GREGORY PORTER SIGNS WITH BLUE NOTE; MAJOR LABEL DEBUT DUE OUT THIS FALL

Blue Note Records and Universal Music Classics & Jazz have announced the signing of the phenomenal jazz and soul singer/songwriter Gregory Porter. Porter has been in the studio with his working band and producer Brian Bacchus recording his third album and major label debut, which will be released worldwide on Blue Note Records this Fall.

Raised in California, Porter’s mother was a minister, and he cites the Bakersfield Southern Gospel sound, as well as his mother’s Nat King Cole record collection, as fundamental influences on his own sound. Porter began singing in small jazz clubs in San Diego while attending San Diego State University on a football scholarship, where he played outside linebacker. Eventually it was music that Porter chose to pursue full-time at the encouragement of local musicians including his mentor Kamau Kenyatta.

Kenyatta invited Porter to visit him in the studio in Los Angeles, where he was producing the flutist Hubert Laws' album Remembers the Unforgettable Nat King Cole. When Laws overheard Porter singing along while he was tracking the Charlie Chaplin song "Smile," the flutist was so impressed with the young singer that he decided to include Porter on the album.

Another fortunate twist of fate was the presence in the studio that day of Laws' sister, Eloise, a singer who was soon to join the cast of a new musical theater production It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues. Porter had minimal theatrical experience but was cast in one of the show’s lead roles when the play opened in Denver, and he eventually followed it to Off-Broadway and then Broadway, where The New York Times, in its 1999 rave review, mentioned Porter among the show's "powerhouse line up of singers.” It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues went on to earn both Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations that year.

Porter eventually put down roots in Brooklyn, and in 2010 released his debut album Water (Motéma Music), which earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. His sophomore album Be Good (Motéma Music) followed in 2012 and earned him his second GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance.

The Huffington Post has declared Porter "the brilliant new voice of jazz," adding that he is also "heavily steeped in the passion, delivery and emotion of the best classic soul men." In a 2011 live review, The New York Times wrote that “his sturdy baritone and sure projection make him a natural belter, but he knows how to sidle up to a melody, working quietly with tension and release.” Watch NPR Music’s Field Recordings session at the New York Transit Museum with Porter performing “Be Good (Lion’s Song).”

~ Blue Note Records

JASON MILES & COMPANY SHINE BRIGHT WITH 'GLOBAL NOIZE: SLY REIMAGINED - THE MUSIC OF SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE'

The music of Sly and The Family Stone was long considered to be way ahead of its time when they first came onto the scene back in the late 60s.  Over the years, Sly Stone has stood in the background, but yet his music has always persisted. I've often thought about how Sly's music would sound if it were given a more contemporary twist.  Well now it's finally happened and nobody is more capable or qualified to take on a project like this than the Grammy-winning Miles. His groundbreaking synth programming for Miles Davis’ ‘80s masterpieces Tutu, Music from Siesta and Amandla; along with his contributions to a genre-crossing array of artists – including Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Ruben Blades, David Sanborn, Whitney Houston, Grover Washington Jr., The Crusaders, Chaka Khan and so many others – have led to a variety of legacy-based dedications to Marvin Gaye, Ivan Lins, Vandross, Grover…and now Sly.

When Sly and The Family Stone hit the scene back in the late ‘60s, the world – socially, culturally and politically – was in a state of upheaval. And their music perfectly evangelized the moment. Today, we stand dangerously at the edge of a similar precipice – and that message of celebratory potential and jubilant clarity is sorely needed. With that concept squarely implanted in his mind’s eye, visionary conceptualist, producer, arranger, composer and keyboard wizard Jason Miles has created the extraordinary Sly Reimagined on the Zoho Roots label. With his groundbreaking, genre-defying borderless mothership Global Noize providing the vehicle, Miles takes on eight classic Sly Stone journeys into the wilds of a reality nearly half a century beyond their point of inception.

Reimagined is the ideal description as the music on this CD doesn’t simply pay homage, but also defines the timelessness of the music by translating it to the forefront of musical thinking here in 2013. Global Noize – with its triumvirate of Miles, turntable master DJ Logic and vocalist Falu – is accompanied on this recording by an astonishing array of nearly two dozen musical powerhouses, including Nona Hendryx, Roberta Flack, Jay Rodriguez, Amanda Ruzza and the original Family Stone drummer Greg Errico.

The nine vocalists and seventeen instrumentalists are woven masterfully into the musical context of each piece – no contrivance, no excess, no aural gymnastics, just extraordinary musicianship, impeccable tastefulness and a relentless sense of groove. The musicians weave in and out, emerging at the always appropriate moment and then sinking back into the perfect mix. There is a visceral sense of ensemble playing, as live and cohesive as the 1968 concert performance at the Fillmore East where Jason first experienced Sly and The Family Stone, becoming forever connected to its unique musical expression. But while that group never could have existed without the foundation of James Brown, vocal groups from the Orioles through the Temptations, jubilant jazz of Louis Jordan through Mingus and Sun Ra, and all strains of Gospel and Blues, Sly Reimagined shows the influences of the post-Sly environment of P-Funk, Prince and the many explorers stimulated by Sly and The Family Stone. All cross-bred with the borderless context of the here and now at its richest.

Two songs are given dual treatments. It’s a Family Affair – both with Roberta Flack on lead vocals – receives a Groove Vibe Version and the Falu Mumbai Mix. The former a deeply grooved percussive blend with horns, voices, rhythm and DJ Logic all circling around in an infectious round-robin; the latter sparer, leaner, meaner and tinged with Eastern harmonic and rhythmic flavors that offer testimony to the sub-title. Nona Hendryx sings lead on both versions of The Same Thing. The straight-up version is an extremely funky excursion with a dark gurgle of baritone sax (courtesy Jay Rodriguez) all swaggering, staggering and lurching forward like a super-hip drunk on a fervent mission for The Funk. The Mulholland Drive Mix plows similar ground, but coupling a deep bass groove with a strong spicing of the classic tenor/organ combo tradition.

The Big Horn tenor style – this time in the hands of Ron Holloway – is also featured on Fun with a raucous solo that evokes the irresistible sound of Gene Ammons and Arnett Cobb. Surrounding it is a vividly syncopated groove kick, a passionately soulful vocal by Maya Azucena, DJ Logic’s turntable magic, a chanting chorus and lots of undiluted fun.

Maya’s vocals also take the lead on two other pieces. You Can Make It If You Try, a richly layered celebration with a distinct P-Funk feel, the funky trumpet of Ingrid Jensen, and Rodriguez updating Jr. Walker into the 21st Century. On Stand, a proudly upright and emphatic take on the anthem, Maya soars over a chorus of vocalists chanting it out in Funkadelicized Gospel jubilation. She also provides playful and expressive support for Nona Hendryx’s lead on In Time, an easy-grooved percussive jaunt stoked by rich synthesizer textures.

Global Noize regular Falu is up front on the brilliant Thank You For Talking To Me Africa – with a side trip to India via her Carnatic vocal approach. An ultra-thick body built on a saxophone choir (arrangement and all saxes by Jeff Coffin), sets a tantalizing groove that oozes like a lava flow and just keeps digging deeper and deeper and deeper into the darkest lustre of pure funk. Falu’s exotic, sinuous style is also ideal for Dreams, an appropriately ethereal and evocative soundscape built upon a pastiche of electronica that closes out this remarkable album in a most palpably emotional manner.

The presence of Jason Miles is at the core of every element of this truly remarkable album. Not only does the concept flow stem from the heart and soul of his remarkable musical vision; but also the keyboards, synthesizer and programming that comprise his instruments of aural expression permeate every moment of this music, holding it together and binding all of the parts into a most singular sensibility. Sly Reimagined is an album that can be experienced for its sheer joy, or dug into more deeply for in unlimited depth of artistic expression.

www.jasonmilesmusic.com
www.zohomusic.com

AVIDYA & THE KLESHAS - TREE OF SERIES

Like their name’s derivation, Avidya & The Kleshas’ sound is wrapped in a shroud of mystery and cannot be confined to one box. Fusing vocalist Stephanie Carlin’s jazz background with her penchant for the impassioned voice of Jeff Buckley, outspokenness of Ani DiFranco, quirky funk of Frank Zappa, and multifaceted soundscapes of John Frusciante, Avidya & The Kleshas formulate music that leads listeners in unexpected directions. Buddhist texts describe Avidya and four other Kleshas as the fog in our consciousness, the mental states that cloud the mind, i.e why we suffer. Translated from Sanskrit, this incapacity to see something for what it really is defines “avidya,” which is the root klesha in all of us; it is the source of four other mental states of discomfort. Avidya & The Kleshas’ genre is not easily pigeonholed, as they are a band defined by an outside-of-0the-box approach to music-making.

Avidya & The Kleshas evolved out of a fortuitous meeting of solo artist, Stephanie Carlin, and her band-to-be. After graduating with a BFA in Jazz Performance, releasing a solo EP, The Agony and Ecstasy of,” and moving to Brooklyn in 2008, Carlin sought out a band to back her for a gig, and Craigslist bestowed upon her, Wes Reid (percussion) and Russ Flynn (bass). Though the three parted ways temporarily, the universe reunited them a year later to form the lush sounds of Avidya & The Kleshas, along with Xander Naylor (electric guitar) and Javi Santiago (piano/keys).

