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“The surface level appeal of inoffensive smoothness on “That One” is mitigated in the details of the musicianship, which reveal a greater depth than originally perceived. Perry Holiday II’s complicated, evolving drum lines and Desmond Mason’s wandering keyboard work add fresh dimensions to the song as it uncurls to its finale.”
— James P, Demencha Magazine
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“From the blue horn melodies that start the song to Cunigan’s stunning harmonies, “That One” unspools like a mellow brandy.”
— Brian Clifton, Mills Record Company
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“Shades Of Jade made a strong debut this year with Fingerprinted Memories Part 1. The quartet, led by Joshua Williams on trumpet, conducted an experiment with joy and longing; finding the places where the two meet and then eventually dispersed to go their separate ways...For people who love music, but are not necessarily hardcore jazz geeks, this record is calling you”
— Chris Mills, Demencha Magazine
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“This was my introduction to Shades of Jade. It’s a lot of new sounds, one worth seeking out at one of their live gigs. It seems there will be Part II, also, which we look forward to hearing to find out where their view of fusion travels.”
— Rodger Atkinson, Jam Magazine
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“Their new album, Fingerprint Memories Pt. 1 is silky, yet unctuous jazz delivered with soulful passion”
— James P, Demencha
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“make no mistake this is not smooth jazz, this is contemporary improvisational music that transcends boundaries and shatters genres. A most impressive release from a band whose musical stock is an arrow pointing straight up!”
— Brent Black, Bop-N-Jazz
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“Shades of Jade is among Kansas City's many notable young jazz ensembles. This band differentiates itself with an invigorating blend of bop and R&B.”
— STEPHEN STEIGMAN & BILL BROWNLEE, KCUR Local Listen: Shades of Jade
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“Fingerprinted Memories, Pt. 1, the new album by Shades of Jade, makes good on the band's promise by melding the pleasing R&B groove of smooth jazz with post-bop sophistication. Anyone who listens to D'Angelo's Voodoo and the 1980s output of Miles Davis will feel right at home with the project.”
— Bill Brownlee, Plastic Sax
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“The music comes together with a leisurely, exotic feel. It's neo-soul, yes, but a version of it that has evolved from Kansas City's classic jazz traditions.”
— Larry Kopitnik, The Pitch
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“Inspired by Robert Glasper and Sean Jones, Shades of Jade is at the vanguard of the burgeoning youth movement on Kansas City's jazz scene.”
— Plastic Sax, Shades of Jade
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“Energetic and fearless”
— Bill Brownlee, Plastic Sax
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“The party you should have had on July 4 is Saturday at Magnolia's (2932 Cherry). The all-you-can-eat crawfish boil starts at 7 p.m. and lasts for three hours. It's crawfish, shrimp, potatoes, corn, barbecue ribs and smoked brisket with lemonade and iced tea. Snow & Co. will be providing a cash bar, and Shades of Jade will be playing live jazz. Tickets cost $25.”
— Jonathan Bender, The Pitch
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"Everybody in the band is writing and very well-rehearsed at the professional level. They have been working on this concert for over a year, and are seriously dedicated to the music."
— Dawn DeBlaze, Show Me Jazz
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“If this First Fridays looked any better I’d sop it up with a buttermilk biscuit!!
Join us tonight for First Fridays featuring artists Trey Bryant, Spencer Carlson, Chad Cogdill. Music by Shades of Jade and thePhantom*
”
— Shomari Benton, David Lloyd, KC Style Guys
