GUITARIST BLAKE AARON DELIVERS COOL ELECTRIC JAZZ WITH A RETRO '70s DISCO GROOVE ON "GROOVE-O-MATIC"

Guitarist Blake Aaron is still tucked away in the recording studio tinkering on his forthcoming fifth album, “Soul Stories,” yet he’s already topped the charts with a single from the session. Aaron’s cool electric jazz guitar dances to a retro ‘70s disco groove aided by big vibrant horn blasts on “Groove-O-Matic,” which has spent the last nine weeks at No. 1 on the Groove Jazz Music chart and entered the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs Top 5. 

“Groove-O-Matic” is the second single to hit the charts from the album slated for release this summer on Innervision Records. Jazz crooner Spencer Day was featured on “You’re The One For Me,” which reigned in the Top 10 for 20 weeks. The first album Aaron has produced on his own, “Soul Stories” is a collection of soulful jazz, funk and Latin grooves and includes an appearance by urban jazz saxophone star Najee.

  

"’Soul Stories’ is literally the musical story of my soul. It's been a long-time coming and spans the journey of my marriage and the birth of my two children. It's my first CD that is entirely self-produced, my biggest radio and commercial success to date and has been nicknamed our ‘Third Child.’ I'm very proud of the record and look forward to performing it live,” said Aaron, who will perform tracks from the disc with his band and special guests this Saturday night at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, Calif.

Aaron headlines the San Antonio Summer Arts Jazz Festival on June 1 and is presently lining up summer dates in support of “Soul Sessions.”

Hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “a genius on the guitar,” Aaron pours passion and precision into his fretwork. Emerging from the studio where he was an in-demand session player and stepping out of the shadows after being a long-time sideman, Aaron launched his solo career with 2001’s “With Every Touch” containing appearances by contemporary jazz stalwarts Eric Marienthal and David Benoit. Singles from the debut album as well as from subsequent releases – “Bringin’ It Back,” “Desire” and “A Romantic Christmas” – have always been favorably received at radio and charted well nationally. Since 2008, Aaron has hosted the internationally syndicated “The Blake Aaron Radio Show” that he describes as an “artist to artist show” on which he jams live on the weekly program with guests that have included Anita Baker, Kenny Loggins, Brian Culbertson, Boney James, Peter White, Rick Braun, Mindi Abair, Earl Klugh, Lee Ritenour, Nathan East, Paul Jackson Jr., Jackiem Joyner and Jessy J. His resume includes playing on and composing music and theme songs for films and popular television series such as “MAD TV,” “The Ben Stiller Show,” “Super Dave Osborne” and “The Jamie Kennedy Experiment.” Additional information is available at 

www.BlakeAaron.com.     

“Soul Stories” contains the following songs:

“Groove-O-Matic”

“Encantadora”

“You’re The One For Me”

“Wes Side Story”

“You’re My Miracle”

“Sara Smile”

“Europa”

“Soul Stories”

BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB ANNOUNCES MARCH 2014 ARTIST SCHEDULE

Blue Note Jazz Club, one of the world's most iconic jazz and blues venues based in Greenwich Village, is proud to announce an impressive schedule of acts for March 2014.

Highlights include: the U.S. premiere of Volcán, a Latin jazz supergroup featuring Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Jose Armando Gola, Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez and Giovanni Hidalgo; Donald Harrison, Ron Carter and Billy Cobham Trio; Lou Donaldson; Spyro Gyra; Larry Carlton Group and Kyle Eastwood Group double feature; Omar Hakim; and the 4th Annual James Moody Scholarship for Newark Youth Benefit Concert, among others.

  

MARCH 2014 ARTIST SCHEDULE

Saturday, March 1

Bill Evans Soulgrass with Special Guests

Saxophonist Bill Evans kicks off Blue Note Jazz Club's March schedule, closing out a three-night run with his group, Soulgrass (that began on February 27). Described by NPR as "a supergroup of virtuoso musicians," Soulgrass' engagement at Blue Note showcased a number of special guests; this final night will feature Blues Traveler's John Popper as well as Marco Benevento. With more than 20-years under his belt as a solo artist, Evans and his Soulgrass project are known for exploring a variety of musical settings that go well beyond the confines of traditional jazz, including rock, hip-hop, jam, fusion, reggae, Brazilian and funk.

  

Sunday, March 2

Boogaloo Sunday with Lou Donaldson

NEA Jazz Master Lou Donaldson will perform at Blue Note for a special one-night, Sunday engagement featuring his working Quartet - with whom he has toured the world, playing festivals and clubs for over two decades. The saxophonist played an absolutely invaluable role in the creation and building of the classic Blue Note Record Label, as well as the assembly and musical development of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers bands that originally featured legends such as Clifford Brown, Horace Silver, Gene Ramey, and Hank Mobley, among others. As The Wall Street Journal wrote, "Few musicians today can claim to have changed the direction of jazz. Lou Donaldson did so twice."

Monday, March 3

Kenny Werner & Janis Mann - CD Release

Pianist Kenny Werner returns to Blue Note for a special performance with vocalist Janis Mann, in support of their recent album, Celestial Anomaly (2013). Hailed by Andy Gilbert of the San Jose Mercury News as "a stellar 2013 album," the project features innovative and challenging interpretations of jazz and pop standards. A Guggenheim Fellowship Award winner, Werner is a world-class pianist, composer and educator. His prolific output of compositions, recordings, and publications continue to impact audiences around the world. As Quincy Jones said of Werner, "Perfection, 360 degrees of soul and science in one human being. My kind of musician." Mann was described by the San Jose Mercury News as "a brilliant but underexposed Los Angeles jazz singer." Her approach is in the manner of Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, and Shirley Horn, yet with a sound all her own.

Tuesday - Sunday, March 4 - 9

Donald Harrison, Ron Carter & Billy Cobham Trio

The hard-swinging trio of saxophonist Donald Harrison, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Billy Cobham first demonstrated its strong chemistry and affinity for standards on its 2004 recording, Heroes. In April 2005, Blue Note Jazz Club's own Half Note Records captured the trio live during a week-long series of shows at Blue Note, producing the album, New York Cool (2005). Half Note recorded the trio in action at the club again several years later, releasing the album, This is Jazz (2011). AllMusic.com's Thom Jurek called the outing "the finest offering by this trio to date." This week, the band looks build on its recent musical achievements with another hotly-anticipated residency. This also marks Carter's third appearance at Blue Note over the past two months, performing with his Quartet (February 4-9) and with Roy Haynes (February 25 & 26). 

