The Smooth Jazz Ride -- October 2009

1. Which of the following has had successful recordings as a member of three different groups while still maintaining his stature as a solo artist?

Paul Taylor

Norman Brown

Rick Braun

Rick Braun has had successful recordings as a member of three different groups while still maintaining his stature as a solo artist.

Explanation

Rick Braun has had successful recordings as a member of three different groups while still maintaining his stature as a solo artist.

2. Who is the Prince of Sophisticated Soul?

Phil Perry

Will Downing

Victor Fields

Will Downing is known as the Prince of Sophisticated Soul because of his smooth and soulful vocal style. He is a renowned R&B and soul singer who has been active in the music industry for several decades. Downing's rich baritone voice and his ability to effortlessly blend jazz, R&B, and soul elements in his music have earned him this title. He has released numerous successful albums and has collaborated with various artists throughout his career, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading figures in sophisticated soul music.

Explanation

Will Downing is known as the Prince of Sophisticated Soul because of his smooth and soulful vocal style. He is a renowned R&B and soul singer who has been active in the music industry for several decades. Downing's rich baritone voice and his ability to effortlessly blend jazz, R&B, and soul elements in his music have earned him this title. He has released numerous successful albums and has collaborated with various artists throughout his career, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading figures in sophisticated soul music.

3. Who, in 1990, after being a backup musician for 15 years and inspired by the group, Acoustic Alchemy, decided to start recording his own albums?

Craig Chaquico

Chieli Minucci

Peter White

Peter White decided to start recording his own albums in 1990 after being a backup musician for 15 years and being inspired by the group, Acoustic Alchemy.

Explanation

Peter White decided to start recording his own albums in 1990 after being a backup musician for 15 years and being inspired by the group, Acoustic Alchemy.

4. Which group of artists was once called The Three Tenors?

Kenny G, Mekiel Reuben, Marion Meadows

Kirk Whalum, Boots Randolph, Ed Calle

Walter Beasley, Jackiem Joyner, Michael Ghegan

The group of artists that was once called The Three Tenors consists of Kirk Whalum, Boots Randolph, and Ed Calle.

Explanation

The group of artists that was once called The Three Tenors consists of Kirk Whalum, Boots Randolph, and Ed Calle.

5. The album, "A Brighter Day," released in 2000, was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Contemporary Jazz Album category. Who recorded that album?

Ronny Jordan

Peter Legat

Joyce Cooling

Ronny Jordan recorded the album "A Brighter Day" released in 2000, which was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Contemporary Jazz Album category.

Explanation

Ronny Jordan recorded the album "A Brighter Day" released in 2000, which was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Contemporary Jazz Album category.

6. What pianist, in 1973, playing for his high school’s senior prom, had the misfortune of having a 500-lb. grand piano collapse on him (he was unhurt, fortunately!) and continued to perform while the piano rested on two garbage cans?

Joe McBride

Tom Schuman

David Benoit

Tom Schuman is the correct answer because he is the only pianist listed who was playing in 1973 and had the experience of a grand piano collapsing on him during a performance. The fact that he continued to perform while the piano rested on two garbage cans indicates his determination and commitment to his craft.

Explanation

Tom Schuman is the correct answer because he is the only pianist listed who was playing in 1973 and had the experience of a grand piano collapsing on him during a performance. The fact that he continued to perform while the piano rested on two garbage cans indicates his determination and commitment to his craft.

7. What well-known world/new age duo, whose members have been together since 1979, has been credited with creating an innovative new expression for the acoustic guitar?

Shahin & Sepehr

Lara & Reyes

Strunz & Farah

Strunz & Farah is the correct answer because they are a well-known world/new age duo who have been performing together since 1979. They are credited with creating an innovative new expression for the acoustic guitar, showcasing their unique blend of Latin, Middle Eastern, and jazz influences in their music. Shahin & Sepehr and Lara & Reyes are not as widely recognized for their contributions to the acoustic guitar genre.

Explanation

Strunz & Farah is the correct answer because they are a well-known world/new age duo who have been performing together since 1979. They are credited with creating an innovative new expression for the acoustic guitar, showcasing their unique blend of Latin, Middle Eastern, and jazz influences in their music. Shahin & Sepehr and Lara & Reyes are not as widely recognized for their contributions to the acoustic guitar genre.

8. On which of these Fourplay albums did Larry Carlton make his debut studio appearance as a regular member of the group?

4

Elixir

Snowbound

Larry Carlton made his debut studio appearance as a regular member of the group on the album "4".

Explanation

Larry Carlton made his debut studio appearance as a regular member of the group on the album "4".

9. Which group was voted Group of the Year in the International category for the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards in 2009?

The Rippingtons

The Dangling Success

Fourplay

Fourplay was voted Group of the Year in the International category for the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards in 2009.

Explanation

Fourplay was voted Group of the Year in the International category for the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards in 2009.

10. Which of these vocalists recorded a tune with Arsenio Hall on her 1991 release?

Randy Crawford

Patti Austin

Anita Baker

Patti Austin recorded a tune with Arsenio Hall on her 1991 release.

Explanation

Patti Austin recorded a tune with Arsenio Hall on her 1991 release.