NEW RELEASES - MARCUS PRINTUP, BOOKER T, ANDY BEY

MARCUS PRINTUP - DESIRE

A really lyrical set from trumpeter Marcus Printup – done in close collaboration with harpist (and wife) Riza Printup – a player who gives the record a really unique sort of sound! Riza doesn't pluck her instrument as much as other jazz harpists – such as Dorothy Ashby – and instead, she often uses the harp to bring these rich waves of sound to the album – augmenting sounds from Printup's trumpet, and the bass of Ben Williams and drums of EJ Strickland – creating a quality that's really fresh, and which seems to suit all the warm tones of Marcus' horn in a really great way. Things are never cheesy at all, but hit this evocative sound that really goes beyond any expectations you might have – on titles that include "Bee Dub Blues", "Rebirth", "Along The Way", "El Gato Travieso", "One Note Samba", and "Visions". ~ Dusty Groove

BOOKER T - I WANT YOU
An early 80s gem from Booker T – and continuing proof that he made some mighty nice music after he split from the MGs! This set's got Book grooving in a sweet Cali mode all the way through – a vibe that's warm, yet never sleepy at all – and blended with just the right touches of funk and jazz to keep things hip, and give the album way more depth than you might expect! There's some surprising fusion touches at times, but the album always has a great focus – and if anything, reminds us of some of the best soul sides on Capitol Records of the time – particularly those influenced by earlier funk on Blue Note. Booker handles vocals, keyboards, and guitar – plus most of the arrangements too – and the album's got a sweet stepping groove that's mighty nice all the way through! Titles include "I Want You", "Treasure Chest", "Don't Stop Your Love", "Electric Lady", "You're The Best", and "I Came To Love You". CD features bonus tracks – "Don't Stop Your Love (ext)" and "I Want You (single)". ~ Dusty Groove

ANDY BEY - THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ANDY BEY

The world of Andy Bey is a great place to be – a special strain of jazz vocals that are unlike anything any other singer has ever given us – and which continue to be a delight, even in Andy's later years! This beautiful set has a deeply personal feel – just piano and vocals from the elder Bey, delivered with a sensitivity that even goes beyond his famous work with his sisters, or his righteous 70s sides with Horace Silver and Gary Bartz! The approach is gentler here, yet surprisingly powerful – and Andy's really discovered how to to more with less – carefully phrasing the tunes and delivering them with a mature quality that's breathtaking. The tunes are a mix of standards and more obscure numbers – showing Bey's continuing ear for sounds around the edges – and titles include "Dissertation On The State Of Bliss", "There's So Many Ways To Approach The Blues", "The Morning After", "Being Part Of What's Happening Now", "The Demons Are After You", and "Dedicated To Miles". ~ Dusty Groove

BILLY COBHAM'S UNRELEASED ALBUM FROM 1997 - COMPASS POINT - FINALLY RELEASED

In 1997, legendary jazz/fusion drummer Billy Cobham flew to New Providence in the Bahamas for a series of performances at the world famous Compass Point Hotel. Joined by his stellar jazz quartet including guitarist Carl Orr, keyboardist Gary Husband, and bassist Stefan Rademacher, the group recorded a set of all new compositions and improvisations. However, plagued by a series of troublesome events, the recordings remained on the shelf unheard by the general public – until now! The 2-CD set, entitled 'Compass Point', was released June 18 on Purple Pyramid Records.

Though the tropical setting proved idyllic, the hurdles the band had to overcome in making these recordings a reality were formidable. Storms hovered on the horizon threatening to overtake them, the stage that placed the band over the resort pools had yet to be built mere hours from showtime, and the only piano tuner in town had that very day quit the business because he had just won the lottery! Despite these setbacks, the band played magnificently, laying down an accomplished set of jazz/fusion pieces that run from the energetic yet haunting “Fragolino” to the smooth shuffle of “Les Cocos.”

Billy Cobham reflects, “All in all, the experience was genuinely a positive one and will live forever in my memories as one of the milestones in my musical career.”

And what an amazing career Billy Cobham has had. From his auspicious start in the late ‘60s touring and recording with the great Miles Davis to his groundbreaking work with John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra in the early ‘70s, Cobham built a reputation for complex and soulful drumming. But it wasn’t until 1973 and the release of his first solo album 'Spectrum' that he took the title of jazz fusion’s preeminent drummer with a style and technique all his own, one that has been a major influence on drummers worldwide ever since.

http://www.billycobham.com

THE GREG ABATE QUINTET FEATURED THIS WEEK ON THE JAZZ NETWORK WORLDWIDE

Featured This Week On The Jazz Network Worldwide Saxophonist Greg Abate Shares His New Release “The Greg Abate Quintet” ~ Featuring Phil Woods


International jazz recording artist Greg Abate celebrates the musical collaboration with long time friend Phil Woods on his new release “The Greg Abate Quintet” on Rhombus Records.

Greg Abate is known world over. His talent encompasses so many musical variables and has played and shared stages with the best in jazz. To date he has over 12 recordings in his music catalogue. Greg’s latest recording lies close to his heart for he was honored to collaborate with jazz legend saxophonist Phil Woods. The other musicians on the set are Jesse Green on piano, Evan Gregor on bass and Bill Goodwin on drums. Abate is widely considered among jazz writers and aficionados to be one of the best post bebop alto saxophonists out there today.

“I sleep a lot better knowing there are alto players like Greg! It was a joy to make music with him and he writes good songs that are challenging” says Phil Woods

“The Jazz Network Worldwide is happy to have the chance to share grammy nominated Greg Abate’s new recording with the jazz marketplace, for the coupling of these two legends along with this cohesive trio is pure magic to your ears, no wonder Downbeat gave it four stars” says Jaijai Jackson, creator of The Jazz Network Worldwide social network. Downbeat has given his new recording four stars!

“Multi-saxophonist Greg Abate is a prime example of the ‘rear back and blow’ school of contemporary bop-based players. The tunes he writes or chooses are based on the kinds of changes that harmony-oriented jazzmen have favored since the beginning and he swings through them with and eager and easy virtuosity” says David Franklin, Jazz Times Magazine

Abate is a year round traveler, touring all over the world playing Jazz Festivals, Jazz Societies and Jazz Clubs. Greg is also an adjunct professor of Jazz Studies at Rhode Island College and is also a very active jazz clinician with sponsorship from the Conn -Selmer Instrument Co., conducting workshops and master classes through the U.S and abroad.

“My feature on The Jazz Network Worldwide will be beneficial in creating more visibility to non-exclusive agents globally as well as Jazz festivals in the states and abroad” says Abate. “I want to continue to bring my music to the masses and through my latest recording, I know that it will bring new found relationships with entertainment buyers worldwide”.

Greg’s upcoming tour July 5th - 24th will be all through England. For tour dates, bookings and purchasing “The Greg Abate Quintet” featuring Phil Woods go to www.gregabate.com.

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

LAURA AINSWORTH - NECESSARY EVIL

With the release of Laura Ainsworth's new CD, "Necessary Evil" (Eclectus Records), critics are asking, "Where has she been hiding?!" She laughs, "I was all over the radio. It's just that nobody mentioned my name until now." Ms Ainsworth is a behind-the-scenes radio star whose parody songs such as "Santa Baby (Help Me Through Recession Tonight)" at www.lauraainsworth.com are heard worldwide, most recently on longtime fan Mike Huckabee's national radio show. But her comedy songs are usually played without crediting the artist.

