NEW RELEASES - THE MUSIC OF LAURA NYRO, ART ENSEMBLE, CHARLES EARLAND

SASSAFRAS & MOONSHINE – THE MUSIC OF LAURA NYRO (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

A great tribute to the songwriting skills of Laura Nyro – presented here in a package that features key covers from some of Nyro's contemporaries, and which also includes a surprising amount of soul music too! Laura's one of those key 60s talents who started writing for others, then got the chance to spread her wings on her own – and while her own recordings have really continued to reach new audiences over the decades, it's great to have a package like this to remind us of Nyro's songwriting roots! The set's mostly heavy on material from the late 60s and early 70s – with a fair bit of female soul tunes in the mix – and it also includes a few more contemporary numbers that come as a nice surprise. Like others in Ace's "songwriter" series, the production and packaging is great – and titles include "Stoney End" by The Blossoms, "Time & Love" by The Supremes, "Wedding Bell Blues" by Bobby Gentry, "Captain St Lucifer" by Melba Moore, "Save The Country" by Thelma Houston, "Lazy Susan" by Liane Carroll, "He's A Runner" by Mama Cass, "Buy & Sell" by Nnena Freelon, "Lonely Women" by Linda Hoyle, "Eli's Coming" by Friends Of Distinction, and "Stoned Soul Picnic" by Staple Singers. ~ Dusty Groove

ART ENSEMBLE – EARLY COMBINATIONS

An important pre-Art Ensemble Of Chicago moment – one that has most of the group coming together in a pair of rare recordings in the home of Lester Bowie – already sounding amazingly creative as a unit! The sound is almost freer than later work by the group – or certainly at the fierceness they hit right at the start of the 70s – and the lineup here includes both Roscoe Mitchell and Joseph Jarman on a range of reed instruments, Lester Bowie on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Malachi Favors on bass – plus strong input from Thurman Barker on drums, and an appearance on one track from Curtis Clark on bass! The sound is wonderfully raw, and surprisingly clear for a home recording – and the power of the music is undeniable. Both tracks – "A To Ericka" and "Quintet" – were previously part of the Art Ensemble box set on Nessa – but that's been out of print for years, and together these compositions work wonderfully as a full album! ~ Dusty Groove

CHARLES EARLAND – EARLAND’S JAM

Stellar grooves from Charles Earland – a great mix of jazz, soul, and funk – put together in a way that's quite different from his previous records on Prestige or Mercury Records! The sound here is tight 80s soul – put together by Tom Tom Washington, who gives the whole thing a sophisticated Chicago vibe – and one that matches Charles' sweet keyboard solos with wickedly sharp rhythms, and some occasional vocal bits too. Singers include Larry Blackmon, TC Campell, and Charles himself – but there's still a focus that seems to be more on the instrumentation overall – served up with some mighty nice organ lines from Earland. Titles include "The Only One", "Marcia's Waltz", "You Belong To Me", "Never Knew Love Like This Before", "Guilty", "Laser Lips", "Earland's Jam", and "Animal". CD features "Never Knew Love Like This Before (single)", "Guilty (single)", "Animal (12" version)", and "The Only One (12" version)". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - JESSE COOK, GRP 30TH ANNIVERSARY, VICTOR WOOTEN

JESSE COOK – THE BLUE GUITAR SESSIONS

Canadian guitarist Jesse Cook released his eighth studio album last week entitled The Blue Guitar Sessions. Inspired by Adele’s blockbuster album 21, Jesse says that what impressed him about her album was the simplicity of it. “For me it was amazing that an album, where many of the tracks were just voice and piano, was a pop record. I loved it.” He spent the summer of 2011 writing the songs for The Blue Guitar Sessions which was released on September 25. The project is a big departure from his previous flamenco inspired work. Jesse specifically searched for vintage microphones to replicate the mood and sound of the recordings of the Miles Davis era. The Juno Award winning guitarist will be on tour in Canada beginning in November and will kick off a U.S. tour in January 2013. ~ smoothjazztop20.com

GRP 30: THE DIGITAL MASTER COMPANY 30TH ANNIVERSARY (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Universal Music has released a two-CD compilation entitled GRP 30: The Digital Master Company 30th Anniversary. GRP Records was founded by artists Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen and was often referred to as the Digital Master Company. They were the first record company to adopt digital recording technology for all its releases, launch every release on CD world-wide, and one of the earliest to market itself as a lifestyle brand. The albums will feature music from Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour, Patti Austin, George Benson, Ramsey Lewis, Diane Schuur, Larry Carlton, Yellowjackets and Spyro Gyra, among others. A special anniversary show will take place at the famed jazz club, the Blue Note in New York City on October 9-14. The line-up includes GRP alumni Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour, John Patitucci, Will Kennedy (Yellowjackets) and Diane Schuur. ~ smoothjazztop20.com

VICTOR WOOTEN - SWORD AND STONE / WORDS AND TONES

Legendary bassist and five time Grammy winner Victor Wooten returns to the Compass Records family via his Vix Records imprint. Vix Records bows with a simultaneous, two album release, including Sword And Stone, an all instrumental affair, and Words And Tones, featuring female vocalists in collaboration with Wooten, with both albums showcasing Wooten's multi-faceted approach to music, performance and songwriting. The albums were produced, engineered and mixed by Wooten and feature him on a variety of fretless, electric and acoustic bass guitars, cello, keyboards, percussion and strings, as well as vocals, with plenty of jaw-dropping bass solos to satisfy those who thrive on Wooten's amazing technical skills.

The dual release concept is a window into Wooten's unique perspective on music and the interconnectivity between all things and all of us. The word play in the titles of the two albums hints at this underlying message (move the s from the end of both Words And Stones and place it in front of each to get Sword And Stone.) Wooten elaborates on that theme by including both vocal and instrumental renditions of many of the same songs on the albums, giving the listener at least two ways to experience the compositions. Wooten comments, 'There's something for everyone - music and messages for every age. I wrote about what was on my mind and in my heart. If the listener wants to learn, be entertained, or just casually listen, it's all available on these two CDs. Just figuring out the significance behind the two titles may be enough to make one smile.'

Featured vocalists on Words And Tones include Saundra Williams (Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings) and Divinty Roxx (Beyonce) as well as a collaboration with Me'shell Ndegeocello and a beautiful duet featuring Joey Kibble (Take 6) and Cheryl Morse. Sword And Stone is a predictably virtuosic set, with instrumental renditions of many of the songs from Words And Tones enhanced by different arrangements, solos, instrumentation and musicians (Ndegeocello, Kibble, Divinity, The Wooten Bros.). ~ amazon.com

NEW RELEASES - HAL RUSSELL, KARRIEM RIGGINS, MAX ROACH

HAL RUSSELL NRG ENSEMBLE

A mindblowing moment on the Chicago avant scene of the 80s – a key flowering of the talents of Hal Russell – a musician who'd been working the Windy City since the early 60s, yet who really came into his own in these later years! Hal challenges both the AACM and the European underground with this smoking little set – opening up with unbridled energy on a range of instruments – including drums, vibes, C melody sax, cornet, and even zither – and working with equally energetic younger players who include Chuck Burdelik on tenor, alto, clarinet, and flute; Brian Sandstrom on bass, trumpet, and gong; Curt Bley on bass; and Steve Hunt on vibes and drums, alternating the instruments with Russell from track to track. All tunes are originals, and sound incredibly fresh all these many years later – with titles that include "Uncontrollable Rages", "Kit Kat", "Linda Jazz Princess", and "Seven Spheres". CD features two previously unreleased tracks – "Lost Or" and "C Melody Mania". ~ Dusty Groove

