CONGO SANCHEZ – VOL. 1

Introducing Congo Sanchez, the backbeat of the Washington DC party scene. As one of the city’s most adept instrumentalists, he is the favored sideman and producer for dance bands and world music ensembles alike. His contributions to The Empresarios Bestia EP, Funk Ark’s From the Rooftops and Thievery Corporation’s Culture of Fear stand out with distinct character. He finally steps out on his own with his solo debut, Congo Sanchez, Vol. 1, out April 17, 2012 on ESL Music.

Musician and Selecta extraordinaire, Congo can generally be found in one of two places. If he’s not on the road drumming with DC’s own, Thievery Corporation or See-I: he’s jamming out to fresh vibes at the mysterious Lillypad studios. He is developing a unique blend of Afro-Latin Dub, as he evolves in to his own on the DC music scene. This EP-his first solo outing-proves that the sound is here, and Congo Sanchez is the ambassador. His over-all taste, and musical personality are a delight, with a superlative sense of rhythm and a musicianly approach to arrangements and melody.

“I embodied Afro-Cuban and Haitian rhythms while accompanying for world dance classes, and began composing pieces for Solo Percussion and Chamber Jazz Ensembles….built a DIY home studio and started to produce my own beats with these ideals in mind.”

Congo produces and performs everything on the EP, with two notable exceptions. Karen Joy McCoy plays shimmering violin on “Democrazy,” the opening track, while the horn section from Ikebe Shakedown – Morgan Price, sax; Jason Colby, trumpet; Nadav Nirenberg, trombone – add their blazing ensemble work to “T.E.T.O. (strut)” . Congo lays down subtle keyboard textures and multi-layered percussion tracks throughout, giving the music an otherworldly vibe rooted by his earthy backbeat.

“During college, I took interest world music. I learned of the Yoruba and Fon traditions of West Africa and how they remained vital throughout colonialization in the Western Hemisphere. All the time re-discovering these rhythms and melodies in music that I listened to growing up in suburban America.”

Congo Sanchez knows his roots and leads the listener on a fascinating journey along the vibrations of DC’s outernational sound.

Eslmusic.com

MARLENA SHAW - ANTHOLOGY

Marlena Shaw has been one of the most prolific soul and jazz female vocalists with a recording career spanning 35 years. Equally comfortable singing soul, jazz or cocktail lounge styles, her versatility and rich and sweet tones have graced albums recorded for Cadet in the 60's, Blue Note and Columbia in the 70's and independent labels, Polydor and Verve in the late 80's and most recently Concord Jazz.

On this anthology we have picked the cream of the tracks across her career for the first time on one album. We start this anthology in 1968, the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the States with the epic "Woman Of The Ghetto". An all time classic with poignant lyrics powerfully sung by Marlena. 'My children learn just the same as yours, as long as no one tries to close the door. We must all have identity - self respect is our separate task'. The song is backed by driving bass and Maurice White introducing the Kalimba sound with which he achieved great fame with Earth, Wind and Fire in the 70's. The track has long been in demand by both soul and jazz fans, but in the mid nineties the song with it's chorus scat was sampled by Blueboy on the club and chart hit "Remember Me", introducing it to a younger audience.

"California Soul" written by the then Motown stable writers Ashford & Simpson is a glorious late 60's soul song with Charles Stepney's string arrangement reminiscent of his more famous Rotary Connection sides also recorded for Cadet. Both these tracks are taken from Marlena's second Cadet album 'Spice of Life', which also featured the infectious but far too short "Liberation Conversation", a real powerhouse track featuring her distinctive scat vocals.

Marlena almost had a top 30 US R&B hit I 1967 with her second single, a cover of Cannonball Adderley's instrumental hit "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy". Her previous single, a cover of Ramsey Lewis' famous "Wade In The Water" which she co-wrote, failed to hit at the time but has rightly become a long time favourite of 60's soul collectors and Northern Soul dancers.

Marlena left Cadet after "Spice of Life" and toured with the Count Basie band for nearly five years, until 1972 when she became the first female singer to be signed to Blue Note.

Marlena stayed with Blue Note for five years recording five albums. Featured from that period here are the subtly funky and slinky "Lovin' You Was Like a Party", the wonderful mid tempo "The Feelings Good", the melancholy Carol King song "So Far Away" and her great version of Eugene McDaniels' "Feel Like Making Love" which really cooks.

On her last album for Blue Note It's Just A Matter Of Time, Marlena followed the trend and veered in the direction of Disco, which led to her being signed to Columbia in 1977. On Her first album for Columbia Sweet Beginnings, Marlena re-cut the Carole King/Goffin standard "Go Away Little Boy", which she had originally recorded on her 'Spice of Life' album in the 60's. This time inspired by her personal experiences and live performance ad libs, she included a straight talking introduction to the song 'Yu Ma' (her way of saying You Mutha) and made the definitive version of the song : her own classic. The track has been popular throughout the world ever since, and especially women who can relate to the lyrics. It also became the biggest hit of her long career reaching #21 in the US R&B chart.

The album also included the more jazzy "Look At Me Look At You", a delightfully breezy mid tempo number which has also been very popular for many years. Sweet Beginnings became Marlena's biggest selling album, reaching #62 in the billboard chart.

Her next album Acting Up, also produced by Bert De Coteaux in 1978, included three excellent 'two step' songs: "Rhythm of Love", "You Bring Out The Best in Me", and possibly the first recording of "Back For More". The latter was originally written by Kenny Stover for Leo's Sunship, but it is best known for Al Johnson's version featuring Jean Carn, recorded years later. 'Acting Up' also included the theme from the hit movie 'Looking For Mr Goobar' - "Don't Ask me To Stay Until Tomorrow", but the album failed to match the success of 'Sweet Beginnings'.

After an aborted album with producer Jack Gold and arranger Gene Page that was never released, she recorded her last album for Columbia Take A Bite in 1979, a mixture of disco and cocktail lounge songs, which included her disco version of "Touch Me In The Morning", a club hit at the time. It was four years later after leaving Columbia before Marlena recorded another album Let Me In Your Life for California indie South Bay Records. We include from that album the magnificent mid tempo two step "Without You In My Life" which was Gary Taylor's first recorded song.

In the same year (1983) she sang on guitarist Phil Upchurch's Name of The Game album for Jam Today, which features the uplifting, more up tempo "Could It Be You", which completes our anthology of this great and under-rated artist. Marlena still regularly performs, as she has since her debut at the Apollo Theatre NY at the age of 10, and tours Europe and Japan, enticing her audiences with many of the classic songs featured on this anthology.

Woman Of The Ghetto

California Soul

Mercy Mercy Mercy

Wade In The Water

Liberation Conversation

Loving You Was Like A Party

The Feeling's Good

So Far Away

Feel Like Making Love

Yu Ma/Go Away Little Boy

Rhythm Of Love

Without You In My Life

Look At Me, Look At You (We're Flying)
Back For More

You Bring Out The Best In Me

Could It Be You (w/Phil Upchurch)

Laurence Prangell April 2000

NEW RELEASES: MASABUMU KIKUCHI TRIO, SOUL SNATCHERS, ERIC ALEXANDER & VINCENT HERRING

MASABUMU KIKUCHI TRIO - SUNRISE

A beautifully fragile set from pianist Masabumi Kikuchi – one that still has all the sharp edges we loved in his earlier work, but also a great sense of space – and a surprising undercurrent of soul! The set begins with a ballad – one that shows a slightly warmer side of Kikuchi's playing, but still quite modern and revolutionary – thanks to help from Thomas Morgan on bass and Paul Motian on drums – both of whom guide the proceedings beautifully as other tunes move on – helping Masabumi work in a style of jazz that's more a measured utterance of short statements within a single song – rather than a unified message. The approach is quite striking, and hangs in the air with a great sense of suspense – one that's rewarded with brief moments of cohesion and illumination – before things are off again in an expressive array of shapes and sounds. Titles include "Ballad 1", "New Day", "Short Stuff", "So What Variations", "Sticks & Cymbals", "Uptempo", and "Last Ballad".

