Beautifully layered vocals, trumpet, and beats from Miles
Bonny – a set that reminds us that he's still one of the freshest talents in
the contemporary underground! All the tracks here were recorded in KC, but have
a future soul sound that can easily rival work on either side of the Atlantic –
as Bonny blows his horn over these laidback grooves that are all sweet and
spacey around the edges, and cosmically deep in the middle – topped with vocals
that are surprisingly soulful, in a way that never tries to do too much – which
is really one of their greatest strengths! Beats are by Ta-Ku – and titles
include "As You Sleep In My Lap", "The Future's Today",
"I'll Be Here For You", "People Going Crazy", and
"Welcome To My Arms". ~ Dusty Groove
Formidable is the title of Pat Martino's first studio
recording as a bandleader in 11 years and it is an excellent metaphor for the
guitarist's fearless and virtuosic playing. Martino grew up in Philadelphia,
PA, a musical melting pot where many jazz greats began their journey, so
perhaps it's of little surprise that he emerged as one of the most exciting
guitar players in the 1960s, having already developed a mature style by the age
of 20. Today, the guitarist still plays his instrument with the same fiery
enthusiasm that he had as a young player first making his name, having lost
none of his talent for furious, daring improvisations, or hard-swinging
grooves. Martino's core trio featuring Pat Bianchi and Carmen Intorre, Jr., is
here augmented by the fiery saxophone of Adam Niewood and the forceful trumpet
of Alex Norris. Martino's excellent choice of sidemen was made evident by the
thoughtful communication and sense of fun shared between Martino and his
colleagues.
Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band celebrates a 20-year
musical bond with the November 10 release of their sublime fifth album, Body
and Shadow, a meditation on lightness/darkness that arrives like a balm for the
soul, ebbing and flowing with grace, subtlety and no shortness of beauty. The
lead track "Broken Leg Days" is available to stream or download. The
Fellowship features Brian Blade (drums), Jon Cowherd (piano), Chris Thomas
(bass), Myron Walden (alto saxophone), and Melvin Butler (tenor saxophone), and
the album also features the contributes of Dave Devine (guitar).
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