KARRIEM RIGGINS - TOGETHER

The Together sides of the Alone Together project from producer, beatmaker and instrumentalist Karriem Riggins – who's a brilliant jazz drummer, when that's what he wants to do – and also a beat-heavy hip hop production guru when duty calls Together finds Karriem wearing his hip hop instrumentalist hat, and he wears it very well – in a way that reminds us a bit of fellow Detroit-raised maestro J Dilla. Karriem's pedigree as a live drummer informs his MPC 3000 experimentation very nicely, too – as he holds an insistent jazzy soul beat underneath boundless sampler atmosphere. Together titles include "Belle Isle Reprise", "Tom Toms", "Because", "Boy Is Doin It Right", "Back In Brazil", "Live At Berts", "Voyager 5000", "Matador", "Bring That Beat Back (Next Time)", "J Dilla The Greatest" and more. (Includes MP3 download.) ~ Dusty Groove

MAX ROACH - LOADSTAR

An amazing album – one of our favorite records ever from drummer Max Roach, and a set that also features some of the best 70s work by tenorist Billy Harper too! The session's a unique date done for the Horo label – and soars even farther than other Horo classics from the time – with a one-of-a-kind energy that makes it a really special record right from the start – even better than any other Roach/Harper pairings from the time. Max has a killer quartet here – no piano at all, just himself on drums, Billy on tenor, Cecil Bridgewater on trumpet, and Reggie Workman on bass – a group that's filled with soulful spirit – and manages to stretch out without ever getting overindulgent, nor too free – that special kind of balance we're used to hearing on Harper's Japanese 70s sessions – which is carried through strongly here. The album only features two long tracks – "The Matyr" and "Six Bits Blues" – each of which strech out for both sides of a record! ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - IDREES SULIEMAN & BENNY BAILEY, PHIL WOODS / EDDIE DANIELS / STUFF SMITH / LEO WRIGHT, KENNY WHELLER & ALAN SKIDMORE

SWISS RADIO DAYS VOLUME 25 – IDREES SULIEMAN & BENNY BAILEY

Two American trumpeters – both of whom hit some of their best work ever in European recordings like this! The album's a perfect showcase for both Benny Bailey and Idrees Sulieman – and really rivals any of their American sessions for range of imagination, depth of soul, and unbridled expression! Benny Bailey is up first – really soaring on two different sessions with the Jazz Live Trio of pianist Klaus Koenig – one from 1970, and the other from 1983 – with Benny sounding completely mindblowing on the long original "Sanza", then reminding us how he can really transform a tune on versions of "Summertime" and "Stella By Starlight". Sulieman's an equally great pleasure here – again on one 70s recording, and another from the early 80s – both with Jazz Live Trio – on titles that include "Wee", "Misty", "I Can't Get Started", and "Now's The Time". ~ Dusty Groove

SWISS RADIO DAYS VOLUME 27 – PHIL WOODS /  EDDIE DANIELS / STUFF SMITH / LEO WRIGHT

Great American soloists – presented here in rare European work from the late 60s! The album has each individual player delivering a small set with the Jazz Live Trio – a combo led by pianist Klaus Koenig, with a great ear for shifting modes to bring out the best in a strong-voiced guest soloist. Phil Wood's performance is definitely proof of that – worth the price of admission alone, as Phil snakes out beautifully on long, soulful alto lines that rival any of his other work of the time – on the tracks "Freedom Jazz Dance" and "I Remember Bird". Leo Wright is wonderful too – kicking into high gear on alto and flute, really showing off his association with Dizzy on "Groovin High", then sliding into a soulful style on "The Shadow Of Your Smile". The set also features Stuff Smith sliding nicely on "C Jam Blues" and "How High The Moon" – plus Eddie Daniels, back when he still had a bite, on "Some Day My Prince Will Come". ~ Dusty Groove

SWISS RADIO DAYS VOLUME 28 – KENNY WHEELER & ALAN SKIDMORE

Two British jazz giants, three different recordings, all of them wonderful! The set's a perfect showcase for both the trumpet of Kenny Wheeler and tenor of Alan Skidmore – as the recordings, done with the Jazz Live Trio of pianist Klaus Koenig, offer plenty of space for each soloist to stretch out and really do their thing – most importantly in the sort of straighter jazz setting that wasn't always recorded at this point in each player's career. Wheeler begins the album on long takes of "Come Sunday" and "A Simple Toon" – then Skidmore really smokes on "Would Jubilee Vit" and "K & A Blues" – and the last tracks feature work by both soloists together, on "Ruby Doo" and "Red Daffodil". ~ Dusty Groove

LES DION - BACK 2 SMOOTH

Les Dion is emerging from the shadows of the Jazz/ R&B world fully aged and in full command of his craft, his identity, and his music. His new album Back 2 Smooth is a captivating and moving debut release "40 years in the making". It is the perfect blend of extraordinary life events, mixed with jazz overtones, and a sweet uplifting taste of oldschool R&B that only Les can deliver. "Nothing can prepare you for a lifelong journey of obscurity in this crazy, everchanging Music Business", says Les. The Back 2 Smooth Project delivers that 40 year story eloquently, at times tearfully, but always in a unique Jazzy groove that is distinctly Les Dion.

From Label deals at 12 years old with All-Platinum/ SugarHill Record's Hiphop mogul Sylvia Robinson, to world tour appearances with New Edition, and Earth Wind and Fire, Les Dion has prepared for this moment a lifetime. Through the 70'sand 80's, he persued musical success relentlessly, even forsaking multiple Pre-Med Scholarships and, a stellar six year Military Tour of Duty. "The only thing more elusive than a successful Music Career may have been Bin Laden", jokes Les, but the battle to maintain Musical focus throughout his amazing journey has been no joke at all.

Upon coming to terms with the disappointing realities of the Record Business in 1989, Les Dion settled into family life with a new wife, determined to raise a family of seven honorably. The family responsibilities somehow never overshadowed the burning drive to write and record the story of his amazing life. From the victory of a gruelling 10 year Leukemia battle faced by his courageous wife, to the crushing blow of burying his two 20 year old sons, the challenges have been both enormous and relentless. "Raising five children was a daunting task, but burying my precious sons 2 years apart was just pure hell", proclaims Les, but as the tragedies mounted, so did the songs.

After producing and recording multiple Contemporary Christian Albums on his JJireh Records Label from 1996-2003, the music industry realities continued to thwart every effort. With no major label affiliation, distributors and radio personalities were simply not interested. Depleted of energy and drive after his second son's death, Les had begun to lose hope in ever having any real success in music but, by God's grace, 2006- 2012 brought dramatic change. " I had time away from work to heal emotionally, and of course we all know how dramaticlly the Music Industry began to change with the rise of Bitorrents, Youtube, Facebook, and internet Radio. An Artist like myself who had been independent for decades suddenly had all the tools that were once only availabe to the Major Labels". Les Dion's musical vision suddenly had new hope. He developed an Elegant solo jazz show with pianist Rolando Salva called "The Classic Standard Show" performing hits from the greats like Sinatra, Bennett, Mathis, and Cole. "That Era brought forth some of the greatest vocalist and best songs of our time, so its a blast to have the opportunity to interpret them and I still perform the show, but I realized one day that my journey was really about telling my story, through my own songs. Realizing that I could now publish them worldwide with no restrictions was an enlightening moment", says Les. "The road has been long and steep but if my songs can help people improve their relationships with each other and more importantly, improve themselves, then I will have succeeded and, my tragic losses will not have been in vain".