Few of her radio clients knew that Ms Ainsworth also has a serious musical career. The stunning redhead dons glittery gowns and long satin gloves and revitalizes the music she grew up loving as the daughter of late, legendary big band musician, Billy Ainsworth. Ms Ainsworth recalls, "My dad was playing sax behind Frank Sinatra at 17. I grew up watching him accompany my idols, like Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett. As a child, I remember thinking, 'That's what I want to do!' I didn't realize that even then, hardly anybody was doing that anymore."

There's now a growing scene of artists replicating vintage music, but Ms Ainsworth is not a museum curator. She calls her style "nu-vintage." With her partner, jazz piano master Brian Piper, she reinvents songs from the 1920s to today, mixing in jazz, retro pop, lounge, bop, and the high-style elegance of the great mid-century Vegas performers she grew up worshiping. In the '50s, Sinatra and Fitzgerald put their stamp on decades-old songs and created definitive new versions. Likewise, Ms Ainsworth brings her own twists to her unique song choices. In her hands, the rinky-tink '30s tune "One More Time" becomes achingly seductive, while the '40s standard "Out of This World" transforms into an intoxicating blend of '50s exotica and modern world jazz. Her new album, "Necessary Evil," even features a brand new big band swing number, "Last Train to Mercerville," whose clever lyric weaves together dozens of titles by her favorite songwriter, Johnny Mercer.

Her 2011 debut album had critics raving about her "satiny, impossibly old-fashioned voice." Now, "Necessary Evil" has upped the ante, drawing comparisons to the classic Capitol and Verve albums of the '50s. Reviewers marvel that it's as if Peggy Lee or Julie London were making new music in 2013. "Necessary Evil" has been called "brilliant," goosebump-inducing, and the kind of album Mae West and Jay Gatsby would uncork champagne to. She's again enjoying worldwide radio play, only this time, DJs are actually mentioning her name. Eric Harabadian in the prestigious Jazz Inside magazine even declared, "You can keep all those pop divas. The only one for me is Laura Ainsworth."

All the sudden praise and attention is a bit overwhelming for an artist who's used to working behind the scenes. But it's especially gratifying for a very personal reason. Ms Ainsworth says, "I wish my dad were here to see that even after rock, rap and grunge, the sophisticated, romantic music he helped create is still alive and growing. I hope he'd be proud that I'm moving his classic jazz and big band sounds into the 21st century."

~ Eclectus Records

AZYMUTH - AURORA REMIXES + ORIGINALS

This new album contains previously unreleased and vinyl-only remixes and re-edits of Azymoth's "Aurora" by some of dance music's stalwarts such as 4Hero, Ashley Beedle and Zeb Bias.  The CD contains a bonus disc with the full-lengh "Auora" album.

Disc 1: Far Out specially commissioned this electrifying selection of remixes and re-edits from a host of today’s most in-demand producers to pay homage to these now classic cuts laid down by the masters of ‘Samba Doido’ (Crazy Samba). All having been heavily influenced by Azymuth's historical career at the forefront of Brazilian Jazz funk taken global, this disc presents the heart and soul of Rio's favourite sons, reworked and reignited by the imaginations of a generation of artists they had such a huge effect on. A fitting tribute to these true legends of Brazilian music.

Disc 2: Returning to their unique sound, this Bonus recording was originally released in 2011 to celebrate over 35 years of Azymuth as “arguably the most successful band to come out of Brazil”. The signature swing samba is heavier than ever with a string of unforgettable tunes, from dance-floor fillers and lush jazz to hard, grooving samba funk and warped psychedelia. Together the original three piece Azymuth orchestra has made their strongest album since the seminal recordings ‘Azimuth’ and ‘Light as a Feather’. Discover why musicians as diverse as Friendly Fires and Madlib are addicted to this innovative boogie monster.

Azymuth Aurora Remixes + Originals Track Listing:
Aurora (4 Hero Remix)
In My Treehouse (Harvey 'We Are the Horseman' Remix)
Ta Nessa Ainda Bicho? (Mad Slinky 'Heavy Up' Remix)
Isso É Partido Alto (MODE Remix)
Carnaval Legrande (Opolopo Remix)
Diz No Pe (Kirk Degiorgio Remix)
Meu Mengo (Mark E Remix)
Crazy Clock (LTJ Remix)
Que Bom Remix (Paul White Remix)
E Mulher (Ashley Beadle 'Afrikan On Marz' Remix)
Ta Nessa Ainda Bicho? (Zed Bias '4x4' Remix)
Aurora
In My Treehouse
Tá Nessa Ainda Bicho?
Isso É Partido Alto
Carnival le Grande
Diz No Pé
Meu Mengô
Crazy Clock
Que Bom
É Mulher
In My Treehouse (Prelude 1)
In My Treehouse (Prelude 2)

~ Far Out

MARCOS VALLE - ESTATICA

Valle’s fourth original recording for Far Out – features standout compositions including the instant classic ‘Vamos Sambar’, the infectious jazz of ‘Baião Maracatú’, and the stunning duets and brass of ‘Papo De Maluco’. Valle’s soft scatting on the floaty ‘Arranca Toco’; cinematic orchestral ‘Novo Acorde’; and rich psych incidentals show that Valle is as creatively inspired – by Rio, music, and a lifetime of travel touring the globe – as he ever was as the original Ipanema beach poet. Produced by Daniel Maunick (son of Bluey, Incognito); recorded, mixed, and co- produced by David Brinkworth (Harmonic 33); and with Marcos’ unparalleled arrangements, aided by horn and string arrangements by Jesse Sedoc Vocals, Valle is brought back with a widescreen bang.

One of the second-wave of early bossa nova composers, following in the footsteps of Gilberto and Jobim, he is “the man who punched Marlon Brando and made millions”. Responsible for the bossa classic ‘Summer Samba (So Nice)’, written by the 21-year-old Valle as a tribute to the joys of life as a Rio surfer, it is the one bossa nova tune apart from "The Girl from Ipanema" that everyone knows. Made into a hit by Walter Wanderley in 1967, the song has been covered by hundreds of artists. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1943, Marcos began writing songs with his brother Paulo Sergio (who wrote lyrics to two tracks on ‘Estática’). As his reputation grew, he released his debut album 'Samba Demais' for EMI Brazil. It was his first release on Verve however that brought him well-deserved fame, 'Samba '68' becoming a Brazilian musical landmark thanks to tracks such as 'Batucada' and 'Crickets Sing for Anamaria'. The early-seventies spawned two Valle masterpiece’s, ‘Garra’ and ‘Vento’, which combined the “cosmic expansion of Pink Floyd with the orchestral sweep of Ennio Morricone” MOJO. From there Valle has written brilliant album after another and was even commissioned to provide the equivalent of the USA Moss/OZ magic for the Brazilian edition of Sesame Street.

