BILL TRUJILLO - VEGAS

What a Trip It's Been for Legendary Saxophonist Bill Trujillo, Who's Played With Frank, Dino, Elvis, Tony Bennett and Peggy Lee, and Now Takes Center Stage on 'Vegas,' a Jazz-Driven Homage to His Longtime Home Set for Release October 23 

A fixture for several decades in the orchestras at such legendary hotels as the Tropicana, Sands, Stardust, Dunes, Frontier, Flamingo and MGM Grand, Los Angeles native Bill Trujillo has made Las Vegas his home for 50 years while backing everyone from Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack pals Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. to Elvis, Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee.

Another legend on the veteran saxophonist's resume of icons is Tony Bennett, who called Bill's tenor solo during his performance of The Beatles' "Something" as the best he had ever heard. Even legendary jazzman Stan Getz trekked to The Strip to see Trujillo do his thing.

Now, with the October 23rd release of his traditional jazz driven full length album Vegas, the 82-year-old Trujillo is giving something back, adding a solo and riffs to a trippy, easy grooving title track that is poised to be Sin City's next theme song.

What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas? Catchy -- but not as hip, super cool and "now" as "What a trip it would be,..." the refrain written and spoken-sung, Bennett style, by the saxman's 85-year-old brother Chuck about crossing the desert and seeing your name up in lights back in the Rat Pack days. The colorful closer to the 13-track set is, like the rest of Vegas, a true family affair, featuring music composed by Trujillo's nephew Christopher and soulful background vocals of the saxophonist's daughter Michelle Marie, who sang in Las Vegas in the '70s and '80s.

The collection was produced and executive produced by Bill's son Nick Trujillo (www.nicktrujillo.com), who despite growing up in a musical household, successfully pursued a career in academia before entering the independent music world in a unique way several years ago after his wife died of ovarian cancer. Trujillo has recorded two CDs of quirky songs (Is That Viral Enuf 4 U?, That Is (Still) The Question) under the name Gory Bateson, the mythical nephew of the late British anthropologist Gregory Bateson. With Vegas, Nick adds acid jazz and bebop to his eclectic catalogue.

NEW RELEASES - CLARENCE PENN, THE HERBALISER, JOHN ZORN

CLARENCE PENN - DALI IN COBBLE

A really compelling album from drummer Clarence Penn – maybe his greatest record in years, and that's really saying a lot! The inspiration here is stated plainly in the title – an imagined look by Salvador Dali at contemporary Brooklyn – carried off in sounds that are definitely Brooklyn in execution, even if they're not as Dali-esque as you might expect! Penn's come up with some of his most inventive rhythms ever for the record – followed by these deft lines from Adam Rogers on guitar, who soars along with really intense energy – and topped by excellent work on tenor, soprano sax, and bass clarinet from Chris Potter – a player whose deft turns are a great match for the others. Ben Street keeps things sewn together on bass – and titles include "The B 61", "Cobble Hill", "A Walk On The BHP", "Dali", "Mr C", and "Persistence Of Memory". ~ Dusty Groove

THE HERBALISER - THERE WERE SEVEN

Cinematic funky instrumentals (plus a few guest vocal cuts) from Herbaliser – working with as diverse of a stylistic backdrop as ever before, and once again with a nice live band feel on a good deal of the record – which is quite impressive, given that The Herbaliser duo of Jake Wherry and Ollie Teeba are largely responsible for the sprawling sound on There Were Seven! There's quite a lot of moody hip hop funk on this one, with some deft use of sampled bits of vocal, programming, bass and keys – plus a handful of standout vocal tunes with guests Hanna Clive, Twin Peaks, George The Poet and Teenburger. Includes "Return Of The Seven", "The Lost Boys" with Hanna Clive, "Welcome To Extravagance", "Mother Dove", "Take 'Em On", "Setting Up", "What You Asked For", "Deep In The Woods". "Inside The Machine", "Danny Glover" feat Twin Peaks, "Move As One" and more. ~ Dusty Groove

JOHN ZORN - VISION IN BLAKELIGHT

John Zorn, inspired by the work of William Blake – on an album that's one of his most beautiful in years! There's a really lovely sound going on here – bright, and filled with hope – in ways we never thought we'd be hearing from Zorn many years back – music that's made not by John's own instrumentation, but by a group that features John Medeski on piano and organ, Kenny Wollesen on vibes, Carol Emanuel on harp, Trevor Dunn on bass, Joey Baron on drums, and Cyro Baptista on percussion! The sound is warm and very organic – a shade towards a Terry Riley minimal mode, but more lyrical overall – with an open, flowering quality that's wonderful right from the start. Zorn arranges and conducts – and titles include "An Island In The Moon", "The Hammer Of Los", "The Prophecy", "Marriage Of Heaven & Hell", "Night Thoughts", and "When The Morning Stars Sang Together". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - JUMA SULTAN'S ABORIGINAL MUSIC SOCIETY, CERTIFIED SLIM, THIEVERY CORPORATION

JUMA SULTAN'S ABORIGINAL MUSIC SOCIETY - WHISPERS FROM THE ARCHIVE

Tremendous work from bassist/percussionist Juma Sultan – a wealth of wonderful tracks from the loft jazz years of the 70s! Sultan's a player who doesn't always get his due on record – especially during this formative generation – so the release is a much-needed look at his mighty talents back in the day – and a picture of a very underground level of American jazz that goes deeper than even some of the more-recorded avant players of the time! Most of the tunes are quite spiritual, and feature a shifting lineup that really keeps things fresh – players who include Sultan on bass, percussion, and flute – plus Ali Abuwi on drums, flute, and oboe; Kasa Allah and Earl Cross on piano, Art Bennett on tenor, Talib Kibwe on flute and oboe, Paul Williams on guitar, and Ora Borman and Charlotte Richardson on vocals. Titles include "Darn My Socks", "She Made Me Feel Like Glory (parts 1 & 2)", "Sundance & Hand Clapping (parts 1 & 2)", "AMS", and "Shake Your Money Maker". ~ Dusty Groove

CERTIFIED SLIM - MOVE
Contemporary soul from Miami – a set issued by the legendary Henry Stone, and done with a vibe that's a great update of his TK Records sound from the 70s! Certified Slim is a singer with a definite southern pedigree – a soulful style that's got a few undercurrents of blues, in a way that reminds us a lot of Latimore – yet with a markedly more youthful feel. Like Latimore, Slim gets some great keyboards bubbling underneath his vocals – and some sweet riffing guitar that's definitely a key element in keeping the Henry Stone sound strong. Titles include "Lease To Own It", "Move Somethin", "If It's Love You Want", "Baby I Will", "So Independent", and "She's Her Own Boss". ~ Dusty Groove

THIEVERY CORPORATION - FRAGMENTS.ASCENSION

A solid 12-inch split single from ESL and Ghostly International – pairing up the labels' top shelf talents of Thievery Corporation and Tycho! The A-side features Thievery Corporation's "Fragments", with a steady, hypnotic beat and some sweet keyboard atmosphere floating over. The first side also includes a remix by Tycho – and it's got a spacier style. On the flip is Tycho's slow-building "Ascension" – plus a nice remix by Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation. ~ Dusty Groove

“JUMPINJAZZ KIDS – A SWINGING JUNGLE TALE” RECEIVES PARENTS’ CHOICE GOLD AWARD

SPECIAL CONCERT TO TAKE PLACE AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM OCTOBER 19TH AND WILL FEATURE GUEST APPEARANCES BY ARTISTS FROM THE CD INCLUDING DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER AND HUBERT LAWS


“A stand-out mix of storytelling and songs . . . an imagination-stirring musical adventure!” – Parents’ Choice Foundation

“An adventure that will definitely get your imagination going!” - National Parenting Publication Awards “The music stands on its own superbly . . . Isn’t this how YOU want young people to get hooked on swing?” – Jazz Weekly

“A unique blend of catchy songs for kids . . . where your imagination can literally run wild.” – L.A. Parent

“A great model for what needs to be presented to young people. The manner in which it’s presented strikes a nerve – everyone should take a look and listen to it!” - Dr. Billy Taylor, founder of Jazzmoblie

JumpinJazz Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale, the new CD celebrating the rich history of Jazz and Popular music by paying tribute to its legendary pioneers through story, song and a variety of musical styles, is the proud recipient of a 2012 Parents’ Choice GOLD Award from the prestigious Parents’ Choice Foundation – the nation’s oldest nonprofit guide to quality children’s media and toys. In celebration of the CD release as well as the Award, a special performance will take place at The GRAMMY Museum on October 19th at 10am as part of the Museum’s Educational Outreach Series.

