The “New” Calgary Jazz Festival has announced it’s headline acts for the 2007 event, slated to run June 19-24 at various locations in the city. Offering an eclectic lineup that ventures into world, contemporary, funk and blues from every corner of the globe, there’s something for everyone.
Below is a listing of artists sent out in a newsletter from festival organizers this past weekend:
Tuesday, June 19
NoName Jazz Sextet CANTOS
Saxophonist Alexandre Côté and drummer Ugo Di Vito lead this hot young Montreal group. Their compositions are influenced by sixties Hard Bop.
Mr. Something Something The Auburn
Juno nominees, chart topping recordings, and energetic live shows, the ‘Mr. Sum Sum’ afro-funk collective is a guaranteed good time.
The October Trio. Beat Niq
Vancouver Jazz Fest’s Galaxie Rising Stars Award winners deliver up a tight show of everything from intimate, subtle renderings to blistering grooves like no others. Evan Arntzen (saxophones), Josh Cole (bass), and Dan Gaucher (drums) are claimed as that city’s most creative musicians, but we won’t forget Dan’s strong Calgary roots.
ZMF Trio CANTOS
National Jazz Awards violinist Jesse Zubot (aka Zubot & Dawson) presents his latest cutting edge jazz project with Toronto drummer Jean Martin and the infamous American bassist Joe Fonda. Blurring the lines between contemporary improvisation, composition and old school free jazz, it’s always an incredible performance. www.dripaudio.com
Wednesday, June 20th
Elmer Ferrer Band Wild Rose Brewery
While being trained in classical guitar styles at Havana’s famed National School of Arts, Elmer saw a bootleg copy of the Armerican movie Crossroads and decided he wanted to play the blues. He secretly studied electric guitar until the same school that denied him his desire recognized his talent and hired him to teach at the new ‘Department of Electric Guitar’ Now widely recognized as Cuba’s best on the axe, Ferrer adds high energy Afro-Cuban flair to the blues. www.elmerferrer.com
Rollanda Lee and The Canadian Hot Stars Quincy’s
The original ‘Dixie Chick’ has entertained audiences all over the world.. Her own seven piece Canadian Hot All Stars (including Calgary trumpeter Al Muirhead) swing with traditional 1920’s and 30’s jazz New Orleans style.
Christine Jensen Quartet Beat Niq
The Montreal arranger and saxophonist has been labeled “one of the most important Canadian composers of her generation”, by Globe and Mail jazz critic, Mark Miller. Her quartet are also Canadian jazz all stars - Dave Restivo on piano, Fraser Hollins on bass, and Greg Ritchie on drums.
Community Performance Series with Mark Sonksen
Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association 8 pm
Chicago bassist and composer joins Calgary favourites Gerry Hebert on sax, Keith Smith on guitar, and Jon May on drums in this version of the monthly series for serious jazz listeners.
Thursday, June 21
Pierre Dørge & The New Jungle Orchestra with Brandi Disterheft Cantos
Guitarist Pierre leads a wild, ten piece Danish ensemble that combines swing, bop, and Euro-classicism in rich, bursting, dadaistic freestyle harmonies. Definitely not easy listening, but a once in a lifetime experience. National Jazz Awards Rising Star Brandi Disterheft “has the same lope or rhythmical pulse as my late bass player Ray Brown. She is what we call serious” says Oscar Peterson.
Dhafer Youssef with Jatinder Thakur and the Divine Shadows String Quartet, and Amir Amiri. Cathedral Church of the Redeemer
Tunisian-born singer and oud virtuoso Dhafer Youssef’s haunting, Sufi inspired music has captured the hearts and minds of audiences across Europe. Hailed by The Guardian as world music’s most exciting new star, Youssef draws on the evocative sound of his Islamic heritage, combining it with new directions in European jazz to create a distinctive and atmospheric sound. Accompanied by Indian virtuoso tabla player Jatinder Thakur and the Divine Shadows Strings, (aka the Koehne Quartet), this will truly be a memorable performance. www.dhaferyoussef.com
Amir Amiri immigrated to Canada from Iran with little more than his hammer dulcimer ten years ago. Since then, he has become one of our most cherished musical resources, filling concert halls and intimate clubs across North America with his own spiritual compositions. Joining him is Edmonton’s award winning drummer and percussionist Sandro Dominelli
Jan Verwey, with Jillian Lebeck and Paul Rushka Beat Niq
One of the few who dared to play the chromatic harmonica in jazz, he created his own style. This Dutch innovator is accompanied by bassist Paul Rushka and Jillian Lebeck, one of Canada’s most dynamic and innovative vocalist/pianist/composers.
www.jillianlebeck.com
Thursday & Friday June 21 & 22 Ironwood, Southwood United Church
Matt Masters sings the standards with Terra Hazelton and and the Valleau Village People.
The country crooner has found his true voice in jazz with Calgary expatriate Terra Hazelton (of Jeff Healey fame) and the Valleau Village People (who had to come up with this name to avoid contractual obligations).
Friday, June 22
Joshua Redman and Kris Davis The Gateway Lounge
One of the most compelling and fearless saxophone voices in jazz. His latest cd, ‘Back East’ pushes boundaries and stimulates his creative juices in the classic acoustic trio format, with bassist Reuben Rogers and Antonio Sanchez on drums.
Son of recently deceased legend Dewey Redman, Joshua burst onto the jazz scene in 1993 with his self-titled debut cd and Wish. Both sold over a quarter of a million copies combined—unheard of in jazz. Although his muscular swing and earthy ballads may evoke Sonny Rollins, Redman has proven himself a wide-ranging musician and a fearless voice at the vanguard of contemporary music. Michael Brecker simply called him “a genius.” www.joshuaredman.com
Jens Winther Euro Quintet Cantos
Denmark’s leading trumpeter brings his hot, up-tempo band and arrangements to Canada. Internationally renown, Winther’s talent has been recognised with numerous awards and prizes for his outstanding contribution to the world of jazz as a player, composer and bandleader.
Tobey Foyeh and Orchestra Africa and Lynn Olagundaye and Guerrilla Funk Monster Quincy’s on Seventh
Tobey first came to America from Nigeria touring with Hugh Masekela. Originally trained in traditional music, he went on to Bostons’ Berklee College and now composes, arranges, and produces complex pieces featuring African instruments and back-up singers and dancers in costume with electronic keyboards and guitars. Their music expresses social situations in Africa, the people, and their joys and pains.
Lynn Olagundaye and the Guerrilla Funk Allstars are all Canadian born, but they present the rhythm of their roots in full on rhythm and blues hip hop party to rock the house.
Kellylee Evans The Ironwood
Delivering a rich, smooth but unique vocal style through jazz, soul, R & B, and blues is garnering Kellylee world wide attention, including that of Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling and other judges at the Thelonius Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition. She earned the silver medal out of a field of 160. One to watch. www.kellyleeevans.com.
Saturday June 23
James Hunter The Gateway Lounge
‘People Gonna Talk’ about James Hunter’s Calgary debut. Discovered by Van Morrison, James’ songwriting craft and impassioned performances have turned him into today’s hottest act in Roots and Blues. www.jameshuntermusic.com
Vijay Iyer Quartet with Rudresh Mahanthappa Ironwood
Cutting edge jazz from two leading innovators at the heart of the New York scene. Vijay is a forceful, rhythmically invigorating performer who with a unique sense for compositional balance. Described as “one of the most original and accomplished young pianists in years’. He often works with saxophonist Rudresh, who was just awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for ‘distinguished achievement in the past and exceptional promise for future accomplishment’ in composition and performance. Both men draw on their Asian heritage and American influence to create dynamic, stunning performances that could well be one of the best shows of the festival. www.vijay-iyer.com, www.rudreshm.com
UMO Jazz Orchestra Quincy’s on Seventh
Arguably one of the best big bands in the world is from Finland. Continuous support by the city of Helsinki and the ministry of education has helped keep UMO together for over thirty years, record 23 cds and have a repertoire of 1200 compositions. www.umo.fi
Marianne Trudel Quintet Cantos
The award-winning pianist from Montreal offers a rich quilt of sonic colours seemlessly stitched together with a keen sense of compositional design and deft improvisational gestures. Drawing equally on the classical, jazz and free improv idioms, she cleverly balances these influences out on a razor’s edge. With Rob Mosher (soprano sax, oboe - New York), Jonathan Stewart (tenor sax - Kingston, Ontario), Morgan Moore (bass - Montreal) and Kelby MacNayr (drums - Victoria, BC). www.mariannetrudel.com.
Barry Romberg Beat Niq
Juno Award-winning drummer mixes contemporary with free jazz in a powerful performance. With supreme saxophonist Kirk Macdonald, trumpeter Kevin Turcotte and Rich Brown on bass. www.barryromberg.com
Sunday June 24
Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra with The Bad Plus The Gateway Lounge
A double header dance party featuring the politically-charged, funk-driven Antibalas and the musically controversial Bad Plus. The eleven piece Afrobeat Orchestra incorporates elements of jazz, funk, dub, improvised music, and traditional drumming from Cuba and West Africa with strong lyrics in a driving beat.
The Bad Plus is a midwest American collective that challenged the definition of jazz trio. Bassist Reid Anderson, pianist Ethan Iverson, and drummer David King mixed their own diverse compositions with covers of rock bands like Nirvana and Aphex Twin. Favoring group improvisation over individual solos, eschewing all jazz cliches, The Bad Plus rip into each set with precision, dynamics and reckless abandon, attracting new audiences to jazz.
www.antibalas.com. www.thebadplus.com
Francois Carrier Cantos
An inexhaustible improviser, Carrier pushes boundaries of creative evolution with his saxes and some of the biggest names in the business. His latest cd is a 1999 recording of him with the late Dewey Redman. He appears for a Sunday afternoon performance in Calgary with drummer Michel Lambert and French bassist Jean Jacques Avenel. www.francoiscarrier.com
Coco Zhao The Auburn Saloon
Avant-garde crooner from China charms all with his Sinatra-style performance. Out of a small town in the Hunan province of China comes the exotic Dream Situation. Zhao challenges the stereotypical jazz vocalist image, singing the lyrics in Chinese, but transcending cultures with contemporary American jazz idioms. Supported by arranger and violinist Peng Fei and the Possicobilities band http://homepage.mac.com/cjlinkus/possicobilities/Menu82.html
For more info visit www.calgaryjazz.com
Saturday, June 02, 2007
JOAN ARMATRADING HITS #1 BILLBOARD BLUES CHART WITH NEW RELEASE ‘INTO THE BLUES’
Pioneering rock, pop, R&B and now blues musician Joan Armatrading has debuted the Billboard Blues Chart at #1 with her new project for 429 Records, "Into The Blues." The record raced to the top in its first week in release (May 1) also landing at the #2 slot on the iTunes Blues Chart. This marks the first time in the artist's 30-year career that she hit the #1 spot on any U.S. chart. Dates for an extensive summer tour of the United States and Canada have been announced as well. The tour kicks off May 29th in Toronto and travels across the country with her band thru mid-July (current tour schedule below).
"Armatrading's blues...matched to the passionate dignity of her voice... simmer sweetly," says Jim Farber of the New York Daily News. "Into The Blues" is receiving some of the best reviews of Joan's prolific career. Fans and critics are responding with raves over her distinctive take on the classic genre. USA Today's Brian Mansfield added the track "Baby Blue Eyes" to his April 24th "Playlist" column showcasing extraordinary guitar work in recent popular music.
A few other quotes of note:
"'Into The Blues'...is her sojourn into that well-worn territory, and Armatrading's take is wide and distinctive and stretches the parameters of what we consider the blues." -- Gary Graff, Billboard Magazine
"It's also a guitar album: her blues chops...would give Robert Cray a serious run..." -- Roy Kasten, Amazon.com Editorial
Armatrading will tour North America with a full band this summer having just come off a very well-received tour of Europe that included a triumphant week-long residency at London's famed jazz club, Ronnie Scott's, and culminated in a concert in the revered Royal Albert Hall. Joining her will be her stellar back-up band consisting of bassist Scott Firth, keyboardist Spencer Cozens and Gary Foote on drums. Complete tour dates attached.
429 Records -- the label of the recently acclaimed release "Endless Highway - The Music of The Band" -- is a unit of the Savoy Label Group (SLG). SLG is the North American unit of CME (Columbia Music Entertainment), the oldest music company in Japan. The Savoy Label Group is led by Steve Vining. CME is headed by Chairman Strauss Zelnick, founder of Zelnick Media. Zelnick Media owns interests in and manages an array of media companies.
JOAN ARMATRADING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2007
May 29 Toronto, Canada @ The Music Hall
May 30 Rochester, NY @ The German House
May 31 Albany, NY @ Hart Theater
June 1 Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse
June 2 Elmer, NJ @ Appel Farm Arts & Music Ctr
June 3 Poughkeepsie, NY @ Bardavon 1869 Opera House
June 6 Boston, MA @ Berklee Performance Centre
June 7 Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony
June 8 Huntington, NY @ Inter-Media Arts Center
June 9 Westhampton Beach, NY @ WH Beach Performing Arts
June 11 Alexandria, VA @ The Birchemere
June 12 New York, NY @ World Financial Center Plaza
June 14 Indianapolis, IN @ The Music Mill
June 15 Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre
June 16 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
June 17 St. Paul, MN @ O'Shaughnessy Auditorium
June 19 Austin, TX @ The Glenn
June 20 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
June 21 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
June 22 Santa Fe, NM @ Paolo Soleri Outdoor Amp
June 23 Denver, CO @ Historic Paramount Theatre
June 25 Boulder, CO @ Chautauqua Auditorium
June 26 Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen
June 28 Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
June 29 Jacksonville, OR @ The Britt Festival
July 1 Los Angeles, CA @ John Anson Ford Theatre
July 2 San Diego, CA @ TBD
July 3 San Francisco, CA @ TBD
July 5 Portland, OR @ Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront
July 7 Courteney, British Columbia @ Vancouver Island Music Fest
July 9 Edmonton, Canada @ Winspear Centre
July 11 Calgary, Alberta @ Knox United Church
July 12 Calgary, Alberta @ Knox United Church
July 14 Durango, CO @ Community Concert Hall (Ft. Lewis College)
July 15 Beaver Creek, CO @ Vilar Center for the Arts
HOUSE OF BLUES DALLAS OPENS
Live Nation, the world's largest live music company, opened the doors on its 11th House of Blues(R) branded venue on May 8 in Dallas, Texas. The new venue, which includes a 1,625 capacity music hall, a 400 seat restaurant, special events facilities, a company store and a Foundation Room consisting of a private lounge and fine dining area for members, establishes an important small size music venue in Dallas, the number six Designated Market Area, or DMA(R), as defined by Nielsen Media Research. The new facility is located in the historic White Swan Building in the heart of downtown Dallas and is an important anchor to the ambitious Victory Park redevelopment project underway in the city. Live Nation also operates and exclusively books the 20,000 capacity Smirnoff Music Centre in Dallas.
Doors opened on the new club this Wednesday, May 8th with an inaugural performance by Dallas-native Erykah Badu. Then on Saturday, May 12th, House of Blues founder and original Blues Brothers member Dan Aykroyd will preside over the club's official grand opening with a special performance by the Blues Brothers Formal Classic Review, with his partner Jim Belushi. Mr. Aykroyd (a.k.a. Brother Elwood) and Mr. Belushi (a.k.a. Blood-brother Zee) will headline an evening that includes performances by Matt Guitar Murphy, Northwestern Guitar Slinger Paul Allen and The Wanda King Blues Band who is led by the daughter of the legendary Texas bluesman Freddie King. Besides an evening of great music, Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi will launch the opening festivities with a motorcycle ride including a contingent of riders in the hundreds. Beginning at the Harley Davidson dealership in Garland (1334 W. Centerville Rd.) and cruising to the new venue (2200 N Lamar St in Victory Park), the ride will raise money for needy children in the Dallas area.
