HOT CLUB OF DETROIT - JUNCTION

Following up It's About That Time, Night Town and the eponymous 2006 debut Hot Club of Detroit - Hot Club of Detroit expands its sonic and compositional horizons with Junction. Retaining its original lineup of reeds, two guitars, accordion, upright bass and no drums, this is the band's fourth release for Mack Avenue Records. There are personnel changes, however, and for the first time, the Hot Club of Detroit is joined (on three tracks) by a vocalist: French musician Cyrille Aimée, a native of Django Reinhardt's hometown and third-place winner of the 2010 Thelonious Monk International Vocal Competition.

Junction's sound is at once vintage and boldly new, rooted in the legacy of Django Reinhardt but also the sensibilities of Ornette Coleman, Pat Metheny, John Zorn and even the rock band Phish. Far from a traditional gypsy jazz ensemble, Hot Club of Detroit (HCOD) proves itself a versatile modern jazz group, with a unique acoustic-electric sound that surges past expectations and genre boundaries.

"A lot of bands that model themselves after the Hot Club of France are now working with drummers, or percussion of some sort," says HCOD rhythm guitarist Paul Brady. "We never have. And by doing that it forces us to think creatively about what we can do without it. How can we approach odd meter, how can we approach certain grooves? Regardless of what a drummer can add, that absence to me is interesting and different."

Unfortunately, Junction comes at a difficult time. HCOD bassist Andrew Kratzat and his fiancée were both seriously injured in an auto accident in July 2011, and are currently on a long road to recovery. "This album is a dedication to both of them," declares Brady. "It's been tough for us, musically but also emotionally," adds HCOD accordionist Julien Labro. "Andrew is like a brother, a family member. But we're still hopeful, and one day I'm sure he'll be back to playing."

Honoring Kratzat's example, bassist Shawn Conley brings stellar musicianship to Junction. Another new face is saxophonist Jon Irabagon, winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition and member of the acclaimed punk-jazz quartet Mostly Other People Do the Killing. Andrew Bishop, also on reeds, makes appearances on three tracks, increasing the band's power and timbral variation. (Family obligations required Carl Cafagna, the group's original saxophonist, to step aside.)

Irabagon is assertive from the start, contributing his own "Goodbye Mr. Anderson" as the album opener. (The title comes from The Matrix, the chords to an extent from Bobby Hebb's "Sunny" and John Coltrane.) The writing partnership of Labro and lead guitarist Evan Perri is also central to the album's sound. From their rich creative exchange comes the flowing soprano sax/accordina melody of "Song For Gabriel" (named for pop legend Peter Gabriel); the Pat Metheny-esque 6/8 time of "Junction"; and the French-style waltz "Midnight in Detroit" (a parallel to Stephane Wrembel's "Midnight in Paris," used in the Woody Allen film). "The openings of 'Song For Gabriel,' and 'Junction' are very idiomatic to the guitar, which makes them feel like pop tunes to me," adds Perri.

Perri and Labro also co-arranged "Rift," by Phish's Trey Anastasio, to close the album, adding a foundation of brisk la pompe rhythm guitar, even a hint of Western swing, to a 1993 rock song of fairly epic (and very electric) proportions, though without abandoning the tune's structure. "I considered it sacrilegious, and refused to shorten the original form of 'Rift' during rehearsals!" Perri laughs.

Labro's pieces make clear his rigorous attention to craft and his wide-ranging influences. "The thing with 'Hey!'" he explains, "is that it was not supposed to be two tenors at first. When we knew Andrew was able to participate, I started thinking I could hear a dialogue and absolutely wanted to include his voice." John Zorn is the inspiration behind "Chutzpah," with a blasting free-form intro that gives way to precise ensemble passages and a riot of changing tempos and feels. The darker and calmer "Goodbye Mr. Shearing" honors the late piano master George Shearing, who in fact started out on accordion. "There are just a few recordings where he plays accordion and his language was great, so ahead of its time for the instrument."

Another Labro composition, "Django Mort," was inspired by a Jean Cocteau poem that was read at Reinhardt's funeral. Aimée sings the French text as the band plays in a laid-back shuffle feel with a romantic flair. "I tried to imagine when those words were first recited, perhaps with an organ playing in the background," Labro says. "So the accordion starts by itself, and the counterpoint is very Baroque. I also thought about Django being a jazz musician, and why not have a procession like they do in New Orleans. So I opened that up into a bluesy vibe, thinking about guitarists like Howlin' Wolf."

Just before "Django Mort" is Labro's arrangement of an unfinished Django Reinhardt mass, "Messe Gitane." While researching Django's death, Labro came upon the only recording of this remarkable work-in-progress, a roughly 10-minute fragment for solo organ. "Django never orchestrated any of it," Labro reports, "but you can tell that something bigger was supposed to arrive." Irabagon and Bishop both play clarinet on the piece, enhancing its chamber-like beauty.

Aimée also offers "a nice bit of vocal athleticism," in Brady's words, on the Angel Cabral tune "La Foule" ("the crowd"), a Parisian standard associated with Edith Piaf. "The lyrics are about two people who meet in a crowd and they dance," Brady offers, "and the party gets more and more crowded and they lose each other." Labro resets the popular waltz in a tricky but natural-sounding mixed meter. "The song is actually Peruvian in origin," he says, "so I wanted to bring that Latin back in. It was already in Cyrille's repertoire, but to sing it that fast with the different meters was a challenge, and she hung in there. She's really willing to take risks."

No less challenging was Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman," also arranged by Labro, featuring Irabagon on alto saxophone and Aimée singing a lyric written by Margo Guryan. Labro explains: "In the original, the time and the harmony are there but they're so loose. We needed to find a way to capture what the words are about, without destroying what Ornette intended."

Labro and Brady share composer credit on "Puck Bunny," which is slang for a female hockey fan. "A critic once called us 'puckish'," Brady explains, "so I was originally going to call this 'Puck,' as in the Shakespeare character." Brady also cites the free-spirited influences of Mostly Other People Do the Killing as well as Jason Moran's Bandwagon. Labro scored the piece for bass clarinet (Bishop) and sopranino saxophone (Irabagon), creating the widest possible sonic range. "What's great about having Jon and Andrew together," Labro says, "is that they can play so many woodwinds, so it gives you a lot to work with. You can mix and match and get totally different sounds."

Different sounds coming together, band members collaborating from different cities: all of this makes Junction the perfect album title. "It's a nice mix of pop-oriented material and also rather avant-garde stuff," Brady concludes. "I remember an interview with Marc Ribot, my favorite guitarist in the world, talking about how avant-garde and pop have a lot of crossover, and even some of the musicians are the same people, like Marc himself. It made total sense to me, and it came into my mind while preparing this record." Perri concurs: "We've always believed that if Django Reinhardt were alive today, he wouldn't play the same way he always did. In his short lifespan you can see how much evolution and vision he had. To pay tribute to him is to continue pursuing our own ideas."

ALEKS GIRSHEVICH TRIO - TOMORROW

Gifted jazz combo fronted by a prodigious 11-year-old drummer garners airplay and positive reviews

Already nearly 50 radio stations are playing tracks from the promising debut disc, Tomorrow, by the Aleks Girshevich Trio, which was released today by Dapper Music and welcomed with critical praise along with airplay on 16 new radio stations including Santa Monica’s influential NPR broadcaster KCRW.

There are two unique elements that make the Aleks Girshevich Trio intriguing. A glimpse at the artsy black & white photo adorning the Tomorrow cover depicts two men and an 11-year-old boy. The kid is Aleks for whom the chamber jazz trio is named. He’s a prodigious drummer who astounds by innately dispensing complex drum beats and advanced Cuban and Brazilian-influenced percussion polyrhythms that confound and impress jazz masters.

