HOME - GIFT OF MUSIC

"Call me romantic, but I believe in the power of music and its ability to heal and uplift," proclaims Rio Sakairi, Director of Programming at The Jazz Gallery, an internationally recognized breeding ground for young musical talent in New York City. It is this sentiment that inspired her into action, when a 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan on March 11, 2011. Marking one of the worst natural disasters on record, the earthquake spawned devastating tsunamis and a subsequent nuclear crisis. The insurmountable destruction claimed tens of thousands of lives, and the world watched in horror. For Sakairi, it was more than an unfathomable tragedy; it literally hit home.

Born and raised in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki - just two hundred miles from the severely ravaged Sendai area - Sakairi was inspired immediately into action. She called upon an esteemed roster of friends and colleagues within the thriving jazz scene, and they came together to create a gift to those who suffered such incredible loss. HOME - Gift of Music is an eight-song manifesto of hope from some of today's most innovative musicians in jazz and beyond, including Gretchen Parlato, Doug Wamble, Becca Stevens, Alan Hampton, John Ellis and Claudia Acuña. Scheduled for release on September 11, 2012 on Sunnyside Records, the singer-songwriter leaning repertoire captures the huge emotive capacity of the artists, with an intimacy as personal as a love letter. The fullness of their hearts is evidenced by the immediacy with which they were able to unlock their overflowing expression of compassion, empathy and, ultimately, optimism.

Sakairi's reputation as a concert producer has placed her among the most influential figures in the jazz field. Her creative ideas, understanding of new trends, track record of discovering and nurturing new talent, and impeccable artistic standards have captured the attention of such seasoned experts as George Wein. Now stepping out as a record producer, Sakairi demonstrates her musical sensibilities and convictions as a philanthropist.

The musical and social camaraderie that Sakairi has so uniquely fostered over the last twelve years at The Jazz Gallery undoubtedly came into play during the recording. The artists donated their time and talents, penning personal songs specifically for this project. All proceeds from HOME - Gift of Music will go to Habitat for Humanity Japan, where volunteers are working tirelessly to rebuild homes for those affected. Studio time, engineering, artwork, graphic design, distribution, marketing and PR services were also generously donated.

"All of the songs were written with very short notice and there was no rehearsal," says Sakairi. "It's pretty magical the way everything came together. It was all done in just one or two takes."

Sakairi's mentoring skills proved instrumental, pushing artists not only beyond the jazz realm, but for some, out of their comfort zones; most notably with the contribution of the multi-reedist John Ellis, who makes his debut as a vocalist on the pensively assuring title track. "I just knew he could do it," says Sakairi, who has commissioned Ellis three times for The Jazz Gallery's notable commissioning program. "Every time I push him, he rises to the challenge, delivering results above and beyond my expectations. It turned out to be great, exactly as I thought it would."

Becca Stevens laces this track and others throughout the album with mesmerizing vocals, and also contributes two standout songs. Her Tillery bandmate Gretchen Parlato offers backing vocals on several tracks as well, and also sings two gorgeous duets with bassist/guitarist Alan Hampton and trumpeter Leron Thomas. Both Hampton and Thomas also shine as vocalists away from their respective instruments. Guitarist Doug Wamble's soulful, hymn-like anthem, "Fear Not the Fall" anchors the overall emotionalism of the album, while singer Sachal Vasandani's album closer, "Doves" stirs up hope for what is to come. The album also boasts a stellar band, including the pianist Taylor Eigsti, the saxophonist Dayna Stephens, the guitarist Adam Rogers, the bassist Ben Williams, and the drummer Johnathan Blake, among others.

Vocalist Claudia Acuña contributes the album's only cover, a rousing rendition of "The Music Is The Magic", written by the incomparable singer/songwriter Abbey Lincoln. The song's lyrics, which embody Sakairi's notions about the power of music, are a perfect fit.

"The music flowed," says Sakairi. "Everything was easy. It felt good to be in the studio, and we were all happy to be there. There was lots of excitement and laughter and good will. Everyone brought their A game and it was so amazing to work with them. I don't know how they do it."

In the age of the five-minute attention span, and in a world with no shortage of catastrophes, Sakairi is working hard to remind everyone that, although the tragedy in Japan may not make the front page today, people are still hurting and the road to recovery is long and difficult. HOME - Gift of Music is a testament to the enduring spirit of the people of her native homeland, and to the ability of music to leave an ineradicable impact. "Action is how we show that we love and we care," says Sakairi. "Action is the only way to combat helplessness. I took on this task because this is my home."

TRACK LISTING/PERSONNEL:
1. Gambare Nippon (0:24)
2. If It Was (2:50) By Alan Hampton
3. Coming Home (2:16) By Becca Stevens
4. Home (3:15) By John Ellis
5. The Music Is The Magic (4:02) By Abbey Lincoln
6. Tillery (5:34) By Becca Stevens
7. Fear Not The Fall (6:23) By Doug Wamble
8. Leave Rebirth (4:44) By Leron Thomas
9. Doves (7:38) By Sachal Vasandani

Claudia Acuña - vocals (track 5)
John Ellis - vocals (track 4)
Alan Hampton - vocals & guitar (track 2)
Gretchen Parlato - vocals & percussion (tracks 2, 6, 8, 9)
Becca Stevens - vocals & guitars (tracks 3, 4, 6, 9)
Leron Thomas - vocals (track 8)
Sachal Vasandani - vocals (track 9)
Doug Wamble - vocals & guitar (track 7)
Dayna Stephens - tenor saxophone (track 2)
Taylor Eigsti - piano (tracks 2, 8, 9)
Adam Rogers - guitars (tracks 5, 8, 9)
Ryan Scott - guitars (track 4)
Danton Boller - bass (track 4)
Chris Tordini - bass & vocals (track 6)
Ben Williams - bass (tracks 5, 8, 9)
Johnathan Blake - drums (tracks 5, 8, 9)
Bill Campbell - drums (track 4)

MELODY GARDOT ANNOUNCES U.S. TOUR DATES

Acclaimed singer Melody Gardot will start a US concert tour this Fall beginning September 20th in San Francisco, it was confirmed today by her label, Verve Records and Beaver Productions, her national tour promoter. Her newly released third album The Absence debuted at No. 3 in France, No. 1 on the Billboard Jazz Charts as well as No. 1 on iTunes Jazz Charts around the globe. The album also reached Top 10 in several countries including Germany and Japan. The Grammy nominated Philadelphia native will also perform at the famed Monterey Jazz Festival and appear in concert in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, NYC and Philadelphia. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale on August 3rd.

Gardot who has just completed a highly successful European tour also performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival to rave reviews including the Montreal Gazette which described her show as "a spellbinding festival set for a bonafide star...From the moment she walked on stage...Gardot absolutely radiated in front of the rapturous crowd...She seemed to have every single listener under her spell... She sounded every bit the star." Jazz Times concurred by stating, "Gardot and band guided an adoring crowd on a haunting musical journey through swamp and samba, part funk and fado, with stops at blues and bossa nova."

"The Absence" has been receiving glowing reviews as well: "Gardot's melodies recall the golden age of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald." – People Magazine. 

"Spellbinding."...'The Absence' is an album of seductive, mysterious atmospheres conjured by a pop-jazz singer whose audacity, raw talent and intense feeling recall the young Rickie Lee Jones, even though the two have little in common beyond a fierce individuality." – Stephen Holden, New York Times.