SOUL SNATCHERS – SCRATCH MY ITCH

A solid second album from the Soul Snatchers – a confident, soulful set and the Dutch funky soul collective – bettering their debut and delivering one of our favorite records on the Unique label! Like some of our other favorite contemporary combos, The Soul Snatchers snatch from a diverse goodie bag of influences, and they do it with modern freshness and style to spare. There's some unstoppable JBs styled heaters, groove-based organ soul, vocal tunes and instrumentals. They have a pair of great vocalists in Curtis T & Jimi Bellmartin and they do their thing with some uncommon instrumentation on top of the cooking horns, drums and rhythm – vibes and violin, for instance, plus some guest female backing vocals on several tunes. A winner! "Do You Wanna Get Down", "Who I Am", "Good To Me"., "The Right Track", "Finish What You Started", "Show Me Love", "The Lick", "The Chase", "Soul To Soul", "Good & Plenty" and more.

ERIC ALEXANDER & VINCENT HERRING – FRIENDLY FIRE: LIVE AT SMOKE

Two of the most soulful reedmen working today – blowing together beautifully in a great little set! Despite the combative title, there's a really warm, collaborative feel to the record right from the start – a setting that sparkles with all the deep tones we always love in Alexander's horn, and which seems to give Herring even more focus than usual – a sort of energy that we haven't heard in years on some of his other records! Tight rhythms are a good reason for the album's success – played by a trio that features Mike Ledonne on piano, John Webber on bass, and Carl Allen on drums – really setting fire to the reedmen, and letting them take off with long-stretching solos after some initial grooving on the heads of the tunes. Titles include "Timothy", "Inception", "Sukiyaki", "Pat N Chat", "Dig Dis", and "Here's That Rainy Day".

Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: GANG COLOURS, ALKIBAR GIGNOR & FANNY FRANKLIN

GANG COLOURS – KEYCHAIN COLLECTION

Melodic and atmospheric sounds from Gang Colours – fragile and tuneful material that’s somewhat of a surprise from the Brownswood label! I guess we shouldn't really think of what Gang Colours does here as that much of a departure for the label, given their unpredictable oeuvre is never all that easy to pigeonhole, yet it still caught us off guard – in the best kind of way. Piano and synth float over intermittently spare and busier beats, vocals and textural waves of sound. What really sets it apart is the mood – we don't want to call it somber, but it's definitely got a haunting feel! Includes "Heavy Petting", "Forgive Me?", "To Repel Ghosts", "Pebble Dash", "Tissues & Fivers", "Botley In Bloom", "Fancy Restaurant", "On Compton Bay", "Rollo's Ivory Tale" and more.

ALKIBAR GIGNOR – LA PAIX

A group with a great blend of old and new modes – a mix of rootsy sounds from their native Mali, and some more focused guitar lines that really help revolutionize their music! The notes bill Alkibar Gignor as a "garage rock band" – and while we think that's a bit of a stretch, as there's not that much rock in their music, there is a nicely gritty style of production that really helps them keep their edge – a slightly muddy mode that's a great contrast from some of the "too clean" Mali recordings out there in recent years! The vocals get distorted at times, and the guitar workouts almost verge on fuzz – even though they spin out in clear lines that are much more Malian than Anglo – and the drums have a bumping quality under the vocal interplay, bringing an unexpected vibe to the record. Titles include "Adounia", "Lahidou", "Aniya", "Adibara", "Tamala", and "Dakou".

FANNY FRANKLIN – GET WET

The first solo set from funky soul songbird Fanny Franklin – and it's a great one! Fanny was the original singer for Orgone and she's been an in-demand voice for a few years now – collaborating with contemporary and legendary figures from Shawn Lee to Dennis Coffey – so it was about time she stepped out front, right? Right! The best part is that she's doing it on her own terms. Classic funk & soul-inspired songcraft, played with a youthful and modern spirit, by excellent musicians. We've loved her voice since we first heard her with Orgone, so to find out now that she also has the goods as a songwriter and primary creative engine, that feels like a total win! Tracks include "Rivers", "Get Wet", "Gasoline", "Good Stuff", "Pushin", "My World", "Open Your Eyes", "All The Pretty Girls", "Dug Up", "Yes You Do" and "Keep On Runnin".

Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: GEORGES ARVANTAS, RONNIE CUBER & FRANCO CERRI

GEORGES ARVANITAS – SOUL JAZZ

One of the most hard-hitting albums ever cut by pianist Georges Arvanitas – an early effort that's all soul jazz all the way through! Although Arvanitas is best known as a committed modernist, especially in later years, this sweet early 60s session is a stone cooker in the best mode of Blue Note dates of the time – tight, swinging, and perfectly poised with just the right space for some excellent solos from Francois Jeanneau on tenor, Bernard Vitet on trumpet, and Arvanitas himself on piano – all grooving in a style that would make the Jazz Messengers proud, but also one that's got some key touches of postwar Parisian jazz too. Bass is by Michel Gaudry and drums are by Daniel Humair – and titles include "Oblivion", "This Here", "Poco Loco", "Bouncin With Bud", "Bohemia After Dark", and "Mister X".

RONNIE CUBER - BOPLICITY

Ronnie Cuber in a bebop mode – one that works perfectly, given his always-fluid touch on the baritone sax! The group's a quartet – with Michael Wolff on piano, Cameron Brown on bass, and Johnathan Blake on drums – and the main focus is on Ronnie's deft solos, blown across a host of classics from the days of Diz and Bird! Titles include "Ow", "Quasimodo", "Cheryl", "Boplicity", "Now's The Time", "Night In Tunisia", and "My Little Suede Shoes".

FRANO CERRI – CERRIMEDIO A TUTTO

Beautiful recent work from Italian guitarist Franco Cerri – and a set that really expands upon that great sound he developed in the 70s! Right at the start, Cerri was already one of the best jazz guitarists on the European scene – but as the 70s moved on, he developed this wonderfully subtle style of using his instrument – one that was often incredibly soft on the attack of the notes, yet still managed to swing strongly – in ways that, because of the groove, were different than guitar styles that were budding up north with the ECM scene – almost as if he was quickly shifting together waves of sound with deft ease. This album brings that sound into focus nicely with a strong group of younger artists – including vocalists on a few tunes, who give things a bit of a bossa touch, too. Titles include "Foxology", "Leggenda", "Racconto", "Stazione Termini", "Fly", "Giovia", "Cerrimedio", "Il Blues Dei Framasteni", and "Nannerl".

