JIMMY CLIFF ANNOUNCES 2013 MANY RIVERS CROSSED TOUR DATES

This September, reggae legend Jimmy Cliff will visit several U.S. cities, performing in intimate theater and club settings on his “2013 Many Rivers Crossed Tour.” The 17-date tour begins September 6 at the Interlocken Music Festival in Arrington, VA and continues to other cities including New York (Webster Hall), Los Angeles (Santa Monica Pier), San Francisco (The Fillmore), Chicago (Concord Music Hall), Boston (House Of Blues), Washington, DC (The Howard Theatre), and Seattle (Neptune), before concluding in Glenside, PA (Keswick Theatre) on September 29. Jimmy Cliff Community ticket pre-sales begin tomorrow and vary by market; general on-sales for all shows begin this Friday, June 28.

Says Jimmy Cliff, "With my recent GRAMMY® win and the 40th anniversary of The Harder They Come, I want to give fans something different, a rare and intimate look at Jimmy Cliff. Through the years, I've been blessed with memorable experiences that accompany the songs I've created and I am excited to share these stories on my ‘Many Rivers Crossed Tour’."

In addition to classics including “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” “Many Rivers To Cross,” “I Can See Clearly Now,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “The Harder They Come,” and “Breakout,” Cliff will perform songs from his acclaimed, GRAMMY®-winning (Best Reggae Album) 2012 album, REBIRTH.

In conjunction with the “Many Rivers Crossed Tour,” film distributor Syndctd Entertainment (www.syndctd-entertainment.com) and International Films Management will re-release the classic film The Harder They Come, starring Jimmy Cliff, as a special, one-night-only theatrical event across North America on September 5, 2013. This year marks the film’s 40th anniversary, and to commemorate the milestone, Syndctd has invited fans from around the world to participate in a theatrical poster redesign contest. Movie theatre and contest information can be found on the film's official website, www.thehardertheycome.com.

In addition, Jimmy Cliff and Talenthouse have teamed up to create a video contest for up and coming directors. Directors are invited to download green screen footage of Cliff performing his song, “Reggae Music,” and come up with their own vision for the video. The winning director will be rewarded with a five-day, all expenses paid trip to Jamaica courtesy of The Jamaican Tourist Board. For complete contest details and to enter, visit www.talenthouse.com.

REBIRTH paired Jimmy Cliff with the award-winning producer and punk legend Tim Armstrong, who produced the album, as well as Cliff’s 2011 “Sacred Fire” EP. Rolling Stone magazine hailed Cliff’s hotly anticipated return to form as his “best music in decades” and named REBIRTH one of 2012’s top albums. REBIRTH debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Reggae chart and held the top position for five weeks straight.

Last June, Cliff visited Los Angeles’ KCRW for a live acoustic performance of nine songs on the public radio station’s acclaimed program, “Morning Becomes Eclectic,” hosted by KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley. The recording of the live broadcast, titled The KCRW Session, will be released tomorrow (June 25) by Universal Music Enterprises.

www.jimmycliff.com
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Jimmy Cliff “2013 Many Rivers Crossed Tour”
SEPTEMBER
06 Arrington, VA Interlocken Music Festival
08 Seattle, WA Neptune
09 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
10 Arcata, CA John Van Duzer Theatre
11 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
12 Santa Monica, CA Santa Monica Pier
13 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
15 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
17 Boulder, CO Boulder Theater
19 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
20 Chicago, IL Concord Music Hall
22 Columbia, MO Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival
24 Ridgefield, CT The Ridgefield Playhouse
25 Boston, MA House Of Blues
27 Washington, DC The Howard Theatre
28 New York, NY Webster Hall
29 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre

NEW RELEASES - JOHN A LEWIS TRIO, STONE ALLIANCE, THE JAZZ CRUSADERS

JOHN A. LEWIS TRIO - COALESCENCE

The Trio consists of composer/pianist John A Lewis, bassist Jordon Schug and drummer Merik Gillett. The music was recorded in 2003 while the trio was performing at Sullivans Steakhouse in Dallas, Texas, where they have been performing for over three years. The CD is a collection of twelve tunes - six originals and six standards. The recording displays a wide range of styles that includes straight ahead swing, latin tinged tunes, blues and rock flavored tunes. The Trio presents a cohesive and balanced sound that shows fluency and lucidity and yet each group member displays a unique voice. Darryl Thomas, the owner and director of Sandaga 813, a music emporium in Dallas Texas writes "Coalesence is a wonderful collection of fine originals and standards. It is also obvious this group of musicians enjoy playing together. John A Lewis is an excellent composer and is very direct in his sense of groove. This CD is truly a joy to listen to. Track number four, the Cedar Walton arrangement of 'The Meaning of the Blues' touches my soul. This CD is just great music."

STONE ALLIANCE - STONE ALLIANCE

An amazing little group – and one of the real standouts in indie jazz during the 70s! Stone Alliance are a killer power trio made up of players who'd previously worked for Elvin Jones – and all three of them have inherited a frenzied sense of rhythm from Jones – and that great sharp edge he brought to his initial early recordings in the post-Coltrane years! But there's also a deeper sound going on here, too – a bit of funk, and definitely a bit of Latin in the percussion and basslines – which makes for these grooves that are as complicated as they are infectious – often given some sweet spiritual tones from the reeds on top! The lineup features Steve Grossman on tenor and soprano sax, Gene Perla on bass, and Don Alias on drums and percussion – all working together with tremendous energy, but a great focus too – always soulful, and never too jamming at all. Titles include the insane break track "Sweetie Pie", plus Stevie Wonder's "Creepin", "Duet", "King Tut", "Samba De Negro" and "Vaya Mulatto". (Part of the Deep Jazz Reality series!) ~ Dusty Groove

THE JAZZ CRUSADERS - GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

The Jazz Crusaders at the start of the 70s – taking on a bit of The Beatles and some great grooves of their own – and picking up a fair bit of funk in the process! The album still has the group working in the best modes of their late 60s Liberty years – more jazz than fusion, with the core group honed to a solid "t" – able to slide effortlessly over slinky rhythms with soaring solos – a marvelous combination of music that comes from the efforts of Wayne Henderson on trombone, Wilton Felder on tenor, Stix Hooper on drums, Buster Williams on bass, and Joe Sample on both acoustic and electric piano. Beatles tunes include "Give Peace A Chance" and "Black Bird" – but the rest of the album is original material from the group – really showing them hipping up their vibe with some righteous funky energy of the late 60s. Titles include "Anita's New Dance", "Space Settlement", "All The Lonely Years", "Another Blues", and "I Think It Was A Dream". ~ Dusty Groove

2013 DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL "IMPORTED FROM DETROIT" ANNOUNCES WORLD-CLASS LINEUP

The 34th annual Detroit Jazz Festival "Imported from Detroit," the world's largest entirely free jazz festival, is proud to announce the headlining performers for its Labor Day weekend festival (Aug. 30 through Sept. 2). Spread over four days and four stages, headliners include: 2013 Artist in Residence Danilo Pérez, David Murray Big Band withMacy Gray, Ahmad Jamal, Charles Lloyd and Friends featuring Bill Frisell, Joshua Redman Quartet with string orchestra, John Scofield Überjam, McCoy Tyner Trio with special guest Savion Glover, Yellowjackets, Gregory Porter, and Robert Glasper, among others. Hundreds of Detroit regional artists are performing within national groups this year as well as headlining their own sets.

"We strive to make the Detroit Jazz Festival's Labor Day weekend concerts more exceptional every year, and continue to show people from around the world what our great city has to offer," says Gretchen Valade, chair of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation board of directors. "Everything we do at the Detroit Jazz Festival is meant to enrich the lives of music lovers everywhere. We want to make it possible for them to see their favorite jazz artists all in one place, and most importantly, offering these performances for free. It's not just about amazing music; it's about making it available for anyone that wants to listen."