Marcos Valle is first of all a Brazilian singer, songwriter and record producer and without doubt one of the major songwriters of MPB (Brazilian Popular Music). As well he is the author of more than three hundred songs, with music that has been recorded by artists like Sarah Vaugahn, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, Astrud Gilberto, Sergio Mendes and many, many more. Marcos Valle is furthermore a composer from the so-called "second wave" of bossa nova musicians. His swingy, dance-driven style, supported by inventive grooves, easily fit the European dance floors, where his music became hip in the 90s, in the midst of the drum’n’bass fever, helping create a new style: the drum’n’bossa. And even today his Live Show´s are a must see“

Marcos Valle European Tour Dates:
JULY 03: La Bellevilloise, Paris, France
JULY 04: Jazz a Viene, Vienne, Austria
JULY 05: Worldwide Festival, Sete, France
JULY 06: Mojo Club, Hamburg, Germany
JULY 07: Roskilde Festival, Roskilde, Denmark
JULY 08: CBE, Cologne, Germany
JULY 09: Njlaya, Bari, Italy
JULY 10: Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld, Cologne, Germany
JULY 12: Karlstorbahnhof, Heidelberg, Germany
JULY 13: North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam, Holland

~ Far Out

NEW COMPILATION COLLECTIONS - COTILLION RECORDS SOUL 45'S BOX SET, THE R&B SINGLES COLLECTION, SWEET DREAMS: WHERE COUNTRY MEETS SOUL

COTILLION RECORDS SOUL 45'S BOX SET - 1968 - 1970 (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

A killer collection of singles from the legendary Cotillion arm of Atlantic Records – all presented as individual 7" records with original labels, served up in a hip limited edition package! The work here would already be great as a CD compilation – but it's extra special when served up in this stunning format – like finding a pile of rare soul singles in the back of a rack in an overlooked record store – still in great shape, and ready to explode anew on your turntable! The music is very well-chosen – and includes cuts by some key artists who only worked briefly for Cotillion, and never cut a full album for the label – such as Baby Washington, Otis Clay, or Walter Jackson. Other artists are ones who really hit their height at Cotillion, but still remain relatively obscure – and the singles here easily represent some of their best work ever. All cuts are right from the hippest tail end of the 60s – and titles include "Do Right Woman" and "That Kind Of Lovin" by Otis Clay, "Keep On Striving" and "Come On Let Me Love You" by Moses Smith, "Night After Night" and "The Love That I Needed" by The Blendells, "The Love Of My Woman" and "I Wanna Go Home" by Darrell Banks, "I've Fallen In Love" and "You Are The Circus" by C & The Shells, "Any Way That You Want Me" and "Life Has Its Ups & Downs" by Walter Jackson, "I Gotta Get Back To Lovin You" and "LA/USA" by Hollywood Spectrum, "I Don't Know" and "I Can't Afford To Lose Him" by Baby Washington, "Don't Play That Song" and "People In Love" by Lou Johnson, and "Ain't No Sun" and "Murder IN The First Degree" by The Dynamics. (Limited edition of 2500 copies. Includes download for all tracks – plus a 45 record adaptor, a booklet, and stickers too!) ~ Dusty Groove

OUTTA SIGHT - THE R&B SINGLES COLLECTION (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

R&B singles, but plenty of soul as well – all pulled from that crucial point when the 50s was giving way to the 60s, and the older bluesy styles were changing into the socking soul of the new generation! Some tunes here have a harder groove that echoes the R&B style of the previous decade, but others soar forth in ways that clearly light the fuse for Northern Soul and other styles to come – all served up in a rich batch of rare singles that mixes some classic numbers with more obscure and expensive gems! Titles include "Just A Little Bit" by Tiny Topsy, "Chills & Fever" by Johnny Love, "Sugar In My Tea" by Piney Brown & His Blues Toppers, "Flaming Mamie" by Billy Hambric, "I'm Gonna Leave You Baby" by Willie Wright, "I'm Gonna Whale On You" by Little Arthur Mathews, "Undivided Love" by Eskew Reeder, "Come Here You" by Al Tamms, "Ammerette" by Benny Spellman, and "Honkey Tonk Woman" by Fabulous Playboys. ~ Dusty Groove

SWEET DREAMS - WHERE COUNTRY MEETS SOUL (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Great sounds from a very special place – that magical meeting point where country meets soul – a spot that was crossed surprisingly often in the southern soul scene of the 60s and 70s! The set's a great follow-up to the excellent first volume – and really does a wonderful job of showing the way that a country ethos could work equally well in soul music – with results that will definitely have you re-thinking your ideas of cultural separation in the south. Much of the work is from that great late 60s/early 70s point when the country soul genre was really maturing – moving past the earlier moments of Ray Charles or Brook Benton, and using the style to express a new level of lyrical sophistication – especially in songs of love lost. Titles include "Sweet Music Man" by Millie Jackson, "Don't You Ever Get Tired" by Bettye Swann, "I Hate You" by Bobby Bland, "Statue Of A Fool" by David Ruffin, "Tennessee Waltz" by Otis Redding, "Bad News" by Clarence Carter, "Sunday Morning Coming Down" by Hank Ballard, "But You Know I Love You" by Sweet Inspirations, "Please Help Me I'm Falling" by William Bell, "Sometimes" by Facts Of Life, "I'll Release You" by Ted Taylor, and "All I Have To Offer" by Eddie James. ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - HERBIE MANN, CHARLES JACKSON, SERGIO MENDES TRIO

HERBIE MANN - MY KINDA GROOVE

Herbie Mann's groove is mighty darn great here – a rich refinement of his earlier flute jazz styles, into the tighter sound that really sparkled with soul during the Atlantic Records years of the 60s! Most cuts mix Latin rhythms with some very soulful inflections in the overall instrumentation – with arrangements from Herbie, Oliver Nelson, and Rene Hernandez that really make the whole thing shine – and instrumentation from a tight group of hip players that features Dave Pike on vibes, Don Friedman on piano, Atilla Zoller on guitar, and added percussion by Willie Bobo and Patato Valdez! Titles include "Vikki", "Blues In The Closet", "Saudade De Bahia", "Spanish Grits", "Mushi Mushi", and "Soul Guajira". ~ Dusty Groove

CHARLES JACKSON -PASSIONATE BREEZES / GONNA GETCHA LOVE

A pair of Capitol classics from Charles Jackson – back to back on a single CD! First up is Passionate Breezes – a smoking solo debut from Chicago's Charles Jackson – a hell of a great singer, songwriter, and producer – who'd already had great fame in the Independents, and was working hard at Capitol records with Marvin Yancey to help shape the early years of Natalie Cole! During that time, Jackson stepped into the studio, and really stunned us with this sublime set of his own – a wonderfully mature batch of soul tunes that really reflects the great changes for male singers in the 70s – a mode that was particularly helped along by Windy City contemporaries Jerry Butler and Walter Jackson. Yet Charles has a warmth here that's all his own – gently stepping along grooves arranged by Mark Davis and Gene Barge – the latter of whom helped co-produce the record with Yancey. Yancey also wrote most of the cuts with Jackson – and titles include "Love Of You", "I Really Want You", "The Train", "Get On Down", "Passionate Breezes", and a remake of "Ooh Child". Gonna Getcha Love is great modern soul from Charles Jackson – stepping out here in his role as a solo artist after early fame with The Independents! Although Jackson himself was becoming a key force in production and songwriting for other Capitol artists (most notably Natalie Cole), this second set for the label has Chuck working with Gavin Christopher in a warm west coast groove. Christopher produced and wrote a good number of the tracks on the set – and Jackson's style here is a bit more bouncy and buoyant than before – not really 80s groove, but sliding into a slightly more uptempo mode. Titles include "At The Party", "I'm Gonna Get Your Love", "I Finally Found My Love", "I'm Through With You", "I Love You Only", and "Just For Your Lovin". ~ Dusty Groove

BRASIL '65 - INTRODUCING THE VOICE OF WANDA DE SAH FEATURING THE SERGIO MENDES TRIO

That's Brasil 65, not Brasil 66 – a distinction that marks a key early stage for the great Sergio Mendes – heard here on one of his first albums to mix together bossa jazz and vocals! The approach here is a bit more like vintage bossa dates from Brazil – or a bit like some of the Verve bossa records too – as Sergio's core trio is at the heart of every tune, playing with a great jazzy approach – then augmented in different ways by alto and flute from Bud Shank, guitar from Rosinha De Valenca, and vocals from the lovely Wanda De Sah! Production is perfect – really in a classic Elenco Records mode – and titles include "Let Me", "Consolacao", "Tristeza Em Mim", "Muito A Vontade", "Reza", "Berimbau", and "Aquarius". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - FABIANO ORCHESTRA, DON CHERRY, BARNEY KESSEL