Dusty Groove

ENNIO MORRICONE SOUNDTRACK REISSUES

LA STAGIONE DEI SENSI
A lesser-known soundtrack from Ennio Morricone – but one of his grooviest moments of the late 60s! The score is a great blend of heavy and light – and blends together that wonderful floating Morricone style with some heavier, fuzzier tunes that show the late 60s period of the film – all making for a really fleshed-out sound, of the sort that you're usually likely to hear in some of Morricone's classics! The album includes one great number that's got an extended sitar solo, and a few more with hard-edged male vocals by Patrick Samson that almost feel like late 60s French pop! Titles include "Gloria", "Sytar", "Una Voce Allo Specchio", "Tell Me Tell Me", "Sospendi Il Tempo", "In Tre Quarti", "Laila Laila", and "Dinamica Per 5 + 1".

VERGOGNA SCHIFOSI
A great little soundtrack from Ennio Morricone – with music that sports vocals both by I Cantori Moderni and Edda Dell'Orso – both of whom are working in prime Mondo Morricone modes! There's a dreamy feel to the best numbers on the set – heard most perfectly in the classic "Guardami Negli Occhi", which has Edda's vocals unfolding like tiny flowers dropping into a river – that magical sound she has, which no other singer can match – and which makes some of these Morricone soundtracks completely essential. All tracks are great, and other titles include "Matto Caldo Soldi Morto Girotondo", "Ninna Nanna Per Adulti", "Una Spiaggia A Mezzogiorno", and "Un Altro Mare".

TEOREMA
A great score for an incredible film! Teorema is a strange and wonderful early film by Pier Paolo Pasolini – and about half of the soundtrack was written by Ennio Morricone, in a mixture of dark, edgey themes, and some more groovy tunes with a great late 60s Italy feel – an early moment of genius for the maestro, augmented by some Mozart numbers that further complicate the soundtrack! The groovier material includes the beat-heavy "Fruscio Di Foglie Verdi", the bouncing wordless vocal "L'Ultima Corrida", and the jangly guitar instrumental "Beat No 3" – and other tunes include "Teorema", "Frammenti", and the "Messa Da Requiem" by WA Mozart, which is also used in the film – to very haunting effect!

Dusty Groove

AFROLICIOUS - PLEASURETIME EP

Following on the heels of the first EP this takes the Afrolicious sound to another level of songwriting, production, and dance heavy beats. Focusing on more uptempo tracks like title track Pleasuretime, and Never Let No One each featuring vocalist Fresh is Life from Trinidad, the hybrid of Afro-Beat and Disco-House is emphasized on these tracks and reflect a hybrid that has been explored since the first days of the Afrolicious party. Revolution is a hard hitting breakbeat with Afro-Beat, Funk, and electronica all meeting on a sure fire dance floor banger. Written as a news broadcast set to a funk beat and reflecting the various global movements over the last year. Featuring Pleasuremaker on lead vocals, other strong vocals were cut by Rhonda, aka Red the Black Blond, Ziek McCarter, and Diamond all from the Afrolicious organization. Finally Yacouba Diarra makes a return appearance on Bade Malou, a more uptempo follow up to the ‘Dub For Mali’ title track on the debut Afrolicious release. The deep and meditative vibes meet a danceable beat and baseline, and psychedelic effects are juxtaposed against the Ngoni, an acoustic stringed instrument from Africa. Here we have West Africa meeting breakbeats, electronica, dub effects, and psychedelia. 　Pleasuretime was produced by Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation, and co-produced by Pleasuremaker. The two bounce ideas off of each other betweeb their busy touring schedules and are also on track to finish the remainder of the full length album to be released later in the year! The connection of Rob Garza w- Afrolicious makes for some tasty productions that combine the best of organic and electronic elements, seamlessly brought together here in the mix by engineer Gianmaria Conti (Italy, Thievery Corporation live sound engineer).

eslmusic.com

CHICK COREA'S MARIKA GROOVE

Big Round Records has announced the world premiere recording of Chick Corea's Marika Groove,  available on iTunes on April 3, 2012.

Marika Groove is a twelve-minute instrumental tour-de-force by Chick Corea written for virtuoso marimba soloist Mika Yoshida and Grammy®-winning clarinetist Richard Stoltzman. Drummer Steve Gadd and bassist Eddie Gomez join Yoshida and Stoltzman to capture Corea's composition in a sprawling, ebullient track featuring finely-honed instrumental interplay, muscular rhythmic structures, and ceaselessly inventive melodies, which Yoshida delivers with her signature inspiration and aplomb. The track was recorded at Avatar Studios in New York NY, engineered by Jay Messina and produced by Gadd and Yoshika.

“Creating this composition for Mika Yoshida was a pure joy, " says composer Chick Corea. "Her only request to the composer was to have 'groove' be part of the composition. So groove we have – especially for the special premiere with the great Steve Gadd and virtuosic Eddie Gomez. And a special joy to also write for my old friend Richard Stoltzman – the rubato solo in the middle is written especially for him.”

“We are delighted to release and premiere such an outstanding and historic recording as this, ” says Big Round parent company PARMA Recordings CEO Bob Lord. “We have had a longstanding, fruitful musical relationship with Mika Yoshida and Richard Stoltzman, and this marks a new and significant chapter in our collaboration.”

Marika Groove will be available on iTunes on April 3rd, 2012, a day ahead of its April 4th premiere performance at Carnegie Hall in New York. This is the second release from Big Round Records featuring the Yoshida/Gadd/Gomez trio, following the highly acclaimed live DVD, Mika Marimba Madness.

LIONEL RICHIE - TUSKEGEE

I met my wife to Lionel Richie's "You Are," so he'll always hold a special place on my iPod. But his three decade post-Commodores solo career has also been, for me, the source of conflicting emotions. There's never been a question of his talent, only of his judgment. While Richie has provided an abundance of memorable tunes and moments of brilliance, he has too often taken a path of least resistance. Like a politician before a general election, Richie has always gravitated toward the middle, sanding down the edges of his music to find as broad an audience as possible at every moment. Consequently, while his early Commodores days were filled with a balance of soulful ballads and real funk, over time his sound smoothed out until it represented the mildest of popular music, with ersatz soul, ersatz funk and lots and lots of soft, harmless ballads.

So it was with much trepidation that I approached Richie's highly hyped new project, Tuskegee. It screamed "gimmick" in the worst sense of the word, with Richie remaking many of his biggest hits in duet formats with country music stars. But as with those cat and laughing baby videos on YouTube, despite my trepidation I felt compelled to check out Tuskegee, perhaps only to find out how much of a train wreck it would be. My surprising conclusion: Tuskegee is far better than it has any right to be and will likely be happily welcomed by Richie's sizeable international audience.

Tuskegee is "country" in the same way that Urkel is "cool" when he becomes Stefan Urkelle or the way my accountant uncle is a Hell's Angel when he rides a Harley. In other words, you simply add the trappings of that to which you aspire -- here, a steel pedal guitar and some close harmonies -- and declare victory. But despite the quintessential country touches, this album is as close to adult pop as anything Richie's done in his 40 year career. And, once you get past the pretense, that's nothing to apologize about. Lionel Richie has as keen a sense of melody as any popular composer of his generation and he is almost incapable of making music that is less than listenable, even if it is occasionally uninspired. And it is that upbeat sense of melody that makes Tuskegee generally a success.