Currently slated for a June release, Avidya & The Kleshas’ Trees of Series, spawned out of the love and generous support of fans with a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2011, is record for refined taste. Not for the faint of thought, the LP is an innovative listening experience, fraught with poetic lyrics and eleven tracks that take on ever-changing shapes. Complex rhythms and swelling instrumentation back Carlin’s shining voice on single, “Mother and God.” Similes expand with growing passionate stanzas and freewheeling choruses that ebb and flow with varying time signatures and the push-pull of piano lines. Submerging the record’s route into a new mood, highlight track, “Body of Lead” floats on trickling, ethereal synth arpeggios, gentle cross-sticking clicks, and soothing vocals that immerse the listener into a trance-like calm. Trees of Series intertwines eclectic musical backgrounds, encouraging a community of diverse music lovers to interconnect, and generates anticipation for Avidya & The Kleshas’ next path.

www.avidyaandthekleshas.com

NEW RELEASES - THE REAL SOUND OF CHICAGO & BEYOND - UNDERGROUND DISCO & BOOGIE, SYREETA, PHYLLIS HYMAN

THE REAL SOUND OF CHICAGO & BEYOND - UNDERGROUND DISCO & BOOGIE (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Chicago. A place celebrated the world over for the talent of its musicians spanning across countless genres of music. You name it---Soul, Funk, Rock, Jazz, Blues, etc. In modern times, Chicago’s Dance floors have had a worldwide reputation for House music; it’s a sound that has pretty much reached to areas all across the globe. Yet, in the early developmental stages of the Chicago Dance era (mid-late 1970’s to early 1980’s), there were scores of musicians recording Dance music, hoping to be the next mainstream success story. As it goes, for the artists in this compilation---it didn’t quite turn out that way. Budget problems, the politics of the time, being told, “I don’t like it”, or simply having the door slammed in their face, is what many of these artists were faced with instead. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the musicianship that these artists possessed by far equals---even defined---the infinite status of what today’s market calls “Good Music”. Tracks include -Hot Pepper - Cancion Ritual; Kenny Wells - What You Got Left For Love (Mr Peabody Re-Edit); SpaceArk - Do What You Can Do (Mr Peabody Re-Edit); and Judy Clayton - Loves Gonna Find You (Mr Peabody Re-Edit) ~ bbemusic.com

SYREETA - SYREETA

One of Syreeta's deepest albums ever – proud, bold, and wonderfully righteous throughout – filled with a sense of message and purpose that was quite rare for Motown at the start of the 80s! Syreeta's really tapped back into that wonderful energy that made her so great when first working with Stevie Wonder – a warm, jazzy glow that suits her unique vocals perfectly – and which is shaped to perfection here by producers Richard Perry, Hal Davis, and Jerry Peters! The album's got a few funky groovers that are definitely Motown circa 1980, but its best moments are the mellower ones – which hit a Minnie Riperton-like quality that's mighty nice. Sheree Brown sings with Syreeta on a few cuts – and titles include "Blame It On The Sun", "Let Me Be The One", "Love Fire", "Here's My Love", and "You Bring Out The Love In Me" – plus "Please Stay" and "One More Time For Love", both duets with Billy Preston. ~ Dusty Groove  

PHYLLIS HYMAN - GODDESS OF LOVE

The last Arista album from Phyllis Hyman – and a set that really sums up all the genius she expressed at the label! Some tunes are upbeat and catchy – the kind of tracks that had Hyman reaching a much wider audience in the early 80s – while others are more sophisticated and mellow, the kind of all-woman tunes that made Phyllis a genre-defining artist that so many others tried to match in years to come! These latter tracks are our favorites, and are still the type that Hyman can do better than anyone else – couched here in perfect production for the mode by Thom Bell and Narada Michael Walden. Titles include "Why Did You Turn Me On", "Your Move My Heart", "Falling", "Riding The Tiger", "Goddess Of Love", "Just Twenty Five Miles To Anywhere", "Just Me & You", "We Should Be Lovers", and "Let Somebody Love You". CD features the bonus tracks "Riding The Tiger (dance version)", "Riding The Tiger (single version)", and "Riding The Tiger (inst)". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - IVAN LINS / SWR BAND, LOL COXHILL & MICHEL DONEDA, PJ MORTON

IVAN LINS / SWR BAND - CORNUCOPIA

A sublime setting for the vocals of the great Ivan Lins – wrapped up here in some really inventive arrangements from the SWR Big Band, who bring an energy to the album we haven't heard from Lins in years! Ivan's vocals take on this soaring, fluid quality that reminds us why we first fell in love with his music so many years ago – a transcendent quality that's really let loose the more the band seems to energize their rhythms and horn charts – almost scatting at times, given the jazzy vibe of the whole record! Arranger Ralf Schmid really makes magic on the record – and the album also features work from Paula Morelenbaum on guest vocals, and a bit of vocals from a South African choir. Tracks include "Samba De Vision", "Missing Miles", "Guantanamineira", "Roda Baiana", "Trem Bom", and "Awa Yio".  ~ Dusty Groove

LOL COXHILL & MICHEL DONEDA - SITTING ON YOUR STAIRS

Sublime soprano sax duets from the team of Lol Coxhill and Michel Doneda – both playing at a level that's almost more about sound overall than just notes and music – that great ear for textures and shapes that have made us love Coxhill's work since the 70s! The tracks are mostly long, and clearly improvised – very well-recorded live performances that really capture the subtle sounds and lower-end moments, then burst into bright colors when more tunefull passages appear. Doneda really echoes the inherent warmth of Coxhill's horn – and the set features four duets, plus a solo track each from Lol and Michel. ~ Dusty Groove

PJ MORTON -NEW ORLEANS

A great step forward for PJ Morton – an artist we've followed right from his start in the Neo Soul underground, and one who still sounds great here in the context of a much bigger label! The album's sure to get PJ plenty of exposure, yet it's still put together with that nicely crackling sort of energy that's always made his music so great – a mode that's sometimes a bit more funky than some of his male soul contemporaries, but in a way that's never gimmicky – and instead underscores all the earnest, honest vibe he brings to his lyrics. And Morton really maintains that slightly raspy quality in his vocals – a mode of singing that echoes classic eras without ever copying their style at all. The set features guest appearances from Stevie Wonder and Busta Rhymes – and titles include "Only One", "Never Get Over You", "Hard Enough", "Heavy", "Work It Out", "Trade It All", "First Sight",a nd "Motions". ~ Dusty Groove

VIEUX FARKA TOURE - NEW ALBUM 'MON PAYS' AND TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

Vieux Farka Touré's beautiful latest album was recorded as an homage to his homeland. Being that his native Mali has been splintered by territorial fighting between Tuareg and Islamic rebels since January 2012, his new album, Mon Pays, is devoted to reminding the world about the beauty and culture of his homeland.

‘For me it is a statement for the world that this land is for the sons and daughters of Mali, not for Al Qaeda or any militants. This land is for peace and beauty, rich culture and tolerance.This is our heritage, what we must always fight to protect in any way that we can. For me, that means making music that reminds the world of who we are.’

Translating as ‘My Nation,’ this predominantly acoustic undertaking had been planned before the invasions began. Inspired by his work with Israeli pianist and vocalist Idan Raichel, Touré initially went into a Bamako studio to honor the acoustic blues tradition of Northern and Southern Mali. Since that time, Mon Pays transformed into an artifact of cultural preservation.

Two songs on the project -Future’ and ‘Peace’ feature Sidiki Diabate’s kora leading an emotional charge complemented by Touré’s spectacular guitar work. Both tracks represent an important generational "passing of the torch" as Sidiki’s father, Toumani is considered one of the greatest living kora masters and was a close friend of Vieux’s father Ali. Their two records together, In the Heart of the Moon and Ali and Toumani, were awarded Grammies. At the 2011 ceremonies, Vieux accepted the prestigious award for his father, who had recently passed from bone cancer.

Mon Pays is the most mature and lovely record yet from one of this generation's most exciting artists to come out of Mali and one of world music's true rising stars.