JumpinJazz Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale (the CD) is a unique blend of classic storytelling and fun, original jazz/pop songs performed by world-renowned jazz artists Dee Dee Bridgewater, Al Jarreau and Hubert Laws and backed by an energetic jazz quartet, symphony orchestra and narration and voice characterizations by James Murray. JumpinJazz Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale introduces children to the imaginative worlds of jazz, the spoken word and the Symphony in a fun yet educational, engaging and unique way. Produced and created by music industry veterans Steve Barta and Mark Oblinger, JumpinJazz Kids – A Swinging Jungle Tale was released September 25th.

The GRAMMY Museum seeks to educate and to inspire all museum visitors and members as to the enduring qualities and cultural significance of popular and classical music. By implementing a variety of innovative educational strategies; by incorporating the advice and needs of scholastic teachers, locally, regionally, and nationally; and by presenting the expertise of nearly 14,000 Recording Academy members, the GRAMMY Museum offers the most dynamic and exciting educational programs available from music museums today. The education mission of the Museum is to use music as a gateway to learning; inspiring and cultivating creativity, critical-thinking and self-expression.

Barta and Oblinger stated, “We are thrilled to be the recipients of a Parents’ Choice Gold Award. Our main goal is to provide quality children’s entertainment that fully engages the listener’s imagination. “A Swinging Jungle Tale” supports this idea through our “Imagination Is Me!” concept that encourages the listeners to actively visualize the story and imitate the animal dance movements in each song to become a “real” part of the tale. We believe that with the quality of the music, the magnetic performances of the artists involved and the imaginative nature of the story, “JumpinJazz Kids” has something to offer all ages. “

All three artists – Bridgewater, Jarreau and Laws – were equally enthralled with the project and offered their support immediately when approached to participate and their performances from the downbeat let you know that this is no ordinary children’s CD. Bridgewater’s unparalleled chops are featured on “ This Elephant’s Gerald,” while Jarreau’s playful vocals highlight “Do The Monkey Swing” and “Hubert Hummingbird.” Laws adds flute to both a song named in his honor, “Hubert Hummingbird” and “Her Name Is Little Growl.”

“JumpinJazz Kids” is a unique line of children’s music that combines classic narrative storytelling with fun, pop-influenced jazz songs backed by a Symphony Orchestra. The stories follow the imaginative adventures of a seven year-old girl named Claire and her stuffed animal friends. The first title in the series, “A Swinging Jungle Tale,” finds Claire in her Grandpa’s backyard jungle looking for a “lost story.” Powered by her imagination alone, Claire’s stuffed animal friends begin to magically come to life and she learns all about their world … and a little bit about herself along the way. In addition, the music for “JumpinJazz Kids” has been fully-scored for live performances with a symphony orchestra.

With the story for “A Swinging Jungle Tale” already translated and recorded in French, Japanese and Spanish, it is the vision of “JumpinJazz Kids” to develop a series of interactive CDs, books, apps, concerts and educational events nationally and worldwide with the premise being to teach jazz and symphonic history, provide music education, promote children’s physical activity through dance and movement, enlighten their understanding of the animal world and most importantly, to allow their imaginations to flow. Concerts have already taken place with full orchestra/jazz quartet in Colorado and Milwaukee and were met with widespread critical acclaim. JumpinJazz Kids - “A Swinging Jungle Tale" - a celebration of story, song and swing . . . where Imagination is King!

Mark Oblinger Songwriter, Composer, Producer and Performer Mark Oblinger is the writer, co/writer of the songs and story for “A Swinging Jungle Tale.” He is a former member of Atlantic Recording Artist “Firefall” and has a long history of award winning work as a songwriter, composer, producer and performer. He created and produced two national award winning Jazz CDs for children, “Jungle Jazz Joint Jam” and “Jazz Joint Jump” and has won 5 Heartland Emmy Awards for his work as a composer/producer for the PBS Children’s Show, “The Big Green Rabbit”, “Yesterday’s Zoo” and “The Sea I See”. Mark has arranged, produced and performed on dozens of CDs for numerous national and Colorado artists including vocal work on CDs by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield, Poco) and the Grammy nominated “The Spark” by Chris Daniels. Mark has composed music for short films and television including featured pieces for the Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr. Oz, Gaiam and theme music for Disneyworld’s Dolphin and Swan Resorts. Mark shares his Boulder, Colorado home with his wife and co-author of “A Swinging Jungle Tale” Linda and their two children, Kyle and (you might have guessed it) . . . Claire.

Steve Barta Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Producer, Educator Pianist Steve Barta has stayed true to his creative path for over thirty years as a Composer, Recording Artist, Producer, Author, Educator and Speaker. He has performed his original works as a solo artist with jazz ensembles and symphony orchestras. His contribution to the world of music includes fourteen recordings that reflect his many influences, particularly Brazilian, Jazz and Classical. Steve has worked and/or recorded with the likes of Al Jarreau, Hubert Laws, Herbie Mann, Dori Caymmi, B.B. King, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Paulinho da Costa, Mike Shapiro and many more. His recordings are available worldwide via SteveBartaMusic.com, iTunes, Amazon.com, and CD Baby. Steve has written several works for symphony orchestra that have been performed worldwide. Mr. Barta is a music educator with over thirty years of experience teaching intermediate to advanced students, educators and professional musicians. Special areas of instruction for private students, clinics and Master Classes are Music Interpretation, Improvisation, Arranging and Composition.

SONIA EDEN - TRUTH LOVE & LIFE

Sonia Eden is a Songwriter/Singer who creates her own blend of soulful,jazzy,bluesy pop. Born and raised in Barbados on the beautifully rugged east coast of the island. Music has always been her passion; born into a musical family, she was surrounded by music from a very early age and listened as her father played the vinyl albums of greats such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Otis Redding and Wings on his turntable. She describes music as her purpose, “it fills my dreams…….it is my life.”"I can remember going to work and hiding in the bathroom so that i could get song ideas down on to my voice recorder"

"My music is a fusion of my life experiences and emotions combined with influences from all the music which i love and enjoy expressed in my own unique way" “I love crafting and creating songs….I love writing around a personal theme or telling a story which draws you in so much that you become hooked emotionally and mentally” “I want to create beautiful music, which stirs the listener, or wakes them up in one way or the another” “My goal is not only to progress as an artist, but to become a more evolved human being as well” Tracks include the standout "It's a Beautiful Day", plus 'Is That Enough Time", 'Fantasy", I'm Not Over Love", Like I Do", Never Play The Fool Again", Nothing To Say", and "Be Around".

