TOM BRAXTON - THE NEXT CHAPTER
The Next Chapter presents Braxton at his best from up-tempo grooves to reflective ballads. When listening to the record, it's easy to feel the love, joy, and positive energy. Tom is showcased on soprano, alto and tenor saxophones, as well as flute and keyboards. Braxton served as producer, writer and arranger on most of the material. However, he did have production assistance from the ""drummer to the stars,"" the late Ricky Lawson. The Next Chapter combines lyrical melodies with invigorating rhythms from a variety of genres including dance music, sambas, soul and contemporary jazz. The title track, written by Braxton and pianist Jay Rowe, kicks off the CD with a ""hooky melody"" and a ""killer glide to the groove."" Lawson's energy is evident on ""New Horizons"" which features a fresh ""house beat"" that accentuates Braxton's exciting tenor. Tom and Bob James take it ""south of the border"" and have some fun on ""Nuevo,"" a bossa tinged party for piano and tenor. Peter White joins Braxton for a beautiful rendition of Bread's classic, ""Make It With You."" White's guitar and Tom's soprano are a match made in heaven! Braxton's lively tenor is featured on the Spinners favorite, ""I'll Be Around"" which showcases background vocals from Grammy winner Arthur Dyer. Braxton has been on the road with Grammy winner Earl Klugh, and they are mesmerizing in the sophisticated but simplistic ""Contemplation."" ""Sunrise in Malawi"" inspired by a trip to Africa with Klugh, is an energizing song that will get your juices flowing. The legendary guitarist adds his signature sound to this early morning dance. The light and airy ""Tuesday Morning"" will have you singing all the way to work. Ricky Lawson interjected some old school into the project with the O'Jay's hit ""I Love Music"" Lawson and Sean Dancy got the ball rolling and Braxton added his signature sax and horn arrangement to help get you up on your feet! Finally, Braxton displays his arranging skills with the classic hymn, ""It Is Well ~ Amazon.com
OLI SILK - RAZOR SHARP BRIT
Venturing
across the pond once again with this fourth and latest installment in his
series of solo records is fan fave, keyboardist, and producer Oli Silk with 'Razor
Sharp Brit' a freewheeling engaging assemblage of sides full of spunk , vigor
and sophistication presented with his own unique European flair. Having
established himself as a first call player /producer in his motherland of
England, sharing the stage with virtually all of the smooth jazz luminaries and
hopping the pond over the last 5 yrs bringing his talents and sharp wit to the
American audience has serve Silk well in helping him establish an active and
rabid fan base. Razor Sharp Brit is sure to keep the movement afloat and
momentum building as he again serves up a feast of fresh and vibrant new
flavors. Some of Silk's closest CJ contemporaries join the fray, with bassist
and label mate Julian Vaughn featured on the lead radio single 'At Your
Service' , spins musical webs with guitarists Paul Brown and Chuck Loeb and
brings up and coming sax man Elan Trotman along for the ride. While Silk's
music is always easy on the ear, it is the fact that he keeps things fresh,
progressive and is not afraid to dance around the edges that gives his music
wide appeal and keeps it from blending into the contemporary jazz landscape.
'Brit' stays with that formula as the young man with the memorable name, dishes
up a menu of memorable tunes that will beckon you to not just merely nibble but
to feast upon. ~ Amazon.com
RAGAN WHITESIDE - QUANTUM DRIVE
Ragan
began her musical journey at the very early age of 5. She played the piano,
drums, and the violin, but found her true love in playing the flute. Ragan’s
passion for music lead her to realize another new love: Songwriting and
Arranging. After winning numerous competitions in both performance and music
composition she decided to further her music studies and attended the Cleveland
Institute of Music and the Harid Conservatory, where she earned a Bachelor of
Music-Performance degree in Classical music. After graduating, Ragan returned
to New York to begin her career as a professional musician and immersed her
composition abilities within the genres of Jazz, Funk, and R&B. After
winning the Capital Jazz New Artist Competition, she released her debut album,
Class Axe in 2007. Since her debut album, this award winning artist developed a
heightened focus in the writing, producing, and editing process of her
sophomore release, Evolve. Evolve showcases not only her melodious musicianship
as a flutist, but her sultry vocals and soulful compositions. In July 2014, Ragan returns with her 3rd
studio album, Quantum Drive, further pushing the boundaries of
Contemporary/Urban Jazz and R&B. Guest artists on this highly anticipated
album include Bob Baldwin, Frank McComb, Althea Rene, and Patrice Rushen. ~ www.raganwhiteside.com
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