Tuesday, June 02, 2015

NEW RELEASES: THE GREG FOAT GROUP - THE DANCERS AT THE EDGE OF TIME; SPEEDOMETER FEATURING JAMES JUNIOR – NO TURNING BACK; LAURA TATE - I MUST BE DREAMING

THE GREG FOAT GROUP - THE DANCERS AT THE EDGE OF TIME

This major new release from the Greg Foat Group sees celebrated jazz quintet making the most of the acoustics of an ancient church, accompanied by a full ensemble of supporting musicians. The fourth album from the celebrated jazz combo will further delight Foat fans who have been consistently enthralled by the taste and finesse with which they execute their beguiling arrangements and instrumentation. Last year, during the long, hot summer of 2014, a couple of tons of vintage studio gear were bundled into an ancient church on the charming and picturesque village of Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. There the centuries-old church organ was the centerpiece and the Group was accompanied a string quartet and woodwinds to create a musical style like no other. The resulting hauntingly sublime sounds need not only fill vaulted chapel ceilings, but our hearts and ears as well. Recorded across three of the hottest days in summer, direct onto 1" tape and with all the rich, live analogue sound and the hallowed magnificence that church acoustics can bring, The Dancers at the End of Time features the classic Foat group with guesting local musicians and friends, and celebrates the summertime and beach ambience of living on the island.

SPEEDOMETER FEATURING JAMES JUNIOR – NO TURNING BACK

Having been one of the bands that has spearheaded the resurgence in deep, gritty funk and soul for over 10 years, and having collaborated with luminaries like Eddie Bo, Marva Whitney, Sharon Jones, Billy Wooten, Sir Joe Quarterman and most recently ex James Brown vocalist Martha High, Speedometer enjoy a worldwide reputation as a class act. And now in 2015, the group bring a welcome spotlight to a fresh vocal talent - James Junior, who has already been likened to a young Donny Hathaway or Stevie Wonder, James has all the perquisite tone, phrasing and soul and is garaunteed to make a big impact in 2015. This brand new single kicks off with No Turning Back (taken from the forthcoming album of the same name) which is a storming latin soul and boss nova uptempo groover- but with lyrics directly addressing the 21st century issue of immigration. In distinctly good time mode - Orisha's Party is a disco-funk workout with Afrobeat touches - no message or agenda on this track, other than let your hair down and have a ball! The Reflex (aka London-based French native Nicolas Laugier) is an in demand producer/remixer who has revisioned music by the likes of Chic, Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, The Clash and Cody Chestnut and has won plaudits from DJ's Gilles Peterson, Rob Da Bank, Craig Charles and Greg Wilson. Using his 'less is more' approach he has taken his revision of No Turning Back in a club jazz direction, a four to the floor beat sits underneath guitar, vocals and percussion - and leaves the groove plenty of room to breath. For the digital download version of this release we have included the full length club version as well as the radio edit for your maximum listening pleasure!


LAURA TATE - I MUST BE DREAMING

Singer & Actress Laura Tate pays tribute to songwriter Mel Harker in this fantastic collection of Jazz, Country and Rock-n-Roll songs. There is simply no one else like her. With a heart the size of Texas, a mesmerizing voice and a zest for living that is irresistible, Laura Tate inspires; through her music, her words and her deeds.  There is a spark behind those violet blue eyes that seems to say, “I’m living my life on my own terms… with love and laughter and passion.  Want to come along?”  And, yes, we do… and with the new CD release, “I Must Be Dreaming,” we most certainly do. Whether she is singing Broadway hits or ballads, pop favorites or original compositions, Laura brings heart and soul to her performance and recordings. The versatile singer, actor, producer, and community advocate continues to mesmerize audiences in both intimate cafes and huge concert halls, reaching each listener with her smooth sultry torch singer voice and warm stage presence.


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