Back 2 Smooth is the vehicle that delivers this soul felt message to a worldwide audience. The project is an ambient musical blend of smooth Jazz meeting old school R&B. Drenched in warm emotions, and syncopated rhythms, it is sure to please musical pallets of all kinds. No matter where your genre preferences lie, "Back 2 Smooth" brings a melodic delight of Jazz shades and R&B hues that will find you humming, dancing, thinking, and escaping from the worries of life. From the soothing melodies in the title track and 1st Single "Back 2 Smooth", to the Jazzy rhythms of "Love is What I Need", the insightful harmonic flow never looses its velvety touch. The scatty syncopated feel of "Getaway", is subtly complimented with the beautiful falsetto cries of "callin". " I even got a chance to record the classic "Teach Me Tonight" by the great Sammy Cahn"! The silky flow of  Back 2 Smooth makes it Les's favorite ( with the great Patrick McDonald on guitar), but the raw emotional message of "Heaven" may be the most powerful recording on the Album. "Heaven was the easiest song I've ever written lyrically because of the pain from my family lose, yet it was by far the most difficult song I've ever recorded".

Les Dion has created and is now delivering "the Album of a lifetime" precisely the way he has always wanted through his music and film companies Entrascope Music Group, and LD Films. Be sure to experience the Quintuple threat that is Les Dion; singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and music executive, with his highly anticipated new release..... Back 2 Smooth.....the culmination of where this multi-talented Artist has been, and where he is destined to go.

Back 2 Smooth is scheduled for release in January 2013.

~ lesdion.com

NEW RELEASES - BNEGAO & SELECTORES DE FREQUENCIA, CONRAD HERWIG, DAVE DOUGLAS QUINTET WITH ADOIFE O'DONOVON

BNEGAO & SELECTORES DE FREQUENCIA - SINTONIZA LA

A brilliant mix of live funk and lead MC work from Bnegao – and just the sort of unique criss-crossing of styles we'd never see up here in the US! The album's not really a hip hop record – despite the lead raps of Bnegao – and instead, it's kind of a funk record with spoken lyrics over the top – loads of tight drums, heavy horns, and riffing guitar – all topped with lyrics that are almost called/shouted over the top – a bit like Soil & Pimp Sessions from Japan, but with a distinctly Brazilian vibe overall. There's a great sort of warmth to the record, and the production really does a lot with the live instrumentation – giving it even more spark than you might expect. Titles include "Recao", "Vamoi", "Essa E Pra Tocar No Baile", "Subconsciente", "Bass Do Tambo", "Sintoniza La", "O Mundo", and "Proceder/Caminhar". ~ Dusty Groove

CONRAD HERWIG - A VOICE THROUGH THE DOOR   Conrad Herwig really has a way of making other players cook – a special sort of something that comes through in both his rich vision for the music, and his strong inspiration as a soloist too! This album's key testament to that quality in Herwig's music – as it has all players sounding really a cut above – and soaring with Conrad's trombone in a marvelous batch of original tunes with a really fresh feel! The rhythm section grooves right from the start – often with some modal energy at its core, giving the record the feel of some lost European jazz set from the 70s at points – yet definitely holding onto its own spirit amidst all of Herwig's original compositions. Piano from Orrin Evans is a key part of the album's success – but the set also features great work from Ralph Bowen on tenor, Kenny Davis on bass, Donald Edwards on drums, and Herwig himself on trombone. Titles include "Traceless Moon", "The Sun Within", "Morning Shade", "Thorn Witness", "Free Action Reaction", and "The Voice Through The Door". ~ Dusty Groove

DAVE DOUGLAS QUINTET WITH ADOIFE O'DONOVON - BE STILL   Quite a compelling project from trumpeter Dave Douglas – a record that has him working strongly with singer/guitarist Aoife O'Donovan, whose presence really helps transform the sound of the set! Aoife's got a folksy touch on her vocals, and colors things in with some great earthy tones that are a surprisingly good fit for Douglas' lines on trumpet – sometimes jazzy, sometimes sparkling with a rich sense of American history – yet delivered in a subtle, linear way. The blend works a lot better than it sounds on paper – thanks to help from other musicians who include Jon Irabagon on tenor, Matt Mitchell on piano, Linda Oh on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums. Titles include "Barbara Allen", "Living Streams", "Be Still My Soul", "High On A Mountain", "God Be With You", and "This Is My Father's World". (Includes album download.) ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - CBS JAZZ ALL STARS, BLACK MIGHTY WAX, SOUL TOGETHERNESS 2012

CBS JAZZ ALL STARS - MONTREUX SUMMIT VOLUME 1

A really amazing little record – way more than usual for this sort of live recording – given that it features some very unique performances together by artists we've never heard on the same stage otherwise! The premise is simple, but wonderfully effective – in that the album brings together some of the leading lights of the Columbia/CBS jazz stable at the time – a massive lineup of talent from a few key generations in jazz, sounding surprisingly great hear together! All tracks are nice and long – and titles include a brilliant version of "Infant Eyes" by a quartet with Stan Getz on tenor and Bob James on piano; "Fried Bananas" with Dexter Gordon on tenor, Slide Hampton on trombone, Woody Shaw on trumpet, and George Duke on piano; "Bahama Mama" with Bob James on keyboards, Bobbi Humphrey on flute, Eric Gale and Steve Kahn on guitars, and Billy Cobham on drums – and the long jam session tracks "Montreux Summit", "Blues March", and "Andromeda" – which feature work from most of the players above, all working in one large group – plus added flute from Hubert Laws and Thijs Van Leer, percussion from Ralph Maconald, and bass from Alphonso Johnson. ~ Dusty Groove

CBS JAZZ ALL STARS - MONTREUX SUMMIT VOLUME 2

A wonderful follow-up to the first Montreux Summit album – and like that classic, a groundbreaking assemblage of some of the best jazz musicians of the 70s! The format here is slightly different – with more of a focus on smaller groupings of musicians, but still with a really fresh ear for unusual combinations – especially with players you're not always likely to hear together – all stretching out on some sweet longer tracks. Tunes include a version of "Moontrane" with Woody Shaw on trumpet, Dexter Gordon on tenor, Slide Hampton on trombone, and George Duke on Fender Rhodes; "Two Part Invention" with Bob James on piano and Hubert Laws on flute; "Kanon For Flutes", with work by Bob Militello and Thijs Van Leer on flutes, alongside Bob James on Fender Rhodes, Eric Gale on guitar, and Peter Erskine on drums; "Red Top" with Dexter Gordon and Stan Getz on tenor, and Maynard Ferguson and Woody Shaw on trumpet; "Rites Of Darkness" with George Duke on Fender Rhodes, Bob James on keyboards, and Steve Kahn on guitar; "Be Cool" with James on Fender Rhodes, Duke on keyboards, Bobbi Humphrey and Hubert Laws on flute, and Eric Gale and Steve Kahn on guitar; and a sweet take on James' "Night Crawler" – with Stan Getz on tenor, Bobbi Humphrey and Hubert Laws on flute, Eric Gale and Steve Kahn on guitars, and Bob James himself on Fender Rhodes! ~ Dusty Groove