This is the 11th House of Blues club in the United States. Other cities with established House of Blues clubs and restaurants include Atlantic City, Anaheim, Chicago, Cleveland, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Diego. Construction is underway on a brand new HOB club in Houston, Texas, the number 10 DMA in the U.S.
Founded in 1992, this dynamic company with soul, spirit and vision was acquired by Live Nation in November of 2006. With 11 branded clubs, including Atlantic City, Anaheim, Chicago, Cleveland, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Diego and Dallas, each House of Blues club features live music, Southern-inspired cuisine in an eclectic environment celebrating the African American cultural contributions of blues music and folk art.
Doors opened on the new club this Wednesday, May 8th with an inaugural performance by Dallas-native Erykah Badu. Then on Saturday, May 12th, House of Blues founder and original Blues Brothers member Dan Aykroyd will preside over the club's official grand opening with a special performance by the Blues Brothers Formal Classic Review, with his partner Jim Belushi. Mr. Aykroyd (a.k.a. Brother Elwood) and Mr. Belushi (a.k.a. Blood-brother Zee) will headline an evening that includes performances by Matt Guitar Murphy, Northwestern Guitar Slinger Paul Allen and The Wanda King Blues Band who is led by the daughter of the legendary Texas bluesman Freddie King. Besides an evening of great music, Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi will launch the opening festivities with a motorcycle ride including a contingent of riders in the hundreds. Beginning at the Harley Davidson dealership in Garland (1334 W. Centerville Rd.) and cruising to the new venue (2200 N Lamar St in Victory Park), the ride will raise money for needy children in the Dallas area.
This is the 11th House of Blues club in the United States. Other cities with established House of Blues clubs and restaurants include Atlantic City, Anaheim, Chicago, Cleveland, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Diego. Construction is underway on a brand new HOB club in Houston, Texas, the number 10 DMA in the U.S.
Founded in 1992, this dynamic company with soul, spirit and vision was acquired by Live Nation in November of 2006. With 11 branded clubs, including Atlantic City, Anaheim, Chicago, Cleveland, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Diego and Dallas, each House of Blues club features live music, Southern-inspired cuisine in an eclectic environment celebrating the African American cultural contributions of blues music and folk art.
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS AT THE MOVIES SUMMER TOUR 2007
Dave Koz has added another special guest to the line-up for the Dave Koz and Friends At The Movies Summer 2007 Tour: 19-year-old Razor & Tie recording artist Kelly Sweet. Kelly is currently enjoying a #1 hit at Adult Contemporary radio with "Raincoat," the first single from her 2007 debut album, We Are One. The single is also steadily climbing the Smooth Jazz charts. The tour launches June 3rd in Columbia, MD and wraps up at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, CA on August 19th. Each show on the tour will be a "double feature," with Koz, Sweet and previously announced special guests David Benoit and Phil Perry playing their respective hits during the first half of the show, then joining together on numerous selections from Koz's blockbuster album, At The Movies. Rendezvous recording artist Brian Simpson will play keyboards and serve as Koz's musical director.
Since its January 2007 release, At The Movies, Koz's homage to classic film music, has been at the top of the charts and Dave, a four-time Grammy nominee, has been in demand, appearing on national television shows such as "Good Morning America," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Today Show" and "The View," to name a few. At The Movies contains such classics as "Over The Rainbow," "Moon River," "As Time Goes By," "The Way We Were," "The Pink Panther" and "A Whole New World." Guest artists on the album include India.Arie, Anita Baker, Chris Botti, Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, Donna Summer and Vanessa Williams.
At 19, Kelly Sweet has already performed over 500 concerts in the U.S., including opening gigs for Paul Simon, Kenny Loggins and Anita Baker. The summer tour with Koz marks her first national tour since the March 2007 release of her acclaimed debut, We Are One. Classically-trained and able to sing in several languages (French, Italian and even Sanskrit), her music conveys a sense of depth, intimacy and sophistication not often heard in today's pop landscape as exemplified by lead single "Raincoat," which Billboard hailed as "a breezy, precocious ballad that displays an impressive vocal range, emotive expression and a vocal equivalent of cool, crush velvet." For more information on Kelly Sweet go to http://www.kelly-sweet.com.
Over the last quarter century, composer and pianist David Benoit has been a passionate musical innovator committed to the exploration of many different art forms on the American landscape. A five-time Grammy nominee for his extraordinary and seminal contributions to contemporary jazz,
Benoit has also embarked on a multi-faceted journey into the classical music world. For more information on David Benoit go to http://www.benoit.com.
Born and raised in East St. Louis, Phil Perry has spent most of his career as one of the most sought-after backing vocalists in the music business. His bright, multi-octave range has played a supporting role on dozens of albums by such acts as Anita Baker, Boz Scaggs, Rod Stewart, Peabo Bryson and George Duke. But he has also distinguished himself through five strong solo albums that have highlighted both his ability to interpret classic soul songs as well as his own songwriting skills. For more information on Phil Perry go to http://www.philperry.net.
Summer concert dates are as follows:
June 3 - +++ Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
June 8 - ** Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Casino & Resort Showroom
June 9 - Wendover, NV @ Peppermill Concert Hall
June 10 - Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
June 15 - Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
June 17 - Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
June 21- Grand Prairie, TX @ Nokia Live Theatre
June 22 - El Paso, TX @ Plaza Theatre Performing Arts
June 23- Southfield, MI @ Southfield Civic Center
July 13 - North Kansas City, MO @ Voodoo Lounge @ Harrah's
July 14 - Apple Valley, MN @ Minnesota Zoo Amphitheatre
July 20 - ** Richmond, VA @ Kanawha Plaza
July 21 - ** Winter Park, CO @ Hideaway Park
July 25 - Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre
July 27 - Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Concert Theatre at Palms Casino
July 28 - Temecula, CA @ Thornton Winery
July 29 - Temecula, CA @ Thornton Winery
August 2 - Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
August 3 - Sacramento, CA @ Radisson Hotel
August 4 - Woodinville, WA @ Chateau St. Michelle
August 5 - Healdsburg, CA @ Rodney Strong Vineyard
August 9 - Cleveland, OH @ Playhouse Square
August 10 - Kettering, OH @ Fraze Pavilion
August 11 - Oyster Bay, NY @ Planting Fields Arboretum
August 17h - San Diego, CA @ Humphrey's By the Bay
August 18 - Concord, CA @ Sleeptrain Pavilion
August 19 - Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
+++ David Benoit, Phil Perry and Kelly Sweet will not be appearing on June 3 show
** David Benoit will not be appearing at these shows.
Since its January 2007 release, At The Movies, Koz's homage to classic film music, has been at the top of the charts and Dave, a four-time Grammy nominee, has been in demand, appearing on national television shows such as "Good Morning America," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Today Show" and "The View," to name a few. At The Movies contains such classics as "Over The Rainbow," "Moon River," "As Time Goes By," "The Way We Were," "The Pink Panther" and "A Whole New World." Guest artists on the album include India.Arie, Anita Baker, Chris Botti, Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, Donna Summer and Vanessa Williams.
At 19, Kelly Sweet has already performed over 500 concerts in the U.S., including opening gigs for Paul Simon, Kenny Loggins and Anita Baker. The summer tour with Koz marks her first national tour since the March 2007 release of her acclaimed debut, We Are One. Classically-trained and able to sing in several languages (French, Italian and even Sanskrit), her music conveys a sense of depth, intimacy and sophistication not often heard in today's pop landscape as exemplified by lead single "Raincoat," which Billboard hailed as "a breezy, precocious ballad that displays an impressive vocal range, emotive expression and a vocal equivalent of cool, crush velvet." For more information on Kelly Sweet go to http://www.kelly-sweet.com.
Over the last quarter century, composer and pianist David Benoit has been a passionate musical innovator committed to the exploration of many different art forms on the American landscape. A five-time Grammy nominee for his extraordinary and seminal contributions to contemporary jazz,
Benoit has also embarked on a multi-faceted journey into the classical music world. For more information on David Benoit go to http://www.benoit.com.
Born and raised in East St. Louis, Phil Perry has spent most of his career as one of the most sought-after backing vocalists in the music business. His bright, multi-octave range has played a supporting role on dozens of albums by such acts as Anita Baker, Boz Scaggs, Rod Stewart, Peabo Bryson and George Duke. But he has also distinguished himself through five strong solo albums that have highlighted both his ability to interpret classic soul songs as well as his own songwriting skills. For more information on Phil Perry go to http://www.philperry.net.
Summer concert dates are as follows:
June 3 - +++ Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
June 8 - ** Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Casino & Resort Showroom
June 9 - Wendover, NV @ Peppermill Concert Hall
June 10 - Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
June 15 - Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
June 17 - Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
June 21- Grand Prairie, TX @ Nokia Live Theatre
June 22 - El Paso, TX @ Plaza Theatre Performing Arts
June 23- Southfield, MI @ Southfield Civic Center
July 13 - North Kansas City, MO @ Voodoo Lounge @ Harrah's
July 14 - Apple Valley, MN @ Minnesota Zoo Amphitheatre
July 20 - ** Richmond, VA @ Kanawha Plaza
July 21 - ** Winter Park, CO @ Hideaway Park
July 25 - Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre
July 27 - Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Concert Theatre at Palms Casino
July 28 - Temecula, CA @ Thornton Winery
July 29 - Temecula, CA @ Thornton Winery
August 2 - Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
August 3 - Sacramento, CA @ Radisson Hotel
August 4 - Woodinville, WA @ Chateau St. Michelle
August 5 - Healdsburg, CA @ Rodney Strong Vineyard
August 9 - Cleveland, OH @ Playhouse Square
August 10 - Kettering, OH @ Fraze Pavilion
August 11 - Oyster Bay, NY @ Planting Fields Arboretum
August 17h - San Diego, CA @ Humphrey's By the Bay
August 18 - Concord, CA @ Sleeptrain Pavilion
August 19 - Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
+++ David Benoit, Phil Perry and Kelly Sweet will not be appearing on June 3 show
** David Benoit will not be appearing at these shows.
DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 28th ANNUAL LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVENT
Detroit International Jazz Festival (DJF) officials unveiled details for its 28th annual Labor Day Weekend extravaganza, which will honor the jazz roots of Detroit and Chicago through a friendly challenge between artists from each city. The '07 festival, billed as "The Rumble in the Great Lakes," will kick off Friday, August 31st, and feature Detroit's internationally-renowned jazz violinist Regina Carter and Chicago's Grammy-award winning jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock.
"Detroit and Chicago have produced some of the most prolific and influential jazz artists in the world," said Terri Pontremoli, DJF executive director. "We decided it was high time to highlight the musical contributions of both cities. For years, Chicago and Detroit have hosted competing jazz festivals on the same weekend, so why not have an out-and-out rumble?" Pontremoli added.
DJF officials revealed the full lineup of artists, many of whom have Chicago or Detroit ties such as Herbie Hancock, Kurt Elling (performing with the Wayne State Big Band), Mavis Staples, Otis Clay, Bettye Lavette, The Miracles, Curtis Fuller, Kenny Garrett, Ron Carter and Gerald Wilson.
"The Detroit/Chicago theme also gave us the inspiration to pull together some exciting musical projects like the 50th anniversary celebration of the great Johnny Griffin record, A Blowin' Session," Pontremoli added.
Mack Avenue artists Carl Allen and Rodney Whitaker will present a set with three tenors representing Chicago and Detroit. Nods to Motown include a performance by the Miracles, also celebrating their 50th anniversary, and a tribute to Marvin Gaye by the Michigan State University Big Band through a suite entitled "What's Goin' On?" Don Byron's performance will be centered on the music of Junior Walker.
Officials say fans can also look forward to interesting pairings such as Maria Muldauer with Jim Dapogny's Chicago Ensemble, Wendell Harrison's Chicago Connection and Steve Wood's tribute to Yusef Lateef. There will be a heavy dose of "outsiders" as well, including Dave Brubeck, Patti Austin (who will perform her Avant Gershwin material with the Gerald Wilson Big Band), Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood, Poncho Sanchez, Charles Tolliver, the Brubeck Brothers, Russell Malone, Bill Charlap, Stanley Jordan, Conrad Herwig and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.
Pontremoli also introduced two new initiatives -- an annual visiting artist residency and a stage dedicated to emerging artists. "It's a thrill to begin the artist-in-residence program with a native Detroiter who also just happens to be a MacArthur prize winner," Pontremoli says of violinist Regina Carter. In addition to teaching at a jazz camp for middle school students under the auspices of Arts League of Michigan this summer, Ms. Carter will play in several different settings on Labor Day weekend: With her quintet, in a duo with Kenny Barron, and as a special guest with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. She'll also perform with students and participate in discussions in the festival's Jazz Talk Tent.
The Here and Now Stage will feature regional musicians and emerging national artists such as vocalist Sachal Vasandani, trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, 14 year-old saxophonist Grace Kelly, and vocalists Chiara Civello and Jennifer Sannon.
Based on the success of '06, the festival will again present a gospel Monday -- this year featuring Mavis Staples and Kim Burrell with Sean Jones, in addition to local gospel groups yet to be announced. Local jazz historians Jim Gallert and Lars Bjorn, buoyed by capacity attendance in the azz Talk Tent last year, are planning a full schedule of panels and meet-the-artist sessions. Herb Boyd, Tony Mowod and Ira Gitler will engage in discussions with national and local artists as well as other radio personalities and jazz writers.
DJF officials also announced other festival features which will include:
-- A family picnic area with daily performances of Hayes Greenfield's
"Jazz-a-ma-tazz," in addition to story tellers and puppets.
-- A hip jazz garden in Campus Martius complete with tables, bars and
large video screens. The video screens will play selections from the
award-winning Jazz Icons series, produced by Reelin' In the Years
Productions. Detroit Jazz Fest is the exclusive site for the world
premiere of the second series of vintage jazz concerts (the first set
premiered at the annual International Association for Jazz Educators
conference). Quincy Jones has called the series "an audio-visual
treasure trove of the music that changed the world."
-- An art gallery tent will feature the Arts League of Michigan's
exhibit Rock My Soul.
In addition to revealing the power-packed artist lineup and new festival features, DJF officials also unveiled one of its longstanding traditions -- the annual festival poster, this year created by Detroit rising artist Darcel Deneau. "Darcel's beautiful piece truly captures the essence of our festival against the beautiful backdrop of Detroit," said Pontremoli. "The poster will definitely add to our promotional efforts and is sure to become a must-have as part of the wonderful collection of posters from years past."
Festival organizers also announced the renewing of an old friendship with the Hotel Pontchartrain, the location of the revered P-Jazz series and Rapa House jam sessions of the past. Fans can look for nightly "after-hours" jam sessions, and a salsa party on Sunday night at the Pontch -- which was announced as the official hotel of the DJF.
As evidence of its commitment to strengthen the educational component of the festival, the DJF has forged partnerships with Wayne State University and Jazz @ Juilliard. The festival is sponsoring visiting artists Conrad Herwig and Sean Jones for Jazz Week at Wayne (July 23-28), and will feature a mini- residency with Juilliard jazz students on Labor Day Weekend. The Michigan School Band and Orchestra and the International Association for Jazz Education will be involved in the high school invitational.
In order to sustain the high quality of the festival and to maintain it as a free event, sponsorships are extremely important to the newly formed non- profit organization. The festival welcomed back significant '06 sponsors such as Chase (Cadillac Square Stage), Carhartt (Pyramid Stage), Ford (Here and Now Stage) and Absopure (Waterfront Stage). Other major sponsors include MGM Casino, MotorCity Casino, Mack Avenue Records, Comcast, DTE Energy, and Big Boy. Budweiser Select is the sponsor of a pre-fest series which will take place Fridays in August at Bert's, Baker's, Cliff Bells and Memphis Smoke and feature some of Detroit's best musicians.
