NEW MUSIC: SOHO CONTINENTAL; KRIS RUSSELL – I CONCENTRATE ON YOU; JAZZ INVADERS – FIND THE LOVE

SOHO CONTINENTAL (COMPILATION)

Latin rhythms, Italian lyrics, jazzy solos, and lots more groovy touches – all coming together here in a special set of tracks that evokes the cross-cultural brilliance of London's Soho at the end of the 50s! The set's got a really unique vibe – with songs that mix electric guitars and heavy percussion, swinging vocals and rocking rhythms, jazzy scatting and weird instrumentation – all with the completely great ear for a special tune that we've come to expect from the Croydon Municipal label! If you've dug their other compilations, you'll definitely find plenty here to love – on 25 titles that include "Nicola Bossa Nova" by Bob Leaper, "Ciquo Minuti Ancora" by Peppini Di Capri, "Cappucina" by Ted Heath, "Esso Besso" by Victor Silvester, "Cha Cha Pop Pop" by Tony Scott, "Hot Toddy" by The Swe Danes, "Teenager Blues" by The Kessler Sisters, "Harry Lime Cha Cha" by Edmundo Ros, "Taboo" by Charles Blackwell, "Madison A Saint Tropez" by Tommy Kinsman, "Papa Loves Mambo" by Marino Marini, and "Mambo Inn" by The Modernes.  ~ Dusty Groove

KRIS RUSSELL - I CONCENTRATE ON YOU

Las Vegas-based jazz vocalist Kris Russell has launched her debut CD, "I Concentrate on You," which follows the much-heralded release of her digital single, "I Concentrate on You." Backed by a full symphony and Richard Rome's lush and beautiful arrangement, Russell vocally expresses her pure, natural voice in her version of this beloved, classic jazz standard. Her aspiration with this song is to be a first-rate version of herself and express herself as an original, but also to blend the early, powerful influences of other great jazz vocalists into her own unique style of singing. Russell says that her singing career has been a labor of love, and the ability to produce and release her own CD represents a great gift. She is looking forward to producing and releasing another new jazz single sometime in 2016.

JAZZ INVADERS – FIND THE LOVE

Were the Jazz Invaders ever this soulful before? We don't seem to remember that – as they come on totally strong and wonderful here – with a groove that might even rival the best previous work by big-name combos like Incognito or Brand New Heavies! Like both those groups, the Jazz Invaders are rooted in classic modes – but they've also picked up a lot more funk than before – putting the jazz off to the side a bit, and focusing on the overall groove – a bit like some of the best artists in the mid 70s run of jazz/funk classics from Fantasy Records! Linda Bloenhard adds some great vocals to a number of cuts – furthering the strong soul vibe here – but even the instrumental numbers are great, and sparkle strongly in a sweet blend of Fender Rhodes, and jazzy riffs on alto, tenor, and trumpet. All tunes are originals – and the writing is great – on tracks that include "Higher On Fire", "Get It Work It", "Get Away", "Disco Fever", "Do It", "Phil's Crossroads", "Discover Disco Lover", and "Much Rosie"  ~ Dusty Groove