New Releases: ROD McGAHA - The Black Flower Project; GUYMON ENSLEY - This Comes With It; GREG JOHNSON - City People

ROD McGAHA – THE BLACK FLOWER PROJECT

Rod McGaha's "The Black Flower Project" counts on this fact. And, why shouldn't it?. McGaha took a racially diverse, multi-generational group of musical artists and formed this project. If they could not only grasp the universality of the subject, but also build upon it, certainly it would be comprehensible for the listening masses. "The Black Flower Project" is an example of Identity Art going aural. McGaha launches into it with a rigorous, raw energy at the very beginning on the fiery tune, "The Challenge". You may not be sure if McGaha meant the challenge of self-examination or the challenge of viewing someone undergoing such an examination. However it is meant, we are both provoked and thrilled by the music. As always, Rod is a gentleman and sometime chooses to put us at ease with compositions like Lullaby and the titular, sublimely lovely, yet wonderfully soulful Black Flower.  Rod is also true to form by introducing tunes for your amusement like Bleep Blop and Cookout. And, if you were wondering, yes, he is aware of the melodic allusion to Bobby Timmon's Moanin'. Miles said it best, "Bad musicians borrow, the good musicians steal!" Songs like Inner Courage and Unexpected Soul make us consider the lush richness of the "African American experience". Certainly not to be missed is McGaha's attempt at a sort of mental slight of hand, causing us to look back so acutely that we somehow see the future. Rod does this on the tune When I Was Growin' Up by utilizing the heralded and surprising lyricist (XXL and NPR have already agreed), who goes under the moniker of "OpenMic". Apparently, the maxim is correct, the apple does not fall very far.  Altogether, this is a 12-track exhibit of the inner-world and history of an African American musical artist. If Freud was right and there are at least two of you in actuality, Rod McGaha hopes that at least one of those yous will appreciate "The Black Flower Project." ~ CD Universe

GUYMON ENSLEY – THIS COMES WITH IT

"This Comes With It" - is the melding of thoughts, experiences, sounds and melodies that complement the musical journey of Guymon Ensley. This project, Ensley's fourth, is a slight departure from his straight ahead, classic jazz offerings. The title, "This Comes With It," lets you know that, musically, this is a gift from a power greater than the writer or performers. When you listen to this project, feel and understand how intricately the music is created and presented with you, the listener, in mind. There is a musical synergy that will move you and may cause some sporadic head bobbing and finger snapping. Ensley is keeping with the industry trend by independent artists of releasing EPs of 6 to 7 tunes instead of a full 10 to 12 song project. This enables him to delve into other genres of music to reach an eclectic audience of listeners. As I participated and then listened to this project, I experienced the professionalism, integrity and the hours of musical sweat equity that it takes to go from thoughts to sessions to music ! All of that and more comes with it. ~ CD Universe

GREG JOHNSON – CITY PEOPLE

What if one day we were all picked up by an invisible force and gently dropped on a different continent? New cultures would be instantly created, with the opportunity to define themselves. Certain things would have to change if everyone in a city came from a different ethnic background. The architecture would represent buildings from around the world. The food would combine meats, vegetables and spices from different cultures. What would the music sound like? This album attempts to answer that question. When we truly celebrate diversity and support each others contributions to the world, beautiful things are bound to happen! Greg Johnson has established himself as a luminary figure in the young Jazz community. He has appeared in concert and on mainstream recordings with Jazz greats Curtis Fuller, Billy Taylor, Dick Oatts, Jay Anderson, Alan Pasqua, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer and many more. Currently teaching in the Jazz Studies department at the University of Southern California, Greg has worked steadily in Los Angeles as a saxophonist, composer and conductor. Greg has released two recordings "Invisible" and "Way Back When" under his name and has contributed to dozens more. ~ CD Universe

New Releases - AQUARIUM ORCHESTRA - Le ciel au dessus de...; SENA EHRHARDT - Live My Life; JEFF GAETH - Portrait

AQUARIUM ORCHESTRA - LE CIEL AU DESSUS DE...

Aquarium Orchestra is an improvisational jazz band formed in 2008. They are a six-piece group consisting of musicians Fanny Ménégoz (flutes/vocals); Léo Jeannet (trumpet); Pierre Horckmans (clarinets and bass); Romain Baret (guitar); Romain Nassini (piano and keyboards); and Corentin Quemener (drums). Aquarium Orchestra pairs the 6 musicians with photographer Youri Picart, who is a full-fledged member of the group. The musicians, all composers, each pose their eyes on the images to write pieces - tables. Here the photographs play an integral part with the orchestra and plunge the viewer into a cinematic atmosphere, poetic and mesmerizing. This digipack contains a 20-page booklet with photographs by Yuri Picart.Tracks include Wings on the market, Objets lumineux, Compagnues inconnues, N.O.R., La revanche d’un home mort, plus others for a total of 8 songs.

