Jazz Articles about Jeff Kashiwa

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Darryl Alexander: Morning Calls

by La-Faithia White
May 25, 2026

Jazz artist, producer, and composer Darryl Alexander Sr. began developing his skills as a musician in his school band playing trombone, tuba, and drums. Alexander began his recording career with his debut release titled Coast to Coast (1992) followed by 17th Street (1995), both on the Prestige jazz label.  “Writing Our Story" opens with a slow, reflective tenor saxophone melody from Jeff Kashiwa. As Ken Karsh enters on rhythm guitar, the composition begins to unfold with a sense ...

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Jeff Kashiwa: Back In the Day

by Jeff Winbush
April 14, 2009

Few artists are true trailblazers; most others merely follow in their wake. On Back in the Day, Jeff Kashiwa follows the same contemporary and smooth jazz path taken by many technically competent, but minimally adventurous saxophonists.That may sound like a negative criticism, but it's really not. There have always been jazz musicians whose metier lead them to being solid professionals instead of bold innovators. Back in the Day is the seventh solo album from the former--and sometimes guest--member ...

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Jeff Kashiwa / Kim Waters / Steve Cole: The Sax Pack

by Jeff Winbush
April 20, 2008

"The Sax Pack," huh? Wonder how long it took to dream up that name?As soon as you see who The Sax Pack is you're either interested or you're not. Between Kim Waters, Jeff Kashiwa and Steve Cole, you have three guys who have been staples of smooth jazz radio for years. They're all seasoned veterans who can be expected to deliver the goods if your idea of “good" is bland background music that isn't going to challenge, surprise ...

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Take Five With Jeff Kashiwa

by AAJ Staff
June 13, 2007

Teachers and/or influences?Leo Potts, saxophone instructor at Cal State Long Beach. Outstanding teacher. Changed my approach to the saxophone. His tonal concepts are with me always. Charlie Shoemake, Jazz improvisation teacher. Clarified jazz harmony for me.I knew I wanted to be a musician when... I heard Chuck Mangione and his band play in Maui during one summer vacation.Your sound and approach to music:I have a melodic approach to playing and let the ...

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Jeff Kashiwa: Peace Of Mind

by Mark Sabbatini
September 4, 2004

Somebody's missing the point here. I'm almost hoping it's me.

There's clearly a decent market for albums like Peace Of Mind, the fifth solo album by former Rippingtons saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, since so many of these smooth jazz soundalikes are occupying bin space at music stores. And a small part of me was rooting for this to stand out in the crowd, largely because he's one of a relative handful of players who dabbles at times with a ...