NATALIE COLE - INSEPARABLE / NATALIE / UNPREDICTABLE

A triple pack of early magic from Natalie Cole! Inseparable is Natalie's stunning debut for Capitol Records in the mid 70s – a real surprise, and a set that should have had the singer blossoming even more than she did at the time! As with some of the other Capitol soul sessions of the time, the album's done very firmly under the guidance of Charles Jackson and Marvin Yancey – a pair who give Natalie just the right sort of backing to launch her career – a sound that's full and rich, deeply sophisticated – but also still plenty soulful, almost in the mode of some of Minnie Riperton's work at the time. Given the pair's Chicago roots – and the arrangement help from Richard Evans – that comparison is no surprise, and Natalie rises to the occasion nicely. Titles are all originals too – and include "Needing You", "Joey", "I Can't Say No", "Something For Nothing", "I Love Him So Much", "You", "Your Face Stays On My Mind", and the huge hit "This Will Be".

Next up is Natalie – a record that really has Natalie Cole finding her groove – not needing any help from her famous familial legacy, thank you – and instead stepping out with a tight, proud mode that really helped refine the sound of female soul in the 70s! The album's got plenty of influences from the Chicago soul scene – including songwriting and production from the team of Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy – and work from key session players like Richard Evans and Gene Barge, who worked in the Curtom Studios to craft the grooves on the set! Titles include "Keep Smiling", "Mr. Melody", "Heaven Is With You", "Can We Get Together", "Touch Me", "Hard To Get Along", and "Good Morning Heartache".

Unpredictable is an album that reunites Natalie Cole with the smooth soul team of Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancey – the team who did such a great job with Natalie's Capitol debut, and who really continue the groove here too! The album's got a rock-solid approach through and through – a quality that has Natalie really standing out on her own as a positive young artist in soul – without any need to nod towards her father, as in later years. And Jackson and Yancey bring a nice dose of Chicago soul class to the affair – which turns out to be a perfect match for Natalie's vocals! Titles include "Be Mine Tonight", "Party Lights", "This Heart", "I've Got Love On My Mind", and "Still In Love".

Source: Dusty Groove 

NEW CHRIS BOTTI ALBUM, IMPRESSIONS, FEATURING HERBIE HANCOCK, ANDREA BOCELLI, MARK KNOPFLER, DAVID FOSTER & CAROLINE CAMPBELL

Trumpeter Chris Botti, the world's largest selling jazz instrumentalist, will release his latest album, Impressions, on Columbia Records on April 17, 2012. A collection of songs and compositions expressing his love for rich, evocative melodies, the album showcases Botti among a high profile group of featured guests, including pianist/composer Herbie Hancock, tenor Andrea Bocelli, country singer Vince Gill, rock star Mark Knopfler, composer/pianist David Foster and violinist Caroline Campbell.

The colorful array of music Botti has selected for Impressions reaches across stylistic areas and national boundaries with works by classical composer Frederic Chopin, American songwriters George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, R. Kelly, Randy Newman, Bob Thiele and David Weiss, Brazilian songwriter Ivan Lins, Argentine composer Astor Piazolla, Cuban composer Cesar Portillo de la Luz, as well as a pair of songs co-written by Botti. Many of the tracks are deeply enhanced by the superb orchestrations of William Ross, Vince Mendoza, Gil Goldstein and Jaques Morelenbaum.

Melody has always been at the heart of Botti's music. Whether applying the lush sounds of his trumpet to the long, lyrical phrases of a familiar ballad or the arching, rhythmic lines of a jazz improvisation, his solos tell evocative stories, finding their way into the very heart of a song.

Impressions offers all that and more. Like Chris Botti in Boston, as well as other albums reaching back to 2004's When I Fall In Love, the music on Impressions fulfills Botti's desire to offer the sort of programming variety that provides a little something for many different tastes. Every track on Impressions is an individual highlight, filled with memorable moments:

- Botti's elegiac performance of the album-opening orchestral version of Chopin's Prelude No. 20 in C minor.

- The magnificent voice of Andrea Bocelli singing the brand new song,"Per Te (For You)," composed for the album by Botti, David Foster and Tiziano Ferro.

- A floating, intimate duet between Botti and the subtle guitar of Leonardo Amuedo on R. Kelly's"You Are Not Alone," a hit for Michael Jackson in a very different version.

- Country singer Vince Gill's poignant version of Randy Newman's "Losing You."

- The irresistible rhythmic flow and improvisational flair of"Tango Suite," co-composed by Botti and Herbie Hancock.

- A quartet of songs reaching into the world of Latin music: Rodrigo's magnificent En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor, the trumpet and guitar lines of Brazilian songwriter Ivan Lins' lovely "Setembro," the swaying rhythms of Astor Piazolla's tango, "Oblivion," and the dark sensuality of a Cuban bolero, "Contigo En La Distancia."

- The cinematic intensity of the choral-textured, Middle Eastern timbres of "Sevdah."

- Botti's convincing foray into the Great American Songbook via the familiar classics, "Summertime" and "Over the Rainbow."

- The lovely, closing coda of Mark Knopfler's warm and amiable take on "What A Wonderful World."

Chris Botti's Impressions, combining a full menu of his incomparable trumpet playing, an exciting program of music and an impressive line-up of featured artists, is filled with major hit potential, fully ready to join his growing line-up of hugely popular CDs selling more than 3 million copies worldwide.

Chris Botti - Impressions tracklisting:
1. "Prelude" (Frederic Chopin)
2. "Per Te (For You)" (Chris Botti/David Foster/Tiziano Ferro)
3. "En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor" (Joaquin Rodrigo)
4. "You Are Not Alone" (R. Kelly)
5. "Losing You" (Randy Newman)
6. "Tango Suite" (Chris Botti/Herbie Hancock)
7. "Setembro" (Ivan Lins)
8. "Oblivion" (Astor Piazolla)
9. "Sevdah" (Gabriel Yared/Tanja Tzarovska)
10. "Summertime" (George and Ira Gershwin/DuBose Heyward)
11. "Contigo En La Distancia" (Cesar Portillo de la Luz)
12. "Over the Rainbow" (Harold Arlen/E.Y. Harburg)
13. "What A Wonderful World" (Bob Thiele/George David Weiss)

Source: Columbia Records

LUTHER VANDROSS - HIDDEN GEMS

The overwhelming talent of the late Luther Vandross (1951-2005), eight-time Grammy Award®-winning singer extraordinaire, songwriter, producer, arranger, and soul music visionary, are the focus of Hidden Gems. This new collection of 15 seldom-heard deep album tracks and movie soundtrack songs will arrive in stores on April 17, 2012, just three day's prior to Luther's birthday on April 20.

In the liner notes written by Luther's life-long collaborator Fonzi Thornton, Hidden Gems is described as "a deeper dig into the musical treasure trove of Luther Vandross, uncovering lesser known songs and performances that he endowed with the same passion and love as his well known repertoire." The album was compiled and produced in association with Luther's family, his niece Seveda Williams and cousin Brenda Shields, in order to present "an album compilation with a different theme his fans might enjoy, a collection which highlights Luther's ideas of song selection and how they complement THAT VOICE." Hidden Gems will allow casual listeners to discover songs they never heard, and devoted fans the opportunity to re-live what they loved about Luther Vandross.

Luther has 15 RIAA platinum and multi-platinum albums to his credit in the U.S. and worldwide sales of more than 30 million records. In 2010, National Public Radio included Luther in its "50 Great Voices" series.