NEW RELEASES - DOM SALVADOR, MATTHEW HALSALL, MR DRUM & THE SOUND MACHINE

DOM SALVADOR - SALVADOR TRIO

Classic trio material from one of Brazil's greatest pianists ever! Dom Salvador was a heck of a player back in the 60s – working in a tight trio format that was certainly part of the bossa combo sound of his day, yet also heavily influenced by American soul jazz artists of the same era. Here, he's working in an early trio with Edison Machado on drums – switching effortlessly between piano and organ as the rhythm section spins out lush, lyrical lines with more than a bit of soul in the mix. Many of the tracks on the album are quite obscure, making for a fresh little set that goes way past the usual piano trio side from 60s Brazil! Titles include "Indio Perdido", "Samborio", "Um Sonho Azul", "Balanco Do Mar Onda Quebrando", "Fred's Ahead", "Sonho De Carnaval", "Iluminando O Vazio", "A Cancao Do Amor Que Nasceu", and "Eu Compro Essa Mulher". ~ Dusty Groove

DOM SALVADOR - SALVADOR TRIO


Wicked jazzy bossa from 60s Brazil – a crackling early classic from pianist Dom Salvador! The group here is super-tight – a tremendous triangle of piano, bass, and drums – all grooving at equal pace, with a great deal of energy – and given a heck of a lot of soul from Dom's bold lines on the piano! There's a slight lyrical vibe at points, too – making for music that's mighty sweet, and very seductive – and the whole thing's right up there with some of the best bossa trio dates of the time. Trio features bass by Edson Lobo and drums by Victor Manga – and titles include "Arrastao", "Promessa", "Pro Batera", "Santarem", and "Tematrio". ~ Dusty Groove

MATTHEW HALSALL - FLETCHER MOSS PARK   Maybe the best work so far from trumpeter Matthew Halsall – and a wonderful continuation of the spiritual vibe he's been giving us for the past few years! Halsall's a real up-and-comer – a trumpeter with a spiritual sensibility that rivals the best players on 70s Impulse or Strata East sessions – working with a fluid, open quality that's unlike any other contemporary musicians we can think of! There's depth of sound to the record that rivals the best spiritual sessions from Build An Ark – or from Halsall's frequent partner and labelmate, Nat Birchall – whose tenor makes parts of the album sparkle as much as Matthew's trumpet. Other musicians include Rachael Gladwin on harp, Lisa Mallett on flute, Adam Fairhall on piano, and Holly Simpson on violin – and titles include "The Sun In September", "Finding My Way", "Sailing Out To Sea", "Mary Emma Louise", and "Fletcher Moss Park". ~ Dusty Groove  

MR DRUM & THE SOND MACHINE - MR DRUM LOWDOWN   Mr Drum, you're one heck of a funky player – a mysterious Japanese musician from the early 70s, and one who really knows how to kick into a groove! The drums are definitely at the forefront here – breaking hard right at the start of the record, and mixing with raw guitar and freaky big band backings – all in one of the hippest hybrids of styles we've heard from the Japanese scene at the time! Tunes are mostly familiar numbers from American pop – but their reworked in styles that run from funky to trippy to mod – all as instrumentals with a mighty sharp edge. Titles include "The Drum", "Want Ads", "Lowdown", "Brown Sugar", "It Don't Come Easy", "Indian Reservation", and "Never Can Say Goodbye". ~ Dusty Groove 

SONY CLASSICAL RELEASES ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK OF SKYFALL

Sony Classical announces the release of the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of SKYFALL™ on November 6, 2012, consisting of original music written by leading film composer Thomas Newman . From Albert R. Broccoli 's EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, the film is the 23rd James Bond adventure and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise.

SKYFALL™ also marks the debut of distinguished director Sam Mendes in the James Bond franchise. 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 produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan .

Composer Thomas Newman 's uniquely expressive musical style fits perfectly with the humor and slickness of a Bond movie. His expressive range goes from thunderous and dramatic for the many action sequences to broodingly atmospheric for scenes in which the dark side of the story, marked by mistrust and fear of betrayal, is at the forefront. With its big orchestral effects, this music is equal to the spectacular events that the movie portrays.

Starting with American Beauty in 1999, Thomas Newman has collaborated on all but one of Mendes' films. One of the most respected composers in the film business, he has scored more than fifty feature films and has been nominated for ten Academy Awards®, nine times in the category Best Original Score and once for Best Original Song. He has won a BAFTA, two Grammys and an Emmy, and has also been nominated for a Golden Globe. Born in Los Angeles, he comes from a prominent Hollywood musical dynasty: his father Alfred Newman , brother David, sister Maria and uncle Lionel all composed music for the movies, and his cousin is the noted singer-songwriter and film composer Randy Newman .

Newman's first major work in movies was in 1984 for Reckless. He composed the scores for Erin Brockovich and The Good German for director Steven Soderbergh , as well as for such acclaimed films as Finding Nemo, The Player, The Shawshank Redemption, Wall-E, The Help and The Horse Whisperer. Recent work includes the scores, also released by Sony Classical, of The Iron Lady and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Newman has composed for television, including the HBO miniseries Angels In America, and the theme for Six Feet Under, which won him Grammys for Best Instrumental Composition and Best Instrumental Arrangement. He also has been commissioned to write orchestral concert music.

2013 U.S. BANK PORTLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL FEATURES ESPERANZA SPALDING, KENNY GARRETT, JACK DEJOHNETTE & OTHERS...

Presented By Alaska Airlines: February 15-24, 2013

10th Anniversary Event Celebrates Enduring Jazz Legacy

Featuring Universally Acclaimed Artists and Portland Favorites

Afro Cuban All-Stars, ACS: Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington, Esperanza Spalding; Jack DeJohnette; Kenny Garrett; "The Jazz Message" Celebrating Art Blakey; Barry Harris, Sexmob; Nancy King; Gerald Wilson; Steve Kuhn; Patricia Barber, Among Others

The 2013 U.S. Bank Portland Jazz Festival presented by Alaska Airlines will be held Friday, February 15 through Sunday, February 24 at venues throughout Portland, OR. The 10th anniversary celebration will include a heady mix of world and west coast premieres and For Portland Only performances with a series of concerts featuring an imposing array of internationally recognized and local musicians playing a wide-range of jazz styles. Education and outreach, as always, amplify the festival's recognition of Black History Month through a series of community-wide initiatives.

This year's headliners are NEA Jazz Master Jack DeJohnette in a For Portland Only special quartet configuration featuring Ravi Coltrane, Matt Garrison and George Colligan; The Jazz Message Celebrating Art Blakey in a world premiere featuring Javon Jackson, Bobby Watson, Eddie Henderson, Curtis Fuller, George Cables, Buster Williams and Lewis Nash; The west coast premiere of ACS featuring Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington and Esperanza Spalding; Afro Cuban All-Stars and Alfredo Rodríguez; Steve Kuhn Trio featuring special guest Devin Phillips; Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet; Kenny Garrett Quartet; Patricia Barber Quartet; Sexmob Plays Fellini; Portland Jazz Master Nancy King with Steve Christofferson and Glen Moore; Barry Harris Trio; Matt Wilson's Arts & Crafts; Gerald Wilson leading two Portland ensembles; Scott Hamilton Quartet; Art Abrams Swing Machine Big Band In Tribute to Stan Kenton featuring Rebecca Kilgore; The Blue Cranes; and more.

States Managing Director Don Lucoff, "This year's vast programming of 17 ticketed shows reflects the eclecticism that is uniquely Portland. In our 10th anniversary we welcome back festival favorites Portland Jazz Master Nancy King, Esperanza Spalding, Patricia Barber, Afro Cuban All Stars, Scott Hamilton, and Rebecca Kilgore. A rare PDX appearance by NEA Jazz Master Jack DeJohnette and The Jazz Message celebration of Steel City icon Art Blakey enhance a robust roster, a drum feast for the ages, as we host the top drummers in jazz throughout the festival: Lewis Nash, Joey Baron, Terri Lyne Carrington, Justin Faulkner and Matt Wilson in the City of Roses."

Other festival highlights include: Berlin-based Kurt Rosenwinkel playing Portland for the first time, Gerald Wilson's first PDX appearance since 1949 when he last played lead trumpet in the Count Basie band at McElroy's Ballroom, the PDX debut by Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez, Art Abrams premiering his 20 strong aggregation in tribute to Stan Kenton, featuring Rebecca Kilgore and a long overdue PDX appearance by 83-year-old NEA Jazz Master Barry Harris.