"On tunes that traverse styles from samba to bluesy pop, Gardot wields her power with a light, sure hand... She could teach other singers volumes about restraint." ***1/2 stars – Elysa Gardner, USA Today.

The Absence was inspired by the culture that the singer-songwriter soaked up during travels to Portugal, Morocco, Argentina and Brazil. The songs remind her listeners that while often compared to such musical icons as Nina Simone, Judy Garland, Miles Davis, Edith Piaf, Astrud Gilberto, Stan Getz and others, Melody Gardot is a unique talent, a beautiful voice and a well earned reputation as one of the great live performers touring today.

Melody Gardot US Tour Dates:
Sept 20 – San Francisco, CA – Herbst TheatreSept 21 – Monterey, CA – Monterey Jazz FestivalSept 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Orpheum TheatreSept 25 – Chicago, IL – Park WestSept 27 – Boston, MA – Berklee Performance CentreSept 28 – New York, NY – Town HallSept 29 – Philadelphia, PA – Merriam Theatre
For more information, please contact:
Liz Rosenberg / Karen MossLiz Rosenberg Media

~ Verve Records

NEW RELEASES - SNOWBOY PRESENTS NEW VINTAGE, PRIVATE WAX, LOS TRANSATLANTICOS

SNOWBOY PRESENTS NEW VINTAGE (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Snowboy is not only a Latin Percussionist, Band Leader, Recording Artist and a DJ of different permutations and era's of Jazz, Latin, Funk and Soul, but also a curator at the 'Vintage' festival in England. As all the bands on here are current, you may be surprised to see Crazy Cavan and the Rhythm Rockers 'Teddy Boy Rock And Roll' are also included. They've recently celebrated 40 years together and Snowboy wanted to acknowledge that achievement. They're still out there doing it too, and that makes them current.  Whether you're keen on the term 'Vintage' or not (and some of the artists here are not comfortable with that term), a definition in the Collins Dictionary is “Representative of the best and most typical”. There you have it. You're in for a treat. ~ BBEMusic

PRIVATE WAX (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Zafsmusic.com continues to bring you the rarest disco & boogie bangers with his new compilation titled Private Wars. 16 scintillating excursions into the deep disco & boogie world of privately pressed & produced gems. Zaf Zafsmusic is a disco weasel of the highest order. He has, by his own admission, got it bad--losing sleep and suffering physical maladies from the want of certain must-have pieces of stamped vinyl. Fortunately, he also has excellent taste and a lengthy history of wheeling and dealing with other similarly afflicted individuals, a history that has allowed him to sift the wheat from the crap, err, chaff, as it were. Taken as a whole, this compilation is perfect party material, filled with feel-good tunes that take things back to that simple love of music that enticed us all in the first place. Zaf deserves our thanks for making his private wax public. ~ BBEMusic

LOS TRANSATLANTICOS - FIRST TRIP

Fusing Latin American sounds with European electronic beats can often produce a bland and rudderless dross destined for derivative lounge compilations and deliriously dull playlists at pretentious after work cocktail bars. Not so with the aptly named First Trip, the superb sophomore effort from the equally aptly named “Los Transatlanticos”. The story of Los Transatlanticos begins in 1996 when the Croatian Born and Berlin Resident Dean Bagar aka Tricky D went on a trip to Bogotá, Colombia, where he met Pablo Gaviria and immediately bonded over a common love for Caribbean music. Before long the synergy between both became such that they decided to form “Los Transatlanticos”, named in reference to both their musical approach and their forced l! ong distance artistic relationship, and formed of mainly Colombian musicians and vocalists. The outcome of the first meeting of Los Transatlanticos is 1st Trip, a musical fusion of the Caribbean and the European which owes more to Manu Chao’s rebel nonconformist spirit than Thievery Corporation’s slick aesthetical perfectionism - to the benefit of the listener and live audience both - made its live debut at the Berlin Worldtronic Festival in December 2011 to rapturous reception, and will surely herald in a very eventful year ahead for these Transatlantic music friends. It’s time to jam. ~ BBEMusic

MELBA MOORE REISSUES...

MELBA MOORE - MELBA

Soaring soul from Melba Moore – a singer who really came into her own with this sweet 70s album! Melba always had a great voice, right from the start – but here, she's working with arrangements and production by Van McCoy – updating her sound with a bit of a clubby groove, in a way that helps Moore reach even greater heights than usual – and cross over to a big audience with ears for the growing disco sounds of the time! McCoy really knows how to pitch things right – and overall, the album's got a much deeper feel than some of his own disco work of the time – thanks, no doubt, to Melba's rich vocal approach. Titles include "So Many Mountains", "Good Love Makes Everything Alright", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "The Greatest Feeling", "Mighty Clouds Of Joy", and "Ain't No Love Lost". ~ Dusty Groove

MELBA MOORE - A PORTRAIT OF MELBA

The vocals of Melba Moore, and some great Philly soul rhythms – put together with tight arrangements from McFadden & Whitehead, who give Moore a similar approach to some of the best Philadelphia International records of the time! There's a really nice sense of balance to the record – some mellower moments mixed in with the groovers, and a few stepping midtempo numbers that are especially nice – and which seem to unlock a depth and maturity in Melba's vocals we can really appreciate. Titles include "Living Freee", "You Are My River". "Standing Right Here", "Just Another Link", "Is This The End", "Promised Land" and "I Don't Know No One Else To Turn To". CD features 2 bonus tracks – extended single versions of "Promised Land" and "Standing Right Here".

~ Dusty Groove

MELBA MOORE - DANCIN' WITH MELBA

An album of club tracks, as you might guess from the title, but every bit as strong as Melba More's other work from the late 70s! The album's got some top-shelf club help throughout – including production from Van McCoy and McFadden & Whitehead, the latter of whom also contributed a few key tracks – and the whole thing's also mixed by Richie Rivera with a soaring, spacious sound, and one that's never too cloyingly commercial. Melba's strong vocals are right at home in the setting, and even the longer tracks don't seem to dampen her enthusiasm at all. Titles include "Standing Right Here", "Free", "Play Boy Scout", "Promised Land", and "Make Me Believe In You". CD features a bonus 12" version of "This Is It". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - RODRIGUEZ, ORRIS EVANS, HIDEO SHIRAKI

RODRIGUEZ - SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN

Amazing sounds from the legendary Rodriguez – the brilliant 70s singer who had a groove that was equal parts soul, funk, rock, and folk – and an overall approach that was pretty darn unique! Most numbers here have some acoustic guitar over slightly funky rhythms – perfectly scored to work with Rodriguez's raspy soul vocals, which have an undeniably heartfelt style – somewhere in a space between Terry Callier and early Jose Feliciano, but very much its own mode too! This CD features great gems from Rodriguez's years at Sussex Records – including three tracks not on the albums – "Can't Get Away", "Street Boy", and "I'll Slip Away" – plus other titles that include "Sugar Man", "Cause", "I Wonder", "Like Janis", "Jane S Piddy", "I Think Of You", "Inner City Blues", and "Sandrevan Lullaby Lifestyles". ~ Dusty Groove

ORRIN EVANS - FLIP THE SCRIPT

Exactly the kind of bold, powerful album that pianist Orrin Evans does so well – stretching out strongly, yet never going too far to swing – driving his trio here with a great deal of force, and definitely reminding us that the pianist is in the lead! Evans' touch on the keys is amazing – ringing out with clarity of vision right from the start – and although he gets very able support from Ben Wolfe on bass and Donald Edwards on drums, it's almost as of Orrin's ringing out all on his own, and drawing the rhythms along in the process! Titles include "When", "Big Small", "Clean House", "Flip The Script", and "Question". ~ Dusty Groove