Hidden Gems spans the timeline of Luther's major label recording career, from 1981 to the new millennium. These range from a track from his Never Too Much solo album for Epic in 1981 ("You Stopped Loving Me"); to a pair of tracks from Dance With My Father, his final studio album in 2003 (which received four Grammy Awards), namely "Once Were Lovers," with a harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder, and "Buy Me A Rose." The latter was sung by Luther for Oprah Winfrey when she visited him for his final television performance.

The bulk of Hidden Gems is devoted to Luther's 15-year tenure at Epic Records from 1981 to 1996, which produced nearly a dozen original studio albums, six of which are represented here:

•Never Too Much (1981, "You Stopped Loving Me");
•Forever, For Always, For Love (1982, "Once You Know How");
•Any Love (1988, "I Know You Want To");
•Power Of Love (1991, "I (Who Have Nothing)," a duet with Martha Wash from the Weather Girls, a remake of the 1963 Leiber & Stoller-penned classic by Ben E. King, that was made into a duet by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway in the '70s);
•Songs (1994, "The Impossible Dream," the timeless standard from Broadway's Man Of La Mancha);
•Your Secret Love (1996, "Goin' Out Of My Head," with its swirling string arrangement by Nat Adderley, a remake of the 1964 pop hit by Little Anthony & the Imperials, written by Teddy Randazzo); and also:
•One Night With You: The Best Of Love, Volume 2 (1997, "When You Call On Me (Baby That's When I Come Runnin')," written and produced by R. Kelly).

Two of the tracks on Hidden Gems are songs that Luther recorded for original motion picture soundtracks, whose albums are long out-of-print:
•"Heart Of A Hero" (from 1992's Hero, starring Dustin Hoffman), and
•"The Thrill I'm In" (from 1995's Money Train, starring Wesley Snipes).
"Are You Using Me?" is an exciting dance floor track that Luther co-wrote with Thornton, 'Little' Louie Vega, and Kenny 'Dope' Gonzalez, which originally appeared on I Know, an album released by Luther on Virgin Records in 1998.

Luther's self-titled debut album for Clive Davis' J Records in 2001 was a #2 R&B and #6 pop success and is represented on Hidden Gems by "I'd Rather" (composed by longtime collaborator Shep Crawford), and "Like I'm Invisible" (co-written with Thornton). From the Japanese version of I Know comes "You Really Started Something" (co-written with Denise Rich and Junior Vasquez).

Luther's final studio album became a classic for every generation. Dance With My Father, released in 2003 on J Records, was honored with four Grammy Awards® spanning 2003 and 2004. They comprised Best R&B Album, Song Of the Year and Best R&B Song for its title tune "Dance With My Father," and Best R&B Vocal by a Duo/Group for Luther's duet with Beyonce on 'The Closer I Get to You," (a cover of the Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway classic). From Dance With My Father, Hidden Gems reprises "Once Were Lovers" (co-written with Thornton).

"When he hit the world stage he wasn't trying to be the next Sam Cooke, or Peabo Bryson or Frank Sinatra," Thornton's liner notes to Hidden Gems conclude. "He was just brilliantly intuitive about what songs showcased the dynamics of his vocal ability and radiated soul in a way that has not been heard in R&B and pop music before or since. He didn't have to sweat or shout or do splits – he opened his heart and left us beautiful Diamonds, Rubies and Emeralds of Music."

Hidden Gems by Luther Vandross Selections:
1. When You Call On Me (Baby That's When I Come Runnin') (I)
2. Once You Know How (B)
3. I Know You Want To (C)
4. Once Were Lovers (M)
5. You Stopped Loving Me (A)
6. The Impossible Dream (F)
7. Are You Using Me? (J)
8. Goin' Out Of My Head (H)
9. The Thrill I'm In (G)
10. Heart Of A Hero (E)
11. Buy Me A Rose (M)
12. I (Who Have Nothing) (duet with Martha Wash) (D)
13. I'd Rather (K)
14. Like I'm Invisible (K)
15. You Really Started Something (L).

Album index:
(A) – from Never Too Much (Epic Records, released 1981)
(B) – from Forever, For Always, For Love (Epic, released 1982)
(C) – from Any Love (Epic, released 1988)
(D) – from Power Of Love (Epic, released 1991)
(E) – from Hero soundtrack (Sony Music, released 1992)
(F) – from Songs (Epic, released 1994)
(G) – from Money Train soundtrack (Sony Music, released 1995)
(H) – from Your Secret Love (Epic, released 1996)
(I) – from One Night With You: The Best Of Love, Volume 2 (Epic, released 1997)
(J) – from I Know (Virgin Records, released 1998)
(K) – from Luther Vandross (J Records, released 2001)
(L) – from Luther Vandross (Japanese Version, RCA Records, released 2001)
(M) – from Dance With My Father (J Records, released 2003).

http://www.luthervandross.com/

ROBERT GLASPER'S "BLACK RADIO" DEBUTS AT #15 ON BILLBOARD TOP 200

Robert Glasper has earned the first-ever Billboard Top 200 chart debut of his career with the impressive first-week showing of his widely acclaimed new album Black Radio, his fourth album for EMI’s Blue Note Records which was released on February 28. The album lands at #15 this week on the Top 200 chart—and #10 on the Top Current Albums chart—with sales of 20,854 units. Black Radio reached #3 on the overall iTunes Music Store in the U.S., and remains #1 on the iTunes Jazz charts in 9 countries including the U.S., U.K., France, Australia, and Japan.

The release week buzz on Black Radio was fueled by a stand-out performance of “Always Shine” with Lupe Fiasco and Bilal on CBS Late Show With David Letterman, a Sunday Arts & Leisure feature in The New York Times, and an interview segment on NPR All Things Considered, as well as numerous rave reviews. Robert Glasper Experiment also played two sold-out shows at the Highline Ballroom in New York City featuring many of the album’s special guests.

In the meantime, Robert Glasper Experiment is continuing a round of North American tour dates in celebration of the new album Black Radio. Glasper’s tour is taking  him to Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington DC, with more dates to be announced shortly. See below See below for a list of upcoming tour dates.

Black Radio boldly stakes out new musical territory and transcends any notion of genre, drawing from jazz, hip-hop, R&B, soul and rock, but refusing to be pinned down by any one tag. The album showcases Glasper as a multi-talented producer, songwriter, keyboardist, and bandleader, and features many of his famous friends from across the spectrum of urban music, seamlessly incorporating appearances from a jaw-dropping roll call of special guests that includes Erykah Badu, Bilal, Lupe Fiasco, Lalah Hathaway, Shafiq Husayn (Sa-Ra), KING, Ledisi, Meshell Ndegeocello, Chrisette Michele, Musiq Soulchild, Stokley Williams (Mint Condition), and yasiin bey.

Robert Glasper – Upcoming 2012 Tour Dates:
March 17, The New Parish, Oakland, CA (Robert Glasper Experiment with Bilal)
March 18, Brick & Mortar, San Francisco, CA (Robert Glasper Experiment with Bilal)
March 20, Anthology, San Diego, CA (Robert Glasper Experiment with Bilal)
March 22, The Exchange, Los Angeles, CA (Robert Glasper Experiment with Bilal)
March 23, Neumos, Seattle, WA (Robert Glasper Experiment with Bilal)
March 30, Casbah Durham @ Duke Performances, Durham, NC (Robert Glasper Trio)
March 31, Casbah Durham @ Duke Performances, Durham, NC (Robert Glasper Trio)
April 3, Warner Theatre, Washington, DC (Robert Glasper Experiment)

DENNIS ROLLINS - THE 11TH GATE

For 25 years British trombonist Dennis Rollins has played at the forefront of the UK jazz, funk and pop scene as an ‘impossibly virtuosic’ sideman to such stars as Maceo Parker, Courtney Pine, The Brand New Heavies, Blur, Tom Jones and as an award-winning leader in his own right.