FABIANO ORCHESTRA - BUTTERFLY ISLAND

A rare gem from percussionist JF Fabiano – a really unique little set of jazzy grooves that was recorded in Martinique, and features musicians both from the European and American scenes of the 70s! There's some mighty great horn work on the set – thanks to work from guests Clifford Jordan on flute, Marvin Peterson on trumpet, and Carter Jefferson on soprano sax and tenor – but the real strength of the album comes from the rhythms – which are a complicated blend of Fabiano's work on drums, gong, kalimba, and other percussion – then augmented by other percussionists, and electrified with some sweet work on Fender Rhodes, clavinet, mini moog, and guitar! The result is a record that's got the sharpness of a fusion outing, but the organic touches of a spiritual jazz set – all crafted in a space that's far away from the influence of mainstream studios of the time. Bunny Brisset-Fabiano sings on a few tracks, but most of the set is instrumental – and titles include "Half Moon Bay", "West Indian Meditation", "Butterfly Island", "Pointe Des Chateaux", "Creole", and "For Ca Change". (Beautiful vinyl pressing – super-heavy cover and vinyl, with bonus insert too!) ~ Dusty Groove

DON CHERRY - RELATIVELY SUITE   One of Don Cherry's most spiritual, far-reaching projects – a wonderful record that builds both on his key avant work of the 60s, and some of the globally-inspired sounds he was cutting overseas! This date was done in close collaboration with the New York underground of the time – and the large group features work from a rich array of great musicians – including Charles Brackeen on soprano and alto sax, Carlos Ward on alto, Frank Lowe and Dewey Redman on tenors, Charlie Haden on bass, Carla Bley on piano, and Ed Blackwell on drums – working with additional string and percussion players in a sound that's completely sublime! There's a great ear here for unusual sonic twists and turns, yet these are mixed with some deeper organic tones, and some freer jazz passages – all to really ignite a great fire as the set rolls on. Titles include "March Of The Hobbits", "Tantra", "Desireless", "Infinite Gentleness", and "Trans-Love Airways". ~ Dusty Groove

BARNEY KESSEL - HAIR IS BEAUTIFUL

A sweet sweet groover from Barney Kessel – his own hip take on the soundtrack for Hair – all those wonderful songs originally penned by the great Galt MacDermot! Barney's got an extra-trippy feel on some of the best cuts – a wider sound on his guitar, which rings out nicely alongside some sweet Hammond lines and electric bass, plus a bit of added rhythm guitar from Ike Issacs – who helps underscore the groove on the set. Unlike other Hair re-works, the instrumentation here is pretty spare overall – mostly in a small combo mode – and titles include "Frank Mills", "Walking in Space", "Be-In", "Good Morning Sunshine", and "Easy to be Hard". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - PEVEN EVERETT, SETENTA, LAMP

PEVEN EVERETT - KING OF HEARTS

We haven't heard from Peven Everett in quite some time – and the respite's been a great one, because it seems that Peven's really regrouped, found new strengths, and has come out with his best record in years! The whole thing's one of the best produced, packaged, and put-together sets we've ever heard from this legendary soul singer from the underground – and one of the few that really live up to the genius we've seen in his great performances on local stages here in the Windy City! Grooves are upbeat, yet warmer than house or dance – and Peven's vocals seem to have really matured a lot, and find a range of tones that's even greater than before – bringing new expression in at a level we hardly would have expected. The keyboards are great, too – skipping along strongly with the rhythms, and showing Peven's roots in jazz – and titles include "Taking Me Back", "Baby Momma With Sense", "Don't You Want To Funk", "I Just Wanna Make You Happy", "I Can Be Your Boyfriend", and "One Way Ticket". ~ Dusty Groove

SETENTA - LATIN PIECE OF SOUL

One of the coolest Latin combos cooking today – a group who are heavily influenced by the funky Latin

sound of the 70s, and who work here in a Parisian studio playing only on vintage instruments! If that sounds like too much hype, don't worry – because it's really just our way of laying out the wonderful groove of the record – a quality that really appears to our ears trained on classic styles, but which also comes across with the fresh, young energy of some of the best deep funk combos as well! Setenta do a great job of mixing up these modes – using lots of tight percussion, plenty of Fender Rhodes, and a great mix of horns – on titles that include "Colorblind", "No Te Creo", "Ijo Soul", "Yalale", "We Never Know", "Nuevayorkino", "Tira", "Mambo Machine", and a surprisingly great Latin remake of "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Dusty Groove

LAMP - SHADES OF GREEN

A sweet collaboration from Lamp – a duo that features Andy Compton of The Rurals, and singer Ladybird – who's worked before with Soldiers Of Twilight and Llorca! Ladybird's got this sweetly slinky style of singing – and Compton's grooves here are a bit more laidback than with The Rurals – less house in the rhythms at times, and a bit more jazz funk – but of the smooth variety that really works perfectly with the lyrics! Some of The Rurals join in for backing, giving the record a solid groove that definitely holds up to the Compton legacy – and titles include "My People", "Love The Love", "Only You Know", "Fly Baby Fly", "Sun & The Moon", "Springtime", and "Your Fortune".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - BARBARA EUGENIA, QUADRON, DUB CLUB

BARBARA EUGENIA - E O TEMOS

A beautiful debut from singer Barbara Eugenia – a contemporary Brazilian singer, but one who really seems to find a way to let classic modes ripple through her music – a style that really takes us back to some of our favorite female singers of the 60s – yet served up with an approach that's also completely grounded in the 21st Century! The backings are often a bit airy – maybe even trippy – and although Eugenia's vocals are processed a bit around the edges, they have this force that comes through very strongly – in ways that are different than some of her gentler contemporaries, but which are also free of some too-emotive modes that might sound false. The whole thing's almost a return to that great moment when Brazilian music first fell in love with the legacy of The Beatles – yet also has a definite modern twist too – and titles include "O Peso Dos Erros", "Roupa Suja", "Coracao", "Porque Brigamos", "Ugabuga Feelings", and "You Wish You Get It". ~ Dusty Groove

QUADRON - AVALANCHE

Quadron steps up the bigs with Avalanche – an impeccable second album and first to be co-released Epic Records – and as much as we appreciated their earlier album on Plug Research, this really is an epic-level creative leap forward for the duo! They're still working mix of electro and hip hop soul steeped production by Robin Hannibal, fronted beautifully by the soulful vocals of Coco O, and last, but not least, and great jointly-written songs. It's just bigger and better now. You can hear innovative pop soul influences from the 80s onward in their style, but they put it together in way that's all their own. We'd love it if they took over the mainstream with this record. It's that good! Titles include "LFT", "Favorite Star", "Hey Love", "Crush", "Befriend", "Neverland", "It's Gonna Get You", "Better Off" with Kendrick Lamar, "Sea Salt" and "Avalanche". ~ Dusty Groove

