KEN NAVARRO - THE TEST OF TIME

Ken Navarro has released the first video "Message In A Bottle" from his upcoming album The Test Of Time, set for release on March 20, 2012 (see the link below for viewing). The Test Of Time is Ken Navarro's 20th release. Navarro is an accomplished guitarist in the Contemporary and Smooth Jazz genre, with decades of widespread airplay, media coverage and touring. His new CD is fingerstyle solo guitar, and this music and style are not just contemporary jazz but also acoustic guitar virtuoso. It is solo guitar like you never imagined it. Genuine, flawless performances with melodies, bass lines, harmonies, percussion - all masterfully played simultaneously on just one guitar.

Navarro's previous CD Dreaming Of Trains was pre-nominated for the 2011 Grammy awards in 2 categories and his 2008 album The Grace Of Summer Light was named the #1 contemporary jazz album of the year at Jazz Times. Over the past 20 years, he has had numerous Top 5 songs at national radio and has performed in every major US city. In each of the 12 songs that make up The Test Of Time, Navarro delivers a genuine, flawless performance, where all of the melodies, bass lines, harmonies and even percussion are masterfully played simultaneously on just one guitar without overdubbing. Some of the contemporary classics included are The Police's “Message In A Bottle”, John Lennon's “Imagine”, Glen Campbell's “Wichita Lineman”, Pat Metheny's “Letter From Home” and Santana's “Europa”. These performances are magical in many ways and will be appreciated by a wide audience. Navarro's has infused himself in each style of solo guitar playing so that it transcends the song and style and becomes an original Ken Navarro masterpiece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uBrjpdRMHk

STANLEY CLARKE – THE COMPLETE 1970s EPIC ALBUMS COLLECTION

The most complete Stanley Clarke 1970s albums collection!

• Stanley Clarke’s most famous and best-selling albums were all recorded for Nemperor/Epic between 1974 and 1979. All are included in this collection.
• All of these albums were either Top 50 or Top 100 Billboard Pop Albums, and all were Top 5 Billboard Jazz Albums.
• Clarke demonstrates throughout why he is considered one of the all-time greatest acoustic and electric bass players.
• Includes his biggest hits “School Days”, “Silly Putty”, “Rock’N’Roll Jelly”, “Vulcan Princess” and more.
• Many featured guests including Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, George Duke, Jeff Beck, Tony Williams, Jan Hammer, Steve Gadd, Stan Getz and Freddie Hubbard.

The bass has seen its share of extraordinary innovators in the hundred-plus years of jazz history. Stanley Clarke, much like such hallowed figures as Jimmy Blanton, Charles Mingus and Scott LaFaro, was a game changer on his instrument. Unlike those who came before him though, Clarke helped alter the nature of both the acoustic and electric configurations of the bass. His groundbreaking work of the 1970s has been so integrated into the very fabric of modern jazz bass playing that a return visit to his own brilliant recordings can be nothing less than a revelatory listening experience.

By the time he was in his early twenties, Clarke had already apprenticed in the bands of, among others, Horace Silver, Pharoah Sanders and Stan Getz; his phenomenal technique, rich tone and melodic phrasing galvanizing the acoustic bass into previously unheard territory. Uniting with keyboardist Chick Corea in the various editions of the Return To Forever band, Clarke began incorporating the electric bass into his arsenal. Blending funk-styled finger popping and virtuosic strumming techniques – mated with his harmonic and compositional sophistication -- Clarke alerted a new generation of fusion players to the instrument’s untapped potential.

Clarke’s own recordings of the time are ripe with superb playing from the leader and such illustrious fans as drummer Tony Williams, keyboardists Jan Hammer and George Duke, and guitarists Jeff Beck and John McLaughlin, just to name check guests from Clarke’s first two albums. With his third album, School Days, Clarke became a bonified jazz-funk hero: the greasy bass line of the title track remains a yardstick of groove playing; to this day, no self-respecting electric bassist dares not have it under his or her fingers.

Subsequent albums found the now revered bassist mixing rock, jazz, R&B and orchestral textures with comfort, originality and boldness. Make no mistake, each of these pioneering Clarke recordings can sit proudly alongside the fusion masterworks of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report and Return To Forever.

Albums Included:
1. Stanley Clarke
2. Journey To Love
3. School Days
4. Modern Man
5. I Wanna Play for You [2-CDs]
6. Live 1976-1977

THE GEORGE DUKE BAND – THE COMPLETE 1970s EPIC ALBUMS COLLECTION

Legacy Recordings has release the George Duke Band's most complete 1970s Epic albums all in one bundle!

• Keyboard master and renowned producer George Duke’s most famous and biggest selling albums were recorded for Epic in an incredibly prolific period between 1977 and 1979. All of them are in this collection.
• These albums were all crossover successes faring very well on the Pop, R&B and the Jazz Charts.
• Includes his biggest hits “Reach For It”, “Dukey Stick” and more.
• Special guests and featured players include Dianne Reeves, Stanley Clarke, Sheila E., Milton Nascimento and more.
• Extensive liner notes by George giving the behind the scenes stories of all of the records.
• Includes Brazilian Love Affair, considered by many to be George’s very best album. Recorded in Brazil with top Brazilian players.

George Duke has worn many hats during his nearly fifty-year career. Jazz pianist, rock keyboardist, R&B and pop producer, singer, composer, arranger and bandleader -- Duke has been impossible to pigeonhole, which is just the way he likes it.

By the time Duke began his tenure at Epic Records he had already garnered a sturdy reputation as a resourceful and versatile keyboardist from his work with Jean-Luc Ponty, Cannonball Adderley, Frank Zappa and Billy Cobham. Yet jazz was not on his mind when he came to record at his new label. With From Me To You, Duke went funky with a vengeance. Enlisting bassist Stanley Clarke and singer Dianne Reeves among his collaborators, Duke turned in a song-oriented R&B recording that set the pattern for the popular albums that followed.

Now established with a new audience who knew him primarily as an R&B artist, Duke focused on sophisticated funk on Reach For It, which yielded a hit single in its title track; Don’t Let Go had its own R&B anthem in “Dukey Stick.” Follow the Rainbow and Master Of The Game continued marching in the funky footsteps of their predecessors.

Duke’s passion for Brazilian music finally rose to the surface with A Brazilian Love Affair, on which he’s joined by Airto Moreira, Flora Purim and the master singer and composer Milton Nascimento, who contributes the only two non-Duke originals. Recorded in Rio de Janeiro, this labor of love also features a host of Brazil’s finest studio musicians. A Brazilian Love Affair and The 1976 Solo Keyboard Album, on which Duke offers more of his instrumental prowess than usual, might be anomalies when it came to Duke’s Epic work. Yet they demonstrated that this unclassifiable musician had more than just funk in his veins

Albums included:
1. From Me To You
2. Reach For It
3. Don't Let Go
4. Follow The Rainbow
5. Master Of The Game
6. Brazilian Love Affair

BILL O'CONNELL - TRIPLE PLAY THREE

New York Latin Jazz pianist Bill O'Connell's Triple Play Plus Three, his debut recording for Zoho, is an innovative spin on the traditional jazz trio format. Triple Play Plus Three presents eight lively, virtuosic O'Connell originals, plus two 20th century classics by Thelonious Monk (‘Round Midnight") and Kurt Weill ("Speak Low"). Triple Play Plus Three also features Dave Valentin, Richie Flores, Dave Samuels and Paquito D'Rivera.