Rollins is best known on the British and international jazz scene and is celebrated for his versatility and muscular approach on the trombone. A British musician with Jamaican roots and a top-class jazz/funk pedigree, Rollins’ diverse musical influences are at the heart of his crowd-pleasing compositions, which consistently elicit high praise. Among his accolades are winning the 2006 BBC Jazz 'Best Band' award in 2006, the Parliamentary Jazz Education' Award, and Ronnie Scott's 'Best Trombone' Award.

Obviously Rollins is considered a national musical treasure in the UK, and the buzz already surrounding his first international release, The 11th Gate, is setting the stage for him to rise to the rightful place as one of the world’s most formidable performer–leader–composers in his genre.

Alongside Rollins in the Velocity Trio are organist Ross Stanley (The Steve Howe Trio, Mark McKnight, Dylan Howe) and the fiery young drummer Pedro Segundo. The three cast a spellbinding sound as a charmed collective of musical prowess and muscular virtuosity that almost telepathically creates refined contemporary jazz arrangements marked by deep simmering grooves, attracting multiple generations of jazz, funk and world music fans. The 'electric' energy of Rollins’ Velocity Trio morphs seamlessly from atmospheric ethereal melodies generated by Rollins’ multi-harmonized horn to cinematic washes of Segundo's cymbals spilling over Stanley's growling organ grooves, to choral gospel riffs in praise of nature's inherent vibrational divinity.

The Trio’s collaborative energy illuminates each of The 11th Gate’s eleven tracks. The CD’s opening track,“Samba Galactica,” provides a first taste of the group’s imaginative artistry as they embellish samba rhythms with the interplay of Rollins’ steady trombone and Stanley’s roaring organ. On “Emergence,” Stanley’s organ sets an almost ethereal mood, echoed by Segundo’s mellow touch, laying a smooth foundation over which Rollins can move in to up the intensity. The same level of energy propels “Ujamma,” on which a musical tension builds until it is steadied, supported by the trombone’s slow sombre groove and a swinging drumbeat. On “The Other Side,” Segundo’s rhythmic contributions add a dash of delight, as if to transport listeners to that “other side” for which the track is titled.

The title of the CD also references Rollins’ 47th (4 + 7 = 11) birthday, emphasizing the positive numerical significance of this extraordinary musical leader and his unique musical vision.

Source: Motema.com

NEW RELEASES: CAMERA SOUL, SOUNDS FROM THE SOUL UNDERGROUND, FANIA ALL-STARS

CAMERA SOUL - WORDS DON'T SPEAK

If you like the sound of European jazz, then you will truly enjoy this release from Camera Soul entitled Words Don’t Speak. It’s from the same team that brought us Italian Bossa Bar by Marchio Bossa. This is an Italian release which features a total of 11 songs, 8 of which are original composutions. The overall sound of this release reminds us of the sou/jazz sounds from latter 70s to the early 80s. Keyboardist and producer Pippo Lombardo has enlisted a top notch group of musicians for this album, which features vocals by Serena Brancale. Top tracks include , “Born to Be (Forever Mine),” “Bossanova,” the Maurice White-penned, “Miracles," and the cover of Lionel Ritchie’s “Love Will Conquer All.”

Camera Soul – Words Don’t Speak Tracklist
1. Words Don’t Speak
2. Again
3. Born To Be (Forever Mine)
4. Love Will Conquer All
5. All Dark
6. Bossanova
7. Miracles
8. I Am
9. Zigzags
10. Whereabouts
11. Suddenly

SOUNDS FROM THE SOUL UNDERGROUND – A FRESH MIX OF CONTEMPORARY SOUL, FUNK, JAZZ, LATIN & AFROBEAT FROM AROUND THE WORLD


The soul underground of today – proof that there's still some amazingly deep music being made in the 21st Century, as long as you know where to look! The groups here are all contemporary, but they work strongly in the sounds of the 60s and 70s – the best funk and soul modes from that classic generation, put together faithfully, but with a fresh approach too – given the youthful energy that most of these artists bring to their recordings! There's just a few contemporary touches here and there, but overall most of the production and instrumentation is very much in the best vintage mode – on these cuts pulled from hard to find imports and rare 7" single releases of the past few years. But hardly just take our word for it – there's plenty to please your ears the moment you jump into the set – cuts that include "You What" by The Andy Tolman Cartel, "Poker Nights Theme" by The Delicious Allstars, "Shaft In Africa" by The Mighty Showstoppers, "Put Leg To Road" by Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra, "Mr G" by Jessica Lauren Four, "Cockroach Grind" by The Haggis Horns, "Kekfeny" by The Qualitons, "Cramp Your Style" by The Killer Meters, "Cascade" by Renegades Of Jazz, "Hey Girl" by Jo Stance, and "Something's Gotta Give" by Nick Van Gelder.
Source: Dusty Groove

FANIA ALL-STARS – LIVE AT THE RED GARTER VOl. 2

A Latin soul party – beyond compare! The album's a completely wonderful live set that really captures the energy, excitement, and warm sociability of the hip New York scene at the end of the 60s. The music is stunning – a freewheeling blend of jazz, soul, and Latin themes – played with effortless ease by a lineup that includes Joe Bataan, Ray Barretto, Willie Colon, Larry Harlow, Bobby Quesada, Louie Ramirez, Ralph Robles, and some of the other heavy-hitters of the Latin soul years. (Just imagine trying to get so many jazz or rock talents together on one stage – it would never happen!) The album's incredible – and even the spoken introductions and crowd noise really help set the feel of the era's mighty magic power! Titles on this second volume include "Kikapoo Joy Juice", "If This World Were Mine", "Richie's Bag", "Red Garter Strut", and "Son Cuero Y Boogaloo". Firey stuff, and one of their best records!
Source: Dusty Groove

MICHAEL PEDICIN – BALLADS...SEARCHING FOR PEACE

Tenor saxophonist Michael Pedicin, whose 40-plus-year career has included tours with Dave Brubeck and Maynard Ferguson, has long demonstrated a profound feeling for ballads--those slow, tender songs with lovely melodies that, in the hands of the best purveyors, create a powerful emotional intimacy. On his new CD Ballads... searching for peace, Pedicin focuses on the genre with seven masterful renditions, ranging from a timeless standard to attractive originals and classics of the jazz repertoire. The disc is Pedicin's 10th.

Ballads...searching for peace draws some of its inspiration from the 1962 Ballads album by John Coltrane, Pedicin's main musical hero. "From the time Trane did Ballads, I've always wanted to do a ballads album," explains Pedicin. "I finally did it. There is nothing quite as inspiring and satisfying for me as playing a beautiful ballad."

For the new album, Pedicin teams with longtime colleagues: guitarist John Valentino, who co-produced the session with Pedicin and engineer John Mulhern; pianists Dean Schneider (also a member of Pedicin's other group, the Brubeck Project) and Barry Miles; and the rhythm tandem of bassist Andy Lalasis, and drummer Bob Shomo.

