DIEGO GARCIA - LAURA

Born in Detroit to Argentine parents, Diego Garcia traces his diverse roots on his debut solo album, Laura. Garcia was inspired by the loss of love and the classic troubadour movement. “Artists like Sandro, Roberto Carlos and Julio Iglesias were early pioneers in a movement of romanticism in music. It only made sense for me to pick up where they left off,” he says.

It is the fusion of these Latin influences with the era’s “Anglo” visionaries, artists like David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, and Bryan Ferry that makes this project truly special. With lush string arrangements, delicate Spanish guitars, and distinctly Latin flavor, the new album is worlds apart from Garcia’s former band Elefant, a post-punk rock band that entered the music scene alongside The Strokes and Interpol. What remains a constant in Garcia’s new work is the romantic within and the distinctly modern sound.

“For the last four years, I’ve been following my instincts in search for a new sound. A sound that could properly deliver my message on love, or I should say, the ‘malady of love.’ Minor keys, cello, nylon classical guitars, light drums, and wooden tambourines helped create a vibe for me to whisper the words in her ear,” Garcia explains. “So with each new song came a little healing until I eventually started feeling ‘better.’ The irony is that as soon as I accepted closure, my heart opened up and the sound was born. I was ready to love again.”

Garcia’s first single, “You Were Never There,” paved a foundation for the new project. RCRD LBL pledged its support early on saying, “With a flickering, old school touch, Diego Garcia’s croon is one for the bedroom. ‘You Were Never There’ is today’s aural aphrodisiac— a gentle flush of guitars and strings, yelping hooks, and love-worn lyrics.” PAPER Magazine raved, “I can't stop listening to it… The tune has lush string arrangements, guitars and vocal intonation. It's romantic and blissful.”

Six months later, the release of Garcia’s new album, Laura, neared and Los Angeles’ tastemaker radio show KCRW “Morning Becomes Eclectic” immediately jumped on board with heavy rotation. A week before release, NPR and KCRW premiered the full album with dual glowing reviews. KCRW DJ Anne Litt, one of the first to spin Garcia’s new songs, described the album as “A wonderful amalgamation of Diego’s Argentine heritage, 70’s AM pop radio, and the dusty sounds of dreams.”

Starbucks spotlighted “You Were Never There” with a “Pick Of The Week” download card spread throughout its stores in the first month of release. Billboard Magazine praised Garcia for his “melodic pop sensibility” and “stellar solo debut.” Philadelphia’s WXPN raved, “Laura is a warm, lush and beautiful collection of baroque/chamber inspired classic singer-songwriter material.”

My Old Kentucky Blog described Laura as “stunning… the best record you never dreamed you’d hear in 2011. Dark, urgent and cinematic.” The new album quickly shot up the charts, breaking into the iTunes Alternative Top 15 albums, alongside new releases from artists like The Strokes and Death Cab For Cutie.

JENI FLEMING - COME TO LIFE

After six successful albums Jeni says Come To Life is the most accurate representation of myself as a musician and as a person. It's as if the first 6 [albums] were just practice." Come To Life was met by much acclaim, its biggest coup being that it defies easy classification, while somehow avoiding to seem haphazard, no small feat. From originals, to re-arranged jazz standards, to The Beatles, Dobie Gray, Jobim, Willie Nelson, this album could easily feel disjoined if it weren't delivered by the same honest and powerful voice. It's as if  Jeni has become simply another instrument in the band; able to to adjust tone, volume, emotion, and sincerity with the touch of a button, solely to serve each song.

Her signature ballads drip with so much emotion that an audience member suggested adding Kleenex boxes on each chair in her Tech Rider. This is no more apparent than in her rendition of Willie Nelson's "Angel Flying Too Close To the Ground." And yet to categorize her simply as a balladeer or troubadour is missing the mark. Make no mistake, this girl can make you giggle, ponder, and cry all in one song. "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" was arranged to help better marry the lyric content to the music, and the result is simply tragic in a confessional way. Rearranging an anthem like "Drift Away" is a bold move at the very least, and yet Jeni offers another way to think and feel about this song. And lest we suggest that Jeni takes herself too seriously, "Chega de Saudade" is simply, fun. Jeni is currently touring in promotion of Come To Life. With every performance the songs and stories of Jeni Fleming are winning the hearts of audiences from coast to coast. Catch her soon, and often. "JENI's appeal transcends generations and genres! Fleming offers a range and depth capable of raising goose bumps on an August night." ~ The Tributary Magazine 

NEW RELEASES - KEVIN HAYDEN TRIO, BOOKER T, ARETHA FRANKLIN

KEVIN HAYDEN TRIO - ILLEGAL PLAYLIST

Milwaukee-based Kevin Hayden Trio will return in April with their third studio album and the follow-up to 2012’s Paris, entitled Illegal Playlist. The new album will be co-produced by Chicago's nationally recognized jazz pianist, Greg Spero (Buddy Rich Big Band) who recently appeared in London with drumming legend Dave Weckl. Lead by drummer Kevin Hayden, the trio features Terry Harris Jr. on piano and younger brother Alan Harris on bass. They come together once again to give listeners a jazz rooted, genre crossing album that boasts a special guest appearance by hip-hop artist Klassik. Klassik recently performed with the Kevin Hayden Trio in a collaborative show headlined by grammy nominated pianist, Robert Glasper of the Robert Glasper Experiment.

BOOKER T - EVERGREEN

A surprisingly great album by Booker T – recorded after his Memphis years with The MGs, and his duets with Priscilla – and done in a sweetly mellow style that has Booker emerging as a whole new style of songwriter! As with all the post-MG albums, Booker sings lead vocals on all tracks – in a gently, almost folksy mode that fits beautifully with the compressed production of the set. There's almost a Terry Callier-ish quality to a few of the cuts, and on others, Booker's hitting a cool LA style that's kind of a west coast take on the Memphis vibe – but with a few more rock-based touches. Book plays a bit of organ and some keyboards on the set, and titles include "Jamaica Song", "Mama Stewart", "Flamingo", "Tennessee Voodoo", "Lie To Me", and "Evergreen". CD features lots of bonus tracks too – "Life Is Funky", "Take Me To The River", "A Whiter Shade Of Pale", "Higher & Higher", "Love Is Strange", and "Evergreen (single version)". ~ Dusty Groove

ARETHA FRANKLIN -IN THE BEGINNING: THE WORLD OF ARETHA FRANKLIN 1960 - 1967

A sweet overview of the early years of Aretha Franklin's career – her formative days at Columbia Records, when she was working in a variety of styles before heading over to bigger fame at Atlantic! Even at this early stage, Aretha's one hell of a singer – and, despite what folks who listen to Jerry Wexler might say, this early Columbia work is pretty darn amazing throughout – steeped in a number of different modes, with bits of jazz, R&B, and early soul sewn together beautifully throughout. The double-length set is filled with key early moments from Aretha – and titles include "Don't Cry Baby", "Lee Cross", "Skylark", "One Step Ahead", "Evil Gal Blues", "Take A Look", "Runnin Out Of Fools", "People", "Try A Little Tenderness", and "Take It Like You Give It". ~ Dusty Groove

ARNOLD JARVIS - JUST SAY IT

Trippin Records Presents a brand new album from one of the legendary voices of House: Arnold Jarvis produced by Timmy Regisford.

Throughout his career, Arnold has been nothing but consistent – consistent when it comes to releasing quality music. His is a brilliant career that began at the prime of his youth. While only a teenager his voice & talent landed him front and centre of a local Baltimore Gospel Choir for whom he was a prodigious soloist. In 1984, modest academic pursuits led him to NYC, however his talent and love of music did not lie dormant for long. He was drawn to music industry circles and was quickly embraced by them. He began to write, perform & record, and among the more noticeable gems from his early period in his career are collaborations with Frankie Knuckles on And I Loved You (a song written by Robert Owens & Satoshi Tomiie), Color of My Skin with Swing 52, Inspiration produced Kerri Chandler and his debut single Take Some Time Out produced by Tommy Musto & Yvonne Turner which enjoyed huge success.