SENA EHRHARDT – LIVE MY LIFE

Sena Ehrhardt has emerged as one of the freshest and most dynamic young voices on the blues scene today. As the buzz about her incendiary performances at clubs and festivals spreads, heavyweight acts have begun to take notice. She s been invited to open concerts for B.B. King, ZZ Top, Robert Cray, Dickey Betts, Johnny Winter and Gregg Allman. Her latest release, Live My Life, further confirms Sena s ascendance to blues elite status.  'Working in the studio with producer David Z. at the helm was a dream come true. His catalog of work has been, in some ways, a soundtrack of my life - ranging from Prince to Jonny Lang. In the studio he brought inspired and emotional performances out of myself, my band and the guest musicians on my album. It was truly an honor to work with a creative and contemporary living legend in music. The carefully selected covers are songs that I have held dear to my heart for years, with my own spin on their classic stories and appeal. The process of writing the original compositions for this album, along with my guitarist, Cole Allen, was incredibly rewarding...”

JEFF GAETH - PORTRAIT

'Portrait' features an incredible list of performers featuring the tasty guitars of Joe Calderon and Ryan Teanio from Los Angeles, and Trever Veilleux from Hawaii. Additionally, the project also features Hawaii Bassist Gonzo and Percussionist Bill Heideman. Since mid 2013, Jeff has been busy writing and recording the music for the upcoming release. "It has been a wonderful process and the band has grown tighter through that process." Jeff's third CD "Shoestrings" enjoyed wonderful success both in the US and abroad earning a Hawaii Na Hoku Hanohano nomination in 2012. Critics and listeners alike agreed that there was something very unique about that project. "Portrait" picks up right where "Shoestrings" left off. "Portrait is a reflection of the influences and changes that I've experienced recently in my life."The collaboration of talent on this project is really a big coming of age for Jeff. The inter-twining of artists from different genres has resulted in an album that is like no other.  "My music is the true essence of what I am about...I sincerely hope the listener will be moved".  "Portrait" was recorded and produced n both CD & Vinyl) of the music they loved listening to when they were kids - the 'cool jazz' of the 1950s. Tony's cello and bass share the lead voice with Pete's organ and piano, and they're joined by notable players on drums (Steve Gadd - 2 tracks, Jeff Siegel), guitar (David Spinozza) and sax (Erik Lawrence). Don't expect abstruse songs or long-winded solos - this album is all about great, melodic songs with high level performances by all the players. ~ Amazon

New Releases: DAVID P. STEVENS - MR. Guitar; JJ SANSAVERINO - Waiting For You; CHINGARI - Bombay Makoss

DAVID P. STEVENS – MR. GUITAR

David P Stevens delivers his fourth album, Mr Guitar! You've bopped your head to David's "Timeless" first album, You gave your partner extra hugs, kisses, dances and laughs to "The Shedd"! You got excited with David when he had his "Epiphany" in 2013, to release his 3rd and most acclaimed album to date! Sit back now, and get ready to dance, laugh, pray and rock out to the highly anticipated, MR Guitar!! Mr. Guitar features Gail Jhonson, Jeanette Harris, Elan Trotman, Andrew Neu, Jaguar Wright and more!! Put your headphones on and turn up!!!! ~ Cd Universe

JJ SANSAVERINO – WAITING FOR YOU

JJ Sansaverino's sophomore CD release, 'Waiting For You," on Innervision Records is a collection of thirteen Contemporary Jazz selections reminiscent of the guitar work of George Benson, Wes Montgomery and Carlos Santana, Sansaverino's release is cutting edge, straying from the norm by incorporating the Urban Club sounds of NYC, as well as Caribbean, Latin, Brazilian, and even Italian influences.  Tracks include: Back Talk, Strive, Desert Heat, Montego Bay, Looking For Love, Gravy Train (Remix), For Everything, Sweet Baby, and The Struggle. ~ Amazon

CHINGARI – BOMBAY MAKOSSA

Stunning new release Bombay Makossa by the group Chingari showcases virtuoso ensemble of U. Shrinivas (electric mandolin), Ranjit Barot (drums, vocals), and Etienne Mbappe (bass, vocals). Each a giant in their respective spheres, the three members of Chingari have joined forces to explore an unprecedented synthesis of international traditions on their debut album Bombay Makossa. Bombay Makossa fuses the rhythmic intricacy and improvisational fervor of South Indian Carnatic music with the infectious buoyancy of Cameroonian sounds, bridged by a shared love of jazz, second-line funk, and the shimmering textures and grooves of modern pop. ~ Amazon

New Releases: JASON MORAN / MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO - All Rise: A Joyful Elegy For Fats Waller; MEDESKI SCOFIELD MARTIN & WOOD - Juice; LEVIN BROTHERS