The album kicks off with an evergreen that has been recorded by many, including Coltrane: Don Raye and Gene DePaul's "You Don't Know What Love Is," which opens and closes with expressive saxophone cadenzas. "I've been playing it for a long time," Pedicin says of the song, which was the title track of his 1991 FEA CD release. "It has always been one of my most requested songs."

Other highlights include Wayne Shorter's poignant "Virgo" and McCoy Tyner's gorgeous "Search for Peace," as well as Hank Mobley's rarely-played "Home at Last," done as a gentle bossa with solos from the leader, Schneider, Valentino, and Lalasis.

Originals comprise the remainder of the selections. "Blame It on My Heart" and "Few Moments" were brought to the session by Valentino; Pedicin contributes the romantic-tinged "Tell Me," its title suggestive of his other line of work as a psychologist. Pedicin feels the album presents him at his best. "I don't think I've ever been able to proudly listen to one of my own CDs until this ballads album," he says.

The saxophonist grew up in a musical family. His dad, alto saxophonist and singer Mike Pedicin, was an extremely popular entertainer and bandleader in the Philadelphia area who had a No. 1 Billboard pop chart hit in 1957 with "Shake a Hand." "I idolized my dad," Pedicin says. "He allowed me the freedom to learn about music, the saxophone, and life itself--the way I needed to learn it."

By the time Pedicin Jr. was 13 and had heard saxophonist Willis "Gator Tail" Jackson in person and Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley on record, he knew he wanted to spend his life playing saxophone. At 20, Pedicin began earning his living as a member of the horn section at Philadelphia's Sigma Sound Studios, where he worked for producers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell, playing on sessions by such artists as the Spinners and Lou Rawls. He also went on the road with Maynard Ferguson, Stevie Wonder, and David Bowie.

In 1980, Pedicin made his first album, Michael Pedicin Jr. (Philadelphia International), which yielded the surprise hit "You"--big in New York City and even bigger in the Philippines. Subsequently he toured with Brubeck, and was a mainstay in the Atlantic City casinos, hiring orchestras and playing behind such singers as Frank Sinatra.

Pedicin has since played a lot of straight-ahead jazz, formed his Brubeck Project (which released its debut CD earlier this year on Jazz Hut), and toured with such notables as guitarist Pat Martino. He also earned a Ph.D in psychology and, in addition to his musical activities, has a private psychology practice specializing in helping creative people. He's an active educator as well, currently an Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of Jazz Studies at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

Still, playing comes first. "I will never put my saxophone down until I can't play anymore," he says.

http://www.michaelpedicin.com/

PAT METHENY & DIANNE REEVES TOPLINE THE 2012 NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL



Pat Metheny



George Wein, producer and founder of the Newport Jazz Festival® and Chairman of the Newport Festivals Foundation™ has announced the program for the 2012 Newport Jazz Festival to be held in Newport, RI August 3 - 5 at the historic Fort Adams State Park and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at Newport Casino.

The 2012 Newport Jazz Festival® features Pat Metheny Unity Band with Chris Potter, Antonio Sanchez and Ben Williams; Dianne Reeves; Jack DeJohnette's 70th Birthday Celebration featuring his Quintet and an All-Star group performing two sets; Bill Frisell - John Lennon Songbook; Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas Quintet: Sound Prints; The Bad Plus with Bill Frisell; James Carter Organ Trio with Special Guests Rodney Jones and Miche Braden.



Dianne Reeves



In addition, also appearing are Dafnis Prieto Sextet; 3 Clarinets: Ken Peplowski, Evan Christopher, Anat Cohen; Christian McBride's Inside Straight; John Ellis & Double-Wide; Darcy James Argue's Secret Society; and Pedrito Martinez Group on Saturday, August 4, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, on three unique stages at Fort Adams State Park.



Then on Sunday, August 5, the music continues at Fort Adams at 11:00 am with the Tedeschi Trucks Band; Maria Schneider Orchestra; Jason Moran and the Bandwagon; Kurt Elling; Miguel Zenón's Rayuela; Jenny Scheinman & Bill Frisell; Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet; Rudresh Mahanthappa's Samdhi; Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke with special guest Becca Stevens; John Hollenbeck's Claudia Quintet + 1 featuring Theo Bleckmann; 3 Cohens: Yuval, Anat and Avishai Cohen; Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks; Lewis Nash Quintet featuring Jeremy Pelt and Jimmy Greene; Ryan Truesdell's Gil Evans Centennial Project; and Berklee Global Jazz Institute Sextet.

THE BERNIE WORRELL ORCHESTRA

Rock n' Roll Hall of Famer, Grammy winning featured musician, and co-founder of the original Parliament-Funkadelic (P-Funk) puts a unique funked up spin on his new album featuring The Bernie Worrell Orchestra! Including songs from Bernie Worrell: Standards as well as classics from Bernie's past collaborations. Five upcoming performances featuring special guests including: Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club and Steve Scales of the Talking Heads (Sunday April 1st performance):

Friday, March 17, 2012 - 8:30 PM

Le Poisson Rouge
158 Bleeker Street, New York, NY 10012
http://lepoissonrouge.com/events/view/3033


Friday, March 23, 2012 - 8:00 PM
The Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
http://www.brooklynbowl.com/

Friday, March 30, 2012 - 8 PM
The Spot Underground
15 Elbow St, Providence, RI 02903
http://thespotprovidence.com/

Sunday, April 1, 2012 - 7:30 PM

Stage One

70 Stanford Street, Fairfield, CT 06824

http://fairfieldtheatre.org/

Friday, April 13, 2012 - 8PM - (originally scheduled for 3/10)

The Historic Blairstown Theatre

30 Main St., Blairstown, NJ 07825

http://thehbt.com/

How many artists can say they were in on the ground floor of an honest-to-Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame supergroup, while inventing a completely original and uncanny sound and, in the ensuing years, building a legendary reputation as one of the most versatile hired guns in the music business? True funkateers know the history. From the fat Minimoog bass lines of “Flash Light” and “One Nation Under A Groove” to the percussive piano runs of “Chocolate City” and “Give Up the Funk,” Bernie Worrell is synonymous with the legacy of Parliament-Funkadelic; in fact, he’s one of the originators of the psychedelic funk sound, having written and co-produced the lion’s share of the music going back to Funkadelic’s formative years, with an eclectic ear for everything from Chopin to the Chi-Lites.

These days the terms “living legend” or “funk icon” really don’t come close to doing him justice. “Funk iconoclast” is probably more apt, considering the breadth of Worrell’s contributions to seminal albums outside the P-Funk canon—including Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense and Public Image Ltd’s Album, to name two of the more monolithic examples. Keith Richards, Yoko Ono, Bootsy Collins, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Mos Def, Sly & Robbie, Deee-Lite, Bill Laswell and many more have recruited Bernie in the studio and on tour—all for his versatility, vision and feverish creativity whenever he gets his hands on a keyboard.

June, 2011 saw the release of Bernie Worrell: Standards -- Bernie's take on jazz standards -- precipitating the decision by Worrell and co-producer, Evan Taylor to "take the show on the road". The Bernie Worrell Orchestra performs with a nine piece band consisting of two guitarists, two drummers, bass, percussion and a three piece horn section that performs songs from this album along with songs from Bernie's vast repertoire. The enthusiastic response from fellow musicians means that you just don't know who will show up to join the BWO on stage.

More information, including tour dates, can be found at http://www.bernieworrell.com/.