Monday, March 10

Ozmosis Records Presents: The Omar Hakim Experience - CD Release

Widely acclaimed for his versatility, technological prowess and groove, Omar Hakim is one of the most successful drummers and session men of the past 40 years. Hakim has collaborated with dozens of prominent artists including Daft Punk, George Benson, Lionel Richie, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Bobby McFerrin, John Scofield, Urban Knights, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Jewel, J-Lo, D'Angelo, Mariah Carey, and Madonna to name a few, and has left his imprint on hundreds of recordings, including several under his own name. He appears in support of his new album, titled We Are One. The performance will feature guitarist Chieli Minucci, harmonist Grégoire Maret, saxophonist/flautist Bob Franceschini, keyboardist Scott Tibbs, keyboardist Rachel Z, and bassist Jerry Brooks.

Tuesday - Sunday, March 11 - 16

Spyro Gyra

As Spyro Gyra contemplates upcoming milestones in its storied career, it's tempting to fall back on the Grateful Dead lyric, "What a long strange trip it's been," to describe the band's journey. During its career, the band has performed over five thousand shows, released 29 albums (not counting "Best Of" compilations), and sold over 10 million albums, while also achieving one Platinum and two Gold releases. As the band celebrates 35 years since its first release and looks forward to celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, it slows little sign of slowing down, gaining GRAMMY® nominations for each of its last four albums.

  

Monday, March 17

Gordon Chambers

Award-winning singer-songwriter and record producer Gordon Chambers has written for over 60 recording artists, including household names Aretha Franklin, Queen Latifah, Usher, Brandy, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, and Marc Anthony. He is best known for his 1994 GRAMMY®-winning hit, "I Apologize," for Anita Baker and his 1995 No. 1 GRAMMY®-nominated smash "If You Love Me" for the trio Brownstone (which was later featured as the theme song of the film Living Out Loud). More recently, he's penned tunes for superstars like The Isley Brothers, Yolanda Adams, Patti LaBelle & Ron Isley, Whitney Houston & Bobby Brown, Angie Stone, and Beyoncé.

Tuesday - Sunday, March 18 - 23

Volcán: Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Jose Armando Gola, Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez and Giovanni Hidalgo

Volcán, a modern Latin jazz all-star group featuring the prodigious talents of pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, bassist Jose Armando Gola, drummer Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez and percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo, is proud to make its official U.S. debut at Blue Note Jazz Club. The group is the product of years of friendship, respect and a diverse and rich musical heritage. With over 150 albums among them as leaders and sidemen, these highly revered musicians have joined forces to our delight.

Monday, March 24

Anna Saeki

Named as one of the "100 Most Respected Japanese People in the World" in Japanese News Week, vocalist Anna Saeki is proud to make her Blue Note Jazz Club debut. Born in Hokkaido, Japan, Saeki made her debut in 1987 as a tango singer after being crowned Miss Sapporo. Soon afterward, she traveled to Argentina to record her first album. Since then, she has received critical acclaim on TV, radio and in various magazines. She was responsible for the boom of Latin music in Japan in the 1990s/2000s and was also the vocalist for the band "Orquesta del Sol." She is an active performer in Japan, the U.S. & Europe as well as many other major cities and countries around the world. She is now considered a top artist in the Tango world.

Tuesday - Sunday, March 25 - 30

Larry Carlton Group + Kyle Eastwood Group

Blue Note Jazz Club is proud to present a double feature comprised of the Larry Carlton Group and Kyle Eastwood Group. Carlton is one of the world's most revered guitarists, having released many solo albums as well as having played on a multitude of the best selling albums of the modern music era.  He is nicknamed "Kid Charlemagne" for his solo on the Steely Dan Royal Scam album (ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top three guitar solos of all time). A 19-time GRAMMY® nominee, four-time GRAMMY® winner, and all-time guitar great, Carlton has performed on more than 100 Gold or Platinum albums. Kyle Eastwood's bass playing and composing encompasses his life shared between Los Angeles and France. His latest record, Songs From The Chateau, is his fifth record as a leader and is focused on his true love; France. The band performs true and honest music that is both reflective and beautiful. 

Monday, March 31

4th Annual James Moody Scholarship for Newark Youth Benefit Concert

When legendary saxophonist, flutist and vocalist James Moody passed away on December 10, 2010 at 85 years old, the world lost an incredible musician and human being. On March 31, a legion of musicians will assemble at Blue Note Jazz Club, marking the fourth benefit and tribute concert in Moody's honor. The lineup includes: NEA Jazz Master Paquito D'Rivera (clarinet), music director Renee Rosnes (piano), James Carter (tenor sax), Antonio Hart (alto sax), Gary Smulyan (bari sax), Frank Greene (trumpet), Greg Gisbert (trumpet), Bill Charlap (piano), Todd Coolman (bass), Adam Nussbaum (drums), and Alexis Cole (vocals). All ticket proceeds will got to Moody's foundation, the CFNJ James Moody Jazz Scholarship Fund for Newark Youth. A limited number of VIP tickets are available. Don't miss the chance to be part of a tribute to master musician James Moody, whose music will continue to live on through the countless fans and musicians he inspired.

LATE NIGHT GROOVE SERIES

Blue Note Jazz Club proudly presents its Late Night Groove Series, which showcases New York's up-and-coming jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B and funk artists. Shows are on Friday and Saturday nights. Doors open at midnight and shows begin at 12:30AM. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day-of-show, unless otherwise noted. The upcoming schedule features:

March 1 - Darren Lyons Group

March 7 - Sérgio Galvão Group

March 8 - (718) - CD RELEASE SHOW

March 14 - Al MacDowell's "Just Ornette" Quartet

March 15 - Outer Bridge Ensemble

March 21 - Akashic Record

March 22 - Jesse Fischer

March 28 - Manner Effect

March 29 - Colin Cannon Quartet

SUNDAY BRUNCH SERIES

Sunday Brunch at Blue Note Jazz Club is $29.50 per person and includes a live performance, brunch and cocktail. Each performer is scheduled for two shows, at 11:30AM and 1:30PM. The upcoming schedule features:

March 2 - Rich Perry's NYU Jazz Ensemble

"East Meets West Brunch Series"

Sunday Brunches Spotlighting Japanese Jazz Artists & Culture

March 9 - Masami Ishikawa

March 16 - Erika Matsuo

March 23 - Yoko Miwa Trio

March 30 - Nobuki Takamen Trio

Blue Note Jazz Club, based in the heart of Greenwich Village, is a New York City cultural institution and one of the premier jazz clubs in the world. Jazz is undoubtedly America's music, and while Blue Note strives to celebrate the music's great history, the club is a place where progression and innovation - the foundation of jazz - are encouraged and practiced on a nightly basis. Blue Note is open for concerts 365 days a year. Location: 131 W. 3rd Street, between 6th Ave and MacDougal St., New York City.

www.bluenote.net

CHIC FEAT. NILE RODGERS & GIORGIO MORODER AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL!

Chic feat. Nile Rogers, Giorgio Moroder, Tensnake, Oliver, and Destructo. Woah. The biggest names in Disco from the past two decades all in one sentence, all on one bill, this coming May, as presented by HARD. With their Dischoteque stage in recent years, HARD has given the nod to the timeless genre on multiple occasions, but this time they give it the spotlight for what is sure to be a transcendent timeline of Disco’s existence in the modern dance music industry. 