HIDEO SHIRAKI - HIDEO SHIRAKI PLAYS BOSSA NOVA

Bossa jazz from 60s Japan – a set recorded right around the same time that Verve first started hitting bossa grooves in the US! The sound here is sharper than a Verve bossa album, though – with some of the same hardbop inflections you'd hear on other Hideo Shiraki albums from the time – thanks to flute and tenor from Sleepy Matsumoto, and trumpet from Hisaya Omata. The tenor and trumpet come together with almost a Blue Note-styled sort of sound – but the bossa vibe is still nicely maintained in some of the looser percussion touches in the rhythms – a great blend that makes the album a real standout in the Japanese jazz scene of the 60s! Titles include "Sayonara Blues", "Gypsy Blue", "Deux Step", "Groovy Samba", "Orfeo Negro", and "Tico Tico". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - HOT SAUCE FT. RHONDA WASHINGTON, PUCHO AND HIS LATIN SOUL BROTHERS, MANHATTAN SOUL

HOT SAUCE FEATURING RHONDA WASHINGTON - GOOD WOMAN TURNING BAD: THE COMPLETE VOLT RECORDINGS

A lost album from the legendary Stax Records – a full set of tracks from the deep soul group Hot Sauce – planned as a record of its own in the final years of the label, but never issued at the time! Hot Sauce were one of the funkiest groups on Stax in the early 70s – a wickedly badass group who sported great lead vocals from Rhonda Washington – a singer who really knew how to stay on the groove and send the whole thing home! The work on this set is a great evolution of the Stax groove – and shows where the label might have gone in terms of 70s funk, had they stayed the course – and although the album's long overdue to get released, we're plenty happy to finally have it out after all these years. Many tracks were issued over the years as singles, and the set also features a few tracks not intended for the album too – titles that include "Stop Dogging Me", "Funny", "Mama's Baby", "I'll Kill A Brick", "Good Woman Turning Bad", "I Can't Let You Go", "Echoes From The Past", and "I Can't Win For Losing". ~ Dusty Groove

  

PUCHO AND HIS LATIN SOUL BROTHERS - BIG STICK / DATELINE

Two rare gems from this legendary Latin group – both on CD for the first time ever! Big Stick is quite possibly the rarest album from Pucho & The Latin Soul brothers – and also one of the greatest, too – thanks to a wonderfully soulful vibe overall, and some wicked vocals from the great Jackie Soul! Arrangements are a bit bigger than some of their previous dates, but nicely offbeat too – put together by Bill Fisher, and featuring loads of great keyboards and organ from Neal Creque! The sound's got less horns than beofre, but the heavy percussion, keyboards, and vocals more than offset that loss – and make for one of the most unique Pucho albums ever! Titles include "Swamp People", "Left In the Cold", "Big Stick", "Cold Shoulder", and a very groovy version of "Sunny"! Dateline is a rare gem from Pucho & The Latin Soul Brothers – and an album that has them really hitting strong on all instrumental fronts! The group sports wonderful piano and organ lines from Neal Creque – a player who helps Pucho hit a more expansive, jazzy vibe – mixed with horns from the always-great Pazant brothers – Eddie on saxes and Al on trumpet – plus some trombone from Barry Rogers too! These players all really help add some great jazzy inflections to the whole set – important, too, because the album's all instrumental – with no vocals to get in the way of the solos. Willie Bivens also plays vibes on the record – and titles include "Listen to Louie", "Dateline", "Yambo", "Bim", and "Ain't Nothin Can Happen". ~ Dusty Groove

MANHATTAN SOUL VOLUME 2 (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Classy soul and killer grooves – a great helping of rare New York sides from the late 60s – all of which show a great evolution of the Uptown style from a few years before! Things are polished, but never too smooth or commercial at all – and instead, the music's got this quality of coming right from the heart of the music scene of the time – the cream of the crop, right from the top – and that includes singers, songwriters, and session help too! Vocals are mighty deep throughout – and the tracks all have a strong indie pedigree, as they're pulled from the labels Wand, Scepter, and Musicor – all imprints we always check out when digging for rare singles. As usual, Kent's gone way beyond expectations – not just with the track selection, but with full notes too – for a total of 24 tracks that include "Runaway Slave" by Joe Perkins, "That Girl" by Porgy & The Monarchs, "Kiss & Make Up" by The Inspirations, "I Don't Want Nobody To Lead Me On" by The Masqueraders, "Horsin Around" by Benny Gordon & The Soul Brothers, "Lonely Weatherman" by The Premiers, "A Man A Woman" by Chris Bartley, "I Just Gotta Have You" by Nella Dodds, "Knick Knack Patty Wack" by Lou Lawton, "No Jealous Lover" by Lois Lane, and "I'm Gonna Have A Party" by Ed Bruce. ~ Dusty Groove

JEANNE & THE DARLINGS / THE CHARMELS - WE'RE THE SOUL GIRLS: THE COMPLETE VOLT RECORDINGS

Two overlooked female soul groups from the legendary Stax Records – both brought to light on this excellent CD! Neither act ever issued a full album at the time – and instead, each cut a handful of singles, and some unreleased gems – which are all brought together here, in a package that's like finding a lost album from each group! Jeanne & The Darlings have a massively heavy sound – that great Memphis soul bottom that really makes the tunes hit hard – way harder than most other girl soul from up north, with that burning southern sound that made Stax/Volt legendary in the late 60s – a perfect fit for Jeanne's great lead vocals, which are plenty deep soul themselves. The package features their classic "Soul Girl", the unissued "I'm In Love With You" and "Changes" – and other single cuts that include "How Can You Mistreat The One You Love", "That Man Of Mine", "Hang Me Now", "I Like What You're Doing To Me", and "It's Unbelievable".

The Charmells are a group with a sweet sound up top, yet a way of turning over a tune that often makes for an undercurrent of funk – a quality that's had the group sampled more than a few times over the years! This mix of sweet and deep is incredibly captivating – and a quality that makes them one of the best Stax acts of the 60s – finally brought to full light here with tracks that include "Please Uncle Same", "Something Sweet About My Baby", "Loving Material", "As Long As I've Got You", "Sea Shell", and "Baby Come & Get It" – plus unreleased gems that include "Peace Maker", "Someone Made You For Me", "Baby Hurry", "Let's Exchange Hearts", and "I've Done It Again".
~ Dusty Groove

TRACEY WHITNEY - I AM SINGING...SONGS I LOVE

Featured This Week On The Jazz Network Worldwide Former Ray Charles “Raelette” Tracey Whitney With Her New CD, I Am Singing... Songs I Love.

Singer, songwriter, arranger, producer Tracey Whitney shares her stunning sophomore album I Am Singing...Songs I Love paying joyful homage to a diverse mix of musicians who have inspired her own singing and songwriting throughout her career.

I Am Singing... Songs I Love, features the Los Angeles, Albuquerque-based singer Tracey Whitney’s stirring renditions of classic yet lesser-covered songs by artists like Stevie Wonder, Michael Franks, and Antonio Carlos Jobim and is rounded out by three original tracks. A beautifully moving follow-up to 2007’s much-acclaimed Love...A Fable in 9 Acts that served up more of the silky Jazz-Soul fusion that became the trademark for this former child-singing sensation and backup vocalist for the legendary Ray Charles.