Whenever an artist creates an album that remakes his prior hits, there is an unavoidable measuring stick that compares the new versions with popular original cuts, and that is where Tuskegee outperforms expectations. Modern production and instrumentation spices up much of the album, in some cases resulting in songs that actually surpass the originals: "Dancing On the Ceiling," Richie's jump-the-shark dance song of the mid-80s, gets a surprisingly enjoyable new life as an upbeat Southern rocker with the help of Rascal Flatts. Similarly, the mid-2000s cut "Just For You" is beefed up with the help of Billy Currington. And Richie's treacly breakout song from 1981, "Endless Love," is quite enjoyable with new duet partner Shania Twain and a more muscular arrangement. Richie apologists have been quick to point out that he had a several country-influenced songs in his discography, and a number of them are reprised here in relatively strong fashion, including "Stuck On You" (with Darius Rucker), "Deep River Woman" (with Little Big Town") and "Sail On" (with Tim McGraw) -- though only "Stuck On You" adds much to the original version.

As expected, some other songs on Tuskegee would have been better left alone. Richie's gentle "Hello" is the most obvious, with Richie and the overpowering Jennifer Nettles approaching the song so differently that they sound like they were on different planets when they recorded their parts (where's the blind sculpter girl when you need her?). Less perplexing but also less interesting are the remake of "Lady" with Kenny Rogers, the DOA "All Night Long" with Jimmy Buffett and a duet with Willie Nelson on "Easy" (complete with forlorn harmonica and mandolin) that can't seem to decide if it is a 70s pop number or the backing track from a Spaghetti Western.

Maybe its because I came in with low expectations, or maybe its because Lionel Richie is, in many ways, the ultimate audience-pleasing performer, but overall I found Tuskegee to be a pretty enjoyable listen. Richie is able to freshen a batch of long-cataloged songs with a 21st century sheen and an A-List of crossover country co-stars who are working hard and with no perceptable sense of irony. It still has a bit of a novelty feel, and I doubt we'll all be listening to a trifle like Tuskegee two years from now, but for today I'll settle for this batch of well produced, earnest performances of songs most of us grew up with. Recommended.

By Chris Rizik
Soultracks.com

PAUL SIMON - GRACELAND 25TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR'S EDITION BOX SET

The 25th anniversary of Graceland, Paul Simon's groundbreaking album that continues to influence and inspire generations, will be commemorated with musical and film celebrations stretching into the summer. Following its Sundance Film Festival premiere, the Joe Berlinger-directed documentary "Under African Skies," chronicling the creation and lasting influence of Graceland, will have its US television premiere on A&E this spring. The documentary has been garnering critical acclaim on the film festival circuit with screenings at SXSW 2012, where it received an Audience Award, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and the Sundance Film Festival. The film is slated for variety of screenings this spring and summer including showings at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, the Florida Film Festival and the RiverRun Film Festival. In May, "Under African Skies" will screen at the Seattle International Film Festival and Sundance UK as well as other festivals worldwide. The film will enjoy a limited theatrical engagement in New York and Los Angeles, beginning May 11th (check local listings for screening times).

To help commemorate the anniversary and celebrate the indelible musical legacy of Graceland, Legacy Recordings will be offering several 25th Anniversary versions of Paul Simon's Graceland available strarting on June 5th.

Special Graceland 25th Anniversary Collector's Edition Box Set – a 2 CD/2 DVD set which including the remastered original album, the "Under African Skies" documentary film extended interviews, the original 1987 "African Concert" from Zimbabwe, three original music videos and the iconic "Saturday Night Live" performance of "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes." The box set also features the audio narrative "The Story of Graceland as told by Paul Simon, replicas of an original Graceland poster and a handwritten lyrics pad, plus a deluxe 80-page book featuring new and archival photos and interviews with Paul Simon. The box set also includes a special short audio documentary of Simon discussing the making of the record.

The official Graceland 25th Anniversary Edition CD/DVD – an exclusive two disc set featuring the remastered original album with five bonus tracks and audio documentary, and "Under African Skies" film with bonus features, three original music videos and "Saturday Night Live" performance of "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes."

"Under African Skies" Blu-ray Disc – the feature documentary in state-of-the-art 5.1 sound with bonus extended interviews.

Graceland 25th Anniversary Edition Vinyl – This audiophile edition is remastered on 180-gram 12" vinyl and includes an art-quality collectible Graceland poster and a download card with the full album plus three bonus tracks. It will be available beginning Saturday, April 21 at independent retailers worldwide participating in Record Store Day.
http://www.recordstoreday.com/Home

An ultra-deluxe Graceland 25th Anniversary Edition Box Set package - The ultimate Graceland set includes the boxed set, the 180-gram 12" vinyl and a signed and numbered autographed commemorative poster--will be available direct-to-consumers during a limited time exclusive offer on the official Paul Simon website (http://www.paulsimon.com/).

"Under African Skies" is the story of the making of Graceland, and the controversy created when Paul Simon went to South Africa to record with local artists, is told in "Under African Skies," the new full-length documentary from two-time Emmy, Peabody Award winner and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Joe Berlinger.

Featuring interviews with key anti-apartheid activists of the time and such musical legends as Quincy Jones, Harry Belafonte, Paul McCartney, David Byrne and Peter Gabriel, "Under African Skies" travels with Paul Simon back to South Africa, 25 years after his first visit, and recounts the making of the record, surveying from the vantage of history the turbulence and controversy surrounding the album's genesis. His artistic decision to collaborate with African musicians created a new world musical fusion, combining American and African musical idioms while igniting an intense political crossfire, with Paul Simon accused of breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime.

The universal appeal of the music of Graceland proved more powerful and enduring than the political hotbed attending its creation. In 1986, the album sold 14 million copies worldwide, received universal praise from critics around the globe. Simon and the members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed on "Saturday Night Live" in what turned out to be a landmark moment in SNL history.

Graceland won "Album of the Year" at the Grammy Awards in 1987. Then, in an unprecedented carryover, the album garnered the Grammy for "Song of the Year" with its title track in 1988. The album generated three hit singles--including "You Can Call Me Al" and its iconic video with Chevy Chase--and kept Paul Simon and the Graceland tour on the road for five years. It continues to be a major force and a source of inspiration and joy for musicians and fans alike.

http://www.graceland25.com/.

SINGER/SONGWRITER MEKLIT HADERO W/SPECIAL GUEST QUINN DEVEAUX @ THE KANBAR CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Emerging from her adopted hometown of San Francisco, Meklit erupted to national notice with the 2010 release of On a Day Like This…, combining “New York jazz with West Coast folk and African flourishes, all bound together by Hadero’s beguiling voice,” her full-length debut — which also garnered feature-stories on its maker from NPR, PBS, National Geographic and YouTube Music Pick in Sept. All have brought Meklit’s music to a whole new audience. A sheer joy to experience, this artist on the verge of worldwide stardom joins us tonight with her band featuring Darrell Green on drums, Darren Johnston on trumpet. A night of soulful world/folk/jazz and cocktails at lantern lit cabaret tables.

This singer/songwriter is not limited to what you hear on her first CD; Meklit Hadero is a TED Senior Fellow, and, as such, will be developing over the next 2 years an immense musical journey down several of the countries of the Nile Treaty in her Nile Project .

Constantly busy between touring, recording and planning the Nile Project, her gigs range from San Francisco’s classic rock club, The Independent, to a month-long artist residency at NYU while curating weekly shows at Lincoln Center's Atrium; she was a Bumberpick (along with Mavis Staples) at Bumbershoot in Sept. and in October she did a 5 day residency at the International Ringling Festival in Sarasota, FL (curated by Baryshnikov himself), and Misha liked her so much he insisted on presenting her at the Baryshnikov Performing Arts Center in NYC.