Aleks’ father is Vlad Girshevich, a conservatory trained pianist and composer who emigrated from Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Vlad crafts evocative melodies, classically tinged jazz that is intimate and inviting. He can lure you with a beautiful melody, provoke pondering with contemplative noodling, or captivate with a scholarly musical exploration spanning an expansive array of art and culture. Rooted in Russian classical, Vlad has found a home in jazz where he has performed with Wayne Shorter, Arturo Sandoval and legendary drummer Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez. He penned seven compositions for Tomorrow and collaborated with his cohorts to write the closing cut (“Dithering”).

Bridging the two exceptional players is Juilliard trained bassist David Arend, who produced Tomorrow during the two-day recording process in San Francisco. Capable of making classical riffs swing with his upright bass, the award-winning Arend is remarkably diverse having played jazz, modern chamber music, electronica, opera, and extensive orchestra gigs with the San Francisco Symphony and world-renown film composers (John Williams, Tan Dun, George Crumb) in addition to collaborating with Ornette Coleman, Bela Fleck, Bobby McFerrin and Carlos Santana.

The Denver-based Girshevichs’ are being shadowed by a documentary film crew focused on the extraordinary relationship and apprenticeship between father and son. The trio hopes to record their sophomore collection this fall.

Below are excerpts from some of the early reviews of the Aleks Girshevich Trio’s Tomorrow:

“Pianist and composer Vlad Girshevich is a thrilling and adventurous talent, whilst bassist (and producer) David Arend is an engaging player with a great warm tone. His bass work on Tomorrow, with its slippery, sliding groove, and his Ron Carter flavored solo on the stand-out track ‘Broken Promises’ are both fabulous. He accredits himself well throughout the album and his playing is a pleasure to listen to.” – Bass Players United

“The ‘Piano Trio’ is usually led by the …drumroll…PIANIST! Aleks Girshevich, however, leads from behind, which might not work for Middle East politics, but definitely is successful here. Along with Vlad Girshevich/p and David Arend/b, he creates some flying sparks on originals such as ‘Strange Memories’ or ‘Broken Promises.’ The leader cajoles his band mates through an exciting and varied display of rolls, paradiddles, hi hats, ride cymbals and changing of meters throughout, keeping everyone alive and alert throughout. A real workshop of being adept at every part of the percussive traps.” – Jazz Weekly

NEW RELEASES - DONALD FAGEN, FOURPLAY, CESAR'S SALAD

DONALD FAGEN - SUNKEN CONDOS

Donald Fagen's fourth solo album for Reprise Records, Sunken Condos, will be released on Tuesday, October 16, 2012. His first three solo albums, The Nightfly, Kamakiriad and Morph the Cat, comprised the project known as the Nightfly Trilogy. Sunken Condos begins a new chapter in the creative evolution of this innovative artist, whose career is still going strong after forty years. The nine tracks on Sunken Condos were co-produced by Michael Leonhart and Donald. All but one track, an Ashkenazi recasting of Isaac Hayes' Out of the Ghetto, are new Fagen originals. Some familiar names from the Steely Dan family of players are on hand (Jon Herington, the Steely Dan horns, Freddie Washington) plus some new faces. The word is that, from now on, everything Donald does has got to be funky. Release date is October 6, 2012. www.donaldfagen.com

FOURPLAY - ESPIRIT DE FOUR

For two decades, the contemporary jazz quartet known as Fourplay has enjoyed consistent artistic and commercial success by grafting elements of R&B, pop and a variety of other sounds to their unwavering jazz foundations. In the course of a dozen recordings – six of which have climbed to the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album charts – the supergroup has continued to explore the limitless dimensions and permutations of jazz while at the same time appealing to a broad mainstream audience. “All four of us have been in this business long enough to know that there’s always pressure to compromise, and we don’t want to do that,” says Bob James. “We don’t want to end up in the middle of the pack. We always aim to be leaders, and take the music to another level and raise the standards higher. I think the music on this new record, thanks in large part to Chuck’s early contributions – and to the ongoing team spirit of the band as a whole – is very much a reflection of that philosophy." Espirit De Four will be released on September 16, 2012.

CESAR'S SALAD - THE LATIN BEAT VOL. 2

A second helping of Latin Beat from Cesar's Salad – and a feverish, funky and tight set on Perfect Toy that's easily as strong its predecessor! Led by percussionist Cesar Granados – who really knocks us out on the congas – the group is a quartet with a raw approach and a live feel. Rooted in 60s and 70s Afro-Cuban jazz, soul and funk, they do it with a modern, hard-grooving immediacy. Hajo Von Hadeln is on drums, Jo Junghanss on the piano, and Jerker Kluge on bass – and we really love the big sound from this small combo! Titles include "Jenjere", "El Dynamico", "Watermelon Man", "Song For My Father", "Pushing Spaces", "Bahamas", "Recordame", "On Broadway" and more. ~ Dusty Groove

NICOLAS BEARDE - YOU'RE SENSATIONAL

This week on the Jazz Network Worldwide Featured Vocalist/Songwriter, Nicolas Bearde Shares a "Sneak Peek" of his Upcoming CD with his New Single, "You're Sensational"

Nicolas Bearde explores the soulful and jazzy side of samba, while paying homage to West Indian jazz artist, Jon Lucien on his new single, "You're Sensational". Backed by a stellar group of musicians, including legendary bassist, Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report), keyboardist David "Creatchy" Garfield (George Benson), drummer Mike Shapiro and guitarist Kleber Jorge (both from the Sergio Mendes band) Nicolas puts his own unique stamp on this skillfully written ode to beauty and passion.

The voice of Nicolas Bearde, has captivated audiences around the world for over twenty years, all the while following his own muse. With a style that is timeless and diverse, regardless of prevailing trends, Nicolas' recordings feature outstanding original songs and covers, top drawer musicianship, and his signature "buttery baritone". My 4th album will take me back to my Jazz and R&B roots," says Bearde. "It's focus will be on my original compositions, along with the music of a few contemporary songwriters such as James Taylor, Jon Lucien and Stevie Wonder, and... this outing will be more musically polished and expanded in it's approach. It is a slice of heaven to work with this team of legendary producers - Grammy musical director, Larry Batiste, Grammy-nominated CD producer, Bud Spangler, and renowned bassist/producer/educator, Alphonso Johnson along with the world class musicians who are signed onto this project."

Crowd-funding is a new trend in the music business these days and it been quite successful for many artists," says Jai Jai Jackson of The Jazz Network Worldwide."I am glad that Nicolas has decided to jump on that bandwagon asking for support from his loyal fans and friends to help make his musical dream a reality. The Jazz Network Worldwide is his family and we support his Kickstarter Campaign so that a new Nicolas Bearde selection can become part of our musical library. If his new single, 'You're Sensational' is indicative of what is to come, rest assured that it will be the kickoff to a musical masterpiece. We are proud to have the opportunity to showcase it to the jazz community and beyond", states Jackson. Bearde welcomes all music lovers to check out his Kickstarter campaign at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/402215474/youre-sensational-nicolas-beardes-jazz-for-the-sou?ref=email, and become one of his supporters, garnering special offerings for various levels of contribution.

In addition to being in the studio, and touring internationally, Nicolas has been involved with numerous collaborative projects - performing with drumming legend Bernard "Pretty" Purdie as part of his All Star Band and recording with social activist, Holly Near. Purdie's rocking, groove-heavy ensemble features a varied list of music icons, including guest artist Dr. Lonnie Smith, venerable frontman and Blues Brothers vocalist Rob Paparozzi and bassist, John "Big Pocket" Hart.
Internationally, Nicolas headlined the first annual “Classics and Jazz” Festival held on the palace grounds of Katherine the Great in Moscow as well as a ground breaking musical experience at the LMC Jazz Festival held in Croatia, and.....come November, he is excited about returning to his adjudicating duties with the Young Arts Program in Miami, Florida.

Philanthropically, Nicolas donates his time to organizations such as the Womens’ Cancer Research Center and Bread and Roses, an organization dedicated to uplifting the human spirit by providing free, live, quality shows to people who live in care centers, institutions or are otherwise isolated from society. In addition, Nicolas supports the "Keep Music Rockin" foundation, which promotes the importance of music for the youth in public schools, and provides the needed funds to help maintain seventeen different school music programs.