BLACK MIGHTY MAX - WE THE FAMILY

It's been quite a few years since we last heard from Black Mighty Wax – but it's definitely been well worth the wait – as these guys are deeper and more sophisticated than ever, with a range of sounds we never would have expected on the last release! Soul styles are still very much at the front of their mix – and the record features vocals from a range of great singers who include Sarah Jane Morris, Neffa, Ricardo Phillips, Lily Latuheru, Silvia Donati, and others – set to grooves that still sparkle with the same keyboard elements that have always made Black Mighty great – but which also have more acoustic touches from time to time, and a rhythmic variation that goes way past the usual Irma groove! Titles include "Shake Your Heart", "We The Family", "Let Me Go", "Pull Down", "Follow That Fellow", "Riverside", and "Nightdriver" – and the CD features a few bonus remixes too! ~ Dusty Groove

SOUL TOGETHERNESS 2012 - 15 MODERN SOUL ROOM GEMS (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Soul sounds that work perfectly together – on a set that's maybe the most compelling of the Soul Togetherness series so far! There's loads of great contemporary numbers here – some nuggets from the underground, a few more mainstream tracks, and even a few mixes that really transform the tunes – making their key appearance here in CD format. The vibe is deeply soulful throughout – as the set's put together by folks who also have a strong ear for classic soul and funk – and titles include "Turn It Up" by Kenny Thomas, "Don't Give Up" by Aaries, "Taking It Too Far" by Big Brooklyn Red, "Don't Wanna Wait" by Lew Kirton, "Save Our Freedom" by Bah Samba, "Running Around" by Cool Million, "1960 What (Opolopo kick & bass rerub)" by Gregory Porter, "Woo" by Anthony Hamilton, "Let It Go" by Jazzanova, "Thinking About You" by Maurissa Rose, "Share My Love" by R Kelly, and "You Did It Again" by Soulpersona & Princess Freesia. ~ Dusty Groove

PHAREZ WHITTED - FOR THE PEOPLE

Trumpeter's Label Debut Features Same Chicago Sextet as 2010's "Transient Journey": Guitarist Bobby Broom, Pianist Ron Perrillo, Saxophonist Eddie Bayard, Bassist Dennis Carroll, & Drummer Greg Artry

In 2010, after a 14-year hiatus from recording, Chicago trumpeter/composer Pharez Whitted made a deep impression on the jazz public with the release of his long-overdue third CD as a leader, Transient Journey. Fortunately, admirers will not have to wait as long for its follow-up. His sparkling new album, For the People, will be released by Origin Records on October 16. He's rejoined on the new disc by his world-class sextet of guitarist Bobby Broom, pianist Ron Perrillo, bassist Dennis Carroll, drummer Greg Artry, and the tenor and soprano saxophonist Eddie Bayard.

"It's been my pleasure to work with Pharez and to be involved with his artistry," says Broom, who co-produced the new date (and the previous one) with Whitted. "On this record, through his tunes, we've been able to create the perfect environment to display his jazz vision and unique voice on his horn."

For the People basks in tradition -- not only with its infectious hard bop, but also with its commitment to serving listeners. "Music is meant to lift people up, get them to do something positive, whether it's hugging their kids, giving up a parking space to someone, or just smiling at the sunshine," says Pharez.

Steeped in the prime time Blue Note sounds of Freddie Hubbard, the Jazz Messengers, and Horace Silver, For the People fully lives up to its title, whether capturing the joy of dancing on "Watusi Boogaloo," communicating the need for all of us to "get outside our own skins and come together" on "Freedom Song," or honoring the victims and survivors of recent disasters including the 2004 tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2010 earthquake in Chile.

"These are all very serious musicians," says Whitted of his bandmates, "who make real sacrifices in putting the group before themselves. For all of us, the collective always has more meaning than the individual."

Based since 2001 in Chicago, where he is Associate Professor of Music at Chicago State University, the 52-year-old Whitted was born in Indianapolis and grew up amidst local jazz royalty -- his own large and prodigiously talented family. His parents -- drummer Thomas Whitted Sr. and singing bassist Virtue Hampton Whitted -- were members of a jazz orchestra called the Hampton Band. It included Pharez's uncle Slide Hampton, soon to become a world-renowned trombonist and arranger, as well as his uncles Marcus and Maceo on trumpets, uncle Russell on tenor saxophone, uncle Duke on vibes and trombone, aunt Carmelita on baritone saxophone and vocals, aunt Altetra on piano, and aunt Dawn, who sang and danced. His grandparents, painter Deacon Clark Hampton and wife Laura, regularly invited Indianapolis musicians such as Freddie Hubbard and Wes Montgomery and his brothers Monk and Buddy to practice at their house. Pharez's three older brothers are musicians -- Tommy a trombonist, Leo a trumpeter, and Henry a saxophonist -- while sister Tamar is a singer, and sister Venture, the only non-musician of the bunch, is an artist. (The song "Venture" on For the People was named for her.)

Pharez earned his master's degree at Indiana University, studying with renowned jazz educator David Baker, and has been active as an educator ever since. He's been no less active as a performer, having formed a long-running jazz quintet, Decoy, following his graduation, and -- after his move to Chicago -- playing around town with saxophonists Ari Brown, Von Freeman, and Sonny Seals, and spending seven years as a member of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble. His current sextet, which he put together six years ago, is a perfect showcase for his gifts as a trumpet player and composer, as well as for the outstanding musicianship of his band members.

"Music can be very therapeutic to those who create it as well as the ones who listen to it," says Whitted. "The creation of this project has helped me to see life in a more beautiful and creative way with an inspired sense of hope about the infinite amount of possibilities in front of me. My hope is that it will help the people who have the opportunity to hear it to do something along those lines as well."

www.pharezwhitted.com

NEW RELEASES - KARYN WHITE, MASSIVE ATTACK, LOVING ON THE FLIPSIDE,

KARYN WHITE - CARPE DIEM

Karyn White continues to "Seize the Day" as she sets to release her new CD "Carpe Diem," her first new release in over 18 years, on her website www.Karynsworld.me. Coming off of a spectacular debut, 3-night 4-show return to the stage at the exquisite, sophisticated Rrazz Room in San Francisco's Hotel Nikko in beautiful Union Square, Karyn is really embracing today's technology and taking full advantage of being able to touch and communicate with her own fan base. "What I realized is I don't need to be under the banner of any major record company or distribution system to be heard or felt by my fan base. They will find me if they want to and with the advent of social media, internet radio and digital distribution, with forward-thinking management, a great publicist and a strong social media team, you can be effective, efficient and successful doing this yourself!". Karyn's World is the exclusive outlet for those who visit her to purchase her new CD (Carpe Diem) as a digital downloadable album or a physical CD, her new book of positive affirmations and thoughts, "Carpe Diem," and a 2 ft by 3 ft poster of her Carpe Diem CD cover. To find out more about Karyn, visit her website at www.Karynsworld.me. "I'm just excited by what I see going on in the entertainment industry; it's so revolutionary and explosive and I've been gone for a long time, so I just want to say thank you to all of my fans, supporters and friends for waiting around for me to come back, and I just want to say Carpe Diem baby!!! Let’s seize this day! ~ karynsworld.me