UPCOMING VIEUX FARKA TOURÉ DATES
June 15, 2013 / Takin’ It to the Streets (Marquette Park) Chicago, IL 
June 16, 2013 / Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival Croton-on-Hudson, NY 
June 19, 2013 / The Dirty Bourbon Albuquerque, NM 
June 20, 2013 / Arroyo Seco Live Arroyo Seco, NM 
June 21, 2013 / eTown Hall Boulder, CO 
June 23, 2013 / Performance Works Vancouver, BC, Canada 
June 24, 2013 / Sugar Nightclub Victoria, BC, Canada
June 25, 2013 / Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley Seattle, WA 
June 26, 2013 / Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley Seattle, WA 
June 27, 2013 / The Wild Buffalo Bellingham, WA 
June 28, 2013 / Mississippi Studios Portland, OR
June 30, 2013 / Harbourfront Centre Toronto, ON, Canada 
Jul 1, 2013 / Zaphod Beeblebrox Ottawa, ON, Canada 
Jul 3, 2013 / Club Soda Montreal, QC, Canada 
Jul 5, 2013 / Iron Horse Northampton, MA 
Jul 6, 2013 / Higher Ground South Burlington, VT 
Jul 9, 2013 / Cedar Cultural Center Minneapolis, MN 
Jul 10, 2013 / Vaudeville Mews Des Moines, IA 
Jul 11, 2013 ' La Fete de Marquette Madison, WI
Jul 13, 2013 / Yoshis San Francisco, CA 
Jul 14, 2013 / California WorldFest Grass Valley, CA 
Aug 2, 2013 / Pickathon Happy Valley, OR 
Aug 3, 2013 / Pickathon Happy Valley, OR 
Aug 4, 2013 / Crestone Music Festival Crestone, CO 
Aug 6, 2013 / Walnut Room Denver, CO 
Aug 7, 2013 / JAS Cafe Downstairs At The Nell Aspen, CO

~ Six Degrees Records

AMERICANA: ROCK YOUR SOUL - BLUE EYED SOUL AND SOUNDS FROM THE LAND OF THE FREE

If you were inclined to put a location as the source of our Americana compilation – although the music here largely originates from other parts of the great union – it would be California. With its vast open-plan landscape and one season (summer) per year, it typifies the expansive style of songwriting that is contained in this compilation that stands in stark contrast to the claustrophobic (yet no less alluring) musical approach of Europeans. There’s arguably something in the climate that dictates much of our musical terrain, whether it be the sweaty loose-hipped funk of New Orleans or the frenetic and frosty four-on-the-top of Detroit’s Motown. American songs are born out of an optimism that is probably piped in the water (as well as flouride, the British have cynicism added to the drinking supply). This cadre of – mainly – white musicians, although clearly influenced by some African-American music, were the first generation not to be fixated solely by the music of black America. This was a flowering of something more general, less clearly defined, as hazy as an Los Angelean daybreak. What is notable about the music is that it’s neither black nor white, but contains elements of both, and though its influences undoubtedly derive from R&B (in the old meaning of the word), there are country, jazz, funk, rock and disco tinges to many of the songs. The songs are no less good, the production no less shimmering than any Lenny Waronker job. We’d wager you’ve not heard of many of the artists here and that’s ultimately the purpose: to shine a light on the darker corners of American pop culture. And they don’t get much more radio-friendly than this shining collection here.


The tracks for this compilation were selected by Zafar Chowdhry (the man behind www.zafsmusic.com) and Mark Taylor.

Tracklist:
A1. Babadu - I Love Music // A2. Eric Tagg – Living Off The Love // A3. Jaye P. Morgan - Can't Hide Love // A4. James Walsh Gypsy Band - I've Got The Feelin' // B1. Jesse McFall and The Funk Elegant Orchestra - Thought You Ought To Know // B2. Lil'Albert - My Girl Friday // B3. Mike Lundy - Love One Another // B4. Tender Leaf - Coast To Coast // C1. 1619 Bad Ass Band - Just For You // C2. Michael Killen - A Little More Time // C3. Breakaway - Who Was It This Time // C4. Midnight Flyer - I Just Wan To Love You // D1. Ian Willson - Four In The Morning (Goodking Edit) // D2. Life Force - Slow Dancer //
D3. Society Of Seven - Between Hello And Goodbye // D4. Evans Pyramid - Never Gonna Leave You

~ bbemusic.com

JONATHAN BUTLER TEAMS UP WITH SHEILA E AND ELAN TROTMAN FOR SOUL OF SUMMER 2013 TOUR

The spirit of spring is followed by the Soul of Summer, which this year will take on an international flair. The third edition of South African singer-songwriter-guitarist Jonathan Butler’s summer concert trek will feature multi-talented Latina Sheila E. and Barbadian saxophonist Elan Trotman. Backed by a 3-piece band and Butler’s daughter Jodie Butler on background vocals, the set list will showcase the artists’ hits along with a few cover tunes. The Soul of Summer 2013 will debut at the San Diego Jazz Festival on May 25th with dates booked across the U.S. into August.

“I’m excited to get on the road with Soul of Summer 2013. This year, we have the Latin flavor of Sheila E., the Caribbean flavor of Elan Trotman, and with my South African roots, it creates a great world music experience. Music can be a unifying force and unity is the spirit of Soul of Summer,” said Butler after the outfit’s first rehearsal at which they created the 14-song set list.

Butler’s Soul of Summer excursions are collaborative by nature. Each artist will have time during the show to perform individually, but the magic comes from the pairings when Butler, E. and Trotman will share the stage in various combinations to play their chart-toppers, fan favorites and Grammy-nominated singles, including Butler’s “Sara Sara” and “Lies” and E.’s “Glamorous Life.”

A two-time Grammy nominee, Butler became a child star while growing up under Apartheid and was the first black artist to be played on radio stations in South Africa. His 17-deep album catalogue is a study in diversity as Butler refuses to limit the scope of his musical vision that spans contemporary jazz instrumentals, soulful R&B, sophisticated pop and stirring gospel. Blessed with an impassioned voice that cries for justice, romantic pleas for love, and worshipful praise, Butler is dually noted for his nifty guitar-play on both nylon string and electric. Whether in a full band setting or stripped down to his roots as a spellbinding singer-songwriter, Butler pours his heart and soul into his live shows that uplift, enlighten and inspire. His latest recording, the gospel offering “Grace and Mercy,” was released last fall and continues to spread the word at radio. Butler will release a Christmas album this fall.

The daughter of Latin jazz patriarch Pete Escovedo, E. is a dynamic drummer, percussionist and vocalist who had her commercial breakthrough as a protégé of Prince with whom she still occasionally collaborates. Proudly braiding elements of her Hispanic heritage to funk, jazz, soul, fusion and gospel, she captivates with her high-energy performances and rhythmically-astute beats that have enabled her to play with some of the biggest names in popular music while collecting her own #1 Billboard hits and multiple Grammy and American Music Awards nominations along with an MTV Best Video Award win. The stunning beauty, a multimedia star that has graced the silver screen and small screen, released a concert DVD, “Sheila E. Summer Tour 2012 - LIVE in Lugano, Switzerland” last December.

Trotman is a feted newcomer winning fans and plaudits for the good-natured spirit of the Caribbean that he brings to R&B and contemporary jazz grooves. The saxman who attended the Berklee College of Music on a scholarship from the government of Barbados released his sixth album, “Tropicality,” earlier this year, which he wrote and produced with guitar star Peter White. The disc containing performances by an array of accomplished musicians is a celebration of island life that also chronicles Trotman’s journey from Barbados to Boston.

The Soul of Summer 2013 band is comprised of bassist and musical director Dan Lutz, drummer Jay Williams, and keyboardist Dennis Hamm.

The 2013 itinerary for Soul of Summer featuring Jonathan Butler, Sheila E. and Elan Trotman is:
May 25 / Carlsbad, CA San Diego Jazz Festival
Jully 10 / Detroit, MI Chene Park
July 17 / New York, NY Spirit Cruise Ship
July 20 / Norfolk, VA Norfolk Jazz Festival
July 27 / Temecula, CA Thornton Winery
August 2 / Austin, TX One World Theatre
August 3 / Houston, TX Houston International Jazz Festival
August 10 / Kettering, OH Festival of the Vine
August 11 / Richmond, VA Richmond Jazz Festival
Additional dates will be added, which will be posted at www.jonathanbutler.com.

NEW RELEASES - EDO CASTRO, JULIA HULSMANN QUARTET, GEORGE WINSTON

EDO CASTRO - SACRED GRAFFITI

The multi-faceted artistry of Bay Area bassist sensation and composer, Edo Castro, elevates the sounds that come from his unique, multi-stringed basses, both fretted and fretless, into a palate from which intricate compositions flow. Castro describes his newest release, Sacred Graffiti, as a tapestry of emotive impressions. "A musical Journal if you will," he explains, "In my day-to-day travels I've noticed what may be our modern day cave paintings - signs; scribbles on walls; imprints in the sidewalk; bumper stickers, etc. - all immersed within a cacophony of audible textures." These dynamic visuals have been given auditory life as Castro delivers intricate urban jazz arrangements interspersed with immersive soundscapes where the tangible tension between inner and outer worlds is encompassed by grace. Special guests - Mark Isham, David Friesen, Michael Manring, Dan Zinn, and Percy Jones, among others, join Castro on this endeavor. He offers this CD as his "Sacred Graffiti." ~ CD Universe

JULIA HULSMANN QUARTET - IN FULL VIEW

Pianist Julia Hülsmann's 2013 album, In Full View, is her third for ECM and her first with her quartet. The German-born Hülsmann usually works in a trio setting, but with In Full View she has expanded her sound, collaborating with British trumpeter Tom Arthurs. These are ruminative, long-form pieces that bring to mind the sound of such similarly inclined artists as pianist Keith Jarrett and trumpeter Kenny Wheeler. Hülsmann has a languid, harmonically rich approach to playing the piano that is beautifully offset by Arthurs' own investigative, somewhat plaintive improvisational style. Many of the tracks here, such as "Dunkel," "Richtung Osten," "Forgotten Poetry," and the quartet's fittingly brooding take on Leslie Feist's "The Water," mix classical and folk song-influenced melodies with expansive modal jazz forms that fit nicely into the ECM jazz tradition. ~ Matt Collar / CD Universe