Wayne State University, Art Van, Aqua Fresh and Starbucks will also be sponsoring the festival this year. Both new and returning sponsors understand the value of getting their products and services before Detroit's premier Labor Day Weekend audience, as well as supporting the 28-year tradition that creates cultural tourism for Michigan. "It is great to see organizations step up and support one of the best free jazz festivals in the world," said Gretchen Valade, owner of Mack Avenue Records and main benefactor of the DJF.
Media sponsors in '07 include FOX 2, Detroit Newspaper Partnership, Hour Detroit Magazine, WEMU, WDET, WRCJ and Detroit Public Television. "Detroit Jazz Fest is one of the most dynamic free jazz festivals in the world," Pontremoli added. "We plan to build on that reputation each year and are confident that this season will impress both new and old DJF attendees -- who are among the most informed and enthusiastic jazz audiences anywhere."
"Detroit and Chicago have produced some of the most prolific and influential jazz artists in the world," said Terri Pontremoli, DJF executive director. "We decided it was high time to highlight the musical contributions of both cities. For years, Chicago and Detroit have hosted competing jazz festivals on the same weekend, so why not have an out-and-out rumble?" Pontremoli added.
DJF officials revealed the full lineup of artists, many of whom have Chicago or Detroit ties such as Herbie Hancock, Kurt Elling (performing with the Wayne State Big Band), Mavis Staples, Otis Clay, Bettye Lavette, The Miracles, Curtis Fuller, Kenny Garrett, Ron Carter and Gerald Wilson.
"The Detroit/Chicago theme also gave us the inspiration to pull together some exciting musical projects like the 50th anniversary celebration of the great Johnny Griffin record, A Blowin' Session," Pontremoli added.
Mack Avenue artists Carl Allen and Rodney Whitaker will present a set with three tenors representing Chicago and Detroit. Nods to Motown include a performance by the Miracles, also celebrating their 50th anniversary, and a tribute to Marvin Gaye by the Michigan State University Big Band through a suite entitled "What's Goin' On?" Don Byron's performance will be centered on the music of Junior Walker.
Officials say fans can also look forward to interesting pairings such as Maria Muldauer with Jim Dapogny's Chicago Ensemble, Wendell Harrison's Chicago Connection and Steve Wood's tribute to Yusef Lateef. There will be a heavy dose of "outsiders" as well, including Dave Brubeck, Patti Austin (who will perform her Avant Gershwin material with the Gerald Wilson Big Band), Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood, Poncho Sanchez, Charles Tolliver, the Brubeck Brothers, Russell Malone, Bill Charlap, Stanley Jordan, Conrad Herwig and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.
Pontremoli also introduced two new initiatives -- an annual visiting artist residency and a stage dedicated to emerging artists. "It's a thrill to begin the artist-in-residence program with a native Detroiter who also just happens to be a MacArthur prize winner," Pontremoli says of violinist Regina Carter. In addition to teaching at a jazz camp for middle school students under the auspices of Arts League of Michigan this summer, Ms. Carter will play in several different settings on Labor Day weekend: With her quintet, in a duo with Kenny Barron, and as a special guest with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. She'll also perform with students and participate in discussions in the festival's Jazz Talk Tent.
The Here and Now Stage will feature regional musicians and emerging national artists such as vocalist Sachal Vasandani, trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, 14 year-old saxophonist Grace Kelly, and vocalists Chiara Civello and Jennifer Sannon.
Based on the success of '06, the festival will again present a gospel Monday -- this year featuring Mavis Staples and Kim Burrell with Sean Jones, in addition to local gospel groups yet to be announced. Local jazz historians Jim Gallert and Lars Bjorn, buoyed by capacity attendance in the azz Talk Tent last year, are planning a full schedule of panels and meet-the-artist sessions. Herb Boyd, Tony Mowod and Ira Gitler will engage in discussions with national and local artists as well as other radio personalities and jazz writers.
DJF officials also announced other festival features which will include:
-- A family picnic area with daily performances of Hayes Greenfield's
"Jazz-a-ma-tazz," in addition to story tellers and puppets.
-- A hip jazz garden in Campus Martius complete with tables, bars and
large video screens. The video screens will play selections from the
award-winning Jazz Icons series, produced by Reelin' In the Years
Productions. Detroit Jazz Fest is the exclusive site for the world
premiere of the second series of vintage jazz concerts (the first set
premiered at the annual International Association for Jazz Educators
conference). Quincy Jones has called the series "an audio-visual
treasure trove of the music that changed the world."
-- An art gallery tent will feature the Arts League of Michigan's
exhibit Rock My Soul.
In addition to revealing the power-packed artist lineup and new festival features, DJF officials also unveiled one of its longstanding traditions -- the annual festival poster, this year created by Detroit rising artist Darcel Deneau. "Darcel's beautiful piece truly captures the essence of our festival against the beautiful backdrop of Detroit," said Pontremoli. "The poster will definitely add to our promotional efforts and is sure to become a must-have as part of the wonderful collection of posters from years past."
Festival organizers also announced the renewing of an old friendship with the Hotel Pontchartrain, the location of the revered P-Jazz series and Rapa House jam sessions of the past. Fans can look for nightly "after-hours" jam sessions, and a salsa party on Sunday night at the Pontch -- which was announced as the official hotel of the DJF.
As evidence of its commitment to strengthen the educational component of the festival, the DJF has forged partnerships with Wayne State University and Jazz @ Juilliard. The festival is sponsoring visiting artists Conrad Herwig and Sean Jones for Jazz Week at Wayne (July 23-28), and will feature a mini- residency with Juilliard jazz students on Labor Day Weekend. The Michigan School Band and Orchestra and the International Association for Jazz Education will be involved in the high school invitational.
In order to sustain the high quality of the festival and to maintain it as a free event, sponsorships are extremely important to the newly formed non- profit organization. The festival welcomed back significant '06 sponsors such as Chase (Cadillac Square Stage), Carhartt (Pyramid Stage), Ford (Here and Now Stage) and Absopure (Waterfront Stage). Other major sponsors include MGM Casino, MotorCity Casino, Mack Avenue Records, Comcast, DTE Energy, and Big Boy. Budweiser Select is the sponsor of a pre-fest series which will take place Fridays in August at Bert's, Baker's, Cliff Bells and Memphis Smoke and feature some of Detroit's best musicians.
Wayne State University, Art Van, Aqua Fresh and Starbucks will also be sponsoring the festival this year. Both new and returning sponsors understand the value of getting their products and services before Detroit's premier Labor Day Weekend audience, as well as supporting the 28-year tradition that creates cultural tourism for Michigan. "It is great to see organizations step up and support one of the best free jazz festivals in the world," said Gretchen Valade, owner of Mack Avenue Records and main benefactor of the DJF.
Media sponsors in '07 include FOX 2, Detroit Newspaper Partnership, Hour Detroit Magazine, WEMU, WDET, WRCJ and Detroit Public Television. "Detroit Jazz Fest is one of the most dynamic free jazz festivals in the world," Pontremoli added. "We plan to build on that reputation each year and are confident that this season will impress both new and old DJF attendees -- who are among the most informed and enthusiastic jazz audiences anywhere."
BRANFORD MARSALIS TOUR DATES
Brandford Marsalis will perform the following concerts: May 5 at Clarke Atlanta University in Atlanta GA, May 6 at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans LA, May 8 at The Seasons in Yakima WA, May 10-13 at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley in Seattle WA, May 15 at Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis MN, May 16 at Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud MN, May 17 at Detroit Orchestra Hall in Detroit MI, May 18 at Wharton Center in E. Lansing MI, June 20 at Town Hall in New York NY, June 21 at International Jazz Festival in Ottawa ON, July 2 at Arts on the Avenue in Philadelphia PA, July 6 at Theatre Maisonneuve in Montreal QC, July 7 at Connecticut State University in Danbury CT, August 8 at Center for the Arts in Jackson WY, August 10 at Dartmouth College in Hanover NH, August 11 at JVC Jazz Fest in Newport RI, September 22 at Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston SC, October 20 at Trinity University in San Antonio TX, October 26-27 at Lincoln Center in New York NY, November 10 at Fox Cities PAC in Appleton WI, November 17 at Wesleyan College in Rochester NY, January 4 at Scottsdale Center for the Arts in Scottsdale AZ, January 6 at Philharmonic Center in Naples FL, and February 1 at Purchase Center in Purchase NY.W
WAYNE SHORTER TOUR DATES
Wayne Shorter will perform the following concerts: June 21-22 at Concertgebouw in Amsterdam Netherlands, June 27 at Carnegie Hall in New York NY, June 29 at Theatre Maisonneuve in Montreal QC, July 28 at Chapiteau in Marciac France, August 3 at Kurhaus in Wiesbaden Germany, August 5 at International Centre in Harrogate UK, and March 28 at Kimmel Center in Philadelphia PA.
OCEANS’ 13 SOUNDTRACK FEATURES MUSIC FROM PRODUCER DAVID HOLMES
"Music From the Motion Picture Ocean's Thirteen" -- the electrifying score to the upcoming feature film "Ocean's Thirteen" -- will be released by Warner Bros. Records on June 5th, three days before the movie opens nationwide. The film -- a casino heist caper starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Ellen Barkin, and Al Pacino -- is the eagerly awaited third installment in Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh's stylish trilogy, which has captivated and entertained audiences worldwide.
The film's soundtrack was overseen by acclaimed composer and musical innovator David Holmes, who also helmed the soundtracks to "Ocean's Eleven" and "Ocean's Twelve." Where "Twelve" included songs from an eclectic group of international artists, "Thirteen" is dominated by Holmes' playful instrumentals, rooted in '70s-inspired acid-jazz, that match the innately cool aesthetic of the film.
"As a music producer, I never want to repeat myself," Holmes says, "and it's challenging to actually do something completely different every time. 'Thirteen' was tricky because, as with 'Eleven,' the film takes place in Las Vegas, and we had to avoid all the clichés of Vegas but still create this truly original piece. So this one has more of a live feel to it, and it's a lot more quirky. I think it's definitely the most musical score out of all three."
Holmes, a native of Northern Ireland, began his music career as a DJ in Belfast at the age of 15. He released his own critically lauded albums, including 1995's "This Film's Crap: Let's Slash The Seats" and 1997's "Let's Get Killed," before becoming an in-demand producer and re-mixer for such bands as U2, Primal Scream, The Manic Street Preachers, Page and Plant, and Ice Cube. He first collaborated with Soderbergh on the 1998 film "Out of Sight," starring George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, before going on to score "Ocean's Eleven."
"Steven really makes it feel like a collaboration," Holmes says. "He lets you express yourself and be experimental. And he likes to try new things. Even in these movies, as big and commercial as they are, he's still doing loads of stuff musically that people just wouldn't dream of doing in a movie this size. There's no safety net with him and that makes him an amazing guy to work for in many ways."
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Jerry Weintraub/Section Eight Production, "Ocean's Thirteen," starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Ellen Barkin and Al Pacino. Also starring are Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Eddie Jemison, and Shaobo Qin, with Carl Reiner and Elliott Gould. The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh from a screenplay by Brian Koppelman & David Levien. Jerry Weintraub produced the film, with Susan Ekins, Gregory Jacobs, Frederic W. Brost and Bruce Berman executive producing. The film opens nationwide on June 8. The soundtrack will be available in stores and through all online retailers on June 5th.
The track-listing for "Music From the Motion Picture Ocean's Thirteen" is as follows:
"Not Their Fight"
"11, 12 & 13"
"Benedict Returns"
"Kensington Chump"
"Trapdoor Man"
"Laptops"
"Zippo's"
"S***! S***! S***!"
"Dice Men"
"Diamond Location"
"The Nose"
"Caravan" Performed by Puccio Roelens
"Suite Bergamasque, Claire De Lune, No. 3" Performed by Isao Tomita
"Grand Opening"
"Earthquake"
"Fender Roads"
"Snake Eyes"
"All Sewn Up"
"This Town" Performed by Frank Sinatra
"Soul Town" Performed by The Motherhood
NEW RELEASES...
2002 - Deep Still Blue (Gemini Sun)
2002 - Legends Series: Timeless (Real Music)
Alan Bergman - Lyrically, Alan Bergman (Verve Labels)
Alberto Grollo - Chakra Healing Energies (Oreade Music)
Anael And Bradfield - Light & Love (Apsis Music)
Art Blakey/The Jazz Messengers - Blakey's Theme (West Wind)
Ash Dargan - Aphrodidjiac (Indigenous Australia)
Ash Dargan - Very Best of Ash Dargan (Indigenous Australia)
Asian Dub Foundation - Time Freeze: The Best of Asian Dub Foundation [Bon (Caroline)
Bad Plus - PROG (Heads Up)
Bill Evans - His Last Concert in Germany (West Wind)
Billy Bang Quintet - Above and Beyond: An Evening in Grand Rapids (Justin Time)
Brad Leali - Maria Juanez (TCB)
Brakes - Beatific Visions (Rough Trade)
Carl Allen & Rodney Whitaker - Get Ready (Mack Avenue)
Carole King - Love Makes the World [Deluxe Edition] (Rockingale)
Count Basie - Complete 1952 - 1956: Small Group Studio Recordings (Jazz Connections)
Count Basie - Complete 1953 - 1954: Dance Sessions [Bonus Tracks] (Jazz Connections)
Cuarteto Darsena Sur - Pas a Deux (Itm)
Cyminology - Bemun (Double Moon)
Dan McMillion Jazz Orchestra - High Octane (Sea Breeze)
Dave Pell - Jazz Goes Dancing (Fresh Sounds)
Dave Brubeck - In Montreux, 1982 (West Wind)
Dave Mason - Live at XM Satellite Radio (Friday Music)
David Friesen & Uwe Kropinski - Made in Berlin (Itm)
David Hudson & Friends - Nessun Dorma: "Gari Wunang" (Indigenous Australia)
David Hudson - Very Best of David Hudson (Indigenous Australia)
David Osborne - Moonlight & Love Songs: The Best of David Osborne (North Star)
De-Phazz - Days of Twang
Django Reinhardt - Introduction to Django Reinhardt, Vol. 2 (Fuel 2000)
Earl Klugh - Nightsongs (Mosaic Contemporary)
Earl Klugh - Wishful Thinking (Mosaic Contemporary)
Eartha Kitt - Standards: Live (Itm)
Enam - Luna Magistra (Oreade Music)
Fred Longberg - Holm Trio - Terminal Valentine (Atavistic)
Gael Chiarella - Living Peace & Joy (Relaxation)
Garrett/Schofield/Brecker/Friesen - Garrett/Schofield/Brecker/Friesen (West Wind)
George Duke - Ultimate George Duke (Mosaic Contemporary)
Hector Martignon - Refugee (Zoho Music)
Herbie Hancock - Out of This World (West Wind)
Jackiem Joyner - Babysoul (Artizen)
James Blood Ulmer - Bad Blood in the City: The Piety Street Sessions (Hyena)
James Todd - Quiet Beauty
Jay McShann - Hootie's Blues: A Tribute (ASV/Living Era)
Jean-Luc Ponty - Acatama Experience (Koch)
Jiri Stivin & Company Jazz System - Jiri Stivin and Company Jazz System (Multisonic)
Joe Lovano & Hank Jones - Kids: Duets Live at Dizzy's Club Coca - Cola (Blue Note)
Joel Holmes - Eternal Vision (Chrematizo)
Jon-Erik Kellso - Blue Roof Blues: A Love Letter to New Orleans (Arbors)
Jonah Jones - JJ. Special (Fresh Sounds)
Kargo - Spirit of Havana (New World Company)
Kavi - Unconditional Love (New Earth)
Kenny Davern/Ken Peplowski - Dialogues (Arbors)
Kenny Dorham - Hot Stuff From Brazil (Jazz Door)
Life in Balance - Om to Ohm (Koch)
Lisa Lauren - Lisa Lauren Loves the Beatles
Marva Wright - After the Levees Broke (Aim)
Michel Petrucciani - Piano Solo: The Complete Concert in Germany (Dreyfus)
Mitchells/Jones Bros - Leonard Feather Presents Mitchells and Joneses (Fresh Sounds)
Nat Adderley Quintet - Live on Planet Earth (West Wind)
Nino Rota - Federico Fellini & Nino Rota (Camjazz)
Oscar Peterson - Swiss Radio Days, Vol. 16 (TCB)
Polly Bergen - Early Years (Sepia Recordings)
Rasa - Saffron Blue (New Earth)
Richie Barshay - Homework [Bonus Track] (Ayva Music)
Robin Eubanks - Live, Vol. 1 (Kindred Rhythm)
Ryan Haines Big Band - People and Places (Sea Breeze)
Sarah Vaughan/Carmen McRae - Divine Love (Fuel 2000)
Steve Davis - Alone Together (Mapleshade)
Terje Lie - Traveler (Open All Night Ent.)
Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra - In Europe (Itm)
Toots & the Maytals - Recoup (Rhythm Club)
Toots & the Maytals - Ska Father (Rhythm Club)
U-Nam - Back from the 80's (Virtuoso)
Uncle Moe's Space Ranch - Moe's Town (Tone Center)
Various Artists - After Midnight [Membran] (Sunswept)
Various Artists - Funk and Boogie from the Great White North (Essential Media GRP)
Various Artists - Global Journey: Mariachi Magic (Global Journey)
Various Artists - Global Journey: Sicilian Sunset (Global Journey)
Various Artists - Introduction to Swing (Fuel 2000)
Various Artists - Jazz Gold (Essential Media GRP)
Various Artists - Miami Soul Sisters (Henry Stone Music)
Various Artists - Mother: A Perfect Gift of Relaxing Music Created J (Rasa Music)
Various Artists - Soul Allnighter
Various Artists - Spaced Out: Ten Original Disco Funk Grooves (Mr. Bongo)
Various Artists - Sunnyside 25th Anniversary (Sunnyside)
2002 - Legends Series: Timeless (Real Music)
Alan Bergman - Lyrically, Alan Bergman (Verve Labels)
Alberto Grollo - Chakra Healing Energies (Oreade Music)
Anael And Bradfield - Light & Love (Apsis Music)
Art Blakey/The Jazz Messengers - Blakey's Theme (West Wind)
Ash Dargan - Aphrodidjiac (Indigenous Australia)
Ash Dargan - Very Best of Ash Dargan (Indigenous Australia)
Asian Dub Foundation - Time Freeze: The Best of Asian Dub Foundation [Bon (Caroline)
Bad Plus - PROG (Heads Up)
Bill Evans - His Last Concert in Germany (West Wind)
Billy Bang Quintet - Above and Beyond: An Evening in Grand Rapids (Justin Time)
Brad Leali - Maria Juanez (TCB)
Brakes - Beatific Visions (Rough Trade)
Carl Allen & Rodney Whitaker - Get Ready (Mack Avenue)
Carole King - Love Makes the World [Deluxe Edition] (Rockingale)
Count Basie - Complete 1952 - 1956: Small Group Studio Recordings (Jazz Connections)
Count Basie - Complete 1953 - 1954: Dance Sessions [Bonus Tracks] (Jazz Connections)
Cuarteto Darsena Sur - Pas a Deux (Itm)
Cyminology - Bemun (Double Moon)
Dan McMillion Jazz Orchestra - High Octane (Sea Breeze)
Dave Pell - Jazz Goes Dancing (Fresh Sounds)
Dave Brubeck - In Montreux, 1982 (West Wind)
Dave Mason - Live at XM Satellite Radio (Friday Music)
David Friesen & Uwe Kropinski - Made in Berlin (Itm)
David Hudson & Friends - Nessun Dorma: "Gari Wunang" (Indigenous Australia)
David Hudson - Very Best of David Hudson (Indigenous Australia)
David Osborne - Moonlight & Love Songs: The Best of David Osborne (North Star)
De-Phazz - Days of Twang
Django Reinhardt - Introduction to Django Reinhardt, Vol. 2 (Fuel 2000)
Earl Klugh - Nightsongs (Mosaic Contemporary)
Earl Klugh - Wishful Thinking (Mosaic Contemporary)
Eartha Kitt - Standards: Live (Itm)
Enam - Luna Magistra (Oreade Music)
Fred Longberg - Holm Trio - Terminal Valentine (Atavistic)
Gael Chiarella - Living Peace & Joy (Relaxation)
Garrett/Schofield/Brecker/Friesen - Garrett/Schofield/Brecker/Friesen (West Wind)
George Duke - Ultimate George Duke (Mosaic Contemporary)
Hector Martignon - Refugee (Zoho Music)
Herbie Hancock - Out of This World (West Wind)
Jackiem Joyner - Babysoul (Artizen)
James Blood Ulmer - Bad Blood in the City: The Piety Street Sessions (Hyena)
James Todd - Quiet Beauty
Jay McShann - Hootie's Blues: A Tribute (ASV/Living Era)
Jean-Luc Ponty - Acatama Experience (Koch)
Jiri Stivin & Company Jazz System - Jiri Stivin and Company Jazz System (Multisonic)
Joe Lovano & Hank Jones - Kids: Duets Live at Dizzy's Club Coca - Cola (Blue Note)
Joel Holmes - Eternal Vision (Chrematizo)
Jon-Erik Kellso - Blue Roof Blues: A Love Letter to New Orleans (Arbors)
Jonah Jones - JJ. Special (Fresh Sounds)
Kargo - Spirit of Havana (New World Company)
Kavi - Unconditional Love (New Earth)
Kenny Davern/Ken Peplowski - Dialogues (Arbors)
Kenny Dorham - Hot Stuff From Brazil (Jazz Door)
Life in Balance - Om to Ohm (Koch)
Lisa Lauren - Lisa Lauren Loves the Beatles
Marva Wright - After the Levees Broke (Aim)
Michel Petrucciani - Piano Solo: The Complete Concert in Germany (Dreyfus)
Mitchells/Jones Bros - Leonard Feather Presents Mitchells and Joneses (Fresh Sounds)
Nat Adderley Quintet - Live on Planet Earth (West Wind)
Nino Rota - Federico Fellini & Nino Rota (Camjazz)
Oscar Peterson - Swiss Radio Days, Vol. 16 (TCB)
Polly Bergen - Early Years (Sepia Recordings)
Rasa - Saffron Blue (New Earth)
Richie Barshay - Homework [Bonus Track] (Ayva Music)
Robin Eubanks - Live, Vol. 1 (Kindred Rhythm)
Ryan Haines Big Band - People and Places (Sea Breeze)
Sarah Vaughan/Carmen McRae - Divine Love (Fuel 2000)
Steve Davis - Alone Together (Mapleshade)
Terje Lie - Traveler (Open All Night Ent.)
Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra - In Europe (Itm)
Toots & the Maytals - Recoup (Rhythm Club)
Toots & the Maytals - Ska Father (Rhythm Club)
U-Nam - Back from the 80's (Virtuoso)
Uncle Moe's Space Ranch - Moe's Town (Tone Center)
Various Artists - After Midnight [Membran] (Sunswept)
Various Artists - Funk and Boogie from the Great White North (Essential Media GRP)
Various Artists - Global Journey: Mariachi Magic (Global Journey)
Various Artists - Global Journey: Sicilian Sunset (Global Journey)
Various Artists - Introduction to Swing (Fuel 2000)
Various Artists - Jazz Gold (Essential Media GRP)
Various Artists - Miami Soul Sisters (Henry Stone Music)
Various Artists - Mother: A Perfect Gift of Relaxing Music Created J (Rasa Music)
Various Artists - Soul Allnighter
Various Artists - Spaced Out: Ten Original Disco Funk Grooves (Mr. Bongo)
Various Artists - Sunnyside 25th Anniversary (Sunnyside)
MELLON JAZZ WELCOMES JEAN-LUC PONTY, LAO TIZER & BRETT WILLIAMS TO PITTSBURGH AS PART OF 2007 COUNTRY PARKS SERIES
The Allegheny County Parks Department and Mellon Jazz today announced an eclectic, international series of Mellon Jazz-sponsored events to be presented as part of the 2007 County Parks series, with world-renowned French jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty to appear at Hartwood Acres at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 1; rising young keyboardist Lao Tizer performing at South Park at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 17; and promising young keyboardist-composer Brett Williams from Hampton High School holding musical court at the Allegheny County Courthouse at noon on Friday, August 31.
"In terms of both audience and performers, jazz is an art form unrivalled in its diversity," said Rose M. Gabbianelli, Mellon executive vice president and director of corporate affairs. "This year's Mellon Jazz lineup in the County Parks series reflects that great jazz tradition, featuring a mixture of well established and rising young talents, and presenting to Pittsburgh audiences local and U.S. performers as well as an acclaimed international artist."
"Mellon Jazz events are always a much-anticipated part of the County Parks summer series, and this year's line-up is no exception," said Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato. "Thanks to the support we receive from Mellon Jazz, our free-to-the-public concerts in the parks will once again include three outstanding jazz attractions."
Born in 1942 near the historic French beaches of Normandy, Jean-Luc Ponty is a world-famous jazz violinist whose 2007 concert schedule includes engagements in India, Italy, Turkey, Carnegie Hall in New York City, Holland and France. An accomplished concert violinist at the tender age of 17, Ponty became infected with the sounds of Miles Davis and John Coltrane while playing clarinet for a college jazz band. Committing to jazz over classical music, Ponty developed a signature jazz violin style that he later adapted to swing, bop, jazz-rock, and even country. A long-time collaborator with Frank Zappa, Ponty has shared the stage with a broad range of international stars ranging from Russian classical violinist Vadim Repin to acclaimed American jazz violinist Regina Carter.
Nominated as a "Best New Artist of the Year" at the National Smooth Jazz Awards and heralded as point man for the next generation of contemporary jazz, Boulder, Colo. native Lao Tizer is still a few years shy of his thirtieth birthday, yet has already appeared with the likes of Isaac Hayes, Boney James, Wayne Shorter, Bruce Hornsby, Jethro Tull and Spyro Gyra. Having begun formal training as a pianist at age 9, Tizer studied under both classical and jazz instructors, and began showing early on a flair for composition and improvisation. With three CDs to his credit by the time he reached age 17, Tizer relocated to Los Angeles in 1997 and shortly thereafter formed the Lao Tizer band. Recorded last year, the band's newest CD, "Diversify," features guest appearances by celebrated jazz artists Chieli Minucci, Karen Briggs, D. Munyungo Jackson and Andy Suzuki.
Opening performer at last summer's Mellon Jazz presentation of David Sanborn at Hartwood Acres, Brett Williams is an uncommonly gifted young pianist who will be returning to Hampton High School as a sophomore next fall. Showing his musical talent as a toddler on the family's pots and pans, he got a drum set at age 3, and began taking piano lessons shortly thereafter. Williams studied gospel and classical piano with Charles Rowe, and later began studying jazz with Ron Bickel at Duquesne University. With two CDs already to his credit, the talented young keyboardist-composer is equally at home in gospel, R&B and jazz, and continues Pittsburgh's storied tradition of developing great local jazz talent.
"In terms of both audience and performers, jazz is an art form unrivalled in its diversity," said Rose M. Gabbianelli, Mellon executive vice president and director of corporate affairs. "This year's Mellon Jazz lineup in the County Parks series reflects that great jazz tradition, featuring a mixture of well established and rising young talents, and presenting to Pittsburgh audiences local and U.S. performers as well as an acclaimed international artist."
"Mellon Jazz events are always a much-anticipated part of the County Parks summer series, and this year's line-up is no exception," said Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato. "Thanks to the support we receive from Mellon Jazz, our free-to-the-public concerts in the parks will once again include three outstanding jazz attractions."
Born in 1942 near the historic French beaches of Normandy, Jean-Luc Ponty is a world-famous jazz violinist whose 2007 concert schedule includes engagements in India, Italy, Turkey, Carnegie Hall in New York City, Holland and France. An accomplished concert violinist at the tender age of 17, Ponty became infected with the sounds of Miles Davis and John Coltrane while playing clarinet for a college jazz band. Committing to jazz over classical music, Ponty developed a signature jazz violin style that he later adapted to swing, bop, jazz-rock, and even country. A long-time collaborator with Frank Zappa, Ponty has shared the stage with a broad range of international stars ranging from Russian classical violinist Vadim Repin to acclaimed American jazz violinist Regina Carter.
Nominated as a "Best New Artist of the Year" at the National Smooth Jazz Awards and heralded as point man for the next generation of contemporary jazz, Boulder, Colo. native Lao Tizer is still a few years shy of his thirtieth birthday, yet has already appeared with the likes of Isaac Hayes, Boney James, Wayne Shorter, Bruce Hornsby, Jethro Tull and Spyro Gyra. Having begun formal training as a pianist at age 9, Tizer studied under both classical and jazz instructors, and began showing early on a flair for composition and improvisation. With three CDs to his credit by the time he reached age 17, Tizer relocated to Los Angeles in 1997 and shortly thereafter formed the Lao Tizer band. Recorded last year, the band's newest CD, "Diversify," features guest appearances by celebrated jazz artists Chieli Minucci, Karen Briggs, D. Munyungo Jackson and Andy Suzuki.
Opening performer at last summer's Mellon Jazz presentation of David Sanborn at Hartwood Acres, Brett Williams is an uncommonly gifted young pianist who will be returning to Hampton High School as a sophomore next fall. Showing his musical talent as a toddler on the family's pots and pans, he got a drum set at age 3, and began taking piano lessons shortly thereafter. Williams studied gospel and classical piano with Charles Rowe, and later began studying jazz with Ron Bickel at Duquesne University. With two CDs already to his credit, the talented young keyboardist-composer is equally at home in gospel, R&B and jazz, and continues Pittsburgh's storied tradition of developing great local jazz talent.
NEW HOLIDAY CD FROM DAVE KOZ
Dave Koz has announced that he has already begun work on a holiday CD to be release in time for the Christmas holidays. The new project will feature several arrangements by fellow smooth jazz musician Brian Culbertson, and will feature that classic holiday sound of yesteryear, much like the recordings of Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald, plus of course some upbeat tunes as well. His last holiday-themed CD was released 10 years ago.
STEVIE WONDER PERFORMS DUET WITH ELLA FITZGERALD
A previously unissued live collaboration between Stevie Wonder and the late Ella Fitzgerald will be released on the upcoming Fitzgerald tribute album, titled, We All Love Ella: Celebrating The First Lady Of Song. The duo's version of Wonder's "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" was recorded live in New Orleans in 1977 and is the latest addition to the tribute disc, which features tracks by such legends as Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan, Linda Ronstadt, K.D. Lang and others. We All Love Ella: Celebrating The First Lady Of Song will be released on June 5th
TILL BRONNER - OCEANA
Jazz trumpeter Till Bronner, one of the most sought after trumpeters in the world, has been charming audiences the world over with his sensual arrangements and intimate style for many years. Born in Germany and raised in Italy, Bronner credits his parents (both musicians) for guiding him to the light provided by Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker. But when he began studying classical and jazz trumpet at Cologne's Music Academy, Till expanded his love of music to include hip-hop, R&B, fusion and pop. After releasing nine solo albums and garnering an ECHO award (German equivalent to the American Grammy), he continues to wear the many hats of musician, trumpeter, singer, composer, arranger and producer, collaborating with diverse artists like Pat Metheny, Ray Brown, Tony Bennett, Chaka Khan and Natalie Cole. Most recently, Bronner produced Love Is What Stays on Verve, the latest album from the celebrated vocalist Mark Murphy.