"This year's lineup was again carefully selected. We want to represent real jazz in all its forms. This year, we're focusing on all dimensions and the different generations of jazz music. The creative artists we're bringing together are pushing boundaries to create new, unique approaches that explore the true nature of jazz music," said Chris Collins, artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival. "Making an impact in the jazz world, but also creating meaningful experiences for the audience, is what the Detroit Jazz Festival is all about."

GRAMMY® Award-winner and Mack Avenue Records pianist/composer/educator Danilo Pérez, one of the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time, will serve as this year's Artist in Residence, performing material from his upcoming album, Panama 500, as well as the Panama Suite, with other works for large ensemble. The Panamanian pianist also will join Detroit native Geri Allen in an acoustic duo piano performance. Also performing as a piano duo are husband and wife, Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes.

Several Detroit luminaries are also returning to their beloved hometown for special performances. Aside from her duo performance with Pérez, Geri Allen will serve as the musical director of this year's Detroit Homecoming Band which will include vocalist Sheila Jordan, saxophonists JD Allen and David McMurray, trombonist George Bohanon, bassist Robert Hurst, and drummer Karriem Riggins. Gary Smulyan, Howard Johnson, and Frank Basile also will pay tribute to Detroit's own late Pepper Adams. Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave will return for his second consecutive year with a program titled "Trumpet Call."Saxophonist James Carter is presenting a tribute to Don Byas, and JD Allen also will return to perform at this year's festival with his trio.

This year's lineup features an array of piano masters and sax legends, including NEA Jazz Master Ahmad Jamal, who will perform with his quartet. The pianist recently received a GRAMMY® nomination in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category last year for his Blue Moon album. NEA Jazz Master McCoy Tyner also will perform with his long-standing trio with special guest Savion Glover. Another cross-medium combination this year is clarinetist Eddie Daniels, pianist Roger Kellaway, and cellist James Holland, who will be joined by painter Doug Coffin. Coffin will create new works based on the music by Kellaway and Daniels. Aaron Diehl, a 2011 Cole Porter Fellow in Jazz from the American Pianists Association, will perform in support of The Bespoke Man's Narrative, his recent debut on Mack Avenue Records.

A rare U.S. festival appearance by the acclaimed Saxophone Summit, which includes  Joe Lovano, David Liebman, and Ravi Coltrane, is scheduled. Saxophonist Charles Lloyd has assembled an exclusive project billed as Charles Lloyd and Friends featuring Bill Frisell performing in selected markets only in 2013. Frisell is also scheduled separately with his working band recasting the music of John Lennon. NEA Jazz Master Lee Konitz will perform with his quartet including 2007 Cole Porter Fellow in Jazz from the American Pianists Association, Dan Tepfer. The prolific Paris-based saxophonist David Murray will bring his big band, which features vocalist Macy Gray, in support of their recently released album, Be My Monster Love.

The 2013 Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra, an all-star Detroit big band under the musical direction of Chris Collins, will perform newly commissioned arrangements from arrangers including Bob Mintzer, Bill Cunliffe, David Berger, and Chuck Israels based on Dave Brubeck compositions and featuring guest soloists from throughout this year's festival. The DJFO returns to the stage on Monday to honor the works of Duke Ellington under the direction of Ellington Scholar, Berger.

The festival will present an exclusive Dave Brubeck Tribute Series, which will be comprised of four separate performances, starting with the Brubeck Brothers Quartet on Saturday. The Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra Brubeck Commission Project with newly commissioned arrangements of Dave Brubeck compositions will be presented on Sunday, as well as The Real Ambassadors - a recasting of Dave and Iola Brubeck's dramatic masterpiece with conductor Bill Meyer. The series will conclude on Monday with TO HOPE, A Celebration: Dave Brubeck's Historic Mass, a stunning masterpiece which will feature a 65 voice choir, string orchestra, and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet with saxophonist Rick Margitza.