The 21st century has seen increased impetus & creative output from Arnold, with a plethora of releases from in conjunction with artists such as MAW, Jazz n Groove, Eric Kupper, The Basement Boys, Louie Vega & Benji Candelario to name a few.

Aimed squarely at the dance floor, Arnold’s third full-length album Just Say It is a collection of new material that should grace every DJs collection, with NYC’s Shelter Maestro Timmy Regisford on production. ~ LoungeMotion.com

DEE C'RELL - THE BIRTH OF CONTEMPORARY ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC JAZZ

Due to Dee C’rell’s musical compositions and academic writing, the conceptualization and terminology of Contemporary Electro – Acoustic Jazz, as an alteration to the methodology and compositional techniques of Electronic jazz and improvisation, is directly accredited to Dee C’rell. He first wrote part one of the treatises of The Birth of Contemporary Electro – Acoustic Jazz whilst studying with Professor Dennis Smalley, Professor Alexander Lingus, Professor Steve Stanton, Doctor Newton Armstrong, Doctor Miguel Mera, Doctor Katherine Norman, Professor Melania Bucciarelli and Professor Aki Pasoulas at City University in London.

The subsequent recordings of The Birth of Contemporary Electro – Acoustic Jazz, Form 1 and Form 2 (along with the further inclusion of Hymn from Journeyman), are the first recorded compositions of Dee C’rell’s pursuit of this new music making practice and academic ideology. The soundscapes and musical structures of these compositions encourage the listener to re-focus and perhaps more importantly question, just what it is that we sonically examine within the structure of sound within compositions or popular song? These musical works further embrace what Dee considers as a combination of both “technological sound compositions and improvisation,” and here he suggests new ideologies within electronic jazz and its subsequent performance techniques. Dee encourages us as (the listener), to perhaps renegotiate our traditional listening experiences and further our perceptions of composition and improvisation. Here the compositional techniques of The Birth of Contemporary Electro – Acoustic Jazz embrace the traditional music making practices of the past whilst thoroughly widening the compositional pallet of such possibilities within our future.

Included alongside Dee C’rell in these recordings are: Norwegian child prodigy and Jazz Trumpeter, Audun Waage. Richelle Claiborne, who is considered as one of the most outstanding poets of her generation from America, and the improvisational vocal techniques of Jon Martin from the United Kingdom; known for his work as Pizzaman with Norman Cook and as a photographer living in New York.

The Birth of Contemporary Electro – Acoustic Jazz is one of the most distinctive compositions within Jazz and electronics, as Dee C’rell explains, “Some say it is perhaps a glimpse of tomorrows art music today? I cannot say either way, but I hope people will embrace the possibilities of further advancements.

www.deecrell.com

CHARLIE WINSTON - RUNNING STILL

“My sole objective on the album was to be able to engage people’s feet first and slowly rise to the mind,” he says. “So by the time they get absorbed in the lyrics, they’re fully engaged but realize there’s something more going on.”

Opener ‘Hello Alone’ makes for an inviting call, a shared solitude, if you will, that’s at the root of the art experience. But the next song, ‘Speak to Me’, makes it clear that no one should limit Winston in terms of expectations, the all-vocal beat-boxed tour de force showing one of his many facets, with more to come. The snappy ‘Happiness’ offers soulful yearning, ‘She Went Quietly’ is a searching piano ballad (inspired by a heart-wrenching tale of separation involving his great aunt and, to lesser though crucial extent, the movie Million Dollar Baby). ‘Until You’re Satisfied’ is ‘80s-referencing pop-funk celebrating Winston’s Prince fandom. ‘Lift Me Gently’ is a stand out track for Peter Gabriel – “An amazing song, and possibly the best Charlie has ever written….”. ‘Wild Ones’ is charging blues-rock, ‘Rockin’ in the Suburbs’ is all vibrant energy … and that’s just part of the picture. Not a surprise given that Winston also, with natural ease, refers to such diverse inspirations as Nick Cave, Steve Reich and Jacques Brel (and T.S. Eliot, Wim Wenders and Ingmar Bergman, for that matter) in discussing the album.

“It’s near impossible for me to write in one style only,” says singer/songwriter Charlie Winston. “And today in my generation of songwriting, there’s a bit of a lack for me. People have forgotten the power of song, since the technology swept through, and how it carries. Coming from parents who are songwriters, that’s my No. 1 thing, really.”

~ Giantstep.net

LONELY & BLUE: THE DEEPEST SOUL OF OTIS REDDING COLLECTS SOUL LEGEND’S POIGNANT BALLADS

Packaging evokes the look and feel of a late ’60s Stax/Volt album that Redding might have released at the height of his career.

Otis Redding’s Lonely & Blue: The Deepest Soul of Otis Redding could pass for a title Stax/Volt might have released in the late ’60s. The look of the album reflects Stax’s design themes of the era. But in fact it’s a collection that never existed, until now, that homes in on one mood and one theme —heartbreaking, yearning ballads — of which Redding had many. The album will be released March 5, 2013 on Stax Records through Concord Music Group.

Lonely &; Blue: The Deepest Soul of Otis Redding contains the hits (“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” “These Arms of Mine,” “My Lover’s Prayer,” “Free Me”) alongside many lesser-known songs (“Gone Again,” “Open the Door,” “Waste of Time,” “Everybody Makes a Mistake,” to name a few). They’re all included in this compilation because they share the tangled theme of sorrow.

According to compilation producer David Gorman, “Given how nobody delivered a gut-wrenching sad song like Otis, I always felt he should have made an album you could put on late at night and settle into with a glass of something strong. The mood and the subject of every song is the same — Otis, heartbroken, and begging for love. I tried to find the saddest most potently heartbreaking songs he ever sang, with no regard for chart position or notoriety. There are a few hits on the album, but they’re there because they fit the mood, not because we wanted to include the hits.”

For instance, an alternate version of “I’ve Got Dreams To Remember” features lyrics that are darker and tell a more personal story than the better-known hit version. Little-known tracks like “Gone Again” and “A Waste of Time” are given the same weight as “I’ve Been Loving You too Long.” The motif of love is even subtly addressed in the sequencing, the album closing with “Send Me Some Lovin’” and “My Lover’s Prayer.”

The concept of Lonely & Blue: The Deepest Soul of Otis Redding plays out in the packaging as well, which was intentionally designed by Gorman to look as if Redding actually did put this album out at the height of his career. The typography, color palette, and layout are all meant to adhere to the Stax/Volt LP designs of the time. This extends to the liner notes, which are written in the present tense and credited to a fictitious DJ so that they read as if they were written while Redding was alive at his peak.

“The goal,” explains Gorman, “was to create the best album Otis never made and ‘reissue’ it in 2013 rather than do another hits compilation. We hope this album will reframe him as something more than an oldies radio staple and become his Night Beat (a classic 1963 Sam Cooke LP) — the album that exists as a starting point for people wondering why so many consider Otis Redding the greatest soul singer of all time.”

Track Listing:
1. I Love You More Than Words Can Say
2. Gone Again
3. Free Me
4. Open the Door (Skeleton Key Version)
5. A Waste of Time
6. These Arms of Mine
7. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)
8. Everybody Makes a Mistake
9. Little Ol’ Me
10. I’ve Got Dreams to Remember (Rougher Dreams)
11. Send Me Some Lovin’
12. My Lover’s Prayer

NEW RELEASES - STEVE LACY, OTIS CLAY, LOL COXHILL

STEVE LACY - HOOKY: SOLO IN MONTREAL 1976

Nobody's playing hooky here – as Steve Lacy's very strongly in attendance, and turning out some wonderful solo work throughout! This sparkling 70s performance was captured live in a cathedral in Montreal – a wonderfully echoey space that only seems to open up Lacy's sound even more – allowing for fluid lines from the soprano sax that bounce out and around the large open space – not really folding back on themselves, but creating a depth that seems to give the record even more soul than other Lacy experiments of this type! The whole thing's great – and titles include "Crops", "The New Duck", and "No Baby". And the CD adds in loads of bonus tracks added to the original Quark LP – 9 more numbers, making for one heck of a long album! ~ Dusty Groove