MASSIVE ATTACK - PROTECTION

There's something about classic albums that take you back to a certain time and place. I think that it was my older brother that initially introduced me to Massive Attack's Protection. We were on the beach in North Carolina for a week and the album was pretty much on repeat. Being the hip hop kid that I was though, it took me a few years to really get it. Tracey Thorn's vocals on the title track initially threw me off, the closest thing to rapping on the album being Tricky's "Karmacoma." However, the tracks featuring Horace Andy are what really drew me in. The way that Andrew "Mushroom" Vowles, Grant "Daddy G" Marshall and Robert "3D" Del Naja were able to work with the legendary reggae vocalist on "Spying Glass," incorporating classic dub techniques, was nothing short of impressive. Massive Attack were able to use the studio to great effect and the instrumental tracks, especially the piano driven "Weather Storm," stand on equal footing with the rest of the album. In fact there does not seem to be a bit of filler on the record. Depending on who you ask though the live cover of The Door's "Light My Fire," again featuring Horace Andy, is the one love it or leave it moment on the record. Protection is a classic album that helped to define the then burgeoning trip hop and down tempo sound. ~ reviewed by The Voice 09/2012 (turntablelab.com)

LOVING ON THE FLIPSIDE - SWEET FUNK AND BEAT HEAVY BALLADS 1966 - 1977 (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

An absolutely stunning anthology of beat-heavy soul jams and love ballads from Now-Again, the same folks that brought you that awesome Soul Cal comp! Loving On The Flipside contains some of the most incredible baby-making jams this here reviewer has ever heard. The songs contained here, mostly overlooked funk 45 B-sides released between the years of 1966 and 1977, are a potent combination of sweet soul and deep funk - a style of music the label lovingly refers to as "sweet funk." It is the dichotomy of heavy funk rhythms with sweet, soulful harmonies that are at the root of the sweet funk genre, a combo heard through and through on every selection featured on the release. Obviously it is no easy task to find jams of this caliber, so Now-Again actually reached out to New York's Truth & Soul to help find more sweet funk swooners and beat-heavy ballads to round out the release. Thanks to their help, Loving On The Flipside features 21 sweet funk gems from the likes of the Darling Dears, The Equatics, Black Velvet, Black Exotics, Eunice Collins, Symphonic Four, Rhythm Machine, and many others. The double LP version is presented in deluxe gatefold packaging (similar to the Soul Cal comp) with 80 page, full color, perfect-bound book featuring extensive liner notes highlighting the artists featured on the compilation. CD version includes the book as well. Highly recommended. ~ reviewed by TKB 10/2012 (turntablelab.com)

BETTY WRIGHT REISSUES - EXPLOSION!, I LOVE THE WAY YOU LOVE & DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE

BETTY WRIGHT – EXPLOSION!

Betty Wright explodes with soul on this sweet 70s classic – really stretching out past the simpler grooves of her roots, and showing the world she's got more than enough talent to be one of the standout soul divas of her generation! The record's also a great illustration of the way that Miami soul was growing up at the time, too – and sparkles with Willie Clarke production that help balance some of the new smoother modes with Betty's core down-home energy – captured perfectly here with a quality that makes the record southern enough to appeal to longtime fans, yet hip enough to get plenty of play up north too. Vocals get nice and complicated at times, almost jazzy with a Rufus/Chaka touch – and titles include "Do Right Girl", "I Think I'd Better Think About It", "Smother Me With Love", "Open The Door To Your Heart", "Life", "If I Ever Do Wrong", and "Don't Forget To Say I Love You Today". CD features four bonus tracks – "To Love & Be Loved", "Ooola La", "Slip & Do It", and "If I Was A Kid". ~ Dusty Groove

BETTY WRIGHT – I LOVE THE WAY YOU LOVE

A breakout album by Betty Wright, the record that spawned the cut "Clean Up Woman" – the choppy funky track that really pushed her over the top in a big way, and which has remained fresh for years –thanks to a strong sample history in hip hop! That cut's more than enough reason to buy the record – but the whole LP's great – and features loads of other original tracks written by Clarence Reid and Willie (Little Beaver) Hale, hitting hard in a sweet 70s Miami soul style – titles that include "I Love the Way You Love", "I'm Gettin' Tired Baby", and "Pure Love" – plus a groovy cover of "Ain't No Sunshine". One of the turning points in the emerging Miami soul scene of the 70s – soon to provide a second home to Atlantic Records! ~ Dusty Groove

BETTY WRIGHT – DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE

Massive music from Betty Wright – an album that really has her coming into her own – and showing the world how great Miami soul can be, when it's done this right! The album's overflowing with key help from TK legends like Willie Clarke, Clarence Reid, Steve Alaimo, and KC – all of whom bring in a cool shifting set of grooves to really expand Betty's style – still with all the charm of her early hits, yet also showing a classy, sophisticated side that we never would have expected before – a vibe that's even more powerful than Gwen McCrae on her albums from the time. Titles include the classic "Tonight's the Night" – made famous in a later live take, but done here in the original studio version – plus the tracks "Show Your Girl", "Where Is The Love", "Everybody Was Rockin", "Love Don't Grow On A Love Tree", "Don't Thank Me Baby Thank Yourself", and "Shoorah Shoorah". CD features lots of bonus tracks – including "Secretary", "It's Bad For Me To See You", "Value Your Love", "My Baby Ain't My Baby Anymore", and "One Thing Leads To Another". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - LOU JOHNSON, JUNIOR, JOHNNIE TAYLOR

LOU JOHNSON – SWEET SOUTHERN SOUL

An incredible bit of southern soul – and one of the few records ever by deep soul singer Lou Johnson! The masterpiece was recorded at the Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, at a time when the outfit was at the height of its powers – capturing Lou with a sweet-burning style that matches (if not betters) the best by Otis Redding or James Carr from the same period. Each song is a treasure, handled by Lou as if it were his own, and transformed completely by the amazing setting of the recording. Titles include "Tears Tears Tears", "Don't Play That Song", "People In Love", "It's In The Wind", "Rock Me Baby", and "I Can't Change". ~ Dusty Groove

JUNIOR- JI

The standout classic from Junior Giscombe – one of the more unique soul artists of his generation! The set's probably best known for its huge hit single "Mama Used To Say" – a killer cut with an incredibly catchy hook, and a groove that's lasted for years on 80s groove dancefloors – but the whole album's pretty darn wonderful overall, with slight twists and turns that are quite different than other mainstream soul sets of its type. Junior did the record in collaboration with producer Bob Carter, who also plays a fair bit of keyboards on the set – bringing in an airy, open feel that matches Junior's vocals wonderfully – in a sound that's somewhat sweeter than other male soul of the early 80s, but never in a way that's too soft or sleepy. Titles include "Mama Used To Say", "Too Late", "I Can't Help It", "Let Me Know", "Down Down", "Love Dies", "I Can't Help It", and "Darling You (Don't You Know)". Loads of bonus tracks too – including "Fame", "In Words", "Too Late (7" single)", "Too Late (alt version)", "Mama Used To Say (British party mix)", "Mama Used To Say (American rmx)", and "Mama Used To Say (American inst)". ~ Dusty Groove