Saxophonist Joshua Redman and vocalist Sheila Jordan are also slated to perform this year in respective orchestral programs. The Joshua Redman Quartet with Aaron Goldberg, Reuben Rogers & Gregory Hutchinson will be joined by an orchestra and will be performing selections from the new album Walking Shadows. Jordan's performance also will feature the Alan Broadbent Trio and a Detroit-based 18-piece string orchestra.

The Yellowjackets, who have been together almost as long as the Detroit Jazz Festival - 34 years and counting - are performing in support of A Rise In The Road, their new release on Mack Avenue Records. This serves as their debut project with new bassist Felix Pastorius. Guitarist John Scofield is set to perform with his Überjam group, bringing jam-oriented funk to this year's lineup. Also on the schedule is the the Robert Glasper Experiment, the GRAMMY® Award-winning group which transcends genre, drawing from jazz, hip-hop, R&B and rock.

Two impressive new talents are also set to perform. Exciting young vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant will perform in support of her recently released Mack Avenue debut record, WomanChild, which has received much critical acclaim already. New York luminary David Berger has written customized arrangements of McLorin Salvant's music to be performed by his own New York Big Band; this will serve as the young vocalists premier in a highly customized large ensemble setting. Also performing is vocalist Gregory Porter,who recently earned a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance, and is set to release Liquid Spirit, on Sept. 17 via Blue Note Records.

 The Detroit Jazz Festival is the largest entirely free jazz festival in the world, with attendees and artists alike gathering from all over the globe (with 25 percent of the audience coming from outside of Michigan). In addition to providing incredible opportunities to see jazz legends, the festival has an important economic impact, bringing in tens of millions of dollars and contributing greatly to the city of Detroit. The festival also was voted the number three jazz festival in North America in a reader's poll by JazzTimes, the world's leading jazz publication.

Now in its 34th year, the Detroit Jazz Festival takes place over Labor Day weekend (August 31 - September 2), in Hart Plaza, downtown Detroit. Attendees can see world-renowned artists on four stages: JP Morgan Chase Main Stage, Carhartt Amphitheatre Stage, Mack Avenue Records Waterfront Stage, and Absopure Pyramid Stage.

SHELEA RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM, LOVE FELL ON ME FEATURING BRIAN MCKNIGHT, STEVIE WONDER AND COLLABORATION WITH NARADA MICHALE WALDEN

Fresh off a spell-bounding performance at this year’s 44th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards, alongside other musical performances during the evening which included Sting, Allison Krauss, Wiz Khalifa, Nickelback, Foreigner, Aerosmith and Jordin Sparks, Sheléa honored legendary songwriter Hal David with her performance of “Anyone Who Had a Heart."

Sheléa’s debut Love Fell On Me boasts production from the legendary Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross). Together they co-wrote and co-produced the up-tempo song “Have I Ever Told You.” The album also features multi-platinum selling R&B singer, songwriter, producer Brian McKnight on “Can’t Play It Cool” and the iconic Stevie Wonder on harmonica for the title track “Love Fell On Me,” a song which was chosen as the musical theme for the film Jumping the Broom (Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Mike Epps). Love Fell On Me encompasses a classic blend of soul, R&B, and jazz, and captures the true essence of romance. The current single, “Love The Way You Love Me” is a soulful ballad which premiered on the award-winning site Singersroom.com, and showcases Sheléa’s “powerful voice,” as described by SoulBounce.com.

The talented songstress caught the attention of fans and music critics in 2012 for her astounding YouTube tribute to the legendary Whitney Houston, as well as one of Sheléa’s biggest supporters, Stevie Wonder, who was instrumental in booking her for a performance at the White House for President and Michelle Obama. There, she honored composers Burt Bacharach and Hal David with the Gershwin Prize. You can also hear Sheléa sing lead on “Break The Chains,” the official anthem for the global movement to stop violence against women with One Billion Rising (Rosario Dawson, Jane Fonda, Robert Redford, Jessica Alba, Debbie Allen).

