NEW RELEASES - TOMMY EMMANUEL / MARTIN TAYLOR, DAVID BINNEY, ZOE

TOMMY EMMANUEL / MARTIN TAYLOR - THE COLONEL & THE GOVERNOR

2013 collaboration between two world-class guitarists. While they are both serious "men of letters" with Tommy Emmanuel being an honorary Kentucky Colonel, a CGP (Certified Guitar Player), an Order of Australia Medalist (AM) and the holder of an honorary masters (MA) and Martin Taylor being an M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) and holder of two Honourary Doctorates, they honor each other affectionately with these titles. Both acoustic guitarists are leaders of music in their respective countries - Australia and the UK. Call it a British Commonwealth thing! Known for his complex finger-picking style, Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian guitarist who performs energetic concerts, and is highly regarded for the use of percussive effects on the guitar. Martin Taylor is a multi-award winning guitarist and Acoustic Guitar magazine calls him, "the acoustic guitarist of his generation." Taylor has invented and developed a way of playing the guitar that is admired, and often imitated by guitarists all over the world. ~ Amazon.com

DAVID BINNEY - LIFTED LAND   Lifted Land, David Binney's sixth recording for Criss Cross, is also his third wholly original program for the label (after Cities and Desire (CRC 1285) and Barefooted Town (CRC 1325). One of the most gripping and distinctive alto players and composers of his generation, Binney leads a powerfully expressive quartet with longtime allies Craig Taborn on piano and Eivind Opsvik on bass. Drummer Tyshawn Sorey, an acclaimed leader and composer in his own right, makes his first Criss Cross appearance here, in place of Binney's go-to drummer for previous releases, Dan Weiss. Binney's tunes are anthemic, evocative, highly precise and finely crafted and yet prepared to venture into the freest abstract terrain. Highlights include the hopeful lyricism of The Road to your House, the dynamic intensity of Curious About Texas, and the segues from structured themes to avant-gardish exploration on Losing the Central Valley, and the nearly 19 minute As Snow Before a Summer Sun. Always alert to his bandmates' every move, Binney offers one of the most ambitious and surprise-filled sessions of his career. ~ Amazon.com   ZOE - UNSTOPPABLE
  Since this multitalented group of musicians known as ZOÉ (pronounced z -AY) burst onto the smooth jazz scene cradled deep in the heart of Philadelphia, listeners have been captivated by their soulful sound fueled by smooth funk, R&B and pure entertainment. The group includes Reggie Harris (saxophonist), Cleveland Belin Jr. (keyboardist), David Ferebee (drummer), H. Maurice Fonville (bassist), and Bolivar Guadalupe (percussionist). This band of brothers , unified by optimum musicianship and sheer talent has poured their strength and soul into their latest compilation entitled Unstoppable . The feel good, high spirited, groovy and refreshing music of this CD reflects the best passion and joys of life. Enjoy every moment of this blend of ZOÉ s diverse musical styles, as Unstoppable comes together to create a wonderful and unique sound of its own. Whether dining with friends, cruising in your car, or just relaxing after a long hard day ZOÉ has something for your heart and soul.  ~ Amazon.com