Monday, November 20, 2017

NEW RELEASES: EBAN BROWN – SUMMERTIME IN TOKYO; ED TAYLOR – IT’S COMPLICATED; URBAN JAZZ COALITION - XXII

EBAN BROWN – SUMMERTIME IN TOKYO

In his stints with classic R&B groups, The Manhattans, The Sylistics, The Delfonics, as well as others, Eban Brown’s sparkling electric guitar work often took a backseat to his great vocal talent. As on his previous solo recordings, Brown’s silky, light funk driven new album Summertime In Tokyo showcases his crisp, buoyant electric melodies while featuring fresh and engaging vocal textures. He compliments the collection’s well-rendered cover tunes with a batch of dynamic originals, including a thoughtful George Duke tribute on which Brown approximates Duke’s high register vocals. Summertime In Tokyo will warm up the entire year! ~ smoothjazz.com

ED TAYLOR – IT’S COMPLICATED

Ed Taylor may call his dynamic new album It’s Complicated, but the Smooth Jazz and R&B influenced guitarist and vocalist’s mission as a composer and artist is fairly simple and straightforward, “I want to play and write creative music that can uplift the lives of everyday people.” A onetime Motown session player, Taylor has been a popular draw in his longtime home of Tacoma, Washington as the leader of the band Usual Suspect. Stepping out as a solo artist, he incorporates reggae and tropical flavors amidst the crisply played in the pocket, contemporary jazz gems. If you’re looking for an easy out, here's your musical escape, nothing complicated about it! ~ smoothjazz.com

URBAN JAZZ COALITION - XXII

The title of Urban Jazz Coalition’s new album, XXII, represents an extraordinary achievement for the Columbus, Ohio based six piece powerhouse ensemble founded by the visionary bassist Phil Raney. The group celebrates 22 years of performing regionally and at some of America’s hottest jazz festivals, as well as backing Smooth Jazz greats like Peter White, Jeff Lorber and Nick Colionne. XXII, their 11th album, is the most accessible Smooth Jazz Project they’ve ever done and we expect big things from it. It’s a tight, soulful, in the pocket masterwork showcasing the edgy solo virtuosity of - and blazing interaction between - saxophonist Richard Randolph, guitarist Duane Tribune and keyboardist Brandon Howard, and the driving rhythm section of Raney and drummer Rich "Rico" Adams and percussionist Hector Maldonado. You’ll want to hang around for UJC’s next XXII years! ~ smoothjazz.com


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