GEORGE WINSTON - LINUS & LUCY THE MUSIC OF VINCE GUARALDI

Jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi created the classic soundtracks for the "Peanuts" television specials, and Linus and Lucy is George Winston's attempt to "help keep his musical legacy alive." Winston has been a Guaraldi fan since first hearing "Cast Your Fate to the Wind," which achieved hit status on early 1960s pop radio, and watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on television in 1965. On this solo-piano tribute, Winston works hard to stay true to Guaraldi's wide range of influences while bringing his own, distinct style to standards like "Linus & Lucy," which pays tribute to both classical music and boogie-woogie piano, and "The Great Pumpkin Waltz," with its strong jazz character. ... Full Description The true spirit of Guaraldi's music is alive and well on this album, captured in all its jubilance, humor and simplicity. Includes liner notes by George Winston and Jay Junker. Solo performer: George Winston (piano). ~ CD Universe

NEW RELEASES - TOMMY EMMANUEL / MARTIN TAYLOR, DAVID BINNEY, ZOE

TOMMY EMMANUEL / MARTIN TAYLOR - THE COLONEL & THE GOVERNOR

2013 collaboration between two world-class guitarists. While they are both serious "men of letters" with Tommy Emmanuel being an honorary Kentucky Colonel, a CGP (Certified Guitar Player), an Order of Australia Medalist (AM) and the holder of an honorary masters (MA) and Martin Taylor being an M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) and holder of two Honourary Doctorates, they honor each other affectionately with these titles. Both acoustic guitarists are leaders of music in their respective countries - Australia and the UK. Call it a British Commonwealth thing! Known for his complex finger-picking style, Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian guitarist who performs energetic concerts, and is highly regarded for the use of percussive effects on the guitar. Martin Taylor is a multi-award winning guitarist and Acoustic Guitar magazine calls him, "the acoustic guitarist of his generation." Taylor has invented and developed a way of playing the guitar that is admired, and often imitated by guitarists all over the world. ~ Amazon.com

DAVID BINNEY - LIFTED LAND   Lifted Land, David Binney's sixth recording for Criss Cross, is also his third wholly original program for the label (after Cities and Desire (CRC 1285) and Barefooted Town (CRC 1325). One of the most gripping and distinctive alto players and composers of his generation, Binney leads a powerfully expressive quartet with longtime allies Craig Taborn on piano and Eivind Opsvik on bass. Drummer Tyshawn Sorey, an acclaimed leader and composer in his own right, makes his first Criss Cross appearance here, in place of Binney's go-to drummer for previous releases, Dan Weiss. Binney's tunes are anthemic, evocative, highly precise and finely crafted and yet prepared to venture into the freest abstract terrain. Highlights include the hopeful lyricism of The Road to your House, the dynamic intensity of Curious About Texas, and the segues from structured themes to avant-gardish exploration on Losing the Central Valley, and the nearly 19 minute As Snow Before a Summer Sun. Always alert to his bandmates' every move, Binney offers one of the most ambitious and surprise-filled sessions of his career. ~ Amazon.com   ZOE - UNSTOPPABLE
  Since this multitalented group of musicians known as ZOÉ (pronounced z -AY) burst onto the smooth jazz scene cradled deep in the heart of Philadelphia, listeners have been captivated by their soulful sound fueled by smooth funk, R&B and pure entertainment. The group includes Reggie Harris (saxophonist), Cleveland Belin Jr. (keyboardist), David Ferebee (drummer), H. Maurice Fonville (bassist), and Bolivar Guadalupe (percussionist). This band of brothers , unified by optimum musicianship and sheer talent has poured their strength and soul into their latest compilation entitled Unstoppable . The feel good, high spirited, groovy and refreshing music of this CD reflects the best passion and joys of life. Enjoy every moment of this blend of ZOÉ s diverse musical styles, as Unstoppable comes together to create a wonderful and unique sound of its own. Whether dining with friends, cruising in your car, or just relaxing after a long hard day ZOÉ has something for your heart and soul.  ~ Amazon.com

HARRY NILSSON - THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTIONS - A DELUXE 17-CD BOX SET

The profound musical gifts of Harry Nilsson, an artist whose fans ranged from all four Beatles to the Monkees, Randy Newman , Keith Moon , Jimmy Webb , and dozens more, are on full display in THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION. This deluxe 17-CD box set will be available everywhere July 30 through RCA/Legacy.

THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION will be a must-have for Nilsson devotees, and a seductive lure for those whose awareness is limited to his Grammy Award®-winning versions of Badfinger's "Without You" (#1) and Fred Neil 's "Everybody's Talkin'" (a #6 hit from the soundtrack to Midnight Cowboy, 1969). Then there are the notable covers of his own songs by Three Dog Night ("One"), the Monkees ("Cuddly Toy"), the Yardbirds ("Ten Little Indians"), and Blood, Sweat & Tears ("Without Her"). Others will recall the duo of hits that appeared alongside "Without You" on 1971's Nilsson Schmilsson album, "Coconut" (#8) and "Jump Into The Fire." Finally, the playful "Me And My Arrow" (from the soundtrack of his animated film The Point!) and "Girlfriend" (theme of the early '70s sitcom The Courtship Of Eddie's Father) have their own coterie of admirers.

THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION presents the definitive 14 albums in Nilsson's RCA Records U.S. discography, from his 1967 debut Pandemonium Shadow Show (among whose high points are his takes on the Beatles' "You Can't Do That" and "She's Leaving Home") to his final album for the label in 1977, Knnillssonn. Bonus material on those albums add up to 65 tracks, of which 26 are previously unreleased. Adding to the box set's historical provenance are three newly-compiled CDs, Nilsson Sessions 1967-1968, Nilsson Sessions 1968-1971, and Nilsson Sessions 1971-1974, containing a total of 58 tracks, exactly half of which (29 tracks) are previously unreleased.

The 17 CDs contained in HARRY NILSSON – THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION are as follows:
•CD 1: Pandemonium Shadow Show (1967)
•CD 2: Aerial Ballet (1968)
•CD 3: HARRY (1969)
•CD 4: Nilsson Sings Newman (1970)
•CD 5: The Point! (1971)
•CD 6: Aerial Pandemonium Ballet (1971)
•CD 7: Nilsson Schmilsson (1971)
•CD 8: Son Of Schmilsson (1972)
•CD 9: A Little Touch Of Schmilsson In The Night (1973)
•CD 10: Pussy Cats (1974)
•CD 11: Duit On MON Dei (1975)
•CD 12: Sandman (1976)
•CD 13: . . . That's The Way It Is (1976)
•CD 14: KNNILLSSONN (1977)
•CD 15: NILSSON Sessions 1967–1968
•CD 16: NILSSON Sessions 1968–1971
•CD 17: NILSSON Sessions 1971–1974

THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION is the newest entry in Legacy's critically acclaimed and commercially successful Complete Album Collections series, introduced in 2011. The album catalogues of rock, pop, jazz, fusion, country, R&B, and classical artists from the Sony Music archives have been handsomely reissued in the series. In every case, each album in the box set is packaged in a replica mini-LP sleeve reproducing that LP's original front and back cover artwork. Where applicable, the albums in each box include the bonus tracks that have been released on the various expanded CD editions over the years. Booklets are included with each box set, containing new liner notes essays and complete discographical information, including sources for all bonus material.

In the case of Harry Nilsson 's THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION, extensive summaries of every album have been written by Andrew Sandoval , who compiled and produced the box set with Rob Santos of Legacy Recordings. Sandoval has previously worked on multiple reissue projects on Nilsson.

Within THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION, every one of Nilsson's 14 original albums is expanded with bonus material, starting with the first two, Pandemonium Shadow Show (1967) and Aerial Ballet (1968). On each of those, the full album sequence is presented in stereo, and then reprised in monaural sound. This marks the mono debuts of both programs in the digital era, and the first time they have been available in mono since their original releases 45-46 years ago, respectively. Aerial Ballet also adds a radio spot ad for the album as a bonus track, and with only a handful of exceptions, radio spots are then included for nearly every album in the box set.

Many of Nilsson's albums have been the subjects of expanded edition reissues over the years. 1970's 10-song Nilsson Sings Newman, for example, was reissued in 2000, as part of a Buddah Records series, and was expanded with an 11th song ("Snow") and alternate versions of four songs. In the same Buddah series of 1999-2000, 1971's Aerial Pandemonium Ballet added five bonus tracks, but this 2013 version ups the ante with newly-discovered Italian versions of five tunes, plus six tracks (four of which are full-length songs) documenting Nilsson's visit to the BBC's Saturday Club with compere Brian Matthew .

Likewise, there is the Buddah series expanded reissue of 1974's Pussy Cats, produced by John Lennon (who once told a journalist, "Nilsson's my favorite group") at studios in Los Angeles and Hollywood in March and April 1974. This was the very beginning of John's 18-month "Lost Weekend" hiatus from Yoko Ono , when May Pang rented a beach-front house in Santa Monica for John, Ringo, Nilsson, and Keith Moon (all of whom play on Pussy Cats). Listening to Pussy Cats, with its contributions by that all-star cast of "roommates" alongside Jim Keltner , Bobby Keys , Jesse Ed Davis , and others, and its freewheelin' versions of Jimmy Cliff 's "Many Rivers To Cross," Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues," Doc Pomus' "Save The Last Dance For Me," and the bonus tracks of the 1999 Buddah CD reissue, is a heady flashback to 1974.