Community outreach programming including the Student Stage is set to take place at Portland State University on February 16 and 17, "The Incredible Journey of Jazz" school program, Jazz Conversations and more to be announced soon. Continue to check www.pdxjazz.com for up-to-date festival information and follow us on twitter and Facebook.

Complete Concert Schedule
Friday, Feb. 15, 7:30pm @ Aladdin Theater - Afro Cuban All-Stars & Alfredo Rodríguez

Friday, Feb. 15, 7 & 9:30pm @ Jimmy Mak's - NEA Jazz Master Barry Harris with Chuck Israels & Todd Strait in partnership w/ Soul Patch Music

Saturday, Feb. 16, 7:30pm @ Scottish Rite Auditorium - Art Abrams Swing Machine Big Band featuring Rebecca Kilgore in Tribute to Stan Kenton with Shanghai Woolies

Saturday, Feb. 16, 9:30pm @ The Mission Theater - Blue Cranes in partnership with Creative Music Guild

Sunday, Feb. 17, 3:00pm @ Classic Piano - Alfredo Rodriguez, solo piano

Monday, Feb. 18, 7:00pm @ Jimmy Mak's - PDX Jazz All-Star Student Big Band under the direction of Gerald Wilson

Monday, Feb. 18, 9:30pm @ Jimmy Mak's - PDX Jazz All-Star Educators Ensemble under the direction of Darrell Grant Play the Music of Gerald Wilson

Tuesday, Feb. 19 7 & 9:30pm @ Jimmy Mak's - Scott Hamilton Quartet

Tuesday, Feb. 19, 7:30pm @ Evans Auditorium - Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet in partnership with Lewis & Clark College

Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7 & 9:30pm, Jimmy Mak's - Matt Wilson's Arts & Crafts

Thursday, Feb. 21, 7:00pm @ Winningstad Theatre - Patricia Barber Quartet

Thursday, Feb. 21, 9:30pm @ Winningstad Theatre - Kenny Garrett Quartet

Friday, Feb. 22, 7:00pm @ Newmark Theatre - The Jazz Message; Celebrating Art Blakey

Friday, Feb. 22, 9:30pm, Winningstad Theatre - Steve Kuhn Trio w/ special guest Devin Phillips

Saturday, Feb. 23, 7:00pm @ Newmark Theatre - NEA Jazz Master Jack DeJohnette featuring Ravi Coltrane, Matt Garrison & George Colligan

Saturday, Feb. 23, 9:30pm @ Winningstad Theatre - Sexmob Plays Fellini

Sunday, Feb. 24, 3:00pm @ Winningstad Theatre - Portland Jazz Master Nancy King with Glen Moore and Steve Christofferson

Sunday, Feb. 24, 7:00pm @ Newmark Theatre - ACS: Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington, Esperanza Spalding

www.pdxjazz.com

NEW RELEASES - JIM BRICKMAN, JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, JACKIEM JOYNER

JIM BRICKMAN - MORE GREATEST HITS

SLG Records will release a collection of pop hits by the chart-topping, platinum-selling pianist/producer and composer Jim Brickman . " Jim Brickman: More Greatest Hits" is a compilation of his best compositions and songs including his collaborations with Lady Antebellum ("Never Alone"), Richie McDonald ("Coming Home For Christmas") and the last known recording of Gerald Levert (" My Angel "). Also featured on the album are Sara Evans , Tom Douglas , Marc Antoine and Jake Simpson . " Jim Brickman: More Greatest Hits" will be released by SLG Records on November 6. Jim Brickman 's remarkable career includes six Gold and Platinum selling albums, consistent debuts at #1 on Billboard Magazine's New Age Chart, a Grammy nomination in 2003 and 2010 for Best New Age Album and the distinction of being the most charted male Adult Contemporary artist to date. His many awards include a SESAC "Songwriter of the Year" award, a Canadian Country Music Award and a Dove Award. Tracks include "Never Alone" (w/ Lady Antebellum); "Escape" (w/ Marc Antoine); "Coming Home For Christmas" (w/ Richie McDonald); and "My Angel" (w/ Gerald Levert).

 

JOHN MCLCUGHLIN - NOW HERE THIS   It has been nearly two years since world-renowned guitarist John McLaughlin released To the One, his highly acclaimed, first studio recording, with The 4th Dimension. The veteran guitar aficionado celebrates his 70th birthday year in 2012 with the release of Now Here This (Abstract Logix), as he ups the ante even further with greater fire, finesse and freewheeling interplay. McLaughlin's musical influences carry over to many of the musical elite, with Jeff Beck declaring him in 2010 to be ''the best guitarist alive.'' In 2003, McLaughlin was ranked 49th in Rolling Stone magazine list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time and in the summer of 2007, McLaughlin performed at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in Bridgeview, Illinois. Chick Corea remarked to DownBeat Magazine that ''...what John McLaughlin did with the electric guitar set the world on its ear. No one ever heard an electric guitar played like that before, and it certainly inspired me. John's band, more than my experience with Miles, led me to want to turn the volume up and write music that was more dramatic and made your hair stand on end.'' McLaughlin's latest creative venture with The 4th Dimension reflects a slight, yet significant, alteration of the dynamic, specifically the recruitment of powerhouse Indian drummer Ranjit Barot. Cameroon-born/Paris-resident bassist Etienne M'Bappe is back from To the One, as is keyboardist/drummer Gary Husband. This eight track set of McLaughlin originals, recorded at Studio 26 in Antibes, France, testifies to the guitarist's decades-long fascination with Indian music, through his effortless virtuosity, and relentless lyricism, even when the guitarist is shredding at near-light speed. As John himself simply states, ''Now Here This is the culmination of my life's work till now.'' - amazon.com

JACKIEM JOYNER - CHURCH BOY

"Church Boy stems from my time as a young and eager boy who wanted to play a part in the music ministry. I can remember very well a time when I couldn't wait until church service was over so I could get a chance to bang on the instruments! One day the pastor of my church told me that I was going to learn an instrument and be very involved in the Gospel ministry. I had no instrumental ex¬perience and had no idea what he was talking about. Church Boy takes me and the audience back to church. Although my previous albums are in the 'jazz or smooth jazz' genre, I have always believed that my music comes from God. Every new talent that I acquire, I make it a point to dedicate it to my Father God and Lord Jesus Christ. This album will confirm my place in the music ministry of God." Church Boy features a collection of contemporary Gospel songs including Toby Mac's "City On Our Knees," Israel & New Breed s "You Are Good" and Kirk Franklin s "Hosanna." Kirk Whalum joins Jackiem on Kirk Franklin's "I Smile" and Jonathan Butler plays the lead acoustic guitar on Tye Tribbett's "Bless The Lord (Son Of Man)." ~ amazon.com

JAZZ FM FUNKY SENSATION 3 – MORE JAZZ, FUNK & SOUL CLASSICS (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

More Jazz and Funk Soul Classics Including Roy Ayers, Atlantic Starr, Rick James, Howard Johnson, Teena Marie, Shalamar, Jackson Sisters, Willie Hutch

A warm, easygoing and sprawling 2CD set from the Expansion and Jazz FM team – the third and best yet in their Funky Sensation series – with both hits and relatively underappreciated numbers! It's wonderful stuff all the way – and well chosen by Mike Vitti & Ralph Tee – with full-length treasures by Roy Ayers, Rick James, Cameo, Rene & Angela, Willie Hutch, Dazz Band, Charles Earland, Teen Marie and The Gap Band to name but a few. What we love about the Funky Sensation series is the sort of informal, unfussy vibe. It's not so much about shining a lot on particular labels, producers or well-defined scene – and very much about simply putting together some sensationally funky, jazzy and soulful music, nearly all of it from the mid 70s to early 80s, together in a generous double-sized set! 26 tracks on 2CDs – and over 150 minutes of music. Includes "Running Away" by Roy Ayers, "Circles" by Atlantic Starr, "Now That We Found Love" by Third World, "So Fine" by Howard Johnson, "Man Power" by Lalomie Washburn, "I Believe In Miracles" by The Jackson Sisters, "I Need Your Lovin'" by Teena Marie, "I'l Be Good" by Rene & Angela, "Get It Up For Love" by Tata Vega, "Outstanding" by The Gap Band, "Let The Music Play" by Charles Earland and many more. ~ Dusty Groove

KEN GREVES - VINTAGE & RARE: THE SONGS OF HAROLD ARLEN VOL 1

Ken Greves is a passionate interpreter of the Great American Songbook and a specialist in the music of Harold Arlen.

