NEW RELEASES: NOVOX – OVER THE HONEYMOON; ERIC ALEXANDER - CHICAGO FIRE; ERIC REED - THE ADVENTUROUS MONK

NOVOX – OVER THE HONEYMOON

On their 3^rd album release, French band Novox pay tribute to the American Blaxploitation movies of the 70s and their legendary groove soundtracks.  There were so many great black artists of the 70s who lended theit talents to these soundtracks, including: James Brown (Black Caesar); Curtis Mayfield (Superfly, Shor t Eyes); Isaac Hayes (Shadt, Truck Turner, Three Tough Guys); Johnny Pate (Brothers On The Run, Bucktown); Marvin Gaye (Trouble Man); Herbie Hancock (The Spook Who Sat By The Door); and Barry White (Together Brothers). Novox is made up of 7 Lyons and St. Etienne based musician performing on 14 pure funk jam grooves. On this release, Novox continues its course of uniquely blending influences of a warm double bass and the soft touch of the Fender Rhodes, combined with sharp horns, a raw electric guitar, and the distinctive scratching from DJ Mat.

ERIC ALEXANDER - CHICAGO FIRE

Recorded at the storied Rudy Van Gelder Studios in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Eric Alexander's 2014 effort, Chicago Fire, finds the tenor saxophonist paying tribute to the city that helped shape his sound and career. Having studied with pianist and Chicago native Harold Mabern while at William Patterson College, Alexander established himself in the Windy City after graduating in the early '90s. He has worked with Mabern ever since and their mutual love and musical synergy is palpable here. Also backing Alexander are his longtime compatriots bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Trumpeter and High Note labelmate Jeremy Pelt also joins in on several cuts. As with all of Alexander's output, Chicago Fire is a no-nonsense set of original and cover songs that showcases his passionate, swinging, straight-ahead jazz sound. ~ Matt Collar

ERIC REED - THE ADVENTUROUS MONK

The third in pianist Eric Reed's ongoing exploration of the music of pianist Thelonious Monk, 2014's The Adventurous Monk is a highly engaging, deeply swinging celebration of the bebop innovator's sound. The album follows up Reed's previous Monk-themed albums, 2011's The Dancing Monk and 2012's The Baddest Monk. Backing Reed here is his adept rhythm section of bassist Ben Williams and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Also joining Reed is tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, who appeared on The Baddest Monk, and vocalist Charenée Wade, who lends her urbane, soulful style to Monk's classic "Ruby, My Dear." More than just making a covers album or homage, Reed never fails to seize the opportunity to truly explore the complexities and nuances of Monk's music, endeavoring to find his own voice in the compositions. ~ Matt Collar