Sheléa has performed on a number of top-rated morning shows including Good Day Sacramento, Good Morning San Diego, The Morning Blend Las Vegas and Studio Fox 11 in Los Angeles, and recently Sheléa was featured as Clear Channel’s NEW! Discover & Uncover artist on iheartradio.com.

NEW RELEASES - GABRIEL TAJEU, NINA SIMONE, ROTEM SIVAN

GABRIEL TAJEU - FINDING MY WAY

“I think that most of the content of my album is about searching. Searching for love, for my place in this world, for reasons why love goes bad, for my purpose – what it is and what it is not, for my path.” His debut album, ‘Finding My Way’, is available on iTunes and at the Amazon MP3 Store. In addition to the searching he does lyrically, Gabriel Tajeu is also searching for a new sound. He was raised listening to all types of music from Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, to Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. During his teenage years he started to listen to R&B legends from Luther Vandross to Brian McKnight. It is R&B that has had the largest influence on his vocal styling. The way he sings, phrases his vocals, and adds harmonies to his music are all influenced heavily by the genre. However, “It is the music that I found late in my college years and recently that has had the most profound impact on my current songwriting, chord progressions, and song structure. Musicians like Ben Harper, Ryan Adams, John Mayer, Van Hunt, Joni Mitchell, D’Angelo, Brett Dennen, and Elvis Costello have begun to creep into my consciousness. The way they write music is different in some ways than the artists I grew up listening to…Their lyrical sensibility, rock and roll affect, and sometimes unpredictable song structure is something that I am trying to incorporate into my music and aspire to as a songwriter.” ~4eentertainment.com

NINA SIMONE - VERY RARE EVENING

A very rare evening indeed – a sweet little live set recorded by Nina Simone during her soulful height at RCA – but issued years after that time, and only briefly on a small indie label! The setting here is wonderful – a small combo in the background with the great Weldon Irvine on Hammond, playing these soulful lines that are mighty lean and plenty powerful – spurred on by rhythms from Al Shackman on guitar, Gene Perla on bass, and Don Alias on drums! The record also features two female backup singers on a few cuts – giving the album an almost Sweet Inspirations like touch at moments – but overall, the feel is straight hip Nina – that unique blend of soul, folk, and jazz that pushed things to the next level at the end of the 60s! Includes the great original "Revolution", plus the track "The Other Woman", "In The Morning", "Ain't Go No/I Got Life", "Save Me", and "To Love Somebody". ~ Dusty Groove

ROTEM SIVAN - ENCHANTED SUN

Sivan is a recipient of Montreux Jazz Festival International Competition prize in 2009. While completing his studies at Tel Aviv University and NYC's New School University Sivan has already been a much sought-after young player in the international festivals and concerts circuit. The New Album entitled Enchanted Sun, was recorded in a live studio setting with Sam Anning on bass and Rajiv Jayaweera on drums. Through music, the trio members became close friends and they continue to collaborate in various projects. The album creation process was a collaboration and exchange of ideas that resulted in a collection of concepts, forms, and eventually compositions. Sivan's compositions and other materials used for this album represent a certain period of musical explorations that began with his relocation to New York City from Israel. The album includes original compositions written especially for trio, as well as two classic jazz standards. Sivan chose to include in his debut album two of his favorite jazz standards: How Long Has This Been Going On? (George Gershwin) and Isn't It Romantic? (Richard Rodgers). Scene #5 by Sivan, originally composed for solo piano, was heavily influenced by the great French composer, Erik Satie, and was later rearranged for trio. The Rodents Blues is a 12 bar form in which the melody is displaced by a quarter-note the second time in, resulting in a rhythmic tension resolved by the solo section.

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