On one hand you have the men who have virtually given birth to the movement, men who have worked with the legends your parents used to get down to. Then on the other, the producers who have/are keeping the genre alive in it’s current state. You have the chance to hear history unfold, a chance to understand an idea that has managed to keep it’s footing all this time.

The Hollywood Bowl lays host to this historic evening as it’s open air nature gives the perfect stage presence for a sound that cannot be contained. 

Opening sets by Tensnake, Oliver, and Destructo will warm you up to the modern interpretation of the movement as the evening builds into the main event. Giorgio and Nile Rogers’ catalogues alone could consume the evening in itself as they set out to encapsulate the historic genre with live music and recanting of their historic catalogues. With tickets on sale this Friday, 2/21, best believe you’ll find us front and center gettin’ our sexy on under the LA sky. For now, take a peep at some of the performers prior work that is sure to tide you over in the meantime.

www.gottadancedirty.com

PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL TO FEATURE DIANNE REEVES, GEORGE BENSON, JAMIE CULLUM, AL JARREAU, STANLEY CLARKE, EARL KLUGH

Dianne Reeves

The Los Angeles Philharmonic  has announced the line-up for the 36th annual Playboy Jazz Festival to be held Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, at the Hollywood Bowl. An internationally-acclaimed event, the Playboy Jazz Festival is one of the premiere jazz festivals in the United States and attracts audiences from around the globe.

Featuring an unparalleled mix of illustrious jazz greats, next generation leaders and Festival favorites, this year’s headliners include Dianne Reeves, George Benson with special guest Earl Klugh, Jamie Cullum, Fantasia, and Dave Holland, Kevin Eubanks, Craig Taborn and Eric Harland: Prism. They will be joined by The Kenny Barron Trio with special guest Ravi Coltrane, Dr. Lonnie Smith “In The Beginnings” Octet, José James, The Arturo Sandoval Big Band, Juan De Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All Stars, Allen Stone, New Orleans favorites Jon Batiste and Stay Human, Butler, Bernstein & The Hot 9 featuring Henry Butler and Steven Bernstein, Tia Fuller, The James Cotton Blues Band with special guest Big Jay McNeely, The New Jump Blues featuring Antonio “Huggy Bear” Fargas, Los Amigos Invisibles, The LAUSD/Beyond The Bell All City Jazz Big Band under the direction of Tony White and J.B. Dyas, and The Esperanza High School Jazz Band under the direction of Brad Davis. A very special celebratory tribute to the late, legendary George Duke will feature Al Jarreau, Stanley Clarke, Ndugu Chancler, Paul Jackson, Jr. and Byron Miller, with musical direction by John Beasley. Duke was a headliner at last year’s Festival and a frequent Festival participant over the years.

An impressive number of artists and special guest collaborations will be making their debuts at Playboy this year including Prism, Fantasia, The Kenny Barron Trio with special guest Ravi Coltrane, the Dr. Lonnie Smith Octet, Butler, Bernstein & The Hot 9 featuring Henry Butler and Steven Bernstein, The James Cotton Blues Band with special guest Big Jam McNeely, The New Jump Blues featuring Antonio “Huggy Bear” Fargas, The Esperanza High School Jazz Band under the direction of Brad Davis and emerging artists José James, Allen Stone, Jon Batiste and Stay Human, and Los Amigos Invisibles.

A legend in the pantheon of music festivals, the Playboy Jazz Festival has featured the talents of artists ranging from legends such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie to today’s hottest stars and contemporary artists including Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, The Roots, Esperanza Spalding and Trombone Shorty. Now in its 36th year, the Playboy Jazz Festival will once again feature two days of extraordinary musical performances with multi-talented entertainer George Lopez hosting for the second year in a row, having taken over the reins from Bill Cosby in 2013.

http://HollywoodBowl.com/PlayboyJazz

SONNY ROLLINS SIGNS DISTRIBUTION PACT WITH SONY/OKEH FOR "ROAD SHOWS VOLUME 3" ALBUM

Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins has signed a distribution agreement with Sony Music Masterworks and its jazz imprint OKeh Records for the release of his new Doxy Records album, Road Shows, vol. 3. A street date of May 6 is planned.

Over the span of his storied and still-unfolding 65-year career, Rollins has established himself as one of the giants of jazz -- a towering influence, a trailblazer, a powerfully creative force in the music. From his earliest masterpieces, such as Saxophone Colossus and Freedom Suite, to his Road Shows archival series of live performances for his Doxy label in the 2000s, Rollins has presented his peerless music without compromise -- and to consistent international acclaim.

The new CD contains six tracks recorded between 2001 and 2012 in Saitama, Japan; Toulouse, Marseille, and Marciac, France; and St. Louis. "Patanjali," a striking new Rollins composition, is given its debut recording.

A Grammy winner for his CD This Is What I Do in 2000, Rollins received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 2004. In 2006 he was inducted into the Academy of Achievement at the International Achievement Summit in Los Angeles, and in May 2007 was a recipient of the Polar Music Prize, presented in Stockholm. In 2009 he became the third American (after Frank Sinatra and Jessye Norman) to be awarded the Austrian Cross for Science and Art, First Class; and in 2010 he was named the Edward MacDowell Medalist, the first jazz composer to be so honored.

More recently, Rollins was presented with the National Medal of Arts at a White House ceremony in March 2011, and later that year he received the Kennedy Center Honors. In the Jazz Journalists Association's 2013 Awards, Rollins was named Emeritus Jazz Artist/Beyond Voting.

"Having worked with Sonny on his previous Doxy albums, I am honored and pleased that he chose the newly launched OKeh label as the partner for his future musical adventures. He is an inspiration to all of us at the label," says Wulf Müller, who oversees A&R for OKeh Records.

www.sonnyrollins.com

JACKIEM JOYNER'S NEW RELEASE "EVOLVE" FEATURES DUETS WITH GERALD ALBRIGHT & KEIKO MATSUI; DUE APRIL 29, 2014

As a young turk on the contemporary jazz scene, saxophonist Jackiem Joyner is far from complacent and staid in his sound and style. Not afraid to challenge the fan base that took him to No. 1 twice and Top 3 two more times on the Billboard chart, Joyner gets adventurous on his fifth album, “Evolve,” which will be released April 29th by Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Records. It’s his first on which he wrote and produced the entire set, including the first single going to radio in mid-March, “Generation Next,” an up-tempo urban-pop track with vibrant flashes of strings that provide a contrast to Joyner’s gentle melodic sax.   