The dozen swing era standards of 1973's A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night, from Irving Berlin 's "Always" and "What'll I Do," to Casablanca's evocative "As Times Goes By," could serve as a contemporary template for the likes of Michael Buble , Josh Groban , and Steve Tyrell . The orchestral sessions recorded in London were lushly arranged by veteran Gordon Jenkins (renowned for his long association with Frank Sinatra ). The LP also marked the debut of former Beatles press officer Derek Taylor as a producer. (It was Taylor who turned the Beatles on to Nilsson, when he gave them all copies of Pandemonium Shadow Show back in 1967). An entire album of completely different songs from the London sessions was issued by RCA Germany in 1988, A Touch More Schmilsson in the Night. Twenty-five years later in 2013, it provides six bonus tracks, among them "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows," Bob Hope 's "Thanks For The Memory," and two by Harold Arlen , "It's Only A Paper Moon" and "Over The Rainbow."

Throughout these expanded versions, there are a wealth of demos, single mixes, alternate versions, foreign language versions, radio advertisements, non-U.S. album rarities, and much more. These are put to excellent use on the three compilations entitled Nilsson Sessions (aka Sessions Schmessions). When he was first signed to RCA in early 1967, Nilsson's humble request was for an office where he could work on his songs. He often answered phone calls there, as many can attest. That office became his laboratory of sorts, and the 18 tracks on Nilsson Sessions 1967-1968 bear witness to his experiments.

The 14 previously unreleased tracks on Nilsson Sessions 1967-1968 begin with five demos taped for the Monkees: "1941," "World," "Signs," "Cuddly Toy" and "This Could Be The Night." There are three outtakes from his Pandemonium Shadow Show debut, "As I Wander Lonely," " Miss Butter 's Lament," and the previously unreleased "The Family." Early previously unreleased takes of the classics "One," "Together," "Bath," and "I Said Goodbye To Me" did not make the final cut for Aerial Ballet, and are heard here for the first time. Cover attempts of the Coasters' "Searchin'," the Addrisi Brothers' "She's Just Laughing At Me," and Procol Harum's "She Wandered Through The Garden Fence" were all scuttled. Finally, two rare, single-only tracks, "Sister Marie" and the Italian single "Leggenda" make their stereo debuts on Nilsson Sessions 1967-1968.

Nilsson Sessions 1968-1971 and Nilsson Sessions 1971-1974 carry on this unveiling of studio oddities, alternate versions, television rarities, etc. The box set's concluding 'souvenir' track is the previously unreleased ode to Tricky Dick, "Also Sprach Schmilsson Schmixon."

The release of THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION coincides with the July 18th arrival of Nilsson: The Life of a Singer-Songwriter by Alyn Shipton . Published by Oxford University Press, this is the first ever full-length biography of Nilsson, drawing on interviews with family, friends, and associates, plus material from Nilsson's unfinished autobiography. Shipton is a jazz critic for The Times in London, a jazz presenter on BBC radio, and an award-winning author of more than 20 books on music including Hi-De-Ho: The Life of Cab Calloway (2013), A New History of Jazz (2007), and Groovin' High: the Life of Dizzy Gillespie (2001). Shipton outlines Nilsson's fatherless childhood in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, through his teenage years in Los Angeles where he found his legs as a singer-songwriter, ultimately winding up at the epicenter of the music revolution that engulfed the world in the late 1960s.

Another essential source is the 2010 documentary film, Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talking About Him?). A labor of love by executive producer Lee Blackman , producer-writer-director John Scheinfeld , and producer David Leaf , the two-hour documentary is a detailed and authoritative portrait of Harry Nilsson . Film clips, home movies, family photographs, and other revelatory material is worked into interviews and footage starring Nilsson and his family, John Lennon , Yoko Ono , Ringo Starr , Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, Randy Newman , Dustin Hoffman , the Smothers Brothers, Jimmy Webb , Brian Wilson , Paul Williams , Robin Williams , Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle of Monty Python's Flying Circus, Stanley Dorfman of the BBC's Top Of the Pops and In Concert series, Al Kooper , Mark Hudson , Danny Hutton of Three Dog Night, and others. The film is available on DVD from Lorber Films.

"In their marriage of ten years, Nilsson and RCA were the archetypical odd couple," Sandoval writes. "He certainly was a talented beast: a prodigious songwriter, possessor of one of the most remarkable voices in popular music and a charming, intellectual wit. Through his music, Nilsson interpreted life and longing in a way few others have. . . Over some fourteen studio albums, [Nilsson and RCA] teamed for a musical aerial ballet. Nilsson did his song-and-dance on high while RCA held the safety net down below. The results were a genre-defying array of releases, no two alike in style or substance.

"This set represents nearly every recording Nilsson made under the RCA umbrella: remastered classic albums, alternate versions, single-only tracks, demos, foreign language one-offs, brilliance, whimsy, pathos and just a touch of sadness. This collection definitively documents Harry Nilsson 's gift to us all, a fearless feat of boundless creativity, direct from the center ring."

HARRY NILSSON – THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION
CD 1:
Pandemonium Shadow Show (originally released October 1967, as RCA 3874) Selections – Stereo: 1. Ten Little Indians • 2. 1941 • 3. Cuddly Toy • 4. She Sang Hymns Out Of Tune • 5. You Can't Do That • 6. Sleep Late, My Lady Friend • 7. She's Leaving Home • 8. There Will Never Be • 9. Without Her • 10. Freckles • 11. It's Been So Long • 12. River Deep – Mountain High • Selections – Mono: 13. Ten Little Indians (single 47-9298) • 14. 1941 • 15. Cuddly Toy • 16. She Sang Hymns Out Of Tune (single 47-9383) • 17. You Can't Do That (single 47-9298) • 18. Sleep Late, My Lady Friend • 19. She's Leaving Home • 20. There Will Never Be • 21. Without Her (single 47-9206) • 22. Freckles (single 47-9206) • 23. It's Been So Long • 24. River Deep – Mountain High (single 47-9383).

CD 2:
Aerial Ballet (originally released June 1968, as RCA 3956) Selections – Stereo: 1. Daddy's Song • 2. Good Old Desk • 3. Don't Leave Me • 4. Mr. Richland's Favorite Song • 5. Little Cowboy • 6. Together • 7. Everybody's Talkin' • 8. I Said Goodbye To Me • 9. Little Cowboy • 10. Mr. Tinker • 11. One • 12. The Wailing Of The Willow • 13. Bath • Selections – Mono: 14. Daddy's Song • 15. Good Old Desk • 16. Don't Leave Me (single 47-9544) • 17. Mr. Richland's Favorite Song • 18. Little Cowboy • 19. Together • 20. Everybody's Talkin' (single 47-9544 and 47-0161, Hot 100 #6) • 21. I Said Goodbye To Me • 22. Little Cowboy • 23. Mr. Tinker • 24. One (single 47-9462) • 25. The Wailing Of The Willow • 26. Bath • Bonus track: 27. Aerial Ballet radio spot (previously unreleased).

CD 3:
HARRY (originally released July 1969, as RCA 4197) Selections: 1. The Puppy Song • 2. Nobody Cares About The Railroads Anymore • 3. Open Your Window • 4. Mother Nature's Son • 5. Fairfax Rag • 6. City Life • 7. Mournin' Glory Story • 8. Maybe (single 74-0207) • 9. Marchin' Down Broadway (single 74-0207) • 10. I Guess The Lord Must Be In New York City (single 74-0261 and 74-0755 as " Buck Earl ," Hot 100 #34) • 11. Rainmaker • 12. Mr. Bojangles • 13. Simon Smith And His Amazing Dancing Bear • BONUS TRACKS: 14. I Will Take You There – single mix (single 47-9675) • 15. Waiting (from the motion picture Jenny) (single 74-0310) • 16. Rainmaker – single mix (single 47-9675) • 17. Mournin' Glory Story – single mix (UK single 1765, previously unissued on CD) • 18. Garbage Can Ballet – alternate version (previously unreleased) • 19. HARRY Radio Spot (previously unreleased) • 20. Voices Of Vista radio spots (previously unreleased).

CD 4:
Nilsson Sings Newman (originally released January 1970, as RCA 4289) Selections: 1. Vine St. • 2. Love Story • 3. Yellow Man (single 74-0336) • 4. Caroline (single 74-0336) • 5. Cowboy • 6. The Beehive State • 7. I'll Be Home (single 74-0310) • 8. Living Without You • 9. Dayton, Ohio 1903 • 10. So Long Dad • BONUS TRACKS: 11. Snow • 12. Love Story – alternate version • 13. Cowboy – alternate version • 14. I'll Be Home – alternate version • 15. Living Without You – alternate version. Tracks 11-15 first issued on Nilsson Sings Newman (Buddha CD 74465 99703 2, released 2000).

CD 5:
The Point! (originally released January 1971, as RCA 1003) Selections: 1. Everything's Got 'Em • 2. The Town – narration • 3. Me And My Arrow (single 74-0443 and promo single 45-248, Hot 100 #34) • 4. The Game – narration • 5. Poli High (promo single 45-248) • 6. The Trial And Banishment – narration • 7. Think About Your Troubles • 8. The Pointed Man – narration • 9. Life Line (promo single 45-248) • 10. The Birds – narration • 11. P.O.V. Waltz • 12. The Clearing In The Woods – narration • 13. Are You Sleeping? (single 74-0443) • 14. Oblio's Return – narration • BONUS TRACKS: 15. Think About Your Troubles – alternate version • 16. Life Line – alternate version • 17. Down To The Valley – alternate mix with extended ending • 18. I'll Never Leave You • 19. The Point! Travel Brochure radio spot with Bill Martin (previously unreleased). Tracks 15-18 first issued on The Point! (BMG Heritage CD 07863 65128 2, released 2002).