OTIS CLAY - TRUTH IS

Otis Clay, still going strong – stepping out here on a sweet new recording from the Chicago scene – done with that warm mix of modern modes and deep soul roots we really love from his work of the late 70s! Clay's vocals have, if anything, only gotten better with age – really able to find the right notes and inflections to make the music sparkle – even more so than some of Otis records from back in the day! Instrumentation is relatively laidback – done in a mode that's a bit like some of the Jackson or Memphis styles at the start of the 80s, but without any of the bluesy inflections that might get in the way of the sort of solid soul performance that Clay delivers here. The legendary Tom Tom 84 handled many of the arrangements on the set – and although most of the material is new, Otis also tweaked a few older favorites for the set – to make for a nice long album, too. Titles include "Love's After Me", "All That's Missing Is You", "Walk A Mile In My Shoes", "Even Now", "I Thought You Knew", "Truth Is", "I Know I'm Over You", "Even When I Win", "I Keep Trying", "Steal Away To The Hideaway", and "The Only Way Is Up". ~ Dusty Groove

LOL COXHILL - SPRECTRAL SOPRANO

A really rich document of the charms and talents of reedman Lol Coxhill – a set that features music from a wide range of scenes and settings in Lol's long career – including bits of hardbop from the 50s, R&B from the 60s, and a wide range of great performances from later years too! Coxhill's a hell of a player who always seems to shine, no matter what the setting – and this package is almost like a combination of the sharp edges of the Emanem recordings, the moodier feel of the Virgin albums and some of Lol's rockish work, and the charming whimsy of the Nato years too – all topped off with a few historic elements that only add to the color and tone of the package – especially given that the tunes aren't always presented in chronological order. We're under the impression that most music is exclusive to this set – and tracks include "Bad Boy", "Autumn In New York", "Vermillion Sands", "Three Go To Letchworth", "Out Of Nowhere", "Uptown Top Ranking", "Magic Buffalo", "A Brief Introduction To Sax", "Murder In The Air", and "Resonance". ~ Dusty Groove

MONDAY MICHIRU - DON'T DISTURB THIS GROOVE

Monday Michiru stands as one of Japan’s finest soul and R&B singers of the 1990s and whose cosmopolitan sensibility and mixed nationality have made her stand out among her contemporaries. Regarded as one of the pioneers of Japanese club music, she was born in 1963 in Tokyo to pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi and alto sax jazzman Charlie Mariano but raised in the United States.

Michiru originally kept her father’s last name, then briefly adopted Michiru Akiyoshi as a screen name in the mid-’80s, but settled on her current name at the time of her debut album (Michiru is her middle name). Originally, she was an actress and first came to the public’s attention when she was awarded a prize at 1987′s Yokohama film festival for her performance in Hikaru Onna.

But, come 1991, her attention had gone to composing music and performing, appearing in small Tokyo jazz clubs and releasing her first album Mangetsu. While it didn’t sell millions, it did bring her to the attention of Tokyo’s burgeoning dance and acid jazz scene and soon she was appearing on records by Mondo Grosso, DJ Krush, Kyoto Jazz Massive, and United Future Organization, and easily slotted into the model of the soul chanteuse, such as Jhelisa or Cassandra Wilson.

Signed to Kitty Records, she released an album a year, including 1994′s Maiden Japan and 1995′s Jazz Brat, a maturation of her sound. Songs were still funky, but Michiru dabbled in hip-hop, rap, jazz ballads, Latin, and rock. Her lyrics are often probing examinations of culture in Japan, especially as it pertains to women. In 1997, she left Kitty for the larger label Polydor and also turned to composing and producing for other acts, including Yoko Oginome and UA, and occasionally appeared on the club circuit as a DJ. Her album Double Image is considered by many to be her finest works. In 1999, she ditched the heavy production for a stripped-down acoustic sound on Optimista. In 2001, she went on hiatus to start a family. ~ SmoothMotion.com

Her latest release, Don't Distrub This Groove includes 10 tracks:
01. Ooh La La La
02. I Can’t Help It
03. Um Amigo
04. Best of My Love
05. You Are the Universe
06. Dreams Of Tomorrow
07. Don’t Disturb This Groove
08. As
09. I Know You, I Live You
10. No Woman No Cry

GIANNI VANCINI - SOULS UNITED

Gianni Vancini studied saxophone under the instruction of Angelo Gabrielli and graduated with highest honors at the "Vecchi-Tonelli" Master Institute of Musical Studies in Carpi (MO) – Italy. In 1996 he enrolled in a stage and workshop offered by the New World School of the Arts in Miami and played in concerts presented by them at the Lincoln Theater in Miami as well. In the following years, he refined his studies in jazz music participating in courses offered by world famous musicians such as Eric Marienthal, Bob Franceschini and Achille Succi.

In the working field he has had numerous duet experiences with pianists Carlo Guaitoli and Paolo Andreoli performing in prestigious Italian theaters such as the Regio Theater of Parma, The Valli in Reggio Emilia and the Ventidio Basso in Ascoli Piceno. Among the classic composers of the saxophone literature he has studied the music of Ibert, Debussy, Bonneau, Vellones, Singelee, Piazzolla and Gershwin.

In the light music field, thanks to his collaborations with various artists, he has been featured in many television shows such as Pavarotti International, the Festival di San Remo, Roxy Bar, Video Italia, Domenica In, Uno di Noi, Un Disco per L'Estate, Saint Vincent, Scalo 76 and Domenica 5.

He has worked with musicial talents such as Antonella Ruggiero, Spagna, Fausto Leali, Enrico Ruggeri, Amedeo Minghi, Iva Zanicchi, Gianni Morandi, Lucio Dalla, Ron, Stadio, Barbara Cola, Katia Ricciarelli, Ami Stewart, Kid Creole and the Coconuts and Carl Anderson.

From 1997 he has been continuiously collaborating with singer/songwriter Andrea Mingardi and since 2002 with Umberto Tozzi. Together they have played on some of the most prestigious stages like the Ariston Theater (Sanremo 2005), the Olimpya in Paris, La Quinta Vergara (Vina del Mar-Chile), La Fenice Theater in Venice, Teatro Sistina, Il Gran Teatro and the Auditorium in Rome as well as in more than 10 countries worldwide.

His first album is entitled Souls United and it is co-produced with Thomas Bank and recorded in Amsterdam. Many artists participated in the album and a special mention goes especially to Eric Marienthal, Umberto Tozzi and Andrea Mingardi. He is entitled to teach Master Class at national and international level.

FOUR80EAST - OFF DUTY

Rob DeBoer and Tony Grace, the pulse of Four80East, have massaged and presented their brand of contemporary jazz in so many salient ways, attracting not only countless admirers as fans but colleagues in the business who are heavyweights in their own right. Theirs is truly one of the household names in this biz. Now, the Canadians are back again with a gem called Off Duty which again toys with the many moods and sounds of the genre as seen through their eyes and felt through their souls.

Charging out with a funky, upbeat lead track called “The Walker” that’s on fire with serious groove, these veterans of the jazz vibe with an edge escort us through some very solid material here, regularly changing musical landscapes along the way (for example, witness, in addition to the lead track, the cool interplay between guitar and keys on the slick mid-tempo “Cashed Out” followed by “In the Hidden Garden” which thrusts a beautiful combination of keys, trumpet, and flute into the forefront).

Four80East has been tantalizing and satisfying our taste for “outside the box” jazz for about 15 years now. It’s probably quite easy to classify their style as being that of acid jazz–and you’d probably be more accurate than not—but who cares? Whatever it is they bring to the table, it usually works. Using every means at their disposal to arrive at the unique sound and quality that is their signature has truly served them well, and this album is no different.

On this album, the potpourri of styles is as you would expect from this band. For example, there’s the world-flavored, not-to-be-pigeonholed “Nothing is Written,” as well such gems as your typical favorite in smooth jazz found on the laid back and melodic track “With You,” the mellow, trumpet-driven and electronically-enhanced “Picking Up The Threads,” and the even more electronica-themed, reggae-influenced “Vaporized.”