  

Juxtaposing invigorating otherworldly sonicscapes under tender sax melodies, “Evolve” is a dynamic, highly-rhythmic session that is unpredictable laced with traces of the familiar. Listening will take you to a different place while defining Joyner as a musician and a writer beyond what we have already heard from the chart-topping rhythm and groove guy. The imaginative new set has a greater purpose with the introductory single, “Generation Next,” serving as “a declaration that the next generation of jazz musicians is here to stay. Music evolves, including jazz. All types of sound evolve. So do people and our imaginations. That is what I tried to put on tape. ‘Evolve’ captures the changes in my musical mind and how I have evolved as an artist. Rather than fitting in with the traditional, I’m bringing the audience along with songs that unfold over different and interesting soundscapes even as I move towards a live organic sound,” explains Joyner.

In addition to playing alto and soprano sax on the record, Joyner is a multi-instrumentalist who played many of the instruments heard on the collection along with a couple of high-profile assists from Grammy-nominated sax player Gerald Albright and internationally-renowned keyboardist Keiko Matsui. The collaborations are noteworthy for different reasons. When Joyner was in high school, Albright was his idol thus dueting with him on “Big Step” was a thrill. Joyner tours in Matsui’s band when not performing his own dates and wrote “Europa” with her mind. On a few tracks, he was joined by his touring band – guitarist Kayta Matsuno, bassist Tim Bailey, keyboardist Bill Steinway and drummer Raymond Johnson – to record live in the studio.

“Evolve” marks a return for Joyner to the contemporary jazz-urban instrumentals for which he achieved notoriety on his first three albums after 2012’s “Church Boy,” an offering that landed on Billboard’s Jazz Albums and Top Gospel Albums charts. Joyner was named Debut Artist of the Year for his 2007 debut, “Babysoul,” by Smooth Jazz News. His sophomore set, “Lil’ Man Soul,” registered a pair of No. 1 Billboard hits with “I’m Waiting For You” reigning for 12 weeks and winning Song of the Year honors at the 2009 American Smooth Jazz Awards. Two singles from Joyner’s self-titled third record climbed into Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Songs Top 3. He’s toured the world extensively in support of each release and anticipates a busy year of touring in 2014 – both with his own band and with Matsui. For more information, please visit www.JackiemJoyner.com and www.facebook.com/jackiemjoyner .

“Evolve” contains the following song titles:

“Generation Next”

“Europa”

“Double Bass”

“Breathe”

“Evolve”

“Born To Fly”

Interlude

“Later Tonight”

“See Through Me”

“Big Step”

“A Gentle Walk On Water”

NEW RELEASES: LENNY WILLIAMS – CHOOSING YOU; RUDY ROYSTON – 303; RICHARD BONNET / TONY MALABY / ANTONIN RAYON / TOM RAINEY - WARRIOR

LENNY WILLIAMS – CHOOSING YOU

A killer set from Lenny Williams – done in a smoothly jazzy mode that echoes with a real Fantasy Records groove! Lenny's clearly drawing some great inspiration here from the East Bay scene – working with older Motown producer Frank Wilson on a set of warmly modern numbers that really help him state a strong voice as a solo act. The grooves are all just perfect for Lenny's vocals – funky, but never too much so – and smooth without being slick – a rare balance, but one that comes off perfectly here, and makes the set a great one! Essential mellow soul throughout – with tracks that include "Look Up With Your Mind", "Riding The High Wire", "Choosing You", "Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh", "Please Don't Tempt Me", "Trust In Me", and "I've Been Away From Love For Too Long". CD features lots of bonus tracks – "Choosing You (12" single)", "Choosing You (7" single)", "Shoo Doo Fu Fu Ooh (7" single)", and "Look Up Your Mind (7" single)". ~ Dusty Groove

RUDY ROYSTON – 303

The first album as a leader from drummer Rudy Royston – a player we've enjoyed for years in the company of others, and one who emerges here with a really fresh voice of his own! Rudy's drums are bold, but also have this way of opening up and allowing magical interplay between all the other members of the group – a warm combo that features Jon Irabagon on saxes, Nadja Noordhuis on trumpet, Nir Felder on guitar, Sam Harris on piano, and either Mimi Jones or Yasushi Nakamura on bass. The guitar and piano combo is wonderful – ringing with these compelling chromes, especially on the tracks that feature Jones' wonderfully soulful work on bass. Most tracks are originals by Rudy – furthering the personal voice of the record – and titles include "Mimi Sunrise", "Play On Words", "Miles To Go", "Gangs Of New York", "High & Dry", and "Bownze". ~ Dusty Groove

RICHARD BONNET / TONY MALABY / ANTONIN RAYON / TOM RAINEY - WARRIOR

Post-musical tones from a very powerful lineup – a quartet who make some really amazing sounds from very familiar instruments – all used at levels that are quite different than you'd hear in standard jazz, or even most avant work as well! The group features Richard Bonnet on guitar, Tony Malaby on tenor and soprano sax, Antonin Rayon on Hammond, and Tom Rainey on drums – but the overall sound is way different than any tenor/organ/guitar combo we've ever heard! The Hammond is especially amazing – used to generate these offbeat sounds, which are then echoed by Bonnet's guitar – and laced with reed lines that are sometimes melodic, sometimes more textural – on titles that include "Warrior", "Bonne Resolution", "World Of Signs", "Kala", and "Coney Island Line". ~ Dusty Groove

BETH HART & JOE BONAMASSA - LIVE BLU-RAY/2DVD/ 2CD "BETH HART & JOE BONAMASSA - LIVE IN AMSTERDAM" - OUT MARCH 25

On March 25, hot on the heels of their GRAMMY nomination, force-of-nature blues-rock vocalist Beth Hart and guitar hero Joe Bonamassa will deliver Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa – Live In Amsterdam (2DVD/Blu-ray/2CD) – the very first live experience from one of music's most powerful female voices and one of the world's greatest guitar players. Against the backdrop of the beautiful, historic Koninklijk Theater Carre in Amsterdam, the performance wows with scorching soul covers from the duo's 2011 debut album Don't Explain and 2013 follow-up Seesaw, originally made famous by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Donnie Hathaway, Lucinda Williams, Bill Withers, Delaney & Bonnie, Buddy Miles, Tina Turner, Slackwax, Melody Gardot, Nina Simone, and more.

This project was born from what Hart, Bonamassa, and Bonamassa's long-time producer Kevin Shirley call a "crazy idea" to record a catalog of songs in a way that recalls the days when a band recorded live in the studio with little or no overdubs; the days when the vocalist was happy when a take was done regardless of personal performance.

"What we're trying to capture is an era of reaction and spontaneity – something that was a great inspiration for me as a budding musician," explained Bonamassa. "It's a bygone era in lieu of modern times and digital studio manipulation. We wanted to do the exact opposite of that for this live concert. There were no nets and what you hear is what was sung and played that night."

Both Hart and Bonamassa were heavily influenced by these songs and the artists who originally performed them. "We're doing these amazing cover songs and in doing them, and what's so great about doing them, is that it shows part of what excited us and made us want to become artists when we were young and just starting out," said Hart. "You can see that a lot of this was an influence with me, and Joe, and the other musicians, you can hear it in the way everyone plays and performs. This was music that they loved, that touched them. And when you do covers, you get to make them personal. That was part of the goal – to make it like it's your story too. Otherwise how does it come across sincere? I think that's one of the challenges and it's very fulfilling if we feel like we're doing that."