Be sure to come by The Jazz Network Worldwide this week http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com to enjoy the 'sneak peek' of "You're Sensational" which is available at CDBaby, iTunes and Amazon.com

NEW RELEASES - THE EMOTIONS, THE STAPLE SINGERS, THE RONETTES

THE EMOTIONS - FLOWERS

A soaring classic from The Emotions – thanks to some supreme help from the Earth Wind & Fire side of the soul spectrum! This set has the trio really sounding great – with Kalimba Productions by Maurice White and Charles Stepney – and a good deal of EWF help on the instrumentation as well! The girls break out of the rootsier style used on their earlier Stax recordings, and manage to fit perfectly with the jazzy tinges of the new grooves – and, along with Ramsey Lewis and EWF, the Emotions were part of a hugely successful trinity during the late 70s – one that took the indie soul roots of the Chicago scene and turned it into landmark big business for Columbia Records. The album's got a new approach to female group soul that would go onto shape R&B for years to come – and titles include "Flowers", "I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love", "We Go Through Changes", "Special Part", and "You've Got The Right To Know". CD features a bonus single version of "Flowers". ~ Dusty Groove

THE STAPLE SINGERS

The Staple Singers in a direction none would have guessed a decade before – a half-pop, half-arty approach to the dancefloor – served up in a surprisingly nice batch of jaunty tunes! The approach here mixes electric rhythms with the deeper soul vocals of the group – often putting Mavis in the lead, supported by the production and arrangements of Mike Piccirillo and Gary Goetzman, who'd first launched the group in this direction with their efforts on a few tracks on the previous record. As on that one, one of the best numbers here is a Talking Heads cover – "Life During Wartime" – and David Byrne also guests on guitar on another track. The sound's a bit slick, but it works really well for them! Other tracks include "Are You Ready", "We Stand", "Reason To Love", "Start Walking", and "Love Works In Strange Ways". This CD version has 3 bonus mixes, too: "Are You Ready (US Single)", "Are You Ready (US Extended Dance Mix)" and "Are You Ready (US Dub Mix)".  ~ Dusty Groove

THE RONETTES - PRESENTING THE FABULOUS RONETTES FEATURING VERONICA

The surprisingly hard-to-find Philles album by The Ronettes – and an appropriately-titled one – as this pop soul masterpiece is fabulous, to say the least! To say a bit more, this incredible record, with Ronnie Spector shining brightly out front (she's the Veronica they're featuring, if you didn't know that already) is as fine of a showcase for the Wall Of Sound as any album in the canon. Best remembered for their timeless hit singles, there's no overstating how great this album is as a whole. It indeed features several of those huge hit singles – and it includes "Walking In The Rain", "Do I Love You?", "(The Best Part Of) Breaking Up", "I Wonder", "What'd I Say", "How Does It Feel", "Be My Baby", "You Baby" "When I Saw You" and "Chapel Of Love". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - THE CACTUS CHANNEL, LEE FIELDS, MOONCHILD

THE CACTUS CHANNEL - HAPTICS

Raw, original instrumental funk from The Cactus Channel – who are coming straight outta Melbourne – and they're barely outta high school! It's kind of stunning that a group as youthful as this one is delivering such a finely-honed set of rave-up funk! It's largely done in the 70s action soundtrack and psych funk modes – recorded to analog for an authentic feel – with heavy drums, solid guitar and bass, a five piece horn section and lots of organ. There's some slower-cooking groovers, too, leaving space for some sharp solos. We really need to visit Australia and study whatever it is down there that's inspiring such a wealth of modern funk! Includes "Emanuel Ciccolini", "The Colour Of Don Don", "Budokan", "Tom Has Ideas", "Level Up", "Boss Cat", "Jungle Run", "Under The Birdcage" and "Hot Teeth". (Includes digital download.) ~ Dusty Groove

LEE FIELDS - FAITHFUL MAN

The instrumentals for the smoking soul set by the mighty Lee Fields! The record's billed as a follow-up to the previous My World – but it's got a style that's much more deep soul, much more southern-tinged than that great record – a beautiful indication of Lee's rich legacy in soul music – which stretches back decades, with rare releases on small indie labels! Yet the sound here is much stronger than Fields ever got back in the day – thanks to help from The Expressions, and some sublime Truth & Soul production – a combination that really has the record feeling as if it were recorded for Atlantic at Muscle Shoals at the end of the 60s. A stone home run throughout – with titles that include "Faithful Man", "Wish You Were Here", "Moonlight Mile", "Walk On Thru That Door", "Still Hanging On", "You're The Kind Of Girl", and "I Still Got It". ~ Dusty Groove

MOONCHILD - BE FREE

Amazing sounds from Moonchild – a group as lovely as their name! The style here is slinky and stellar – spacey funk that's heavy on keyboards, yet really laidback too – stepping along in a cool cosmic vibe that's perfect for the lead vocals of Amber Navran – a hell of a great singer who really makes her voice work well with the keys! The album's really a cut above the rest – very fresh, with a crisp edge that's wonderful – and proof that there's still some great folks out there in the underground making righteous music like this! Titles include "Back To Me", "Be Free", "Out Of My Mind", "Ocean Deep", "Gone", "What Shall We Do", and "Turn It Up". ~ Dusty Groove

BEATLOUNGE CHILLOUT LIFESTYLE

Beatlounge Chillout Lifestyle is an album with a decisive - as defined by its name - "ChillOut LifeStyle" essence, full of beautiful melodies, ambient sound passages, warm, heartfelt female vocals combined with Downtempo, Chillout and Ambient sounds.

After their first seven years online, BeatLounge Music continued its growing evolution and in March 2012 in a strategic move and thinking ahead, mutated to the Weekend Radio format. Less than a month after the launch, and thanks to an unprecedented demand from our audience, they were forced to add air days and so in a production efort, started airing from Monday to Monday.

Just a few weeks after BeatLounge Radio's launch, another GIANT step! They signed contract with the German label "Schalldeluxe Records" to edit their first compilation CD, kicking offwhat will be a series of albums released every year, with your typical BeatLounge Radio sounds, from Chill to Trance, and everything in between!

Beatlounge Chillout Lifestyle is an album with a decisive - as defined by its name - "ChillOut LifeStyle" essence, full of beautiful melodies, ambient sound passages, warm, heartfelt female vocals combined with Downtempo, Chillout and Ambient sounds. With tracks both by emerging and renowned artists, such as Lenny Ibizarre, Alejandro de Pinedo, and Moby.

It includes 13 tracks + a BonusTrack, by Spanish artists Oscar Masala and Jesus Estevill, members of Âmes Blue, a track which will serve as a clear preview of what will be BeatLounge Radio's second album, which in fact is already in its pre-production phase.

Beatlounge Chillout Lifestyle will be strategically released on August 17 - 2012 coinciding with the Northern Hemisphere summer, and will be available as a continuous digital mix exclusively on iTunes and a number of other digital retailers, such as Amazon, Juno, Rhapsody and many more.