NEW RELEASES: CAETANO VELOSO & DAVID BYRNE, ITHAMARA KOORAX, EMILIO SANTIAGO

Caetano Veloso & David Byrne -
Live At Carnegie Hall

A legendary pairing of two amazing artists – a once-in-a-lifetime performance from Caetano Veloso and David Byrne (and we don't mean that as a Talking Heads pun, either!) The album's got a stripped-down, acoustic feel that really lets both singers open up and dominate the proceedings – Caetano at first, in a presentation of some of his own songs – then Byrne on some of his music – all in an instrumental setting that features guitars from both singers, plus cello from Jacques Morelenbaum, and percussion from Mauro Refosco – starting from gentle spareness to more focused energy, a bit like the style used by Byrne in Stop Making Sense, yet still acoustic overall. The singers come together as the set moves on – clearly comfortable in a warm friendship – and titles include "Sampa", "Coracao Vagabundo", "Mahata", "The Revolution", "And She Was", "She Only Sleeps", "Life During Wartime", "Road To Nowhere", "Um Canto De Afoxe Para Bloco De Ile", "Terra", "Nothing But Flowers", and "Heaven".

Ithamara Koorax -
Got To Be Real

Maybe the greatest album so far from Ithamara Koorax – and quite a change from some of her previous records, too! A number of the songs are 70s soul classics – music that's clearly inspired Ithamara over the years, and which really drives her to deliver a strongly soulful vocal approach throughout! Another great aspect of the album is the presence of Jose Roberto Bertrami – who brings in these amazing Fender Rhodes lines that really fit the sound – the kind of warm, soulful lines that always made his work in Azymuth so great. There's still a nice dose of Brazilian jazz in the mix, but the overall approach is a lot more soul-based than usual – and the jazzy keyboards really deepen the sound, too – and give the record a feel that's way deeper than just a collection of covers. Titles include "Got To Be Real", "Butterfly", "Goin Out Of My Head", "Never Can Say Goodbye", "Negue", "My Favorite Things", "Vesti Azul", and "Pigmalio 70".

Emilio Santiago -
So Danco Samba – Ao Vivo

A nice little live set from Emilio Santiago – recorded in support of his excellent studio album of the same name, but with a slightly different feel overall! Instrumentation is by a tight combo with more than a bit of jazz in the mix – perfect for Santiago's vocals, which have all the warm, soulful qualities we've loved for decades – a sound that was already mature and fully-formed back in the 70s, and has only gotten better as years have gone on! Keyboards and percussion make the instrumentation sound great – and titles include "Confissao", "Olhou Pra Mim", "Nunca Mais", "So Danco Samba", "Influencia Do Jazz", "Sambou Sambou", and "Tendencia".

Source: Dusty Groove

PHRONESIS - WALKING DARK

Phronesis are a dynamic trio who need little introduction. Their fourth album, Walking Dark, is the highly anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed Alive [Edition], which was voted ‘Jazz Album of the Year’ by both Jazzwise and MOJO magazines in 2010. Since the success of this release, the band have toured widely across Europe and North America, earning consistent praise for their vibrant live performances.

Formed by Danish bass player Jasper Høiby in 2005, the energy and individuality of Phronesis comes from an extraordinary democracy of expression and almost telepathic empathy between the musicians – three of the finest players on the European jazz scene today. British pianist Ivo Neame and Swedish drummer Anton Eger come together with Høiby to create a poly-rhythmic sound that is utterly accessible despite its underlying complexity, full of emotion and heart yet always delivered with clarity and direction.

Walking Dark is titled in reference to a series of concerts the trio played in total darkness as a dedication to Høiby’s visually impaired sister, and is the culmination of a body of work they have explored in performance since their second release, Green Delay. Høiby explains, “The Pitch Black project has provided us with the opportunity to focus on the intuitive aspect of how we communicate musically between ourselves, and with the listener. For me personally, it’s also been a way of giving something positive back to my sister, who continues to walk in darkness”.

Høiby describes Walking Dark as ‘a joint Phronesis adventure’ – the first album in which all members of the band contribute to the writing, as well as the arranging. Yet through these individual compositional textures, each track nevertheless displays the characteristic groove-driven ‘Phronesis sound’, incorporating constantly shifting yet expertly tight rhythmic patterns and exploratory openness. The album sees all three players reaching further than ever before, creating music that by turns drives with urban energy and resonates with mountainous space and sheer delightful abstraction.

With Walking Dark, this compelling trio have replicated in a studio setting the cha¬rismatic energy that makes them such a remarkable live force on stages internationally, and have produced an indisputable statement as to where jazz is heading in 2012.

JASPER HØIBY double bass
IVO NEAME piano
ANTON EGER drums

Source: Edition Records

JOSH ARCOLEO - BEGINNINGS

The first thing that hits home with Beginnings – tenor saxophonist Josh Arcoleo’s debut CD – is its timelessness. It’s immediately modern and wonderfully assured and yet the entire tradition of jazz’s first instrument seems to flow through it. Arcoleo has a highly personal tone on his horn and there’s an individuality about his sound that is bold and commanding. Some musicians take years to learn these lessons and others never do. Josh Arcoleo, just 23 with already plenty of road miles under his belt, definitely has gravitas, that rarest of qualities, and he has it in spades.

It’s no surprise that he studied with James Brown Alumnus Pee Wee Ellis and claims Ellis’ one time tutor Sonny Rollins as an influence, along with the great Joe Henderson. We’re talking ‘big tenor’ here. Just listen to the intro to the title track. Arcoleo and his musicians sketch what is to come quite beautifully but it still doesn’t prepare you for the majestically elegant way the music unfolds.

And there’s a more delicate strength to Phoenix, with its gorgeous introduction from pianist Ivo Neame, and to Glade. Both reveal Arcoleo’s growing confidence and skills as a writer but they also suggest that here is a musician who knows how to draw out the best of his sidemen. The space that James Maddren and Calum Gourlay create on both of these tunes is astonishing, whilst Neame plays with perfect poise and weight. And there is a nicely loose feel to Arcoleo’s entry on Phoenix before he pushes the pace and ratchets up the tension. Elsewhere, there’s a real muscularity to be found in the opening track, Dean Road, whilst Nomads’ Land bristles with electricity. In tough times like these, the music must show both its vigour and its tenderness and Beginnings is all these things and more.

When tenorist Dick Morrissey first hit the West End in the early sixties, Ronnie Scott dubbed him ‘the kid with the tenor’. There’s been a few new tenor kids come through town since then. Now there’s a new star, only he ain’t a kid. Josh Arcoleo is blessed with a voice and a vision that’s already mature and full of authority. Beginnings is one of the most complete debut albums in a long time. More than that its title warns of things to come. This is so much more than just the Beginnings.

Musicians:
JOSH ARCOLEO saxophones
IVO NEAME piano
CALUM GOURLAY double bass
JAMES MADDREN drums

Source: Edition Records

DIANA KRALL ANNOUNCES "SUMMER NIGHTS" TOUR

Diana Krall, the multi-platinum, Grammy®-winning musician with an unprecedented nine #1 Billboard Jazz chart debuts, will begin her biggest year of touring since 2009 on March 22. After multiple appearances during Grammy® week in Los Angeles, Krall is announcing nearly 20 additional dates on her 40-city, 2012 "Summer Nights" tour, taking place across the U.S. this spring and summer.

Krall will be joined on tour by Anthony Wilson (guitar), Robert Hurst (bass), and Karriem Riggins (drums).

Since her Grammy®-winning tenth studio album Quiet Nights (Verve) was released in 2009, Krall has performed on four different continents, produced Barbra Streisand's Love Is the Answer, contributed "Simple Twist of Fate" to the charity album Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International and performed on Paul McCartney's new album, Kisses On The Bottom.