Meklit Hadero performs with special guest Quinn Deveaux, in Concert at the Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts at the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael on Thursday, May 3 @ 7:30pm.

ARETHA HENRY-JONES - CAPTIVE

Mississippi bred R&B/Pop singer-songwriter Aretha Henry-Jones has released "Captive", the first single from her upcoming sophomore album. The album is expected to be released in December.

Aretha Henry-Jones first arrived on the scene in 2008 when she began releasing singles from her debut album Beautiful which officially released in 2010. With the help of a wide spread and adoring fan base, she has built an enviable web presence as an unsigned artist.

Her latest single "Captive" further shows that Aretha Henry-Jones is the real deal. Fan reactions have all been positive:

"Beautiful voice…Lyrical and Dreamy."

"This is amazing…Love the smooth sound"

" Just amazing"

"So gorgeous…You have a special gift.."


Aretha describes on her blog what influenced "Captive" :
"At the beginning of this year, I was prepared to take a break from music since I've been hard at it since '08. I had said at the end of 2011 that I was gonna take some time for myself. Every part of my body said that I needed a break, and I was set to do just that.

It was the strangest thing, because all of a sudden, I got the biggest surge of energy, and all I wanted to do was make more music. So I asked myself, how do I slow down when I want to run?...Well, I did slow down (for about a week), but music was heavy on my mind. That's where "Captive" came from.

Music has always held me captive. No matter what, ups or downs... music has been a constant part of my life. Music is the only thing that I've never been able to run away from."

Listen to "Captive" and other music from Aretha Henry-Jones here: www.arethahenry.com/Aretha_Henry_Music.html

NEW DEBUT ALBUM FROM NAOMI LAVIOLETTE

On the heels of a standing room only album-release show held at Portland's premier jazz club Jimmy Mak's, Naomi LaViolette has released her self-titled debut album. The album finds an acoustic niche between the worlds of folk singer-songwriter and jazz soulstress with ten original songs and fresh arrangements of George Gershwin's "Our Love Is Here to Stay" and Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now".

Compared to Sarah McLachlan, LaViolette skillfully weaves her training in classical piano performance and jazz standards with a variety of folk, soul, pop and gospel creating a musical vibe that is both vintage and current. She tells stories of falling in love, and staying in love, while striking a distinctive balance between heartbreak, soul-searching and hope.

Produced and engineered by Dean Baskerville (Sheryl Crow, Everclear, Pink Martini), LaViolette fronts the album at the piano with lead and background vocals, synth creations and harmonica. Featured musicians include esteemed guitarist Tim Ellis (Craig Carothers, Aaron Meyer, Michael Allen Harrison), bassist Bill Athens (Nancy King, Mary Kadderly, Trio SubTonic) and drummer Jeramy Burchett (Dirt Poor Robins, 5 O'Clock People). Recording sessions were held at Kung Fu Bakery and Dead Aunt Thelma's recording studios.

In addition to releasing her debut album, LaViolette recently performed her inaugural gig (Feb 24) at Portland's 9th annual Jazz Festival. PDX Jazz Fest Managing Director Don Lucoff discovered LaViolette as she performed at Portland’s Heathman Hotel and an invitation immediately followed.

Pianist, singer-songwriter LaViolette is a Portland, Oregon native and earned a master's degree in classical piano performance from Portland State University. She studied with Portland jazz greats including Randy Porter and Darrel Grant. LaViolette also performs in the classical music scene, as the accompanist for the Oregon Repertory Singers since 2004 and as a chamber musician in Classical Revolution PDX and the Fleur-De-Lis Piano Trio.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/naomi-laviolette/id503403155
http://soundcloud.com/naomilaviolette/sets/naomilaviolette/s-zrSGN

JOAN OSBORNE - BRING IT ON HOME

Singer and songwriter Joan Osborne is no stranger to covering vintage soul, R&B, and blues. She did so on 2002's How Sweet It Is and 2007's Breakfast in Bed, and in the documentary film Standing in the Shadows of Motown. Osborne has also flexed her muscles as a producer for the Holmes Brothers, capturing their live vibe better than anyone else.

For Bring It On Home, Osborne once more digs into the soul, blues, and R&B wellspring. Co-producing with Jack Petruzzelli and using her road band, a horn section, and guests, she turns in the rawest, most kinetic moment in her recording career thus far. The choice of material is stellar, beginning with Ashford & Simpson's Ray Charles' vehicle "I Don't Need No Doctor."

She gets deeply into its grain, with drummer Aaron Comess just popping the groove, and the Holmes Brothers on backing vocals. Jimmy Vivino's horn chart is clean and forceful. The title track, defined by Sonny Boy Williamson, is given a sultry reading.

Osborne's restraint is airy but defined; the listener can feel the tension smoldering underneath. Barbecue Bob Pomeroy's harmonica is a brilliant counterpart, letting loose some steam from what's roiling underneath her vocal. The choice of the obscure "Roll Like a Big Wheel," by blues drummer and vocalist Olive Brown is a burning R&B shouter, with smokin' harmonica and horns; Osborne's voice rises above the fray and locks the groove in tight. Ike Turner's "Game of Love" -- written specifically for Tina -- is a grimy, funky, nasty, strutting feminist anthem in Osborne's version; its meaning (and irony) never more clear.

Her transformation of John Mayall's "Broken Wing" is nothing short of a revelation. Allen Toussaint's '70s-era funky reggae "Shoorah! Shoorah!" features him on piano and is a delightful curveball. Osborne's cover of Slim Harpo's "Shake Your Hips" comes from the blues more than the rock & roll of the Rolling Stones' version and it's righteous. She burns on Muddy Waters' "I Want to Be Loved," which is more demand than request. Her versions Bill Withers' "Same Love That Made Me Laugh" is raucous yet peels back the layers in its meaning. Her understated reading of Otis Redding's "Champagne and Wine" is gorgeous, with a distorted slide guitar bearing witness to the many subtle nuances in Osborne's vocal that make plain the desire in the lyric. Ultimately, there isn't a performance here that isn't drenched with passion and a true stylist's sense of invention.

This isn't a reverential recording; it's authoritative; she makes these songs her own. Bring It On Home carries Osborne's mature voice in way that's never been heard on her studio recordings, making it stand head and shoulders above them. Her abilities as a song stylist and interpretive singer prove she is an extension of these traditions, not merely a torch bearer for them.

Thom Jurek (http://www.allmusic.com/album/bring-it-on-home-r2385169/review)

Joan Osborne - Bring It On Home tracklisting:
1. I Don't Need No Doctor - 3:20
2. Bring It On Home - 4:07
3. Roll Like A Big Wheel - 2:50
4. Game Of Love - 3:16
5. Broken Wings - 4:38
6. Shoorah! Shoorah! - 2:52
7. I Want To Be Loved - 3:35
8. The Same Love That Made Me Laugh - 4:25
9. Shake Your Hips - 3:28
10. I'm Qualified - 3:15
11. Champagne And Wine - 3:41
12. Rhymes - 4:43
13. One Of Us - 2:34

RON TYSON - RECIPE 4 LOVE

Ron Tyson has been a staple in R&B for more than 40 years, both as a vocalist and songwriter. Ron first came on the scene with Love Committee (formerly the Ethics) and later with as the lead tenor/falsetto for the iconic Temptations, making his first appearance with the group on the Motown 25th Anniversary television show in 1983. Since he began his stint with the Temps, Ron has enjoyed the third longest tenure of any member in the group, behind founding members Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin.