“Arlen’s music resonates profoundly with my musical sensibilities,” says Ken. “Arlen considered himself a jazz composer and wanted to be a vocalist himself. He was unique in that he was unafraid to break out of the standard 32-bar form.”

Another important influence on Ken was the voice of Judy Garland. “My fascination with Garland was her uncanny ability to musically shape a song while acting and telling a story. She demonstrated that a song has a beginning, middle and end.”

Ken grew up in Nassau County, on the south shore of Long Island, NY. Neither of his parents were musicians, but they noted early on their son’s fascination with music, theater, and dance.

“My earliest memories were when I was three” recalls Ken. “My mother told me that I used to dance in front of the TV, mesmerized by the sound of Kate Smith singing, ‘When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain.’”

Classically trained as a dancer and actor as well as a singer, Ken performed in a national tour of Singing in the Rain, played Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street, appeared as Luther Billis in South Pacific, and played opposite Nancy Kulp in an English murder mystery comedy. He sang with the Barry Levitt Trio at Iridium and at Birdland with Jim Caruso’s “Cast Party.”

Ken Greves made his solo debut as a vocalist in April 2000 at Don’t Tell Mama with his program, “Who the Hell Is Harold Arlen?!” Shortly thereafter, he encountered Trudi Mann and her open jazz mic — really an artists’ salon — and immersed himself in the world of jazz.

“I found that world stimulating in a very different way from my classical and theatrical roots,” he says.

In April 2006, Ken launched a new Arlen program, “Last Night When We Were Young — Aspects of Arlen,” at Danny’s Skylight Room in New York City. Accompanied by the Tedd Firth quartet, this popular show comprises songs both well-known and rare, from Broadway, Hollywood and Tin Pan Alley, and explores the many facets of Arlen’s extraordinary contribution to the Great American Songbook.

In December 2010, Ken released his debut CD, The Face of My Love, at the Metropolitan Room. It starts and ends with a dream and in between is a story as old as time, yet as fresh as tomorrow. Love sought, love found, love doubted, love lost – told in a cycle of song, reminiscent of the classic albums of the past. And yet the sound is as modern as the latest jazz releases.

".... It is the sympathetic manner in which vocalist and pianist dance to each other's tunes that makes this artistic relationship a memorable one. In this regard, Hanley and Greves recall the wonderful partnership between Kurt Elling and Laurence Hobgood." Raul d’Gama Rose, CD Editor - All About Jazz

Ken released his second CD, the first volume in the Arlen project, entitled Vintage & Rare: The Songs of Harold Arlen, which explores both the familiar and the little known compositions by the great Harold Arlen in a trio setting. The musicians on this project are Wells Hanley, piano; Peter Donovan, bass; and Jacob Melchior, drums. "Producing this CD and singing vocals on it was a bit of a roller coaster ride; but, with these fine musicians backing me and the Arlen tunes driving me, it was a joyous trip!" says Greves. Upcoming shows will be in November on the 9th and 11th at The Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 West 42nd Street in New York City.

Late 2013, Ken anticipates releasing Night People: a CD of tunes recalling the classic 50's concept albums on Capitol; a collection of song-stylings for the midnight to six AM crowd, capturing the sophistication, wit and heartbreak of that faraway world.

http://www.kengreves.com/

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

DENNIS ANGEL - TIMELESS GROOVES

The Jason Miles-produced album is a jazzy R&B throwback; radio grooving to “Forever Funk”

Having successfully released more than a half dozen diverse singles that charted and received radio spins around the globe, trumpeter Dennis Angel will release his debut album, the vintage sounding Timeless Grooves, on November 13th via Timeless Grooves Records. Angel wrote eight songs for the varied 10-track set produced by keyboardist Jason Miles (Marcus Miller, Miles Davis, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross) that brings something refreshing and unique to the contemporary jazz scene.

Angel has a way of gracefully emoting pristine pop melodies from his horn over the type of laidback grooves that bring to mind jazz-funk hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s. After experimenting and dabbling in a wide array of straight-ahead and contemporary jazz, hip hop, R&B and pop to construct an eclectic variety of instrumental and vocal singles, Angel knew he needed a producer to curate the sound for his first album. Enter Miles, who gave Angel the freedom to create and encouraged the trumpeter to also play flugelhorn on the set. Giving the well-crafted material a distinctive R&B edge, Miles (keyboards, synth bass, percussion) recruited “some of the very best players in the studio to play live” including guitarists Romero Lubambo, Nick Moroch, Dean Brown, and Will Bernard, bassist Amanda Ruzza, and drummer Brian Dunne. Joel Mofsenson plays acoustic piano on the vocal tracks and arranged two of the compositions. Long-time Angel collaborator Gottfried Stoger plays saxophones and deftly arranged the remaining compositions based on the classic American form.

While Angel and Miles toiled away in the studio in the spring and summer on Timeless Grooves, the single “Rio On My Mind” was released as an appetizer. Radio stations instantly embraced the idyllic soul-infused fiesta spotlighting Angel’s flugelhorn and classy acoustic guitar licks from Lubambo. As a follow-up, the groovy “Forever Funk,” on which Angel and Stoger engage in a Soul Train line-like trumpet and sax strut, was just serviced as a single. Angel’s 16 year-old daughter, Rebecca Angel, delivered a heartfelt vocal performance on the empowering “A Song In Harmony,” co-written by the pair. One of two covers, The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” receives a beautiful 3/4-time treatment with elegant etchings courtesy of Angel’s flugelhorn and Lubambo’s acoustic guitar along with a sterling performance by Stoger on soprano sax. Flugelhorn and tenor sax top the marquee on the leisurely paced “Vegas Vibe,” which bodes to become a radio favorite. Charismatic baritone vocalist DeForest Raphael pledges allegiance on the patriotic “I Did All This” and is featured on the clever bebop rapper “From Bebop To Hip Hop,” the latter of which charted when released as a single in 2010.

“Releasing Timeless Grooves represents a life-long dream come true for me. After playing the trumpet my whole life, the album embodies my personal contribution to the music scene, which I believe adds something new and fresh to the contemporary jazz genre. We want to bring back some of the great trumpet and sax R&B sounds from the ‘60s and ‘70s and give it a more contemporary feel. The songs have catchy melodies that came to me during quiet times of just putting my trumpet to my lips. For me, the heart of a song is a simple yet memorable melody, which is what I tried to incorporate into each recording,” said Angel.

While in high school, Angel was trained by world renowned trumpeter William Vacchiano and had to decide between studying music at The Julliard School and pursuing a law degree. He chose law school and based his highly respected suburban New York City law practice on the motion picture industry where he works with the major studios. However, he never stopped playing his trumpet and performed at Carnegie Hall in a brass choir. In 2009, Angel wrote and recorded the witty “The Wall Street Recession Time Blues” after the market crash. This timely track garnered considerable airplay and media attention from the likes of the Boston Herald. Encouraged, Angel continued to crank out new singles, which also were welcomed at radio. Some were tongue-in-cheek numbers such as “I Need Smooth Jazz” and “Daddy, Can I Drive Your Car?” while others displayed the true talent behind the soulful grooves (“Dizzy Izzy”). Collaborating with the veteran Miles elevated Angel’s recordings to the next level. Energized, he is looking forward to performing music from “Timeless Grooves” in a concert setting.