Diana Krall "Summer Nights" U.S. Tour:
3/22 - Durham, NC - Durham Performing Arts Center
3/24 - Key Largo, FL - Ocean Reef Cultural Center
3/26 - West Palm Beach, FL - Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
3/27 - Sarasota, FL - Van Wezel Prof. Art Center
3/28 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
3/30 - Virginia Beach, VA - Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
3/31 - Newport News, VA - Ferguson Center
6/19 - Baltimore, MD - Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
6/21 - Vienna, VA - The Filene Center
6/22 - Rochester, NY - Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater
6/23 - Lenox, MA - Tanglewood
6/26 - New Brunswick, NJ - State Theatre
6/27 - Lancaster, PA - American Music Theatre
6/29 - Hyannis, MA - Cape Cod Melody Tent
6/30 - Cohasset, MA - South Shore Music Circus
7/01 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center
7/03 - Williamsport, PA - Community Arts Center
7/06 - Chautauqua, NY - Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater
7/07 - Ocean Grove, NJ - The Great Auditorium
7/08 - Bethlehem, PA - Sands Bethlehem Event Center
7/11 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park Amphitheater
7/12 - Greenville, SC - Peace Center For the Performing Arts
7/13 - Nashville, TN - Schermerhorn Symphony Center
7/15 - Louisville, KY - The Kentucky Center-Whitney Hall
7/16 - Milwaukee, WI - The Riverside Theater
7/17 - Highland Park, IL - Ravinia Pavilion
8/05 - Beaver Creek, CO - Vilar Performing Arts Center
8/06 - Denver, CO - Denver Botanic Gardens - York Street
8/08 - Salt Lake City, UT - Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre
8/10 - Pala, CA - Pala Casino - Starlight Theater
8/11 - Indio, CA - Fantasy Springs Resort Casino - Special Event Center
8/13 - Las Vegas, NV - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts - Reynolds Hall
8/15 - Livermore, CA - Wente Vineyards
8/16 - Saratoga, CA - The Mountain Winery
8/18 - Lincoln, CA - Thunder Valley Casino Resort - Outdoor Amphitheatre
8/21 - Turlock, CA - Turlock Community Theatre
8/22 - Hanford, CA - Fox Theatre
8/19 - San Francisco, CA - Davies Symphony Hall
8/24 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
8/25 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
8/26 - Santa Barbara, CA - Santa Barbara Bowl
8/28 - Santa Rosa, CA - Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
8/29 - Jacksonville, OR - Britt Pavilion
8/31 - Portland, OR -Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
9/01 - Woodinville, WA - Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
9/02 - Woodinville, WA - Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery

http://www.dianakrall.com/

NEW RELEASES: BLUNDETTO, BUGGE WESSELTOFT, SHAWN LEE'S INCREDIBLE TABLA BAND

BLUNETTO – WARM MY SOUL

Blundetto's groove is even nicer than before – honed through their work on singles and remix efforts – and turned towards a rich array of global roots that really deepen the sound of this album! There's as much 70s African and Jamaican influence going on here as there is a spiritual jazz side – both filtered through 21st Century modes that rework the primal elements, and come up with a fresh new groove – yet one that's always respectful to the originators! Guests on the set include the Akale Horns, Shawn Lee, Tommy Guerrero, and Jahdan Blackkamoore – and titles include "Hercules", "Rocroy", "It's All About", "Walk Away Now", "Treat Me Like That", and "I'll Be Home Later". (Really great limited heavy vinyl pressing – with cool textured fabric cover!)

BUGGE WESSELTOFT - SONGS

Some of the most beautiful music we've ever heard from Bugge Wesseltoft – a set of spare piano solos, mostly standards – and a wonderful demonstration of his more jazz-based talents! Bugge's an artist who first came to our ears back in the 90s, through some creative experiments that mixed electronics and jazz – but in recent years, he's become more of an acoustic artist – and steps forth wonderfully here with a really sensitive sound! Most tunes are familiar jazz standards, played by Bugge on an acoustic piano, but with a sense of flow and space that clearly comes from working a Fender Rhodes – that kind of spacious sound that we love in the mid 70s recordings by Steve Kuhn. The sound is beautiful – really haunting and evocative, in ways that may well make the record one of the most daring that Wessletoft has ever recorded. Titles include "Chicken Feathers", "Lament", "Like Someone In Love", "Giant Steps", "How High The Moon", and "Darn That Dream".

SHAWN LEE’S INCREDIBLE TABLA BAND – TABLA ROCK

Incredible tabla funk from Shawn Lee and his Incredible Tabla Band – inspired by both classic drum breaks and Indian tabla and sitar-flavored psych funk – a full on covers set of the landmark Bongo Rock album (and more) by Michael Viner's Incredible Bongo Band in this mad mode! The genesis of this album was simply Lee's desire to cover the standout track "Apache", but, Shawn isn't the kind of artist to stick a toe into a project – nope, he goes right off the conceptual deep end, putting his own creative stamp on music that's proudly adherent to whatever the classic inspiration. It's especially amazing here – what could have been a mere novelty covers album of what you could argue was originally something of a novelty album (novel, though furiously creative and influential) is perhaps the most brilliant moment of Shawn Lee's career-to-date! Drum and percussion heavy genius that helped form the blueprint of hip hop – fused with buzzing and thumping Indian funk-styled grooves – pure genius from Shawn Lee with Prithpal Raiput on tablas, Andy Ross on saxes & flutes, Dom Glover on trumpet and Mick Talbot on Hammond. Includes "Let There Be Drums", "Apache", "Bongolia", "Last Bongo In Belgium", "Dueling Bongos", "Inna Gadda Da Vida", "Raunchy '73" and "Bongo Rock '73" – all covers from the original 1973 version of the Bongo Rock album – plus "Sing Sing Sing" and "Pipeline" from the '74 follow up.

Source: Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: NITE JEWEL, GAL COSTA, JOYCE

NITE JEWEL – ONE SECOND OF LOVE

Neo classic electro pop & soul from Nite Jewel – featuring the haunting synths and beats that we loved on her earlier album – and she delivers better songs and more confident vocals on this excellent set for Secretly Canadian! Nite Jewel seemingly loves pop soul and drum machine funk, which of course endears us greatly to her stuff. What's exciting now is that she's really developed a distinguished voice now – this really a really strong, standout album! Includes "This Story", "One Second Of Love", "She's Always Watching You", "Mind & Eyes", "Memory, Man", "No I Don't", "Autograph", "Clive" and more. (Limited edition "white haze" vinyl. Includes digital download.).

GAL COSTA - RECANTO

Amazing stuff – the most intriguing album we've heard from Gal Costa in decades – and one of the first in many years to get back to the more experimental side of her music! The set was co-produced by Caetano and Moreno Veloso (who also play on the session as well), and it's really got Gal getting back to the creative styles of the Tropicalia years – yet also filtered through the more contemporary modes that Moreno's been using in his 21st Century projects too! The blend is incredible – a reminder that Costa can still be pretty damn captivating when she wants to be – and that she's still part of one of the most important musical communities on the planet. Kassin also does a lot of work on the record – and in a way, it almost sound most like some of his best creative projects in recent years – but graced with all the indescribable depth that Costa brings to her presentation of the lyrics. Titles include "Segunda", "Recanto Escura", "Cara Do Mundo", "Autotune Autoerotico", "Tudo Doi", and "Neguinho

JOYCE - DACOR BRASILEIRA

A great slice of work from Joyce's career at EMI/Odeon – one that focuses on material from the classic Agua E Luz and Feminina albums – plus some later 90s tracks too! Joyce never let up during these years – still going strong, working in a mix of gentle bossa, jazzy folk, and strongly expressive lyrics that set her apart from most of her generation – truly sublime music that's made her one of our favorite Brazilian artists ever! The set features a few duet tracks, plus great solo material – and titles include "Feminina", "Misterios", "Rio Doce", "Duas Ou Tres Coisas", "Aldeia De Ogum", "Mais Uma Vez Mais Uma Voz", "Capitao", "Revendo Amigos", "Eternamente Gravida", "Minha Gata Rita Lee", "Rei Morto Rei Posto", and "Monsieur Binot".


