New Music Releases: Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown, Jana Herzen / Charnett Moffett

Brian Bromberg – Bromberg Plays Hendrix 

Brian Bromberg presents a digital remastered and remixed version of his surprising 10-song collection of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix’s hits, which was recorded without the use of a single guitar. In fact, it is just Bromberg and Vinnie Colaiuta on the album. “If it is not drums, then all the instruments you hear are me," Bromberg says. "This project is not a gimmick; it’s very musical and real. It’s all about the music for me.” This new 2020 Remix and Remastered version includes one bonus track written by Bromberg as a dedication to the guitar legend, simply titled "Jimi." 

Paul Brown -  Ones Upon A Time 

Producing dozens of #1 hits for himself and countless Smooth Jazz greats, Paul Brown has helped define the genre’s sensual and grooving aesthetic over the past three decades. Putting a fresh spin on the traditional “greatest hits” concept, the two-time Grammy winning guitarist/composer’s cleverly titled latest album Ones Upon A Time offers exhilarating re-imaginings of classic tracks he originally produced for everyone from Boney James and Larry Carlton to Kirk Whalum and George Benson. In addition to focusing the lead melodies on his inimitable, blues-inflected electric guitarisma, he offers some hip new arrangements and colorful sonic details which take the tunes to another level. On hand to help Brown re-create the magic are Euge Groove, Rick Braun, Gregg Karukas, Richard Elliot, DW3, Darren Rahn and Jeff Ryan. ~ smoothjazz.com 

Jana Herzen / Charnett Moffett - 'Round The World 

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and Motema label founder Jana Herzen and renowned bassist Charnett Moffett are true jazz legends in their own right. Yet their latest collaboration ROUND THE WORLD so artfully blends soul sensitivity and quirky originality in its acoustic arrangements, it could just as easily be considered alt-pop or modern folk. The collection is a spirited, twist and turn filled extension of the duo’s 12-year creative partnership that includes an initial duo project in 2012 and touring together. Intuitive in their breezy yet sometimes off the beaten path arrangements, they blend graceful and jaunty re-imaginings of classics by The Beatles, Men at Work, Kermit the Frog, Roberta Flack and Maria Muldaur with heartfelt, easy grooving originals that fit snugly and seamlessly amidst the more familiar fare.   ~ smoothjazz.com