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Herbie Hancock has never stood still musically and fully embraces the traditions of jazz, while always open to exploring new possibilities inside and outside of it.
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In the lifetime of any composer and artist, to be associated with an iconic piece of music is to live in rarified company. Abdullah Ibrahim's "Mannanberg" reach such heights as the unofficial theme of anti-apartheid fighters in South Africa.
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Ahmad Jamal innovated jazz with a unique sense of rhythm and dynamics that brought to a trio the complexity of a well-arranged big band. Though retired from touring, his legacy continues.
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Since his first recording in 1962, Roy Ayers has worked with some of the most familiar and iconic names in rap, pop and neo hip-hop soul.
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Despite facing discrimination in the jazz world for being a woman and Japanese, Toshiko Akiyoshi pressed on — becoming a composer-arranger for big bands, working with Charles Mingus and receiving critical acclaim.
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Saxophone giant Sonny Rollins turned 92 last fall. His relentless pursuit of greatness — as a musician, and as a person — has made a huge impact on jazz.
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Guitarist and singer George Benson, at the peak of an already rich jazz career, stepped outside the genre to create standards in the pop and R&B arena.
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The powerhouse drummer Jack DeJohnette continues to dazzle critics and fans alike, both as a leader and as an “in-demand” sideman.