Bill O'Connell's colorful career is notable for his extensive accomplishments in both Latin music and modern jazz, from serving as Mongo Santamaria's pianist in the 1970s over his long association with flutist Dave Valentín to working with Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, Gao Barbieri, and the fabled Fort Apache Band, followed by a stellar career as a band leader and solo artist since the 1990s.

"A lot happens at the moment," the leader adds, "and that's the beauty of just having three people. Because there's no bass player, sometimes I'm playing the tumbao (the basic rhythm played on the conga and the bass in Afro-Caribbean music) with my left hand and sometimes I just leave it alone. This really allows me to direct the harmony or re-harmonize any way I want without having clashes with a bassist. I feel that this format has opened up a different way for me to play."

Dave Valentin made his recording debut with Ricardo Marrero's group and he appeared also on a Noel Pointer album. Discovered by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen, Valentin was the first artist signed to GRP and he has been a popular attraction ever since. Valentin has recorded over 15 albums, combining the influence of pop, R&B, and Brazilian music with Latin and smooth jazz to create a slick and accessible form of crossover jazz. In 2000, he appeared in the documentary film, Calle 54, performing with Tito Puente. He toured with El Negro and MioSotis. Since the mid-2000s, Valentin has been signed to Highnote Records releasing World On A String (2005) and Come Fly With Me (2006). He has done several collaborations with pianist Bill O'Connell and was a nominee for the Latin Grammy Awards in 2006 and, for Pure Imagination, in 2011.

Typically, a Latin jazz group led by its percussionist would mean one thing: explosive Afro-Cuban rhythms in a boisterous, celebratory atmosphere. But the boundaries of the music have been expanding exponentially in recent years, and 34-year-old Arturo Stable is a prime example of how the influence of his native Cuba is being woven into a far more colorful tapestry than ever before. Stable's musicianship is subtle and textured, and his compositions possess an elegant romanticism culled from classical music.

 Bill O'Connell - Triple Play Plus Three:
1. Sweet Sophie Rose (feat. Paquito D'Rivera)
2. Bill's Blues (feat. Dave Samuels)
3. Crazy Samba (feat. Dave Valentin)
4. 'Round Midnight (feat. Paquito D'Rivera)
5. Non-Sense (feat. Dave Samuels)
6. Lake Road (feat. Dave Valentin)
7. Cobblestones (feat. Dave Samuels)
8. Speak Low (feat. Richie Flores)
9. Mr. EP (feat. Dave Valentin)
10. La Playa (feat. Dave Samuels)

HULON - AFTER HOURS

The urban jazz styling of Hulon has returned with his newest album, After Hours, set for release on February 7, and available on iTunes and Hulon’s website (http://www.hulon.com/). After Hours features Howard Hewitt, Geoff McBride and the new radio single “Do You Feel Me.”

After the success of his debut album, First Impressions, Hulon’s newest album, After Hours, has combined passion and confidence creating Hulon’s best tracks to date. Hulon’s debut album spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Jazz Chart, peaking at #25, and featured the single “Sax on the Beach,” which reached #16 on the Smooth Jazz.com Top 50 Indie Chart, and was featured on the noted jazz website AllAboutJazz.com, in addition to receiving national and international airplay on terrestrial and online radio.

The new 11 track set includes a vocal and instrumental version of the 1977 Heatwave classic “Always and Forever,” and eight originals penned by Kashiwa that play to Hulon’s strengths as a soulful balladeer and a grooving R&B/funk player, with a few dashes of cool and swinging traditional jazz in the mix. Highlights include the sensual late night romance “You’re Beautiful,” the whimsical mid tempo light funk tune “Takin’ My Time,” the tropical chill of “Sticky Trickuation,” the sly, Pink Panther-esque “Speak Easy,” (featuring shuffling drum, bass and finger snap rhythm) and the high octane horn-driven jam and first single from the new release, “Do You Feel Me.”

Hulon has collaborated once again with mentor, composer, producer and fellow saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa. World renowned for his years with The Rippingtons, The Sax Pack and numerous hit solo albums over the past 20 years, Kashiwa again brought in some of contemporary jazz’s most powerful and dynamic players to take Hulon’s musical game on the new collection to the next level including Dave Hooper (drums), Allen Hinds (guitar), Melvin Davis (bass) and Bill Heller (keyboards) all of whom have played key roles on First Impressions.

Yet there’s much more to Hulon’s dynamic emergence onto the urban jazz scene than simple chart stats and the support of some of the genre’s best players. At its heart, it’s the story of a musical dream long deferred, and unique connections between the spiritual and emotional healing power of music and the physical healing that Dr. Hulon E. Crayton does as a rheumatologist and founder of The Arthritis and Infusion Center, which specializes in the treatment of Rheumatological diseases as well as sports related injuries. The title of one of the tracks on After Hours, the tropical flavored groove tune, “Second Opinion,” is a playful ode to his longtime profession.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

February 18, 2012 @ Pineapple Willy's, Panama City Beach, FL
May 10, 2012 @ Pineapple Willy's, Panama City Beach, FL
May 11, 2012 @ Pineapple Willy's, Panama City Beach, FL
May 12, 2012 @ Pineapple Willy's, Panama City Beach, FL

Official website: http://www.hulon.com/

THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ FESTIVAL 2012 LINEUP

The upcoming New Orleans Jass Festival will feature a lineup that can only be described as a gumbo of Rock, Jazz, Blues, Soul, Rock, Reggae and just about everything else in between.  Here's a listing of who's who this year.

• Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band
• Eagles
• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• Foo Fighters
• The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Reunion
• Zac Brown Band
• Eddie Vedder
• John Mayer
• The Neville Brothers
• Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
• Al Green
• Herbie Hancock and his Band
• Ne-Yo
• My Morning Jacket
• Bon Iver
• Paulina Rubio
• Jill Scott
• Florence + the Machine
• Allen Toussaint
• Feist
• Bunny Wailer
• Bonnie Raitt
• Irma Thomas
• Maze feat. Frankie Beverly
• Dr. John & the Lower 911
• Janelle Monae
• Yolanda Adams
• Iron & Wine
• Pete Fountain
• Rodrigo y Gabriela and C.U.B.A.
• Steel Pulse
• Rebirth Brass Band
• Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
• Esperanza Spalding: Radio Music Society
• Funky Meters
• Levon Helm Band with special guest Mavis Staples
• Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
• Aaron Neville’s Gospel Experience
• Steve Earle and the Dukes (And Duchesses)
• Galactic
• Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s 50th Anniversary Jam
• Little Anthony & The Imperials
• Ani DiFranco
• GIVERS
• Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers
• Dianne Reeves
• Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
• Better Than Ezra
• Carolina Chocolate Drops
• Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk
• Bruce Hornsby
• Dave Koz
• The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
• Gomez
• The Pedrito Martinez Group
• The Bounce Shake Down feat. Big Freedia, Katey Red, Keedy Black, and DJ Poppa
• Israel Houghton and New Breed
• Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
• Zebra
• Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys
• James Cotton “Superharp” Band
• Cowboy Mouth
• Asleep at the Wheel
• Papa Grows Funk
• David Sanborn and Joey DeFrancesco
• Bobby Rush
• Chuck Leavell & Friends with special guest Bonnie Bramlett
• Ellis Marsalis
• Marcia Ball
• Voice of the Wetlands Allstars
• John Boutté
• Gary Clark Jr.
• The Texas Tornados feat. Flaco Jiménez, Augie Myers, and Shawn Sahm
• Cubano Be, Cubano Bop: Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Band feat. Terence Blanchard
• Cheikh Lô of Senegal
• Tab Benoit
• Regina Carter's "Reverse Thread”
• Bombino of Niger
• Glen Hansard
• Big Sam's Funky Nation
• Jeremy Davenport
• Sarah Jarosz
• Bonerama
• Evelyn Turrentine-Agee
• Terri Lyne Carrington’s Mosaic
• Ruby Wilson’s Tribute to Bessie Smith & Ma Rainey
• Wycliffe Gordon Quintet: Hello Pops Tribute to Louis Armstrong
• Donald Harrison
• Lindigo of Reunion Island feat. Fixi of France
• Sonny Landreth
• Buckwheat Zydeco
• Soul Rebels
• The Stars of Heaven
• Heritage Hall Jazz Band feat. Jewel Brown
• Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters
• Anders Osborne
• Honey Island Swamp Band
• Theresa Andersson
• John Mooney & Bluesiana
• Eric Lindell
• Walter "Wolfman" Washington & the Roadmasters
• BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
• Pine Leaf Boys
• James Andrews & the Crescent City Allstars
• Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
• Big Chief Bo Dollis & the Wild Magnolias
• Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians
• Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs
• Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience
• Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark
• Banu Gibson
• Hot 8 Brass Band
• George French & the New Orleans Storyville Jazz Band
• and more are all among the artists scheduled to appear at Jazz Fest.

This years' poster (see above) features Trombone Shorty, who's 2010 breakthrough album, Backatown, led to his first Grammy® Award nomination, an international tour and multiple network television appearances. Major media critics point to him as the embodiment of New Orleans’ irreplaceable culture and its varied and eternally appealing musical magic. To see Trombone Shorty perform is to experience the once-in-a-generation thrill that those who saw Buddy Bolden invent jazz must have experienced.  Trombone Shorty’s invigorating, genre-blurring exposition of New Orleans’ deep culture is a thrilling commentary on the irresistible nature of the city’s contemporary arts. The artists' interpretation imagines Trombone Shorty on the porch of his old house in Treme, rousing the City with his horn. 

SANTANA - GREATEST HITS LIVE AT MONTREUX 2011

Santana were founded in the late sixties and came into the spotlight following their glorious appearance at the Woodstock festival in 1969. Their eponymous debut album was released the same year and became a global success, introducing the public to the band’s unique blend of Latin rhythms and guitar based rock. With legendary guitarist and band leader Carlos Santana at the helm, hit albums and singles followed through the seventies, eighties, nineties and up to the present day. Both Carlos and the band have been frequent visitors to Montreux over the years and in 2011 they presented a stunning concert of their greatest hits, classic album tracks and brilliant cover versions from their debut album right up to 2010’s “Guitar Heaven”. This is the ultimate Santana live concert and absolutely not to be missed. Over three hours of music available in Blu Ray Disc (Single) or DVD (Two Disc Set).  Release date is February 21, 2012.

Santana - Greatest Hits Live At Montreux 2011Disc 1
1. Spark Of The Divine
2. SOCC
3. Back In Black
4. Singing Winds, Crying Beasts
5. Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen
6. Oye Como Va
7. Maria Maria
8. Foo Foo
9. Corazon Espinado
10. Benny and Cindy solo
11. Jingo
12. Carlos Speaks/ Novus
13. Europa (Earth's Cry, Heaven's Smile) / I Want You
14. Batuka
15. No One To Depend On

Disc 2
1. Duende
2. Open Invitation
3. Make Somebody Happy
4. Right On Be Free (featuring Susan and Derek)
5. Evil Ways
6. A Love Supreme
7. Sunshine Of Your Love
8. Smooth
9. Dame Tu Amor
10. Soul Sacrifice
11. Dennis drum solo
12. Samba Pa Ti
13. Into The Night
14. Love, Peace, and Happiness / Freedom

Blu Ray Disc has same track listing as DVD, but on one singular disc.
Bonus Features: Interviews with Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman Santana, Behind The Scenes Footage.

BARRY WHITE - LET THE MUSIC PLAY: EXPANDED EDITION

Hip-o Select is about to release some sweet satin soul from the one and only Barry White, with a nicely-expanded release of his 1976 LP Let the Music Play. This remastered and expanded edition of the album features five bonus versions of Let The Music Play, including the Funkstar Deluxe Mix from 2000, the alternate version, both sides of the original single (an edit and an instrumental) and a new mix by longtime Select collaborator John Morales, reimagining the tune as a vintage 12″ single version.

Let the Music Play hit No. 4 on the R&B charts, and it’s been unfairly overlooked as a whole until recently, with the retooling of “Let the Music Play” as a European dancehall cut in 2000 and the discovery of some great alternate material for the song on the great Barry White box set Unlimited in 2009. Let the Music Play will be released on February 14, 2012

Barry White, Let the Music Play: Expanded Edition
1. I Don’t Know Where Love Has Gone
2. If You Know, Won’t You Tell Me
3. I’m So Blue and You Are Too
4. Baby, We Better Try to Get It Together
5. You See the Trouble with Me
6. Let the Music Play
7. Let the Music Play (Single Version)
8. Let the Music Play (Instrumental)
9. Let the Music Play (M+M Throwback Mix)
10. Let the Music Play (Funkstar Deluxe Mix)
11. Let the Music Play (Alternate Version)

CHRISTIAN VANDOR - JOHN COLTRANE L'HOMME SUPREME

"On July 17, 1967, time stopped. The legendary and great saxophone player John Coltrane left us. I was lucky enough to discover, at a very young age, an exceptional musician. The beauty, the spirituality, the strength, the softness, as well as the fragility of notes. The expression of that sound which spoke to me like a voice. From that moment on, he became my daily bread. Indispensable. No one can ignore the immensity of his visionary works. It still resonates in all of today's musical productions, and certainly in those of tomorrow. In 1997, I had a dream, a record, dedicated to John Coltrane. A child painted the sun on a white cardboard, and below that sun, he wrote a title in blue... John Coltrane l'homme supreme," says music visionary and Frenchman Christian Vandor.

L’Homme Supreme was recorded in 2011, day after day, between July 17, the date in which John Coltrane departed, and July 21, the day on which his funeral was held. On each day, an offering, a musical, poetic gift, for him, was created in real time. On the 21st at midnight, the record was completed. "For my work, it is still Coltrane who actually gives me the real material to work on, to be able to move on," according to Christian Vander.