JASON MORAN / MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO – ALL RISE: A JOYFUL ELEGY FOR FATS WALLER

All Rise: A Joyful Elegy for Fats Waller, is a collaboration with the vocalist Meshell Ndegeocello that recasts the music of the legendary jazz entertainer Fats Waller as a modern dance party. The album which was produced by Ndegeocello and Blue Note Records president Don Was is the ninth in a formidable catalog that Moran has been building on Blue Note since 1999. 'Fats Waller is a special kind of provocateur,' says Moran. 'It stems mainly from the fact that he was a singer as well as a pianist. Sometimes he was like an MC. It has always amazed me that a pianist whose playing was so deep could sing and keep a running commentary of what was going on around him all at the same time.' All Rise features Moran hosting a changeable cast of musicians that includes vocalists Ndegeocello and Lisa E. Harris, his longtime trio The Bandwagon featuring bassist Tarus Mateen and drummer Nasheet Waits, and a funky horn-inflected ensemble anchored by drummer Charles Haynes that features trumpeter Leron Thomas and trombonist Josh Roseman, as well as guest saxophonist Steve Lehman. The album was recorded and mixed by Bob Power, known for honing the sound on classic hip hop records by A Tribe Called Quest, Common and The Roots. ~ Amazon

MEDESKI SCOFIELD MARTIN & WOOD - JUICE

The ever-evolving, genre-defying collaboration between Medeski Martin & Wood and John Scofield continues to flourish. Since first convening almost 17 years ago, Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood's kinship both onstage and off has fostered an escalating degree of musical interplay, exquisitely captured on Juice their third studio album available September 16, 2014, via Medeski Martin & Wood's Indirecto imprint. Juice combines the group's signature grooves with a newfound lyrical melodicism over a program of original compositions and four covers including a powerful hymn-like version of Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin' and a dizzying dub deconstruction of Cream's Sunshine of Your Love. Throughout, Juice showcases the quartet's dynamic interplay and razor-sharp improvisational acumen. Reacting to each other is really what it's about, says Scofield, and that's what makes this music work. We've gotten to the point where we can come together and make something that is identifiable and organic, yet it's growing and changing all the time. ~ Amazon

LEVIN BROTHERS - LEVIN BROTHERS

Tony Levin, (bassist with Peter Gabriel, King Crimson), has for the first time, joined up with his brother, keyboardist Pete Levin (Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Jaco Pastorius, Wayne Shorter) to make an album (in both CD & Vinyl) of the music they loved listening to when they were kids - the 'cool jazz' of the 1950s. Tony's cello and bass share the lead voice with Pete's organ and piano, and they're joined by notable players on drums (Steve Gadd - 2 tracks, Jeff Siegel), guitar (David Spinozza) and sax (Erik Lawrence). Don't expect abstruse songs or long-winded solos - this album is all about great, melodic songs with high level performances by all the players. ~ Amazon

New Releases: FRANK BARHAM & BRAZILIAN FUSION - Levitating; ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY - From Sassy To Divine: The Sarah Vaughan Project; LAURA ANTONIOLI - The Music of Joni Mitchell

FRANK BARHAM & BRAZILIAN FUSION - LEVITATING

The many musical influences on the music of Frank Barham can be heard on this EP. Blues, Jazz, and Funk were all part of the fabric of the sounds of the Southeastern U.S. where Frank grew up and you can hear it when he plays his Chromatic Harmonica, but you hear more than that too. His fascination with rhythm led to his study of West African and Senegalese rhythms with world renowned percussionist Mor Thiam. While studying with Mor Thiam, Frank met drummers from the Ballet Folklorica de Bahia, and was introduced to Samba. The energy and passion of the music and the interaction between the dancers and drummers was magical; Frank was hooked. These musical forms are threads in the tapestry that has become the sound of this band. Passion, energy, and soul...you'll hear and feel it all when you listen to Frank Barham & Brazilian Fusion! ~ CD Universe

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY - FROM SASSY TO DIVINE: THE SARAH VAUGHAN PROJECT

Tony nominee, Platinum Award winning songwriter and Theater World Award winner, Jazz/Cabaret diva Ann Hampton Callaway is at the height of her vocal powers, and for one magical night those magical powers were on full display at the world famous Jazz At Lincoln Center s Dizzy s Club Coca Cola. Ann s loving tribute to the great Sarah Vaughan channels the spirit of The Divine One as no other living vocalist can. BroadwayWorld.com awarded Ann with Tribute Show of the Year as well as Best Band for Ann s all star quintet, featuring Ted Rosenthal at the piano, Dean Johnson on bass, Tim Horner on drums, Warren Oatts on sax and flute and Randy Sandke on trumpet and flugelhorn. Highlights include Ann s inspired interpretation of Sarah Vaughan s signature songs, the Erroll Garner classic, Misty and Stephen Sondheim s classic Send In The Clowns and many other favorites long associated with Sarah such as the brilliant Someone To Watch Over Me, A Night In Tunisia, Poor Butterfly and much more! ~ Amazon

