MARQUEAL JORDAN - CATALYST
Chicago-based
artist, and Los Angeles native, Marqueal Jordan is the rare musician who is
blessed with the gift of being equally proficient as an instrumentalist and a
vocalist. His distinctive saxophone tone and style, combined with his soulful
vocals, places him in the tradition of legendary dual talents, George Benson,
Donny Hathaway and Ronnie Laws. Described
by fellow saxophonist Mike Phillips as "one of the most versatile
saxophonists in the game today", Marqueal (pronounced Mar-KWELL) earned
his reputation as an electrifying live performer after moving to Chicago in
1995. He was the front man for the Chicago-based funk unit, Fat Time, and
became an integral member in numerous Jazz, R&B and Blues bands in the
city. In 2008, Smooth Jazz star Brian Culbertson asked Marqueal to join his
touring band and since then he's captivated audiences around the world with his
talents. As a sideman, he's performed with an amazing list of major artists
such as Oleta Adams, Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Avant, Average White Band,
Rick Braun, Peabo Bryson, Jonathan Butler, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Aretha
Franklin, Savion Glover, Larry Graham, Buddy Guy, Lalah Hathaway, Al Jarreau,
Earl Klugh, Dave Koz, KRS-ONE, Jeff Lorber, Maysa, Najee, Ray Parker, Jr., Phil
Perry, Eric Roberson, David Sanborn, Jill Scott, Sinbad, Gerald Veasley, and
Kirk Whalum. "Catalyst"
is Marqueal Jordan's solo debut CD. After years of sideman work and being
involved with original bands and projects over the years, "Catalyst"
reveals the focused vision and emergence of Jordan as an artist, songwriter and
producer. ~ marquealjordan.
JASON WEBER - IN TOO DEEP: THE BARITONE SESSIONS
"In
Too Deep" is saxophonist Jason Weber's 8th CD release. Unlike Weber's
previous work, this album is exclusively a baritone saxophone feature. "I
feel the bari is an under-utilized voice, except when holding down the bottom
end of a horn section like Doc Kupka in Tower of Power", Weber explains.
"Typically it's tenor, alto or soprano handling the melodies & solos.
There are some obvious exceptions with albums by some great bari players like
Pepper Adams, Ronnie Cuber & Gerry Mulligan, but their music is primarily
straight ahead jazz. This album has more of a funky, contemporary vibe. I also
wanted to showcase the extended altissimo range of the bari on several of the
cuts which is also something that you don't hear often enough. It has a very
cool, fat texture that you can't get on tenor & alto." ~ cduniverse.com
NICK VAYENAS - SOME OTHER TIME
Trombonist,
trumpeter and vocalist Nick Vayenas presents his third release as a leader,
'Some Other Time'. The album is a truly eclectic set of music comprised of four
original compositions by Vayenas (which range from multi-metered funk grooves
to full on driving rock) and four expertly arranged covers. It features
saxophonist Patrick Cornelius, bassist Michael Janisch and guitarist Doug
Wamble. The covers on 'Some Other Time' include Michel Legrand's "You Must
Believe in Spring", Leonard Bernstein's "Some Other Time", Cole
Porter's "So in Love" and Oscar Levant's "Blame It On My
Youth". Vayenas' take on these four classics have virtually transformed
them into new songs of their own. Nick Vayenas seamlessly straddles both the
commercial music industry and the creative jazz world, having worked
comfortably with international pop superstars like Michael Bubl‚ and Josh
Groban, and respected New York jazz artists like Kendrick Scott, Dayna
Stephens, and Patrick Cornelius. He is equally at home performing in intimate
New York jazz clubs such as The Jazz Gallery and The Blue Note as well as in
huge arenas around the world. All of these diverse music experiences that make
up Vayenas' colourful history have found their way into the music on 'Some
Other Time'. ~ cduniverse.com
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