Featured musicians on L’Homme Supreme include: Christian Vander, Stella Vander, Simon Goubert, Pierre-Michel Sivadier, Frederic d'Oeslnitz, Phillippe Dardelle, Isabelle Feuillebois, Herve Aknin, Marcus Linon, Sylvie Fisichella, Sandrine Destefanis, Julien Tessier

NOUVELLE VAGUE - CHANSONS ET MUSIQUES DE FILMS

If you're a fan of French films, then you will love this fantastic 3-CD set featuring the music of the French New Wave cinema years. The late 50s shift in French cinema is arguably one of the most important film moments in the 20th century – and although the movies are best remembered for their directors, stars, and striking images – most of the films also had some pretty amazing music as well! In fact, we've always felt that the music was integral to the Nouvelle Vague – from famous jazz scores, to lovely lyrical passages, to bold orchestral arrangements that also ended up having a huge impact on wider European music as well. This package is the first we've ever seen to really dig deep into the New Wave – and it brings together 80 tracks from dozens of films – a really wide variety of music, provided by artists who include Michel Legrand, Georges Delerue, Paul Misraki, Pierre Jansen, Miles Davis, Maurice Jarre, Jean Constantin, Martial Solal, Michel Magne, Antoine Duhamel, Alain Romans, and others – from movies that include 400 Blows, Jules & Jim, Hiroshima Mon Amour, Les Bonnes Femmes, Une Femme Est Une Femme, Breathless, Weekend, Lola, Cleo De 5 A 7, Le Bonheur, Alphaville, and many others.

Disc 1:
1. Générique (02:47)
Ascenseur pour l'échafaud - Miles Davis
2. Sur l'autoroute (02:17)
Ascenseur pour l'échafaud - Miles Davis
3. Au bar du petit bac (02:53)
Ascenseur pour l'échafaud - Miles Davis
4. Générique et car de police (03:13)
Les 400 coups - Jean Constantin
5. Ecole buissoniére (02:09)
Les 400 coups - Jean Constantin
6. Balzac et final (03:04)
Les 400 coups - Jean Constantin
7. La mort (02:07)
A bout de souffle - Martial Solal
8. New York herald tribune (01:26)
A bout de souffle - Martial Solal
9. Duo (02:21)
A bout de souffle - Martial Solal
10. Hiroshima mon amour (suite) (04:57)
Hiroshima, mon amour - Giovanni Fusco
11. Valse du café du fleuve (02:27)
Hiroshima, mon amour - Georges Delerue
12. Générique (03:23)
Le Doulos - Paul Misraki
13. Thème de Stéphanie (02:23)
La tete contre les murs - Maurice Jarre
14. Charlie (générique (01:54)
Tirez sur le pianiste - Georges delerue
15. Framboise par Bobby Lapointe (02:39)
Tirez sur le pianiste - Georges delerue
16. Les délinquants (04:22)
L'Amérique insolite - Michel Legrand
17. Hymne à l'Amérique (final) (03:07)
L'Amérique insolite - Michel Legrand
18. Valse des bonnes femmes (03:01)
Les bonnes femmes - Paul Misraki
19. Angéla, Strasbourg St Denis (03:04)
Une femme est une femme - Michel Legrand
20. Chanson d'Angéla par Anna Karina (02:23)
Une femme est une femme - Michel Legrand
21. Blues chez le Bougnat (02:08)
Une femme est une femme - Michel Legrand
22. Troisiéme gnossienne (03:08)
Le feu follet - Erik Satie
23. Un mari à prix fixe (générique) (02:19)
Un mari à prix fixe - Michel Magne
24. Grand thème bouzouki (03:17)
Méditéranée - Antoine Duhamel
25. Chanson de Lola par Jacqueline Danno (02:11)
Lola - Michel Legrand
26. Roland reve (02:14)
Lola - Michel Legrand
27. Embrasse-moi par Jeanne Moreau (02:12)
Peau de banane - Serge Rezvani

Disc 2:
1. L'eau à la bouche par Serge Gainsbourg (02:31)
L'eau à la bouche - Serge Gainsbourg
2. Angoisse (02:37)
L'eau à la bouche - Serge Gainsbourg
3. Black march (01:36)
L'eau à la bouche - Serge Gainsbourg
4. Le tourbillon chanté par Jeanne Moreau (02:03)
Jules et Jim - Serge rezvani
5. Vacances - Georges Delerue (02:44)
Jules et Jim
6. Landru (générique) (02:02)
Landru - Pierre Jansen
7. La ballade des dragueurs (02:33)
Les dragueurs - Maurice Jarre
8. La joueuse chanté par Corinne Marchand (01:52)
Cléo de 5 à 7 - Michel Legrand
9. San toi chanté par Corinne Marchand (02:12)
Cléo de 5 à 7 - Michel Legrand
10. L'amour et le jeu (02:07)
La baie des anges - Michel Legrand
11. Pierre Et Nicole (01:47)
La peau douce - Georges Delerue
12. Sidonie chanté par Brigitte Bardot (02:51)
Vie privée - Yani Spanos
13. La leçon de danse (02:29)
Vie privée - Fiorenzo Carpi
14. Concerto (02:17)
Vie privée - Fiorenzo Carpi
15. La dénonciation (suite) (05:01)
La dénonciation - Georges Delerue
16. Valse des roses (01:29)
Les jeux de l'amour - Georges Delerue
17. Le bonheur (Fugue en ut mineur K 546) (04:08)
Le bonheur - W. A . Mozart
18. La vie s'envole chanté par Anna Karina et Claude Brasseur (01:51)
Dragées au poivre - Serge Rezvani
19. Sinfonia par les Swingles singers (04:54)
Dragées au poivre - Jean Sebastien Bach
20. La rafle (01:54)
Dragées au poivre - Ward Swingle
21. Andantino de la sonatine n° 8 (01:40)
Moderato cantabile - Anton diabelli
22. Antoine et Colette (01:20)
L'amour à 20 ans - Georges Delerue
23. Thème de Dorante et final (01:42)
Les amoureux du France - Michel Legrand
24. Valse triste (02:04)
Alphaville - Paul Misraki
25. Leitmotiv pour Pierre (02:51)
Un couple - Alain Romans
26. Thème joli mai (03:11)
Joli mai - Boris Mokrousov / arrangements Michel Legrand
27. Marie Chantal (générique) (02:21)
Marie-Chantal contre le dr Kha - Pierre Jansen
28. L'orgueil / Marina (04:11)
Les sept péchés capitaux - Sacha Distel
29. La gare (02:25)
Les parapluies de Cherbourg - Michel Legrand