"I was introduced to Tracey by a mutual friend, renowned songwriter Tony Haynes who invited Tracey to join The Jazz Network Worldwide to share her special style of musical heart with all of us, I'm so glad she did! Her new CD is full of all the songs we love to sing along with and rock to, its most enjoyable" says Jaijai Jackson, creator of The Jazz Network Worldwide.

Hailing from Los Angeles, Tracey Whitney’s musical history stretches all the way back to age 11, where as part of The Whitney Family (a singing ensemble that included her mother and seven brothers and sisters) she debuted at the famed Coconut Grove. While Whitney’s extraordinary career has played a key role in shaping the smooth sound heard throughout I Am Singing... Songs I Love, her pop instincts, soulful sensibility, and irresistibly natural ease behind the microphone are all essential to the album.

Whether re-imagining Garth Brooks’ Beatles-esque country pastiche "Wrapped Up In You" as a soaring, scat-laced celebration of love or giving a sweet nod to the Jackson 5 by joining her brother (and fellow former Whitney Family singer) Glynn Whitney on an update of Michael Jackson’s jazzy "I Can’t Help It", Tracey pairs her dynamic vocals with refined arrangements to a glorious effect. On her original numbers, Whitney introduces innovative elements that let her own singular style shine through: "Heartbreak 2011", for instance, combines a quietly powerful beat and aching lyrics (“I lost my chance at heaven”) with a heart rending spoken-word intro and outro.

No matter if she’s delivering an original song or a cover, Tracey infuses her songs with a slick sophistication that’s uncommon in today’s musical landscape. “It’s lovely if younger people enjoy my music, but I’m really singing for adults, and telling real stories about real situations,” says Whitney. “What I hope is for people to hear my songs and connect with them on a very emotional level—and ultimately get a sense of calm and joy from that.”

“Tracey!!!! Played 'Where Is The Love' last night.....the response was incredible!!!! Get your Grammy speech ready!!!!” - Ywain Fields, WVON 1690 AM The Talk of Chicago

“What A Voice, What A Lady!” ~ Solar Radio, Soul Discovery with Mick O’Donnell, United Kingdom

Released on the BabyDoll Entertainment label, "I Am Singing... Songs I Love" was co-produced by Captain February Productions’ multi-instrumentalist Herman “Hollywood” Dawkins, and also features sister Cozette Whitney on vocals, and Tim Anderson on saxophone.

For more information go to: The Official Webstie of Tracey Whitney.

Visit THE JAZZ NETWORK WORLDWIDE "A GREAT PLACE TO HANG" at: http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

HELP SUPPORT URBAN-JAZZ VIOLINIST DANIEL D'S NEW ALBUM PROJECT!

Talent is a gift, and Daniel D. discovered his early in life. Since he first drew a bow across the strings of a violin at 12 years old. In 2010 he produced his second studio Album Serenade following his first release, Play For Me in 2009. An Apollo Theater Winner, Charlotte Music Award Recipient, and a highlighted performer on B.E.T. 106 & Park, he was an opening Artist for the 2008 President Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign, the Essence Magazine Susan Taylor’s Celebration - hosted by Oprah Winfrey, and at Jesse Jackson’s Birthday Event in the presence of notables such as, T.V. host Larry King, and the late Michael Jackson. Raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Davis graduated from that city’s esteemed School of the Arts in 2007, immediately setting off on a nationwide tour with T-Bone Ministries. Davis’ faith lies at the core of his music. A seasoned entertainer at just 23 years old, Davis is equally comfortable performing for an audience of 50,000 at the University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium as he is playing at his family’s church on Sunday. He was awarded a Summer Scholarship at the New York’s Juilliard School of Music, won the U.S. Air Force’s Wide Talent Search competition, and his fiddle-laden remix of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech has contributed to regular invitations to perform throughout the country at special events.

At home in Charleston, He’s been a featured artist at the MOJA Arts and Spoleto festivals. He teaches students weekly and periodically receive requests for string projects. Despite his successes, Davis remains a humble young man. This trait he hopes to pass on to his violin students. Daniel is the first to tell you that the pure joy of playing music far surpasses prestige or recognition. “Every opportunity to play offers new enlightenment and a chance to learn,” says Davis. “I love performing and I love playing — period.

Daniel D. is currently working on a new album that he is planning to release this fall. With your help, he can. The project is going to be a blend of Urban Jazz, R&B, and inspirational with original music as well as some well known covers that will honor great musicians like Stevie Wonder, Grover Washington and the late Michael Jackson. The funds will also be used to have a producer recreate and to license cover songs. Most of the project will be completed in the upcoming weeks, but getting it to you the listeners is where he needs your help. He's seeking radio airplay for the album and forming a tour to meet his followers and fans face to face! He also want to be able to perform at elementary and middle schools (most of which do not have big budgets).

Instrumental music (jazz, classical, etc) is a shrinking genre, but Daniel D. thinks it takes the right individuals to give a new face to the music and show the next generation that playing the violin or any other instrument is just as amazing as singing or rapping. His goal is to continue spreading this form of talent to the masses. How can you help? Go to kickstarter.com and find out.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/danield/urban-jazz-violinist-daniel-ds-new-album-project

Kick starter is a site that allows you to donate to different ideas and projects and in Daniel D.'s case you can contribute to the final processes of his album, its promotion, and tour. Depending upon how much you donate or pledge you get a gift in return.

Websites

• http://danieldmusic.com
• http://youtube.com
• http://twitter.com

BOBBY MARIN PRESENTS NEW YORK SALSA

The Mambo Music label was created with the intention of releasing classic Mambo/Salsa recordings from the past. Many of these recordings have never been released. Some are from little known labels. Some are from 'live' performances. In any case, if you love Afro-Cuban music you are sure to enjoy these treasured tracks.

Mambo Music is run by Mr. Bobby Marin, who has, since the mid-sixties, been an active part of the Mambo/Salsa scene. Originally, along with Louie Ramirez, they were pioneers during the Latin Boogaloo era. They composed and arranged music for some of the big names in Latin music. Eventually Bobby sang some of his compositions as well. Along with his vocal group, The Latin Chords, he is featured in albums by Ali Baba, Louie Ramirez, Kako, Sonny Bravo, The Latin Blues Band, Willie Rosario, Tito Puente and others. He created his own record labels in the process including, Salsa Records, El Sonido, Mambo City, Latin Cool and other smaller labels. He worked as label manager for United Artists Latino, Orfeon, Ethnic Tapes (Tico Records), TR Records (Tito Rodriguez).

He has produced independently for Fania Records, Musicor Records, CBS/Columbia, among others. Along with brother, producer Richard Marin, they recorded albums for Mercury Records, RCA, and Decca Records. He has co-produced with Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Alegre All-Stars with Al Santiago and Joe Cuba. He produced Ismael Quintana, Jimmy Sabater, Orq. Revolucion ’70, Joe Bataan, Chucho Avellanet, Nelson Ned, Los Hispanos, Rosita Rodriguez, Charanga America, Willie Torres, Charlie Palmieri, Mike Guagenti, Chuito, Milton Zapata, Ralphie & The Latin Lovers, Dominica y su Conjunto, Azuquita, Hector Rivera, Ricardo Marrero and many, many other recording artists.