Ron takes a bit of that Temptations experience and flavor and adds it to the mix with his new album, Recipe 4 Love. The Philadelphia-born, Monroe, North Carolina-raised Tyson has created an adult contemporary album that’s infused with elements of 90’s Hip Hop-influenced R&B to give it a youthful adult appeal. Recipe 4 Love also brings in a strong 80’s retro vibe . The album is ripe with great lyrics from Ron and various writers, and in all honesty, the man can still blow.

Tyson has written for a number of great artists such as the O’Jays, Archie Bell & the Drells, Eddie Kendricks, the Dells, the Four Tops and Gloria Gaynor. With Recipe 4 Love, Ron Tyson brings back a time when men expressed both their machismo and vulnerability in their music, and he uses the romance element sorely missing in today’s R&B that will make past great music lover men proud. But the real treasure of Recipe 4 Love is the storytelling, which is fast becoming a lost art in today’s music world.

Musically, the production of Recipe 4 Love relied a bit heavily on electronic keyboards, with an unfortunate shortage of standout live instrumentation . But the producers were able to capture the essence, vibe and mood of what Tyson was looking to convey with the album, and it comes thru with each song, whether dance, mid-tempo, or slow ballad. Tyson gives you all three speeds, including a beautiful, tell-it-like it is duet with soul legend Freda Payne on “Before the Hurting Starts”.

Recipe 4 Love is a steady blend of old soul/R&B with New Jack sensibilities, and it works. The top-notch writing appeals to the experiences of the adult contemporary listener, and the vocals reel you into Ron Tyson’s web of the ups and downs of love and romance. That’s all you can ask for from an artist of Tyson’s measure, and somehow, I have a sneaking suspicion that I’ll be hearing some of the dance tracks at a grown folks’ party in the near future. Highly Recommended.

By Gabriel Rich
Soultracks.com

JEFF CASCARO - THE OTHER MAN

Before Heatwave hit it big in the United States with their debut album Too Hot to Handle, they had a large following in Europe. The band was especially popular in Germany. By the mid 1970s, Heatwave was following a well-worn path to Germany that had been blazed by acts such as The Beatles. So it’s clear that German music lovers have an ear and affinity for soul, rock and other musical styles made in America. German artists have also spent considerable amount of time listening, watching and woodshedding, as is evidenced by the latest release by Jeff Cascaro, who has just released his third soul album, The Other Man.

Cascaro’s musical history should not be too surprising considering the absolute love that many Europeans have for soul, blues and jazz music. Cascaro is a trumpeter who has played with the top German bands and with American legends such as Joe Sample. He developed a love for the blues when he was 14-years old. That Cascaro is currently 43 underscores the fact that he was digging the blues at a time when his American counterparts were actively rejecting the music. From the blues and jazz Cascaro made the transition to soul and R&B music.

Vocally, Cascaro is especially suited to sing soul music. He sports a smooth but muscular tenor that effortlessly soars into falsetto range, as displayed on the ballad “You.” That tune is reminiscent of the work that Leon Ware did on his 2008 release Moon Ride. Tracks such as “Swing Thing” and “Beale Street” honor the important role that blues and jazz take in Cascaro’s life. Cascaro displays a musicologist’s command of jazz history, as he calls out some of the greats in jazz history on “Swing Thing.” The number also reveals that while Cascaro does a lot of singing, he retains his instrumentalist sensibilities. “Swing Thing” showcases Cascaro’s horn playing, and also provides ample room for his sidemen to improvise.

It’s clear that Cascaro finds being so far removed from soul music’s epicenter somewhat liberating. He neither faces the prospect of being forced to update his sound in order to be heard among the din of singers screeching to gain the attention of the youth orientated artists, Nor does he have to wander through the wilderness – a musical prophet without honor – because he adheres to the ideal of pure soul music. That’s often the fate of American soul singers, which is why so many of them seek and find critical and commercial success in Europe. Nope, Cascaro has the freedom to put his entire heart and soul into singing southern soul numbers such as the title track and “Going Home,” or he can drop a hot buttered soul track such as the flute infused “Give it To Me,” or even include jazzy numbers such as the pensive “The Girl Who Got Away.” These diverse cuts all add up to a cohesive whole on The Other Man, and Cascaro’s American listeners will not have to be worry about anything being lost in translation. Highly Recommended

By Howard Dukes
Soultracks.com

SANTANA - SHAPE SHIFTER

Carlos Santana’s latest album, Shape Shifter, has just been announced and is set for release on May 15th! Santana is also gearing up to open at the House of Blues May 2nd, and coming soon is a Special Summer East Coast Tour announcement.

Shape Shifter is Carlos Santana's 36th album and is a 13-song instrumental, tour de force, featuring tracks spanning from the late 1990’s to the present and comprises mostly original compositions that have been stashed away for such an instrumental project.

With each track selected and sequenced by Carlos, Shape Shifter is a journey through soaring Santana leads, driving beats and beautifully crafted melodies that have made Santana a household name. Consistent throughout the project is the world-class musicianship of the Santana Band members, who bring vitality and heart to every note. Band members include Benny Rietveld, Dennis Chambers, Raul Rekow, Karl Perazzo, Tony Lindsay, Andy Vargas along with Chester Thompson and special guest Salvador Santana.

Carlos dedicated the album to Native American Indians. He says, “I encourage any and all countries (that have not as yet done so) to acknowledge the first people of their land, and make this a collective global effort.”

Beginning May 2nd, Carlos is returning to Las Vegas for a two-year run of a unique residency at the House of Blues Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. An Intimate Evening with Santana offers you the ability to see Santana and his Greatest Hits Live show in the intimate 1300 seat environment of the House of Blues Mandalay Bay.

May 2,4,5 & 6
May 9,11, 12 & 13
May 23, 25, 26 & 27
May 30, June 1, 2, & 3
Sept 12, 13 & 15
Sept 21, 22 & 23
Oct 31, Nov 2, 3 & 4
Nov 7, 9, 10 & 11

Santana Shape Shifter tracklisting:
1. Shape Shifter
2. Dom
3. Nomad
4. Metatron
5. Angelica Faith
6. Never The Same Again
7. In The Light Of A New Day
8. Spark Of The Divine
8. Macumba in Budapest
10. Mr. Szabo
11. Eres La Luz
12. Canela
13. Ah, Sweet Dancer

Santana.com

MACY GRAY - COVERED

Macy Gray, newly signed with 429 Records, is ready for the release of her stunning new album Covered - a collection of all new recordings of handpicked songs she's chosen to reinterpret in her own inimitable fashion. With a buzz kicked off by an announcement in Billboard and Rolling Stone, Macy is already confirmed to appear on prime media outlets including Howard Stern, Conan, Late Show with David Letterman, Tavis Smiley and more. Produced by Hal Willner (Lou Reed, Metallica), Zoux and Macy Gray Covered tackles material largely drawn from indie rock songs from the last decade - interpretations her fans will be familiar with as she's been performing them live over the years.

The album contains biting, dark signature tracks such as Arcade Fire's "Wake Up" or My Chemical Romance's "Teenagers" which Gray subversively overhauls into something wholly her own. Also included are short skits featuring J.B. Smoove, Nicole Scherzinger and a guest appearance by Idris Elba. The first single "Sail" was #1 Most Added at AC radio for the 3rd week in a row with 5 more add. Covered will be released worldwide on 429 Records Today with a special iTunes edition available which contains exclusive remixes of "Sail" and "Here Comes The Rain Again." In addition, Macy is on the verge of announcing a worldwide tour and has just completed the first video from the project. Helmed by famed director Robert DeVico (Pink, Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliott), the wildly colorful, party-inspired video for "Smoke Two Joints" premiered on both Perez Hilton.com and Aol in the first week.