Tracklist
1. Mariano Sinestesia - Construction at the Sea
2. Ibizarre - Bird Beyond Fear
3. Thomas Lemmer feat. Lena Belgart - Is it too late (Original Album Mix)
4. Motif feat. Lena Belgart - Halo
5. Klangstein - One
6. Moby - The Right Thing (Ben Hoo Derivation)
7. All India Radio - The End or Near (The Bomb Mix)
8. Vital - Shine
9. Alfonso Caballeros - Chillasco Falls
10. Vivi Pedraglio feat. Lewait - Let it Flow
11. Gushi & Raunk -The Inside
12. Alejandro de Pinedo - Gemini
13. Hugo Kant - Ranjia (Scratch by Zé Mateo - Chinese Man)

Bonus Track:
14. Âmes Blue - Masai Mara

Produced by Alejandra Iorgulescu & Luis Blanco
BeatLounge Music
Mixed by Tim Angrave
Artwork Diego Correa
Genres Chillout
Ambient
Downtempo

Lanzamiento Agosto 17
2012

©2012 Schalldeluxe Records

ANITA BAKER RELEASES NEW SINGLE "LATELY", NEW ALBUM DUE OCTOBER 2012

Legendary soul, jazz & R&B songstress, and producer Anita Baker is set to make fans of her romantic style excited with her seventh studio album, Only Forever, which will be released on Blue Note Records/EMI. The ten track offering lives up to its title, featuring the same classic music that Baker is known for, but with a modern twist. This past Monday, August 6, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. ET, Baker became the first recording artist ever to have an unprecedented premiere on Urban Contemporary Radio for all Clear Channel radio stations as they played her new single Lately every hour on the hour. The single was officially released on August 7th. The R&B icon has added her musical touch to Tyrese Gibson’s 1999 hit and has made it her lead single. Lately is produced by The Underdogs and executive produced by Anita Baker and Don Was. The new album, Only Forever, her first in seven years, is due out on Tuesday, October 21, 2012.

Of this new release, Baker said: “I just had this concept of walking into a digital universe with an analog heart [on Only Forever]. Se we’re kind of marrying the two. I started cutting analog down in Nashville, and once I knew what we were gonna do, we bounced it over to the digital format so that the 21st century producers like Harvey Mason, Jr. could manipulate it. I was just very focused on getting some analog energy in there somewhere. So it’s a lovely bridge that I’m trying to build tech-wise as well as musically.”

Baker is an eight-time Grammy winner with four platinum and two gold albums to her name. She shot to fame with her classic album Rapture, and experienced critical and commercial success with subsequent albums – Giving You The Best I Got, Compositions, Rhythm Of Love, and My Everything. She has also released a successful greatest hits collection (The Best Of Anita Baker), a holiday album (Christmas Fantasy), and a live album (A Night Of Rapture: Live).

NEW RELEASES - U-NAM & FRIENDS, DIGGS DUKE, DJ KEMIT

U-NAM & FRIENDS - WEEKEND IN L.A.: A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE BENSON

A nice little tribute to soul, jazz and fusion legend George Benson – and a project that's a labor of love for Benson-devotee, soulful spirit and brilliant guitarist U-Nam – with an allstar lineup that features Ronnie Foster, George Duke, Patrice Rushen, Andreas Oberg, Tim Owens, Marcus Millers and others! Benson is an artist who embraced diversity and creative evolution – and this tribute does that legacy proudly. It’s rich with fusiony soul groovers that are laced with some truly impeccable guitar work. It's got some throwback swagger in spots, but it's also got some distinctly modern soul appeal – and an all around affectionate spirit. U-Nam plays guitars, keyboards and more here – on top of handling the recording and arrangements – and the guests bring their best! Includes "Weekend In LA" with Rhodes and clavinet by Ronnie Foster and vocals by Andreas Oberg, "Give Me That", "Shiver" and more with singer Tim Owens, "This Masquerade" with more great Fender Rhodes – this time by George Duke, "Hip Ship", "Before You Go/Breezin'" with Patrice Rushen, "Nature Boy" with Stokely Williams and more. ~ Dusty Groove

DIGGS DUKE – MASS EXODUS

Here’s a new collection of music from Diggs Duke entitled Mass Exodus. If it's best to approach music with a child's curiosity and an elder's wisdom, Diggs Duke is a boy with a man's aspirations. Mentored by alumni of classic jazz groups of Max Roach and Cecil Taylor, Diggs Duke combines jazz sensibilities with the R&B, Hip-Hop and Latin music of his 90's upbringing. The result is a stellar mix of raspy vocals, fascinating horn arrangements and adventurous song forms. Within the last year, the Washington DC-based singer, instrumentalist and composer has released a steady stream of quality music that's been dominating playlists from L.A. to Amsterdam to Indonesia. His debut EP, Gravity, popped up on many “Best of the Year” lists at the start of 2012 and was swiftly placed into the rotation of tastemakers across Europe, including Gilles Peterson in the UK and DJ Lefto in Brussels. Shortly after, another collection was released (Black Gold), followed by a pair of impromptu singles and several ambitious covers of Herbie Hancock and Thundercat. As November approaches, several more releases are in the works and it's becoming obvious that this young man can consistently create music that's timeless and original all at once. Tracks include “Crazy Like A Fox” and “Nine Winning Wives.” www.diggsduke.com / www.soundcloud.com/diggsduke

DJ KEMIT - EVERLASTING

A smoking little set from DJ Kemit – done in that great old school mode we used to love – in which a hip producer gets vocal help from a range of key contemporary singers! Vocals here are from the best of the best – Eric Roberson, N'Dambi, Osunlade, Frank McComb, Lady Alma, Carl McIntosh, Choklate, and others – each of whom step in on a different track, and really help shade in the different flavors of the record! Kemit comes up with a different groove for each guest – often one that really helps show them at their best – and titles include "Digital Love", "You Don't Know", "Funky 8 Ball", "Inside Out", "Summers Night", "Spread Love", "Never Go Away", "Fortune Teller", and "I Was I Am". ~ Dusty Groove

DONNY HATHAWAY - ACROSS 110TH STREET (40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) / FACTS OF LIFE / LOOKING FOR A LOVE AGAIN

A very cool set! This one comes in a hardcover book-like package – and not only includes the main record, but two full other records as well! Across 110th Street is one of the best blacksploitation soundtracks of the early 70's – not only for the great title cut by Bobby Womack, "Across 110th Street", but for the excellent hard-hitting instrumentals by J.J. Johnson, which are perfectly in the groove of the blacksploitation generation! Lots of wah-wah guitar, funky keys, and tight riffing by the band – especially on the cuts "Harlem Clavinette", "Hang On in There", and "Harlem Love Theme". Also features "Do It Right" and another vocal version of "Hang On In There", both by Bobby.

Facts Of Life features Bobby Womack at the height of his powers – perfectly balancing southern soul roots and 70s soul polish – with an amazing sound that was unlike anyone else at the time! The set was recorded at Muscle Shoals, but has a quality that goes way beyond any of the standard modes from the studio – almost as if Bobby brought a special sort of magic to the sessions that made everyone rise above the sometimes too-familiar work they were giving to the bigger names who were traipsing through the studio. Of course, a big part of the success of the album comes from Womack's amazing vocal delivery – that style that's raspy, yet warm – and which is a perfect fit for the well-penned tunes on the set. Titles include "I'm Through Trying To Prove My Love To You", "Nobody", "If You Can't Give Her Love Give Her Up", and a very cool version of "The Look Of Love".

Looking For A Love Again is perfect pivotal Bobby! The record still has the raspy southern soul edge of earlier albums, but it benefits from some great smooth funky backing, laid down at Muscle Shoals with a host of legendary studio giants like Clayton Ivey, Roger Hawkins, Jimmy Johnson, and Truman Thomas. Includes killer funky stepper "You're Welcome, Stop On By", which has been sampled and covered many times over the years – plus "I Don't Wanna Be Hurt By Ya Love Again", "Let It Hang Out", "Lookin For A Love", "Doing It My Way", and "Don't Let Me Down". ~ Dusty Groove 

MARGO REY - HABIT

Organica Music Group has announced the release of Margo Rey's highly anticipated CD, Habit. The album features Margo's new Top 20 charting single "Between Us," as well as her recent hit song "Let the Rain." The latter, co-written by Ms. Rey and the legendary John Oates, remained on the charts for an astonishing 21 weeks, making it Billboard's "Hot Shot Debut" and additionally earning her kudos in the magazine's "Bubbling Under" column. The duo also teamed up on the stunning cut "Saturn Returns." Oates sings on both tracks and he provides an ideal complement to Rey's powerful yet nuanced vocals. Listeners closest to it claim that Habit is its own brand of sonic luxury and Rey emerges as a force of nature - in heels no less.

