Contemporary jazz appreciation thread

Cafe Society
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Haven’t seen one of these grace the SDMB as yet, so I thought I’d start one up. I’ve loved contemporary jazz ever since I discovered Acoustic Alchemy’s Red Dust and Spanish Lace back when I was but a wee tyke. Since then, my interest in and admiration of the genre has grown exponentially, and I credit the music with getting me interested in playing every instrument I can get my hands on. I hope to one day become a contemporary jazz recording artist myself.

Now it’s time for other c-jazz loving dopers to speak out! Tell all about your favorite artists, albums and experiences related to the genre.

My picks:

My favorite c-jazz artists include the aforementioned Acoustic Alchemy, the Rippingtons (their music always reminds me of my early high school years, the cure for teen angst, what have you), Brian Hughes, Bobby Caldwell (if you don’t consider him pop or soul), Paul Hardcastle and the Jazzmasters (big musical influence on my own playing and recording), Soundscape UK, David Sanborn (mostly his mid-80s material), Hiroshima (their stuff with Barbara Long, mostly), Lee Ritenour and countless hundreds of others.

Some of the c-jazz albums I consider essential:
Najee - Najee’s Theme
The Rippingtons - Curves Ahead
David Sanborn - Close-Up
Chieli Minucci - Night Grooves
Paul Hardcastle - The Jazzmasters
Soundscape UK - Surreal Thing
Acoustic Alchemy - Reference Point

Now it’s your turn!

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I used to listen to this stuff, but have gone over to improvisational jazz these past years. But I used to listen to Acoustic Alchemy (they were always listed under “New Age”) and Ottmar Liebert (“Nouveau Flamenco” was a good one) because of the phenomenol guitar work. I don’t know if it qualifies, but Al Dimeola’s album “Elegant Gypsy” (with Paco de Lucia) was simply amazing.

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As an extra note, let me add that, in high school, I was so excited about the music that I actually fought my way into an internship with the local c-jazz station (Smooth Jazz KWJZ in Seattle). They’d never accepted anyone under college age before, but my devotion to the genre won 'em over.

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Chefguy: Yeah, I’ve noticed different retailers and different ideas about where Acoustic Alchemy belongs. Tower says New Age, but I’m not so sure.

Dimeola’s definitely done some great fusion stuff. I’m currently listening to Kiss My Axe.