CD 6:
Aerial Pandemonium Ballet (originally released June 1971, as RCA 4543) Selections: 1. Introduction • 2. 1941 – slowed down track and remixed • 3. Daddy's Song – new vocals, guitar/piano out of sync • 4. Mr. Richland's Favorite Song – new background vocals and remixed • 5. Good Old Desk – slowed down track and remixed • 6. Everybody's Talkin' – dumped second voice and remixed • 7. Bath – re-eq'd original tacks • 8. River Deep–Mountain High – new vocals and remixed • 9. Sleep Late, My Lady Friend – remixed • 10. Don't Leave Me – remixed • 11. Without Her – new vocals and remixed • 12. Together – new vocals, edited out bridge and remixed • 13. One – remixed • 14. Closing • BONUS TRACKS: 15. You Can't Do That – remix (first issued on Aerial Pandemonium Ballet, Buddha CD 74465 99704 2, released 2000) • 16. It's Been So Long – Italian version (previously unreleased) • 17. Sleep Late, My Lady Friend – Italian version (previously unreleased) • 18. Without Her – Italian version (previously unreleased) • 19. Cuddly Toy – Italian version (previously unreleased) • 20. You Can't Do That – Italian version (previously unreleased) • 21. BBC Saturday Club introduction by Brian Matthew (previously unreleased) • 21. 1941 – Live on BBC's Saturday Club (previously unreleased) • 23. Mr. Richland's Favorite Song – Live on BBC's Saturday Club (previously unreleased) • 24. Nilsson talks with Brian Matthew (previously unreleased) • 25. Together – Live on BBC's Saturday Club (previously unreleased) • 26. Good Old Desk – Live on BBC's Saturday Club (previously unreleased) • 27. Aerial Pandemonium Ballet radio spot (previously unreleased).

CD 7:
Nilsson Schmilsson (originally released November 1971, as RCA 4515) Selections: 1. Gotta Get Up (single 74-0604) • 2. Driving Along • 3. Early In The Morning • 4. The Moonbeam Song (single 74-0673) • 5. Down (single 74-0718) • 6. Without You (single 74-0718, Hot 100 #1) • 7. Coconut (single 74-0604, Hot 100 #8) • 8. Let The Good Times Roll • 9. Jump Into The Fire • 10. I'll Never Leave You • BONUS TRACKS: 11. Si No Estas Tu – Spanish version Of "Without You" (Spain single 3-10693) • 12. How Can I Be Sure Of You • 13. The Moonbeam Song – demo • 14. Lamaze • 15. Old Forgotten Soldier – demo • 16. Gotta Get Up – alternate version • 17. Nilsson Schmilsson radio spots. Tracks 12-17 first issued on Nilsson Schmilsson (RCA/BMG Heritage CD 82876 57265 2, released 2004).

CD 8:
Son Of Schmilsson (originally released July 1972, as RCA 4717) Selections: 1. Take 54 • 2. Remember (Christmas) (single 74-0855 Hot 100 #53) • 3. Joy (single 74-0755 As " Buck Earl ") • 4. Turn On Your Radio (single 74-0788) • 5. You're Breakin' My Heart • 6. Spaceman (single 74-0788. Hot 100 #23) • 7. The Lottery Song (single 74-0855) • 8. At My Front Door • 9. Ambush • 10. I'd Rather Be Dead • 11. The Most Beautiful World In The World • BONUS TRACKS: 12. What's Your Sign? • 13. Take 54 – alternate • 14. Campo De Encino • 15. Daybreak – single version (single 0246, Hot 100 #39) • 16. It Had To Be You/I'd Rather Be Dead • 17. Son Of Schmilsson radio spot. Tracks 12-16 first issued on Son Of Schmilsson (RCA/Legacy CD 82876 78249 2, released 2006).

CD 9:
A Little Touch Of Schmilsson In The Night (originally released June 1973, as RCA 1-0097) Selections: 1. Lazy Moon • 2. For Me And My Gal • 3. It Had To Be You • 4. Always • 5. Makin' Whoopee! • 6. You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want To Do It) • 7. Lullaby In Ragtime (single 0039) • 8. I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now • 9. What'll I Do • 10. Nevertheless (I'm In Love With You) • 11. This Is All I Ask • 12. As Time Goes By • BONUS TRACKS: 13. I'm Always Chasing Rainbows • 14. Make Believe • 15. Trust In Me • 16. It's Only A Paper Moon • 17. Thanks For The Memory • 18. Over The Rainbow. Tracks 13-18 first issued on A Touch More Schmilsson In The Night (RCA Germany 90251, released 1988).

CD 10:
Pussy Cats (originally released August 1974, as RCA 0570) Selections: 1. Many Rivers To Cross (single 10001, Hot 100 #109) • 2. Subterranean Homesick Blues (single 10078) • 3. Don't Forget Me (single 10001 and 10139) • 4. All My Life • 5. Old Forgotten Soldier • 6. Save The Last Dance For Me • 7. Mucho Mungo/Mt. Elga (single 10078) • 8. Loop De Loop • 9. Black Sails • 10. Rock Around The Clock • BONUS TRACKS: 11. Down By The Sea • 12. The Flying Saucer Song • 13. Turn Out The Light • 14. Save The Last Dance For Me – alternate • 15. Don't Forget Me – demo • 16. Black Sails – demo • 17. Pussy Cats radio spots with Eddie Lawrence (previously unreleased). Tracks 11-16 first issued on Pussy Cats (Buddha CD 74465 99815 2, released 1999).

CD 11:
Duit On MON Dei (originally released March 1975, as RCA 0817) Selections: 1. Jesus Christ You 're Tall • 2. It's A Jungle Out There • 3. Down By The Sea • 4. Kojak Columbo (single 10183) • 5. Easier For Me • 6. Turn Out The Light (single 10183) • 7. Salmon Falls • 8. Puget Sound • 9. What's Your Sign? • 10. Home • 11. Good For God • BONUS TRACK: 12. Goin' Down – alternate (previously unreleased).

CD 12:
Sandman (originally released January 1976, as RCA 1031) Selections: 1. I'll Take A Tango • 2. Something True • 3. Pretty Soon There'll Be Nothing Left For Everybody • 4. The Ivy Covered Walls • 5. Here's Why I Did Not Go To Work Today • 6. The Flying Saucer Song • 7. How To Write A Song • 8. Jesus Christ You 're Tall • 9. Will She Miss Me? • BONUS TRACK: 10. A Tree Out In The Yard (Central Park) (previously unreleased).

CD 13:
. . . That's The Way It Is (originally released July 1976, as RCA 1119) Selections: 1. That Is All (single 10759) • 2. Just One Look /Baby I'm Yours – Harry Nilsson And Linda Laurence (single 10759) • 3. Moonshine Bandit (single 10634) • 4. I Need You • 5. A Thousand Miles Away • 6. Sail Away (single 10634) • 7. She Sits Down On Me • 8. Daylight Has Caught Me • 9. Zombie Jamboree (Back To Back) • 10. That Is All – Reprise • BONUS TRACK: 11. . . . That's The Way It Is radio spot (previously unreleased).

CD 14:
KNNILLSSONN (originally released 1977, as RCA 2276) Selections: 1. All I Think About Is You (single 11144) • 2. I Never Thought I'd Get This Lonely (single 11144) • 3. Who Done It? (single 11059) • 4. Lean On Me • 5. Goin' Down • 6. Old Bones • 7. Sweet Surrender • 8. Blanket For A Sail • 9. Laughin' Man • 10. Perfect Day • BONUS TRACKS: 11. Ain't It Kinda Wonderful (from the motion picture The World's Greatest Lover) (single 11193) (first issued on The World's Greatest Lover: Original Soundtrack Recording, RCA Red Seal 2709, released 1978) • 12. Sweet Lorraine – Harry Nilsson And Dr. John (previously unreleased) • 13. Shuffle Off To Buffalo (previously unreleased) • 14. Ballin' The Jack – Harry Nilsson And Dr. John (previously unreleased) • 15. All I Think About Is You – demo, Harry Nilsson And Dr. John (previously unreleased) • 16. KNNILLSSONN radio spot (previously unreleased).

CD 15:
NILSSON Sessions 1967–1968 – Selections: 1. 1941 – demo (previously unreleased) • 2. World – demo (previously unreleased) • 3. Signs – demo (previously unreleased) • 4. Cuddly Toy – demo (previously unreleased) • 5. This Could Be The Night – demo (first issued on Perfect Day: The Songs Of Harry Nilsson 1971–1993, Retro Active Promo CD 006, released 2006) • 6. As I Wander Lonely • 7. The Family (previously unreleased) • 8. Miss Butter 's Lament • 9. Mr. Tinker – alternate version (previously unreleased) • 10. Leggenda (Italian Single 1658) • 11. Sister Marie (previously unreleased stereo remix) • 12. She Wandered Through The Garden Fence (previously unreleased) • 13. One – alternate version (previously unreleased) • 14. I Said Goodbye To Me – alternate version (previously unreleased) • 15. Searchin' (previously unreleased) • 16. She's Just Laughing At Me (previously unreleased) • 17. Together – alternate version (previously unreleased) • 18. Bath – alternate version (previously unreleased).

