In early 2021, Spontaneous Groovin’ Combustion – the intensely funky ensemble led by veteran composer, producer, and saxophonist Warren A. Keller, released their self-titled debut album featuring four previously released hit singles. The first offering from their second album is the supremely uplifting, joyful jam, “All’s Well” – produced by fellow genre hitmaker Blake Aaron, which delivers exactly the hopeful message that our weary ears need to hear. While it’s a total group effort featuring Keller’s always emotional, punch-filled sax playing, and the lively drumming of Tony Moore – the spirited track is a dynamic showcase for guest bassist Brendan Rothwell, who carries the high-octane melodic flow, before engaging in some colorful conversation with Keller, leaving us with the feeling that all is indeed well! ~ www.smoothjazz.com
Building on the success of a solo EP released in early 2021, Franco-American jazz pianist Tom Sochas, previously known for his work with London staple Phoenician Blinds, is back with his debut album 'The Sorcerer', on Khumbu Records. The album, set to be released on April 15th 2022 introduces Tom’s new trio with greek bassist Thodoris Ziarkas and british drummer Olly Sarkar. The record is very much an ode to story telling, to ancient myths and tales, something we tend to return to when in need of guidance. Though rooted in age-old folklore, ‘The Sorcerer’ presents itself as a present-day reimagining of a classic character. In a world of much uncertainty it takes no effort to envisage the various reasons why humanity must be held accountable. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the wall between folkoric sorcery and our palpable predicament is in fact a rather transparent veil. ‘Prologue’ is the first single taken from the album. “This track to me was all about setting the scene before the story starts.” says Tom. “We enter a very bi-polar world where a seemingly peaceful melody quickly gives way to an increasingly angry and scattered motif. Though it does resolve musically in the end, it still leaves an open question as to how this tension / theme will unfold throughout the record. This is the exposition, the moment in which the Sorcerer comes to life.”
The music of John Coltrane, but served up here with a very different voice – that of tenorist Gabor Bolla, whose captured here at an early point in his career, with a sound that's more than bold enough for the material – but also very much all his own! Kirk Lightsey leads the group, and works with a sense of majesty that seems greater than we've heard in years – and Bolla rises strongly to the challenge of these Coltrane classics, alongside bassist Milan Nikolic and drummer Bernd Reiter! Lightsey also contributes one of his own tunes – the great "Habiba", known from an earlier South African recording – a cut that, along with the playing, helps the set sound very different than a simple rehash of Coltrane modes. Other titles include "Like Sonny", "Soultrane", and "Pursuance". ~ Dusty Groove.
Tomorrow's Yesterday, the cleverly, philosophically titled second album by veteran Atlanta-based flautist and performer John William, is an exquisite, surprise filled journey that finds the artist and his crew of well-known musicians – including its producer DJ Burn One - impactfully fusing atmospheric tranquility, spirited jazz melodies and harmonies as well as hip, edgy neo-soul and rap/hip-hop energy. Though William’s stated aim is to create a “body of work that represents peace, calm and tranquility” via his flute virtuosity, his seductive grooves are plentiful, whether he’s musing about the fall season, driving fast and slow through his hometown, seducing with a hypnotic jazz lounge flow, evoking mystery or vibrantly blending funk and laid-back vibes. It’s the perfect soundtrack to chill for real! ~ www.smoothjazz.com
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