Founded in 2022, Schmooze Jazz is a U.S.-based publication that offers both a print magazine and online content. Inside, you’ll discover engaging articles, in-depth interviews, and thoughtful reviews of CDs and singles, along with extensive coverage of concerts and festivals. But that’s just the beginning! As the magazine continues to grow, we are excited to introduce podcasts, curated charts, radio features, contests, and a spotlight on emerging artists.
What sets Schmooze Jazz apart is the diverse array of music genres we celebrate under the “schmooze jazz” banner. Many assume “schmooze” refers to “smooth jazz” alone. While we certainly love smooth jazz, our scope is far more expansive. Contemporary jazz, which includes artists like Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Nick Colionne, Mindi Abair, David Benoit, Kenny G, and Spyro Gyra, is just one piece of the puzzle. Smooth jazz is predominantly instrumental, but soul and R&B, which bring vocals into the mix, also find a home here.
We also shine a spotlight on the vibrant world of Latin jazz, featuring styles like Bossa Nova, Afro-Cuban jazz, and more. You’ll encounter legends like Astrud Gilberto, Laura Fygi, Sheila E., Pete Escovedo, and countless others. We embrace jazz on the fringes too—those eclectic, avant-garde, and fusion sounds that push boundaries and defy categorization.
To “schmooze” is to hang out, and that’s exactly what Schmooze Jazz is all about: creating a space where jazz lovers can connect, discover new sounds, and celebrate the rich diversity of the genre. Join us on this musical journey—there’s something for everyone!
Honoring the Legends Who Shaped the Sound of Jazz
Artists like Astrud Gilberto, Spyro Gyra, and Pete Escovedo have left an indelible mark on the world of jazz, transcending the boundaries of their respective genres and influencing generations of musicians and listeners alike. Their contributions are not only celebrated in the music world but also serve as cornerstones of Schmooze Jazz Magazine, where we dive deep into their legacies.
Astrud Gilberto, the Brazilian songstress who became a global icon with her timeless recording of “The Girl from Ipanema,” helped introduce the world to the smooth, sultry sounds of Bossa Nova. Her voice became synonymous with the genre, opening the door for Latin jazz to enter the mainstream. Schmooze Jazz pays tribute to her monumental influence through great historical retrospectives, shedding light on her journey from Rio de Janeiro to worldwide fame. These pieces delve into her role in shaping the fusion of Brazilian music with jazz, bringing nuance to her career and artistic development.
“As a Bossa Nova artist myself, diving into Astrud Gilberto’s journey for Issue 2 was incredibly personal and impactful. Her ability to introduce the world to the beauty of Brazilian music, blending it seamlessly with jazz, is something that continues to inspire me and countless others. It was an honor to pay tribute to her legacy in this issue.”
Kaylene Peoples
On the instrumental side, Spyro Gyra played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary jazz with their fusion of jazz, R&B, and pop. The band’s dynamic sound, led by Jay Beckenstein, has pushed the boundaries of jazz since the late ’70s. In Schmooze Jazz, we feature an exclusive interview by Kaylene Peoples with Spyro Gyra, giving readers a rare behind-the-scenes look into the band’s creative process, challenges, and their lasting impact on jazz fusion. Additionally, a compelling interview with the leader of Spyro Gyra offers deeper insight into how the band consistently evolves while staying true to its roots.
Pete Escovedo, a legend in Latin jazz and percussion, is another artist whose influence stretches across multiple genres. His rhythmic brilliance, blending Latin jazz with funk and rock, set a standard for generations of percussionists. A previously obscured interview with Escovedo has been thoughtfully repurposed into a killer article for Schmooze Jazz, offering an intimate portrait of the man behind the congas. It showcases his personal reflections on his illustrious career, his collaborations with icons like Carlos Santana, and the indomitable spirit that continues to inspire artists today.
In covering such luminaries, Schmooze Jazz not only highlights these artists’ undeniable contributions but also explores the broader evolution of jazz, allowing readers to appreciate how artists like Gilberto, Spyro Gyra, and Escovedo shaped the genre. Through interviews, retrospectives, and thoughtful repurposing of past gems, we keep the conversation around jazz’s rich history alive and evolving. (These interviews are in issue 2.)