Says Colbie Caillat: "I am honored Macy Gray is covering my song "Bubbly." I have always loved her voice and her music. Listening to her beautiful version makes me smile."

Since her dazzling debut introduced this singular talent to the masses, Macy has forged an uncompromising musical path beholden to her own vision and garnering accolades at every juncture. With Covered Macy has turned the cover album concept on its ear choosing edgy contemporary choices and approaching them in an innovative and uncompromising way. Not surprising considering she's spent her career defying expectations and stretching musical boundaries.

Covered Track Listing:
1. Here Comes The Rain Again (Eurythmics)
2. Creep (Radiohead)
3. You Want Them Nervous (skit featuring J.B. Smoove)
4. Smoke 2 Joints (The Toyes)
5. La La La (Teaching The Kids) (featuring Layann Al Saud, Avery Albert, Happy Hinds & Siena Stelber)
6. Teenagers (My Chemical Romance)
7. The Power of Love (featuring Hugh Salk)
8. Nothing Else Matters (Metallica)
9. Sail (AWOL Nation)
10. I Try Is Cool And All But…(skit featuring Nicole Scherzinger)
11. Maps (Yeah Yeah Yeahs)
12. Love Lockdown/Buck (Kanye West/Nina Simone)
13. Mel Rap (featuring Mel Hinds)
14. Bubbly (featuring Idris Elba) (Colbie Caillat)
15. Wake Up (Arcade Fire)
16. Really? (skit featuring MC Lyte)

INCOGNITO - SURREAL

A powerful new album from the UK’s favourite soul/funk/jazz band, with the addition of outstanding new male vocalist Mo Brandis and established UK jazz singer Natalie Williams, who join Maysa and Vanessa Haynes. A fresh sounding Incognito reflecting the energy of their live shows. Surreal is full of beautiful songs delivered over a bed of fluid bass lines and irresistible drum grooves - Incognito at their creative best, with the addition of two vocal newcomers - soulful 26-year-old Mo Brandis and an established favourite on the UK jazz scene Natalie Williams. Mo Brandis makes a big impact with the lead single, the hooky “Goodbye To Yesterday” and “ Don’t Wanna Know”, while Natalie is outstanding on the sultry “Above The Night”. And long-time band favourite Maysa kicks the album off with “The Less You Know”, under-pinned by a driving bass groove. The album has only one cover song, vocalled by Vanessa Haynes in Loleatta Holloway-esque style - a little-known 1976 disco tune “Ain’t It Time”. The Incognito faithful will be happy with the familiar trademark instrumentals, and another stunning Maysa performance on the mid-tempo “Capricorn Sun”. The band will be playing extensive live dates around the UK and Europe in support of the album, with a London date set for May 25.
 
1. The Less You Know 
2. Goodbye To Yesterday
3. Above The Night
4. Ain't It Time
5. Capricorn Sun
6. Don't Wanna Know
7. Restless As We Are
8. Rivers On The Sun
9. Don't Break Me Down
10. The Stars From Here
11. To Be With You
12. This Must Be Love
13. The Way You Love
14. Thoughtful Fantasies

Simply Soul

CLIFFORD CHARLES - SONGS FROM DEEP WITHIN

Trinidadian jazz guitarist Clifford Charles was influenced by the best guitarists in the business, such as George Benson, Norman Brown, Ronald "Boo" Hinkson, Lee Ritenour and Earl Klugh. After celebrating two decades as a performer, Charles is excited about his new CD Songs From Deep Within released early 2012. At the age of fourteen he was privileged to be tutored by Ken Archer and Orasio Lewis and moved onto studying with Keith Christmas, Jeffery Smith and classical guitar with Anthony Williams at the Music College .

For Clifford, jazz is the musical expression that brings the greatest satisfaction to both artist and audience when he commands a stage. His musical journey on the circuit sharpened Clifford’s fiery, yet free-flowing style on the guitar. Wes Montgomery, Charlie Christian and Trinidad’s Fitzroy Coleman are also among his influences, he credits Jim Phillips (pannist), for introducing him to the soulful grooves of George Benson.

"The whole creative process for this CD came from a great feeling that I had within myself based on all the positives that surrounded me" says Clifford. "The goal of this new project is that it brings wider acceptance among the international jazz community which includes jazz radio, jazz festivals in the USA and Europe, jazz fans, jazz promoters, distribution and a possible record deal".

Clifford has shared the stage with vocalist Randy Crawford, pianist Joe Sample and the classic group 'The Drifters' as well as performed on flagship music festivals such as 'Jazz Artist On The Greens', 'We Beat Jazz', 'Jazz Point', 'Tobago Jazz Festival'.

Charles's new CD entitled Songs From Deep Within is a self-produced product. Clifford says "the creative process for this CD came from a good feeling that I had from within based on all the positives that surrounded me". So what can Caribbean and international music audiences expect from Clifford Charles? Nothing less than a tapestry of smooth jazz expression, created from the very soul of the artiste! Whenever you ask what's his passion, Charles declares: "it's music or nothing." This definitely shows as scores of fans of his home-grown brand of silky smooth jazz music set to take on the world.

http://www.cliffordcharles.com/
http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com/

DAVE KOZ, BRIAN CULBERTSON, FOURPLAY, FOUR 80 EAST, RICHARD ELLIOT, JEFF LORBER & OTHERS TOPLINE SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL

Smooth Jazz blowing gently in the coastal breezes is just one unique feature at one of the nation’s fastest growing “destination music festivals” on the Gulf Coast. Panama City Beach and the coastal Florida communities will come alive April 18th-22nd for the 14th annual 2012 Seabreeze Jazz Festival® . The weekend has become an annual celebration for jazz-minded adults where the allure of great beaches, exciting shopping, world-class restaurants, even a plethora of activities like golf and fishing all combine for a true vacation getaway. The event has attracted attendees from 48 of the 50 U.S. states and over six countries, plus was named “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine.

Smooth Jazz fans have a unique and intimate connection to the festival’s music and core artists base –very much different that other festivals around the nation. The “smooth jazz lifestyle” is the secret to the success of The Seabreeze Jazz Festival – where the R & B based smooth contemporary jazz literally creates a synergy for the whole weekend. The licks of the funky bass lines and pop-friendly musical hooks keep the crowds moving to the beat….almost like the swaying of the palm trees around the beautiful Pier Park Amphitheater on the west end of Panama City Beach. Smooth jazz is the epitome of “The Good Life” – laid back yet upscale at the same time, relaxing and familiar as a pair of your most comfortable beach sandals. It’s this uniqueness that appeals to a truly upscale college-educated professional adult demographic, primarily 30-55 year old adults with high amounts of discretionary income.

The event hosts close to 25,000 for the weekend, with a large percentage of fans traveling hundreds if not thousands of miles away to attend. 70% of the festival’s tickets are sold outside the State of Florida, making it a true destination festival. The impact to the Panama City Beach community in 2011 was close to $14.2 million. The alluring appeal of Pier Park and the new resort-style architecture along with west end of Panama City Beach beckons even the most cosmopolitan city-dweller to join in on the fun.