DUB CLUB - BUBBLE DUB

Classic-style dubwise recordings – spearheaded by Dub Club DJ Tom Chasteen and Jamaica's Tippa Lee – each dub featuring dancehall icons who have taken the stage over the years at Dub Club events in LA! Dub Club has been championing classic and contemporary dub, dancehall and reggae for years on the west coast club scene, but the Foundation Dub vinyl sets don't set out to replicate a Dub Club live show or DJ nights as much as it serves as a fresh tribute – and also a creative and original piece of work. Jointly produced by Chasteen and Lee and recorded over a few years period in both LA and Jamaica. A hand-picked group of LA reggae musicians laid down the instrumentation, including Ras Benjy, Eddie Ruscha, Freddie Flint, Mark Lightcap, Kofi, Roger Rivas and Bongo Herman. Vol 2 includes "Gimme Dub", "Bring The Dub Again", "Mystic Dub", "Covenant In Dub", "Hart Time Dub", "Ain't Too Proud To Dub", "Every Dub Is A Star" and more. ~

NEW RELEASES - WILSON SIMONINHA, MARTINHO DA VILA, ROBERTO MENESCAL

WILSON SIMONINHA - ALTA FIDELIDADE

It's been way too long since we've last heard from Wilson Simoninha – and this sweet soulful set is a great reminder of just how much we love his music! The style is definitely strongly Brazilian, but also carries plenty of echoes from the samba soul generation of Wilson Simonal Sr – yet served up in a contemporary mode that mixes together funk and Neo Soul influences in a very nice way! Wilson's vocals are instantly compelling, even if you can't understand the language of the lyrics – and the tunes have lots of jazzy touches around the edges that keep things nice and warm, and plenty soulful. If the album was in English, it would be huge here – so don't let the barrier of a different language keep you from loving the whole thing. Titles include "Quando", "Versos Faceis", "Morena Rara", "Quebra", "Falso Amor", "Distraido", and "Pois E Poeira". ~ Dusty Groove

MARTINHO DA VILA & OTHERS - SAMBA BOOK VOLUMES 1 AND 2

The music of Martinho Da Vila – served up here with the help of a huge amount of contemporaries and admirers – including Joao Bosco, Joao Donato, Ana Costa, Elza Soares, Paulinho Da Viola, Paula Lima, Ne Matogrosso, Leci Brandao, Fernanda Abreu, and many others – plus some work by Martinho himself! Backings are in a classic samba mode, yet sometimes augmented by fuller orchestrations – yet never in a way that's too lush or commercial – just the sort of warm balance to capture all the charm in Martinho's 70s music. Titles include "Pra Tudo Se Acabar Na Quarta Feira", "Meu Off Rio", "Roda Ciranda", "Segure Todo", "Ex Amor", "Casa Da Bamba", "Quem E Do Mar Nao Enjoa", "Odile Odila", and "Filosofia De Vida". ~ Dusty Groove

ROBERTO MENESCAL & OTHERS - ELAS CANTAM MENESCAL

A host of female singers take on the music of Roberto Menescal – in a sweet little set that also features arrangements, production, and instrumentation from Menescal himself! The mode here is similar to that great update of his bossa styles that Roberto crafted in recent years with Wanda Sa – yet this time around, the singers are Cely Curado, Mracia Tauil, Nathalia Lima, and Sandra Dualibe – who each get a chance to shine in the lyrical spotlight. Menescal also sings a bit – and titles include "Me Diz", "Voce", "Clube Da Bossa", "3 x 4", "Eu E A Musica", and "O Brasil Precisa Balancar". ~

JEFF RICHMAN - BIG WHEEL

Contemporary jazz guitarist Jeff Richman and Nefer Records announce the release of their latest CD, Big Wheel. This release is Richman’s 17th solo project and features Jeff Lorber on keyboards, Steve Gadd on drums and Jimmy Haslip on bass guitar. The new CD is also produced by Jimmy Haslip and distributed by City Hall Records. All songs are available online at iTunes, Amazon and other music websites.

Winner of Jazziz magazine’s Critic Choice in 2011, Big Wheel is Richman’s follow up consisting of 10 new tracks further expanding on what Richman has sought to achieve with every new effort. Recognized as a guitarist and composer not afraid of exploring into the unknown, Richman’s latest release is an in-depth conversation of storytelling through song. Each musician is given the opportunity to express their own account of the story and their unique voices ring through on all of the tracks.

Big Wheel opens with the funky groove, “Hell If I Know” that sets the tone and pace for the remaining nine tracks. “Happy Medium” has a great island vibe that seems to have always been hidden in Richman’s playing before but really stands out this time around. Stevie Wonder’s “That Girl” is one of two covers that appear on the release.

Alongside Richman, Lorber, Gadd, and Haslip; additional musicians appearing on the release include George Whitty, Alasn Pasqua and Dean Taba. Big Wheel is engineered by Lorber at JHL Sound, mixed by Paul Tavenner at Big City Records and mastered by Rich Breen at Dogmatic.

Jeff Richman is a professional guitarist with a 37 year career in performance guitar, composing, arranging and recording. He has produced 17 solo albums and toured worldwide. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, he also studied privately with Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick and William Levitt. After graduating, he lived and performed in New York City and by 1979, moved to Los Angeles. The L.A. scene provided him the opportunity to play and record alongside the industry’s most talented artists, write and produce hundreds of library music cuts for television and participate on a multitude of film score projects. As producer, arranger and performing artist, Jeff recorded and released six CD projects paying tribute to Carlos Santana, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Steely Dan, Miles Davis, Jeff Beck and John Coltrane for the Tone Center record label. In addition to his musical career, Jeff conducts the Fusion Ensemble at Musicians Institute. www.jeffrichman.net


Jeff Richman’s Big Wheel track listing:
Hell If I Know (6:17)
Big Deal (4:29)
That Girl (4:55)
The Last Notch (6:35)
Happy Medium (4:49)
Keep It Light (5:07)
12 Steps to the Bar (4:52)
Long Distance Love (3:42)
The Inside Scoop (4:40)
One Stone (5:32)

NEW RELEASES - GERARDO FRISINA & MAURIZIO BONIZZONI, ROSCOE MITCHELL QUARTET, BOBBY WOMACK

GERARDO FRISINA & MAURIZIO BONIZZONI - VOICES OF THE JUNGLE / ORIENT

“Voices of the Jungle” is the result of the collaboration between Gerardo Frisina and Maurizio Bonizzoni, better known as Dj Skizo. It’s the story of an encounter between two jazz lovers and record collectors, two producers whose approach to music creation couldn’t have been more different: hailing from a tremendous hip hop background (he was one of the first turntablist and hip hop culture purveyor in Italy) and highly respected for his refined technique, Skizo is an important figure of italian underground music. Gerardo, whose contributions to italian jazz scene went far beyond Italy’s border, needs no introduction to Schema’s fans. The two producers met on the shared love for jazz and “real” music. Respecting this vision, the music we present here represents the producers’ ideal blend of electronic, music played by real musicians and a refined used of samples. After a prolific studio session where they started working on some ideas, the EP had been mixed and mastered at Schema’s Blue Spirit studio. “Voices Of The Jungle” recalls Gerardo’s trademark sound, a perfect mix of Afro-Cuban influences and 4/4 House rhythm ideally set in a true jungle where percussions, vocals and piano make you lose direction. “Orient” reflects a taste for exotic atmospheres, mystery and adventure. The mood is slightly melancholic and evocative, with a catchy groove.  ~ decks.de