Tracks 6 & 8 first issued on Personal Best: The Harry Nilsson Anthology (RCA CD 07863 66354 2, released 1995). Tracks 1-16 recorded 1967; tracks 17-18 recorded 1968.

CD 16:
NILSSON Sessions 1968–1971 – Selections: 1. You Are Here (previously unreleased) • 2. The Cast And Crew • 3. Garbage Can Ballet • 4. I Will Take You There • 5. Girlfriend (theme from The Courtship Of Eddie's Father) • 6. Wasting My Time – alternate mix (previously unreleased) • 7. Rainmaker – alternate version (previously unreleased) • 8. Open Your Window – alternate take (previously unreleased) • 9. Postcard (previously unreleased) • 10. Think About Your Troubles – alternate version (previously unreleased) • 11. Marry Me A Little (previously unreleased) • 12. Ballin' The Jack (previously unreleased) • 13. Gotta Get Up – demo (previously unreleased) • 14. Down To The Valley - single mix (single 74-0362) • 15. Buy My Album - single mix (single 74-0362) • 16. Joy – alternate version • 17. Blackbird (previously unreleased) • 18. Paradise (previously unreleased) • 19. Lucille (previously unreleased) • 20. Early In The Morning – alternate version.

Tracks 2-4 first issued on Skidoo – Original Soundtrack Recording, RCA 1152, released 1968. Track 5 first issued on Personal Best: The Harry Nilsson Anthology (RCA CD 07863 66354 2, released 1995).
Tracks 16 & 20 first issued on Aerial Pandemonium Ballet (Buddha CD 74465 99704 2, released 2000).
Tracks 1-8 recorded 1968; tracks 9-11 recorded 1969; tracks 12-17 recorded 1970; tracks 18-20 recorded 1971.

CD 17:
NILSSON Sessions 1971–1974 – Selections: 1. Walk Right Back • 2. Jump Into The Fire – alternate version (previously unreleased) • 3. Isolation • 4. Without You – demo • 5. Driving Along – demo • 6. Gotta Get Up – demo • 7. Coconut – demo • 8. Old Forgotten Soldier – alternate demo • 9. Down – demo • 10. The Moonbeam Song – alternate demo • 11. Jump Into the Fire – single version (single 74-0673, Hot 100 #27) • 12. Per Chi – Italian Version Of "Without You" (single 74-0673) • 13. Joy – guitar demo • 14. Joy – piano demo • 15. You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want To Do It) – alternate version • 16. Lullaby In Ragtime – alternate version • 17. Always – alternate version • 18. It Had To Be You – alternate version • 19. I Want You To Sit On My Face (previously unreleased) • 20. A Souvenir – Also Sprach Schmilsson Schmixon (previously unreleased).

Tracks 1 & 3 first issued on Aerial Pandemonium Ballet (Buddha CD 74465 99704 2, released 2000).
Tracks 4-10 first issued on Nilsson Schmilsson (UK Camden Deluxe CD 74321 75742 2, released 2000).
Tracks 13 & 14 first issued on Son Of Schmilsson (UK Camden Deluxe CD 74321 75746 2, released 2000). Tracks 15-18 first issued on A Touch More Schmilsson In The Night (RCA Germany 90251, released 1988). Tracks 1-12 recorded 1971; tracks 13 & 14 recorded 1972; tracks 15-19 recorded 1973; track 20 recorded 1974.

(Note: THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION does not include Nilsson's 1974 album, Son Of Dracula, because it merely adds film dialogue and incidental cues to tracks from Nilsson Schmilsson and Son of Schmilsson.)

~ Legacy Recordings

NEW RELEASES - SHEREE BROWN, HOT 8 BRASS BAND, JAGA JAZZIST

SHEREE BROWN - MESSAGES FROM THE HEART...AN EXTENSION OF LOVE

A positive, powerful set from the always-great Sheree Brown – a new recording, but one that sparkles just as much as her rare classics for Capitol Records at the start of the 80s! Like those gems, there's a blend of jazz and soul here that's really wonderful – a special sound that puts Sheree in the rare company of artists like Minnie Riperton or Patrice Rushen – able to embrace so many ideas at once, and turn them into a rich new groove of her own! Rushen actually helps out a bit on the record, as does Leon Ware – although the main production credits go to Brown herself, who only seems to have stepped up her game in these recent years. Great proof that the great ones still keep on keepin on, if given the chance – with titles that include "Messages From The Heart", "Time For The Party", "Just A Simple Love", "I Think I'm Gonna Pray", "Getting Started", "We Can Chance The World", and a bonus version of Minnie Riperton's "Inside My Love". ~ Dusty Groove

HOT 8 BRASS BAND - TOMBSTONE

These guys just keep getting better and better with each new record – really transforming the older sound of New Orleans into a rich new groove – one that's not just jazz, street music, or conventional brass band – but a really unique hybrid of all those modes and more! The album begins with a great intro piece, spoken by Big Al over grooves from the group – who then really let loose on the album's instrumental tracks that follow – mixing melody and rhythm effortlessly with their work on horns and percussion, and coming across with a style that's even funkier than before – further proof that their placement on the Tru Thoughts album is a mighty good thing! Titles include "Shot Gun Joe", "Tombstone Intro", "We Goin Make It", "Big Girl", "Take It To The House", and "Milwaukee Fat". ~ Dusty Groove

JAGA JAZZIST - JAGA JAZZIST LIVE WITH BRITTEN SINFONIA

The often cinematic sounds of Jaga Jazzist, given an extra orchestral sweep – working beautifully well with the Britten Sinfonia chamber orchestra! It's a match made in jazzy, proggy, soundtracky heaven. Jaga Jazzist has a sprawling sound even at their core – with soul jazz, prog and contemporary club sounds delivered in a way that's brilliantly unique to the group – so surely stands to reason that they could adapt quite brilliantly in a grander concert environment. Well, it's even greater than you'd expect! The guitar, vibes, percussion, horns, synth and piano of Jaga Jazzist is complemented beautifully by Britten Sinfonia's strings, flutes, clarinets, bassoon and additional horns and percussion. Includes the slow-building, epic 15+ minute opener "One-Armed Bandit", plus sweet symphonic takes on "Kitty Wu", "Prungen", "For All You Happy People", "Toccata", "Bananfluer Overalt", "Music! Dance! Drama!" and "Oslo Skyline". Recorded at Rockefeller Music Hall in Oslo and at the Baribican in London in fall and summer 2012. ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - MILTON NASCIMENTO, NARA LEAO, MATUTO

MILTON NASCIMENTO - COLECAO MILTON NASCIMENTO (20 CD BOX SET)

Every great album from Milton Nascimento – packaged here together in one sweet little set – and all done as cool special sets that contain individual book-style jackets too! The style is amazing – better than any other Brazilian box set like this we've seen – with each individual album done like one of the Abril Cultural book and CD sets – a hardcover case, lots of pages inside, with a wealth of notes and photos – plus all the essential music that makes these records so wonderful! The set begins with Nascimento's earliest albums – and runs through his excellent work for EMI/Odeon in the 70s – and even includes some great 80s albums too. Includes the full albums Milton Nascimento (1967), "Milton Nascimento (1969), Milton (1970), Courage, Clube Da Esquina, Milagre Dos Peixes, Milagre Dos Piexes Ao Vivo, Minas, Geraes, Cacador De Mim, Journey To Dawn, Milton (1976), Sentinela, Milton Nascimento Ao Vivo, Missa Dos Quilombos, A Barca Dos Amantes, Encontros E Espedidas, Anima, and Clube Da Esquina 2. (PLEASE NOTE: These outer boxes have split seams on one end. Easily fixable with glue, but the price has been reduced to account for this. CDs inside are in perfect shape!!) ~ Dusty Groove

NARA LEAO - SAMBA, FESTIVAL & TROPICALIA (14 CD BOX SET)

Amazing music from Nara Leao – all of her classic albums for Philips from the 60s, packaged together in one sweet set – along with a bonus 2CD set of rare material, a booklet, and lots of bonus tracks as well! Nara during this time was a completely unique singer – an artist with roots in bossa, but inflected with a folksy depth, and more than enough sophistication to help make her a key figure in the Tropicalia movement as well! This package brings together everything that makes Leao so wonderful – dark albums from the mid 60s that really set a whole new tone for MPB – a few live performances that show Nara's collaborative and spontaneous side, and some important late 60s material that already show a tremendous evolution as an artist. Each album is in its original artwork, with bonus tracks on individual CDs – and albums include Nara (1964), Opiniao De Nara, O Canto Livre De Nara, Show Opiniao, 5 Na Bossa, Liberdade Liberdade, Nara Pede Passagem, Manha de Liberdade, Vento De Maio, Nara (1967), Nara Leao (1968), and Coisas Do Mundo. Plus, the bonus 2CD set features lots of obscure cuts from singles and other unusual sources – 33 more numbers that include duets with Maria Bethania, Chico Buarque, Quinteto Violado, and Fagner – and lots of other solo tracks too. ~ Dusty Groove

