It’s a new dawn for veteran contemporary
jazz saxophonist ShaShaty, who will release his sixth album entitled “Brighter
Day,” on March 3 on the newly formed A.H.I. Records. His first collection
comprised entirely of original songs in more than a decade, the set showcases
the artist who had a hand in writing seven of the disc’s eleven songs that were
produced by guitarist-vocalist Steve Oliver, writer or co-writer of ten songs
for the record.
The energizing excursion “Dream Ride” bodes to illuminate radio
playlists ahead of the album’s street date when the single is serviced to
stations for airplay early next month. The video for the single will premiere
at Universal CityWalk in Universal City, California where ShaShaty has been a
featured performer over the past decade.
Instead
of limiting himself to a singular sax voice, ShaShaty’s dynamic multihued
approach places him front and center on the melody-rich jazz, pop and R&B
outing playing tenor, alto and soprano sax. Fellow sax player Will Donato
bolsters the horn section parts on “Dream Ride” and Spyro Gyra drummer Bonny B
dispenses deft beats on four cuts. Taiwanese vocalist Usay Chu makes her U.S.
recording debut by gracing a pair of tunes – “Song Of Hope” and “A Million
Miles” – with her ethereal wordless vocalizations. Making “Brighter Day” a
standout session is the chemistry between ShaShaty and Oliver.
The hornman’s
impassioned and emotive play flourishes in the company of the guitarist who has
a masterful command of buoyant harmony. Tracks have a robustly full sound from
which potent hooks connect and enveloping melodies leave a lasting impression.
The power-packed pop gems that comprise “Brighter Day” also have depth and
provide a varied listening experience that audaciously ventures into funky trip
hop territory (“Let’s Go!”), explores an off-kilter staccato rhythm (“Late On
91”), mines an Indian motif (“Mumbai”), serves a sublime sax and guitar
call-and-response chorus (“August”), romances on amorous overtures (“My Heart
Yours” and “I’m Always Near”), takes off on a whimsical flight of fancy
(“Brighter Days”) and closes with a blissful meditation (“Float Away”).
“I
haven’t recorded an original project in quite some time. My previous two
projects consisted of classics from the past few decades. Those interpretations
were part of a period of growth and self- discovery for me musically,
especially when reimagining so many beloved works. I found myself in a new,
fresh space and realized it was time to reach deep inside to see what would
emerge creatively. Steve Oliver and his amazing production work provided the
skilled hand to help me realize ‘Brighter Day.’ I’d love for this instrumental
pop project to be the vehicle that opens new horizons for many new listeners -
even from other genres and cultures - that may not have necessarily been
contemporary jazz followers before, but now call themselves fans,” said
ShaShaty, who will perform material from “Brighter Day” on Valentine’s Day at
Rideau Vineyard in Solvang, California.
A Miami,
Florida native who is a long-time Los Angeles resident, ShaShaty has vast stage
experience performing on concert dates and festival bills with the likes of
Carlos Santana, The Mavericks, The Bee Gees, Gloria Estefan, Michael McDonald,
Peter Cetera, George Benson, Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Brian Culbertson and Boney
James. In addition to garnering radio spins throughout the U.S., ShaShaty has
played on national television on “Today with Kathie Lee & Hoda” and on a
PBS special alongside GRAMMY® winner Al Jarreau. ShaShaty, who released his
self-titled debut album in 1993, serves as host of “Vineyard Jazz,” a wine and
music lifestyle program being developed by A.H.I. Records for syndication.
“Brighter
Day” contains the following songs:
“Dream
Ride”
“Let’s
Go!”
“Song Of
Hope”
“Late On
91”
“My
Heart Yours”
“Mumbai”
“A
Million Miles”
“August”
“I’m
Always Near”
“Brighter
Days”
“Float
Away”
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