 In addition to running Mambo Music Records in Miami, Bobby is a consultant for Fania/Codigo Records. ~ cdbaby.com

NEW RELEASES - BENNY SPELLMAN, JOEY GILMORE, OTIS CLAY

BENNY SPELLMAN - FORTUNE TELLER: A SINGLES COLLECTION 1960 - 1967

Massive sounds from Benny Spellman – one of the greatest singers on the New Orleans scene of the 60s – and one of the most unique, too! Benny's often got a groove that's different than some of the more R&B-inflected sounds of his contemporaries – sometimes sophisticated enough to almost suggest a jazz approach, sometimes this sinister snakey style that comes across with a moody edge we really love! And although Benny's work has been been brought together over the years, this may well be the best compilation we've ever seen of his music from the 60s – a set of 30 great tracks pulled from his singles for the Minit and Alon labels, with a few unreleased numbers too – often with some key studio help from Allen Toussaint. Titles include "10 4 Calling All Cars", "Life Is Too Short", "I Didn't Know", "Fortune Teller", "Lipstick Traces", "Sinner Girl", "If You Love Her", "Stickin Whicha Baby", "Talk About Love", "You Got To Get It", "No Don't Stop", "The Word Game", "Every Now & Then", and "I'm In Love". ~ Dusty Groove

JOEY GILMORE - JOEY GILMORE

An overlooked gem from the glory days of the TK soul empire – a mix of sweet soul steppers and more upbeat groovers – all set to tight arrangements from Snoopy Dean! There's a great Miami groove to most numbers – especially that modern soul style that started coming in during the Lew Kirton generation – almost more of a Philly sense of sophistication at times, which comes through especially well on the midtempo numbers! Joey's vocals have a nice sort of rasp to them – a bit less polished than the arrangements, which makes for a nice sense of balance – and titles incude "Let's Boogie On Down", "Get All You Want", "Give Me Your Love", "Rhythm In My Bone", "It's Here", and "Funny Feeling". ~ Dusty Groove

OTIS CLAY - I CAN'T TAKE IT

A great mix of modes – and a set that represents a real turning point in the career of Otis Clay! The rougher edges of Clay's Chicago soul are warmed up here substantially by producer Willie Mitchell – bubbling up some Memphis soul for Otis, in a style that's similar to some of his backings for other singers on the Hi Records label – in a style that makes for a great step forward from Clay's singles of the 60s! The shift is a big one – the sort that helped make Otis one of the standout singers of his generation – really knocking it out of the park on tracks that include "House Ain't A Home", "Slow & Easy", "Born To Be With You", "Home Is Where The Heart Is", "Pussy Footing Around", and "Too Much Mystery". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - JOEY NEGRO & THE SUNBURST BAND, GETATCHEW MEKURIA & THE EX, AKIRA SAKATA & CHIKAMOCHIRA

JOEY NEGRO & THE SUNBURST BAND - SECRET LIFE OF US

Nothing secret about The Sunburst Band – they're a group we've loved for years – and one that we love to rave about on these pages! This album's a tremendous effort – one that proves that our faith in the group has never let us down – and that they're one of the few acts that keep on burning with a serious fire and never-ending sense of soul! Joey Negro keeps things in a classic dancefloor mode throughout – lots of warm 70s club elements and funky soul undercurrents – all handled with just the right sort of vintage instrumentation and jazzy inflections that make these guys equally-trusted contemporaries of Incognito – yet even more disco-oriented too. And this time around, there's some great vocalists on board to really help keep the proceedings at a partyful level – Angela Johnson, Noelle Scaggs, Diane Charlemagne, Pete Simpson, Donna Gardier, and others – all singers who help spice things up between instrumental grooves. Titles include "My Way", "In The Thick Of It", "Jazz The DMX", "Caught In The Moment", "Educated Funk", "Trust Me", "Love One Another", "Easy Come Easy Go", "The Secret Life Of Us", and "Why Wait For Tomorrow".~ Dusty Groove

GETATCHEW MEKURIA & THE EX - Y'ANBESSAW  TEZETA 

A brilliant meeting of talents – legendary Ethiopian saxophonist Getatchew Mekuria, and the ever-amazing Ex – paired together in a set of work that's even better than their previous collaboration! This time around, it The Ex feel even more like an Ethio-inspired group – often serving up spare but complicated rhythm patterns that are a perfect fit for Mekuria's tenor – letting him really stretch out in the lead, and direct most of the energy of the music with a tone and sense of timing that are soulful in ways that go beyond expectations! Titles include "Aha Gedawo", "Ambassel", "Tezeta", "Bati", "Ene Eskemot Derese", and "Zerafewa/Eregedawo" – and package also features a full bonus CD, with live material by The Ex with Mekuria and the ICP Orchestra! ~ Dusty Groove

AKIRA SAKATA & CHIKAMOCHIRA - CHIKAMOCHIRA SORA WO TOBU

Bold sounds from reedman Akira Sakata – easily one of the most powerful saxophonists on the planet at the moment! The set features Akira stretching out in a series of long improvisations – with a shifting lineup that includes Jim O'Rourke on guitar, Yosuke Yamashita on piano, Darin Gray on bass, and Chris Corsano on drums – used in different combinations on the album's five extended tracks! Titles include "Five Elephants In A Beetle", "After 40 Years", "Flying Chikamorachi", "Kaguya Hime Standing On Her Head", and "Arekore Shitsaki". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - HOZAN YAMAMOTO, BAMALOVESOUL PRESENTS ON DECK, WILL DOWNING

HOZAN YAMAMOTO - STANDARD BOSSA: ORIENTAL BOSSA SOUNDS - A UNION OF KOTO, SHAKUHACHI & BIG BAND

Incredible work from the Japanese scene of the end of the 60s – a record that mixes together traditional instrumentation, bossa rhythms, and groovier jazz touches – all in a sublime blend that would have been a feather in the cap of A&M or Verve Records at the time! The work here is really unique – bits of koto and shakuhachi amidst the fuller, soaring backings of the New Herd of Toshiyuki Miyama – who themselves are supported by some extra Latin percussion! The mix of modes is wonderful – a strong bossa undercurrent that keeps the whole thing gliding along nicely – thanks in part also to a great array of tunes from Brazil, Europe, and the US. Titles include "Constant Rain", "Mas Que Nada", "Sunny", "Il Bacio", "Un Homme Et Une Femme", "Vivre Pour Vivre", and "Agua De Beber". ~ Dusty Groove

BAMALOVESOUL PRESENTS ON DECK (VARIOUS ARTISTS) 

A wonderful compilation put together by BamaLoveSoul – who are among the greatest champions of the best, deepest soul in the contemporary landscape! This diverse set is 10 strong with excellent underground soul, laidback instrumentals and otherwise solid sounds – all of which we're hearing for the first time – and we'd like to thank our friends down in 'Bama for that! On Deck has a global reach and a great ear for timeless, genuinely soulful music – whether it's done with subtle electronics, acoustic instrumentation or a bit of both. It's all good – which seems to be real impetus for inclusion here – that, and everyone on it deserves to bust out to a wider audience. Let's help make that happen! Includes "Lost In Memory" by Soia, "Fourteen" by Ta-Ku, "Underestimated" by Diggs Duke and ProbCause, "When The Time Is Right" by Byron The Aquarius, "Get On Through" by Mr Bird feat Greg Blackman, "Better" by Nicholas Ryan Gant, "BrookLon (BK Meets UK)" by Ahmed Sirour, "Be Felt" by Xolisa, "Run The Fantastic Race" by Tall Black Guy and "End Of The Universe" by Freddie Joachim. ~ Dusty Groove

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.) ~ Dusty Groove

THE SWING DOLLS - SING THEIR TRIBUTE TO THE ANDREWS SISTERS AND THE McGUIRE SISTERS

If you enjoy the music and vocal stylings of The Andrews Sisters or The McGuire Sisters, or you’re a fan of vocal harmony groups and swing music, you’ll love this performance by The Swing Dolls!