Whatever mojo Four80East tapped into long ago has remained with them to date. When you work with a formula that has been as accepted as theirs, the old “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” adage works just fine. ~ Ronald Jackson

Track Listings
1. The Walker (4:59)
2. Sandbar (5:46)
3. Cashed Out (6:08)
4. In The Hidden Garden (5:45)
5. Nothing Is Written (6:37)
6. Spun (5:41)
7. With You (4:22)
8. Picking Up The Threads (5:59)
9. Vaporized (4:28)
10. Gare Du Nord (6:20)

PAUL WHITLEY - VERSATILITY

Versatility is more than just the title of his album. An extremely versatile musician, Paul Whitley is fluent in many different styles of music. Ranging from the sounds of Gospel, Neo Soul, R&, Soft Rock, Contemporary music, to the groove of Jazz. Paul’s humble beginnings started at the age of 8 when he started playing drums. By the time he hit 16 he was playing piano after his father prayed for his hands.

He has performed with a diverse range of artists such as Marvin Sapp, John P. Kee, Byron Cage, Donnie McClurklin, Dorina Clarke-Cole, Maurette Brown-Clark, Jonathan Butler, Wes Morgan, and William Becton, Jazz artist- Steve Cole, Joey Sommerville, Elan Trotman, Lin Roundtree and Walter Beasley. He has also worked with many choirs, music workshops and numerous of bands along with his appearances on television, magazines and radio stations. The virtuoso’s playing and sound has attracted many to his unique style. Some of his musical arrangements include “Grateful” and “Awesome God” featured on Ricky Dillard & The New Generation Chorale’s Project, as well as Arkansas Mass Choir’s “He’s Done Enough”.

Paul’s current project, Versatility is a collection of 15 original songs. The CD builds on a broad stylistic range musically, from the highly charged, gospel – influenced, jazz and soul with accompanying vocals.

“I’m not interested in fame and glory. I just want to relay the message that music produces a pleasure, an experience that you can’t live without. In many different languages music speaks expressions from the heart that brings comfort, happiness and joy; producing rest that flows from heaven to the soul.”

It’s no surprise his versatility keeps him in demand. In addition to playing the piano and keyboard, he has also accomplished the bass guitar, lead guitar and acoustic guitar. Paul has an amazing drive and creative vision to further develop new sounds and musical cultures into his music. With a dream in his heart and a passion for the love of music, his goal is to run with the gift that God has placed inside of him.

As a music instructor, Paul teaches adults and children the art of music from the basics to the advanced.
As he puts it,” Music and rhythm is a gift from God… it’s a message that carries a sound.” ~ SmoothMotion.com

JAZZ SUPERSTARS RICK BRAUN AND RICHARD ELLIOT TURN UP THE HEAT IN DETROIT THIS VALETINE'S DAY

This will be the first premier jazz concert of the year featuring two legendary contemporary jazz artist and hosted by one of Detroit's own. Valentine’s Day is about love and romance. Trumpeter Rick Braun and sax man Richard Elliot promise to make this Valentine’s Day even hotter. Circle February 14th on your calendar because that is the date the hit men will deliver a cool-jazz treat in what will be the first premiere smooth jazz event of the year.

With 24 solo albums between them and a massive catalog of chart-topping radio hits, the thrilling collaboration between Braun and Elliot has been one of the top shows to ever tour the country. They have toured together for years and have made guest appearances on each other’s records. “We’ve had so much fun playing together live that it was time for us to get together musically,” declared Elliot. “We have different approaches yet they are complementary."

Teaming up with Family Circle Productions, a local production company, the event will be hosted by Detroit’s own jazz saxophonist Deon Yates with special guest, Lansing, MI saxophonist Phil Denny.

On Thursday, February 14, 2013 Yates will be hosting “Valentine’s with R n R,” at 8 p.m., at The Scottish Rite Cathedral inside the Masonic Temple 500 Temple Avenue Detroit, MI 48201. Tickets on sale now at the Masonic Temple box office, all Ticketmaster outlets.

Yates began his career performing for Detroit mayor Coleman A. Young while still a student at Remus Robinson Middle School on Detroit’s eastside. Yates collaborated with chart topping smooth jazz guitarist Nick Colionne, vocalist Maysa Leak (Incognito), and Detroit “Soul Trumpeter” Lin Rountree to complete his debut national album, “Spotlight.” This latest project solidifies his place in the jazz world following in the footsteps of his mentor and Sax Dakota endorsement mate Richard Elliot.

“The purpose of the concert is to show that good things can be found in and still come out of the city,” said Yates. “Not only do we want to bring names to the city, we want to introduce the city to some of the, sometimes unrecognized, talented artist from the region.”

JOSE JAMES - NO BEGINNING, NO END

Singer-songwriter José James' full-length label debut, No Beginning No End, is his very own intoxicating blend of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. It features the single "It's All Over Your Body." No Beginning No End is a seamless musical experience that moves between different styles with remarkable fluidity, bound together by James' transcendent voice. Gilles Peterson got an early listen to the album and immediately took to Twitter to declare it "a landmark" likening it to "Smokey Robinson for the new generation."

Conceived, recorded and produced independently, the album is James' most personal statement yet and boasts collaborators including noted producer/bassist Pino Palladino; pianist/composer Robert Glasper; R&B singer/songwriter/guitarist Emily King; international French-Moroccan singing star Hindi Zahra; and the 2011 Thelonious Monk Competition winner pianist Kris Bowers.

"No Beginning No End sums up how I feel about music right now," says James. "I don't want to be confined to any particular style. I decided I didn't want to be considered a jazz singer anymore and that was really freeing. Once I realized that jazz singing is just something that I do and it's just a label, it freed me as an artist to just write without any boundaries."

2013 U.S. TOUR DATES
Jan. 23 – Highline Ballroom – New York, NY
Jan. 24 – Howard Theatre – Washington DC
Jan. 26 – Scullers – Boston, MA
Jan. 29 – Cedar Cultural Center – Minneapolis, MN
Jan. 30 – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL
Feb. 10-Mar. 6 – Asia & Australia Tour
Mar. 9 – The New Parish – Oakland, CA
Mar. 10 – Brick & Mortar Music Hall – San Francisco, CA
Mar. 12 – The Del Monte Speakeasy – Los Angeles, CA

~ Giantstep.net

NEW RELEASES - NORAH JONES, YOYO HONEY, JESSE WARE,

NORAH JONES - LITTLE BROKEN HEAETS REMIX EP

On January 22nd, nine-time Grammy Award winning singer Norah Jones will unveil a digital EP collecting all seven remixes for her Little Broken Hearts album (produced by Danger Mouse) to date. This DJ promo features the full Little Broken Hearts Remix EP, including four transcendent remixes from TV On The Radio's David Andrew Sitek, and two brand new remixes delivered by José Padilla, celebrated Ibiza chill ambassador and legendary DJ of the island's Café Del Mar. Finally, topping off the collection is Peter Bjorn and John's re-invention of the chilling "Miriam." Jones has also just released Covers via Target, an exclusive compilation of ten rare and unreleased tracks recorded over the first decade of Jones' career. Included are interpretations of songs from some of Norah's favorite artists: from Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson to Tom Waits, Wilco and Horace Silver.

YOYO HONEY - GROOVE ON

Comprising producer/writer Mani Shoniwa and vocalist Anita Jarrett, Yo Yo Honey only released one album, 1992′s Voodoo Soul, before disbanding and moving on to other projects. The album was a mix of late-’80s/early-’90s dance and classic soul, in a similar vein to Soul II Soul (some of whose members were featured on the album), and became somewhat of a classic on the underground soul scene, with the single “Groove On” still a favorite amongst many 20 years on. The album has long been out of print and has never been available digitally, but thankfully Mani and Anita are set to release a remastered version this October, together with a single remix package, featuring a killer rare groove treat from SoulBounce fave Soulpersona. This is all in preparation for the duo’s upcoming album of new material, scheduled for an early 2013 release. ~ LoungeMotion.com

JESSE WARE - IF YOU'RE NEVER GONNA MOVE

For Jessie Ware singing is the easy part. Uncannily beautiful vocals have been pouring out of this London-born singer and songwriter since she was a kid. Having already made waves in the U.K. with her critically acclaimed debut album, Devotion, Jessie releases her debut U.S. EP, If You’re Never Gonna Move. The EP features Ware’s first U.S. single, “If You’re Never Gonna Move,” plus a remix by Two Inch Punch. Also included are two tracks from the Mercury Prize-nominated album Devotion, and a cover of Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do For Love.” Jessie kicks off her U.S. tour in January with a string of eagerly anticipated live shows, several of which have already sold out. Upcoming tour dates include: 1/22 - Los Angeles, CA - Amoeba Music; 1/23 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey; and 1/24 - San Francisco, CA - PopScene.