MATUTO - THE DEVIL & THE DIAMOND

A compelling combination of Brazilian forro and jazz, with a touch of American roots thrown in for good measure – all served up in a style that's pretty darn unique! Bold accordion lines are at the lead on most numbers – much more Brazilian than any sort of US or European use of the instrument, and peppered with a nice degree of percussion to create snapping rhythms that move things forward nicely. Yet there's also a bit of fiddle too, mixed with some of the vocals that underscore a much more American approach to songwriting – partly from the themes, and partly from the English language of the tracks. A few of the tunes definitely push this roots agenda a bit more strongly, and emphasize guitar more as well – yet there's also some great cavaquinho work on the album to balance out the Brazilian elements. Titles include "Toco O Sino", "Demon Chopper", "Sun Song", "Drag Me Down", "Horse Eat Corn", and "The Way I Love You". ~ Dusty Groove

NATALIE COLE'S 25TH ALBUM - NATALIE COLE EN ESPANOL FEATURING SPECIAL GUESTS JUAN LUIS GUERRA & ANDREA BOCELLI

Multiple GRAMMY Award-winner Natalie Cole 's first Spanish-language album, " Natalie Cole en Espanol" will be released June 25 on Verve/Universal. The album finds Natalie personally inspired by both the bilingual recording legacy of her father Nat King Cole , and a growing passion for the timeless romanticism of the great Latin music composers. Produced by Rudy Perez ("Latin Music Producer Of The Decade" – Billboard), " Natalie Cole en Espanol" will reintroduce a new generation of fans to many of Latin Music's most romantic standards – with both new interpretations of Spanish-language classics previously recorded by Nat King Cole , and Natalie's own personal selections of songs that have touched her heart and make this album truly her own. This wonderful balance of both old and new classics is perfectly illustrated by the special vocal collaborations that highlight the album, with Natalie joining Juan Luis Guerra on the Dominican Maestro's own "Bachata Rosa," while looking further back with Andrea Bocelli on the eternal "Besame Mucho." But without question, the most emotional pairing of the album finds Natalie joining her father in a heartfelt duet of "Acercate Mas" (Come Closer to Me) - utilizing the same technique as their Grammy winning, globally multi-platinum recording of "Unforgettable."

From a historical perspective, it is difficult to overstate Nat King Cole 's cultural importance, not only as a world-class singer, multi-million selling recording artist and extraordinary pianist, but also as a pioneer for racial equality. Nat was the era's most successful recording artist on Capitol Records, which became known throughout the music industry as "The House That Nat Built." Through the sheer understated elegance of his music, he gained acceptance in all strata of society. In the 1940's, Cole became the first black performer to have his own regular radio show, and that pioneering role as host expanded to television when "The Nat King Cole Show " made its debut on NBC in 1956. But even with such success, the battle for equality continued both in the United States and abroad, which Cole discovered that same year when he was contracted for an appearance in Cuba - only to be told he could perform at, but not stay overnight, in the famed Hotel Nacional.

Notwithstanding that initial reception, Nat became enamored of the musical spirit he discovered in Cuba while working with top-flight Latin artists like Bebo Valdes , and soon after - encouraged by his manager Carlos Gastel - Cole made the pioneering decision to become the first American superstar to record an entire album of Spanish standards. Recorded between Cuba and Los Angeles, and released in 1958, " Cole Espanol " was quickly embraced by Spanish speaking music fans across the world, who appreciated Cole's outreach in their own language while creating a fusion of Latin rhythm with the feel of the Great American Songbook. Global reaction to Cole's entry into Spanish-language recording was so strong, that additional recording sessions took place in Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City in ensuing years - resulting in the subsequent release of "A Mis Amigos" (1959) and "More Cole Espanol " (1962). Now, over 50 years later and counting, Nat King Cole is widely embraced across Latin America as an ahead-of-his time cultural ambassador, and a musical memorial to his legacy (consisting of a Jukebox of his music and bust of his likeness) now resides on that very same ground of initial adversity in the Hotel Nacional.

Growing up, Natalie Cole was well aware of this aspect of her father's career and now, as she returns with her first new album following her remarkable recovery from a kidney transplant (detailed in the heartfelt 2010 memoir "Love Brought Me Back: A Journey of Loss and Gain"), she has found a deeper appreciation of those groundbreaking recordings and a desire to further extend her family's commitment to bilingual music. Inspired by both a strong bond recently forged with the Latino family of her kidney donor, and the historical knowledge and passion of award-winning producer Rudy Perez , Natalie has meticulously crafted " Natalie Cole en Espanol" as a lush and captivating tribute to Latin Music's legendary composers and their most romantic songs.

"Natalie Cole en Espanol" - Track Listing
01. Frenesi
02. Voy a Apagar La Luz/Contigo Aprendi
03. Acercate Mas (w/Nat King Cole)
04. Manana De Carnaval
05. Besame Mucho (w/Andrea Bocelli)
06. Quizas, Quizas, Quizas
07. Solamente Una Vez
08. Oye Como Va (Medley)
09. Yo Lo Amo (And I Love Him)
10. El Dia Que Me Quieras
11. Bachata Rosa (w/ Juan Luis Guerra)
12. Amapola

~ Verve Music

LAWSON ROLLINS - FULL CIRCLE

Having traversed the world in search of intriguing sounds from virtually every corner of the globe with his beloved Spanish guitar en tow, Lawson Rollins has come full circle on his aptly titled fourth solo album, “Full Circle,” which will be released July 16th by his Infinita Records. Adopting a “less can be more” philosophy on the twelve new songs that he composed allows the focus to be on Rollins’ captivating melodies and dexterous fretwork that unfold over worldbeat rhythms and multicultural instrumentation. Radio listeners will be introduced to the collection Rollins produced with multi-platinum producer Dominic Camardella (Ottmar Liebert, Flora Purim, 3rd Force) when the first single, “Momentum,” is shipped to stations in June.

Just as he has on his previous releases, Rollins entered the recording studio with Camardella (keyboards, piano) and a gifted ensemble comprised of Grammy-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat, bassist Randy Tico, percussionist Dave Bryant and saxophonist/flutist Richard Hardy. Rollins plays classical, flamenco and electric guitars on “Full Circle” along with keyboards and drum programming. The multilingual etchings of the erudite guitarist fluctuate in tone and speed. Rooting the compositions in sparser settings than utilized on his earlier albums (“Elevation,” “Espirito” and “Infinita”), the storytelling guitarist spins enthralling escapades with his six-string that are the focal point of the sonicscapes. Rollins relishes the challenge of presenting material masterfully performed as audacious amalgams constructed of mesmerizing melodies and exotic rhythms mined from Afro-Cuban rumba, bossa nova, samba, mystical Middle Eastern, tango, reggae, rock, classical and jazz.

Each cut was thoughtfully crafted resulting in numerous highlights on the disc. “Momentum” rides a relentless rumba-flavored groove seasoned with a hint of Japanese folk music along a marching motion of melody. The rumba party continues on “Pursuit,” which incorporates an Appalachian fiddle motif to the thrilling chase. “Flight” and “Bloom” romance by way of sultry bossa nova ambiances and a pristine nylon guitar sound. The title cut recalls Rollins earlier work as a member of Young & Rollins (2000-2006) with an updated approach to the salsa stylings. “Gone From Here” is a sprawling rumba meets rock stroll on which Rollins makes a rare pronouncement on electric guitar. Another diverse number that Rollins refers to as a “journey piece” because of its deviation from the typical song structure, “Shifting Seasons” is like 4 songs in one song that melds folk, Asian elements, rumba and bolero rhythms.

“’Full Circle’ is somewhat of a return to my roots in a sense, with the focus shifting to a sound that is more centered and grounded in the instrument I know best - the nylon string Spanish guitar. I was determined and indeed excited to create a cohesive, guitar-focused album. I had to reign in my instinct to apply layer upon layer of sound to any given track. That's not to say that ‘Full Circle’ does not have some adventurous musical rides, but the heart of the album can be found in concise musical statements. Woven throughout the fabric of the recordings is the constant thread of the guitar. ‘Full Circle’ is perhaps the most accurate, pointed expression of my guitar style and approach to melody and songcraft to date,” said the San Francisco-based Rollins.

Rollins has generated over 7.5 million YouTube views, an extraordinarily high number for an instrumentalist in his genre. Over 6 million views came from the release of three astonishing performance clips – “The Fire Cadenza,” “Santa Ana Wind” and “Locomotion” – with the balance comprised of fans posting videos of their own attempts to replicate his astoundingly prodigious techniques. Rollins scored a #1 radio single at Billboard with “Moonlight Samba” from the “Espirito” album in addition to collecting several Top 30 contemporary jazz radio hits. Last year, he guest hosted a national radio program on Sirius XM and was profiled in Guitar Player magazine, which marveled “He possesses ungodly classical chops, with dazzling speed, uncanny accuracy, and a beautifully delicate touch.”

The songs contained on Rollins’ “Full Circle” album are:
“Momentum”
“Point of Attraction”
“Pursuit”
“Flight”
“Horizon”
“Bloom”
“Full Circle”
“Serpent’s Tale”
“The Offering”
“Gone From Here”
“Shifting Seasons”
“Promise”