LAURA ANTONIOLI - SONGS OF SHADOW, SONGS OF LIGHT: THE MUSIC OF JONI MITCHELL

With her latest project, Bay-area vocalist Antonioli plumbs new emotional depths exploring her earliest musical inspiration, the vividly confessional songs of Joni Mitchell. An internationally acclaimed jazz singer and influential educator, Antonioli doesn't just interpret Mitchell's music, she unveils unexpected emotional insights and uncovers submerged musical ideas while turning each song into her own revelatory tale. Tracks include: Rainy Night House, People’s Parties, Eastern Rain, Both Sides Now, Hissing of Summer Lawns, Woman of Heart and Mind, and This Flight Tonite. ~ Amazon

Coming September 05, 2014. The eponymous debut single from the Funk/ Smooth Jazz Trio SOUL'D

Soul’d debuts their high-energy sound with self-titled debut single “Soul’d. The new single “Soul’d” debuts on three "most added" radio lists, introducing a new Funk/Smooth Jazz trio of the same name. Soul’d, the band, features GRAMMY®-nominated composer and producer Arun Shenoy, internationally-acclaimed flautist Ravichandra Kulur, and groove master Duke Purisima. Their new style of high-energy music has been dubbed “Bansuri Funk.”

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What do you call a song that crosses Funk with Smooth Jazz, while also turning traditional instrumentation on its ear? That was the challenge facing producer and composer Arun Shenoy, internationally-acclaimed flautist Ravichandra Kulur and groove master Duke Purisima, who formed their trio, Soul’d, in early 2014. Their vision? To merge their diverse influences into a fresh and high-energy contemporary instrumental sound. As the mixes of “Soul’d” (Narked Records, 2014) evolved, the single so clearly captured their combined vision for the trio that Purisima suggested an eponymous debut.

Purisima laughed softly as he explained “We were working on several tracks, but this one really stood out as a perfect example of where we want to go with our music. ‘Soul’d’ captures what we are all about, so I suggested we take the name for our new band, too. You’ve got to feel pretty strongly about a piece to let it stand for you and your band.”

Kulur, an in-demand flautist who performed extensively with the late Pandit Ravi Shankar and daughter Anoushka Shankar, coaxes a whole new sound out of his Indian classical flute, which takes the place of the saxophone or trumpet leads normally heard in Smooth Jazz. Another favourite of Shenoy’s, GRAMMY®- nominated arranger Don Hart, teamed up with the trio, recording the live horn orchestration for “Soul’d” in Nashville. Listening to final mixes inspired the stylistic term Bansuri Funk, referring to the trio’s innovative jazz/funk approach and the traditional Indian bamboo flute, the Bansuri.

Shenoy comments “This new take on things was something I envisioned after working with Ravi on ‘Bliss’. I was instantly taken by the clarity of his playing style, and high-paced fingering techniques, for which he is quite well known by music-lovers and critics alike. I wondered how it would sound to explore all of that in a more East-meets-West jazz funk fusion, and so we went for it.”

Their efforts have been well received. In an early review, Stephen Smoliar of Examiner.com writes “There is a strong element of funk in their tune; but what raises this modest recording above the ordinary is the thoroughly impressive flute work from Kulur, whose intonation goes boldly beyond the confines of the traditional Western equal-tempered chromatic scale.”

The names Shenoy, Purisima and Kulur may ring a bell among World Fusion fans, as the three artists collaborated on Shenoy’s “Bliss”, an Indian World Fusion single that was launched by the Recording Academy via a worldwide “Exclusive First Look” feature at GRAMMY.com in 2013. While Purisima has worked with Shenoy before on the latter’s projects, Kulur and Shenoy met more recently when discovering online that they both hailed from the same district along India’s Western coast.

Art director Roshni Mohapatra lends her unique creative vision for the project’s packaging and visual aspect of the music, which has been brought to life by Rich Lock at Devolution Designs in the UK.

Radio promotion is being handled by Gorov Music Marketing; the week of August 25th, “Soul’d” debuted on the "Most Added" Lists of Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart as tracked by Nielsen BDS, SmoothJazz.com and also the Groove Jazz Music Chart.

MARTHA WASH Releases DREAM ON, New Single From Critically-Acclaimed Album SOMETHING GOOD

Vocalist Martha Wash released  her much anticipated single, "Dream On," a fresh, rousing version of the Aerosmith classic. "Dream On" is the latest single from Ms. Wash's critically-acclaimed album Something Good - which marks the two-time Grammy nominee's first offering in 20 years and the first official album on her own independent record label, Purple Rose Records.

For almost three decades, Martha Wash's distinctive, powerhouse voice has guided some of pop and dance music's biggest hits straight to the top of the charts - from the perennial classic "It's Raining Men" to #1 Billboard hits like "Everybody, Everybody" and "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)."

Considered to be one of the music industry's most respected artists, the legendary singer recently reclaimed her position on the top of the charts with her last single "I'm Not Coming Down." The song quickly shot up the Billboard Dance Chart to the #2 position. In fact, since its release last year, the Something Good set has generated three well-received singles, including the stirring ballad and lead single "I've Got You." Following the success of the album's previous singles, "Dream On" promises to continue that hot streak and has already been picked up by online outlets and mainstream radio stations nationally and internationally and is rapidly gaining traction.