This female variety vocal trio has been thrilling audiences nationwide for over 10 years. Their extraordinary recreation of the renowned Andrews Sisters has garnered The Swing Dolls performances on WB's ‘Gilmore Girls’; for Bob Hope's 100th Birthday celebration; on UPN's ‘Your Big Break’; with Tom Dreesen to commemorate WWII Veterans; for the reunion of the original members of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, along with Director Penny Marshall and the Cast of "A League of Their Own"; for HBO's 'Band of Brothers' Gala; as featured Guest Artist for the Pasadena Pops Orchestra Summer Concert Series; as Concert Headliner for the Secret City Festival in Oak Ridge, TN; and numerous performances for USO and Patriotic theme shows aboard USS Midway (San Diego) and at Military Base Officers’ Clubs. Add to that countless private and corporate events performing music made popular by The Andrews Sisters and The McGuire Sisters, complemented more recently with their 1960's Girl Group Review and Tribute to Mamma Mia!, and you can appreciate why The Swing Dolls are in such demand!

Robin, Andrea and Christina, along with The Swing Dolls Band, have created a journey down memory lane that can’t be beat. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the era, or newly captivated by tight vocal harmonies and swing music, you’re sure to enjoy this fresh tribute by The Swing Dolls! ~ cdbaby.com

TONY BENNETT: DUETS II TV SPECIAL RECEIVES EMMY NOMINATION

Tony Bennett: Duets II, a presentation of THIRTEEN's Great Performances, that premiered on PBS in January, 2012 was nominated for a Prime-Time Emmy Award in the category of "Outstanding Variety Special." Tony Bennett: Duets II featured the 17-time Grammy Award winner's greatest hits, performed by Bennett and today's biggest stars, including Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Natalie Cole, Sheryl Crow, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Faith Hill, Norah Jones, Lady Gaga, k.d. lang, John Mayer, Willie Nelson, Queen Latifah, Alejandro Sanz, Carrie Underwood, and Amy Winehouse.

Tony Bennett: Duets II was produced by RPM TV Productions, Inc, with Danny Bennett, Executive Producer and Jennifer LeBeau, Producer. For Great Performances, Bill O'Donnell is series producer; David Horn is executive producer. Tony Bennett's last prime-time television special, Tony Bennett: An American Classic, won seven Emmy Awards making it the most honored program at the 2007 Emmy Awards.

Tony Bennett made music history with the Grammy-nominated CD Duets II when it debuted at the top of the Billboard Album charts, making Bennett the oldest vocal artist ever to achieve the number one spot. Released in conjunction with Bennett's 85th birthday, the platinum selling release, which won three Grammy Awards earlier this year, followed the singer's Grammy-winning 2006 Duets CD which had, in turn, been released in honor of his 80th birthday.

The album took over six months to record with each track recorded face-to-face with his singing partners in studios around the world, from LA to Nashville to London. Among the many highlights is Amy Winehouse's last recorded track ('Body and Soul'), which was produced in London's famous Abbey Road Studios in March. Other tracks were recorded in New York in late July: the Richard Rodgers-Lorenz Hart classic, "The Lady Is A Tramp" with Lady Gaga, and the Alan and Marilyn Bergman classic, "How Do You Keep The Music Playing," with Aretha Franklin, and "Stranger in Paradise" with Andrea Bocelli, recorded at the singer's Italian home (see full track listing below).

The musical segments were highlighted by insights on the process from the performers, making for an up-close look at one of the year's most celebrated recordings. The sessions were filmed by Oscar-winning cinematographer Dion Beebe ("Chicago," "Memoirs of a Geisha," "Collateral"), providing a personal, behind-the-scenes look at Bennett's latest collaborations and his artistic approach with each song. Tony Bennett: Duets II/The Great Performances is available on DVD at retail outlets nationwide.

The full song program for Great Performances: Tony Bennett: DUETS II :
"The Lady is a Tramp" (Lady Gaga)
"One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) (John Mayer)
"Body and Soul" (Amy Winehouse)
"Don't Get Around Much Anymore" (Michael Buble)
"Blue Velvet" (k.d. lang)
"How Do You Keep the Music Playing" (Aretha Franklin)
"The Girl I Love" (Sheryl Crow)
"On the Sunny Side of the Street" (Willie Nelson)
"Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) (Queen Latifah)
"Speak Low" (Norah Jones)
"This Is All I Ask" (Josh Groban)
"Watch What Happens" (Natalie Cole)
"Stranger in Paradise" (Andrea Bocelli)
"The Way You Look Tonight" (Faith Hill)
"Yesterday I Heard the Rain" (Alejandro Sanz)
"It Had to Be You" (Carrie Underwood)

BRIAN BROMBERG - IN THE SPIRIT OF JOBIM

It’s no ordinary summer for bassist Brian Bromberg, who yesterday released his second and third albums this summer via Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Records. Bromberg Plays Hendrix and In The Spirit Of Jobim pay tribute to music icons Jimi Hendrix and Antonio Carlos Jobim respectively and arrive six weeks after the release of the bass player’s critically acclaimed chart-topper Compared To That as well as the launch of his pioneering online radio station for bassists, Bass on the Broadband (http://www.bassonthebroadband.com/). The immense diversity offered in the trio of new recordings impresses through content and technique while achieving successes in all shades of jazz.


Venturing on an entirely different path, In The Spirit Of Jobim offers fresh versions of five of the seminal Brazilian music figure’s songs alongside seven Bromberg-penned originals that emulate Jobim’s breezy melodies and infectious rhythmic style. Bromberg handled production duties while surrounding himself with Brazilian musicians and The Rising Sun Orchestra in order to maintain authenticity.

“I love Brazilian music and it’s a blast to play live. The music is so positive and energetic. The songs are simple and melodic. It’s just beautiful,” says Bromberg. Initially released in Asian territories, Bromberg recut, remixed and remastered In The Spirit Of Jobim using his signature line of Carvin basses.

Below is a sampling of the In The Spirit Of Jobim reviews:

“Bromberg does a masterful job on five Jobim classics…In The Spirit of Jobim is about passion and a shared musical joy and for this reason alone this release gets 5 huge stars. Virtually flawless from start to finish and from my perspective possibly the finest Brian Bromberg release ever.” – Critical Jazz

“Virtuoso bassist Brian Bromberg delivers a beautiful recording of the great music of Brazil…Brian Bromberg honors this music with a stellar recording that gets my highest recommendation. He is truly a master bassist and musical tour de force.” – The Entertainment Bank

“Not only are we talking prolific, the feel and attention he gave this particular material shows the depth of his creativity and desire to do Jobim justice…On this CD, he delivers flawlessly on Jobim’s original pearls and caresses them as if they were his own.” – The Smooth Jazz Ride

BRIAN BROMBERG PLAYS HENDRIX

The audacious Bromberg Plays Hendrix surprises in that the collection saluting the rock/blues guitarist was made without a single guitar. Accompanied only by monster drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, Bromberg plays all the lead guitar solos and melodies on piccolo, fretless, electric and acoustic basses in what becomes an astonishing showcase for the musician’s masterful and imaginative skills. Bromberg produced the record comprised of ten of Hendrix’s signature hits including “Fire,” “Manic Depression,” “The Wind Cries Mary,” “All Along The Watchtower,” “Foxey Lady,” “Hey Joe” and “Purple Haze.” The concept for the album was suggested by two different record executives from two different cultures two years apart. It turned out to be far more challenging than Bromberg anticipated.