BOZ SCAGGS - MEMPHIS

Grammy Award-winning rock legend Boz Scaggs ia about ready to release his latest studio album, Memphis. The multi-platinum selling musician has signed with 429 Records, which will release the album on March 5. Showcasing both original songs and choice covers, Memphis was produced by Steve Jordan (John Mayer) and was recorded at Willie Mitchell's legendary Royal Studio in Memphis, where the late Mitchell recorded Al Green and other Hi Records artists. Joining Scaggs on Memphis are Willie Weeks (bass), Ray Parker Jr. (guitars), Spooner Oldham (keyboards), the Memphis Horns, Lester Snell (string arrangements) and Steve Jordan (drums). Scaggs is set to tour the U.S. throughout 2013, dates will be announced shortly.

William Royce "Boz" Scaggs began a long and storied career in 1965 with the release of his first solo recording Boz. Scaggs quickly developed into an iconic singer songwriter cutting his teeth playing with Steve Miller on several highly successful projects and honing his rock and R&B chops working with the likes of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and Duane Allman . Scaggs hit it big in 1976 achieving multi-platinum success with Silk Degrees and its follow ups. Scaggs continued on a lauded and multi-genre musical journey to the present day. He and his band continue to tour worldwide and Scaggs also performs alongside Donald Fagan and Michael McDonald in their band billed as The Dukes of September.

Raised in Texas with an abiding respect for a wide spectrum of American roots music, Scaggs has combined rock, jazz, R&B and blues to create a trademark sound. With an extensive and distinctive career that has spanned 30 years and many accolades, Scaggs continues to prove himself as one of music's most creative and original artists.

BOZ SCAGGS , MEMPHIS
1. Gone Baby Gone
2. So Good To Be Here
3. Mixed Up Shook Up Girl
4. Rainy Night in Georgia
5. Love on a Two Way Street
6. Pearl of the Quarter
7. Cadillac Walk
8. Corinna, Corinna
9. Can I Change My Mind
10. Dry Spell
11.You Got Me Cryin'
12. Sunny Gone

NEW RELEASES - HERBIE NICHOLS, ROLAND KIRK, JOHANNA SILLANPAA

HERBIE NICHOLS - LOVE, GLOOM, CASH, LOVE

One of the few albums ever recorded by pianist Herbie Nichols – an incredible player with a sound and sense of modern expression that rivaled the best 50s work of Thelonious Monk and Elmo Hope! This session is Herbie's only one for the Bethlehem label – but it stands nicely next to his better-known sides for Blue Note – with a stark, sharp modernist approach that grabs you from the very first note! Nichols has a sharp and edgey sound throughout – and an incredible sense of invention that never fails to delight us, no matter how many times we return to the record! Titles include "Every Cloud", "S'Crazy Pad", "45 Degree Angle", "Beyond Recall", "Portrait of Ucha", and the beautiful title track "Love Gloom Cash Love". ~ Dusty Groove

ROLAND KIRK - THIRD DIMENSION

Excellent early work from Roland Kirk – not as groundbreaking as later sessions, but still filled with fire and imagination, and proof that the famous blind player was a genius even at an early age! Kirk plays alto, tenor, and soprano – and on all tracks, he plays them in his unique "3-in-1" style, in which he's actually blowing all horns at the same time! The result is an incredible sound, unlike anyone else we can think of – and it's an amazingly raw tone that still swings very hard. Players include Jimmy Madison on piano, Carl Pruitt on bass, and Hank Duncan on drums – a really rootsy quartet that helps Roland hit a really gutbuckety sound on the record. Titles include "Triple Threat", "Slow Groove", "Roland's Theme", "Easy Living", "The Nearness Of You", and "A La Carte". ~ Dusty Groove

JOHANNA SILLANPAA - MAKE OF ME

For every style of music that Johanna Sillanpaa explores, be it jazz, groove, R&B or soul, there’s a vibrant color in her voice to match. Described as “a bluesy Erykah Badu with a marvelous voice that begins in the smoky lows of Norah Jones and effortlessly climbs into the powerful, confident ranges of Lisa Stansfield, Johanna performs slick soul, funk and jazz to dig your heels into and her velveteen voice and eclectic sound slides over the air carrying with it a sensual, deep groove. Now the Swedish-born soulful artist has really come into her own with her latest diverse and introspective third solo album Make Of Me. The album envelops you immediately and showcases her rich, intoxicating vocals. From the sunny and uplifting Beautiful Love to the sweet, passionate promise of Always, her latest compilation of songs is sure to captivate audiences everywhere and shes excited to bring these tracks to the stage.

THE CORNELIA STREET CAFE PRESENTS 3 DAY MINI FESTIVALS

This January The Cornelia Street Cafe in New York proudly presents a series of 3 Day Mini Festivals that encompasses many, if not all, of the many genres featured regularly at the Cafe.

BRAZILIAN FESTIVAL, January 17-19:
Thursday, January 17, 8:30 PM
ROGÉRIO BOCCATO QUARTETO
Dan Blake, tenor sax; Nando Michelin, piano; Gary Wang, bass; Rogério Boccato, drums, percussion

Thursday, January 17, 10:00 PM
RICHARD MILLER TRIO
Richard Miller, guitar; Itaiguara Brandão, bass; Zé Maurício, percussion

Friday, January 18, 9:00 PM
BILLY NEWMAN QUARTET
Billy Newman, guitar; Eric Schugren, tenor sax; Leco Reis, bass; Vanderlei Pereira, drums

Friday, January 18, 10:30 PM
ROB CURTO
Rob Curto, accordion; Gustavo Amarante, bass; Gil Oliveira, drums

Saturday, January 19, 9:00 PM
MAURICIO ZOTTARELLI GROUP
Oriente Lopez, flute; Klaus Mueller, piano; Mike Pope, bass; Mauricio Zottarelli, drums

Saturday, January 19, 10:30 PM
BRAZILIAN FEST: AMANDA RUZZA
Ben Flocks, saxophone; Chris Stover, trombone; Alex Nolan, guitar; Mamiko Watanabe, piano; Amanda Ruzza, bass; Mauricio Zottarelli, drums

VOICE BOX FESTIVAL - CURATED BY SARA SERPA, January 20-22
Sunday, January 20, 8:30 PM
SOFÍA REI, JORGE ROEDER DUO
Sofía Rei, voice; Jorge Roeder, bass

Sunday, January 20, 10:00 PM
SARA SERPA 5TET
Sara Serpa, voice; André Matos, guitar; Kris Davis, piano; Aryeh Kobrinsky, bass; Tommy Crane, drums

Monday, January 21, 8:30 PM
EMILIE WEIBEL SOLO
Emilie Weibel, voice

Monday, January 21, 10:00 PM
KRISTIN SLIPP & DOV MANSKI
Kristin Slipp, voice; Dov Manski, piano

Tuesday, January 22, 8:30 PM
AKIKO PAVOLKA & HOUSE OF ILLUSION
Akiko Pavolka, voice, piano; Loren Stilman, sax; Nate Radley, guitar; Matt Pavolka, bass; Bill Campbell, drums

Tuesday, January 22, 10:00 PM
VOICE BOX FESTIVAL: FAY VICTOR PRESENTS "HERBIE NICHOLS SUNG"
Fay Victor, voice, words; Michael Attias, alto, baritone saxophone; Anthony Coleman, piano; Ratzo Harris, bass; Rudy Royston, drums

JEAN ROHE'S GLOBAL LIVING ROOM, January 23-25:
Wednesday, January 23, 8:30 PM
LEV ZHURBIN
Lev Zhurbin, viola, fadolin; Sam Sadigursky, clarinet; Pablo Aslan, bass