JOHNNIE TAYLOR – WANTED ONE SOUL SINGER

Johnnie Taylor's first album for Stax – and a tremendous little set that easily stands as one of his greatest records ever! Sure, we love Johnnie in all his incarnations – but there's a special sort of something here – a rawness and earnestness – that makes the whole thing shine right from the start – a crispy sort of Memphis vibe that has the Stax Records team really hitting their stride. The set's filled with great tunes from the team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter – including "I Got To Love Somebody's Baby", "Toe Hold", "Outside Love", "Little Bluebird", and "I Had A Dream" – and also features great versions of "Watermelon Man", "Ain't That Loving You", and "Where Can A Man Go From Here". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - MADELINE BELL, PERCY SLEDGE, BARBARA LYNN

MADELINE BELL – DOIN’ THINGS

Socking soul from the 60s – a record with American roots and a very groovy British sound! The set was the second full length album from Madeline Bell – an American singer transplanted to the mod UK scene of the 60s, where she really flourished in a rich career of hit singles, endless session work, and later fame with the group Blue Mink. The tunes on this set are a wonderful bridge between Madeline's two worlds – and have a sound that's a lot like the uptown soul coming out of the US at the time – sweet and smooth arrangements, topped by deeper soul vocals that make for a wonderful juxtaposition. Arrangements are by British talents Arthur Greenslade, Ian Green, and Keith Mansfield – and titles include "Step Inside Love", "Hold It", "Help Yourself", "After All Is Said & Done", "For Your Pleasure", and "It's Up To You". CD features bonus singles too – 6 more tracks that include "Thinkin", "Go Ahead On", "How Much I Do Love You", "What'm I Supposed To Do", and "We're So Much In Love". ~ Dusty Groove

 

PERCY SLEDGE – TAKE TIME TO KNOW HER

It's hard to imagine a more perfect 60s southern soul album – the legendary vocals of Percy Sledge mixed with classic Muscle Shoals production from Quin Ivy – all wrapped around a host of hip tunes that go way past the easy 60s soul hits! The formula here is similar to that cooked up by Otis Redding on Stax, but it goes perhaps a few steps more – relaxing into its own confidence, and hitting an easy, open approach to the material that's neither too "stock", nor too slick. And although Otis first started the groove, Percy really helps push it forward strongly on this record – by bringing a deepening spirit and new sophistication to the music that would help it thrive greatly into the 70s. Many tracks are written by the team of Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, including "I Love Everything About You", "Out Of Left Field", and "Feed the Flame" – and other titles include "Sudden Stop", "Baby Help Me", "Cover Me", "Between These Arms", and "High Cost Of Leaving". ~ Dusty Groove

BARBARA LYNN – HERE IS BARBARA LYNN

A fantastic album of soul from Barbara Lynn – an oft-overlooked gem in the crown of Atlantic during their glory soul days in the 60s, and a singer with a raw soulful style that really deserved greater exploration! The album's filled with wonderful original tunes, written either by Barbara or arrangers Cliff Thomas, Ed Thomas, and Bob McRee. The set was recorded at the Grits & Gravy Studios in Clinton, Mississippi by Huey P Meux – which gives it a slightly different style than much of the Atlantic output at the time. Titles include "You're Losing Me", "Sufferin City", "You'll Lose A Good Thing", "Take Your Love & Run", "I'll Suffer", "Maybe We Can Slip Away", "Multiplying Pain", and "Mix It Up Baby". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - MARGIE JOSEPH, THE MAR-KEYS, LIGHT OF THE WORLD

MARGIE JOSEPH – MARGIE JOSEPH

The first Atlantic album from Margie Joseph – a great second generation southern soul singer who really helped the label find a new sound in the 70s! Margie got her start on Stax, but she sounds even better here – a bit more mature, slightly more urban, and backed with a bad-walking set of arrangements by Arif Mardin that help pull her out of the country into a wider 70s soul mainstream. There's still plenty of rootsy touches on the set, and the blend is one that's similar to that of Aretha Franklin's work of the time – one that echoes older southern styles, but brings them up to date nicely with some more sophisticated touches. Titles include "Make Me Believe You'll Stay", "Turn Around & Love You", "Let's Go Somewhere & Love", "You Better Know It", "I'll Take Care Of You", and "I'm So Glad I'm Your Woman". ~ Dusty Groove
 

THE MAR-KEYS – LAST NIGHT

The birth of the Memphis instrumental sound – a classic album from The Mar-Keys, who were one of the leading early groups on Stax! The group was a unique assemblage of musicians from both sides of the Memphis tracks – coming together in the studio with a hard-wailing mix of soul, rock, and R&B – a great bridge between Memphis Stax and the sound of Atlantic Records in the 60s. Titles are all pretty playful, and feature lots of sax and organ lines – on tunes that include "Night Before", "Morning After", "About Noon", "Hold It", "Last Night", "Sticks & Stones", and "One Degree North". ~ Dusty Groove

LIGHT OF THE WORLD – LIGHT OF THE WORLD

An obscure group, but a wonderful one – and an ensemble we really wish we could hear more from! Yet thankfully, they've given us this wonderful album from the start of the 80s – a soaring, soulful set that seems to pick up the funky torch dropped by Earth Wind & Fire – and push things forward with the same blend of jazzy undercurrents and righteous feelings! Tunes are uptempo, but never too much so – and handled with musicianship that's really top-shelf – and the production has a wicked blend of jazz and soul that almost feels like some of Wayne Henderson's best productions from the At-Home years. The record features a wonderful soul number called "Dreams", which has great compressed grooves, and some early vocals by Miki Howard – and other titles include "Swingin", "Aspects", "Mirror Of My Soul", "I'll Always Love You", and "Who Are You?". CD features both UK and US cover art – and bonus cuts that include "Emergency", "The Word Is Out", "Swingin (rmx)", "Midnight Groovin (single)", and "Midnight Groovin (12" version)". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - QUASIMODE, ARETHA FRANKLIN, SUN

QUASIMODE – SOUL COOKIN’


Quasimode are definitely cooking on this sweet little set – picking up a rich array of influences they've never had before – including bits of Latin rhythms, and some soul music as well! A few of the cuts feature vocals – but in ways that are more straight soul than the group's previous experiments with jazz singers – yet the backings are still tightly jazzy, and played mostly live, in a bold flurry of trumpet, tenor, trombone, piano, bass, and drums – plus some occasional Fender Rhodes as well! The Latin elements really help expand the sound, and flesh out the positive vibe of the record – a soaring, sunny vision that reminds us of the jazzy joy we first found in the music of Monday Michiru. Most of the album's still instrumental, and titles include "Febre Samba", "Summer Madness", "Another Sky", "Leaving Town", "Soul Cookin", "Let's Get Down Together", "El Paso Twist", and "Still In The Night". Also features a bonus DVD – with the video for "Summer Madness", and concert footage of the tracks "Relight My Fire", "No More Sadness", and "The Man From Nagpur" – plus bonus footage as well! (HQ – Hi Quality CD pressing. Please note that the DVD doesn't list a Region so you may need a multiregion player to view it.) ~ Dusty Groove