“Hendrix didn’t just sing melodies; he spoke to you. He was a true genius and a true American icon. It was monumentally challenging and it took a while to figure out how to capture his delivery and distill the melodies from his vocals,” explains Bromberg.

Below is a sampling of the Bromberg Plays Hendrix reviews:

“Having often said, ‘Genius reviews itself’ - Bromberg plays Hendrix where one musical genius does a riff off another musical genius. The stunning artistic feel and virtuosity is on display throughout this release with no drop offs in intensity anywhere…From the lyrical connectivity of ‘The Wind Cries Mary’ to the full on ‘Purple Haze’ Bromberg plays Hendrix is guaranteed to touch your heart and set your hair on fire all at the same time!” – Critical Jazz

“This is rock jazz fusion at its very best. What has been done here is amazing…This is a powerful tribute that brings Hendrix back to life in the musical form and in a completely innovative manner. Every cut on the CD is a masterpiece...I was spellbound the entire time during the solos from the first track ‘Fire’ to the very last, ‘Purple Haze.’…Whether you lean towards jazz or rock (or any other genre), Brian Bromberg raises the bar on what a bass player is and what can been done with the instrument, as he sets a new standard just like Jimi Hendrix did. Tremendous!” – The Entertainment Bank

“Now we’re talkin’ insane talent. Picture this: Covering a bunch of Jimi Hendrix classics with only a bass and drums, no guitar. All of the wild and passionate riffs, chords, and fire, all of the innovative phrasing, all of the energy…produced on bass. That insanely talented bassist? Brian Bromberg…From the frenetic lead track ‘Fire’ to ‘Foxy Lady’ to ‘Purple Haze’ and everywhere in between, Bromberg fearlessly takes on the undisputed rock/blues guitar icon of icons and delivers in a manner that surely would have made the colorful guitarist proud and will leave listeners wide-eyed and awestruck.” – The Smooth Jazz Ride

“When one thinks of the music of Jimi Hendrix, bass is not exactly what comes to mind, but you know, sometimes genius is found in the oddest of pairings. Brian Bromberg has achieved such genius on his new album, Bromberg Plays Hendrix. What’s most notable here is the fact that there is no guitar on this album, just Bromberg playing electric, acoustic, and piccolo basses, accompanied by powerhouse drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Bromberg’s piccolo bass lines on this album are so phenomenal that you’d swear it was a lead guitar. Not to be overshadowed, his fat, grooving ‘traditional’ bass lines rock steady throughout, breathing new life into each piece.” - Bass Players United

“Except for a few little vocal refrains on ‘Fire’ and ‘Crosstown Traffic,’ it’s all instrumentals here, and it actually works better than the originals in a myriad of ways. ‘Hey Joe’ sounds bluesy and foreboding, while ‘Spanish Castle Magic’ ferociously swings with attitude. Lots of wistfulness on ‘The Wind Cries Mary,’ and throughout the session, the sounds you hear will make you scratch your head in bewilderment. This is a bass? I want one!!!!” – Jazz Weekly

NEW RELEASES - SPIRITUAL SOUL & GOSPEL FUNK, SORY KANDIA KOUYATE, MOTOWN FLOORSHAKERS

HOLY SPIRIT - SPIRITUAL SOUL & GOSPEL FUNK FROM SHREVEPORT'S JEWEL RECORDS (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

One of the funkiest gospel collections you'll ever hope to own – and an amazing document of the criss-crossing styles going down at the legendary Jewel Records! Jewel didn't just record gospel, but handled a fair bit of soul, funk, blues, and jazz – all of which seems to bubble forth in these amazing recordings – tracks that easily represent some of the hippest, coolest gospel sides of the late 60s and early 70s – the kind of work we've dug for years in its ability to easily cross over to the secular scene, thanks to wicked grooves underneath the vocals! And the vocals are pretty darn great too – work by singers who could have been huge in the mainstream world, had they broken from the spiritual realm – really belting out with the best of the southern soul scene of the time. The package features a whopping 41 tracks in all – with tracks that "Don't Forget The Bridge" by Mighty Songs Of Glory, "There's A Creator" by Roscoe Robinson, "Trouble's Brewin" by The Meditation Singers, "Brotherly Love" by BP's Revolution, "I'm Trying To Be Your Friend" by Soul Stirrers, "Far Away From God" by Armstrong Brothers, "Golden Gate" by Traveling Echoes, "He's A Friend" by Dorothy Norwood, "Watch That Rogue" by Silver Gate Quartet, "You've Got To Serve Somebody" by Bill Moss, and "The Upper Way" by The Violinaires. ~ Dusty Groove

SORY KANDIA KOUYATE – LA VOIX DE LA REVOLUTION

Incredible work from Sory Kandia Kouyate – not just an amazing singer, but also a powerful political force in independent Guinea as well! This 2CD collection brings together music from Sory's best period – very heavy on early 70s numbers that feature enigmatic instrumentation on kora, tenor sax, balafon, and percussion – with accompaniment by either the Trio De Musique, Ensemble National Djoiba, or Keltgui Et Ses Tambourinis – all groups who create these amazingly-woven backdrops that are perfect for Koyate's long-spun style of storytelling singing! The whole thing is captivating right from the start – with that incredible freshness we first felt when hearing the Ethiopiques series – a great reminder that there's still a hell of a lot of African music for our ears to discover. Wonderfully packaged by Sterns, with notes in French and English –a nd tracks that include "Kedo", "Douga", "Toubaka", "Siiba", "Nina", "Souaressi", "Minawa", "Djoliba", "Fouaba", "Tara", and "N'Na". ~ Dusty Groove

MOTOWN FLOORSHAKERS – 40 NORTHERN SOUL CLASSICS (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

A great look at the sound of Motown in the 60s – a special set that brings together upbeat, hard-grooving soul tunes from the legendary label – of the sort that always play big on Northern Soul dancefloors! There's way more than just familiar hits here – as the collection does a nice job of going past the obvious classics treasured in the US, to uncover the great soul cuts that have been prized by British soul fans for the past few decades – the kind of Detroit grooves that have gone onto have a huge influence on overseas music for years. The set's got a few familiar numbers, but lots more lesser-known Motown cuts – and titles include "You Can't Stop A Man In Love" by Reuben Howell, "Lucky Lucky Me" by Marvin Gaye, "Tune Up" by Jr Walker & The All Stars, "Out To Get You" by Shorty Long, "For This I Thank You" by Gino Parks, "Love Trouble Heartache & Misery" by Hattie Littles, "I'm Gonna Make It Up To You" by Kim Weston, "Battened Ships" by Odyssey, "Nothing Left To Give" by Thelma Houston, "Til You Were Gone" by Frank Wilson, "One Way Out" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, "Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart" by The Supremes, and "Baby A Go Go" by Barbara McNair. ~ Dusty Groove

JIMMY CLIFF - REBIRTH

“I got one more shot at the goal/Straight from my soul/I’m in control,” sings reggae legend Jimmy Cliff on “One More,” the lead track from Rebirth, the new Universal Music Enterprises album from the Grammy-winning musician, actor, singer, songwriter, producer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, produced by punk icon Tim Armstrong, of Rancid and Operation Ivy fame.