Friday, January 25, 9:00 PM
GLOBAL LIVING ROOM FEST: JEAN ROHE & VITOR GONÇALVES Jean Rohe, voice; Vitor Gonçalves, piano

Friday, January 25, 10:30 PM
GLOBAL LIVING ROOM FEST: JEAN ROHE & ROGERIO BOCCATO Jean Rohe, voice; Rogerio Boccato, percussion

JAZZ TO CLASSICAL VOCAL FESTIVAL, January 28-30:
Monday, January 28, 8:30 PM
LAILA SALINS

Tuesday, January 29, 8:30 PM
LISA DAEHLIN

January 30, 8:30 PM
TESSA SOUTER

visit www.corneliastreetcafe.com

WAYNE SHORTER, NATALIE COLE, CHICK COREA, ESPERANZA SPALDING HEADLINE 2013 NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL

Wayne Shorter

2013 Newport Jazz Festival® Continues Its Distinguished History with a Dynamic Mix of Jazz Legends and Emerging Artists

One year away from celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival®, George Wein, producer and Chairman of the Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc.™, today announced the program for the 2013 Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Global Asset Management (NGAM). This year's event will be held in Newport, RI, on August 2 atthe International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino and August 3 - 4 at historic Fort Adams State Park.

Founded in 1954 as the first annual jazz festival in America, the Newport Jazz Festival has been host to numerous legendary performances by some of the world's leading established and emerging artists. The storied tradition continues on this year's slate, with saxophonist Wayne Shorter's 80th Birthday Celebration featuring the Wayne Shorter Quartet with Danilo Perez, John Patitucci and Brian Blade plus special guest Herbie Hancock; Chick Corea (fronting The Vigil Band); Eddie Palmieri (with his Salsa Orchestra); Roy Haynes (leading his Fountain of Youth Band); Joshua Redman; Michel Camilo; Terence Blanchard and others sharing the festival bill with rising stars Esperanza Spalding; Gregory Porter; Robert Glasper; Edmar Castañeda; Hiromi; and Jon Batiste. Other highly anticipated performances include a set marking the 35th anniversary of New Orleans greats The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Steve Coleman in three different projects, veteran Chicago vocalist Dee Alexander and the Dizzy Gillespie™ Big Band under the direction of Paquito D'Rivera.

Natalie Cole

On opening night at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino, multiple Grammy Award® winning singer Natalie Cole is on the same bill as her uncle, renowned singer and pianist Freddy Cole, a special guest of the Bill Charlap Trio. The evening kicks off with an exclusive cocktail party.

"There's a growing sense of excitement as the Newport Jazz Festival heads towards the incredible milestone of 60 years," said Wein. "The memories of historic performances by Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Mahalia Jackson and just about every jazz great alive since 1950 linger. But, looking forward after all these years is what keeps us searching for the young musicians who will replace the legends of the golden age of jazz. We're pleased to celebrate this great music with the continuing support of Natixis Global Asset Management."

"The ongoing partnership that NGAM has with the legendary Newport Jazz Festival and impresario George Wein continues to provide a wonderful platform for all of us to foster creativity, diversity and collaboration between artists, communities and businesses," said John T. Hailer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Natixis Global Asset Management - The Americas and Asia. "Now in our third year of partnering with the Newport Jazz Festival, we are thrilled with our achievements and the event's commitment to showcasing the art of young musicians. This aligns beautifully with our commitment to provide more opportunities for talented music students from throughout the globe."

Chick Corea

In addition to presenting sponsor Natixis Global Asset Management, additional sponsorship support is provided by Alex and Ani, a positive energy, eco-conscious, lifestyle brand, and Louis Jadot, America's #1 French Wine.

Following the opening night on Friday, August 2, at 8:00 pm featuring Natalie Cole and the Bill Charlap Trio with special guest Freddy Cole, at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino (194 Bellevue Avenue), the Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management features an exciting Saturday (August 3) lineup on three unique stages from 10:30 am - 7:00 pm at Fort Adams State Park (90 Fort Adams Drive). The roster includes Wayne Shorter's 80th Birthday Celebration: Wayne Shorter Quartet featuring Danilo Perez, John Patitucci & Brian Blade plus special guest Herbie Hancock; Esperanza Spalding - Radio Music Society; Michel Camilo Sextet; Terence Blanchard Quintet; Robert Glasper Experiment; Gregory Porter; Edmar Castañeda; Ray Anderson Pocket Brass Band; Amir ElSaffar Two Rivers; Bill Charlap Trio with guests Bob Wilber and Anat Cohen; Mary Halvorson Quintet; Rez Abassi Trio; and others to be announced.

Esperanza Spalding

On Sunday, August 4, the music continues at Fort Adams at 10:30 am with Chick Corea & The Vigil with Christian McBride, Tim Garland, Marcus Gilmore and Charles Altura; Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra; Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band featuring Jaleel Shaw, Martin Bejerano and David Wong; Dizzy Gillespie™ Big Band under the direction of Paquito D'Rivera;Hiromi: The Trio Project with Anthony Jackson and Steve Smith; Joshua Redman Quartet; Jim Hall Quartet featuring Julian Lage; Jon Batiste & Stay Human; Dee Alexander: Songs That My Mother Loved; The Dirty Dozen Brass Band; Lew Tabackin Quartet with Randy Brecker, Peter Washington and Lewis Nash; Donny McCaslin Group; Steve Coleman Projects: Five Elements, Talea Ensemble and Duo with Tyshawn Sorey;David Gilmore & Numerology featuring Claudia Acuña, Miguel Zenón, Luis Perdomo, Christian McBride, Jeff "Tain" Watts and Mino Cinelu; and others to be announced.

Ticketsfor the 2013 Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management go on sale worldwide Thursday, January 17, at 10:00 am at www.newportjazzfest.net, by phone and by mail.

Tickets for the Friday, August 2, concert are $ 40.00 - $100.00. All seats reserved. The Opening Night Cocktail Party, a Newport summer tradition, kicks off the evening from 6:30 - 7:45 pm. This exclusive party welcomes a limited number of attendees for an evening of great music, food and beverages. Tickets are $50.00 for Tennis Hall of Fame members and $60.00 for non-members. Pricing includes open bar and hors d'oeuvres. Party attendees must have a ticket to the Newport Jazz Festival concert. To order Cocktail Party tickets, call (401) 324-4072 or go online at www.tennisfame.com.

A limited number of general admission adult two-day passes are available now for$135.00 for Saturday and Sunday. Single day general admission adult tickets are $74.00 in advance and $84.00 at the gate, if available. Children's tickets for ages 3 - 15 are $15.00 per day. Children under 3 are free. A new student price of $20.00 is available for high school students older than 15 and college students with valid ID. Students must use the Student gate and present valid ID to enter the festival. Offer valid for eligible students while supplies last. Not valid on reserved seating or for the Friday night event.

Parking passes are also available on-line for $12.00. Service charges apply to all tickets purchased on-line or by phone. Premium Seating tickets for Fort Adams concerts are available for $125.00 per day. Reserved Seating is $90.00. Single day general admission tickets also can be purchased in person at the Newport Visitors Information Center, located at 23 America's Cup Avenue. Visit www.gonewport.com for office hours and information. No service charges apply.

There will be a festival office in the Newport area where tickets can be purchased in person at a later date. For general information, craft vendor information or to leave a message for festival staff, call the festival hotline at (401) 848-5055. For more information, log on to www.newportjazzfest.net or www.newportfestivalsfoundation.org.

With the 60th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival fast approaching, thousands of fans will no doubt reflect on some of the historical highlights of the event that have become, through memory, recordings and film, touchstones of the American cultural landscape. Two of the most famous performances in the festival's history are Miles Davis' 1955 solo on "'Round Midnight" and the Duke Ellington Orchestra's lengthy 1956 performance of "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue," featuring a 27-chorus saxophone solo by Paul Gonsalves. The 1964 album Miles & Monk at Newport documented respective appearances by Davis in 1958 and Thelonious Monk in 1963; Davis' band included John Coltrane and Monk's featured Pee Wee Russell.