Source: Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: WILL DOWNING, SLY & ROBBIE, CECILIA STALIN

WILL DOWNING – TODAY

The warm soul sound of today – courtesy of the legendary Will Downing! The set's the second in Downing's trilogy of soulful expression EPs, and it's got a wicked sound that's even better than the Yesterday volume – all original tunes by Will, co-written with Chris "Big Dog" Davis, who provides some great production on the set – the kind of lush but tight groove that always works perfectly with Will's vocals – mellow, but never too much so – and always with this gentle rhythm that glides along wonderfully with the vocals! Downing's never sounded better, and our hat's off to him for putting out such great music on his own label. Titles include "One Step Closer", "Sexy", "Like Last Night", and "The Blessing". (Tracks on CD pressed out of sequence).

SLY & ROBBIE – BLACKWOOD DUB

Trancscendent dub from masters Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare – delivering some of the best modern dub we've heard in years – from Sly & Robbie or anyone else! Firstly, the production and instrumentation is top notch. Recorded Harry J's and featuring a stellar line up of players. Secondly, they're delivering the goods creatively – with all the echo and atmosphere of classic dub, but doing so with a profoundly modern vibe. Sly's drums, percussion and syn drums are a mighty thing to behold – technologically adept, yet steeped in classic vibes. Robbie's guitars are great, too, and the players include Dalton Brownie, Hansel Collins, Robbie Lyn, Mikey Mao Chung and others. Includes "Dirty Flirty", "Shabby Attack", "Burru Saturday", "Communication Breakdown", "Frenchman Code", "Riding East", "Smoothie", "The Bomber", "The Great Escape" and more. (Limited edition vinyl includes the CD and poster.)

CECILIA STALIN – STEP LIKE A GIANT

A massive return to form from Cecilia Stalin – and proof that she's got way more to offer than just some amazing vocals! The set's not just great on the vocal tip, but also in terms of the arrangements, too – a 21st Century recasting of jazz modes, criss-crossed with the best bits of the European underground – served up with a vibe that's especially heavy on London flavors, too! Music crackles right from the start – and Cecilia wrote and arranged the whole set herself, while also singing these beautiful lyrics that blend old school vocalese with contemporary soul – the kind of groove that we first loved when we discovered her singing with Koop about a decade ago – but even more focused and mature here! The set features a few great remakes – "Step Like A Giant", "Afro Blue (Roots)", and "Favorite Things" – all showing her love of John Coltrane – plus the tracks "Cinematic Favorite", "Quinox", "Aisha", "One", "Shining Star", "So Blue & Green", and "My Naima".

Source: Dusty Groove

IDINA MENZEL LIVE - BAREFOOT AT THE SYMPHONY

Idina Menzel has a diverse career on the stage, in film and television, and in music. The beloved Broadway star, best known for her work in the Broadway musical and film adaption of Rent, her Tony Award-winning performance as Elphaba, the green-faced Wicked Witch of the West in Wicked, and her recurring role in the hit TV series Glee, has spent much of the past two years crisscrossing the country, headlining concerts with world-renowned symphony orchestras. This past November, on Menzel’s 2011 tour itinerary, the star recorded her forthcoming PBS special Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony. On March 6th, Concord Music Group released the DVD and accompanying album.

The TV special, DVD, and the album, were captured in Toronto at Koerner Hall, a beautifully modernist, acoustically blessed space literally carved out of the city’s historic Royal Conservatory of Music headquarters. Menzel performs with the 52-piece Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, one of Canada’s premiere symphony orchestras, under the direction of legendary conductor Marvin Hamlisch (or as Menzel prefers to call him, the legendary Marvin Hamlisch) and her equally accomplished music director and pianist, Rob Mounsey (who has worked with everyone from Paul Simon and Steely Dan to Madonna, Usher and Rihanna).

Though Menzel’s symphony concerts have attracted sellout crowds and earned consistent critical praise, she was hesitant about the idea at first. “I’ve toured a lot in my life with different bands and different styles of music, but I stayed away from orchestras and symphonies for a long time, because I like to have a real intimacy with the audience, and I was afraid these big orchestras would usurp my ability to do that. But then I discovered that there’s a way to work with 80 musicians and make it feel like we’ve all known each other for years. I’m still able to explore my edgier side with songs like ‘Roxanne,’ but do it with an orchestra, which is really thrilling.”

Menzel opens the set with “Life of the Party,” written by Andrew Lippa for his 2000 off-Broadway musical The Wild Party, which costarred Menzel and her husband, Taye Diggs. It was Menzel who came up with the clever idea of combining Cole Porter’s “Love for Sale” with Sting’s “Roxanne.” From Rent, the landmark musical that not only provided Menzel with her big professional break but also introduced her to Diggs, she chooses “No Day But Today.”

Between Broadway numbers, Menzel slips in Jimmy Webb’s “Asleep On the Wind” (recorded by Webb in 1974 for his album Land’s End). Other standouts include Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face,” which she performed with Lea Michele on Glee and charged Mounsey with the challenge of coming up with a big, orchestral arrangement for it. Mounsey also came up with a playful rendition of Rodgers and Hart’s “Where or When,” featuring a special guest, husband Taye Diggs. Making the guest appearance was, she says, “entirely his idea. Once we’re on stage together it’s the real deal and we have great fun.”

With the PBS special and the album both completed, Menzel plans to go back on tour this summer. She also hopes to return soon to Broadway for “a brand new, original show that I’m not allowed to talk about, but really excites me.” In addition, Idina’s exemplary work continues with A BroaderWay, the foundation she established with Diggs in 2010 to help inner-city girls find outlets for self-expression through arts-related programs. But, says Menzel, “my biggest project right now is trying to be a really great mom and learning how to balance family and career. I’m just trying to spend as much time with my family as I can.”

DAN CRAY - MERIDIES

Pianist/composer Dan Cray’s first four CDs—trio recordings featuring his Chicago-based threesome of bassist Clark Sommers and drummer Greg Wyser-Pratte—built their repertoires around enticing cover versions of standards and jazz classics.

Now with Cray’s bold new disc, Meridies, due out March 20 on Origin Records, the Chicago-area native has expanded his trio—here with Sommers and drummer Mark Ferber—to a quartet that includes the well-regarded young tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger. And the program now spotlights mostly Cray originals, with only two covers.

The main reason behind the shifts in Cray’s musical perspective was his move in 2009 to that hotbed of activity and creativity, New York City. Like so many jazz musicians before him, Cray felt that he needed to be in New York’s challenging, fertile milieu to test himself as a musician and discern his potential.

Since arriving in there in 2009 and settling in Brooklyn, Cray has done just that. He’s earned a Master’s in Music from New York University, where he taught as an adjunct music professor, and he’s met many simpatico musicians with whom he regularly performs in clubs or more informal house sessions.