The release, his first studio album in seven years, is the next step in their collaboration on last year’s Sacred Fire EP, an effort Rolling Stone called Cliff’s “best music in decades… [his] tenor still soars.” With the groundbreaking 1972 film The Harder They Come celebrating its 40th anniversary, Cliff—who starred in the movie and contributed the title cut, “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “Many Rivers to Cross” and “Sitting in Limbo” to the soundtrack—is still going strong in a career that has spanned almost 50 years and includes his native Jamaica’s highest honor, the Order of Merit. In Rebirth's autobiographical “Reggae Music,” Cliff recounts going to see famed Jamaican producer Leslie Kong in 1962 to convince him to work with him, releasing Cliff’s first hit, “Hurricane Hattie,” when he was just 14.

“Jimmy is one of my musical heroes and I’ve been responding to his music my entire life,” said Armstrong, who had never met Cliff before, but was once recommended to him by mutual friend Joe Strummer of The Clash. Gathering Armstrong’s studio band, the Engine Room (bassist/percussionist J Bonner, drum/percussionist Scott Abels, organ/percussionist Dan Boer and piano/lead guitarist Kevin Bivona), the first song they tackled was a cover of Rancid’s “Ruby Soho,” a ska-tinged number from the band’s 1995 album …And Out Came the Wolves about a musician having to tell his lover he’s headed for the road.

 had no idea it was one of Tim’s songs, but I liked it and could identify with the sentiments,” said Cliff. “I never really had the opportunity to hear his music, but it was a great thing how we hit if off in the studio.”

They also worked on a cover of The Clash’s “The Guns of Brixton,” a song about the growing tension in Brixton at the time. Ironically, Strummer’s last session ever was with Cliff on “Over the Border, a song from Jimmy’s 2004 album, Black Magic. It was at that time Joe talked up Armstrong as someone who might make a good collaborator for him.

“It was inspiring working with Tim because even the sound of the album feels like we went back to the ’60s and ’70s,” said Cliff. “I had forgotten about a lot of the sounds and the instruments we used then, and we brought that all back.”

“Now the tides have turned/And the rewards we have earned/Bringing us good feeling/Set our hearts a-reeling.” “Our Ship Is Sailing”

While Rebirth is named after what Cliff perceives as his own artistic revival, the reggae pioneer has never really been away, working with a who’s-who of other rock legends over the years, including the Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello and Annie Lennox, his songs covered by the likes of Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Cher, New Order and Fiona Apple. His patented sweet tenor is the most recognizable vocal in reggae along with his only fellow Jamaican Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Bob Marley. Last year, he made a triumphant appearance at the Bonnaroo festival that put him back on the pop music map.

“The album is about my rebirth as an artist and as a man, but also about the rebirth of the world,” says the man whose 1970 “Vietnam,” has been dubbed by Bob Dylan “the greatest protest song ever written,” and served as a centerpiece in Paul Simon’s acclaimed 2011 tour, the performer citing it as his original inspiration to record “Mother and Child Reunion” with Cliff’s band in Jamaica.

Never a stranger to politics, Jimmy continues as a voice of power and conscience, especially on songs like the opener, “World Upside Down,” a song written by the late reggae pioneer Joe Higgs back in the ‘70s with lyrics updated by Cliff. “I made it for the world today,” he added.

Other socially conscious songs on Rebirth include “Children’s Bread,” with its harsh refrain, “They took the children’s bread and give it to the dogs… The time has come for us to right the wrongs.” Much of the material was inspired by his tour of African countries like Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana.

“Africa is like an injection for me,” he explained. “Being there gave me that high feeling—the songs just poured out.”

“Let’s keep on moving…There ain’t no stopping until we say so” “Our Ship Is Sailing.”

But it is the more personal songs, like “One More,” “Reggae Music” and “Our Ship is Sailing” which get to the heart of Jimmy Cliff’s music, and his own artistic renewal as he heads out on a summer tour that began in Brooklyn in June with a concert streamed on NPR Music. Among his future plans are more acting roles, including a possible sequel to The Harder They Come, as well as continuing to write songs inspired by the classic soundtrack.

“I have not become the artist I believe I am,” he told Rolling Stone last year. “I’m not done at all. I want to become a stadium act.”

Rebirth is the next step in that direction. ~ jimmycliff.com

TIMI YURO - THE COMPLETE LIBERTY SINGLES

Before Amy Winehouse, before Adele, there was the Little Girl with the Big Voice, Timi Yuro, the greatest white soul singer of the ‘60s, male or female. Previous Timi collections have featured after-the-fact stereo remixes or album tracks—no collection has concentrated on the actual recordings that made her famous, the singles that took her to the charts in the ‘60s...till now! Here, for the first time, are the A and B-sides of all of the U.S. singles Timi cut for Liberty Records during her two stints with the label, featuring the original mono single mixes except for two tracks that were issued as 33 1/3 stereo jukebox singles, all fittingly remastered for CD release at Capitol Studios.

Among the highlights are, of course, her recording of “Hurt” (also here in an Italian version in homage to Timi’s heritage), a performance so deeply emotional and mature that viewers of Timi’s first television performances were shocked to discover that she was (a) white, (b) a female (c) barely five feet tall and (d) a 20 year-old from Chicago; the Phil Spector production of “What’s A Matter Baby (Is It Hurting You)”, in which his studio bombast met its match in Timi’s booming vocal, and the legendary Northern Soul single “It’ll Never Be Over for Me/As Long as There Is You,” which in its original 7” vinyl form trades for princely sums. Co-Producer Ed Osborne pens notes that trace Timi’s journey from Chicago to the charts along with a singles discography and photos. Remember, many of these songs have never been on CD and/or never in their original single mixes—find out why everybody from Elvis to Morrissey counted Timi among their favorite singers. ~ Real Gone Music

JACKIE GLEASON PRESENTS MUSIC FOR LOVERS ONLY

Probably the most popular, iconic mood music album ever made, Jackie Gleason’s Music for Lovers Only set the stage for untold imitators to come with its evocative album artwork and lush, sweeping soundscapes. Released as a 10” LP in 1952, it set the record—which still stands!—for most weeks in the Top Ten Album charts at 153, and hit the charts yet again in 1955 when it was released as a 12” LP. But here is where the history of Music for Lovers Only becomes, like most romances, complicated. The original 10” included only eight tracks, but Capitol’s first 12” issue of the album added eight more for a total of 16; subsequently, however, the album was reissued on LP with 12 tracks, and the out-of-print sole CD release of Music for Lovers Only featured just the eight tracks from the original 10” release.

Now, for the first time ever on CD, Real Gone Music is restoring this classic album to its full, 16-track length, with its glorious, original artwork intact—another first!—and in its original mono. As for those wondering what musical contribution Mr. Gleason made to the album, some say Gleason conceived of melodies in his head and described them vocally to his assistants. But when Bobby Hackett, whose wistful trumpet lines were the focal point of the Gleason sound and of this album, was asked what Jackie contributed to the recordings, he replied: “He brought the checks.” Either way, Music for Lovers Only stands as The Great One’s greatest musical achievement. ~ Real Gone Music

TRACKS:
1. Alone Together
2. My Funny Valentine
3. But Not for Me
4. Love (Your Spell Is Everywhere)
5. I’m in the Mood for Love
6. Love Is Here to Stay
7. I Only Have Eyes for You
8. Body and Soul
9. Little Girl
10. I Cover the Waterfront
11. Some Day
12. If I Had You
13. When a Woman Loves a Man
14. A Stranger in Town
15. A Moonlight Saving Time
16. My Love for Carmen