Disc 3:
1. Ouverture (01:53)
Le mèpris - Georges Delerue
2. Camille (02:29)
Le mèpris - Georges Delerue
3. Générique (02:09)
Le mèpris - Georges Delerue
4. L'amant de 5 jours (03:55)
L'amant de 5 jours - Georges Delerue
5. Chanson en langue inconnue par Daniele Licari (02:28)
Le dernier homme - Paul Misraki
6. Valse de Marienbad (02:25)
L'année derniere à Marienbad - Francis Seyrig
7. Le grand voyage (02:34)
Un monsieur de compagnie - Georges Delerue
8. Le scandale (04:24)
Le scandale - Pierre Jansen
9. La fete triste - Georges Delerue (02:37)
L'insoumis
10. Mic et mac par Anna Karina (02:39)
Pierrot le fou - Antoine Duhamel
11. Ferdinand (02:56)
Pierrot le fou - Antoine Duhamel
12. Jamais je ne t'ai dit que jen t'aimerai toujours par Anna Karina (02:50)
Pierrot le fou - Serge Rezvani
13. Pierrot (02:48)
Pierrot le fou - Antoine Duhamel
14. L'amour à la chaine (03:22)
L'amour à la chaine - Georges Delerue
15. Julie et l'écharpe (02:52)
La mariée était en noir - Bernard Herrmann
16. Arrestation de Delvaux et fuite de Julie (02:54)
La mariée était en noir - Bernard Herrmann
17. Antoine (03:35)
Baisers volés -Antoine Duhamel
18. Arrivée des camionneurs (04:23)
Les demoiselles de Rochefort - Michel Legrand
19. Le boucher (générique) (01:58)
Le boucher - Pierre Jansen
20. Le depart par Christianne Legrand (02:26)
Le départ - Krzysztof Komeda
21. Chaque heure est un départ (02:59)
Le départ - Krzysztof Komeda
22. Alice au pays des syllogismes (03:01)
Week end - Antoine Duhamel
23. Le mépris - Georges Delerue (05:14)
Le mépris - bonus - par le traffic quintet
24. Pierrot le fou - Antoine Duhamel (04:02)
Pierrot le fou - bonus - par Sporto Kantes

Total Duration: 03:39:02

CARMEN LUNDY - CHANGES

Encountering the work of Carmen Lundy can, admittedly, be a bit surprising for the first time listener. In an age of prepackaged, mass-produced beats and slavishly retro stylings, Lundy offers something that's become increasingly rare: utter authenticity.  A unique and adventurous singer, often compared to the likes of Sarah Vaughn, Betty Carter and Billie Holiday, Lundy writes and performs songs with an emotional vulnerability rarely seen in modern jazz. Her life forays far beyond the boundaries of music – she's an acclaimed actress, teacher and visual artist – inform her work with a sophistication and worldliness that consistently defies the expected. The bottom line? A deep connection that, for the singer's legion of fans, makes the release of each Lundy CD more than an opportunity to hear new music – it's an appointment to catch up with a dear friend.

On February 7, friends will once again reconnect, as Lundy releases her 12th album, Changes. Recorded with her core band of stellar musicians (Anthony Wonsey, piano, Kenny Davis, bass, and Jamison Ross, drums) and featuring special guest artists Oscar Castro-Neves (guitar), Nolan Shaheed (trumpet and flugelhorn), and George Bohanon (trombone), this eclectic collection of new songs boasts all-star talent at every step of the way. The sessions were engineered and mixed by the incomparable Don Murray (The Spinners, Lee Ritenour, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles and countless others) and mastered by the legendary Doug Sax (The Who, Pink Floyd, The Eagles, Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond).

And at the center, as has been the case for more than three decades, Carmen Lundy's trademark warmth, style and impeccable songwriting chops. “As a composer, many of the songs on this project were written or re-imagined on guitar and feature one of the master guitarists of the classical Brazilian sound, my hero, Oscar Castro-Neves.” So welcome friends, old and new. Find a warm and comfy place, turn down the lights and catch up with Carmen. She's got a lot to tell you.

Released by Afrasia Productions, Inc., Changes will be available February 7, 2012 at itunes, Amazon.com, and all major digital download sites. Changes, along with Carmen Lundy's entire catalog, can also be found at top music retailers throughout North America and is distributed through City Hall Distribution.

http://www.carmenlundy.com/
www.facebook.com/carmenlundymusic
www.youtube.com/therealcarmenlundy
http://www.afrasiaproductions.com/

CHRIS BRUBECK’S TRIPLE PLAY – LIVE AT ARTHUR ZANKEL MUSIC CENTER

Over the past decade, Chris Brubeck (on bass, trombone, and piano), guitarist Joel Brown, and multi-instrumentalist Peter Madcat Ruth have honed a vast and vivid repertoire encompassing Delta blues, Tin Pan Alley standards, New Orleans grooves, jazz gems, and incisive originals. With all three contributing vocals, Triple Play delivers an epic sojourn through American music unlike any other band on the scene.

Their new CD, Live at Arthur Zankel Music Center, features two Triple Play patriarchs as special guests: piano legend Dave Brubeck and gifted jazz player Frank Brown on clarinet. Recorded in June 2011 at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, the disc will be released on Blue Forest Records February 7.

Triple Play grew out of Crofut & Brubeck, an ensemble formed with the innovative banjo player Bill Crofut and Joel Brown on guitar. They produced a series of critically acclaimed CDs for Albany (Unsquare Dance); Telarc (Across Your Dreams, featuring Frederica von Stade); and Koch (Bach to Brubeck, a collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra that included Chris's symphonic arrangements and compositions).

Following Crofut's 1999 death, Madcat Ruth (whose relationship with Brubeck dates back to their teenage years in the late 1960s) joined Brubeck and Brown to form Triple Play. The group's first Blue Forest CD, 2000's Triple Play Live, documents their roof-raising energy while the second, Watching the World, captures the trio's freewheeling humor, dazzling musicianship, and unpretentious spirit. After seeing the group at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Seattle Times critic Paul de Barros noted, "Triple Play is what jazz always was and always should be about: good-time rhythm, unbridled joy and the sweet release but bittersweet aftertaste of the blues."

As a player, Brubeck divides his time between fretless electric bass, piano, and bass trombone. His desire to increase the horn's visibility led to his first major orchestral composition, "Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra," which he recorded at Abbey Road Studios with the LSO for Bach to Brubeck. The piece has been performed by many orchestras throughout the world including the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, and a televised performance by the Boston Pops. (Chris will appear as soloist when the Orchestre de Bretagne in Brittany, France, performs the Concerto in October 2012.)

The concerto's success led to a steady stream of classical commissions, such as "Interplay for 3 Violins and Orchestra," his Boston Pops commission for Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Eileen Ivers, and Regina Carter, which earned him an ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for best composition for television broadcast; and Chris's second trombone work, "The Prague Concerto," recorded by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and released on the Koch CD, Convergence.

In recent years he's probably spent more time working in orchestral settings than jazz clubs. In a major collaboration with Dave Brubeck, they wrote the score for "Ansel Adams: America," a multimedia composition featuring 100 Adams photos projected above the orchestra. Other recent commissions include "Quiet Heroes: A Symphonic Salute to the Flagraisers at Iwo Jima," narrated by Wilford Brimley; and "Travels in Time For Three" for orchestra and the ensemble Time For Three (two violinists and a double bassist), who will perform "Travels" at Carnegie Hall 3/8 with the Boston Pops.