Ms. Wash says "Dream On" is indicative of the direction she chose to take with the entire album. "I am so proud of Something Good, because it really showcases my versatility," says the vocalist. "I'm giving you the dance flavor, but I'm also giving you pop, soul and a little Aerosmith…all Martha-ized. It's been 20 years since people have heard new music from me, so I am trying to reach everyone with this one. I want them to see how I've grown musically."

She continues, "This album is also special because it signifies the first official lift-off for Purple Rose Records. My vision for this label is to provide an opportunity, not only for my own music to be heard, but for other artists who need a platform as well. This is me moving my career to the next level"

Purple Rose Records is slated to release a plethora of new music in early spring of 2015, including singles from the First Ladies of Disco (Linda Clifford, Evelyn Champagne King & Martha Wash) and Bill Wadham (lead vocalist of 80's pop band Animotion).

www.marthawash.com

Vocalist Roseanna Vitro Follows Up Her 2011 Grammy-Nominated Randy Newman CD With "Clarity: Music of Clare Fischer," To Be Released Sept. 30 By Random Act Records

Roseanna Vitro Clarity Music of Clare Fischer The richly harmonic, deeply melodic music of pianist and composer/arranger Clare Fischer (1928-2012) has proven to be fertile terrain for many jazz and pop artists over the last half-century. Vocalist Roseanna Vitro puts her passionate stamp on nine of Fischer's compositions (and a favorite of his by Ary Barroso) on her gorgeous new CD Clarity: Music of Clare Fischer, which will be released September 30 by Random Act Records. As on her 2011 Grammy-nominated disc, The Music of Randy Newman, Clarity finds Vitro focusing her talents on a pioneering composer of renown. 

With their intricate structures and overlapping debts to jazz, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian music, and classical forms, Fischer's songs are not always easy to sing. "I really didn't realize what I was getting myself into with this project of difficult melodies," says Vitro. "But once I was in, well, I was in." It took almost two years to cultivate lyrics for six Fischer compositions "that have never been sung before. This is the first vocal book by a solo singer of his music." 

On this heartfelt project, Vitro pays tribute to a real musician's musician whose fascination with bossa nova and jazz samba is brought to vivid life by her longtime working band (and Randy Newman collaborators): pianist/arranger Mark Soskin, the savvy Sonny Rollins veteran and one of jazz's most in-demand players; brilliant young violinist Sara Caswell, a member of groups led by Esperanza Spalding and Marc O'Connor; bassist Dean Johnson and drummer Tim Horner, rhythm-mates to Vitro and a host of other top vocalists. The prolific percussionist Mino Cinelu (Weather Report) also contributed; vibist Brent Fischer, for whom his father composed "Sleep Sweet Child" (presented here as "Sleep My Child"), guests on one track.

Clare Fischer's distinguished career began with his work as arranger for the Hi-Lo's in the late 1950s and included 11 Grammy nominations along with high-profile arranging work for Prince, Chaka Khan, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, and other pop stars. His lifelong involvement with Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean music first came to light on 1962's Bossa Nova Jazz Samba (with Bud Shank) and continued with 1964's Só Danço Samba and 1981's Grammy-winning Clare Fischer and Salsa Picante Present 2+2. 

The program on Clarity features several of Fischer's more widely covered compositions, such as "Morning," "Seagull" (Gaviota), and "Pensativa," as well as lesser known gems: "Take Your Breath and Sing" (O Canto), originally recorded in Portuguese with a vocal group, and boasting new English lyrics by Roseanna's husband (and CD producer/engineer) Paul Wickliffe; "Love's Path" (Love's Walk), written for Fischer's wife Donna, with new lyrics by Wickliffe; and "Swingin' with the Duke" (The Duke), whose lyrics were co-written by Vitro and Cheryl Pyle. The non-Fischer number, "Web of Love" (Inquietação), is by Brazilian master Ary Barroso and dates from 1935; new English lyrics are by Roger Schore.

  

"My doing Clare's music is a deliberate effort to expand the jazz repertoire," says Vitro, whose previous CDs have also spotlighted composers Ray Charles and Bill Evans. "While the American Songbook now includes works by composers from the 1960s forward -- Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Jimmy Webb -- I felt that Clare was a neglected figure. He's an insider's composer, representing a chamber-leaning point of view. I'm hoping that this record will introduce him and his songs to a wider audience, and that my fellow jazz singers hear this material as worthy of modern interpretation."

To illustrate this point, Vitro asked her daughter, Sarah Wickliffe (a painter and film animator for ABC's The Chew), to create a visual depicting Fischer's "undiscovered" music as the desert. In Wickliffe's startling cover art, inspired by a Salvador Dali painting, the water flowing from the piano and violin "illustrates the birth and beauty of new music flowing into a bottomless well of creativity," explains Vitro. "My image is smiling, gazing at our new creation of stories set to intriguing melodies. Clare Fischer's harmonic colors and resplendent melodies are rhythmic chamber music for the voice, waiting to be discovered."