Other early performances documented on commercially released recordings include the 1957 appearances by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Carmen McRae (Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday at Newport, 1958); those by the Gigi Gryce-Donald Byrd Jazz Laboratory and the Cecil Taylor Quartet featuring Steve Lacy, released on At Newport also in 1958; and performances at the 1960 festival by Muddy Waters and Nina Simone, released as the albums At Newport 1960 and Nina Simone at Newport.

Films chronicling the Newport Jazz experience include "Jazz on a Summer Day," a documentary of the 1958 festival which includes sets by Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles and Miles Davis; and a film released by Storyville of the 1962 event which featured Lambert, Hendricks & Bavan, the Oscar Peterson Trio, Roland Kirk, Duke Ellington and the Count Basie Orchestra featuring Jimmy Rushing.

KEVIN HARRIS PROJECT - MUSEUM VOL. 1

"Harris tiptoes and pirouettes across a relaxed set of ballads and lightly soulful grooves, he possesses a spare style and a gentle touch" - JazzTimes Magazine

"Harris has worked to refine the creative push and pull of a music that demands it." - The Boston Globe

Pianist/composer Kevin Harris thrives on interaction and collaboration; "participation," he says, "is what keeps our souls alive." This attitude, not to mention his immense talent, has led to prolific sideman work with the likes of trumpeter Avishai Cohen, Steve Langone, Eddie Gomez Marco Pignataro, Carlos Averhoff Jr., Richie Barshay, Duane Eubanks, Ben Street, Ralph Peterson, Ralph Bowen, Jason Palmer, Jerry Bergonzi, Cecil McBee, Francisco Mela, Bob Moses, Warren Wolf, George Garzone and Terri Lyne Carrington.

Most recently, Harris has been invited by Danilo Perez for the second year to participate as a performer and clinician at The Panama Jazz Festival. Harris will also be in Europe, where he has toured since 2008, where he is scheduled to conduct clinics and concerts. He will also be performing at the Cambridge River Jazz Festival with Terri Lyne Carrington on June 1, 2013. Harris has released three albums under his own leadership, The Butterfly Chronicles (2007), Freedom Doxology (2008) and Chapters (2010). On February 26, 2013, Harris proudly releases his new recording, Museum Vol. 1, a collection of original compositions, or "exhibits", plus songs by Bob Marley and Wayne Shorter, featuring Richie Barshay, Steve Langone (drums), Kendall Eddy (acoustic bass), Jason Palmer (trumpet), Rick DiMuzio (tenor saxophone) and himself on piano, Fender Rhodes and vocals.

Kevin Harris' life and music are lessons in duality, in the idea of having your cake and eating it too. The pianist/composer simultaneously embraces and expresses the influence of Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker and Danilo Perez, alongside J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Scott Joplin, and the folkloric rhythms of Cuba. Harris' playing, his very being, also presents a contrast informed by geography: the understated elegance, soulfulness and deep personal family history of his native Kentucky coalesces with the elevated energy and hustle and bustle of his adopted home town, Boston, Massachusetts (and New York City, where he is spending part of his time these days), to form a highly unique person and musician. Harris has also garnered praise and recognition for his distinctive combination of traditional and contemporary music, within which he consistently, and naturally, explores these various elements of his life.

With the upcoming release of Museum Vol. 1, Harris introduces us to another side of his artistry, the influence and "collaboration" with visual art, specifically its presentation, inspired by his wife's, and now his, love and passion for art. The album is, "a personal collection of concepts in song form, with each piece an exhibition for you to experience," explains Harris. He elaborated, "imagine a museum occupied with exhibits of your most courageous dreams and your most challenging fears. In each room, hang collections and recollections of continually changing architecture that perfectly frame your greatest adventures past, present, and future."

Museum Vol. 1 opens majestically with Exhibit 1, "The Nile", a song about our similarities with the great river, and about embracing the changing tides of our daily lives to find the flow and patterns that make us stronger. It is followed by "Pinched Nerve", a contemporary blues celebration about a painful pinched nerve that Harris battled with and won. Up next is Wayne Shorter's "Prince of Darkness", that for Harris is, "one of the many compositions that invokes the courageous spirit that art is fluid, powerful and cannot be measured."

"Darkness" is followed by sunshine, as in, "You Are My Sunshine"; a brilliant, adventurous arrangement dedicated to Harris' wife Luisa. "She is a sincere and joyful mirror never afraid to express her thoughts. My newfound appreciation and perspective for museums pretty much rests as a result of her honest and unapologetic passion for art that challenges complacency. Her perspective on our friendship is equally honest. One of her favorite works of art is an oil canvas by the surrealist Salvador Dali titled "The Metamorphosis of Narcissus." Infatuated with his own image in a pool of water, Narcissus passed the days fixated on his image unable to break away. It's easy to become fixated on what we label important but there's nothing better than a friend in life to keep you honest and changing. Luisa is without question, that very special friend for me. Not only should she receive the credit for inspiring this arrangement but she also gets credit for the title of this album," said Harris.

Museum Vol. 1 continues with Exhibit 5, "The Dinosaur Suite", an eerily evocative tune that Harris explains straightforwardly, "enjoy the exhibit and try to stay alive". Harris is an artist that is comfortable taking on social issues, and is a pianist that is more than comfortable singing, as we hear in his heartfelt vocals on Bob Marley's masterpiece, "Redemption Song." In the liner notes to this album, Harris poses some very important questions in relation to this song, such as, "what forms of slavery still exist in our times and what are we doing about it?", and "how do we assist the meek amongst our social and economic ranks to move forward triumphantly?".

Mr. Kevin Harris eloquently explains the last two "exhibits" on the recording, which both display a profound personal meaning for him: Exhibit 7, Bluegrass. Description: A tulip poplar tree in the center of the room with a northern cardinal perched at its top and a viceroy butterfly at its base. I hope that when you enter this room, the first thing you'll feel is a soft summer breeze across your face, a breeze that carries a peaceful melody. Yes, this melody conveys the depth of my Kentucky roots. Roots that are an immovable strength that stem from my mother, father, brothers, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandmothers, and grandfathers. Roots that spring forth from the unwavering faith of my teachers and the steadfast promise of my ancestors who did not toil in vain. There is an indescribable beauty, strength, and pain that flow from the history of my home state. A beauty that is rich and courageous in its landscape. A beauty that is also dark and haunting that has taught me to hold my head high.

Exhibit 8, BBBB - (Brown Bean Barnyard Boogie). Description: A boombox in the middle of the room with a mixing spoon on top). If one could manage to capture the soulful articulations of Aretha Franklin and James Brown and put them in a huge wooden pot, mix them with the intricate dialogue of Los Munequitos de Matanzas, add the wonderfully seasoned aroma of my mothers green beans and Charles Little's peach cobbler, add two tablespoons of my fathers strong embrace, pour 1/2 cup of my 2011 family reunion joyfulness, thoroughly mix this jubilant combination briskly while pouring its contents into a dual cassette boombox and this song is what you'd get! Side A, press play . . .

JazzTimes Magazine says, "Harris possesses a spare style and gentle touch", and The Boston Globe states that "Harris has worked to refine the creative push and pull of a music that demands it." One of the captivating elements of his group is the level of comfort and understanding they have with one another as they dive into passionate music conversations as well as playful exchanges. Both his live performances and his recordings reflect Harris's determination to capture his audience through thoughtful music interactions and soaring solo sections.

Harris performs at renowned national and international venues such as The Blue Note (NYC and Milan), Scullers Jazz Club, The Regatta Bar, Wang Theatre, Jordan Hall, Berklee Performance Center, Wally's Jazz Café and many others. He has also participated at Jazz Festivals in Panama, Havana, and Boston.

Kevin holds a master's degree in jazz performance from the New England Conservatory and an undergraduate degree in music education (Morehead State University, KY). At The NEC, he studied with Fred Hersch, Mike Cain, Cecil McBee, George Garzone, and Danilo Perez, and performed with George Russell, Benny Golson and Bob Brookmeyer. After graduation, Harris worked at defining himself and his music through partnerships with key musicians and also studying and arranging the music of masters in the jazz and classical realms. The perpetual search for growth and new expression is clearly evident on his recorded works.