Triple Play's 2012 schedule includes shows in Delray Beach, FL (2/2), Largo, FL (2/4), and Austin (3/4); a residency and concert at Eisemann Center, Richardson, TX 2/15-17; and an appearance with the Kearney Symphony Orchestra, Kearney, NE 12/2-4.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet (Chris, Dan on drums, pianist Chuck Lamb, guitarist Mike DeMicco) will be performing in Sedona, AZ 2/22 (Chris serves as Composer in Residence at the Arizona Music Festival 2/18-24); Kent, WA 4/6; Scullers, Boston 4/11; Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY (residency and concert) 4/12-13; Dubrovnik Festival 5/22-27; Vancouver, WA 6/16; Colorado Music Festival, Boulder 7/3; Vail, CO 7/5; Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT 7/27; Rockport, ME 7/30-8/2; Tour of Russia 9/15-29. A new Brubeck Brothers CD will be out this summer, and the next Triple Play disc, recorded live in Singapore with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, is set for late 2012 release.

"I think there's no way to end the confusion or to define what I do," Brubeck says. "I just feel really grateful I have different areas to play in and work in and compose in. The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Triple Play, and my composing career all complement each other. Triple Play brings me back to my blues, jazz, and rock roots." A recent Los Angeles concert prompted L.A. Times reviewer Mark Swed to observe that the trio "stole the show with its flair and virtuosity" and its "rollicking good fun." "We have a blast," Brubeck admits, "and audiences love the joy we share playing together." That is plain to hear in the exhilarating performances--and delighted audience response--heard on the Zankel Music Center CD.

http://www.chrisbrubeckstripleplay.com/

DETROIT'S SMOOTH JAZZ "OASIS" AND "BONE" GO OFF THE AIR

Martz Communications has ceased operations of its pair of HD fed translators in Detroit. Tim Martz-run Radio Power had trouble finding a workable frequency for smooth jazz "Oasis", after an interference complaint filed by Clear Channel's Toledo rocker, WIOT. The Oasis originally signed on at 104.7, the same frequency as WIOT, and the FCC rules are that a translator (such as 104.7 The Oasis) must sign off if there is a complaint by a full-power station, pending resolution of the problem. The Oasis looked at other frequencies, including 93.9 and 93.5. But the Smooth Jazz Board of Radio-Info.com reports that both station's Facebook pages feature the same statement saying that "All good things must come to an end. We’re sorry to say that The Oasis has ceased operations today. Thanks for your support Detroit. You’re the best.”


Bone Program Director Holly Hutton added, “Hey – Just wanted to say Thank you to everyone who listened and supported us. I know we had signal issues…but my personal experience at this station was a positive one. This company really celebrated true radio programming and gave me an opportunity to learn and discover that radio could be FUN again. I appreciate Martz and the time I had here and the friends I have made. From the inside and out; it was the radio that I fell in love with a bzillion years ago. I’m not sure if you’ll hear me on the air again…but if it’s meant to be, it will and I’ll talk to you then. xoxo ~ Holly Hutton”.


Both translators debuted last April 20 with programming fed by HD subchannels of 107.5 WGPR. The Oasis has struggled with interference issues with WIOT Toledo.

CHRIS STANDRING RELEASES "OLIVER'S TWIST" FROM FORTHCOMING ALBUM - ELECTRIC WONDERLAND

Guitarist Chris Standring has released his brand new single , "Oliver's Twist" from his forthcoming album Electric Wonderland. ‘Oliver’s Twist” was released to radio this week and Standring is reporting that he’s picked up 28 radio stations in its first week out. Standring is of course ecstatic over this and has said that “This is great news. Looks like we may have a hit!” He’s also finished the "Oliver's Twist" music video and has provided a link to check it out here: http://youtu.be/6_h-nmlnBk8

Electric Wonderland features some of his favourite musicians, including keyboard wizard Mitchel Forman, trumpeter Rick Braun, Fender Rhodes groovemeister Rodney Lee and an array of  great friends including Dino Soldo, Larry Steen, Jimmy Earl, David Karasony, Oscar Seaton, Dan Lutz, Andre Berry, and his string quartet including Nikki Garcia, Barbra Porter, Tom Tally & Cameron Stone.

Also....he's indicated that tickets are selling fast for his upcoming London shows. These will be UK record release parties and he’s promising to have lots of new Electric Wonderland albums with him. Book a reservation now before they sell out. Here’s his schedule so far for this year:

Feb 23rd 8:30pm - Southend, UK The Jazz mix @ Cliffs Pavillion
Feb 24th 8:00pm - Soho, London, UK (record release party) Pizza Express Jazz Club
Feb 25th 7:30pm - Soho, London, UK (record release party) Pizza Express Jazz Club
Feb 25th 10:30pm - Soho, London, UK (record release party) Pizza Express Jazz Club
Feb 29th 8:00pm - Jakarta, Indonesia Java Jazz Festival
March 3rd tba - Jakarta, Indonesia Java Jazz Festival
March 4th tba - Jakarta, Indonesia Java Jazz Festival
March 10th 10:00am - Mission Viejo Breakfast with Gary & Kelly (tv show)
April 24th 7:00pm - Seal Beach, CA (Electric Wonderland record release party) Spaghettini

ROBERT FLACK - WE CAN WORK IT OUT

Roberta Flack the four-time Grammy Award-winning artist is back after an eight year absence with a brand new album, Let It Be: Robert Flack Sings The Beatles - a collection of Beatles song interpretations. The first single "We Can Work It Out" made a spectacular debut on two different radio charts this past week garnering #1 Most Added at Mainstream Adult Contemporary Chart and #2 Most Added at Urban Adult Contemporary. In addition, the single moved into the Top 20 at Smooth Adult Contemporary radio. Buzz continues to build as key press such as NPR, Billboard, Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, AARP and More Magazine are already confirmed. Newly signed to a partnership of 429 Records, Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Flack's RAS Records, the album which was produced by Sherrod Barnes, who has also produced Beyonce' and Angie Stone, with contributing producers Jerry Barnes and Barry Miles, is slated for release on February 7th worldwide (Sony Music will release the album in Japan).

Roberta Flack has long been known as an unparalleled musician who effortlessly inhabits the worlds of pop, soul, R&B, jazz and folk. From her very first recording, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" which hit #1 in the U.S across all charts, Flack has created strong emotional bonds with her listeners through her poignant musicality and unerring stylizations while also shining an uncompromising light onto the culture and politics of the times.

Since bursting onto the scene in 1969 with the blockbuster album First Take (produced by the legendary Joel Dorn), she's followed her fiercely uncompromising lyrical and musical muses earning her a place alongside pioneering artists such as Aretha Franklin, Elton John, and Nina Simone. A multiple Grammy winner, she is the only artist along with U2 to win "Record of the Year" in consecutive years (for "The First Time, Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly"). Although she's taken some time between recordings, she's never stopped performing having constantly toured worldwide. Flack, a national treasure gives her time freely to a host of charitable and humanitarian causes--among them, the ASPCA (spokesperson of the year for 2011) and the Roberta Flack School of Music in Bronx, NY (which she founded in 2006).