Till's 9th work Oceana epitomizes his subtle and sophisticated, sultry jazz sound. Both tranquil and sensual, yet playfully engaging, the album boasts fantastic duets with Bronner and former supermodel and French songstress Carla Bruni on "In My Secret Life," jazz chanteuse Madeleine Peyroux on "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and Brazilian jazz singer Luciana Souza on "Pra Dizer Adeus." His smooth rich vocals shine on his version of Nick Drake's "River Man" and on "This Guy's In Love With You," a Burt Bacharach and Hal David staple. Piano and organ player extraordinaire, Larry Goldings rounds out this gorgeous recording with the help of Dean Parks on guitar, David Piltch on bass and Jay Bellerose on drums. Instrumentals "Bumpin," "Love Theme From Chinatown," "The Peacocks," and "A Distant Episode" complete the album, which can only be described as an instant classic.
THIEVERY CORPORATION BACK IN THE STUDIO!
Thievery Corporation will make their only live appearance of the year this summer at a huge show with Manu Chao, Bebel Gilberto and DJ sets from Ursula 1000, Nickodemus, and Thunderball. The show is Saturday, June 23rd at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. The band will spend the rest of the year working on their new album which will be released in early 2008.
Thievery Corporation Live
6/23: @ Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD (w/ Manu Chao, Bebel Gilberto, Ursula 1000, Thunderball, Nickodemus)
Thievery Corporation Live
6/23: @ Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD (w/ Manu Chao, Bebel Gilberto, Ursula 1000, Thunderball, Nickodemus)
BEN WYATT ‘BUZZIN FLY VOLUME 4’
Breaking into the big time in the 90s with wife Tracey Thorn as super-duo Everything But The Girl, Ben Watt has since become a DJ extraordinaire, co-founder of the Lazy Dog club night and the Buzzin' Fly label, an imprint that has quickly become a staple in the house scene with its high quality 12" releases. So how does the label move forward? The answer lies in the fourth installment of the best-selling mix series, Buzzin' Fly Volume 4. Expanding on its deep melodic roots and moving into the era of nu-techno and electro, the album renews Buzzin' Fly's commitment to nurturing new talent - the compilation is entirely made up of home-grown tracks, the majority of which have yet to see the light of day with several from artists never heard of before. Every track is either on Buzzin' Fly or its new sister imprint, Strange Feeling.
The drive and propulsion of Watt's journey is a master-class in modern harmonic mixing where tracks glide seamlessly in and out of each other, overlapping in long extended crossfades. Of the artists involved, debutants Kimouts from Moscow and St Petersberg's BarBQ underline the growing importance of Eastern Europe in the modern scene with their warm takes on deep techno and disco. Deep house cult figures Pedro Madeira (PM Project) and Martin Brodin (Deeplay) deliver up super-fresh future-facing tracks while ultra-hip Parisian Pulp and Rex resident Mlle Caro and Franck Garcia cook up a predestined classic of instrumental tech-pop. Buzzin' Fly dark cornerstones Manoo and Francois A return with the searing "Magnetic." Head honcho Ben Watt caps it off with a fresh unreleased slice of modern techno-house in "Just A Blip," and his acclaimed electric-disco re-work of "Silver Ponds" by Strange Feeling's debut signing, the alt-pop Danish band Figurines. Buzzin' Fly Volume 4 is a bracingly fresh collection that hums sweet melodies and buzzes with sonic vibrance.
SAN JOSE JAZZ ANNOUNCES HEADLINERS FOR THE 2007 COMCAST SAN JOSE JAZZ FESTIVAL
San Jose Jazz today announced the headlining artists for the 18th Annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival Presented by Southwest Airlines. Scheduled for August 8 - 12, 2007, the festival will feature hundreds of musicians on ten indoor and outdoor stages throughout downtown San Jose. The 2007 Festival will have new attractions including an R & B stage, a change of venue for the popular Jazz Beyond stage and even more after-hours activities.
“Downtown is moving uptown for this year’s Festival with a new R & B Stage at San Pedro Square,” said Geoff Roach, Executive Director at San Jose Jazz. “The Festival continues to grow both in size and with the scope of music we offer. This year was the perfect time to expand our jazz spectrum as well as change some of the stage venues.
The roster of talent includes festival kick off with R&B star Angie Stone (Main Stage Friday), contemporary jazz saxophonist and bass guitarist Gerald Albright (Main Stage Saturday), David ‘Fathead’ Newman with a tribute to Ray Charles (Main Stage Saturday), Red Holloway's 80th birthday party featuring Frank Morgan, Charles McPherson and Greg Osby (Main Stage Sunday), guitarist Lee Ritenour (Main Stage Sunday) and legendary Bay Area bandleader Pete Escovedo (Main Stage Sunday).
Opening Night Gala Moves to Wednesday
The 2007 Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival kicks off on the evening of Wednesday, August 8, 2007 with the Opening Night Gala and Concert at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. The event will feature a concert, dinner, and a live and silent auction. Details will be announced at a later date.
Friday Night Kickoff with Angie Stone
The Jazz Festival proper begins on the evening of the Friday, August 10, 2007, at 5:30pm on the Main Stage in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Stone is a Grammy Award-nominated American R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul singer, songwriter, keyboardist, record producer, and actress. Her music possesses a clear old school soul music influence, and her singing vocals recall those of Aretha Franklin.
One of the most innovative and unique events at the Festival is the “Jazz Beyond” Stage. This year, the stage moves from indoors at the San Jose Repertory Theatre to outside near the corner of San Pedro and Post Streets and will partner with the Pacific Arts Collective (PAC) to incorporate visual arts into the Jazz Beyond experience. Additional Friday night activities include music in many downtown restaurants, an outdoor swing dance, and the first festival club crawl. Returning for the second time this year is the Silicon Valley CEO Jam where executives from the area will gather for a jam session and fundraiser.
Saturday Features New Venues, More After Hours Activities
On Saturday, August 11, 2007, performances will commence at noon at nine of the Jazz Festival's stage venues. The Main Stage will kick off in high gear with the Airmen of Note, the big band from the United States Air Force. At 2pm, the Main Stage will host the contemporary sounds of Gerald Albright. Also performing Saturday on the Main Stage will be David ‘Fathead’ Newman with a tribute to Ray Charles at 4pm.
Other Saturday performers will include vocalist Jackie Ryan, who makes her return to San Jose from her March performance at the San Jose Jazz Sunday Series, Bay Area-native vocalist Sasha Dobson, and San Jose's Ambassador of Jazz Eddie Gale on the Jazz at the Rep Stage. Jazz guitarist Ray Obiedo and Bay Area favorite Wayne Wallace will bring some sizzle to the outdoor Latin stage, Leela James performs on the R&B Stage and blues legend Charlie Musslewhite closes the Blues Stage starting at 7:00pm.
Saturday also features “Jazz After Dark” on Post Street, Jam Sessions at the Theater on San Pedro Square, 48 Hours Jazz Club at the Smoke Tiki Lounge, film screenings at the Camera Cinemas, Master Classes, Youth Stage inside the Tech Museum, and much, much more.
Sunday Features Birthdays and a Day of All-Stars
Happy 80th Birthday Red Holloway! Sunday’s Main Stage kicks off with a birthday tribute to remember. Red Holloway will lead in a tribute to himself featuring Frank Morgan, Charles McPherson and Greg Osby. Sunday’s Main Stage also features two All Star showcases with Lee Ritenour’s All-Star’s featuring Dave Grusin, Alex Acuna and Brian Bromberg. Closing the Festival will be a lively and unforgettable ensemble of the Latin All Stars featuring Jimmy Bosh, trombone, Ray Vega, trumpet, Arturo O’Farrill, piano, Steve Berrios, drums, Yunior Cabrera, bass, Juan Escovedo, percussion, and Pete Escovedo, timbales.
Additional Sunday performers include vocalist Denise Donatelli, guitarist John Jorgensen and the Shane Dwight Blues Band.
"Comcast is proud to continue our title sponsorship for this great community event," said Eddie Garcia, Vice President of Government Affairs for Comcast. "The Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival brings a welcome spotlight to the music and education programs San Jose Jazz provides all year long.
“Downtown is moving uptown for this year’s Festival with a new R & B Stage at San Pedro Square,” said Geoff Roach, Executive Director at San Jose Jazz. “The Festival continues to grow both in size and with the scope of music we offer. This year was the perfect time to expand our jazz spectrum as well as change some of the stage venues.
The roster of talent includes festival kick off with R&B star Angie Stone (Main Stage Friday), contemporary jazz saxophonist and bass guitarist Gerald Albright (Main Stage Saturday), David ‘Fathead’ Newman with a tribute to Ray Charles (Main Stage Saturday), Red Holloway's 80th birthday party featuring Frank Morgan, Charles McPherson and Greg Osby (Main Stage Sunday), guitarist Lee Ritenour (Main Stage Sunday) and legendary Bay Area bandleader Pete Escovedo (Main Stage Sunday).
Opening Night Gala Moves to Wednesday
The 2007 Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival kicks off on the evening of Wednesday, August 8, 2007 with the Opening Night Gala and Concert at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. The event will feature a concert, dinner, and a live and silent auction. Details will be announced at a later date.
Friday Night Kickoff with Angie Stone
The Jazz Festival proper begins on the evening of the Friday, August 10, 2007, at 5:30pm on the Main Stage in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Stone is a Grammy Award-nominated American R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul singer, songwriter, keyboardist, record producer, and actress. Her music possesses a clear old school soul music influence, and her singing vocals recall those of Aretha Franklin.
One of the most innovative and unique events at the Festival is the “Jazz Beyond” Stage. This year, the stage moves from indoors at the San Jose Repertory Theatre to outside near the corner of San Pedro and Post Streets and will partner with the Pacific Arts Collective (PAC) to incorporate visual arts into the Jazz Beyond experience. Additional Friday night activities include music in many downtown restaurants, an outdoor swing dance, and the first festival club crawl. Returning for the second time this year is the Silicon Valley CEO Jam where executives from the area will gather for a jam session and fundraiser.
Saturday Features New Venues, More After Hours Activities
On Saturday, August 11, 2007, performances will commence at noon at nine of the Jazz Festival's stage venues. The Main Stage will kick off in high gear with the Airmen of Note, the big band from the United States Air Force. At 2pm, the Main Stage will host the contemporary sounds of Gerald Albright. Also performing Saturday on the Main Stage will be David ‘Fathead’ Newman with a tribute to Ray Charles at 4pm.
Other Saturday performers will include vocalist Jackie Ryan, who makes her return to San Jose from her March performance at the San Jose Jazz Sunday Series, Bay Area-native vocalist Sasha Dobson, and San Jose's Ambassador of Jazz Eddie Gale on the Jazz at the Rep Stage. Jazz guitarist Ray Obiedo and Bay Area favorite Wayne Wallace will bring some sizzle to the outdoor Latin stage, Leela James performs on the R&B Stage and blues legend Charlie Musslewhite closes the Blues Stage starting at 7:00pm.
Saturday also features “Jazz After Dark” on Post Street, Jam Sessions at the Theater on San Pedro Square, 48 Hours Jazz Club at the Smoke Tiki Lounge, film screenings at the Camera Cinemas, Master Classes, Youth Stage inside the Tech Museum, and much, much more.
Sunday Features Birthdays and a Day of All-Stars
Happy 80th Birthday Red Holloway! Sunday’s Main Stage kicks off with a birthday tribute to remember. Red Holloway will lead in a tribute to himself featuring Frank Morgan, Charles McPherson and Greg Osby. Sunday’s Main Stage also features two All Star showcases with Lee Ritenour’s All-Star’s featuring Dave Grusin, Alex Acuna and Brian Bromberg. Closing the Festival will be a lively and unforgettable ensemble of the Latin All Stars featuring Jimmy Bosh, trombone, Ray Vega, trumpet, Arturo O’Farrill, piano, Steve Berrios, drums, Yunior Cabrera, bass, Juan Escovedo, percussion, and Pete Escovedo, timbales.
Additional Sunday performers include vocalist Denise Donatelli, guitarist John Jorgensen and the Shane Dwight Blues Band.
"Comcast is proud to continue our title sponsorship for this great community event," said Eddie Garcia, Vice President of Government Affairs for Comcast. "The Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival brings a welcome spotlight to the music and education programs San Jose Jazz provides all year long.
MARVIN GAYE’S ‘IN OUR LIFETIME? – EXPANDED LOVE MAN EDITION’
Marvin Gaye’s 1981 album “In Our Lifetime?” will be re-released by Hip-O-Select in an expanded edition on June 19. “In Our Lifetime” was Gaye’s final studio release for Motown. In addition to the original album, the new “Love Man” edition includes three outtakes, the non-album “Ego Tripping Out” single and an alternate, previously unknown mix featuring a different running order. Also included will be seven tracks Gaye intended for an earlier version of the album, a party-themed effort he planned to call “Love Man.” Only “Ego Tripping Out” ever saw the light of day from those sessions, with Gate choosing to tackle more personal issues on what eventually became “In Out Lifetime?”
Track listing for “In Our Lifetime? – Expanded Love Man Edition”:
Disc 1 (original LP):
“Praise”
“Life Is For Learning”
“Love Party”
“Funk Me”
“Far Cry”
“Love Me Now Or Love Me Later”
“Heavy Love Affair”
“In Our Lifetime”
Outtakes:
“Nuclear Juice” (instrumental”
“Ego Tripping Out” (LP mix)
“Far Cry” (unedited)
Original “Love Man” single
“Ego Tripping Out (single A-side)
“Ego Tripping Out” (instrumental / single B-side)
Disc 2 (Odyssey Studios alternate mix):
“Praise”
“Life Is For Learning”
‘Heavy Love Affair”
“Love Me Or Leave Me Later”
Track listing for “In Our Lifetime? – Expanded Love Man Edition”:
Disc 1 (original LP):
“Praise”
“Life Is For Learning”
“Love Party”
“Funk Me”
“Far Cry”
“Love Me Now Or Love Me Later”
“Heavy Love Affair”
“In Our Lifetime”
Outtakes:
“Nuclear Juice” (instrumental”
“Ego Tripping Out” (LP mix)
“Far Cry” (unedited)
Original “Love Man” single
“Ego Tripping Out (single A-side)
“Ego Tripping Out” (instrumental / single B-side)
Disc 2 (Odyssey Studios alternate mix):
“Praise”
“Life Is For Learning”
‘Heavy Love Affair”
“Love Me Or Leave Me Later”
ANNOUNCING THE “SMOOTH JAZZ TOP 20’ COUNTDOWN’
Sherman Oaks, California: Broadcast Architecture®, the premiere research, consulting and network operator for the Smooth Jazz radio format, has announced the debut of the “Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown™”, a weekly two-hour program counting down the week’s hottest Smooth Jazz tracks. Not coincidentally, the “Smooth Jazz Top 20” launches on the 20th anniversary of this format. Smooth Jazz airs on over 60 radio stations in the U.S. and overseas, and the demand for a countdown show has mounted steadily for years.
Each week the Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown™ will feature the smoothest hits of the week, based on monitored airplay on stations across the U.S. Hosted by format veteran and Broadcast Architecture® President Allen Kepler, each week’s program will feature the hottest 20 tracks on radio, plus artist interviews and commentary, updates on all the latest news from the Smooth Jazz world, and a special “Chartbound” track destined to be a hit.