ROSCOE MITCHELL QUARTET - LIVE AT "A SPACE" 1975

One of Roscoe Mitchell's greatest albums from the 70s – a record that easily matches, if not beats, his classic recordings for Delmark and Nessa! Like those sets, there's a perfect sense of clarity here – the best essence of the AACM scene, taken to its most adventurous level by Roscoe – who's working way beyond music here, and is into a rich array of tones, textures, and sonic shapes – really amazing elements to come from a familiar alto, soprano, or tenor saxophone! He's got some great creative help on the project too – Muhal Richard Abrams on piano, George Lewis on trombone, and Spencer Barefield on guitar – the last of whom is darker here than on most of his later recordings. Obviously, the sensitivity that Lewis and Abrams bring to the record is a perfect match for Mitchell's direction – and the long tracks draw much from the spontaneous interplay between the three players. Titles include "Tnoona", "Music For Trombone & B Flat Soprano", "Cards", and "Olobo". Plus, this amazing new version features 4 great unissued tracks – including a beautiful version of "Naima", plus "Prelude To Naima", "Dastura", and "Nonaah". ~ Dusty Groove

BOBBY WOMACK - EVERYTHING'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT: THE AMERICAN SINGLES 1767-76

2013 two CD collection from the legendary R&B singer/songwriter. After years of ill health, 2012 saw Bobby Womack enjoy a remarkable career renaissance. Encouraged by his daughter he accepted Damon Albarn's invitation to provide vocals on several tracks for the Gorillaz 2011 album. This collaboration proved so popular that Albarn then produced Bobby's first new recordings for some years. The resulting album, The Bravest Man In The Universe, brought Bobby Womack back into the spotlight. Charly Records are proud to present this unique compilation which collates every single A and B -side Womack released on the Minit, Liberty and United Artists labels between 1967 and 1976. Filled with classics of the genre, this anthology examines one of the most talented singer/songwriters, guitarists and producers to grace the Soul spectrum. Presenting a unique look at Womack's career, this collection is perfect for collectors and newcomers alike. ~ amazon.com

NEW RELEASES - NATHALIE COLE, MARY STALLINGS, LTJ EXPERIENCE

Natalie Cole takes a page from the book of father Nat – and serves up a whole set of songs in Spanish – with just the same sort of charm we loved in the elder Cole's Spanish albums for Capitol! The approach has Natalie working in a mode that's even more jazz-based than usual – in a blend of Latin instrumentation and fuller orchestrations arranged by Gary Lindsay and Rudy Perez – and while the whole concept echoes Nat's earlier projects, Natalie's presentation of the material is really quite different – certainly more contemporary, and arguably warmer as well. Titles include "Frenesi", "Oye Como Va", "Yo Lo Amo", "El Dia Que Me Quieras", "Bachata Rosa", and "Manana De Carnaval" – and the album features guest appearances by Andrea Boccelli, Chris Botti, and Juan Luis Guerra. ~ Dusty Groove

MARY STALLINGS FEATURING ERIC REED - BUT BEAUTIFUL

Beautiful vocals from the great Mary Stallings – a singer who languished in relative obscurity on the west coast for decades, then finally sprang into wider view in more recent years! The set's got Mary working again with pianist and arranger Eric Reed – who brings a sharp sensibility to the record, and really helps Stallings find a space that's comfortable, yet challenging as well. Mary's got a richness to her vocals that's really wonderful, especially on the ballads – yet she also retains that crisp charm that always made her stand out – a quality that puts her in a class with legends like Shirley Horn or Lorez Alexandria. The album features some nice touches of saxophone at times – alto from Danny Janklow and tenor from Brian Clancy – and Eric Reed plays piano throughout, and on one track works without any other instrumentation alongside the vocals. Titles include "Some Other Spring", "Time On My Hands", "I Thought About You", "Dedicated To You", and "The Lamp Is Low".~ Dusty Groove

LTJ EXPERIENCE - AIN'T NOTHING BUT A GROOVE

A great return to form for the LTJ Experience – exactly the kind of tight grooves and soulful sounds that made Luca Trevisi such a standout in earlier years of the Italian club scene! The style here is really back to basics – somewhere between the spareness of the post-disco years and the fuller soulful styles when house started coming into play – always pretty funky in the rhythms, but with a forward-moving focus that's quite different than straight instrumental funk too. Titles include "Funk Is On", "Disco-Ver Me", "What I Feel", "Linear Funk", "Vuoto Beat", and "Get Down". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - NICOLE CONTE PRESENTS VIAGEM 5, SHAKE-A-LEG CLUB NIGHT COMPILATION, KRATOS HIMSELF

NICOLA CONTE PRESENTS VIAGEM 5 - LOST BOSSA AND SAMBA CLASSICS FROM THE SWINGING BRAZILIAN '60S

The Brazilophile is back! Italian jazz don, Nicola Conte (Blue Note, Universal, Schema) returns from another voyage in time with Viagem 5, a collection of 17 sizzling tracks recorded during Brazil’s troublesome yet prolific decade of 1960s and beyond. Sunny samba jazz, breezy bossa and all around wonderful rare grooves from Brazil – treasures from the heart of the 60s, compiled by Italian jazz guru Nicola Conte! Conte is not only one of the most affectionately groovy jazz players on the contemporary global landscape, he's also a selector with impeccable taste. Just on the basis of the Viagem series, the man would get our nomination for sainthood. This is the fifth time he's drawn from his deep well of rare 60s records from Brazil, and it keeps getting better and better. The tunes are rooted in a small combo jazzy vibe, most with easygoing MPB vocals. It's the love of jazz-centric, but still profoundly Brazilian sounds that makes the Viagem series stand out so strongly. Features tunes by Quarteto 004, Neyde Fraga, Samba 5, Edith Vega, Marilia Medalha, Grupo Arembepe, Papudinho and many more – and titles include "Vou Te Contar" by Quarteto 004, "Onda Quebrando" by Neyde Fraga, "Berimbau" by Samba 5, "Vim De Santana" by Theo, "Ye Meme" by Papudinho, "Quintessencia" by Zumba Five, "Matando Miseria A Pau" by Edith Vega, "Zana" by Marilia Medalha, "Iaia" by Grupo Arembepe, "Neurotico" by Pedrinho Mattar Trio and more. ~ Dusty Groove

SHAKE-A-LEG VOLUME 2 - CLUB NIGHT COMPILATION

A fresh and funky second Shake-A-Leg compilation from Perfect Toy – chronicling the styles spun at the Shake-A-Leg DJ nights, which shake up the Munich club scene on a monthly basis – and it's also a nicely curated set of vintage and contemporary jazzy funk, Afro Beat and deep soul! You know you're in good DJ hands when the setlist plays like a 40 something year history of globetrotting, dancefloor ready jazz and funky soul – spanning the old(er) school styles of Charles Earland, Willis Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, Pucho & The Latin Soul Brothers and more, plus contemporary torch carriers such as The Qualitons, Cesar's Salad and Deep Jazz. Compiled by Jerker Kluge and Tobias Kirmayer. Includes a deep funk revisit of "Zulu Walk" by Mighty Mocambos with Afrika Bambaataa, Charlie Funk & King Kamonzi, "The Mighty Burner" by Charles Earland, "Jive Samba" by Willis Jackson", "Coincidence Of Circumstance" by Deep Jazz, "Sunny" by Pucho & The Latin Soul Brothers, "Presentations' by Afro Latin Vintage Orchestra, "Unicorn" by Dizzy Gillespie, "Branded" by CJ Leach and more. 15 in all. ~ Dusty Groove

KRATOS HIMSELF - A TOWN CALLED IMAGINARIUM

Kratos Himself is from the Netherlands. A Town Called Imaginarium is his new EP on Jus Like Music Records that he states is dedicated to the imagination of whoever is listening. It's a downtempo instrumental EP featuring additional instrumentation from bass player Marc Machielse, plus singers Ditte de Muynck and K.J.B. Blending the organic with the electronic, A Town Called Imaginarium is a beautiful EP that straddles a line between soundscape and song, with ethereal melodies and tight jazz breaks, that has also been compared to Portico Quartet. A relative newcomer to the scene, Kratos Himself - AKA Jethro Hopmans is currently working on new material with Jesse Futerman. A Town Called Imaginarium is certain to turn a lot of heads, and to turn a lot of people on to the man Kratos Himself - a name you're sure to be hearing a lot more from now on. ~ Just Like Music Records Records

KEIKO MATSUI - SOUL QUEST FEATURING NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN, CHUCK LOEB, MARCUS MILLER, KIRK WHALUM AND OTHERS

“Creating this album was like going on a soul quest, as I tried to figure out how to express the things I was thinking and experiencing during this past year,” confides pianist, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui (pronounced Kay-Koe, meaning ‘happy, celebratory child’ in Japanese). “This music energizes me and I am overwhelmed with emotion when I listen to it. I hope people will allow themselves to go inside the music and become a part of my journey,” says the stunning, profound pianist and world citizen who is celebrating a triumphant 25 years of recording in the US. In the words of Duke Ellington, Keiko Matsui is ‘beyond category.’