Roseanna Vitro A native of Hot Springs, Arkansas who emerged on the music scene in Houston before relocating to New York in 1978, Roseanna Vitro has made her mark as an educator in addition to her accomplishments as a recording artist and bandleader. For the last 14 years she has been the Vocal Chair at New Jersey-City University. Until last year she was the vocal jazz teacher at NJPAC, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens Program in Newark. She founded and runs JVOICE, a Facebook page for singers (with over 2800 members) where she posts videos, workshops, school info, and interviews with dozens of "great teachers, performers, gatekeepers, and pianists -- it's all about the singers." These interviews led to an affiliation with JazzTimes magazine for whose web site she hosts a column, Voices in Jazz, featuring interviews with artists such as Tony Bennett, Bob Dorough, and Mark Murphy. Her piece on scat singing, "How to Doo Bah -- A Guide to Scat Singing," appears in the September issue ("My first paid article!").

Vitro scheduled the following shows in support of the new CD: 9/26 Joe's Pub, NYC; 9/27 The Seqnoia Room, Fort Bragg, CA; 9/28 Bird's Nest Jazz, Oakland; 11/15 Deer Head Inn, Delaware Water Gap, PA; 11/22 Cezanne Jazz Club, Houston (with Mark Soskin; Warren Sneed, saxophone; local bass/drums); and 12/19 Kitano Jazz Series, NYC (with Mark Soskin and special guest).

She will also be giving master classes while in Houston: 11/21 at the High School of Performing and Visual Arts (with Soskin), and 11/23 at Jane Vandiver's Star Singers Studio.

Iconic Band SPAIN Featuring JOSH HADEN Relases SARGENT PLACE; Album Features Final Studio Recording of CHARLIE HADEN

Dine Alone Records has announced the addition of the band SPAIN to their North American roster. The critically acclaimed Los Angeles based band will release Sargent Place, their highly anticipated fifth studio album, and first in the U.S. in over 10 years, on November 4.

Dine Alone Owner/President Joel Carriere recalls his first taste of Spain, "Seven years ago Mark Lanegan's Soulsavers project introduced me by way of a cover of a Spain song called ‘Spiritual.' From that first listen I dove headfirst into the the music of Spain. Here I am seven years later announcing one of my favourite bands to our Dine Alone Roster. I couldn't be more excited and grateful to be working with such an amazing band and an amazing songwriter."

For nearly 20 years the music of Josh Haden and Spain has provided a soundtrack for the dreams and waking life of fans the world over, with a singular style that often stirs something deep in the soul of the listener. 2014’s Sargent Place, builds on that decades long legacy and pushes it into inspiring new directions.  From the opener, “Love At First Sight,” detailing the initial spark of a romance to the contemplative closer, “Waking Song,” the album falls solidly in line with the highly regarded early discography of the band, The Blue Moods Of Spain (1996), She Haunts My Dreams (1999) and I Believe (2001), as well as their most recent recording, The Soul Of Spain (2012). 

In some respects, Sargent Place acts as a truer return to form than 2012’s The Soul Of Spain, for while that album marked the band’s first recorded work in over a decade, the album featured material written by Haden in the 1990s in earlier incarnations of the band. With the exception of “It Could Be Heaven,” “Waking Song” and “Love at First Sight,” all written previously by Haden, the songs for Sargent Place were written in the run up to this album, with many songs only truly taking shape during the recording process.

Key to that process was the work of enigmatic producer Gus Seyffert (The Black Keys, Norah Jones, Sia, Beck). On Sargent Place, Seyffert’s influence is heard immediately in the opening notes of the lead track, “Love At First Sight.” The first sound you hear is Seyffert’s Brazilian Pandeiro hand drum, which is then immediately joined, almost in duet, by the steady, pulsating hum of Haden’s bass. In addition to bringing the band into his personal studio, located on the street in Echo Park that graces the album’s title, Seyffert helped to shape many of the tracks on the album, some of which were radically rearranged in the process of recording. Given how much of the album’s songs revolve around beginnings and endings, it is fitting that the album’s title (unique among the others in the band’s catalog) ties the recording to a specific moment in time and a specific inspirational place in their home of Los Angeles.

Another clear inspiration on Sargent Place is the music and life of Haden’s father, jazz legend Charlie Haden. “To Be A Man” and “You And I” were songs written with the elder Haden in mind, with “You And I” featuring the final studio recording from the acclaimed and beloved musician. If not for Seyffert’s intervention, “You and I” might have been a very different song. The band initially recorded a vastly different version, but Seyffert suggested that they search for a different way of arranging the song. An informal discussion between Seyffert and Josh Haden eventually led to a trip to his father’s home to record his bass parts. The result is one of the most moving expressions of love the band has ever recorded. 

As Haden describes, “It’s important to me that this is my dad’s last recording and I think it says a lot to his life and his love for his kids and what he has taught everybody over the years…about how to treat each other and how to interact and view each other and view the world.”