ARETHA FRANKLIN – LOVE ALL THE HURT AWAY

An early 80s gem from Aretha Franklin – one of the best of her years at Arista Records, thanks to solid help in the studio from the mighty Arif Mardin! Mardin's in perfect form here – the same blend of older soul and jazzier, more sophisticated styles that he was also bringing to Chaka Khan at the time – although Franklin's arguably more deserving of his talents, given her long relationship with the producer! There's a full, mature feel here – one that really gets Aretha back in gear as a singer, and shows off her talents to a new generation in new ways – yet all without trying too hard for a crossover hit. Tunes include a few originals by Franklin, and titles include "Kind Of Man", "Whole Lot Of Me", "Love All The Hurt Away", "You Can't Always Get What You Want", "It's My Turn", "There's A Star For Everyone", and "Hold On I'm Coming". CD features bonus tracks – "Hold On I'm Comin (12" ext)", "Livin In The Streets (12" ext)", and "It's My Turn (single)". ~ Dusty Groove

SUN – WANNA MAKE LOVE / SUN POWER

A pair of stormers from Sun – back to back on a single CD! Wanna Make Love is one of the greatest records ever cut by Sun – a group whose records never made the charts as strongly as their contemporaries, but not for lack of quality! This set's a great batch of heavy ensemble funk with an edge that's not always heard on other Sun records – lots of razor-sharp guitars riffing away in saw-cut modes, striking hard at the grooves of the record, and chilling out nicely for the mellower cuts. The blend is wonderful – totally tight, and totally top-shelf all the way through – yet never in a commercial way at all. Titles include "Wanna Make Love", "My Woman", "Live On Dream On", "The Show Is Over", "Love Is Never Sure", and "They're Calling For Me". Sun Power is a solid smoker from Sun – the kind of tight funk set that made the group one of the greatest soul acts on Capitol Records during the late 70s! There's a wicked Ohio vibe going on throughout – everything focused together, and right on the money – even despite the large size of the ensemble – and touched with a slightly jazzy undercurrent that carries strong echoes of Earth Wind & Fire! Rhythms are nice and tight, with keyboards, guitar, and brassy horns over the top – and on the mellower cuts the vocals have a nicely compressed quality. Titles include "Conscience", "We're So Hot", "Organ Grinder", "She Lives Alone", "Time Is Passing", and "Light Me Up”. ~ Dusty Groove

SOOTHSAYERS - HUMAN NATURE

• New full length album from London’s renowned Soothsayers

• 13-track album available on CD and in digital download formats

• Afro-dub reggae style feat. three-part vocal harmonies from Robin Hopcraft, Idris Rahman and Julia Biel

• Album produced by Manasseh and Yesking in Prince Fatty’s famous Brighton studio

• Features horns by the horn section from the Fela! musical

• Raz Olsher and Malcom Cato also provided mixes for the album

- New afro-dub/reggae album from Soothsayers with production from Manasseh and Yesking.

Soothsayers bring us a collection of standout songs built around classic three-part harmony vocals and deep afro-dub grooves on their new album, Human Nature, on Red Earth Music. Unforgettable melodies and reflective lyrics representing Soothsayers’ irrepressible spirit and honesty that has seen them build a reputation for high quality performances and recordings over recent years. Human Nature is another step forward for a band that has evolved and matured whilst maintaining a fresh and organic live quality in their recordings.

On past records, Soothsayers have worked with established vocalists from the worlds of reggae and afrobeat (Johnny Clarke, Keziah Jones, Michael Prophet, Linval Thompson and most recently Cornel Campbell), but this album is a platform for Soothsayers’ unique vocals to take centre stage, resulting in a blend that serves to make Soothsayers sound yet more iconic.

The voices of Robin Hopcraft, Idris Rahman and Julia Biel provide the focus in a subtly changing landscape of deep, dub-inspired reggae and afro grooves, with ever-present commentaries from the horn section (the full ‘Fela Horns’ line-up that provided the horns for the National Theatre’s production of the hit musical ‘Fela!’). As instrumentalists, Rahman (saxophone/clarinet) and Hopcraft (trumpet) have worked collectively on a huge array of projects including the internationally acclaimed jazz albums of Zoe Rahman (Idris’ sister), space jazz pioneer and Specials originator Jerry Dammers (Spatial AKA), international reggae artists Aswad, U-Roy, Rico Rodriguez, Indo Jazz clarinetist Arun Ghosh, as well as Afro-Jazz pioneers Osibisa, poet Anthony Joseph, horn posse Brassroots and soul legend Martha Reeves.

The high quality musicianship has been captured in Prince Fatty’s Brighton studio. The result is a sumptuous, warm, analogue sound quality. Mixing has been put in the hands of reggae producers Manasseh and Yesking, who have embraced Fatty’s quality set up and crafted a subtle and cohesive set, paying respect to the greats while finding an originality in Soothsayers’ recipe which sets the record apart. Also contributing mixes are Raz Olsher (Giles Peterson/Sam and The Womp) and Malcolm Cato (Mulato/Heliocentrics).

Tracklisting:
01. Human Nature (Intro)
02. One Day
03. Hard Times
04. Human Nature
05. We’re Not Leaving
06. Judgement Day
07. Sooner Or Later
08. One Day (Dub Reprise)
09. One More Reason
10. The Streets Of London
11. It’s Not Easy
12. We’re Not Leaving (Acoustic Mix)
13. Leaving Dub Outro (Prince Fatty Mix)

:::: SOURCE: Resonate Media ::::

MARTHA HIGH & SPEEDOMETER - SOUL OVERDUE

• New album from legendary James Brown band member and collaborator Martha High

• 11-track album available on vinyl, CD and in digital download formats

• Martha High backed by well renowned UK funk group Speedometer

• First collaboration between Martha High and Speedometer since last Speedometer album

• Latest release from London’s prolific Freestyle Records, home to Lack Of Afro and The Shaolin Afronauts

• Martha High & Speedometer live dates are in the pipeline

- Long awaited album from James Brown band member and collaborator, Martha High, with Speedometer.

'Legend' is a word so overused in the music business that it has lost much of its original impact. But Freestyle Records feel wholly justified in describing their latest signing, Martha High, as precisely that.

Martha High’s impeccable soul credentials are beyond question. She was a member of The Jewels, who in the mid 60s were part of The James Brown Revue, and also released two 45s produced by James Brown. Although The Jewels eventually disbanded, Martha continued to be a part of the live James Brown show for the next 30 years! She also recorded a solo album for Salsoul Records in 1979, also produced by Soul Brother Number 1, which added a touch of soulful disco to her enviable array of singing talents.

In 1995, Martha was invited to tour with ex-JB sax master Maceo Parker, joining another former James Brown band member "Sweet Charles" Sherrell in an incredible, feisty line up that is touring to this day. After featuring on Freestyle Records regulars Speedometers' 2011 album, The Shakedown, and touring with the band, leader Leigh Gracie and Martha formulated the idea for her to record an album on which she would re-interpret some classics, and give a new angle to some more contemporary funk and soul compositions.

Soul Overdue kicks off with a high octane rendition of No More Heartaches. Martha and Speedometer immediately proving to be a perfect match as the band’s super tight musicianship provides a formidable backdrop to her searing, soaring vocals. In comparison, the more subtle, tender moments on this album - in particular the heart wrenching version of Etta James' I'd Rather Go Blind, which is already a proven show stopper live, with The Voxettes adding backing vocals and Andy Fairclough's masterful organ playing, it must surely be one of the finest examples of contemporary bluesy soul around.