Kepler stated: “All of us at BA are thrilled to launch this brand new program concept to smooth jazz radio. Our weekly Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown™ will offer our listeners a chance to follow the development of new artists and familiar artists’ brand-new projects. The program will be loaded with the latest information on musicians featured as well as insights from the smooth jazz performers themselves. Furthering our new Smooth Jazz Network™ concept, we see this program as another enhancement to our already vibrant musical genre.”
BA Affiliate Relations Vice President Christine Brodie states: “The Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown™ is designed to have broad appeal to an entire range of radio formats – whether 24/7 Smooth Jazz, AC, Soft AC or Urban AC. Already cleared in several markets weeks before its debut, now is obviously the perfect time for the Countdown concept, giving Smooth Jazz listeners nationwide an avenue to get “up close and personal” with both established and breakout artists”.
The “Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown™” debuts worldwide the weekend of June 9th. Broadcast Architecture®, the world’s leading Smooth Jazz research and consulting firm, launched the Smooth Jazz Network™ in January of this year. The new 24 hour format has already cleared 19 markets across the US including Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Phoenix, Miami, Baltimore and Sacramento. Kepler joins other Smooth Jazz Network™ hosts Miranda Wilson, Annie Ashe, Billy Raven and smooth jazz artists turned radio hosts; Ramsey Lewis, Dave Koz, Kenny G, Brian Culbertson, Paul Hardcastle and Norman Brown.
WARREN HILL WINS WIND INSTRUMENTALIST FOR THIRD TIME
Congratulations to PopJazz's own Warren Hill for winning "Wind Instrumentalist of the Year" for the third time in a row!
Canadian Smooth Jazz Award Winners Friday, April 27, 2007
And the winners are.....
International Instrumental - Nick Colionne
International Vocal - Al Jarreau
Female Vocalist - Kellylee Evans
Male Vocalist - Marc Jordan
Group/Duo - Strung Out Troubadours
Guitarist of the Year - Johannes Linstead
Wind Instrumentalist of the Year - Warren Hill
Keyboardist/Pianist - Carol Welsman
Album of the Year - Rik Emmett / Dave Dunlop - Strung Out Troubadours
Best Original Composition presented by SOCAN - Amy Sky /Eddie Schwartz - Everything Love Is
Broadcaster of the Year - Gary James - Wave 94.7FM - Hamilton/Toronto, Ontario
Spyro Gyra received the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations to all award winners and nominees at the 2007 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards
Canadian Smooth Jazz Award Winners Friday, April 27, 2007
And the winners are.....
International Instrumental - Nick Colionne
International Vocal - Al Jarreau
Female Vocalist - Kellylee Evans
Male Vocalist - Marc Jordan
Group/Duo - Strung Out Troubadours
Guitarist of the Year - Johannes Linstead
Wind Instrumentalist of the Year - Warren Hill
Keyboardist/Pianist - Carol Welsman
Album of the Year - Rik Emmett / Dave Dunlop - Strung Out Troubadours
Best Original Composition presented by SOCAN - Amy Sky /Eddie Schwartz - Everything Love Is
Broadcaster of the Year - Gary James - Wave 94.7FM - Hamilton/Toronto, Ontario
Spyro Gyra received the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations to all award winners and nominees at the 2007 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards
SPYRO GYRA IS GOOD TO GO-GO WITH NEW RELEASE
The entity known as Spyro Gyra is a marathon runner in the arena of contemporary jazz. For more than three decades, moving across a musical landscape marked by increasingly challenging terrain and accelerated change, they have maintained the well-deserved reputation as a viable and highly versatile creative force. Since their earliest recordings in the mid 1970s, they have maintained a fresh approach to their craft by borrowing from a range of sources and distilling them into an unmistakable signature sound.
This innovative and eclectic sensibility has earned the band nine GRAMMY nominations overall, and has fueled the sale of 11 million records - Including one platinum and two gold records. In the midst of the achievements and accolades, Spyro Gyra keeps moving, having logged over 5,000 high-energy performances in their prestigious and prolific career.
The band passes another milestone on this long-distance run with the June 12, 2007, release of Good To Go-Go (HUCD 3127 and on SACD in 5.1 Surround Sound HUSA 9127) on Heads Up International. The album is the band's twenty-sixth of their overall career and their fifth release on Heads Up, following on the heels of the GRAMMY nominated 2006 release Wrapped in a Dream (Best Pop Instrumental Album).
A new face in the Spyro Gyra lineup belongs to drummer/percussionist Bonny B (short for Bonaparte). The Trinidad native had been touring with the band for several months before they went into the studio to record Good To Go-Go, and the energy he brought to the party served as the catalyst for some fine tuning in the group's overall philosophy. Bonny B joins saxophonist and Spyro Gyra founder Jay Beckenstein, keyboardist Tom Schuman, guitarist Julio Fernandez and bassist Scott Ambush in the five-man lineup.
"The fact that we had this new drummer with this great spirit about him prompted us to go in the direction of a more live-sounding, less produced record," says Beckenstein. "The band was just sounding so killer on the road that I wanted to capture some of that energy and reproduce it on the record. When you bring somebody new on board who's bringing some unexpected things with him, it shakes you up a little bit and puts you in new territory. It's been a process of discovery for all of us, and it's been a lot of fun."
That lighthearted sensibility makes its way into the album's 12 tracks. The bouncy midtempo, "Simple Pleasures," is tailor made for driving with the windows down on a warm summer evening, while the syncopated backbeat and subtle tonal shifts of uptempo "Get Busy" make for a challenging but fun melodic exercise.
Other highlights further into the set include "Funkyard Dog," a fast-paced romp wherein Bonny B sets up a tight groove yet allows plenty of room for Beckenstein and the rest of his bandmates to shine, and "Island Time," an energetic calypso track guaranteed to transport even the most urban-rooted listener directly to the islands. "A Winter Tale," although upbeat in tempo and overall tone, is a bit more introspective, with generous contributions from Schuman and Fernandez.
The title track, penned by Ambush, takes the album into the homestretch with a highly percussive drum/bass groove that sets up a large but well-grounded space for plenty of sax, keys and more. The closer, "Newroses" ratchets up the tempo and energy even higher, with all parties trading licks from more than six minutes all told. It's the ideal closing statement by a band that refuses to be anything but forward-thinking and forward-pushing.
"We've always had this belief that the thing we're doing in any given moment is the best we've ever done," says Beckenstein. "And we always want to maintain that philosophy, because that's what drives us forward. We haven't succumbed to the mentality of 'Let's just play the hits and collect the check.' We never saw ourselves as a pop band. We've always seen ourselves as a forward thinking creative outfit. After 30 years, it still feels very interesting and exciting."
Regardless of what may lie ahead, Spyro Gyra is Good To Go-Go.
STEVE COLE’S FIFTH CD RELEASE ‘TRUE’
Acclaimed jazz saxophonist Steve Cole will be heading out for a national tour along with tour mate Brian Culbertson and dates with The Sax Pack featuring sax players Jeff Kashiwa and Kim Water this summer. The combined tours will began in Seattle May 25 and ends in Huntington, NY September 29, 2007. In regards to the reunion with Steve Cole, Brian Culbertson states, “It’s been over eight years since we’ve shared the stage together and I can’t wait to get out there once again. The chemistry back then was so strong, there’s no telling what’s going to happen this summer!”
Cole’s solo career began in earnest after his first solo album, 1998’s “Stay Awhile” turned out to be a smooth jazz sensation, featuring a pair of #1 NAC smashes, “When I Think Of You,” and “Say It Again,” as well as the top 5 hit, “Where The Night Begins.” The success of this debut album culminated at the 2000 Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards where Steve was the recipient of the Prism Award for Best New Artist. Cole followed the record’s success by performing and recording frequently, both as band leader and featured guest, with such artists as Boz Scaggs, Junior Wells, Brian Culbertson, Waymon Tisdale, KMFDM, Rick Braun, Peter White, Larry Carlton, and Jeff Lorber.
Steve Cole’s newest album, TRUE is his fifth major label release. With plenty of funk, R&B, soul, and jazz influences, Cole effortlessly bridges the gap between instrumental virtuosity, seamless ensemble playing, and a high-caliber creative chemistry that runs the stylistic gamut in what’s regarded as his finest album yet.
For more information on Steve Cole, please visit his official website at http://www.stevecole.net.
You won’t want to miss this tour!
2-Jun Phoenix AZ Celebrity Theater w/The Sax Pack
3-Jun Las Vegas NV Green Valley Ranch w/The Sax Pack
8-Jun Newport Beach CA Hyatt Newporter Amphitheater Reunited with Brian Culbertson
9-Jun Temecula CA Thornton Winery Reunited with Brian Culbertson
17-Jun Country Club Hills IL Country Club Hills Theater Reunited with Brian Culbertson
23-Jun Southfield MI Southfield Civic Center w/The Sax Pack
27-Jun Garden City NY City Café Solo Show
28-Jun Garden City NY City Café Solo Show
12-Jul Walnut Creek CA Broadway Plaza Solo Show
15-Jul Salt Lake City UT Salt Lake City Jazz Festival Reunited with Brian Culbertson
25-Jul New York NY CD 101.9 Smooth Cruise Reunited with Brian Culbertson
12-Aug Long Beach CA Long Beach Jazz Festival w/The Sax Pack
16-Aug Washington DC The Birchmere Solo Show
17-Aug Philadelphia PA Penn’s Landing Solo Show
18-Aug Annapolis MD Ramshead On Stage Solo Show
25-Aug Ontario CA Inland Empire Jazz Festival Reunited with Brian Culbertson
6-Sept Vienna VA Filene Center Reunited with Brian Culbertson
15-Sept Mableton GA Mable House Amphitheater w/The Sax Pack
28-Sept New Haven CT Lyman Center w/The Sax Pack
29-Sept Huntington NY IMAC w/The Sax Pack
Friday, May 25, 2007
STEELY DAN TOUR DATES
Steely Dan will perform the following concerts:
May 25 - Tower Theatre, Upper Darby PA
May 26 - Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City NJ
May 29 - Bank of America Pavilion, Boston MA
May 30 – Bank of America Pavillion, Boston MA
June 1 - Turning Stone Casino, Verona NY
June 2 - Seneca Niagara Casino, Niagara Falls NY
June 4 - Freedom Hill, Sterling Heights MI
June 5 - Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre, Toledo OH
June 7 - Wolf Trap, Vienna VA
June 8 - Ntelos Pavilion, Portsmouth NH
June 10 - Beacon Theatre, New York NY
June 11 – Beacon Theatre, New York NY
June 13 – Beacon Theatre, New York NY
June 27 - Auditorium Theatre, Chicago IL
July 28 - Marcus Amphitheatre, Milwaukee WI
July 5 - National Indoor Arena, Birmingham UK
July 6 - Liverpool Summer Pops Festival, Liverpool UK
July 7 - Carling Apollo Hammersmith, London UK
July 10 - Grand Rex, Paris France
July 15 – Zitadelle,Berlin Germany
July 19 - Molde Jazz Festival, Molde Norway
July 24 – Stadtpark, Hamburg Germany
July 25 – Museumplatz, Bonn Germany
NEW BEST OF COLLECTION DUE FROM GEORGE DUKE
A selection of veteran keyboardist and producer George Duke's best-loved jazz and R&B tunes have been compiled on the new CD Ultimate George Duke, available now. The disk is one of the first to be released on the new Mosaic Contemporary label. Featured on the new set are such Duke classics as "Reach For It," "Dukey Stick," "Brazilian Love Affair," "No Rhyme No Reason," and "Love Can Be So Cold." Duke's most recent album release is last year's In A Mellow Tone, which features well-known standards and originals recorded with bassist Brian Bromberg and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington. Other artists featured on the album include guitarists Ray Fuller and Mike Miller, saxophonist Everette Harp, percussionist Airto, and trumpet player Dennis Farias
LITCHFIELD JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2007 LINE-UP
The 12th Annual Litchfield Jazz Festival line-up is set. The event will be held on August 3, 4, 5 at the Goshen Fairgrounds in Northwest Connecticut. This year’s line-up is a salute to jazz orchestras featuring the Mingus Big Band, Count Basie Orchestra with Nnenna Freelon, Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra featuring Carla Bley and much more. With past performers like Dave Brubeck, Eartha Kitt, Dionne Warwick and Diana Krall, it’s no wonder the Litchfield Jazz Festival was recently nominated for two Festie Awards by MelodyTrip.com. A long-time festival attendee called it “a most mellow and tasty event,” and Dave Hershorin of New Orleans Radio said, “Litchfield really is what other jazz festivals wish they could be…a true gem.”
The weekend kicks off on Friday, August 3, with a gala “Friends of the Festival” party, with music provided by outstanding students of Litchfield Jazz Camp and hors d'oeuvres by Jordan Caterers. The party is followed by a performance by two-time Grammy Award Winner and NEA Jazz Master, trombonist Slide Hampton. Up next is the Count Basie Orchestra featuring Six-time Grammy Award nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon.
On Saturday, August 4, the music begins at noon with Insight, a group of seven young talented, award-winning musicians. In 2005 Eddie Palmieri reflected, "Give them another two years, and Insight will blow any band off the stage!’" Up next is 20-year-old vocalist Rachael Price. Rachael was a semi-finalist at the Montreux Vocal Competition. Following Rachael Price for his sixth appearance on the Litchfield Jazz Festival is Mario Pavone / Deez to Blues Sextet. Bassist Mario Pavone has recorded 17 albums as a leader. His latest recording, “Deez to Blues,” has appeared on best-of-the-year lists in The New York Times, The New Yorker, All About Jazz and more. Next up is the Sonny Fortune Quartet. Sonny has played in venues world wide with Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Reggie Workman and many others. Next the festival welcomes Matt Wilson’s Arts & Crafts, with guest artist vocalist Bill Henderson. The New York Times called him “one of the best drummers of his generation.” This is Matt’s eleventh the festival. Closing the evening is the Mingus Big Band celebrating the music of the late composer and bassist, Charles Mingus.
Opening on Sunday, August 5, is the high-energy Rolando Matias - Afro-Rican Ensemble featuring Bobby Matos. Up next is the Dave Stryker Organ Trio. Stryker is a regular teaching artist at Litchfield Jazz Camp and has played with such greats as Stanley Turrentine, Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard. Following Stryker is the Helio Alves Trio led by the Brazilian born, New York-based pianist. Alves has recorded more than 40 albums as a sideman and recently released his second album as a leader. Next up is a Litchfield favorite – Don Braden who is the Music Director of Litchfield Jazz Camp. Braden will be performing with his Contemporary Standards Ensemble making this his tenth appearance on the festival. Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra will feature Carla Bley. Haden has received three Grammy Awards, a Guggenheim Fellowship and four NEA grants for composition. The LMO’s latest project, “Not In Our Name,” was released on Verve. And brining the 12th Annual Litchfield Jazz Festival to a close is a multi-Grammy-nominated vocalist/pianist – Karrin Allyson. Karrin appeared on the festival in 2005 and had the audience on their feet! She is “one of the most charismatic figures on tour today.” (New York Times).
Premium tickets are $350 for Best Friends VIP weekend passes and $125 for the opening gala and performance. These include upfront seating and VIP parking. Multi-day JazzPasses are available from $65 - $150 only until June 29th. Advance-purchase general admission tickets are $37 for lawn and $55 for tent. Visit www.litchfieldjazzfest.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Any other questions call 860-567-4162.
