New Music Releases: Spiritual Jazz 13, Dee Lucas, Zbonics & Nigel Hall

Spiritual Jazz 13: NOW! - Modern Sounds for the 21st Century

The first 12 volumes of the hugely popular Spiritual Jazz series have unearthed a wealth of historic recordings in the genre, collating a variety of works from the ‘50s to the ‘80s by artists from all around the world. And so, with Volume 13, the attention is turned to what’s happening NOW. Over the course of 24 tracks and spanning 2 x 2LPs, the Spiritual Jazz series we presented an overview of the contemporary exponents of Spiritual Jazz; musicians who are intent on bringing something personal to the table, as much as they recognize the importance of those who have paved the way for them. It featured music recorded within the past 20 years and from 15 different countries, including modern

classics from veterans Steve Reid and Idris Ackamoor, providing a vital link between the past masters and the enlightened new generation. It’s pioneers such as John Coltrane, Sun Ra, Pharoah Sanders et al, with their innovations in reaching another plane of consciousness that was and remains uppermost in the minds of exponents of Spiritual Jazz. Fittingly, several of the artists featured on this compilation, such as Cat Toren and David Boykin, are practitioners of the art of music therapy and sound healing, and have absolute conviction in the role of song as solace. The pioneers may no longer be with us, but their saintly selves loom large, shining a light in the darkness, inspiring many a brave new disciple today, as this album will testify: the new wave of jazz is gathering pace and still sounds fresh, vibrant and as relevant as ever.

Dee Lucas | "The Time Is Now"

The bio page of Dee Lucas’ website boldly declares “The Rebirth of Smooth Jazz” – and anyone who’s been following the sonically inventive, continuously grooving saxophonist since his emergence in 2004 knows his vibe is always on the cutting edge. That trailblazing streak continues on his latest EP, The Time Is Now, which balances balmy, easy flowing vibes and fiery, high impact pairings with bassist Darryl Williams, pianist George Freeman and guitarists Blake Aaron and David P. Stevens. Helping bring Lucas’ fresh licks and infectious melodies are two of Smooth Jazz’s top producers, Adam Hawley and Lew Laing, Jr. We predict that the time is Now for Dee Lucas… and once the festivals return, he’ll be in demand! ~ smoothjazz.com

Zbonics & Nigel Hall | "Eternal Blues"

Zbonics create a sonic staycation on the soul side of town in “Eternal Blues.” Enlisting Nigel Hall as their co-pilot, Zak Najor tapped into the archive of songs he and Karl Denson penned in 2004 and found the sentiments to still resonate in present times. The journey takes listeners into the realms of the dreaded “friend zone” and speak to coping with the fear and pending rejection lingering around the corner. Production-wise, the song will teleport the audience back to the 80s with rotund, but tight production; AC/DC-esque drums; and the polished, natural swagger of Prince. This is the third single off of the group’s upcoming record ‘Keep On Walking’ to be released on Color Red in early 2021. Najor's studio project finds himself corralling old friends and musical comrades for tunes rich in collaboration stacked with heavy-hitting rosters of musicians. In addition to Hall, "Eternal Blues" features: Karl Denson (saxophone), Cochemea Gastelum (saxophone), Robert Walter (electric organ & synthesizers), Brian Teel (talkbox, bass), Brian Jordan (guitar), Chris Stillwell (baritone guitar), and more. Zbonics will release their second full-length record 'Keep on Walkin' on Color Red in February 2021.