Throughout the entire album, the contributions from vocalists including Speedometer mainstay Ria Currie, and guests; Jo Knight, Saskia Blake (strings), Tristan Butler (vibraphone), all add authentic layers of genuine analogue sounds, and the results speak for themselves. Soul Overdue is an incredibly apt title for a project that has been over 40 years in the making, and it shows that Martha's voice remains undiminished. Her youthful vocal clarity and style quite simply dazzles, as she shows a host of young pretenders the way it should be done!

Tracklisting:
01. No More Heartaches
02. Trouble Man
03. Never Never Love A Married Man
04. I'd Rather Go Blind
05. No Man Worries
06. Sunny
07. You Got It
08. Save Me
09. You Got Me Started
10. Mama Feelgood
11. Dragging Me Down

:::: SOURCE: Resonate Media ::::

ABIAH - LIFE AS A BALLAD

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Abiah has premiered his new music video for "September" exclusively on The Revivalist. Showcasing the lead single on his new release, Life As A Ballad (available on Madoh Music, distributed via Purpose Music Group/eOne), the video was shot at Dead Horse Bay in New York and directed by Scott Gordon Bleicher. The debut comes less than two weeks before major performances for ABIAH in the Northeast supporting the project: opening for The Robert Glasper Experiment at The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA on October 11 and an album release performance at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City on October 15.


Ever since the untimely departure of Luther Vandross, the American pop scene has been absent of a Black American male balladeer possessed of chops beyond belief, staunch lyricism and emotional maturity. Abiah (pronounced Ah-bee-yah) more than adequately answers the call of that absence with an album and a presence that is sensuous, soulful, honest, grown-up and quite passionate about restoring vocal excellence to the contemporary airwaves.

Who is Abiah? These are the bare facts: he is a seasoned balladeer possessed of a five-and a half octave range; an established vocal coach and former Universal Republic recording artist; and he is of Ghanaian, Cuban, Native American descent, though raised in Rochester, NY.

While that background remains a part of his roots and identity, 2012 marks a musical, professional and personal evolution for the singer-songwriter. Previously known as "Jeremiah" in the music world (full name Jeremiah Abiah, the latter of which means 'God is my father'), Abiah sets forth his highly anticipated sophomore album, Life As A Ballad, reflective of a long journey towards his intensely personal sound and overall musical growth - consisting of nine self-penned originals.

"There was a moment when I thought I had lost my voice. "I was experiencing growing pains which were hard to decipher at first but eventually they helped me to trust my heart, sound and aesthetic again. I thought I would never record again. I even toyed with the idea but the music perpetually tugged at me. Changing my stage name was the impetus of a new beginning," reflects Abiah. "This is how Life As A Ballad was born as I dealt with the idea of finding beauty in the dark, that glimmer of light when all hope seemed lost."

A move to New York City in the early 2000s saw Abiah "hitting the pavement hard'' and eventually playing Central Park SummerStage and the world renowned Blue Note on a regular basis; though a turning point came when Abiah started gaining the attention of major labels. As is frequently the case for ambitious but not yet quite industry-savvy young artists, Abiah's fledgling recordings fell through the cracks. An entire album, brought to the verge of a major label deal, got shelved because the song the major label executives favored most was the only one not produced by a very major and deservedly much lauded producer.

"I'm not opposed to major labels. I just believe an artist needs to keep his finger on the pulse of everything. It's hard to be artist and business, but it is necessary," said Abiah. "Initially I was angry and came out pointing fingers but the healthier aspect became, what did or didn't I do? Taking that responsibility has given me power and greater perspective."

While plotting his next round of moves, creatively and professionally (following his major label departure) Abiah got practically handed an unexpected cottage industry, when he

became an in-demand vocal coach, even featured on MTV's program, MADE. Initial inquiries from singer-friends impressed by his sound and range has blossomed into a side-business that finds him coaching up-and-comers prepping for demos and showcases, solid pros hankering to rise up to that proverbial next level, and musical game show contestants hoping to impress celebrity judges with noticeably increased prowess.

This recording is the result of Abiah's steady and patient march over a decade in New York, finding the perfect songs and session mates to support his vision. Like any astute young artist in pursuit of a unique bespoke career path, Abiah wisely sought out collaborators who were of highly skilled and veteran pedigrees, and of course, simpatico. Notable among those collaborators are very well regarded young pianist Robert Glasper, who is Abiah's cousin who he met in earlier days while they cut their musical teeth in the New York's music landscape. Marvin Sewell, the album's stellar guitarist, has been a frequent flyer in Cassandra Wilson's ensemble since the late 1990s as well as Jack DeJohnette.

Ultimately, Life As A Ballad designates Abiah as a contender for that sizable niche slice of today's market known as Adult Contemporary - the same slice where equally well-honed, melodious and crafty modern male vocalists like Michael Bublé, Jason Mraz, Sting, Seal and occasionally even Robin Thicke are seen to reside.

Upcoming Abiah Performances:
*October 11 / The Birchmere / Alexandria, VA
**October 15 / Le Poisson Rouge / New York, NY
*Opening for The Robert Glasper Experiment
**Album Release Party

Abiag · Life As A Ballad
Madoh Music (distributed via Purpose Music Group/eOne) ·
Release Dates: August 28 (digital), November 13 (physical)

abiahmusic.com

Source: dlmediamusic.com

ADELE'S 'SKYFALL', OFFICIAL THEME SONG TO THE LATEST JAMES BOND 007 FEATURE SKYFALL

Adele will premiere her latest recording "Skyfall," the official theme song to the upcoming 007 adventure of the same name, globally via her official site (www.Adele.tv) on Friday October 5th at 0:07 BST/London time (7:07pm EDT on October 4th), the track will be available to purchase as a download immediately after this premiere. The track is available for pre-order at iTunes starting today (http://smarturl.it/AdeleSkyfall). October 5th marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Dr. No, and thus the James Bond film franchise, and will be celebrated as Global James Bond Day.

After reading the script for the film, Adele enlisted Paul Epworth to co-write and produce the theme song to "Skyfall™." Adele admits, "I was a little hesitant at first to be involved with the theme song for Skyfall. There's a lot of instant spotlight and pressure when it comes to a Bond song. But I fell in love with the script and Paul had some great ideas for the track and it ended up being a bit of a no brainer to do it in the end. It was also a lot of fun writing to a brief, something I've never done which made it exciting. When we recorded the strings, it was one of the proudest moments of my life. I'll be back combing my hair when I'm 60 telling people I was a Bond girl back in the day I'm sure!" Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, "Skyfall" features the lush accompaniment of a 77-piece orchestra.

"Skyfall" is the first recording by Adele since releasing her massively successful sophomore album 21 in early 2011. To date 21 has sold over 24 million albums worldwide and garnered Adele 6 Grammy Awards, 2 BRIT Awards and 2 Ivor Novello Awards. 21 is the biggest selling album of both 2011 and 2012.

"Skyfall," the movie, will be released on October 26, 2012 in the UK and on November 9, 2012 in the U.S.

Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in SKYFALL™, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time. In SKYFALL, Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. The film is from Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Directed by Sam Mendes. Produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan.

SOURCE Columbia Records
http://www.Adele.tv