Angel’s “Timeless Grooves” contains the following songs:
“Forever Funk”
"Vegas Vibe”
“Norwegian Wood”
“Rio On My Mind”
“A Song In Harmony”
“When Love Is In The Air”
“I Did All This”
“The Breeze”
“Can’t Help Falling In Love”
“From Bebop To Hip Hop”

www.dennisangelband.com

NEW RELEASES - THE SKINNY, TERIVER CHEUNG, PETE ZIMMER

THE SKINNY - DIG ON IT

"With Ben Paterson manning the Hammond B-3, Kyle Asche on guitar, Jake Vinsel on bass and Mike Schlick on drums, the four kindred spirits collectively known as The Skinny have come up with their own personal spin on the soul-jazz tradition. Carrying on in the spirit of Jimmy McGriff, Boogaloo Joe Jones and Grant Green, they also reveal the influences of James Brown, The Meters and Booker T & The MGs along the way. Suffice it to say, these Chicago-based groovemeisters know how to lay it down and slap some bacon fat on it.” – Bill Milkowski
   

TERIVER CHEUNG - MY NOCTURNE  

 "No matter how high the technical bar has been raised for aspiring guitarists, one simple fact remains: musicality is what matters. Teriver Cheung, age 27, has found ways to transcend a chops-centric approach and create music full of breath, space and surprise. On My Nocturne, his auspicious debut, he reveals himself as a player of great skill but also poetic sensitivity. He can do difficult, yes: his single-note lines generate heat and friction, leaping across intervals, avoiding the obvious. But it’s the lyricism, the rhythmic idiosyncrasy and above all the personal quality of his writing and improvising that makes Cheung an artist to watch.” -David R. Adler 

PETE ZIMMER - PRIME OF LIFE

 Self-reliance has been Pete Zimmer’s calling card since he relocated to New York City in 2001. And the same confidence and drive that impelled this fine drummer to establish his own label, produce his own albums, and supply the majority of his recorded repertoire also permeates "Prime of Life," Zimmer’s fifth recording as a leader. The album’s title sets the tone of certainty. "My twenties were still about the learning process, gaining knowledge and experience. With age and practice, I feel that I have the skills and focus to steer my music in the direction it needs to go," says Zimmer, who was thirty-three at the time of the recording. "Now is just the beginning." – Steve Futterman writes about jazz regularly for The New Yorker 
~ tippinrecords.com

NEW RELEASES - ALAIDE COSTA, SO SAMBA QUEM TEM, THE HURST SELECTION 2

ALAIDE COSTA - AMIGA DE VERDADE

Sublime work from Alaide Costa – a beautifully mature album from the late 80s, and one that has her working with a host of great guest help from the Milton Nascimento camp, and the jazzier side of the MPB spectrum! In addition to vocals from Milton on one cut, the set also features appearances by Rique Pantoja on keyboards, Gilson Peranzzeta on piano, Wagner Tiso on piano, Ivan Lins on vocals, Cristovao Bastos on piano, Paulinho Da Viola on vocals, Sebastiao Tapajos on guitar, and Toninho Horta on vocals and arrangements! The music is spare, but has this depth that works perfect with Alaide's rich vocals – often just a few instruments echoing out alongside Costa's lead, with the balance between fullnest and restraint that you'd find in the best recordings by Nascimento or Lins. Titles include "Absinto", "Amiga De Verdade", "Quem Sabe", "Estrada Do Sertao", "Cinema Antigo", "Mais Que A Paixao", and "Morrer De Amor". CD features two bonus tracks – "Dois Coracoes" and "Teu Simples Nao". ~ Dusty Groove

SO SAMBA QUEM TEM - VARIOUS ARTISTS

A tremendous set of 70s samba – a rare gem issued on the smaller Tapecar album, and a vivid portrait of some of the best indie talents of the genre at the time! There's a freshness here that really grabs us right away – the kind of sublime sounds that keep us digging for rare samba records over the years – a sparkling, spontaneous sort of energy that comes through in the music right away – as singers, instrumentalists, and percussionists groove together beautifully in an upbeat, soulful, joyous sort of way! Production is nice and crisp – which really preserves the energy of the music – and titles include "Alegria" by Ze Di, "Acalentava" by Candeia, "Poxa" by Gilson De Souza, "Volta Por Cima" by Noite Ilustrada, "Resto De Amor" by Vincente, "Carolina Meu Bem" by Xango Da Mangueira, and "Bloco Da Madrugada" by Noite Ilustrada. ~ Dusty Groove

THE HURST SELECTION 2 - VARIOUS ARTISTS

Here's another 12 killer songs from SoulandJazz.com Records and its captain, selector Brian Hurst. This time round it’s even more of a world flavour as music comes from Japan courtesy of Room56 and Jazz Collective, Sydney with Milan Ring, Sicily – Gabriele Poso and from all corners of the US: Boukou Groove, Maz, Michon Young, Farnell Newton, Moonchild, Temika Moore and The Ananda Project featuring Mr. Alex Lattimore. Special mention must also go to Gregory Porter whose 1960 What? gets the first proper remix from the legend that is Gerardo Frisina; historic. Top notch stuff.

JOEL BEHRMAN - STEPPIN' BACK

His All-Star Bay Area Band Includes Dayna Stephens, Matt Clark, Marcus Shelby, Howard Wiley, & Danny Armstrong

When Joel Behrman relocated to the Bay Area in 2000, the trumpeter/composer was intent on renewing his commitment to jazz. He'd completed his music degree at the University of Miami and worked a series of non-jazz gigs, in clubs and on the road, and as he continued his years of dues-paying in California he realized that, in jazz, the fundamental things apply: swing, the blues, connecting with the audience.

On his superb new debut recording, Steppin' Back, Behrman and his band express those essential jazz values in a program of elegant originals interspersed with compositions by Ellington, Armstrong, and Joe Henderson. His collaborators represent the top tier of local players: bassist Marcus Shelby, one of San Francisco's most illustrious bandleaders and composers; in-demand pianist Matt Clark; drummer Howard Wiley (better known as a saxophonist); tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens, a Berkeley High grad who lives in New York but maintains close ties to home; and veteran trombonist Danny Armstrong, a founding member of Lavay Smith's Red Hot Skillet Lickers.

"I wanted it to be a Bay Area project exclusively," says Behrman, a San Jose resident. "There is a lot of talent here that's underexposed."

The album's centerpiece is the leader's compelling three-movement "Justice Suite" (Sin / Righteous Indignation / Evolution), written for the sextet. While conceived as a response to the current political climate, the suite is also very much an interior drama, "related to a personal struggle of someone trying to change, working through the anger," Behrman says. "That could be a metaphor for all kinds of things where it doesn't feel like justice is around."

Steppin' Back closes with "something lighthearted": "The Faithful Hussar," which Behrman learned from Louis Armstrong's Ambassador Satch. While listening to it recently with his wife, "we just started dancing to the song. Anything with that bounce needs to be heard."

Joel Behrman, 37, grew up in a St. Louis suburb and, at age 9, started on his first instrument, trombone, a horn he still plays frequently today. He went on to earn his music degree at the University of Miami, studying with world-class improvisers like Ira Sullivan (another two-horn master) and playing countless salsa gigs on the local scene. He went on the road with KC and the Sunshine Band and eventually moved to the Bay Area, where several UM friends were already living.

Behrman started playing with the New Orleans-inspired Brass the Monkey Brass Band on trumpet and trombone. He played funk with Lenny Williams, the former lead vocalist with Tower of Power; East Bay grease with Lydia Pense and Cold Blood, another vintage soul/R&B combo; and New Jack Swing with Tony! Toni! Toné! -- all gigs that required him to hone his trumpet chops and really develop his technique. But the most important gig was joining swing/blues vocalist Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers.

"That was a life-changing experience, getting introduced to genuine swing," Behrman says. "There was a standard you had to live up to, being able to swing and play the blues. It really shaped certain opinions and philosophies in my mind."