Let It Be: Robert Flack Sings The Beatles Track Listing:

• In My Life

• Hey Jude

• We Can Work it Out

• Let It Be

• Oh Darling

• I Should Have Known Better

• The Long & Winding Road

• Come Together

• Isn't It A Pity

• If I Fell

• And I Love Her

• Here, There, and Everywhere

ADELE TO PERFORM AT 54TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Current GRAMMY® nominee Adele will make her much anticipated return to the live stage on the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards. This will be her first time performing live in nearly five months since being forced to cancel a sold-out U.S. tour to undergo surgery on her vocal cords.

"I'm immensely proud to have been asked to perform at this year's GRAMMY Awards," said Adele. "It's an absolute honor to be included in such a night, and for it to be my first performance in months is very exciting and of course nerve-racking, but what a way to get back into it all."

Two-time GRAMMY winner Adele has six nominations: Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Best Short Form Music Video for "Rolling In The Deep"; Album Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for 21; and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Someone Like You."

Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton; Coldplay and Rihanna; Foo Fighters; Bruno Mars; Paul McCartney; Nicki Minaj; and Taylor Swift. Aldean, The Band Perry, Minaj, and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time, while Adele, Campbell, Clarkson, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Mars, McCartney, Rihanna, and Swift are returning to the GRAMMY stage.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy®. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture.

http://www.grammy.com/

PLAYLIST: BLACK HISTORY MONTH, REGGAE HITS & CHARLIE WILSON

New from Legacy Recordings is a continuation of their Playlist series.  This latest batch (released Jan 31) features Charlie Wilson, Reggae, and a Black History Month compilation.

PLAYLIST: A MUSICAL JOURNEY THROUGH BLACK HISTORY

1. Everyday People – Sly & The Family Stone

2. It’s Like That – Run-D.M.C.

3. (What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue – Louis Armstrong

4. I Can – Nas

5. Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston

6. Abraham, Martin & John – Harry Belafonte

7. God Bless the Child – Billie Holiday and Her Orchestra

8. Mississippi Goddam – Nina Simone
9. So What – Miles Davis
10. My Love is Waiting – Marvin Gaye
11. Stormy Weather – Lena Horne
12. A Change is Gonna Come – Aaron Neville
13. Keep Your Head to the Sky – Earth, Wind & Fire
14. Cult of Personality – Living Colour

PLAYLIST: KING OF KINGS - REGGAE HITS

1. One Love/People Get Ready – Bob Marley & The Wailers
2. I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
3. Dem No Worry We – Super Cat
4. Stepping Razor – Peter Tosh
5. Mr. Loverman – Shabba Ranks featuring Chevelle Franklyn
6. L-L-Lies – Diana King

7. Worker Man – Patra

8. Here Comes the Hotstepper (Heartical Mix) – Ini Kamoze

9. Ketchy Shuby – Peter Tosh

10. Shark Attack – The Wailing Souls

11. Flex – Mad Cobra

12. Ways of the Lord – Aswad

13. My Way or the Highway – Tony Rebel

14. Looking – Ziggy Marley

PLAYLIST: THE VERY BEST OF CHARLIE WILSON

1. Outstanding (Vocal Long Version) – The Gap Band
2. There Goes My Baby
3. Supa Sexxy (featuring T-Pain and Jamie Foxx)
4. You Are
5. Charlie, Last Name Wilson
6. Floatin’ (featuring will.i.am and Justin Timberlake)
7. Magic
8. No Words
9. My Girl is a Dime
10. Shawty Come Back
11. Cry No More
12. Lotto
13. Musta Heard
14. Burn Rubber on Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me) – The Gap Band

NEW RELEASES: JAZZANOVA, FARUQ Z BEY, RHETT FRAZIER INC, & PHILLY GUMBO

JAZZANOVA - UPSIDE DOWN

Jazzanova Upside Down – a great little set that features rich reworkings of songs from their excellent Of All The Things album! The core album was probably the greatest thing Jazzanova had done to date – a richly soulful outing that featured some really incredible songwriting – perfect for vocals from singers like Jose James, Paul Randolph, Ben Westbeech, and Phonte – all of whom make appearances here. Yet this time around, the sound is taken back to Jazzanova's roots – that cool, clear style they first had back in their Compost and early Sonar Kollektiv days – a time when they were one of the most revolutionary acts on the European scene. The step backwards is actually a move forward as well – thanks to help from great collaborators throughout – in a lineup that features "Dance The Dance" remixed by Atjazz, "Little Bird" remixed by Alex Barck, "Let Me Show Ya" remixed by Henrik Schwarz, "Glow & Glare" remixed by Ame, "Lucky Girl" remixed by Neve Naïve, "Lie" remixed by Soldiers Of House, "Boom Clicky Boom Klack" remixed by Mr Scruff, and "Look What You're Doin To Me" remixed by Motor City Drum Ensemble.

FARUQ Z BEY - PRIMAL WATERS

A recent recording from the legendary Faruq Z Bey – working here with the highly creative Northwoods Improvisers! Bey's tenor and alto are very much at the front of the recording, but the album also really draws a lot from the other players in the group – the vibes of Mike Gilmore, bass of Mike Johnston, drums and log drum of Nick Ashton, and additional reeds of Mike Carey and Skeeter CR Shelton – who all work with Faruq in ways that almost seem more structured than before – really held together with a great sense of composition on the longer tunes, while still stretching out with some freedom on the solos. The blend – possibly because of the bold use of vibes – reminds us a lot of the Chicago work coming from artists like Mike Reed or Jason Adasiewicz – and titles include "Kins", "Primal Waters", "Talon", and "Kuthuhlpa". (Limited edition.)

RHETT FRAZIER INC - EVERY DAY IS SATURDAY

Some of the best blue-eyed soul we've heard in recent years – especially the funky variety! Rhett Frazier really surprised us with his last album, and he sounds even better here – working with musical partner Donny Gruendler in a really classic-styled batch of grooves that clearly draw inspiration from older sources like Hi Records and Curtom, yet which also deliver the goods with a lean, stripped-down vibe that's just right for Frazier's vocals! The album packs way more of a punch than you'd guess from the package and price – and Rhett's one of those singers who could well be huge if he ever gets the right sort of exposure in the mainstream. Titles include "Private Hell", "Secret Places", "Elephant Walk", "Burying Ground", "Workin", "Hard Man", "WTH", and "Every Day Is Saturday".

PHILLY GUMBO - COME AND GET IT

A Philly group with a New Orleans-tinged name – but one who work in a hard deep funk mode all the way through! There's less of the Crescent City modes than you'd expect from the cover – but that's OK with us, because in their place are some tight classic funk modes strongly influenced by the best of the late 60s and early 70s – a vibe that would be right at home in the Daptone or Soul Fire universe! Lead singer India Rex has a classic bad sister funk approach – one that sits mighty nice over the group's tight rhythms, fierce organ, choppy guitar, and soulful sax. Titles include nice covers of "No No No", "Slipped Tripped & Fell In Love", and "What A Man" – plus the tunes "People Gonna Talk", "I'm Not Gonna Cry", "My Man He's A Lovin Man", and "She Caught The Katy.”