The influence of the Haden family is also directly felt on the stately and elegiac “The Fighter.” In addition to his father, the music of his sisters, Rachel, Petra and Tanya, was instrumental in helping Haden to find Spain’s signature sound when he began the band in the early 1990s. In recent years, Haden has taken to writing songs on an acoustic guitar given to him by his sister Rachel. “The Fighter,” began its life on that guitar, as a few strummed chords came together with the idea of a strong and violent boxer represented in a slow and delicate melody, before being transformed into a song of terrific beauty here on Sargent Place, with backing vocals and strings from Petra Haden.

As the standout tracks from Sargent Place, “Love At First Sight” and “You And I,” “The Fighter,” (which was featured in a recent episode of the hit MTV show Finding Carter) take their place amongst the other iconic songs from Spain’s past, “Ray Of Light,” “Our Love Is Gonna Live Forever,” “Born To Love Her” and perhaps Haden’s most well known song “Spiritual.” When added together with this already rich body of work, these songs further cement Josh Haden’s legacy as one of America’s great songwriters, a modern troubadour for the impassioned, forlorn and tender-hearted.

Sargent Place marks Spain at a specific time, but it also makes clear that even as the band continues to evolve, the sound of Josh Haden and Spain remains as evocative and timeless as ever.

SPAIN

Sargent Place

1. Love At First Sight

2. The Fighter (ft. Petra Haden)

3. It Could Be Heaven

4. From The Dust

5. Sunday Morning

6. Let Your Angel

7. To Be A Man

8. In My Soul

9. You And I (ft. Charlie Haden)

10. Waking Song

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NEW RELEASES: THE BLUE BEATERS - TOXIC/CATCH THAT TEARDROP; MARISA MONTE - VERDADE UMA IILUSAO - TOUR 2012/2013; GILBERTO GIL - GILBERTO'S SAMBA

THE BLUE BEATERS - TOXIC

Record Kicks proudly presents Italian Ska/RockSteady/Soul giants The Bluebeaters. Active since 1994 with 4 studio albums for King Size Records, V2 and Universal Music and several gold records under the belt, The Bluebeaters are top musicians in love with vintage Jamaican sounds: Ska, Rock Steady, Rhythm Blues and Soul. Blessed by Ken Booth, during the last 20 years of their career they've headline festivals like Rototom Sun Splash and International Ska Fest in 2012 and extensively toured around Europe, including a legendary sold out show at Dingwalls in London in 2011. Amongst their fans, there are folks like David Rodigan and the legendary late lamented Lloyd Knibb (The Skatalites).  The Bluebeaters lands on RK with two brand new tracks "Toxic (one drop version)" and "Catch That Teardrop". Produced by The Bluebeaters and mixed by Tommaso Colliva (Calibro 35) at Toomi Labs studio in London, this double-sider 45 features a storming early Jamaican cover up version, of pop single Toxic by Britney Spears (yes that Toxic!) able to set every dancefloor on fire. On the flip side the band keeps the pressure very high, bringing back to JA roots, Catch That Teardrop, a Northern soul/R&b single originally recorded in 1962 by The Five Royales from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Welcome Bluebeaters!

MARISA MONTE - VERDADE UMA IILUSAO - TOUR 2012/2013

Really lovely live work from Marisa Monte – an artist who's kept on making marvelous records over the years – even long after the initial wave of attention that brought her some global fame! This set's got Monte working in a mature mode that's almost in the territory of Gal Costa or Maria Bethania – stepping out front of some commanding arrangements that sometimes use bits of strings, sometimes have a smaller spontaneous group – but which are always topped by Monte's proud, confident vocals. There's a classic feel here that's almost better than some of her studio work over the past decade or so – although that's all pretty great too – and title sinclude "Arrepio", "Descalco No Parque", "Diariamente", "ECT", "De Mais Ninguem", "Dizem", "Lencinho Querido", and 'Sono Come Tu Mi Vuoi".  ~ Dusty Groove

GILBERTO GIL - GILBERTO'S SAMBA

One of the best records we've heard from Gilberto Gil in many, many years – a stripped-down session that focuses on his voice and guitar work – in a style that takes us back to Gil's earliest days in music! The album feels like some lost session that Gilberto might have recorded in the 60s – before his Louvacao debut – done with mostly just a bit of light percussion from the enigmatic Domenico, plus some help from Moreno Veloso – who also co-produced the record as well, with that great sense of space he always brings to his own music too. A few cuts feature extra touches – a bit of accordion, or some flute from Danilo Caymmi – but the main focus is on Gil, who hasn't sounded this great in years – still able to capture our imagination when he works in a straightforward style like this. Titles include "Milagre", "Um Abraco No Joao", "Tim Tim Por Tim Tim", "Eu Sambo Mesmo", "Aos Pes Da Cruz", and "Desde Que O Samba E Samba".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: THE MOTOWN 7s BOXSET; SUCH - TRIAL AND ERROR; CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD: THE COMPLETE INVICTUS RECORDINGS