These days Behrman is touring internationally with percussion star Sheila E., and also performing widely with her father, the Latin jazz great Pete Escovedo. He still gets gigs as a trombonist, but the trumpet has increasingly become his primary creative vehicle, to the point where he didn't think twice about playing the horn exclusively on Steppin' Back.

Behrman's immediate goal is to find opportunities to perform with his sextet. "I couldn't have hoped for a better assembly of musicians," says the trumpeter. "They really understand what I'm trying to accomplish on this project."

www.joelbehrman.com

DOUBLE YELLOW - LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE

Dave "Double Yellow" Lilley, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, is a long-term collaborator with Diesler (AKA Jonathan Radford). With completely different approaches towards making music, and after many late night muso-chats, Dave Lilley and Jonathan Radford embarked on numerous collaborations that formed the backbone of most of Diesler's album outputs. Together they wrote much of Diesler's best-selling 2006 album, Keepie Uppies, which was shortlisted for Best Album in Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards for Radio 1 and received global exposure. And now the two are responsible for the Double Yellow album combining ingredients from a rich and deep larder of Barrelhouse Honky Tonk, Club Funk, Dixieland Jazz-Stomp, Swing, Rock, Reggae, Indie and Latin flavours.

Tracks from the new album have already received airplay from Gilles Peterson on BBC 6 Music, Radio 2 and his Worldwide Mixtape, plus Jazz FM, Samurai FM and more. The Double Yellow EP, We Got Caught, received shining reviews including a 9/10 rating from Blues & Soul Magazine. On top of this, Double Yellow have also received support from the likes of Kev Beadle, Chris Philips and Mike Chadwick on Jazz FM, Simon Harrison at Basic Soul and Red Rack'em from Smugglers Inn Radio - to name a handful.

Life In The Slow Lane is formed from many styles, sounds and influences, and also includes a Dixie Jazz-leaning cover of 'No One Knows' by Queens Of The Stone Age - which has seen love already from Jazz FM and Samurai FM. The album marries the light and organic, with the intricate and deep - cruising from dance-floor ditties to exquisitely produced contemporary productions. A real treasure trove of audible delights, with tracks to appease and excite fans of multiple genres and disciplines.

MARY WELLS - THE COMPLETE 20TH CENTURY RECORDINGS: MARY / LOVE SONGS TO THE BEATLES

A pair of lost classics – back to back in a single set, with bonus tracks too! First up is the self-titled Mary Wells album – non-Motown magic from Wells – a killer 60s album that really lives up to her previous promise! The scope is a bit wider here than before – and Mary's wonderful throughout, sticking closely in that classic blend of class and soul that made her one of the first standout stars of Motown – moving in equally great company here with studio help from Carl Davis, Riley Hampton, and Andre Williams! The tunes have a sweet midtempo groove – almost a bit of early Detroit into Chicago mid 60s soul – and titles include "Never Never Leave Me", "Use Your Head", "My Mind's Made Up", "Why Don't You Let Yourself Go", and "We're Just Two Of A Kind".

Love Songs To The Beatles is even more compelling – the best of the 60s genre! Sure, Esther Phillips and a few other 60s soul singers were recording Beatles tracks – but Mary Wells was the real deal, as she even had the support of the group itself, who made it known that she was one of their favorite American soul artists. This nice album on 20th Century features an all-Beatles set of tracks – with titles like "I Should Have Known Better", "Do You Want To Know A Secret", "Yesterday", "And I Love Him", and "Ticket To Ride". The arrangements are all uptown soul, and give the songs a more sophisticated sound than the original recordings. A record we don't see that often, and a nice lost gem! Bonus tracks include "Jive Guy", "I'm Learnin", "I'm Sorry", "Say What You Gotta Say", and "Memories Are Creepin Up On Me". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - JORDAN YOUNG, AKRON, FREDRIK NORDSTROM

JORDAN YOUNG - CYMBAL MELODIES

Somebody's knocked the cymbal off Jordan Young's drum kit – at least for the photo on the cover – but that doesn't stop him from swinging wonderfully throughout – leading a tight quartet through a wicked set of Hammond-heavy groovers! Brian Charette's on organ – playing with this bold, chunky style that's loaded with soul right from the start – and the kind of blocked-out lines that we love in early work from Charles Earland – all to make a perfect groove from the group which also includes Avi Rothbard on guitar and Joe Sucato on tenor. The lack of bass is more than made up for by Charette's bottom sounds on the Hammond – and titles include "Free Wheelin", "Ghost Of A Chance", "Roxanne", "Grantstand", "Easy Living", "Bird Bath", and "Mood For McCann". ~ Dusty Groove

AKRON - VOYAGE OF EXPLANATION

A contemporary take on the sounds of mid-Century – a very cool batch of tracks that leans heavily on 50s exotica, 60s electronica, and lots of other odd bits – all filtered together in cool production with a really playful feel! The set's somewhere between some of the older retro sounds on the Irma La Douce label, and some of the colder work in recent years by groups who've been inspired by Italian crime and horror soundtracks – although Akron's work is a bit warmer overall. Titles include "Rabbits In Orbit", "A Glimpse Of Hell", "Frog War Chant", "Robot Grind", "Memory Hole", and "Picabu". ~ Dusty Groove

FREDRIK NORDSTROM - STRING

The "string" here is a reference to the album's strong use of violin, viola, cello, and bass – a surprisingly wonderful setting for the sharp-edged alto lines of leader Fredrik Nordstrom! The album's one of the most compelling so far from Fred – and that's saying a lot, because we've already loved his other records – a date that has Nordstrom sounding even more fluid and angularly inventive than ever – yet juxtaposed against a quintet that features drums and the four other stringed instruments mentioned above. Titles include "Toy Music", "Birki", "What Now", "Gunter's", "Doghouse", "Stinko", and "Sorti". Bass is particularly nice – held down by Torbjorn Zetterberg, in that wonderfully rich manner that makes his contribution to any record an instant plus in our book – and which here provides a bottom sound that allows for even more interplay between the strings. ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - SYREETA, THE THREE DEGREES, ARCHIE BELL & THE DRELLS

SYREETA - ONE TO ONE

An amazing little record from the lovely Syreeta – our favorite album from the singer, next to her seminal debut – and a soaring set that's put together with sublime production from Leon Ware! Leon grooves things up a bit more than before – which really helps Syreeta's amazing vocals take off strongly, and still hit the spacey heights of her previous work with Stevie Wonder! Ware's right at the top of his game – with killer grooves that rival his work for Marvin Gaye on I Want You, or his own Musical Massage album for Motown – and at some level, we'd easily rank this one up there as part of that heavenly 70s trilogy for the label. There's some sweet electric bits that work perfectly for Syreeta – and titles include "Don't Cry", "Harmour Love", "I Don't Know", "Rest Yourself", "One To One", and "Tiki Tiki Donga". ~ Dusty Groove

THE THREE DEGREES - MAYBE / SO MUCH LOVE

A killer package – two full albums, plus bonus tracks too! First up is Maybe – amazing early work from the Three Degrees – tracks cut before their more famous disco years in the 70s – but already showing a whole new approach to girl group soul! At some level, the trio take off strongly from the best late 60s styles of The Supremes – taking the most righteous elements, and working them into a hip new take on female soul – often using slight undercurrents of funk, in ways that are a bit like Honeycone, but even groovier! Arrangements are by Sammy Lowe and Steve Swanson – who bring in a nice east coast bite – and titles include "Sugar On Sunday", "Rosegarden", "You're The One", "The Magic Door", "Collage", "Maybe", and "You're The Fool". Next is So Much Love – a great illustration of the way the female trio could really take off – even without the disco grooves that would later bring them fame! There's a bouncy sound to most numbers here – a bit of Northern Soul here, some 60s mod there – and the girls' vocals are even more amazing than we remember them in later years – really at the top of the girl group pack for the time. Arrangements are by Hutch Davie, Tony Camillo, and Bert DeCoteaux – and titles include "Maybe", "Trade Winds", "I Do Take You", "Who Is She (And What Is She To You)", and "Magic Mirror". 2CD set features a whopping 23 bonus tracks – including "Handle With Care", "Shades Of Green", "Requiem", "Isn't It A Pity", "Yours (long single version)", "There's So Much Love All Around Me (mono)", "Through Misty Eyes (mono)", and mono takes of many album tracks! ~ Dusty Groove