Two of these recent acquaintances—drummer Ferber and saxophonist Preminger—are heard on Meridies. Through the now-NYC-based Sommers, of whom Cray says “he knows what I’m gonna do before I do,” the pianist met the in-demand Ferber. “He’s so clear with everything he does,” says Cray. “I’ve never heard him make a mistake.”

Subsequently, the pianist met Preminger, a fellow Brooklynite. “We hit it off from the start,” he says. “I could just tell we were gonna play together. I loved the fact that he loved ballads. Not all young players do.”

Meridies is an exciting package, full of modern-minded material given imaginative, accessible treatments. This slant to the program is partly the result of Cray’s thirst to find personal expression within the contemporary acoustic jazz framework, and partly due to mentoring by Mike Kocour, the pianist’s teacher at Northwestern University (where he received his B.A).

“More than anyone, Mike taught me about communication,” says Cray. “He showed me how to break things down to their essential elements and develop lines in a meaningful way.”

The program is replete with choice cuts. “Worst Enemy” segues from a wide-open Latin groove for the composer’s solo to a natty blues for Preminger; the pop standard “Smile” is done as a perky jaunt in 7/4. Cray’s “East 69” is a winsome trio outing in 3/4, while “Winter Rose” is a fresh contemporary tune with percolating rhythm. Joe Henderson’s “Serenity” is fast and spirited; Cray’s “Amor Fati” and “At Least” are succulent ballads that exhibit the pianist’s warmth and Preminger’s alluringly breathy sound.

Cray, 35, was born and grew up in the Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn, and started studying piano at age 4. After graduating Northwestern, he cut his teeth with live dates in Chicago, where he played with such top locals as saxophonists Eric Schneider and Greg Fishman and bassist Eddie de Haas. His first four CDs—2001’s Who Cares, No One (2004), Save Us (2005), and Over Here Overheard (2008)—enhanced his visibility.

Meridies (me-ri-dee-ayze), Latin for midday, “refers somewhat to William Butler Yeats’s book 'A Vision,'” says self-professed Latin geek Cray, “where he talks about the 35th year of life being the ‘apex of individuation.’ Hence, midday in the daily cycle.” Musically speaking, it refers to the mature and vivid work heard on Cray’s new recording.

Dan Cray’s New York CD release show will take place on Thursday 4/19 at the Kitano (Park Avenue at 38th Street, Manhattan). He’ll be performing with tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger, bassist John Tate, and drummer Matt Wilson. Cray returns to Chicago for a two-night engagement at Andy’s (with Preminger, Clark Sommers, and drummer TBA) 6/15-16.

JOHN PIZZARELLI - DOUBLE EXPOSURE

For nearly 30 years, guitarist John Pizzarelli has explored various corners of the jazz landscape and merged a variety of styles into a single, distinctive signature sound. On any given recording – indeed, in any given song – one is likely to encounter an entertaining convergence of jazz, swing, the American songbook, pop, bossa nova and more.

Double Exposure, Pizzarelli’s latest recording on Telarc – a division of Concord Music Group – focuses on two distinct styles to make a single fine recording. Set for release on May 15, 2012, Double Exposure is a collection of tunes by some of the great pop songwriters of his own generation that are framed squarely within traditional jazz arrangements.

“I didn’t want to just cover these songs, but rather find a way to present them that was unusual and interesting’” says Pizzarelli. “I think growing up in a household that had two specific record collections became the inspiration – my father’s jazz records, my sisters’ record collection and records brought around by their friends.”

The result is a fascinating and engaging musical hybrid. Double Exposure draws from a diverse pool of some of the best pop songwriters of the past five decades: Lennon and McCartney, Neil Young, James Taylor, Leiber and Stoller, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell and others. Woven into these memorable compositions are threads of jazz borrowed from figures like Wes Montgomery, Billy Strayhorn, Thad Jones and John Coltrane.

Pizzarelli is backed by his touring and studio band, featuring keyboardist Larry Fuller, bassist (and brother) Martin Pizzarelli and drummer Tony Tedesco. In addition, organist Larry Goldings assists on a number of tracks. A four-piece horn section arranged by Don Sebesky includes Tony Kadleck (trumpet, flugelhorn), John Mosca (trombone, euphonium), Kenny Berger (baritone sax, bass clarinet) and Andy Fusco (alto and tenor saxophone, clarinet), providing accents and embellishments along the way.

The 13-song set opens with the upbeat and uptempo “I Feel Fine/Sidewinder,” a track which Pizzarelli describes as “Lennon and McCartney meet Lee Morgan.” Before the recording sessions got under way in the fall of 2011, he and his band initially road tested the song at a Birdland gig in New York City. “There were kids there who were saying, ‘Hey, we loved the way you played ‘Sidewinder’ inside a Beatles tune!’”

This jazz-flavored rendition of the Beatles classic is the latest chapter in the prolific Pizzarelli-McCartney association that has developed over the past few months. Pizzarelli appears on several tracks on McCartney’s new album, Kisses on the Bottom, a collection of standards (plus two McCartney originals) released in early February. Two days after the release, Pizzarelli performed with Sir Paul at an iTunes concert at Capitol Records Studios in Hollywood, California. The two also performed together at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 12, 2012.

Pizzarelli’s intriguing renditions of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” and Billy Joel’s “Rosalinda’s Eyes” are a nod to the guitarist’s high school and college years – a period during which he played in numerous pop and rock cover bands – while “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” is his perky take on the Allman Brothers’ instrumental, augmented by themes from Wes Montgomery’s “Four On Six.” The combination was “something that just came out of the blue,” says Pizzarelli. “I was sitting up in my cabin, thinking about an instrumental. I thought about all the instrumental tracks the Allman Brothers have recorded over the years, and ‘Elizabeth Reed’ immediately came to mind.”

In “Walk Between the Raindrops,” the Donald Fagen song from his 1982 solo recording, The Nightfly,
includes arranger Don Sebeskey’s homage to trumpeter Thad Jones.

The slinky, sly-sounding “Take a Lot of Pictures” is the album’s sole original track, as penned by Pizzarelli and his wife, singer/actor Jessica Molaskey. The title comes from an old expression by Frank Sinatra, who was known to grow weary of backstage fans with overactive cameras. “Take a lot of pictures” was Sinatra’s way of implying that he wouldn’t be returning to the venue anytime soon. Likewise, the Pizzarelli/Molaskey song is a bitterly comic sendoff to a love gone sour.

The album closes with a whimsical reading of Seals and Crofts’ 1973 hit, “Diamond Girl,” which quotes directly from Miles Davis’ iconic “So What” and features an expressive trumpet solo by Tony Kadleck.

“There was a lot more to this record than just writing out chords to these songs and saying, ‘Let’s play this,’” Pizzarelli says of Double Exposure. “I really worked hard on the arrangements. I worked on what everybody would play. And I sat down with the guitar and worked everything out before I even sat down with the group.”

“It’s a different kind of record, but it’s also something that I’ve been wanting to do for several years, so I’m glad I finally got to do it. It was a matter of finding the jazz to go inside the pop song, and doing it in a way that would be entertaining and engaging.”

“In each one of these songs, there are two things happening at once – a pop dimension and a jazz dimension – but at the same time they blend together very well. This is what my career has been about, ever since I first became aware of music and ever since I first picked up the guitar. This record provides the listener with an exposure to both of these very significant dimensions.”