In addition, Margo is preparing for her upcoming national holiday tour with Dave Koz which is certain to please her diverse and loyal fan base. Based on her track record, Rey's following is understandable. In less than a two-year span she has delivered five hits in diverse genres that include Adult Contemporary as well as Dance and Pop. She also charted two #1 Dance hits and if that's not enough, Rey also generated an original Christmas hit.

Reflecting on the direction of Habit, Margo explains: "I wanted something 'lo-fi' as opposed to the cloned sounds of today's pop culture environment. I needed my music to sound like me rather than the equipment it was recorded on. Plus, I feel a huge affinity - love affair even - for the singer/songwriter era of the seventies and eighties." Ms. Rey employed a technique as simple as it is novel in today's recording environment. She gathered extraordinary musicians in a room and they recorded (equally extraordinary) music together. If that doesn't sound radical, it should - and Habit underscores the point. It's a CD that never leaves the human vibe behind. It revels in it and, if anything, deepens it.

Margo has produced a collection of songs that reverberates with a gamut of emotions. Greed, love, lust, doubt, remorse, obsession and crazed vulnerability are all present - in abundance. "I hope listeners respond to the penetrating pulse in each of these songs. They're an exploration of my contradictory feelings over the past two years. Roll all of those emotional tangents into a set list and you have, well, something that I hope will become a 'Habit.'"

The album unleashes thirteen songs, all of which are original. One exception is a gorgeous cover of The Zombies' hit, "She's Not There." If you think you've heard the song before, think again. This version has more down-under burn than most people can handle. But it gets better. Ms. Rey will be on tour. Habit was recorded and mixed at Rusk LA by Elton Ahi, mastered by Yossi Shaked, produced and arranged by Margo Rey in collaboration with Elton Ahi and Chris Wabich.

Organica Music Group is a boutique media company with four divisions that include: music; stand-up comedy; publishing; television and film. OMG's distributor is Universal Music Group. Michael Blakey serves as President and has worked with top artists around the world, receiving over 60 gold and platinum albums and 5 Grammy nominations.

http://www.margorey.com

ON THE ROAD WITH PAT METHENY...

Pat Metheny was born in Kansas City on August 12, 1954 into a musical family. Starting on trumpet at the age of eight, Metheny switched to guitar at age 12. By the age of 15, he was working regularly with the best jazz musicians in Kansas City, receiving valuable on-the-bandstand experience at an unusually young age. Metheny first burst onto the international jazz scene in 1974. Over the course of his three-year stint with vibraphone great Gary Burton, the young Missouri native already displayed his soon-to-become trademarked playing style, which blended the loose and flexible articulation customarily reserved for horn players with an advanced rhythmic and harmonic sensibility -- a way of playing and improvising that was modern in conception but grounded deeply in the jazz tradition of melody, swing, and the blues. With the release of his first album, Bright Size Life (1975), he reinvented the traditional "jazz guitar" sound for a new generation of players. Throughout his career, Pat Metheny has continued to redefine the genre by utilizing new technology and constantly working to evolve the improvisational and sonic potential of his instrument.

Metheny's versatility is almost nearly without peer on any instrument. Over the years, he has performed with artists as diverse as Steve Reich, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, Jim Hall, Milton Nascimento, David Bowie, and many more. He has been part of a writing team with keyboardist Lyle Mays for more than twenty years -- an association that has been compared to the Lennon/McCartney and Ellington/Strayhorn partnerships by critics and listeners alike. Metheny's body of work includes compositions for solo guitar, small ensembles, electric and acoustic instruments, large orchestras, and ballet pieces, with settings ranging from modern jazz to rock to classical.

As well as being an accomplished musician, Metheny has also participated in the academic arena as a music educator. At 18, he was the youngest teacher ever at the University of Miami. At 19, he became the youngest teacher ever at the Berklee College of Music, where he also received an honorary doctorate in 1996, more than twenty years later. He has also taught music workshops all over the world, from the Dutch Royal Conservatory to the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz to clinics in Asia and South America.

He has also been a true musical pioneer in the realm of electronic music, and was one of the very first jazz musicians to treat the synthesizer as a serious musical instrument. Years before the invention of MIDI technology, Metheny was using the Synclavier as a composing tool. He has also been instrumental in the development of several new kinds of guitars such as the soprano acoustic guitar, the 42-string Pikasso guitar, Ibanez's PM-100 jazz guitar, and a variety of other custom instruments.

It is one thing to attain popularity as a musician, but it is another to receive the kind of acclaim Metheny has garnered from critics and peers. Over the years, Metheny has won countless polls as "Best Jazz Guitarist" and awards, including three gold records for (Still Life) Talking, Letter from Home, and Secret Story. He has also won 18 GRAMMY® Awards spread out over a variety of different categories including Best Rock Instrumental, Best Contemporary Jazz Recording, Best Jazz Instrumental Solo, and Best Instrumental Composition. The Pat Metheny Group won an unprecedented seven consecutive Grammys for seven consecutive albums. Metheny has spent most of his life on tour, averaging between 120-240 shows a year since 1974. At the time of this writing, he continues to be one of the brightest stars of the jazz community, dedicating time to both his own projects and those of emerging artists and established veterans alike, helping them to reach their audience as well as realizing their own artistic visions.

Upcoming Tour Dates:
Aug 9 - Kennet Square, PA, Longwood Gardens
Aug 10 - Pittsburgh, PA, Robert Morris University 
Aug 11 - Highmount, NY, Belleayre Mountain
Sept 1 - Rochester, NY, German House Theater
Sept 2 - Detroit, MI, Detroit Jazz Festival Ampitheatre
Sept 4 - Minneapolis, MN, Dakota Jazz Club
Sept 5 - Minneapolis, MN, Dakota Jazz Club 
Sept 6 - Kansas City, MO, Folly Theater
Sept 7 - Denver, CO, Botanic Gardens - York Street 
Sept 8 - Aspen, CO, Wheeler Opera House
Sept 9 - Salt Lake City, UT, The State Room
Sept 11 - Portland, OR, Alladin Theater
Sept 12 - Spokane, WA, Martin Wodson Theater
Sept 13 - Seattle, WA, Jazz Alley
Sept 14 - Seattle, WA, Jazz Alley
Sept 15 - Seattle, WA, Jazz Alley
Sept 16 - Seattle, WA, Jazz Alley
Sept 18 - Napa, CA, Napa Valley Opera House
Sept 19 - San Francisco, CA, Yoshi's
Sept 20 - San Francisco, CA, Yoshi's
Sept 21 - San Francisco, CA, Yoshi's
Sept 23 - Monterey, CA, Monterey Jazz Festival
Sept 24 - Santa Monica, CA, The Broad Stage 
Sept 26 - San Diego, CA, Anthology 
Sept 27 - Santa Barbara, CA, Lobero Theater
Sept 28 - Costa Mesa, CA, Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Sept 29 - Mesa, AZ, Mesa Performing Arts Center
Oct 1 -Tucson, AZ, Fox Theater 
Oct 2 - Santa Fe, NM, Lensic
Oct 4 -  Austin, TX, Moody Theater
Oct 5 - Dallas, TX, House Of Blues
Oct 6 - Meridian, MS, MSU Riley Center
Oct 7 - Atlanta, GA, Playhouse 
Oct 9 - Erie, PA, Mercyhurst College
Oct 10 - Syracuse, NY, Onondaga Community College
Oct 11 - Ridgefield, CT, Ridgefield Playhouse
Oct 12 - New York, NY, Town Hall 
Oct 13 - Storrs, CT,  University of Connecticut
Oct 14 - Boston, MA, Berklee College of Music

THE 55TH ANNUAL MONTERAY JAZZ FESTIVAL SEPT 21-23, 2012

The Festival features 500 artists, 90 performances on 8 stages and more, for 30 hours of live music over 2 days and 3 nights, accompanied by an array of international cuisine, shopping, arts exhibits, educational events, seminars and conversations with iconic and emerging jazz artists on the oak-studded 20-acres of the Monterey County Fairgrounds.