ARCHIE BELL & THE DRELLS - THERE'S GONNA BE A SHOWDOWN

A stormer from Archie Bell & The Drells – one of our favorite soul albums ever, and a masterpiece of mid-tempo soul! Archie Bell & The Drells sound amazing here – light years from the rougher funk of their earlier years, yet still with a groove that's undeniable – an incredible meeting of soul music scenes handled by the young Gamble & Huff team – who not only produce most of the record, but also wrote most of the tracks on the set! The groove is lightly lilting, and totally on the money – a sound that's incredible, and hard to describe in words – but which really grabs us from the get-go. All tracks are great, and totally fresh – and tunes include "I Love My Baby", "Houston Texas", "Showdown", "My Balloon's Going Up", "Giving Up Dancing", "Girl You're Too Young", and "Green Power". ~ Dusty Groove

JULIA HUFF - MEET JULIA HUFF

When a gifted singer spends well over a decade honing her craft, all the while wrestling with the sweet-n-sour sauce of life, it makes an exceptionally stunning story for a debut recording. Julia Huff and her understatedly titled first offering Meet…Julia Huff, are just such entities. The Chicago-based chanteuse sacrificed a budding career as a hard news journalist to return to the path of singing she was born to strut with high favor and love power. With music produced, arranged and largely composed by the legendary Jerry Peters (Phyllis Hyman, Earth Wind & Fire), Meet…Julia Huff introduces the listener to a 5-star talent as comfortable with cabaret jazz as she is with high gloss soul-pop. Make no mistake – Julia Huff is a singer whose time has finally arrived.

Julia Huff has been steadily and faithfully working what’s left of the fabled Chicago nightclub circuit 3 to 4 nights a week gigging the old fashioned way with her group Julia Huff & The Company Band. She’s played every venue from the sadly closed Jilly’s and The Back Room to festivals such as “Taste of Chicago” and the Main Stage of “Juneteenth,” to headlining a host of private V.I.P. receptions and corporate industrials. She also made Detroit a home away from home with frequent visits to all of its casinos and, of course, Baker’s. She is best known for her loving “A Tribute to Phyllis Hyman” which packed houses in many cities. Ms. Huff also took her act overseas for acclaimed extended engagements.

“I’ve played prestigious clubs in Russia, including Moscow, promoted with radio and television interviews,” Julia shares with pride. “Before that, Japan was my first time out of the country. I was in Gion and Kyoto at Select Repos where I played for a month…amongst the real geishas! I had everybody from a big time Sumo wrestler to the President of Toyota in attendance to see me.”

Singing began for Chicago-born Julia Huff when she belted out The Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun”…at her kindergarten graduation! From that point until college, she sang everywhere from church to talent shows. Once at university level, however, Julia pursued another burning dream to be a news journalist. After earning her broadcasting degree, she landed at City News Bureau, covering many top local and national political stories, and was also an on-air reporter at NBC affiliate WICD-TV in Champaign, Illinois. But the reality of that grind had Julia rethinking her career. Besides, the Chicago nightlife was calling…one of the last cities a girl can make a living in singing.

"It was a hard choice but I decided to make the arduous journey back to performing,” Julia shares. “I don’t play an instrument and don’t have a degree in music, but I went ahead and started singing in clubs anyway.” Starting as a featured singer with The Gentlemen of Leisure (a.k.a. The Gents), Julia did shows and industrials at key spots across the country, including Las Vegas. The last of these types of ensembles for her was The Steve Edwards Orchestra with whom she still sits in occasionally. She eventually started her own group then hit upon the idea to do a show based around the music of Phyllis Hyman.

“There were several singers that influenced me but Phyllis had a tremendous impact because my father was a huge fan. When he passed away 5 years ago, I decided to do the tribute shows…to Phyllis and in his honor. Over two sets I sang 25 songs with a 13 piece band, background vocalists, costume changes, some narrative – the whole thing. I started out doing the tributes as V.I.P. receptions with dinner on Mother’s Day at the Dusable Museum. They completely sold out. So I started doing them at different spots all over town.”

One man that began following her over many of those shows is Adrian Rosser who, via Infinite Strategies, began shaping the direction of Julia’s career. Rosser invited Jerry Peters to check her out. Almost immediately a mutual admiration society began and it became clear he would be perfect to produce her long- anticipated first recording. “Jerry is on fire for The Lord so that was the first thing we clicked on,” Julia testifies. “He helped me to realize that my gift is from God and that I am being an obedient servant to follow this call as my life’s purpose. I was also drawn by Jerry’s need to be excellent. That he personally worked with Phyllis Hyman in the `70s only made it sweeter. Going from 0 to 90 in 5 seconds – that’s how I describe our recording experience. He really pushed me.”

Jerry Peters recalls, “When I first went to hear Julia, I saw this girl lugging in all this equipment herself – a real do it your self-er. I could tell she’d paid a lot of local dues and had a lot of local fans to show for it. I was impressed. She sang a myriad of songs –from Michael Jackson to standards – and she was quite adept. For her record, one of the challenges we met was carving out her own projection of identity. It was clear she established her initial direction as a student of jazz vocals but I was amazed by how many dresses she could pull off the rack of her musical dress shop that fit just perfectly. I was trying to create the right garment for her based on where her life was at this moment. Songwriting was my entry into this business (via The Friends of Distinction’s 1969 soul classic ‘Going in Circles’ with lyricist Anita Poree). A lot of my music had not been heard. My philosophy:

If you don’t write it, find it! I played her one song after another and one by one she said, ‘That’s my life.’ She validated the music by identifying so strongly with it.”

When Julia met Jerry, she was coming out of a very heavy time. “I had been divorced 6 months… still a very emotional time for me. Jerry and I talked about where I was in my life and career then he pulled some songs from his stash. One was ‘I’ve Come Too Far to Turn Around’ which I embraced as all about my journey in music, stepping out on faith. ‘All Because of You’ was originally a gospel song before they gave it to me – Lord before boy. I like the music and the way I sang it. Then ‘Who’s Gonna Hold Me Now’ has that Chicago steppers beat. It feels good to have a song that associates me with the city in which I got my start. I’ll never forget how much love these people have given me…the peace, joy and happiness of using the gifts God has given you for a living is awesome.”

Interestingly, Jerry originally wrote “That’s Not Gonna Get It” years ago for Anita Baker but it never got to her. “Julia is a 2nd soprano with a deep round sound,” Jerry explains, “so you hear a lot of Sarah Vaughan inspiration who, in turn, inspired Anita Baker. Now, Julia Huff may be added to that list.” For her debut’s one cover, Julia picked the great Antonio Carlos Jobim’s Brazilian ballad classic “Dindi.” “I’m a frustrated jazz vocalist,” Julia laughs. “I mean I am that girl! I’ve always been a fan of Latin rhythms…Latin everything! And ‘Dindi’ is simply a beautiful song. I love Carmen McRae’s version and what El DeBarge did with it. And every time I perform it, I get an amazing response.”

Julia Huff has already recorded enough music for at least another e.p. She wants to introduce herself slowly and surely. She’s continuing to hone her vocal skills with A-1 singing coach Stephanie Spruill. And Julia’s immediate goals are to travel farther and wider – perhaps as the opening artist for a major artist – and expand her brand by spreading love through song.

“I saw an interview with Lionel Richie conducted by Pierce Morgan,” Julia Huff concludes. “Lionel said one secret of his success is, ‘I write about this one timeless thing called love.’ I kept that in mind for my first CD – not just the physical act of love but love in all its emotional colors and deeper dimensions.”

:::: SOURCE: juliahuff.com ::::