The Philly Soul music phenomenon is one of the longest running soul music movements with origins stretching back to the early 1970s, and Society Hill Music, under the auspices of the legendary Philly Soul producer Butch Ingram, has been at the forefront of that movement for decades. On "The Red Light Special: Private Party Mix," Butch brings together the cream of the crop of Philly Soul vocalists that are still active on the scene today, such as Blue Magic, TRU, The Legendary Bluenotes, Donnie Tatum, Johnny Ingram and others that are responsible for keeping the true sound of the movement alive and kicking - and also strive to preserve its sweet, precious sound for future generations of listeners. This is a party record that's going to bear repeated listening for years to come. Long live the immortal sound of Philly Soul.
Los Angeles-based reed player David Sills is a prolific recording and performing artist. Natural Lines is his 17th CD as a leader. The album features seven of Sills’ original compositions as well as tunes by Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Jimmy Davis, Alan Broadbent, and two of Sills’ accompanists, guitarists Larry Koonse and Mike Scott. The Los Angeles Times has said “The playing of tenor saxophonist David Sills has been described as a meeting of Stan Getz and Joe Henderson, a style in which smooth reserve and technical ability combine in a single cool-to-the-bone sound.” Sills has always worked with top players for his many recordings, which he does once again on Natural Lines. Besides being one of Sills’ oldest friends and a frequent collaborator, guitarist Larry Koonse is one of the most respected musicians on the West Coast. With fellow guitarist Mike Scott, the two guitarists create a rich tapestry for Sills to weave his rich and soulful sound. Rounding out the rhythm section are two top L.A. sidemen, Blake White on bass and Tim Pleasant on drums, both of whom work frequently with Sills. David Sills is a cool musician with a warm tone and swinging, modern sound that’s been honed over his very prolific career, both as a recording and performing artist. He’s also a first-class composer, writing tunes that are harmonically rich with engaging, highly accessible melodies. He’s joined on Natural Lines by top-notch musicians who possess the natural, empathic communication of friends who have worked together for many years.
A long-overdue second album from Alan Braufman – maybe not the most familiar name in jazz, but a reed player who gave the world one fantastic album on India Navigation back in the 70s – and who now finally returns as a leader for this equally great second set! Braufman plays alto and flute – and the whole thing has this bold, soaring sort of energy – maybe even more spiritually forceful than Alan's classic album, thanks in part to an excellent group who bristle with dynamic vibes throughout – always on the edge of going farther out, but also nicely together too. Other players include Cooper Moore on piano, James Brandon Lewis on tenor, Ken Filiano on bass, and Andrew Drury on drums – with a bit of percussion at times from Michael Wimberly. Titles include "Creation", "Alone Again", "The Fire Still Burns", "Home", and "No Floor No Ceiling". ~ Dusty Groove
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