2012’s Grammy Award-winning lineup includes Arena headliners Tony Bennett, Esperanza Spalding, Pat Metheny Unity Band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Bill Frisell, Melody Gardot, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Jack DeJohnette, Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Monterey Jazz Festival’s 55th Anniversary Celebration with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Ambrose Akinmusire, Chris Potter, Benny Green, and Lewis Nash.

The award-winning trumpeter, Ambrose Akinmusire, will serve as the Festival’s Artist-In-Residence, and will perform with his own Quintet with the Monterey Jazz Festival’s 55th Anniversary Celebration Band; and as a soloist with the Festival’s all-star student band, the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, of which he was a two-year member. The NEA Jazz Master and Grammy-winning legendary drummer, Jack DeJohnette, returns as the Festival’s 2012 Showcase Artist, and will perform four times throughout the weekend on the Grounds with his own band, in the Arena with his Special Trio (with Pat Metheny and Christian McBride); and in duo with Bill Frisell, the Festival’s 2012 Commission Artist. Bill Frisell will perform three times--with Mr. DeJohnette; with his group Beautiful Dreamers, and will debut his newly-commissioned piece with Beautiful Dreamers and his 858 Quartet.

Full Weekend Arena Packages are available starting at $225 and offer a reserved seat to each of 5 concerts on the Arena/Jimmy Lyons Stage (renewable annually), access to 7 Grounds Stages and all Festival activities. Full Weekend Grounds Tickets start at $125 and Daily Grounds Tickets for as low as $40, include access to 7 Grounds stages and activities, plus simulcasts of all Arena concerts in the Jazz Theater. Single Day Arena Tickets include a reserved seat (non-renewable) for the Arena shows on the day you select, and are $66 for Friday, and $132 for Saturday or Sunday. Single Day Arena Tickets go on sale June 28, 2012.
Also returning for 2012 is the Festival’s 7th Annual Family Day, Front Box Auction, Premier Access Pass, Family Discount Package, Youth Tickets, Local’s Package for Monterey County residents, and RV Parking on the Fairgrounds. Contact the Ticket Office at 888.248.6499 or e-mail ticketoffice@montereyjazzfestival.org to request additional information.

The 2012 Jazz Legends Gala will take place at the Hyatt Regency Monterey on Thursday, September 20. This exclusive event honors the contributions and lasting legacies of jazz pioneers, and this year, will honor 2012 NEA Jazz Master and legendary drummer, Jack DeJohnette. Proceeds from the Gala benefit Monterey Jazz Festival Jazz Education Programs. Contact 831.373.3366 or e-mail development@montereyjazzfestival.org for more information.

CLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY LINEUP ANNOUNCED

What started as a 10-day series of jazz concerts held on the back of a flatbed truck and at venues all around the City of Clearwater, has evolved into a major international jazz festival and draw for tens of thousands of visitors. Now in its 33rd year, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday is a world-class gathering of the some of the greatest talents and greatest fans of jazz. The event takes full advantage of its home in Clearwater, Florida, offering music and art against the backdrop of warm breezes, brilliant sunsets and one of the world's greatest beaches, on the Gulf of Mexico.

Over its 32 year history, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday has featured such legendary talents as Tony Bennett, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Mann, Dave Brubeck, Tito Puente, Stephan Grappelli, Stan Getz, and the Count Basie Orchestra, to name only a few. Today's most popular and innovative jazz stars have also made stops in Clearwater, including Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Al Dimeola, Kevin Mahogany, Hiroshima, Julian Coryell, the Rippingtons, Spyro Gyra, Acoustic Alchemy, Herbie Hancock, Paquito D'Rivera with New York Voices, Rick Braun, The Neville Brothers, Branford Marsalis, Stanley Clarke - Bela Fleck - Jean-Luc Ponty, Koko Taylor , Boney James, Kenny G, Manhattan Transfer, Buckwheat Zydeco, George Benson, Joe Sample, David Sanborn, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Medeski Martin & Wood, Peabo Bryson, Norman Brown, Jeff Lorber, Marion Meadows, Al Jarreau, Chris Botti, Soulive, Dr. John, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Brian Culbertson, Maceo Parker, Trombone Shorty, Kevin Eubanks and Dianne Reeves.  

Here is the lineup for the 2012 edition as of this writing:

Thursday, October 18
5:00pm - 6:00pm - Carol Stein and Friends
6:30pm - 8:00pm - Maia Sharp
8:30pm - 10:00pm - Bonnie Raitt

Friday, October 19th
5:00pm - 6:00pm - Common Ground Reunion
6:30pm - 8:00pm - Down To The Bone
8:30pm - 11:00pm - Mindi Abair & Friends featuring Jeff Golub and David Pack

Saturday, October 20th
2:00pm - 3:15pm - Pat Close & The Groove
3:45pm - 5:00pm - El Nino Garcia and the Latin Knights
5:30pm - 6:45pm - Tia Fuller Quartet
7:15pm - 8:45pm - Kurt Elling
9:15pm - 10:45pm - Esperanza Spalding Radio Music Society

Sunday, October 21st
2:30pm - 3:30pm - Ruth Eckerd Hall / Clearwater Jazz Holiday Youth Jazz Band
4:00pm - 5:00pm - The Cave Dwellers featuring the Reinhardt Brothers
5:30pm - 7:00pm - Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds
7:30pm - 9:30pm- The Avett Brothers

NEW RELEASES - SHIRLEY SCOTT, ANTIBALAS, BETTY CARTER

SHIRLEY SCOTT – SOUL SONG

A nice late 60s effort by Shirley – and one that's been pretty hard to find over the years! Soul Song actually has a bit more of a funk groove than earlier work, and a little bit more of a soul jazz sound than some of her Prestige albums. The record features Eric Gale playing some nice guitar, plus Stanley Turrentine blowing tenor on a number of cuts, and Shirley on organ, and even singing on one track. The tracks are a bit longer than usual, too – and titles include a cover of "Think", plus "Soul Song", "Mr. Businessman", "When A Man Loves A Woman", and "Like A Lover". ~ Dusty Groove

ANTIBALAS

Amazing sounds from one of the best funky combos anywhere – ever! Antibalas have certainly risen to fame in the years since we first heard their Afro-styled grooves – working famously in the Fela musical, and reaching generations of ears with their own brilliant records. Yet throughout it all, they've always stayed true to their sound – and, if anything, are even sharper, tighter, and funkier than before – all extremely adept not only at playing their instruments, but at hitting the right sort of sound to cut through all the BS that was holding back funky Afro grooves for years! Part of that sound comes from superb Daptone production by Gabriel Roth – who really knows how to keep things lean and mean and full of energy. But the core credit really goes to the group – who never cease to amaze us here – and continually come up with fresh sounds on their keyboards and horns – and inventive rhythms to match! Titles include "Dirty Money", "The Rat Catcher", "Ari Degbe", "Ibeji", "Sare Kon Kon", and "Him Belly No Go Sweet". (Vinyl version includes code for full album download.) ~ Dusty Groove

BETTY CARTER – 'ROUND MIDNIGHT

An interesting early album from Betty Carter – less jazz than some of her later work, but with a bit more of an edge than some of her ABC recordings. The album's got sort of an arranged sophisticated jazz style – in the mode of 60s work by Esther Phillips or Dinah Washington – and Betty handles some wonderful material with a dark edge, like "Two Cigarettes In The Dark", "Nothing More To Look Forward To", "Round Midnight", "I Wonder", "Who What Why Where When", and "The Good Life", all done in a sorrow-drenched style that's incredibly compelling, and a very different side to Betty's career. An album you'll be hard-pressed to find on vinyl – and nicely repacked for CD with 2 bonus cuts: "One Note Samba" and "Shine On Harvest Moon". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - BAMALOVESOUL, LES MCCANN, SYL JOHNSON

