ambitious souls came together to embrace a weekend that radiated joy, like a bright summer day filled with possibilities.Celebrating its […]

todayApril 14, 2025 66

Music

Kendrick Lamar Performs “Not Like Us,” Has Serena Williams Crip Walk at Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

Rap transcends being merely a genre; it's a powerful cultural force.Kendrick Lamar has once again elevated rap’s narrative, making history at the Grammy- and Pulitzer-winning rapper witnessed as he took center stage in music’s grandest arena at Super Bowl 59 for a halftime show that redefined expectations, showcased unrivaled creativity, and challenged the skeptics of a solo rap headliner.Lamar, 37, stands as the first solo rap artist to harness such a monumental, global spotlight.He met the challenge head-on.With the legendary Samuel L. Jackson, decked out […]

todayFebruary 10, 2025 98

Black History

Prince: A Musical Genius and His Enduring Legacy

Prince, a highly influential and prolific musician, transformed the music industry through his distinct sound, artistic vision, and genre-blending compositions. Throughout his illustrious career, he consistently pushed musical boundaries, challenged industry conventions, and created a legacy that continues to inspire artists globally. A Revolutionary Sound Prince's musical output was a blend of rock, funk, R&B, pop, and jazz, making him one of the most versatile artists of his era. His ability to seamlessly integrate different genres produced a distinctive sound, […]

todayFebruary 4, 2025 216

Black History

Shalamar: The Pioneering R&B Trio

Shalamar, one of the most influential R&B and soul groups of the late 1970s and early 1980s, brought a unique blend of funk, disco, and smooth soul to the music industry. The group, originally formed as a studio project, evolved into a dynamic trio featuring Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Daniels, and Jody Watley. Their groundbreaking contributions to music, fashion, and dance continue to influence artists today. The Rise of Shalamar Shalamar was initially assembled by Soul Train creator Don Cornelius and […]

todayFebruary 3, 2025 127