The Litchfield Jazz Festival is sponsored in part by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, Steinway & Sons, The Republican-American, Down Beat, Connecticut Grand Hotel, Northeast Beverage Corporation of Connecticut, Jazz Corner, Hartford Magazine, Home Living Connecticut and Connecticut Business Magazine and others. Litchfield Jazz Camp students who study for up to a month prior to The Festival and perform at the festival participate with generous support from the CT State Department of Education Interdistrict Grants.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, August 3, with a gala “Friends of the Festival” party, with music provided by outstanding students of Litchfield Jazz Camp and hors d'oeuvres by Jordan Caterers. The party is followed by a performance by two-time Grammy Award Winner and NEA Jazz Master, trombonist Slide Hampton. Up next is the Count Basie Orchestra featuring Six-time Grammy Award nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon.
On Saturday, August 4, the music begins at noon with Insight, a group of seven young talented, award-winning musicians. In 2005 Eddie Palmieri reflected, "Give them another two years, and Insight will blow any band off the stage!’" Up next is 20-year-old vocalist Rachael Price. Rachael was a semi-finalist at the Montreux Vocal Competition. Following Rachael Price for his sixth appearance on the Litchfield Jazz Festival is Mario Pavone / Deez to Blues Sextet. Bassist Mario Pavone has recorded 17 albums as a leader. His latest recording, “Deez to Blues,” has appeared on best-of-the-year lists in The New York Times, The New Yorker, All About Jazz and more. Next up is the Sonny Fortune Quartet. Sonny has played in venues world wide with Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Reggie Workman and many others. Next the festival welcomes Matt Wilson’s Arts & Crafts, with guest artist vocalist Bill Henderson. The New York Times called him “one of the best drummers of his generation.” This is Matt’s eleventh the festival. Closing the evening is the Mingus Big Band celebrating the music of the late composer and bassist, Charles Mingus.
Opening on Sunday, August 5, is the high-energy Rolando Matias - Afro-Rican Ensemble featuring Bobby Matos. Up next is the Dave Stryker Organ Trio. Stryker is a regular teaching artist at Litchfield Jazz Camp and has played with such greats as Stanley Turrentine, Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard. Following Stryker is the Helio Alves Trio led by the Brazilian born, New York-based pianist. Alves has recorded more than 40 albums as a sideman and recently released his second album as a leader. Next up is a Litchfield favorite – Don Braden who is the Music Director of Litchfield Jazz Camp. Braden will be performing with his Contemporary Standards Ensemble making this his tenth appearance on the festival. Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra will feature Carla Bley. Haden has received three Grammy Awards, a Guggenheim Fellowship and four NEA grants for composition. The LMO’s latest project, “Not In Our Name,” was released on Verve. And brining the 12th Annual Litchfield Jazz Festival to a close is a multi-Grammy-nominated vocalist/pianist – Karrin Allyson. Karrin appeared on the festival in 2005 and had the audience on their feet! She is “one of the most charismatic figures on tour today.” (New York Times).
Premium tickets are $350 for Best Friends VIP weekend passes and $125 for the opening gala and performance. These include upfront seating and VIP parking. Multi-day JazzPasses are available from $65 - $150 only until June 29th. Advance-purchase general admission tickets are $37 for lawn and $55 for tent. Visit www.litchfieldjazzfest.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Any other questions call 860-567-4162.
The Litchfield Jazz Festival is sponsored in part by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, Steinway & Sons, The Republican-American, Down Beat, Connecticut Grand Hotel, Northeast Beverage Corporation of Connecticut, Jazz Corner, Hartford Magazine, Home Living Connecticut and Connecticut Business Magazine and others. Litchfield Jazz Camp students who study for up to a month prior to The Festival and perform at the festival participate with generous support from the CT State Department of Education Interdistrict Grants.
MILES DAVIS’ ‘EVOLUTION OF A GROOVE’ REMIX TO FEATURE CARLOS SANTANA, NAS, OLU DARA & MORE
In honor of Miles Davis' 81st birthday on Saturday, May 26, Legacy Recordings announces the long-awaited release of "Evolution Of The Groove," the highly-anticipated Miles Davis Remix EP premiering tracks with Nas, Carlos Santana, Olu Dara and an A-list contemporary music ensemble featuring Miles' nephew Vince Wilburn, Jr., on drums and programming, guitarist Pat Thrall (Pat Travers Band, Meat Loaf) and bassist Charley Drayton (Rolling Stones, Iggy Pop, Divinyls). "Evolution Of The Groove" will be available August 7.
Executive produced by Steve Berkowitz and Vince Wilburn, Jr., and co- produced by Wilburn, Jr., Thrall, and Drayton, "Evolution Of The Groove" was recorded mainly at the Hit Factory in New York City. Nas' vocals on the track "Freedom Jazz Dance," co-produced by jazz funk legend Lenny White (Return To Forever), were recorded at DARP Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tracks on "Evolution Of The Groove" Remix EP include "Freddie Freeloader," "Freedom Jazz Dance" featuring Nas, "It's About That Time" featuring Carlos Santana (this is a longer version that the one originally included on 2006's "Cool & Collected"), "Honky Tonk" and "Black Satin."
Remix musicians on "Freedom Jazz Dance" are: Nas (vocal), Vince Wilburn, Jr. (drums), Victor Bailey (bass), Geri Allen (Fender Rhodes), Olu Dara (additional trumpet), Erik Kussio and Todd Lea for Orkestra Earthquake Music (drum programming), Diego Carlin (keyboard programming), and Pat Thrall (programming and editing).
Remix musicians on "It's About That Time" are: Carlos Santana (lead guitar), Vince Wilburn, Jr. (drums, programming), Charley Drayton (bass, programming), Geri Allen (Fender Rhodes), Azize Faye (African drums), Ndongo Mbaye (talking drum), and Pat Thrall (guitar, programming).
Throughout an expansive and prolific career which began in the mid-1940s and continued until his death in 1991, Miles Davis launched an unparalleled series of revolutions in jazz and popular music, his boundless invention encompassing post bop, hard bop, cool jazz, funk, rock, fusion, Eastern modalities, Western heresies, and more through his unforgettable performances and timeless recordings. One of the great bandleaders of the 20th century, Miles chose his sidemen and collaborators with alchemical precision, forever pushing against the boundaries of convention and expectation to create new sounds, new dreams, new music that needed to be heard.
Both an homage to Miles and a continuation of the spirit and intention of his music, "Evolution Of The Groove" imagines Miles Davis in the 21st century, the lyricism of his horn and the power of his musical vision blending with contemporary hip-hop, jazz and rock in provocative new ways and seductive new grooves.
RICKIE LEE JONES TOUR DATES
Rickie Lee Jones will perform the following concerts:
June 9 - Health & Harmony Festival, Santa Rosa CA
June 15 - City Stages, Birmingham AL
June 16 - Three Rivers Arts Fest, Pittsburgh PA
June 18 - World Cafe Live, Philadelphia PA
June 19 – Birchmere, Alexandria VA
June 21 - Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry NH
June 22 - Richard Fisher Center, Hudson NY
June 23 - South Portland Auditorium, South Portland ME
June 25 - Higher Ground, Burlington VT
June 26 - The Tralf, Buffalo NY
June 28 - Irving Plaza, New York NY
June 29 - La Spectrum, Montreal QC
June 30 - Danforth Music Hall, Toronto ON
CAPITOL/EMI TO RELEASE SWINGIN’ NEW HITS COLLECTIONS FOR LOUIS PRIMA & KEELY SMITH
On July 17, Capitol/EMI will release new single-disc hits collections for Louis Prima and Keely Smith on CD and digitally, featuring the best solo and collaborative work of the formerly married big band and swing music icons. Jump, Jive An' Wail: The Essential Louis Prima gathers 26 of the late Grammy winner's classics, including "I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)," which makes its first-ever appearance on a Prima compilation, "Jump, Jive An' Wail, "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody," "Buona Sera," and "Just One Of Those Things." Known as the "King of the Swingers," Grammy Award winning Louis Prima swung his way to icon status thanks to an infectious sound whose appeal translated across generations.
Keely Smith: The Essential Capitol Collection features 27 of Smith's best recordings, including a previously unreleased live version of "When Day Is Done" from the Sahara with an intro by Prima, and three classic duets with Frank Sinatra. This ultimate single-disc collection also includes many of her most sought-after solo recordings with orchestral direction by Nelson Riddle and Billy May.
Discovered in New Orleans in 1934 by bandleader Guy Lombardo, Louis Prima's breakthrough year was 1935, when he garnered rave reviews at The Famous Door in New York, packing the club with his down-homey slant on jazz and his hilarious -- and somewhat suggestive -- approach to the art of singing. Prima moved to Hollywood later that year, and before long, he was a bi-coastal sensation co-starring with Bing Crosby in Paramount's Rhythm On The Range. He began crisscrossing the country with a big band, playing the same venues as the Dorseys, the Millers, and the Goodmans.
By the early '50s the big band era had cooled. Prima survived by paring down his group and hitting the road on one-nighters. His ace-in-the-hole was his new girl singer, a 16-year-old christened Dorothy Jacqueline Keely who joined his act as Keely Smith. Prima and Smith performed a dizzying five shows a night at the Sahara Hotel's Casbar Lounge in Las Vegas, beginning at midnight and ending at 6am. They married, and for the rest of the '50s reigned supreme on The Strip. Prima moved the show to the main room at the Sands for a reported three million dollars.
Recording contracts at Capitol Records followed, where they made the most famous recordings of their careers, many recorded live by Capitol's state-of-the-art remote facilities. Perhaps Louis Prima's most durable recording -- due to the sheer number of generations it has transcended -- is his jaunty take on "I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)." His musical legacy, solidified by the brilliant work he did at Capitol, is radiantly captured on this consummate collection. Prima's vital influence on the swing genre continues to this day.
Less than a week after Prima's group cut its first Capitol recordings, Smith was recording solo with none other than arranger extraordinaire Nelson Riddle. "I Wish You Love" became the title track of her debut LP and was nominated for a 1958 Grammy in the Best Female Vocal category. She lost out to one of her idols, Ella Fitzgerald, but she and Prima won the award that year for Best Vocal Group for their landmark recording of "That Old Black Magic." As part of Prima's entourage, Smith was Louis' 'straight-man' supreme, flinging zingers and musical counterpoints to his shouts and verbal anarchy. On her own, she was a high priestess of the art of pop singing.
Besides the I Wish You Love collection, Smith made two other superb solo albums for Capitol, Politely with the masterful Billy May and Swinging Pretty, her second collaboration with Nelson Riddle. She added to her recording legacy with a group of first-rate albums for Dot and Reprise throughout the 1960s, before devoting the rest of the century to rearing her children. With the new millennium, she began recording again for Concord Jazz, releasing a series of highly regarded albums.
NANCY SINATRA TO LAUNCH NEW WEEKLY SHOW EXCLUSIVELY ON SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO
SIRIUS Satellite Radio today announced the launch of a new show hosted by Nancy Sinatra exclusively on Siriusly Sinatra, SIRIUS channel 75, on Sunday evenings. The Nancy for Frank show features Nancy playing favorite hits as well as rarely heard recordings by her father and other great artists dedicated to the time and spirit of Frank Sinatra. Nancy for Frank debuts this Sunday, May 27th at 5 pm Eastern.
Nancy Sinatra will play her favorite recordings by Frank Sinatra and other great artists, offering personal insights into the music and its background from her intimate perspective. Nancy has access to rare live concert performances and archived material that has never been released and
will present it in this special setting.
"I'm proud and excited to share my father's music with SIRIUS listeners every Sunday," Nancy Sinatra said. "I have some rarities that few people have heard until now. I'm thrilled to play this music as well as traditional favorites from Dad's incredible library of music for this
terrific audience."
Nancy for Frank will air Sunday evenings from 5-8 pm and will be rebroadcast on Tuesday afternoons from 2-5 pm and Thursday evenings from 9 pm-12 midnight (all times Eastern) on SIRIUS, channel 75. Charles Granata, who wrote the acclaimed "Sessions with Sinatra," is co-producing the show with Nancy.
Siriusly Sinatra is the only 24-hour, seven-day-a-week, commercial-free channel, radio broadcast spanning the entire spectrum of Sinatra's career, as well as other artists from the big band, swing and traditional pop genres.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY ANNOUNCE TOUR DATES IN SUPPORT OF NEW CD
With the release of This Way, Acoustic Alchemy's first album under Higher Octave/Narada Jazz's association with The Blue Note Label Group, guitarists Greg Carmichael and Miles Gilderdale celebrate a remarkable two decades since 1987's Red Dust and Spanish Lace established the British ensemble as an ever evolving, powerhouse force in contemporary jazz.
Their thousands of fans around the world may be feeling nostalgic, but the duo-while keeping their trademark acoustic guitar synergy front and center--is clearly committed to forging ahead, following the laid back pop-soul vibe of American/English (2005) with their most aggressive and swinging, hard rocking and artfully jazzy disc to date. Complementing performances by familiar Acoustic Alchemy recording and touring members Terry Disley (piano), Snake Davis (sax), Fred White (keyboards and trumpet), Julian Crampton (bass) and Greg Grainger (drums) are special guest appearances by smooth jazz stars, trumpeter Rick Braun, saxman Jeff Kashiwa (who has toured with the band and appeared on 2001's Aart) and keyboardist Neil Cowley, a member of jazz groove band (and Narada Jazz/Blue Note labelmates) Down To The Bone.
While Carmichael and Gilderdale composed the majority of the songs and produced several tracks at Gilderdale's home facility 9 Miles High Studio in York, England, others were produced at various studios on Carmichael's home turf of London and at Hansa House Studios in Bonn, Germany, where many of the band's classics were recorded, produced and mixed over the years by longtime associate Klaus Genuit. In addition to Genuit's three tracks, This Way includes six others produced and engineered by Richard Bull, who began working with AA on 2000's The Beautiful Game. Two tracks, the trippy and sensual "Out of Nowhere" and the snappy, neo-soul driven "Now I'm On My Way" were mixed by legendary mixer Steve Hodge (Usher, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige).
Carmichael explains the very loose and spirited feeling of This Way as the result of a natural chemistry he's developed with Gilderdale over the years since Gilderdale-formerly a backing guitarist with the band-became Carmichael's full partner after the passing of founding member Nick Webb in 1998 and the release that year of Positive Thinking.
"What I love about This Way is that it's got so much more playing on it than we've done before," he says, "a lot more soloing and a really relaxed and organic vibe. I think this is less by design and more due to the fact that Miles and I are great friends who are very comfortable and laugh a lot together. When we got together at his place, either one of us would come up with a starting idea and we'd just let it grow naturally, then refine it and change it until we had a great song," When I think of tracks like 'Egg,' which has a very British, straight ahead sound, I realize that this is really the jazziest record we've ever made, less pop jazz and with more extended solo sections. Our fans might be surprised to hear Miles play so much electric guitar, but in essence, that's what he is by trade and what his focus was before he joined me as a partner on The Beautiful Game. So this album is the best of everything, not just my way, not just his way, but This Way."
Acoustic Alchemy tour dates:
June 22 Rialto Theare - Tuscon, AZ
June 23 Celebrity Theater - Phoenix, AR
June 24 The Canyon Club - Las Vegas, NV
June 28 House of Blues - San Diego, CA
June 29 Hyatt Newport - Newport Beach, CA
June 30 Thorton Winery - Temecula, CA
July 1 Garden Concert Series - Soquel, CA
July 3-8 Jazz Alley - Seattle, WA
Aug 2 Claytron - St. Louis, MO
Aug 3 Northern Lights Theater - Milwaukee, WI
Aug 7 Birchmere - Alexandria, VA
Aug 8 Rams Head On Stage - Annapolis, MD
Aug 9-10 Scullers Jazz Club - Boston, MA
Aug 11 Long Island Summer Festival - Oyster Bay, LI, New York
Aug 12 Harrisburg Jazz Festival - Harrisburg, PA
Feb 8 Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society - Sioux Falls, SD
MICHAEL BUBLE "CALL ME IRRESPONSIBLE" ALBUM LEAPS TO #1
You can call Canadian singing sensation Michael Bublé a lot better than irresponsible. As of next week his "CALL ME IRRESPONSIBLE" CD jumps to the number-one slot in the country and around the world, it was confirmed today by his record label, Warner/Reprise.