BAMALOVESOUL - 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

LES MCCANN - COMMENT

A very hip record of vocal tracks – done in the same sort of spiritual soul style that Les introduced on Roberta Flack's first album, and which was also showing up on some of Donny Hathaway's work for Atlantic. While the record is not on of McCann's funkiest, it more than makes up for that with the well-conceived vocal performances – especially on the tracks that feature arrangements by William S Fischer. Titles include "What I Call Soul", "How Many Broken Wings", "Can't We Be Strangers Again", "Comment", and "Baby Baby". ~ Dusty Groove

SYL JOHNSON – TOTAL EXPLOSION

A wicked explosion from the legendary Syl Johnson – one of his smoking sets for Hi Records – done with solid soulful help from Willie Mitchell! Mitchell's familiar Memphis groove is firmly in place here – tightly compressed rhythms and horns, vamping perfectly for Syl's raw vocals – and the set also seems to feature Johnson smoking some grooves on harmonica too – but in a way that's still a lot more soul than blues! There's a few great funky moments on the set – a nice reminder of the Twinight years – and tracks include "I Only Have Love", "Take Me To The River", "Bustin Up Or Busin Out", "'Bout To Make Me Leave Home", "That's Just My Luck", "It Ain't Easy", "Steppin Out", and "Watch What You Do To Me". ~ Dusty Groove

BILLIE HOLIDAY & VIVIAN FEARS

An unusual set, without a lot of information – but one that features some great work by Billie Holiday – and some rare sides by singer Vivian Fears too! We're guessing that the Holiday material comes from around the same time as her LA sides for Score Records – and Billie's at this great pivotal point when she's still got some rough spots around the edges, yet already has that undeniably wonderful quality to her voice – a way of stepping out with spare, subtle power no matter what the setting – which, on this record, includes a few tracks with small combo backing, one with larger orchestrations, one with a vocal group, and another with a swinging big band. Holiday titles include "Them There Eyes", "God Bless The Child", "Lover Man", "My Man", and "Don't Explain". Vivian Frears appears to be a singer of later vintage – the recordings feel as if they're from the late 50s – and one who really shows the evolution of the styles that Holiday first brought into jazz with her music! Vivian's got this bluesy way of swinging a tune, yet a looser, jazzier style too – loads of soulful undercurrents that really sound great, and which make us wish we knew a bit more about the singer, who almost gets a bit righteous at a few spots. Backing on Frears tracks is by a small combo with great guitar – and titles include "Billy Boy", "More Beautiful Than Planned", "Come On In", "I Could Cre", and "Motherless Child".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - MALA, CONTE CANDOLI, COLEMAN HAWKINS

MALA - CUBA ELECTRONIC / CALLE F

In May 2011 Mala (Digital Mystikz) travelled to Havana, Cuba with Gilles Peterson to record and collaborate with local musicians. The results are documented on his album Mala in Cuba – scheduled for release on Brownswood Recordings on 10th September 2012. The album will be preceded by a 12’’ featuring ‘Cuba Electronic’ and ‘Calle F’ released on 6th August 2012.

A devotee of Jamaican sound system culture, Mala led from the front as the first waves of so-called ‘’dubstep’’ filtered out from Croydon’s Big Apple Records, battering bassbins across South London in 2002/03 alongside the likes of Skream, Benga, Coki and Loefah. Fiercely independent, he co-founded the label and legendary club night DMZ (with Coki and Loefah) and has produced some of the scene’s most vital and acclaimed tracks as Digital Mystikz. He also established his own imprint – Deep Medi Musik – in 2006 as an outlet for his own sonic experimentations alongside those of his favourite producers. Mala is universally respected as an innovator and leader not only within the global dubstep movement but also within the broader electronic realm. The results of a true culture clash, Mala in Cuba marries the intricate rhythms and deep, spiritual roots of Cuba with Mala’s own roots in South London and his dedication to bass culture. ~ www.surus.co.uk

CONTE CANDOLI – LITTLE BAND BIG JAZZ

An incredible record – and the kind of rare LA bop session that got totally lost because it was never packaged properly! This obscure set was issued by the Crown label under a number of names – both the Conte Candoli All Stars and Vince Guaraldi – and the group includes Conte Candoli, Buddy Collette, Vince Guaraldi, Leroy Vinnegar, and Stan Levey – all playing with a fantastically tight and incredibly soulful bop groove, of the sort you always hear them credited for, but which you can never find on any of their snoozy more famous records. Vince Guaraldi plays some incredibly soulful piano, in a manner that's very different than his Fantasy recordings – and he's playing here with a killer group of LA players who deliver some of their finest recorded work! Trust us, the session's a gem – and it's one of those you can put on and surprise your friends, and yourself! Tracks include "Muggin The Minor", "Mambo Diane", "Macedonia", and "Little David". ~ Dusty Groove

COLEMAN HAWKINS – THE HAWK SWINGS

Massive later music from Coleman Hawkins – a date that might be easy to overlook, given the unassuming package – but one that really features that newfound mix of modernism and soul that graced the later years of Hawk! The setting is a bit unusual, but that's part of the charm – as Hawkins' tenor comes into play with the trumpet of Thad Jones, piano and vibes of Eddie Costa, bass of George Duvivier, and drums of Osie Johnson – a group who are mostly easygoing, and really let Coleman take the lead – although Jones gets in a few great moments too! Titles include "Cloudy", "Almost Dawn", "Stake Out", "Cross Town", and "Shadows". ~ Dusty Groove

JEFF COFFIN & THE MU'TET - INTO THE AIR

Saxophonist/composer Jeff Coffin has maintained a singular balancing act for the last 15 years: His demanding, high-profile stints with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and Dave Matthews Band provide a creative counterweight to his thriving careers as bandleader and educator. Since 2001, he's led the one-of-a-kind Mu'tet, whose 6th CD, Into the Air, expresses off his unique, wide-ranging musical passions and will be released by Ear Up Records on September 4.

"This is not easy music to play, but these guys make it sound easy," says Coffin of his current Mu'tet colleagues -- Bill "The Spaceman" Fanning, so attuned to Coffin's approach that "it's like listening to me playing trumpet"; keyboardist (and flutist) Kofi Burbridge, a veteran of the Derek Trucks/Susan Tedeschi Band; electric bassist Felix Pastorius, 30-year-old son of Jaco, hired on the recommendation of Flecktones bassist Victor Wooten (Felix also plays with the Grammy-winning Yellowjackets); and drummer Jeff Sipe, another longtime collaborator and a founding member of rock experimentalists the Aquarium Rescue Unit. Special guest Lionel Loueke, the Beninese singer-guitarist, is featured on two numbers, including the like-named "Loueke," composed by Coffin and Pastorius.

"All of my favorite musicians -- Ornette Coleman and Louis Armstrong and Bob Dylan and Radiohead -- have a similar quality," says Coffin. "They all give me goose bumps. I think if you're not getting goose bumps from what you're doing, if your hair isn't standing on end, then the music is missing something. That's what I'm looking for when I play and write and explore. Improvisation is, by original definition, about surprise or the unexpected. I want to be surprised."

Indeed, the Mu'tet's name was inspired by the Shelley poem, "Mutability" (Man's yesterday may ne'er be like his morrow; Nought may endure but Mutability").

When Jeff Coffin enrolled in the renowned jazz program at North Texas State (now called the University of North Texas), many of his fellow saxophonists were trying to emulate Michael Brecker, Bob Berg, and Bob Mintzer. Coffin became determined to find his own voice.

A turning point came when a percussionist at the school turned Coffin on to African music. Coffin was carried away by the revelatory Juju music of Nigeria's King Sunny Ade, Congolese field recordings, and much more. "It changed my life," he says. "Just realizing there was this ceremonial music for everything: for birth, death, puberty, marriage, rain, drought. I had no idea it existed. Listening to these four- and five-year-old African kids dancing and singing in polyrhythms blew my mind."