The one-two punch of Hart's powerhouse vocals and Bonamassa's blistering solos both honors and reinvents the original recordings. Featuring 22 songs and over two hours of bonus and behind-the-scenes footage, the sonic pairing that critics everywhere are calling a "match made in heaven" are backed by the same world class band that kept the grooves going on both albums:  Anton Fig (drums, percussion), Carmine Rojas (bass), Blondie Chaplin (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Arlan Schierbaum (keyboards). This time out, their mighty sound is augmented by a horn section, with Lee Thornburg (trumpet and percussion), Ron Dziubla (saxophone and percussion), and Carlos Perez Alfonso (trombone and percussion).

TRACKLISTING

1. Amsterdam, Amsterdam!

2. Them There Eyes

3. Sinner's Prayer

4. Can't Let Go

5. For My Friends

6. Close To My Fire

7. Rhymes

8. Something's Got A Hold On Me

9. Your Heart Is As Black As Night

10. Chocolate Jesus

11. Baddest Blues

12. Someday After Awhile (You'll Be Sorry)

13. Beth introduces the band

14. Well, well

15. If I Tell You I Love You

16. See Saw

17. Strange Fruit

18. Miss Lady

19. I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know

20. Nutbush City Limits

21. I'd Rather Go Blind

22. Antwerp Jam (Credits)

http://hartandbonamassa.com/    

http://jbonamassa.com/  

www.bethhart.com  

https://www.facebook.com/JoeBonamassa  

https://www.facebook.com/officialbethhart  

Twitter: @JBONAMASSA, @BethHart

MULTI-GRAMMY® NOMINATED DRUMMER HARVEY MASON RELEASES "CHAMELEON" CONCORD RECORDS DEBUT APRIL 29, 2014

Chameleon, the scintillating Concord Records debut from multi-GRAMMY® nominated Harvey Mason, finds him drawing upon the rich jazz-funk legacy of the 1970s and recasting seven of that era’s most enduring classics with an early 21st-century sheen. A legendary session drummer, producer, composer and recording artist, Mason is among the most recorded and in-demand musicians of all-time.

Co-produced by Chris Dunn, Sr. Director of A&R for Concord Music Group, Chameleon features some of the brightest young jazz talents on the scene today. NEXT Collective alumni such as trumpeter Christian Scott, bassist Ben Williams, pianist/keyboardist Kris Bowers, guitarist Matthew Stevens enliven Chameleon. Bringing more young firepower to the fore are trombonist/vocalist Corey “CK” King, saxophonist Kamasi Washington, vocalist Chris Turner, and keyboardist/electronica producer, Mark de Clive-Lowe.

Helping Mason steer this cooperative are some of his contemporaries – bassist and co-founder of the legendary Yellowjackets, Jimmy Haslip; percussionist and founder of Los Hombres El Caliente, Bill Summers; and bassist Paul Jackson. Summers and Jackson worked with Mason on Herbie Hancock’s 1973 landmark LP, Head Hunters. 

The lead composition, “Chameleon,” from Head Hunters serves, in part, as the signifying reference for Mason’s disc. Not only did Mason provide the rhythmic spank for the jazz-funk staple, he co-wrote it with Hancock along with several other bandmates – Jackson and reedist Bennie Maupin.

The other part of the equalization for the disc’s title comes from “chameleon” being a nickname, given to Mason, because of his incredible versatility. As a first-rate session musician and live performer, his brilliance resides not only in jazz. He’s demonstrated musicianship in R&B, pop, country, Latin and European classical music; Mason also has played on an astounding number of recordings, movie and TV scores and commercial jingles.

After two decades of playing with the GRAMMY®-nominated ensemble Fourplay – with which he’s still a member – Mason decided to reignite his solo career by forming a band based on the first edition of Hancock’s Head Hunters ensemble. Mason took the combo to Japan and received rave reviews. That reception, along with serious encouragement from his manager, inspired him to record Chameleon. “I came back [from Japan] and my manager spoke with Chris Dunn, who was real excited about it. He championed the idea with Concord,” Mason recalls.

During the sessions, Mason was surprised about how strongly ’70s jazz-funk resonated with today’s more cutting-edge jazz artists. “It’s funny because a lot of those records, I may have listened to them maybe one time since I recorded them,” Mason explains. “As a musician, you’re always trying to evolve. When I listen to my drumming back then, it sounds dated. Now my sound is more opened.  Back then, I had only one head on the toms, so they didn’t ring as much. They had a darker sound. I’ve modernized my drumming to accommodate the music that’s happening now. So when I listen to the old stuff, I just say, ‘Wow! That’s really something. That’s what they want to hear now.’”

After witnessing Dunn’s passion for the project, Mason took his lead in terms of repertoire and sound quality.  “I said to myself that there might be something to this that I might not be seeing. So I trusted his instincts,” Mason says. “As we put it together, I saw where he was coming from.”

A tour-de-force destined become a new hallmark in Mason’s illustrious career, Chameleon begins with a smoldering rendition of Grover Washington, Jr.’s “Black Frost,” arranged by King. It features Kamasi Washington blasting a searing tenor sax solo across an evocative sonic terrain crafted by Bowers and Corey King keyboard and synth chords as Steven’s bluesy guitar accompaniment helps the rhythm section give it more funky momentum.

Like most of the songs on the disc, Mason participated in the recording sessions of the original version of “Black Forest.” That 1974 date was of his first opportunity working with CTI Records and Creed Taylor. He recalls that except for Bob James (who co-wrote and arranged the song), many of the other musicians initially gave him the cold shoulder. “I remember no one would speak to me except for Bob because I was this hotshot making all these hits in L.A.,” Mason says, “Bob was very welcoming to me. We instantly became friends. When we started playing, everything sort of opened up and things were cool after that. Those guys became some of my greatest friends.”

The disc continues with an imaginative take on Bobby Hutcherson’s “Montara,” which has become a hip-hop gem thanks to people like the Roots and Madlib sampling it. On Chameleon, Mason handles the vibraphone part but allows Stevens, who arranged the makeover, to emerge as the lead voice on the melody, before passing the baton to de Clive-Lowe on Fender Rhodes.

Mason wasn’t on the original version of “If I Ever Lose This Heaven,” a soul-jazz ballad classic on Quincy Jones’ 1974 LP, Body Heat. But Dunn insisted on including it on the disc; he suggested Turner, who croons a simmering rendition of the lyrics, originally sang by Minnie Riperton and the song’s co-writer, Leon Ware. Arranged by King with vocals produced by Mason’s son, the new version retains the sensual vibe of the original, yet it shimmers with a modern, after-hours appeal.

