JULIAN LAGE – MODERN LOVE
On 'Modern Lore', Julian Lage's second studio recording with
his trio, the composer and guitarist focuses on the groove, building his
melodies and solos around the work of the prodigious rhythm section of double
bassist Scott Colley and drummer Kenny Wollesen. It finds Lage playfully
flipping the script he followed on his acclaimed 2016 Mack Avenue debut,
'Arclight'. This time he incorporates the sensibility, if not the outright
sound, of early rock and roll, a similarly hybrid form driven by rhythm,
personality and a passion for the electric guitar. Opening with the exuberant
"The Ramble," Lage's set of all-original new material is largely up-tempo,
though on tracks like "Atlantic Limited" and "Splendor
Riot" the trio adopts a hypnotic, lyrical stride. And, on
"Revelry" and "Pantheon", it grows more pensive.
Throughout, the beat is concise and steady. Lage's solos are action-packed
musical monologues, stuffed with brilliant melodies and off-the-cuff
inspiration. The penultimate track, "Earth Science", is an outright
scorcher. As one of the most prodigious guitarists of his generation, Lage has
long displayed an ability to explore a wide range of sounds, ideas and genres.
But what delights him here - and will, in turn, captivate his listeners - is
the artful simplicity of Modern Lore. "There's a disarming spirit of
generosity in the musicianship of Julian Lage, and a keener sense of judicious
withholding. A guitarist with roots tangled up in jazz, folk, classical and
country music, he has spent most of his life bathed in a bright, expectant
light." - The New York Times
JAMISON ROSS - ALL FOR ONE
'All For One' perfects the intoxicating chemistry of Jamison
Ross' debut, which intermingled blues, jazz, R&B and soul effortlessly. The
album boasts a cast of musicians of whom Ross has developed a strong rapport
from touring - pianist Chris Pattishall, guitarist Rick Lollar (both of whom
played on the 2015 debut), bassist Barry Stephenson, and Cory Irvin on Hammond
organ and Fender Rhodes. Ross is particularly enthusiastic with the addition of
Irvin on the organ because he likens that instrument to an orchestra that would
accompany jazz singers like Frank Sinatra or Billie Holiday.Love is a recurring
theme on 'All For One' as the material touches on both the romantic kind and
the socio-political aspect of love that calls for unity among a diverse and, at
times, a divisive community. The album also finds the Jacksonville, Florida
born and now New Orleans-based Ross plowing into the rarefied areas of blues
and R&B that seldom gets investigated by his peers. Besides the wordless
"Tears and Questions," 'All For One' contains no instrumentals like
its predecessor; nor does it explicitly showcases Ross' virtuosity as a
drummer. "This album is a result of a personal revelation that we all have
the capacity to love with empathy in a deeper way. The love you need comes from
me and the love I need comes from you. All for one, one for all."
CHARLOTTE DOS SANTOS – CLEO
The debut album for singer, songwriter and producer, Charlotte
Dos Santos. Born in Norway, Charlotte combines soul, jazz, rare groove and
Afrolatin influences, with a warm sense of storytelling & an angelic voice
that seems to float over any track it's on. Currently based in Brooklyn, NY
Charlotte has been making waves as of late with her sentimentally-timeless
singles Red Clay and Good Sign, and keen visual aesthetic (best seen in her music
videos, which she co-directs). Now Charlotte makes good on all of the potential
she's shown thus far with the release of her debut project, Cleo. The project
compiles a few lost Soundcloud and compilation fan-favorites ( Move On, Take It
Slow, and Watching You ) with stand-out pieces (including Good Sign, Cleo, King
Of Hearts ) all coming together to paint a singular, yet universal,
coming-of-age love story. On the album title's significance, Charlotte explains
''Cleo' is a woman who represents power, femininity, courage and independence.
She is ambitious and fearless, yet humble. She is the woman I feel I am
becoming, and the woman I feel all girls could be.' Charlotte wrote &
produced the project herself, with Oslo beatmaker Fredfades (of the Mutual Intentions
crew) contributing on four songs as well. TRACKLIST: 1. Sumer Is Icumen In 2.
Good Sign 3. Watching You 4. Move On 5. Cleo 6. (New Beginnings) 7. Red Clay 8.
King Of Hearts 9. Take It Slow 10. It s Over, Bobby.
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