Coffin's hunger for different kinds of music, from Asia and Europe and India as well as New Orleans and Mississippi, has never stopped. He made the unusual (for an improvising musician) move to Nashville in 1991 because "it felt like New England to me." (Coffin, 47, was born in Massachusetts and grew up there and in Maine and New Hampshire.)

In 1997 Coffin made his solo recording debut with the Jeff Coffin Ensemble's Outside the Lines, featuring Fanning. That same year he joined Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, remaining with the group until 2010 (and earning three Grammys during his tenure). Following the 2008 death of saxophonist LeRoi Moore, a founding member of Dave Matthews Band, Coffin joined DMB. He's featured on their upcoming CD Away from the World, to be released September 11, and is the subject of a cover story in DownBeat magazine's October issue.

The Mu'tet debuted in 2001 with Go Round, followed by Bloom (2004), Mutopia (2008), the double-CD set Live! (2011), and the belatedly released 1997 recording, 3iomusik.A passionate music educator and a top Yamaha Performing Artist/Clinician, Jeff Coffin has presented more than 300 clinics at schools of all kinds around the world. "I love teaching and being involved with students," he says. "I feel it might be the most important thing I do. I hope students experience something beautiful and life-changing through music."

Upcoming clinics include: 8/14 PM Woodwind, Evanston, IL; 8/16 Summerhays Music, Murray, UT; 8/17 Caleb Chapman Music, American Fork, UT (with a Mu'tet performance that evening at Downtown Jazz at Gallivan Center, Salt Lake City); and 8/20 Saxquest, St. Louis, MO.

Jeff Coffin & the Mu'tet will be appearing 8/10-12 at Blues Alley, Washington, DC; 8/13 Nighttown, Cleveland; and 8/18 Snowbasin Resort, Huntsville, UT, with additional dates to be announced.

HIROMI - MOVE

Move features contra-bass guitarist Anthony Jackson and drummer Simon Phillips

On her 2011 album, Voice, Hiromi sought to capture people’s “inner voices” and strove to create what she called a “three-dimensional sound.” For that album, the Japanese composer/pianist assembled a trio that included herself and two veteran players – contra-bass guitarist Anthony Jackson (Paul Simon, The O’Jays, Steely Dan, Chick Corea) and drummer Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who, Judas Priest, David Gilmour, Jack Bruce). While Hiromi had played with Jackson prior to recording Voice, she had never recorded an entire album with either him or Phillips.

“I had such a great time recording with them, and we went on the road together and that was even more fun,” she says. “As soon as we started playing live shows, we grew up as a band. It was the biggest fun I’ve ever had in my life musically. That’s why I wanted to do another record. I couldn’t let it go. I wanted to do it again.”
While on the road, Hiromi started writing music for a follow-up, Move, set for U.S. release March 5, 2013 on Telarc, a division of Concord Music Group. (European release date is October 2, 2012.) “Because I had been playing with Anthony and Simon for quite a bit, I just started to understand their characteristics, and I could find a hidden gem in their playing,” she explains. “As a composer, I really wanted to write the songs especially for them, and I wanted to extract the unique beauty of their playing.”

When it came time to go into the studio to record Move, the trio was able to record quickly and effortlessly since many of the songs had been road-tested. Recorded by GRAMMY®-winning producer and engineer Michael Bishop at Aire Born Studios in Zionsville, Indiana, Move, like Voice, has an overriding theme, which Hiromi describes as “time in one day.”

“You wake up and go to work and then hang out,” she says. “The album is like a soundtrack for a day.” The opening title-track begins with an undulating piano riff that mimics the sound of a ringing alarm. “It’s one of the most difficult pieces I’ve ever written,” says Hiromi. “I had great musicians with me, and we worked hard on that song. In the studios and rehearsals, we spent a lot of time to play it right. It’s very tricky because when a song sounds difficult, it’s not fun. It has to groove and it has to go beyond ‘this is a difficult song.’ It has to make you groove and feel the rhythm. To reach that point really took some time.”

The groove deepens on “Endeavor,” a tune that starts off with a funky guitar riff that gives way to beautiful piano solos before diving back into the funk. “It has a lot of tricks with rhythm so that when you’re feeling the groove and shaking your head with the music, it slips backwards,” explains Hiromi. “Then it slips back again. It has a lot of tricks rhythmically. I really like putting these small treasures in the songs because it’s like treasure hunting.”

The album’s centerpiece is a three-part suite divided into segments entitled “Reality,” “Fantasy” and “In Between.” “I really like writing suites,” says Hiromi. “I’ve done it a couple of times in the past and it’s good for the writer to come up with a big story. I always want to tell stories with my music. I always see visuals, and I always think about music like a select story. I have so much fun writing these songs that are about contrary things like your frustrations and also the fight in yourself. It took awhile to finish and there is a main theme in each song so by the third piece, if you listen to it carefully you will hear the main theme. I like that kind of musical trick.”

The album comes to a close with “11:49 PM,” an 11-minute song designed to mark the end of one day and the beginning of a new one.

“Before you go to bed, you think through what you have been through and you think and all these emotions come out,” says Hiromi. “I think the nighttime is the most emotional time of the day, especially when you’re at home. I don’t know what makes people think that but it’s just the night. People show so much more emotion and heart in that particular time of the day. I started to write a song about it. Whenever I wrote [‘11:49 PM’], it was always at nighttime. I went through all these emotions.”

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND - ST. PETER & 57TH ST.

Features guests such as George Wein, Del McCoury Band, Allen Toussaint, Ed Helms, GIVERS, Steve Earle, Tao Seeger, My Morning Jacket, Trombone Shorty, Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def), King Britt, Blind Boys of Alabama, and Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs

 In commemoration and celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the iconic venue Preservation Hall, the prolific New Orleans jazz legends Preservation Hall Jazz Band are set to release a live recording of the band's acclaimed January 7th performance at Carnegie Hall. Entitled St. Peter and 57th (September 25, Rounder Records), the album will feature a number of special guests from an assortment of genres including, George Wein, Del McCoury Band, Allen Toussaint, Ed Helms, GIVERS, Steve Earle, Tao Seeger, My Morning Jacket, Trombone Shorty, Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def), King Britt, Blind Boys of Alabama, and Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs. This performance was a family reunion in many ways, as Preservation Hall Jazz Band have previously worked with each of their guest musicians over the course of the past 7 years, continuing their mission to preserve and perpetuate traditional New Orleans-Style Jazz. The concert was orchestrated to benefit the Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program, directly supporting the passing of the musical and cultural traditions of New Orleans to the city's next generation of musicians. A portion of the proceeds from the album will also benefit the program. The band is also sharing "St. James Infirmary, Part 1" featuring My Morning Jacket's Jim James, which just premiered on Pitchfork.

Continuing the hullabaloo, Preservation Hall Jazz Band will be celebrating the 80th Birthday of clarinetist, saxophonist and flutist Charlie Gabriel at their Brooklyn, NY performance at Brooklyn Bowl on August 4th. Gabriel is a fourth-generation New Orleans jazz musician, raised in a classically trained musical family that emigrated from Santo Domingo in the 1850s. At the age of eleven, Gabriel began playing professionally with the Eureka Jazz Band. Spanning the course of his career, Gabriel has shared the stage with musical legends Tony Bennett, Frankie Avalon, Brenda Lee, Mary Wells, Aretha Franklin, Eddie Willis, Joe Hunter, and many other early Motown artists. Gabriel continues to follow in the footsteps of Preservation Hall Jazz Band/New Orleans' greatest clarinetists including George Lewis, Willie Humphrey, David Grillier, Manuel Crusto, and Ralph Johnson.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been carrying the distinctive sound of New Orleans jazz around the world on behalf of Preservation Hall, a unique venue that embodies the city’s musical legacy. With a cast of musicians schooled through first-hand experience and apprenticeship into the music’s historic traditions, the PHJB has served as an irreplaceable, vital link to the earliest days of one of America’s most beloved forms of popular music.