Chameleon then breaks into one of its three sensational interludes. The first one, “Going Back” provides an ideal vehicle for showcasing de Clive-Lowe’s arranging and instrumental prowess on the keyboard as he tickles a hypnotic groove alongside Mason and Jackson.

The disc then slides into Bowers’ stunning arrangement of Rushen’s jazz-funk gem, “Before the Dawn,” which is graced by impressionistic horn chords from Scott, Washington and King.

Donald Byrd’s classic “Places and Spaces” arrives next, first with a haunting prelude, before it launches into a swaggering groove, enlivened by Scott’s electrifying trumpet solo. King, who arranged the strutting down-tempo makeover, also lends his suave vocals on lead.

Afterward, Mason’s wistful ballad, “Either Way” arrives. Originally appearing on Dave Grusin’s 1979 LP, Mountain Dance, the song became famous in hip-hop circles after being sampled on Biggie Small’s 1994 rap tune, “Everyday Struggle.” Bowers deftly taps into that hip-hop/jazz connection with a melancholy arrangement.

The title track comes as a grand finale with an imaginative arrangement from reedist (and Concord labelmate) Ben Wendel of Kneebody. For the new arrangement, Mason invited Summers to reprise his famous hinedewho intro to “Watermelon Man” from Hancock’s Head Hunters LP as a suspenseful teaser. It works like a charm as “Chameleon” moves into its trademarked stuttering melody and humpback groove.

The disc is a true testament to the enduring vitality of ’70s jazz-funk, and to Mason’s incredible musical flexibility. He’s a musician intent on constantly pressing forward. So Chameleon is hardly caught up in shallow nostalgia; it’s undeniably contemporary. “The music sounds different than it did back then,” Mason says. “But you get the same feeling and vibe. “

EARTH WIND & FIRE, TROMBONE SHORTY, TERENCE BLANCHARD, DAVE HOLLAND PRISM, PATTI AUSTIN, EDDIE PALMIERI SALSA ORCHESTRA, DR. LONNIE SMITH & OTHERS @ FREIHOFER'S SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL

Earth Wind & Fire /  Photo Credit: Randee St. Nicolas

The 37th annual Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival, one of the most celebrated and longest running jazz events in the world, will be held on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. This year's festival headliners include Earth, Wind & Fire, Trombone Shorty, Terence Blanchard, Dave Holland Prism, Patti Austin, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra, Quinn Sullivan, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Newport Jazz Festival®: Now 60, among others. Tickets for the festival will be available online beginning February 25 for Saratoga Performing Arts Center's highest level members and March 18 for the general public. 

Located in Saratoga Springs, New York at  Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the festival was founded in 1978 by jazz impresario George Wein and has hosted a who's who of jazz greats over the years including Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, B.B. King, Wayne Shorter and Ray Charles. With an inside seating capacity of 5,200, lawn seating of 20,000, world class jazz talent performing on two stages, and an idyllic state park setting located just three hours driving time from either Boston or New York City, the festival draws thousands of fans from across the Northeast and throughout North America.

"Over the last 37 years, the Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival has established its place as one of the premier summer music festivals in America," said Marcia J. White, SPAC's President and Executive Director. "In 2014, this event will mark a defining moment when we welcome Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the greatest bands of all time. With more than 90 million albums sold worldwide, this band's appeal is timeless and its spectacular live shows continue to draw sell-out crowds from coast to coast.

"Sharing the bill with Earth, Wind & Fire will be a star-studded lineup including the phenomenal Trombone Shorty who rocked the house during his 2012 festival appearance, Billboard chart-topper Patti Austin who makes her festival debut, rising star Jon Batiste and his Stay Human band, NEA Jazz Master Eddie Palmieri and his Salsa Orchestra, blues guitar prodigy and Buddy Guy protégé Quinn Sullivan and jazz giant Terence Blanchard, among many others. The Gazebo stage will feature some of the hottest rising stars on the jazz scene including Jaimeo Brown, Robin McKelle and the Flytones and the Sean Jones Quartet," she adds. "Special thanks go out to our title sponsor Freihofer's which helps us present fans with a spectacular event each and every year; the spirit of partnership they bring to this festival is truly one of the reasons for its success."

"The 37th jazz festival at SPAC will be one for the record books. The powerhouse and diverse line-up is certain to thrill our audience," said Danny Melnick, President of Absolutely Live Entertainment, which co-produces the festival with SPAC. "I have wanted to book Earth, Wind & Fire for years and we finally have them closing our Saturday program will a full-concert set!"

In addition to festival headliners, Gazebo Stage programming will continue to feature an innovative mix of established and emerging artists in jazz. The lineup includes: Melissa Aldana Crash Trio, Marc Cary Focus Trio, Jaimeo Brown, Mary Halvorson Trio, Sean Jones Quartet, Warren Wolf & Wolfpack, and Tim Berne's Snakeoil, all of whom are making their festival debuts. The stage will also feature returning saxophonist Lew Tabackin with his trio.

While two-days and two-stages of live, world class jazz is the centerpiece of the weekend, fans can also enjoy a host of amenities including a fine arts and crafts fair, CD signings by artists, a full-service bar in the Hall of Springs, southern style barbeque and other food vendors, all presented by Stella Artois. Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages, as well as blankets, tents and lawn umbrellas. Parking for the event is free.

"Last year we celebrated Freihofer's 100th anniversary with fireworks," Melnick adds. "Because of Freihofer's continued generous support, this year's festival will have musical fireworks all weekend long."

Stella Artois returns to the festival this year and is the lead sponsor of the lawn experience ("the hang"). The upscale Belgian beer company is no stranger to sponsoring high-profile arts and cultural events; they've been notably involved with the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Singapore Jazz Festival, and the Sundance Film Festival.

"Wrapped around these two glorious days of world-class music is SPAC's postcard-perfect setting in the majestic Saratoga Spa State Park - the perfect place to stretch out, relax and take in the music," reflects White. There is truly no better way to kick-off the summer."

2014 Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival Artists

Earth, Wind & Fire - One of the most popular funk and R&B bands of all-time -- selling over 90 million albums in their 44-year career, with countless hits and awards -- Earth, Wind & Fire will make their festival debut, performing a full-concert length set, including their complete light show. They'll appear in support of a new album, Now, Then & Forever. Earth, Wind & Fire is one of the most prestigious and popular headlining artists the festival has ever presented in its 37-year history.

Dr. Lonnie Smith Octet - Described by The New York Times as "a reliable captain of soul [who] can make almost any groove feel deep and inevitable," this Hammond B-3 organ master will make his festival debut, performing in support of his latest album, In The Beginning Vols. 1 & 2. The project spotlights a collection of Smith's original compositions from early in his career (most of which were initially documented on his classic mid-to-late 1960s Columbia Records and Blue Note Records albums).

Terence Blanchard - The multi-faceted trumpeter, bandleader, film-score and soundtrack composer returns to the festival for his fourth appearance as a leader and fifth overall. Terence Blanchard first played the festival with jazz legend Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers in 1985. Subsequently appearing at the festival with his own band in 1991, 1995, and more recently in 2008. This year, Blanchard will perform in support of his most recent Blue Note Records release, Magnetic, which was nominated for a GRAMMY® Award in December 2013.