Harris is currently on the faculty at Berklee College of Music where he teaches piano, jazz ensembles, and summer theory classes; in previous years he has also taught classes at the Boston Arts Academy, and collaborated with the North Eastern University Fusion Art's Program teaching students from Brazil, India, and South Africa. Committed to the community and to getting youth involved in music, Kevin has conducted clinics and master classes in both public and private schools throughout the USA and abroad. In 2000 he started five separate band programs with help from "Arts In Progress," a Boston based arts organization.

www.KevinHarrisProject.com

MODERN SOUNDS FROM ITALY 3

A rich document of the growth in the Italian jazz scene in recent years – a great leap forward not just for individual musicians, but also for the Schema label as well! Schema first began in the 90s with a relatively programmed approach to jazz – a style that loved the classics, but often reworked them in modern production modes. Yet over the years, the company’s really come to be a key home for real jazz and soulful sounds – moving past their original remix identity, to a point where they’re arguably one of the most important jazz labels on the European scene! This nicely-priced batch of tracks is a great illustration of that growth – and features a few old Schema faves, mixed with newer artists who’ve flocked to the label in recent years – presented here in some unique remixes and other nice versions we haven’t heard before. Titles include “Beyond The Days” by Gaetano Partiplio, “But Not For You” by Alessandro Maganini, “Hurt Me Bad” by Andrea Balducci, “Waltz For Emily” by Gerardo Frisina, “Banzo” by Rosalia De Souza, “Some Kind Of Blues (Grooveman Spot rmx)” by S-Tone Inc, “Welcome To My World (acoustic)” by Joyce Elaine Yuille, “Hear Us Now” by Christian Prommer’s Drumlesson, “Alta Tensione 3am” by Alex Puddu, and “Good Life” by Timo Lassy. (Review by Dusty Groove).

Tracklist:
1. Gaetano Partipilo – “Beyond The Days” (feat Alice Ricciardi)
2. Alessandro Magnanini – “But Not For You” (feat Liam Mckahey)
3. Andrea Balducci – “Hurt So Bad”
4. Mario Biondi – “I’m Her Daddy” (Daddy’s Point Of View version)
5. Gerardo Frisina – “Waltz For Emily”
6. STone INC – “Some Kind Of Blues” (Grooveman Spot remix)
7. Toco – “Guarapiranga”
8. Rosalia De Souza – “Banzo”
9. The Dining Rooms – “Fading Gradually” (feat Jake Reid)
10. Christian Prommer’s Drumlesson Plays TDR – “Hear Us Now”
11. Alex Puddu – “Alta Tensione 3AM”
12. Joyce Elaine Yuille – “Welcome To My World” (acoustic version)
13. Timo Lassy – “The Good Life”

NPR MUSIC AND WGBO PRESENT THE CHECKOUT - LIVE AT BERKLEE WITH JALEEL SHAW

The Checkout – Live at Berklee, which brings critically acclaimed, New York-based Berklee alumni back to their alma mater for concerts in the Red Room at Cafe 939, continues on Thursday, February 7 with rising alto and soprano saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, a 2000 Berklee graduate. Shaw will be performing with alumnus pianist Lawrence Fields, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Johnathan Blake.

Presented by NPR Music and WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM, the shows will be webcast live worldwide in high definition video over NPRmusic.org and on the radio in New York over WBGO-FM as a special edition of The Checkout, the acclaimed multimedia show featuring what’s new on New York’s jazz scene. They will also be archived, and available for on-demand listening, at NPRmusic.org, and Checkoutjazz.org.

Concerts and broadcasts will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 with a Berklee ID, and are available at cafe939.com or by calling 617 747-2261. The Red Room at Cafe 939 is located at 939 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Saxophonist Jaleel Shaw is a member of the Roy Haynes Quartet and the Mingus Big Band, and has performed with Christian McBride, Jason Moran, Stefon Harris, Roy Hargrove, Dave Holland, Jimmy Cobb, and more. Upon graduating from high school in his native Philadelphia, Shaw received a full-tuition scholarship to attend Berklee, where he graduated with degrees in music education and performance. At Berklee, he received the Billboard Endowed Scholarship, two Woodwind Department Awards, the Outstanding Student Teacher Award, and the Boston Jazz Society Award. Shaw then earned a master's in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York.

Shaw’s 2005 debut CD, Perspective, received rave reviews in the New York Times and Jazzwise and was named one of the top five debuts of the year by All About Jazz. That year, Shaw joined the Roy Haynes Quartet, and was featured on Haynes’s 2006 Grammy-nominated recording, Whereas. In 2008, Shaw started his own label, Changu Records, on which he released his second album, Optimism. He has received two ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Awards, and was nominated for Alto Saxophonist of the Year in the Jazz Times 2011 Readers Poll.

WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM serves the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area with mainstream jazz, blues, and award-winning news and public affairs programming. Non-commercial WBGO is supported by nearly 17,000 annual members and has over 400,000 weekly broadcast listeners. WBGO also streams its broadcast signal to audiences worldwide at www.wbgo.org. WBGO was named the “Jazz Station of the Year” by the Gavin Report and is also the recipient of the Blues Foundation’s “Keeping the Blues Alive Award” for Achievement in Non-Commercial Radio. WBGO is a publicly supported, cultural institution that champions jazz, an American art form, and presents news to a worldwide audience through radio, other technologies, and events.

NPR Music celebrates great music in every genre and is an industry leader in music discovery. The free, multimedia website (npr.org/music) offers 300 new features monthly and an extensive archive, in collaboration with NPR’s newsmagazines, 12 public radio member stations, and the passionate NPR community. NPR Music creates and distributes inventive music coverage across multiple platforms—from web, to radio, to podcast, to mobile, to social media, to live events—with first listens of new albums, live performances, concerts at the Tiny Desk, interviews, reviews, and blogs.

GINA CAREY...THE SONGBIRD

Gico Music, along with the multitalented singer, songwriter and producer Gina Carey, have announced the hugely anticipated release of  Gina Carey…The Songbird. This super smooth, soulful and funky CD is sure to capture the heart and soul of listeners worldwide.

Previously, Gina Carey...The Songbird, has enjoyed commercial success and critical acclaim aplenty, including her number one, UK album, Melodic. Gina Carey…The Songbird is Gina's best album to date.

Not only does Gina Carey...The Songbird’s warm, angelic, seventies soulful vibe stand out, but is a multicultural and genre-sprawling fusion of influences. From the opening bars to closing notes, Gina Carey...The Songbird is a thirteen song masterpiece.

Gina chose to be a little more experimental on Gina Carey...The Songbird. She wanted to draw inspiration from the musical influences of her formative years.Gina’s love for sound and instrumentation has allowed her the freedom to create songs without prejudice. Her unusual style of production, fusing African, Latin, jazz, soul, folk, blues & R&B has resulted in a unique and inimitable signature sound.

On November 1, 2012, the cool, jazzy and soulful single, “Love Me Too,” was the first single to be released as a teaser from Gina Carey...The Songbird. “Hey Mr,” “My Sunshine,” “Step into My Love” and “My Hero” are the next four singles to be released nationwide.

“Hey Mr,” is a hook-laden, fusion of folk, country, soul and dance music, while being playful and sassy at the same time.

“My Sunshine” is a stunning dance track, with a soulful jazzy sound and Latin twist.

“Step into My Love” has a smooth and sultry, yet mystical, mysterious and soulful vibe.

“ My Hero” is a funky dance tune that gives honor and support to the role of a good man in a women’s life.

Every song on Gina Carey...The Songbird is sure to inspire many to Live, Love and Laugh.

Gina attributes her drive and determination to fulfill her musical dreams to her father, “Mr. Eugene Harrison,” who sadly died in March 2012. He inspired Gina, teaching her never to give up. Like Gina, he was an aspiring singer. So, Gina Carey…The Songbird, Gina is dedicated to his memory. You can find out more about “Gina Carey… The Songbird” by visiting her official Website at www.GinaCareyTheSongbird.Com. This CD will be available from most online stores including CD Baby, iTunes and Amazon.