Current Ted Howe Release

Latest Release

Ted Howe - "Watermelon Man" (single)

Composed by jazz pianist, Herbie Hancock, in 1962, his single of the tune made the pop charts. It has been covered by over 200 artists. It was Herbie’s first attempt at composing for commercial purposes (It paid Herbie’s bills for over six years!). In 1973 Herbie reworked the tune, combining elements of funk, for his groundbreaking album, “Headhunter’s.”

Produced by: Ted Howe and Trammell Starks
Arrangements: Ted Howe
Keyboards and programming: Ted Howe
Mixed by: Trammell Starks at Studio Magic, Atlanta, GA
Mastered by: Daniel Faber at skysoundproductions.com
Consultation: Joseph Patrick Moore
Artwork: Dan Traynor, Taste Of Ink Studios, Phoenix, AZ

What is JDM? (Jazz Dance Music)

Back in the early days of Jazz, the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s, a goodly portion of Jazz music was danced to in nightclubs, ballrooms at social functions, and even in the streets. After the 40’s, when Rock, R&B, and other genres entered the music scene, dancers began migrating towards these new, exciting, beats, and sounds.

But Jazz still survived, it began to get more complex. Over the past 60 years or so, it has evolved into a listeners music. Jazz is now considered American Classical Music. It is one of the two art forms the USA has contributed to the planet, (Modern Dance being the other.)

What I’ve done is selected some, simple, well known, Jazz and Pop tunes, and turned them into jazzy, contemporary dance music by mixing popular beats, electronic sounds and styles borrowed from EDM, R&B, Latin, and Funk, with Jazz. The result, JDM, Jazz Dance Music.

As this music cannot be 100% categorized into any of the aformentioned genres, or others, I’ve created my own for it, JDM. Enjoy dancing, or if you prefer, the listen!

Recently Released Singles:

Tequila:
Composed by Daniel Flores in 1958, Tequila is a Latin flavored rock and roll instrumental recorded by The Champs which made it to #1 on both the pop and R&B charts. It is still strongly referenced in pop culture today. It has been covered by jazz artists Dizzy Gillespie, Wes Montgomery, and Perez Prado.

Download, Buy and Stream - click logos

Future Singles to be released:

We are very excited to announce many JDM, "Jazz Dance Music" singles will be released in 2019 and 2020. More info on some of these songs can be found below. In the near future, sound clips, pre-orders and more will be announced ON THIS PAGE. For now, you can read more about the tunes that have been recorded below. Sign on up on our mailing list to be notified when we have an announcement concerning the release of these singles.

I Got Rhythm:
Composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin, was published in 1930. The song came from the musical “Girl Crazy.” It has become a very popular jazz standard, because it’s chord progression, known as “rhythm changes,” They are the foundation of many other popular jazz tunes such as Charlie Parker’s and Dizzy Gillespie’s bebop standard, “Anthropology.” Release Date Has Not Been Announced

Comin’ Home Baby:
Composed by jazz bassist, Ben Tucker, with lyrics by Bob Dorough, was recorded in 1962 by vocalist, Mel Torme. It made the Billboard pop chart and six weeks later was recorded by jazz flutist, Herbie Mann, on his “Live At The Village Gate” album. It has been covered by many great artists such as, Quincy Jones and Michael Buble. Release Date Has Not Been Announced

Freedom Jazz Dance:
Composed by jazz saxophonist, Eddie Harris. It was recorded and popularized by Miles Davis in 1966. Today it is still one of the most recorded jazz songs of all times, a real jazz standard! Release Date Has Not Been Announced

Sissy Strut:
A 1969 funk instrumental by The Meters. It was released as a single and it made it to both the Billboard and R&B charts. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011. It has been covered by jazz artists John Scofield, Steve Gadd, and bands like The Dave Matthews Band, and The Derek Trucks Band. Release Date Has Not Been Announced

Take Five:
Composed by alto saxophonist, Paul Desmond, with lyrics by Iola Brubeck, was recorded by the Dave Brubeck quartet in 1959. It became an unlikely hit, and the biggest selling jazz single ever! Take Five is known for it’s unusual quintuple time, 5/4, distinctive two chord vamp, and catchy blues scale saxophone melody. The tune still receives significant airplay today and is one of the most covered jazz tunes ever. Release Date Has Not Been Announced

Spain:
Composed by jazz pianist, Chick Corea, in 1971, is considered to be his most recognizable tune. It appeared in it’s original and most well known rendition on the iconic album “Light As A Feather.” It has been covered by multitudes of artists such as, Al Jarreau, Bela Fleck, and Michel Camilo. Release Date Has Not Been Announced

Giant Steps:
Composed in 1959 by tenor Saxophonist, John Coltrane, is still referred to as, “the most feared tune in jazz,” because of it’s challenging chord progression and break neck speed. In 1994 his album, Giant Steps, was one of fifty recordings chosen that year by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry. This monster tune is still being covered by multitudes of young and older jazz musicians. Release Date Has Not Been Announced

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy:
Composed in 1966 by pianist, Joe Zawinul, with original lyrics by Curtis Mayfield. It was the title track of an album, “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, Live at The Club” recorded by Julian “Cannonball” Adderley. It was a surprise hit, reached #2 on the Soul chart, and #5 on the Billboard chart. It’s been covered by Buddy Rich, Stanley Clarke, Jean-Luc Ponty, Kenny G, and many more well known jazz artists. Release Date Has Not Been Announced