Detroit – Chicago – Berlin. Two out of three of those cities call Theo Parrish their own. Arguably one of the world’s most important underground dance music producer/DJs lends his hands to selecting and mixing a set of jazz and funk records licensed from and originally released on the Black Jazz label 1971-1976. World renowned for his DJ sets and remixes/productions, this Chicago-raised artist is near impossible to pigeonhole. Revered by a wide spectrum of dedicated music fanatics, he is known for his otherworldly DJ sets, and his serious approach to DJ’ing as an art form. Theo gives special attention to fellow Chicago musicians The Awakening (3 consecutive tracks, 4 total on the mix), one of the best funk/fusion groups that the Black Jazz label released, and whose only output was on that label. The set itself is a masterful “2 turntables all vinyl” execution, a format that Theo is dedicated to – no mp3, no CDr, just the vinyl palette for the true aural experience. Sit back and be drawn into his world, hear things his way. ~ blackjazz.com / groove attack.com
Saxman Lebron releases Shades, his major label CutMore Records debut, a revealing musical masterpiece that is sure to turn some industry heads. Working alongside Lebron is producer Darren Rahn who crafts melodies and hooks better that result in pure magic. Not content with one super producer on the project Paul Brown joins in and takes a ride with cameos on the lead radio single 'Groove City', an infectious number propelled by a driving bass line and sweet guitar licks in all the right places. So pocket that you ll find your change rumbling around with it. Shades should do well to move Lebron to the top of the stack, not to become just another needle, but to set fire to it.
8 out of the 10 sides could easily be huge radio hits and present a unique challenge for the record label picking singles with this much meat on the bone.
MARCUS GOTTSCHLICH - OF PLACES BETWEEN
Of Places Between is the aptly titled sophomore release from this Vienna Austria native that grew up in what was once Beethoven's apartment. This captivating release walks the harmonic tightrope between what is commonly referred to as the new sub genre of chamber jazz here in the United States when in reality this aesthetic format has been a lyrical exploration for performers in Europe over the last quarter century. Markus Gottschlich utilizes a small ensemble built around the more organic sound of the violin, cello, and accordion yet transcends any reasonable and often arbitrary tag that critics would enjoy placing on this and similar music just to make their life easier. While Of Places Between is a break in tradition for what is considered the norm for small ensemble pianists, I decided to continue my quest in rewriting the rules of critical review by asking Markus about his influences and feelings on where his improvisational wheelhouse is truly grounded. Tracks: Invitation; Sleepless Night; Wehmut; A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing; Schubert Impromptu Op. 90 Nr. 3; Sojourner; Lilly; Dark Horses.~ gottschlichmusic.com
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