NEW RELEASES - SERGIO MENDES - MAGIC; MARCO DI MARCO - SELECTION SELECTED BY JAZZTRONIK; ALON NECHUSHTAN - VENTURE BOUND

SERGIO MENDES - MAGIC

Sérgio Mendes, the most successful Brazilian musician of all time had released a new album entitled Magic. Sérgio is a man of many facets – from his work on the soundtracks for the animated movies Rio and Rio 2 to performing with the young and hip as well as with the legends of almost all musical genres. He always remains true to himself and his musical vision – all this is stated in his new album Magic. The Brazilian artist recorded the songs on the album in Los Angeles and Salvador with a host of friends and special guests. The album starts with a powerful Song called “One Nation” featuring Carlinhos Brown, which is a homage to global football and to its fans, with an appealing and catchy theme. Other guests artists performing on on the album include original Brasil '66 vocalist Gracinha Leporace, Maria Gadu, Scott Mayo, Seu Jorge, Aila Menezes, Ana Carolina, and Milton Nascimento. John Legend and Will.I.Am. – old friends of Sergio, were also on hand to collaborate on some tracks. “My My My My Love” is a modern pop oriented song that Sérgio and Will perform with an infectious groove, and John Legend delights with beautiful lyrics and vocals on “Don’t Say Goodbye”. “Simbora” and “Sou Eu” are two very rhythmic and percussive songs which convey the Brazilian groove that makes you move. Besides upbeat pop-related songs, the album also presents some more leisurely numbers: “When I Fell In Love” is a wonderful song performed by Sérgio’s wife, Gracinha Leporace, who is also the singer in his live shows. Ana Carolina’s interpretation of “Atlantica” is a touching ballad which is beautifully arranged and performed. Connecting all of these songs on his album is the ‘voice’ of Sergio Mendes’ piano and the original sound of his arrangements – always full of life and delivered with a smile.

MARCO DI MARCO - SELECTION SELECTED BY JAZZTRONIK

One of our favorite pianists ever – presented here in a selection of classics that are hand-picked by Jazztronik! The mix of talents is no surprise – given the huge influence that Marco's had on global scenes over the years – first making big waves in Paris in the 70s, then reaching some big attention in London during the 90s, and even touching folks as far away as Japan with his work! Di Marco's got this wonderful mix of lyricism and rhythm that's unlike anyone else we can think of – a style that might be somewhere in the territory of American players like Horace Silver, Cedar Walton, or Jack Wilson – but which also has its own sort of European twist, thanks to superb rhythmic accompaniment on most numbers from Jacky Samson on bass and Charles Saudrais on drums. The range of tracks is wonderful – all of Marco's best groovers in one set, including some Fender Rhodes tracks as well – and titles include "Scufflin Along", "I Miei Ricordi", "Le Chat Qui Peche", "Dopo", "Par Avion", "You Caught Me", "Bossa With Regards", "Camparenda", and "Theme For Ginerva". ~ Dusty Groove

ALON NECHUSHTAN - VENTURE BOUND

Pianist Alon Nechustan has a really deft tone on this set – a record that's filled with vibrant rhythms, exotic elements, and some strong tenor lines that are almost as great as the work from the leader! All the tunes are originals, with a really personal, poetic feel – yet they also bristle with this strong sense of soul that makes plenty of space for individual expression from tenorists Donny McCaslin and John Ellis – each of whom shine on different tracks, sometimes with strong soulful solos, sometimes with more exotic tones. Nechustan gets especially nice rhythmic support from Chris Lightcap on bass and Adam Cruz on drums – who help the album bounce along in a really forward-moving line – and two tracks feature trumpet from Duane Eubanks, and one more soul oud from Brahim Brigbane. Titles include "L'Avventura", "The Gratitude Suite", "Dark Damsel", "FAQ", "Snow Flow", and "Serpentrails" ~ Dusty Groove