Mike Stern/Bill Evans Band featuring Steve Smith & Tom Kennedy - The festival is proud to present the U.S. debut of a new "super band," led by virtuoso guitarist Mike Stern and renowned saxophonist Bill Evans (both sharing the common thread of having worked with Miles Davis in the 1980s). They are joined by an explosive rhythm section consisting of drummer Steve Smith and bassist Tom Kennedy, providing for a complete and vigorous set of jazz fusion at its best.

Jon Batiste & Stay Human - At 25, Jon Batiste is considered by many to be one of the most exciting and progressive new crossover talents on the scene today. A "Movado Future Legend" award recipient, and a "Steinway Performing Artist," Batiste has performed in innumerable prestigious events and venues across the world. His modern take on the American songbook, through the channels of a virtuosic pedigree in jazz and classical music, is attracting critical acclaim as well as audiences across all demographics. Together with his band Stay Human, Batiste is creating a unique grassroots movement that encourages accessibility and appreciation in the art of the live performance. Apart from his natural focus, Batiste is also a noted advocate for music education (Traveling Ambassador for Music Unites, Associate Artistic Director for the National Jazz Museum) and a regular figure in television and film (HBO's Treme, Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer). Batiste's appearance will be his first since 2008, the year he made his festival debut.

  

Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters - Appearing at the festival only once in 1997, guitarist Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters will make their long-awaited return in 2014. Earl is considered a New England blues guitar legend -- a staple on the local blues circuit for years (having received praise from blues masters such as B.B. King and Muddy Waters).

Robin McKelle & The Flytones - Hailing from Rochester, New York, vocalist Robin McKelle placed third in the 2004 Thelonious Monk Vocal Jazz Competition. However in recent years, McKelle's music has been beyond generic classification as a jazz vocalist. Alternatively, she has fully embraced classic rhythm & blues, traditional pop music, and soul styles. Her latest album, Soul Flower, released on Sony Music's recently re-launched OKeh Records, showcases her passion for classic American R&B. Her second, forthcoming OKeh album, titled Heart of Memphis, strikes a chord with a more roots-centric sound. McKelle will make her festival debut.

Marc Cary Focus Trio featuring Rashaan Carter & Sameer Gupta - Multi-dimensional keyboardist Marc Cary, who will make his festival debut as a leader, has credits ranging from Abbey Lincoln and Dizzy Gillespie to Erykah Badu and Q-Tip. A four-time GRAMMY® Award nominee (through collaborations), Cary successfully released his first solo piano record in mid-2013 on Motéma Music, titled For The Love Of Abbey (a tribute to his mentor and collaborator Abbey Lincoln). The festival will spotlight Cary in a different format, with his Focus Trio (featuring Rashaan Carter & Sameer Gupta). Fusing East Asian, Indian, African, and Native American influences within the African-American blues and jazz traditions, Focus Trio recently released their second Motéma album, titled Four Directions.

Lew Tabackin Trio - A favorite at the Saratoga Jazz Festival since debuting in 1980 with the award winning Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band (a group that he formed with Akiyoshi, his wife), this year marks acclaimed flutist and tenor saxophonist Lew Tabackin's ninth overall festival appearance and second as a leader (first appearing with his own group in 2000). Performing with his Trio, Tabackin will break tradition and appear on the intimate Gazebo Stage (having always performed on the Amphitheatre stage in previous festival editions). His accolades and awards include a 2012 nomination for the JJA Jazz Awards; winning the Downbeat 2010 critics poll in the Flute category, and winning his 4th consecutive Swing Journal Reader's poll.

Jaimeo Brown with JD Allen & Chris Sholar - Renowned drummer, composer and conceptualist Jaimeo Brown's haunting debut as a leader, Transcendence (Motéma Music, 2013), brilliantly taps the root soul connections between African-American spirituals, transcendental East Indian music, Coltrane-esque improvisation and 21st century electronic music. Joined by guitarist/producer Chris Sholar (Q-Tip, Kanye West, Jay Z) and saxophonist JD Allen, Brown will make his festival debut.

Mary Halvorson Trio with John Hebert & Ches Smith - Guitarist/composer Mary Halvorson has been called "NYC's least-predictable improviser" (City Arts), "the most forward-thinking guitarist working right now" (NPR) and "one of today's most formidable bandleaders" (The Village Voice). Halvorson will make her festival debut, appearing with her longstanding trio - her flagship ensemble - featuring bassist John Hebert and drummer Ches Smith. In addition to the trio, Halvorson leads a quintet, a chamber-jazz duo and is also an active member of bands led by Tim Berne, Anthony Braxton, Myra Melford, Marc Ribot, and Tom Rainey, among others.

  

Trombone Shorty - Called the "Jimi Hendrix of the Trombone" in a recent profile by Rhythms' magazine, trombone/trumpet phenomenon Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews returns for his second festival appearance (debuting in 2012), with his signature "Supafunkrock" sound -- a combination of New Orleans' funk, rock, R&B and hip-hop. The New Orleans born and bred musician has had a meteoric rise since the release of his GRAMMY® nominated 2010 debut album, Backatown and released a follow up album, For True, in 2011.

Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra - A nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winner and 2013 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master (the highest honor bestowed by the United States), pianist and bandleader Eddie Palmieri returns to the festival for the first time since 1990 (marking his second overall appearance). Performing with his Salsa Orchestra, Palmieri is known as one of the finest Latin jazz pianists of the past 50 years. His music is renowned for its infectious sound, distinctive orchestrations and trailblazing style (the first to incorporate elements of salsa, funk, soul, jazz, and a band comprised of Latin and African-American musicians).

Patti Austin - A GRAMMY® Award-winner who crosses all musical genres, has made 17 solo albums, and has performed her award-nominated hit songs on the GRAMMYS® and the Oscars, acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Patti Austin will make her festival debut. Austin has had a star-studded career that began at the age of four, making her one of the most beloved artists in the world and a mainstay on the Billboard Jazz Albums charts. Her 2007 release, Avant-Gershwin (Rendezvous), was awarded a GRAMMY® for "Best Jazz Vocal Performance."

Dave Holland Prism with Kevin Eubanks, Craig Taborn & Eric Harland - Bassist, composer, and bandleader Dave Holland has a rich history with the festival. He appeared with his own band in 2002, performed with Jack DeJohnette's Parallel Realities tour in 1990, and in a quartet format with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Brian Blade in 2004. He returns to the festival with his new band, Prism - an electrifying project that is equally groove-oriented as it is avant-garde. The project features guitarist Kevin Eubanks (who appeared at the festival with his own group in 2013), keyboard specialist Craig Taborn, and drummer Eric Harland. Holland recently released Prism's debut album (of the same name), marking 40 years since his first recording as a leader, Conference of the Birds (ECM).