Source: Dusty Groove

MODERN SOUL AND SMOOTH GROOVES COLLECTIONS...

SMOOTH GROOVES – SOPHISTICATED 80s PHILLY SOUL

Great tracks from the second generation of Philadelphia International – that time when the label moved past the clubby Philly sounds that had won them big hits in the 70s – into an even deeper range of styles overall! Most of the tracks here have a wonderfully mature sort of feel – a move past easy dancefloor modes, into more complicated mellow steppers and midtempo rhythms that are perfect for the emotive, sensual lyrics of the tunes – most of which are performed by artists who were still the greatest working for the Philly International label at the start of the 80s! Gems throughout – with great cuts that include "I'm In Love Again" by Patti Labelle, "Easy Easy Got To Take It Easy" by Teddy Pendergrass, "When I'm Gone" by The Jones Girls, "Mine All Mine" by The Stylistics, "Start The Fire" by Jean Carn, "I Can't Stop Turning You On" by Silk, "Set A Little Trap" by Phyllis Hyman, "So Glad I'm The One" by Instant Funk, "Yes You Need Love" by Anthony White, "Your Love Is Good" by Bunny Sigler, and "I've Been Pushed Aside" by McFadden & Whitehead.

TWO STEPS TO HEAVEN – MORE 70s AND 80s STEPPERS

Some of our favorite sorts of soul tracks from the 70s – those mellow groovers that never get too over the top, and have a great slow-burning energy that goes on and on through the night! The tracks here are the sort that bubbled under during the disco generation – more laidback tracks that often used the same arrangers, producers, and studios – but came up with a groove that was much more gentle, and which was perfect for the soulful, sensual lyrics of the tunes! Thanks to efforts by the two-step scene in 80s London, and Chicago steppers in the 90s, lots of these tracks have had great staying power for years – and are perfectly put together in this sublime little compilation. Titles include "Take It Slow" by The Notations, "Trying To Get Next To You" by Arnold Blair, "Ain't It A Shame" by The Dells, "This Feeling's Killing Me" by The Jones Girls, "Sweet Music Soft Lights & You" by Ken Williams, "Love Sounds" by Intimate Strangers, "Let's Do It Again" by The Staple Singers, "Try Love Again" by Natural Four, "Lucky Fellow" by Leroy Hutson, "How Glad I Am" by Joyce Cobb, and "We Got Some Catching Up To Do" by Jean Carn.

SOUL A LA MODE – 70s MODERN SOUL

Soaring soul from the start of the 70s – great tracks in a mode that came to be known as "modern soul" in contrast to the Northern Soul that had been big on British dancefloors – but which to us is just totally great, totally tight 70s soul at its best! Most cuts here are relatively underground – numbers that never even broke big in the US when they were released, but which have a depth and quality that's kept them strong for years – and a unique upbeat approach that really makes them all sound great together! There's some great production going on – a fuller range of studio styles that marked the 70s scene – but things are never overproduced, nor commercial at all – which is another great aspect of the collection. Titles include "Human" by Brief Encounter, "Love Music" by Lloyd Price, "I Can See Him Loving You" by The Anderson Brothers, "Satisfactorise Your Mind" by Africano, "Hung Up On Your Love" by The Montclairs, "Come On Train" by Don Thomas, "Movin On A Groove" by Barbara Lynn, "Because Of You" by Jackie Wilson, "I Don't Do This" by Sidney Joe Qualls, "Suddenly" by Tony Drake, "Broken Home" by Ben Monroe, and "What's Happening To Our Love Affair" by Danny Hunt.

LOST IN TIME – MORE NORTHERN SOUL TREASURES

Lost in time, but brought back brilliantly – a host of incredible upbeat soul numbers from the latter half of the 60s – all of them perfect for a Northern Soul dancefloor! There's plenty of Detroit influences going on in the music, and a bit of Chicago as well – but the tracks represent a great range of underground grooves from the days when indie soul 45s were coming out in droves – so much so that the charts couldn't even come up with the quality of the recordings, which resulted in great under-discovered gems like these! The package is really top-shelf all the way through – cuts that come on strong, and keep staying long – filled with undeniable spirit. Titles include "I Keep Tryin" by Fred Hughes, "Let The Music Play" by Didi Noel, "I Hurt On The Other Side" by Sydney Barnes, "I Don't Want A Playboy" by Barbara Lynn, "I'd Think It Over" by Sam Fletcher, "Tear Stained Face" by Don Varner, "Just Like The Weather" by Nolan Chance, "Baby What Has Happened To Our Love" by The Ringleaders, "New Girl" by Jimmy & The Entertainers, "You Hit Me Like TNT" by Linda Jones, "Just Another Heartache" by Little Richie, "Breakaway" by The Valentines, "I'll Always Love You" by The Artistics, and "Lonely For You Baby" by Sam Dees.

PAIN GOES DEEP – MORE DEEP SOUL GEMS

Deep soul from the 70s – a rich assortment of great tracks from the years when the genre was really getting into its own – stretching out, and hitting a rich level of expression that wouldn't have been dreamed about the decade before! At a time when so many mainstream acts were copping the cliches of earlier southern soul, all the artists here dug in their heels, and worked to really deepen up their game – coming up with some incredible music that still stands as some of the most heartfelt soul ever recorded – rich in spirit, and soaring with the new modes of the time. Titles include "Take This Hurt Off Me" by Big John Hamilton, "He's Gone" by Doris Duke, "Loneliness" by Jean Plum, "I Need You" by Little Archie, "Fugitive From Love" by Linda Jones, "That's How It Is" by Otis Clay, "Let Me Down Easy" by Betty Lavette, "I Catch Myself Crying" by Leon Byrd, "I Keep Coming Back" by Tyrone Davis, "Aretha Sing One For Me" by George Jackson, "Been So Wrong" by Aaron Neville, "I Can't Stand To See You Go" by Joe Valentine.
Phillybusters – Underground Philly Dancefloor Gems

PHILLY BUSTERS - UNDERGROUND PHILLY DANCEFLOOR GEMS

Soaring sounds from Philadelphia International – the label that virtually defined the sound of soul in the 70s, thanks to a succession of ultra-big hits! Those cuts are great, but this set goes even deeper – to move past the chart standouts, and come up with a brilliant batch of Philly groovers that stayed mostly on the underground – but which have had a huge influence on the global scene over the past few decades! All the best Philly 70s elements are in place here – tight rhythms, impeccable musicianship, and production that finds a way to polish without ever making things too slick – a wonderful blend that makes these tunes totally top-shelf all the way through – and even fresher than some of the bigger hits you'd know from the artists. Titles include "Hey Baby" by Anthony White, "I Heard It In A Love Song" by McFadden & Whitehead, "Old People" by Archie Bell & The Drells, "Sunshine & You" by The Futures, "Groovy People" by Lou Rawls, "You Can't Come Back Now" by Jean Carn, "Tell The World How I Feel About Cha Baby" by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, "Let The Dollar Circulate" by Billy Paul, "Found A Love You Couldn't Handle" by The Stylistics, and "I'm Just Thinking About Cooling Out" by Jerry Butler.

Source: Dusty Groove