The courageous, spiritually-driven and consummate artist who enjoyed the distinction of being an invited guest and performer at the second International Jazz Day, sponsored by UNESCO and held in Istanbul in April 2013, transcends boundary. Her unique melting pot of musical influences have garnered her a devout international following. The eloquent and soft-spoken but yet deliberate musician tours relentlessly and seeks to make a genuine connection with her audience. “Everybody has so many things going on in their lives but my concerts are special for me. The music creates a oneness. The exchange I share with my audience is the root of my energy. It’s like my mission.” Matsui has worked alongside the best including Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela and Bob James.

A true humanitarian, Keiko has lent her voice to raise awareness for such causes as The Daniel Pearl Foundation, The United Nations World Food Programme, Be The Match Marrow Registry and The National Donor Program and Marrow Foundation. She has also lent her efforts to the continued revitalization and healing of Japan in the wake of the recent Tsunami and Fukushima disasters. “I still have these images of kindergarten teachers holding their kids in order to protect them. I also think about all of the older people who did not make it and the children who lost parents,” reflects Keiko, the first Japanese musician to top the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts. “But when I think about the people who did survive, I think that they may be the strongest souls there are. Out of this pain, I have found the greatest strength from these individuals.” Keiko Matsui’s new recording Soul Quest, is a riveting new collection of songs that unfold like an epic journey. With an all-star cast that includes such heavyweights as producer and drummer Narada Michael Walden, guitarist Chuck Loeb, saxophonist Kirk Whalum and bassist Marcus Miller, among others, Keiko explores themes of love, loss, spirituality and environmental consciousness.

“I become very serious when I am recording a new album. I carry a notebook around with me and take notes as ideas come to me,” confesses Keiko. “These notes focus my vision. Each recording is like my baby, so I feel such obligation. When I am gone these songs will still be here.” Reflecting Keiko’s universal approach to her life and music, Soul Quest was recorded and conceptualized on several corners of the globe– New York, Japan, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Eastern Europe.



Soul Quest opens with the transcendental and majestic “Dream Seeker,” a melodic prayer that Keiko holds for all mankind. “I want everyone to have a dream and to seek it.” She co-wrote the song with guitarist and producer Chuck Loeb and it features the flamenco-like and ethereal guitar of Loeb along with the soaring soprano saxophone of Andy Snitzer. Soul Quest’s first single “Black Lion,” was inspired during a rigorous Eastern European tour in which Keiko and her band played an exhausting five countries in five weeks. They were even detained at one point due to problems with travel visas. However, the courageous and optimistic pianist drew inspiration from happier times during her tour.

“I was in Georgia and after the concert we all went to a restaurant called ‘Black Lion,’ where I saw this painting that caught my eye. The owner explained it was by a famous Georgian painter named Niko Pirosmani who was suffering from a broken heart after a failed romance.” Inspired by the sadness of this painting Keiko manages to uplift us with the searching and soaring notes of her piano. “Black Lion” and the title track were produced by Derek Nakamoto, who Keiko has known her entire career and who also worked with her on her previous album. “A Night With Cha Cha,” is another remnant from Keiko’s Eastern European crusade and is dedicated to a liquor she was introduced to in Georgia. The track features celebrated saxophonist Kirk Whalum, who makes a return appearance after recording with Keiko on the acclaimed CD, The Road…

Soul Quest finds Keiko Matsui doing several firsts, including recording with Chart-topping producers Chuck Loeb and Narada Michael Walden. She recorded with Loeb at his home studio outside of New York. The guitarist produced five of the album’s tracks and together with Keiko he co-wrote three songs. “Chuck is a great producer and such a sweet human being. I got to spend time with his family and they are all beautiful, including his dog Annie and cat, Kit Kat,” recalls Keiko laughing. “I never had that kind of peaceful environment during a recording.” Keiko and Chuck join forces on the catchy “Top Secret,” with its bluesy undercurrent, percolating rhythmic pulse and the muted trumpet of Giulio Carmassi. The two also collaborate on the Keiko written “A Night With Cha Cha” and Loeb’s Quiet Storm inspired “Proof.” The duo also penned together the tunes “Two Hearts” and “Dream Seeker.”

“I first met Narada Michael Walden in 2006 at a Grammy party,” shares Keiko. “I knew his work well as a producer and I was very surprised when he told me he loved my piano playing.” Narada and Keiko had plans to record one song together but after they discovered their great synergy together in the studio, they collaborated on a total of three songs – “Moving Mountain,” “Antarctica – A Call To Action” and “Stingo.” The process of recording with Walden was atypical for Keiko. She explains, “Usually before I go into the studio I spend a great deal of time preparing arrangements and production. This time I flew to San Francisco to meet Narada and we got started right on the spot. It was very challenging but at the same time I was able to be myself. It was a real adventure. Their song “Moving Mountain,” is an improvisatory piece that was done in one take. Keiko recalls “When we finished recording, I really felt like we moved a mountain!” Narada and Keiko also join forces for the pianist’s sublime and lilting waltz “Antarctica A Call to Action,” which opens with primordial rhythms and addresses the fact that Antarctica is melting and it is affecting all the animals and entire planet. I hope the music can send a message to the world.” If you listen carefully to the song’s quiet moments, you can hear authentic whale sounds! Keiko is also joined for the first time on record by bassist Marcus Miller. “Marcus made such a great track he made me cry. The conversation we have together where the song transitions is powerful. He pulled out everything and made it such a great experience.” Soul Quest also finds Keiko and Narada Michael Walden paying tribute to Keiko’s all-time favorite musician - Sting. The joy they have creating this song is evident as they both pay homage to the iconic rocker with “Stingo,” a nickname Narada coined for his close friend.

In April 2013, Keiko Matsui had the distinction of participating in the second International Jazz Day celebrated around the globe and held in Istanbul. She performed at the star studded event that included luminaries Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter Hugh Masakela, George Duke and countless others. Keiko who performed with Rubén Blades states, “It was special for me and wonderful to be with so many musicians I respect. The day was dedicated to world peace and it was great that the event united us all beyond our culture and differences.”

The devastating effects of the March 11, 2011 Japan earthquake and Tsunami left close to 30,000 innocent victims dead or missing. Lives were changed forever not only in Japan but the world. Keiko who was in Japan at the time of the earthquake states, “I felt like my life was going to end that day. In the Northern part everything was shaking. Luckily my family was fine but I had family in Sendai who were unreachable for ten days.” She goes on to explain that the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster went on to cause further destruction but that progress is slowly occurring.