The successful melding appeal of Pier Park with the Seabreeze Jazz Festival on site is all about “ complimenting distractions”. Pier Park (a Simon Mall property) sports over 150 retail stores, a 16-screen stadium-seating cinema, numerous eateries, nightclubs, even a small amusement park to pacify all of the family’s pastimes, while the parents enjoy the live smooth jazz entertainment from the nation’s top jazz artists. The newly completed City Pier across the street from the festival stage and miles of white-sand beaches and emerald-green waters also provides a nearby escape from the live entertainment. That is if you muster up enough to pull away from the star-studded contemporary jazz lineup

Artist to perform include Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Fourplay, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Down To The Bone, Phil Perry, Nick Colionne, Mindi Abair, Four 80 East, Maysa, Jeff Golub, Cindy Bradley, Jeff Lorber, David Pack, Eric Darius Alexander Zonjic, Brian Simpson, Althea Rene', Shilts, Urban Jazz Coalition, Karen Briggs, Matt Marshak, Gail Jhonson, Mariea Antoinette, Vincent Ingala, Chris Geith, and Street Corner Renaissance.

Saxophonist Dave Koz – Grammy-nominated and one of the format’s top hit-making performers, makes his second appearance at the Sebareeze Jazz Festival, his first back in 2008. Known for his commercial success and as a pioneer in the smooth jazz format, Dave Koz has been one of the top selling and top charting artists in the contemporary jazz genre since the format began in the 1980’s.

In a career that spans twenty years and a dozen albums, saxophonist Dave Koz has established himself as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary music. His current CD Hello Tomorrow, debuted at No. 1 on both Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and iTunes’ Jazz Album chart and was named the “Best Smooth Jazz Album of 2010” by iTunes. Hailed as “an event record” by The New York Times, it has already yielded two No. 1 singles: “Put The Top Down,” which spent 18 weeks at No. 1 on the Mediabase Smooth A/C chart (the longest stint at No. 1 of any of Koz’s chart-topping hits) and “Anything’s Possible.”

Produced by Grammy winners John Burk and Marcus Miller (who also appears on most tracks), the album features a diverse army of high-profile guests: Herb Alpert, Jonathan Butler, Brian Culbertson, Sheila E., Boney James, Jeff Lorber, Keb’ Mo’, Ray Parker, Jr., Lee Ritenour, Christian Scott and others. Each of the thirteen tracks – most of them written by Koz and his collaborators, others penned by friends and legends – focuses on being open to new beginnings, and trusting that the future is unfolding in all the right ways for all the right reasons.

More than most instrumental music, The Seabreeze Jazz Festival® lineup reflects the diversity of vocal acts with high energy instrumental performances. Included for 2012 is R & B/smooth jazz favorites Brian Culbertson, Fourplay, U.K. based-band Down to the Bone, Phil Perry and Maysa, along with singer/songwriter David Pack known for his Top 40/Pop hits with the band Ambrosia. Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue make their first appearance at the event, though a well-known top act headlining the New Orleans Heritage and Jazz Fest. And more women than ever are represented on the festival stage in 2012 with the addition of "Jazz In Pink" -- an all-ladies jazz ensemble featuring trumpeter Cindy Bradley, flutist Althea Rene', jazz violinist Karen Briggs, keyboardist Gail Jhonson, and even a jazz harpist (Maria Antoniette).

PATTI LABELLE, JEFFREY OSBORNE, KOOL & THE GANG, THE O'JAYS, JODY WATLEY, THE STYLISTICS & OTHERS BOARD THE SOUL TRAIN CRUSE

Patti LaBelle

CENTRIC Television (a part of BET Networks, a division of Viacom) joins the incredible array of R&B superstars scheduled to set sail on the first-ever Soul Train Cruise as the network is named an official media partner. Home to the Soul Train Awards and the legendary weekly Soul Train series, CENTRIC will helps steer the iconic show in new and exciting destinations including extensive cruise promotions on the network, onboard events and co-branding opportunities. The love, peace and Soul Train travels from the tracks of your memories to the sea your soul on its maiden voyage from Ft. Lauderdale, FL on February 17th, 2013 with intimate concerts and round-the-clock activities featuring Patti LaBelle, The O'Jays, Kool & the Gang, Jeffrey Osborne, WAR, The Spinners, Jody Watley, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cuba Gooding, Sr. and the Main Ingredient, Gerald Alston of The Manhattans, George Duke, comedian Alonzo Bodden and many more will be onboard. Special early reservation rates are now available through April 30th, 2012.

"CENTRIC is the current home for both Soul Train's past and present and there is no more perfect partner to help us carry the legacy of this amazing brand forward with the new cruise," said Michael Mitchell, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Partnerships, Cruises and Live Entertainment for Time Life. "Both companies have worked with Don Cornelius over the years and share a deep sense of loss and tremendous gratitude for all he has done," he added. "Soul Train was – and continues to be – a weekly party bringing the best in music and entertainment to American homes," stated Paxton Baker, CENTRIC's General Manager and Executive Vice President. "We are honored to be a part of this new venture. It is with heavy hearts that we will make this journey without Don Cornelius, but will uphold his legacy through CENTRIC's programming and continued support of the Soul Train brand." Plans are currently underway for a very special event during the voyage to honor Don Cornelius. Further details will be released in the coming weeks.


The O'Jays

 "Don Cornelius was simply a genius and the contributions he made to music and our culture are second to none," said Soul Train Cruise performer Patti LaBelle, who was a frequent guest on the television show. "I can think of no better way to honor the memory of Don Cornelius and show the impact of the legacy he leaves behind," added Eddie Levert, who will be performing with The O'Jays, "and we're going to do him proud."

After departing Ft. Lauderdale on February 17th, 2013, the ship will travel to Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay before returning on February 24th. Throughout the journey, guests will be treated to concerts, meet and greets with the performers, parties, special events and games as well as world class dining all on the Holland America's MS Westerdam, an internationally recognized luxury cruise ship with more than two-thirds of the cabins featuring verandas with breathtaking views.

Reservations for cabins on this cruise may be made now by visiting www.soultraincruise.com (toll free) (855) SOUL TRAIN (855-768-5872). Early Reservation cabin rates start at $1,800 per person and include all meals, concerts, entertainment and onboard activities.

The largest private music charter company in the world, St. Louis, Missouri-based Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC (Jazz Cruises) owns, produces and promotes The Smooth Jazz Cruise: The Greatest Party At Sea (www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com) and The Jazz Cruise (www.thejazzcruise.com), and is proud to work with Direct Holdings -Americas, Inc. for The Malt Shop Memories Cruise (www.maltshopcruise.com) and The Soul Train Cruise (www.soultraincruise.com). Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC prides itself on providing first-class musical vacation experiences featuring marquee stars from their respective genres for loyal passengers, many of whom make the cruises an annual affair. With its current slate of excursions, Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC (Jazz Cruises) will have produced 35 full-ship charter cruises. Additional information is available at www.ecpcruises.com.

CENTRIC is a 24-hour music and entertainment channel that reflects the lifestyle and sophistication of today's African-American and multicultural adult viewer. With a finger on the pulse of an ever-changing beat, its compelling music content fuses Soul, R&B, Neo-Soul, Hip Hop, Reggae, Gospel, Jazz, Old School, New School and everything in between with today's hottest artists. It is a unique of mix of music, culture and lifestyle programming that embodies the lives, tastes and aspirations of the CENTRIC viewer: All you. All day. All night.

 http://www.soultraincruise.com/