Newport Jazz Festival®: Now 60 - Anat Cohen, Karrin Allyson, Randy Brecker, Mark Whitfield, Peter Martin, Larry Grenadier & Clarence Penn Newport Jazz Festival® - Now 60 celebrates both the great history of the Newport Jazz Festival® and its current role as one of the most active presenters of contemporary jazz artists in the world. This celebration holds special meaning to the Saratoga Jazz Festival, as the project is presented to honor George Wein (the legendary impresario who founded both the Newport and Saratoga Jazz Festivals). Concert repertoire spans the ages--from Louis, Duke, and Miles to Latin, Brazilian, and fusion--making the leader of this international touring group, clarinetist Anat Cohen, a perfect ambassador for the Newport Jazz Festival. The ensemble features vocalist Karrin Allyson, trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Mark Whitfield, pianist Peter Martin, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Clarence Penn.

Quinn Sullivan - Blues guitar prodigy Quinn Sullivan will make his festival debut as a leader, after a rousing surprise guest appearance with legendary bluesman Buddy Guy last year. Currently 14 years old (soon to be 15 in March 2014), Sullivan was given a toy guitar for Christmas at age three, and it quickly became apparent he had a gift. By age eight, Buddy Guy discovered Sullivan and became a mentor, fostering Sullivan's development. Sullivan has since gone on to appear on national television shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ellen, Oprah, The Today Show, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, as well as performing at iconic venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, the Apollo Theater and the Beacon Theater. He appeared on Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival at Madison Square Garden in April 2013.

Melissa Aldana Crash Trio with Pablo Menares and Francisco Mela - Chilean-born/New York City-based saxophonist Melissa Aldana recently won the 2013 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz saxophone competition, judged by a panel of saxophonists that included Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Heath, Bobby Watson, Branford Marsalis and Jane Ira Bloom. As the first female instrumentalist to take first prize in this event since its inception in 1987, the 24-year-old Aldana was awarded $25,000 in scholarship money and a recording contract with the Concord Music Group. Aldana debuts at the festival with her Crash Trio, featuring bassist Pablo Menares and drummer Francisco Mela.

  

Tim Berne's Snakeoil with Oscar Noriega, Matt Mitchell & Ches Smith Saxophonist - Tim Berne will make his festival debut, performing with his working ensemble, Snakeoil. The New York Times describes the band as "an investigative chamber-improv group," having released two critically acclaimed albums on ECM Records, titled Snakeoil and Shadow Man, respectively. Byrne will be joined by clarinetist Oscar Noriega, pianist Matt Mitchell, and drummer/percussionist Ches Smith.

Warren Wolf & Wolfpack - One of the most important young jazz stars today, vibraphonist Warren Wolf makes his festival debut as a leader, following an appearance with his longstanding mentor Christian McBride in 2012. A multi-instrumentalist who has also honed his chops on drums and piano since age three, Wolf is quickly following in the footsteps of vibes masters such as Bobby Hutcherson and Gary Burton, as a "keeper of the flame." He became a member of the SFJAZZ Collective in 2013 (a post that Hutcherson inaugurated in 2004). Additionally, he recently performed at the Detroit Jazz Festival in duo with Gary Burton, whom is Wolf's labelmate on Mack Avenue Records. Wolf released his sophomore Mack Avenue effort, Wolfgang, in 2013. He performs at the festival with his group, Wolfpack.

Sean Jones Quartet with Orrin Evans, Luques Curtis & Obed Calvaire - Trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and educator Sean Jones will make his festival debut, performing with his working Quartet that features pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Luques Curtis, and drummer Obed Calvaire. In addition to releasing six albums as a leader on the Mack Avenue Records label over the past 10 years, Jones is the former lead trumpeter for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Additionally, Jones toured extensively with Marcus Miller in 2010, followed by a special European tour project with Miller, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter during the summer of 2011 (a direct nod to the Miles Davis legacy).

BRIAN CULBERTSON, LEE RITENOUR, ERIC BENET, AVERAGE WHITE BAND, OHIO PLAYERS & OTHERS @ THE NAPA VALLEY JAZZ GETAWAY

Single-day tickets went on sale today for the star-studded concerts taking place June 12-15, 2014 as part of the third annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, a wine and jazz festival set in scenic California Wine Country. Available at TicketFly (www.TicketFly.com), tickets are priced at $99 apiece except for the June 13 show, which cost $129 each and includes entry to an exclusive The GRAMMY® Foundation benefit wine reception and silent auction. A limited number of discount tickets for each concert are available to Napa residents.

Multiday ticket sales for the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway founded and directed by contemporary jazz-R&B instrumentalist Brian Culbertson have been robust with the five-day VIP Package selling out in one week when they went on sale last October. Until now, tickets for the 2014 festival have only been available in four-day Gold Packages and two-day Silver Packages, which are being scooped up voraciously by fans from all over the world that will gather in Napa to enjoy the full schedule of concerts starring A-list contemporary jazz, funk and R&B artists; daily Wine Down at The Westin wine tastings held at the official Getaway host hotel, The Westin Napa Verasa; a Cigar Event offering cigars and a performance by saxophonist Michael Lington; and “Another Long Night Out” Late Night Hangs. Single-day tickets are popular with nearby Bay Area residents as well as Napa locals, the latter of which are eligible to receive a $20 discount per ticket by using an access code provided to local businesses and via a targeted email sent by the Napa/Yountville Chamber of Commerce.

After a pair of sold-out opening night dinner concerts happening simultaneously on June 11, Napa Valley Jazz Getaway will stage four days of concerts with the June 12 & 13 shows taking place at The Lincoln Theater and the June 14 & 15 shows to be held on the majestic grounds of the Jamieson Ranch Vineyards. The Thursday night lineup showcases the Legends of Jazz featuring Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour and Earl Klugh with special guest Eric Marienthal and more. Friday Night Funk Night headlines The Ohio Players and special guest comedian Keenen Ivory Wayans. The weekend concerts move outdoors with Saturday spotlighting Brian Culbertson & Friends, Morris Day & The Time, Average White Band and Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Eric Benét, Mavis Staples, Eric Darius and Jazz in Pink featuring Gail Jhonson, Althea Rene and Karen Briggs fill the marquee on the final day of the 2014 Getaway.

A boundless creative force, showman, multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter responsible for 26 No. 1 hits, Culbertson will release his 14th album, “Another Long Night Out,” on February 25. He will be in Napa on February 27 to perform a short set at a private event for invited tastemakers to celebrate the release of the contemporary jazz record featuring an all-star cast and uncork his new custom-crafted wine, Culbertson Pinot Noir, which he personally blended with Jamieson Ranch Vineyards’ winemaker Nori Nakamura.  

Four-day Gold Packages ($499) and two-day Silver Packages ($229) remain available through the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway website (www.NapaValleyJazzGetaway.me).