“There is still lots of recovery needed and so much loss. It has really made a big impact on all of us. Living with less light in these times has reminded us how to live and how much energy it takes to live. I have been dedicating all of my shows to this and making sure to share our story. I am so grateful for all the prayers, emails and support that people have shown me.”

Keiko Matsui made her US recording debut in 1987 with the recording A Drop of Water. Under Northern Lights followed in 1989 and her subsequent albums of note include No Borders (1990), Night Waltz (1991), Cherry Blossom (1992), Doll (1994), Sapphire (1995) and Dream Walk (1996), which remained on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart for over 15 months and further cemented her reputation as a force to reckon with. In 1997, she launched a tour dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer, and released a four-song CD entitled A Gift of Hope that benefitted the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization. Her music was prominently featured in Say It, Fight It, Cure It, a Lifetime special profiling several courageous women battling breast cancer. “My fans come from all backgrounds and I have been approached by various foundations to join in their efforts. When I hear of a cause that resonates with me that I can dedicate my music to then I am always willing. It is my way to show gratitude and give back,” states Keiko Matsui.

In 1999, the pianist performed at "A Golden Moment," a skating concert featuring Olympic figure skaters Kristi Yamaguchi, Tara Lipinski, Ekaterina Gordeeva, and Katarina Witt, which benefitted the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 1998 saw the release of her album Full Moon And The Shrine, which was accompanied by the acclaimed PBS-TV special Keiko Matsui: Light Above The Trees. In 2000, the special earned Keiko a National Smooth Jazz Award for “Best Long-Form Video Achievement” and she was honored with an award for “Best Female Artist.” She claimed the award again in 2001. In 2002, she released the poignant recording The Ring, which was meant to communicate a message of peace, compassion, and humanity to listeners around the world.

Keiko Matsui’s CD Deep Blue (2001) topped Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz charts for three consecutive weeks. Keiko is the first Japanese artist to achieve this honor. In 2003 she enjoyed success with her recording The Piano, which featured reinventions of some of her most loved original works. In 2004 the title track of Keiko’s Wildflower was used to support the United Nations World Food Programme’s efforts in Africa. "I decided I wanted to support the WFP after learning about the tremendous problems in Africa and how humanitarian assistance can change people’s lives for the better," shares the activist." Keiko has also collaborated with A3M (Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches) in numerous charity concerts. In addition proceeds from her 2001 mini-CD, A Gift of Life, went to The National Donor Program and Marrow Foundation in support of A3M. In December 2009, the highly sought-after pianist was asked to put together a Christmas show at the Blue Note club in Tokyo, which was a major success and in November 2010 she made her highly anticipated debut at the Blue Note in NY, which was sold out. In 2011 Keiko recorded with fellow pianist Bob James on a four hand piano project called Altair & Vega. Keiko’s depth as a composer has also allowed her to contribute music to soundtracks in Japan, the U.S. and Russia. She also released her critically heralded Top 5 Billboard Recording The Road… which featured Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona and saxophonists Kirk Whalum and Jackiem Joyner among others.

“I always want to dedicate my music to world peace and to use my music to give back to the planet,” declares Keiko Matsui. With the release of Soul Quest, her mission is complete and the results promise to be long lasting.

Keiko Matsui Tour Dates
Aug 17 – Livermore, CA @ Bankhead Theater
Aug 19 – Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s
Aug 20 – San Francisco, CA @ Yoshi’s
Aug 21 – Oakland, CA @ Yoshi’s
Aug 22 – Oakland, CA @ Yoshi’s
Aug 23 – Petaluma, CA @ Mystic Theatre
Aug 24 – Las Vegas, NV @ Santa Fe Station
Aug 29 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
Aug 30 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
Aug 31 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
Sep 01 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
Sep 22-29 – Italy*Greece*Sicily (Dave Koz & Friends At Sea)
Oct 11 – Newport Beach, CA @ Hyatt Newport Beach
Oct 13 – Temecula, CA @ Thorton Winery
Oct 18 – Rehoboth Beach, DE @ Rehoboth Beach Jazz Fest
Oct 19 – Alexandria, VA @ Birchmere
Oct 20 – Austin, TX @ One World Theatre
Oct 21 – The Woodlands, TX @ Dosey Doe
Jan 12-19 – Caribbean (Smooth Jazz Cruise)

Keiko Matsui - Soul Quest
1. Dream Seeker (ft. Chuck Loeb)
2. Black Lion
3. Top Secret (ft. Chuck Loeb)
4. A Night With Cha Cha (ft. Kirk Whalum)
5. Moving Mountain (ft. Narada Michael Walden)
6. Antarctica - A Call To Action (ft. Marcus Miller & Kirk Whalum)
7. Soul Quest
8. Proof (ft. Chuck Loeb)
9. Two Hearts (ft. Chuck Loeb)
10. Stingo (ft. Narada Michael Walden)

EARTH, WIND & FIRE TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM - NOW, THEN & FOREVER

Legacy Recordings has announced the release of Now, Then & Forever by the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire. This marks the group's first new studio album in eight years. Now, Then & Forever, will be available everywhere on Tuesday, September 10.

Earth, Wind & Fire's first album of new studio material since 2005, Now, Then & Forever is also their first album for Legacy which isn't a compilation or a live collection.

For a limited time, fans will be able to pre-order Now, Then & Forever at www.NowThenandForever.com. A pre-order of the album allows the fans to have their personal names printed in the album's final CD package. The band's site will also feature the premiere of their new single, "My Promise."

"The Now, Then & Forever album is really about the legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire," said co-founder Philip Bailey. "The spirit of the band has always been about uplifting the consciousness of humanity. There's a hope that this Earth, Wind & Fire music will go on forever."

"The album gave us the opportunity to tie everything together musically and culturally," said EWF's co-founder Verdine White. "Without the support of the fans around the world, the Earth, Wind & Fire journey would not have been possible. We dedicate this album, Now, Then & Forever, to all the fans."

Now, Then & Forever - track listing
1.Sign On
2.Love Is Law
3.My Promise
4.Guiding Lights
5.Got To Be Love
6.Belo Horizonte
7.Dance Floor
8.Splashes
9.Night Of My Life
10.The Rush

The release of Now, Then & Forever, the ultimate celebration of Earth, Wind & Fire, ignites an exciting new phase for the iconic American soul-funk-fusion powerhouse Rolling Stone said "changed the sound of pop."

Earth, Wind & Fire, the groundbreaking funk-rock-soul-jazz ensemble who've been laying down their signature grooves for more than 40 years, will be bringing the sounds of Now, Then & Forever to concert audiences across the country this fall. The brainchild of music legend Maurice White, Earth, Wind & Fire is to this day one of the top touring groups of all time with founding members Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson performing to sold-audiences around the world.

Earth, Wind & Fire US Tour dates:
September 6 - San Diego, CA - San Diego Civic Theatre
September 8 - San Jose, CA - San Jose Civic Auditorium
September 11 - San Francisco, CA
September 13 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
September 14 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
September 15 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
September 18 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
September 20 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
September 21 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
September 22 - Cincinnati, OH - Horseshoe Cincinnati
October 1 - Fayetteville, NC - Cumberland Country Auditorium
October 6 - Dallas, TX - Verizon Wireless Theatre
November 1 - Knoxville, TN - Tennessee Theatre

America's seventh top-selling musical group of all-time, Earth, Wind & Fire was born in Chicago in 1969 and is still going strong in its fifth decade, making music that crosses years and decades and now connects the 20th and 21st centuries. Inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Earth, Wind & Fire has earned eight Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards alongside numerous other accolades including the prestigious Soul Train Legend Award. EWF has sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and is consistently one of the world's top touring bands.