The 31-year-old Vancouver native woke up this morning by receiving the news from his long-time manager Bruce Allen that his smash CD catapulted from its No. 2 debut last week to the biggest selling record in the the country according to the Billboard Charts and Soundscan with 144,950 units sold. It is also the No. 1 digitally downloaded CD and No. 1 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz charts. Bublé's previous Reprise albums "It's Time" and his self-titled debut also leaped ahead on the Billboard Catalogue Charts to No. 1 and No. 5 respectively.
Globally, "Irresponsible" has reached No. 1 in his native Canada, Germany, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Italy, Holland, and the European Record Charts. It has already gone platinum in Australia, Singapore, Canada (2X) and Italy and gold in Germany, Switzerland, Ireland and the UK. In addition, the record is Top 5 in Austria, Mexico, Hong Kong, Switzerland, UK, Germany, Sweden and Ireland.
Bublé, a multi-platinum, Grammy nominated four-time Juno award-winning artist whose collective worldwide record sales have exceeded 13 million units, is currently in Chicago where he is scheduled to perform live with his band on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" tomorrow, May 17th. He will also be making an appearance on "Regis and Kelly" on June 20th.
On the touring front (current Michael Bublé tour schedule follows this release), Bublé, who hits the road beginning July 12th in Reno, Nevada, has already sold out several shows including two each in NY, Chicago and LA. Additional shows in those markets are expected to be announced shortly according to the tour's US promoter Don Fox at Beaver Productions. Current touring schedule follows this release.
"Michael Bublé's third studio album is the Big One," raved Stephen Holden in a recent NY Times review. Produced by David Foster and Humberto Gattica, "Call Me Irresponsible" includes the Bublé penned radio smash "Everything" -- currently No. 5* on mediabase ac chart -- following up his previous No. 1 radio hit, "Home." The new CD also includes energy infused interpretations of standards including "Me and Mrs. Jones," "I've Got The World On A String," "Dream" and the Leonard Cohen song "I'm Your Man."
Bublé burst onto the music scene in 2003. His follow-up album "It's Time" has sold close to six million copies and remained on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Charts for a staggering two years and in the No. 1 position for over 80 weeks -- holding an all-time record.
Michael Bublé Tour Schedule:
7/12 Reno, NV Reno Events Center
7/14 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand
7/15 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
7/17 Salt Lake City, UT Ford Theater
7/18 Denver, CO Wells Fargo Theatre
7/20 Minneapolis, MN Orpheum Theatre
7/21 Minneapolis, MN Orpheum Theatre
7/23 Chicago, IL Chicago Auditorium Theatre
7/24 Chicago, IL Chicago Auditorium Theatre
7/27 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
7/28 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
7/31 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
8/1 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
8/4 Boston, MA Wang Theatre
8/5 Boston, MA Wang Theatre
8/7 Philadelphia, PA Mann Center
8/8 Philadelphia, PA Mann Center
8/10 Pittsburgh, PA Event's Center
8/11 Fairfax, VA Patriot
8/13 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
8/14 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
8/22 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
8/23 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
8/25 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
8/27 Portland, OR TBD
8/28 Seattle, WA McCaw Hall
8/29 Seattle, WA McCaw Hall
The 31-year-old Vancouver native woke up this morning by receiving the news from his long-time manager Bruce Allen that his smash CD catapulted from its No. 2 debut last week to the biggest selling record in the the country according to the Billboard Charts and Soundscan with 144,950 units sold. It is also the No. 1 digitally downloaded CD and No. 1 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz charts. Bublé's previous Reprise albums "It's Time" and his self-titled debut also leaped ahead on the Billboard Catalogue Charts to No. 1 and No. 5 respectively.
Globally, "Irresponsible" has reached No. 1 in his native Canada, Germany, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Italy, Holland, and the European Record Charts. It has already gone platinum in Australia, Singapore, Canada (2X) and Italy and gold in Germany, Switzerland, Ireland and the UK. In addition, the record is Top 5 in Austria, Mexico, Hong Kong, Switzerland, UK, Germany, Sweden and Ireland.
Bublé, a multi-platinum, Grammy nominated four-time Juno award-winning artist whose collective worldwide record sales have exceeded 13 million units, is currently in Chicago where he is scheduled to perform live with his band on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" tomorrow, May 17th. He will also be making an appearance on "Regis and Kelly" on June 20th.
On the touring front (current Michael Bublé tour schedule follows this release), Bublé, who hits the road beginning July 12th in Reno, Nevada, has already sold out several shows including two each in NY, Chicago and LA. Additional shows in those markets are expected to be announced shortly according to the tour's US promoter Don Fox at Beaver Productions. Current touring schedule follows this release.
"Michael Bublé's third studio album is the Big One," raved Stephen Holden in a recent NY Times review. Produced by David Foster and Humberto Gattica, "Call Me Irresponsible" includes the Bublé penned radio smash "Everything" -- currently No. 5* on mediabase ac chart -- following up his previous No. 1 radio hit, "Home." The new CD also includes energy infused interpretations of standards including "Me and Mrs. Jones," "I've Got The World On A String," "Dream" and the Leonard Cohen song "I'm Your Man."
Bublé burst onto the music scene in 2003. His follow-up album "It's Time" has sold close to six million copies and remained on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Charts for a staggering two years and in the No. 1 position for over 80 weeks -- holding an all-time record.
Michael Bublé Tour Schedule:
7/12 Reno, NV Reno Events Center
7/14 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand
7/15 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
7/17 Salt Lake City, UT Ford Theater
7/18 Denver, CO Wells Fargo Theatre
7/20 Minneapolis, MN Orpheum Theatre
7/21 Minneapolis, MN Orpheum Theatre
7/23 Chicago, IL Chicago Auditorium Theatre
7/24 Chicago, IL Chicago Auditorium Theatre
7/27 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
7/28 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
7/31 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
8/1 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
8/4 Boston, MA Wang Theatre
8/5 Boston, MA Wang Theatre
8/7 Philadelphia, PA Mann Center
8/8 Philadelphia, PA Mann Center
8/10 Pittsburgh, PA Event's Center
8/11 Fairfax, VA Patriot
8/13 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
8/14 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
8/22 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
8/23 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
8/25 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
8/27 Portland, OR TBD
8/28 Seattle, WA McCaw Hall
8/29 Seattle, WA McCaw Hall
EDDIE LEVERT SR. & GERALD LEVERT GIVE FANS 'SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT'
The thing that holds a father and son together most is the love and respect they have for one another. Eddie Levert Sr. and Gerald Levert had a special father-son relationship that was unmistakable. On June 12, 2007, the legendary duo continues the remarkable Levert family legacy with the Atlantic Records release of a soul-stirring collection of songs suitably titled "Something To Talk About," available just in time for Father's Day.
"Something To Talk About" is the second duet album released by the dynamic duo. "Father & Son," released in 1995, was the first collaboration between Eddie & Gerald and included their rendition of the pop classic "Wind Beneath My Wings," and generated the wonderful remake of The O'Jays' "You've Got Your Hooks in Me" and the suave hit ballad "Already Missing You." Their performance of "Wind Beneath My Wings" received a standing ovation at the 1995 Essence Awards.
The eagerly awaited "Something To Talk About" serves as a touching reminder of the close relationship the loving two-some shared before Gerald's untimely death in November 2006. Most duos compete for the spotlight, but the way this father and son play off of each other, their voices blend so seamlessly that it's often difficult to tell which vocal powerhouse is taking the lead. The smooth steppers-groove "Close & Personal" calls everyone to the dance floor, while the velvety "That's What I Do" is reminiscent of the classic ballads that the Cleveland, Ohio natives are both famous for. The album's title track is a refreshing remake of the Bonnie Raitt classic "Something To Talk About."
Eddie Levert Sr. is a founding member and one-third of the highly successful trio The O'Jays. Celebrating over forty years as a major staple in soul music, their trademark musical style, combined with their spectacular showmanship, has garnered them countless accolades and awards. The O'Jays have enjoyed numerous hit songs, including "Love Train," "Stairway to Heaven," and the theme song of Donald Trump's "Apprentice," "For the Love of Money." Eddie continues to perform with The O'Jays and will be releasing the heartfelt book, "I Got Your Back," which tells of the bond he and Gerald shared.
With a powerful, soulful, and near carbon copy of his father's voice, Gerald's two-decade music career resulted in millions of albums sold and numerous R&B chart-toppers. Gerald's claim to fame began in 1986 as a member of the R&B trio LeVert, which also included his brother, Sean, and childhood friend Marc Gordon. They quickly racked up hits like "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind," "Casanova," and "Baby I'm Ready," while scoring six top ten R&B albums. Gerald embarked on a solo career in 1991 with the release of "Private Line," the first in a string of gold and platinum solo albums. In 1995, he recorded "Father & Son" with Eddie Sr. Gerald's last studio album, "In My Songs," was completed just prior to his death. Released in February 2007, it debuted at #1 on the national R&B charts.
Monday, May 21, 2007
NEW RELEASE DUE SOON FROM CANDY DULFER
Dutch smooth jazz saxophonist Candy Dulfer has signed a new recording deal with Cleveland-based Heads Up International, the label has announced. Her debut album, titled Candy Store, will be released in September. "I'm so looking forward to the release of this album," says Dulfer. "I had a blast recording for my new label, Heads Up. They gave me absolute freedom to record whatever I wanted, so this CD truly represents how I feel about music." Dulfer added that while she still feels it's important to incorporate the influence of her musical mentors on each album, Candy Store will truly reflect her own style. Dulfer racked up a smooth jazz hit with "Finsbury Park, Cafe 67" from her last studio album, 2003's Right In My Soul. She released the concert CD/DVD Live At Montreux, 2002 in 2005, and wrapped a brief U.S. tour just last month.
Candy’s new studio album ‘Candy Store’ will be released this summer. It will be available in Spain on June 18, in Holland, Belgium and Switzerland on June 22, in Germany and Austria on June 29, in France in early July, in Japan on July 25, and in the U.S on September 16.
NEW FEDERICO AUBELE ITUNES EXCLUSIVE EP ON SALE NOW!
Federico Aubele's new iTunes exclusive live EP "Live @ Stubb's" is on sale now. This 3-track EP features a live version of "En el Desierto," a brand new song from Federico's forthcoming album, Panamericana. The EP was recorded on a hot and hazy night at the legendary Stubb's Bar-B-Q in Austin, Texas as Federico opened for Thievery Corporation to help kick off last year's Austin City Limits Music Festival. The new album, Panamericana, is set for release worldwide on September 18th, 2007. His dates opening for Bebel Gilberto have been re-booked. Check with the venues for ticket-sale dates...
Federico Aubele Acoustic (all dates 5/19 – 6/27 supporting Bebel Gilberto)
5/19: @ Carnival Center, Miami, FL
5/22-23: @ Gramercy Theatre, New York, NY
6/17: @ El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
6/18-19: @ Bimbo's 365, San Francisco, CA
6/24: @ Park West, Chicago, IL
6/27: @ Mod Club, Toronto, Ont
6/30: Montreal Jazz Festival @ Salle Wilfrid Pelletier, Montreal, Quebec Supporting Skye
Federico Aubele Acoustic (all dates 5/19 – 6/27 supporting Bebel Gilberto)
5/19: @ Carnival Center, Miami, FL
5/22-23: @ Gramercy Theatre, New York, NY
6/17: @ El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
6/18-19: @ Bimbo's 365, San Francisco, CA
6/24: @ Park West, Chicago, IL
6/27: @ Mod Club, Toronto, Ont
6/30: Montreal Jazz Festival @ Salle Wilfrid Pelletier, Montreal, Quebec Supporting Skye
MILES DAVIS INSPIRES NEW REMIX ALBUM
A five-song EP of remixed Miles Davis recordings, titled The Evolution Of The Groove, is set to be released this summer by Sony/Legacy. The set will feature performances by Carlos Santana, rap star Nas and his father, jazz trumpeter Olu Dara. The project is co-produced by Davis' nephew, drummer Vince Wilburn Jr. Wilburn was also a co-producer on last year's Davis compilation, Cool & Collected, which featured some of the tunes most associated with Davis and the concept of "cool" jazz.
Cool & Collected featured one remixed track, "It's About That Time," that featured Santana and pianist Geri Allen, and will also be included on the upcoming Evolution Of The Groove EP, says Wilburn, who just completed the mastering of the new project in Burbank, California.
Cool & Collected featured one remixed track, "It's About That Time," that featured Santana and pianist Geri Allen, and will also be included on the upcoming Evolution Of The Groove EP, says Wilburn, who just completed the mastering of the new project in Burbank, California.
ABBEY LINCOLN “ABBEY SINGS ABBEY’
Legendary vocalist Abbey Lincoln re-invents her signature songs from her classic Verve recordings on this new release out May 22. The CD feaures guitar work from Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello) and strong backing from bassist Scott Colley, Shawn Pelton, Gil Goldstein and Dave Eggar. Abbey Sings Abbey blends elements of jazz, blues and the singer/songwriter tradition to create a refreshing sound of haunting beauty. Here’s a list of the tracks that appear on the CD:
“Blue Monk”
“Throw It Away”
“And It’s Supposed To Be Love”
“Should’ve Been”
The World Is Falling Down”
“Bird Alone”
“Down Here Below”
“The Music Is The Magic”
“Learning How To Listen”
“The Merry Dancer”
“Love Has Gone Away”
“Being Me”
AMAZON TO LAUNCH DRM-FREE MP3 MUSIC DOWNLOAD STORE WITH SONGS AND ALBUMS FROM EMI AND MORE THAN 12,000 OTHER LABELS
Amazon has announced it will launch a digital music store later this year offering millions of songs in the DRM-free MP3 format from more than 12,000 record labels. EMI Music’s digital catalog is the latest addition to the store. Every song and album in the Amazon.com digital music store will be available exclusively in the MP3 format without digital rights management (DRM) software. Amazon’s DRM-free MP3s will free customers to play their music on virtually any of their personal devices — including PCs, Macs™, iPods™, Zunes™, Zens™ — and to burn songs to CDs for personal use.
“Our MP3-only strategy means all the music that customers buy on Amazon is always DRM-free and plays on any device,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. “We’re excited to have EMI joining us in this effort and look forward to offering our customers MP3s from amazing artists like Coldplay, Norah Jones and Joss Stone.”
“Amazon.com is known around the world for the unique experience it offers music customers through features such as customer reviews and personalized recommendations,” said Eric Nicoli, EMI CEO. “They have been an important retail partner of ours, and we are delighted they will be offering consumers EMI’s new premium DRM-free downloads in their new digital music store. We think having a trusted destination like Amazon.com offer a high-quality digital music product that will play across a number of devices gives consumers more options and will be a significant boost for the overall digital music market.”
“Our MP3-only strategy means all the music that customers buy on Amazon is always DRM-free and plays on any device,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. “We’re excited to have EMI joining us in this effort and look forward to offering our customers MP3s from amazing artists like Coldplay, Norah Jones and Joss Stone.”
“Amazon.com is known around the world for the unique experience it offers music customers through features such as customer reviews and personalized recommendations,” said Eric Nicoli, EMI CEO. “They have been an important retail partner of ours, and we are delighted they will be offering consumers EMI’s new premium DRM-free downloads in their new digital music store. We think having a trusted destination like Amazon.com offer a high-quality digital music product that will play across a number of devices gives consumers more options and will be a significant boost for the overall digital music market.”
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