THE MOTOWN 7s BOX: RARE AND UNRELEASED VINYL VOLUME 2 (BOXSET)

A real Motown treasure – a very limited box set that features seven 7" singles – each of which features rare or unreleased tracks! Some tunes have never appeared before at all, and others are making a debut on vinyl – great Motown gems that might have been lifted from the vaults for a CD compilation, but never issued as a 45 back in the day. The whole thing's got a nice numbered box around seven sweet slabs of 45 rpm wax – all done up with UK-style Tamla/Motown labels – and the set even includes a download for all the singles! Titles include "Angel Doll" by The Temptations, "He Who Picks A Rose" by Jimmy Ruffin, "We're Gonna Be More Than Friends" by The Spinners, "You Can Do It" by Kim Weston, "I Want My Baby Back" by Stevie Wonder, "Take Him Back If It Makes You Happy" by The Contours, "My Love For You" by Marvin Gaye, "I'm Grateful" by The Four Tops, "Don't Stop Now" by The Originals, "That's A Funny Way" by The Velvelettes, "I Know Better" by Barbara McNair, "Sure Is A Lotta Woman" by The Isley Brothers, "We'll Keep On Rolling" by Brenda Holloway, and "If You Ever Get Your Hands On Love" by Gladys Knight & The Pips. (Numbered, limited edition. Includes download!) ~ Dusty Groove

SUCH - TRIAL AND ERROR

One of the warmest soul debuts we've heard in a long time – a really well-crafted batch of work from the up-and-coming Such – who's also the first indie soul singer we've heard to hail from the Denver scene! The music is definitely contemporary soul, but there's a glistening undercurrent of jazz in the instrumentation – which gives the songs a really wonderful sense of flow as the vocals step back and forth over the gentle grooves! Most numbers are midtempo, but have a funky undercurrent – that pace that initially served Jill Scott the best at her start – although Such definitely has a style all her own. Quite strong, right from the start – and only getting better as the record rolls on – and titles include "Open Book", "Sugar Maple", "Bump This", "You", "Trial & Error", "Wake Up Call", and "Under My Skin". ~ Dusty Groove

CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD: THE COMPLETE INVICTUS RECORDINGS 1969-1978 (9-CD SET)

A wonderful collection of work – one that not only features all the albums by this legendary soul group, but also solo projects by each member, and a host of rare bonus tracks too! The individual albums come in small LP-styled sleeves – and include Give Me Just A Little More Time, In Session, Bittersweet, and Skin I'm In by Chairmen Of The Board – plus Generally Speaking by General Johnson, Hypnotic Music by Harrison Kennedy, and Aries by Danny Woods! Plus, the package features two full CDs of bonus material – with non-album singles, rarities, unusual mixes, alternates, and two completely new Tom Moulton remixes for the set! 97 tracks in all – and new liner notes too. ~ Dusty Groove

Ken Thomson and Slow/Fast Release the powerful composed-jazz milestone, Settle

Settle, the new recording from Ken Thomson and Slow/Fast, exhibits the kind of stylistic breadth and alert experimentation that one would expect from a leader famed for his work in both the worlds of new jazz and contemporary classical music. Alto saxophonist, bass clarinetist and composer Thomson -- a co-founder of the acclaimed band Gutbucket and a recent addition to the Bang On A Can All-Stars - digs deeper into uncharted musical realms with Slow/Fast, a visionary quintet that includes the guitar phenomenon Nir Felder, trumpeter Russ Johnson, bassist Adam Armstrong and drummer Fred Kennedy. Settle, the band's second album, will be released on September 23, 2014 on NCM East Records (40138).

Combining the sounds of improvisation-filled chamber jazz with the lucidity of contemporary classical composition - infused with distortion-laden twists that reveal the band's embrace of rock influences -- Thomson and Slow/Fast bring new ideas to small-group jazz. Vivid composition rather than head-solo-head norms prevail here, lending the album a freshness that leads the listener on a journey to unexplored, yet inviting, sonic landscapes.

The five main pieces on Settle were developed after the band toured behind their debut record. Each piece has a discernable focus and theme - whether the ever-shifting grooves of "Settle," the pushing of Thomson and Felder to new heights on "We Are Not All In This Together," the wild use of instrumentation on "Bend Towards Light," or the wide compositional-dramatic arc of "Spring" - but all display the seamless interweave of rigorous composition and exhilarating go-for-broke improvising that has become the calling card of this outfit. Settle is the sound of a compact band creating a massive musical groundswell.

Slow/Fast has remained consistent in its personnel since the release of the band's first album, It Would Be Easier If, in 2010. Finding its way on to many of the Jazz Journalist Association's Best of 2010 lists, the debut recording also received a featured New York Times review which pointed to the "intricately wrought and incident-steeped" compositions and "gutsy precision of the playing." The members of Slow/Fast are each new jazz mainstays, including guitarist Nir Felder whose own debut recording as a leader was released to critical accolades earlier this year; the newly Chicago-based trumpeter Russ Johnson, and the New York go-to players: bassist Adam Armstrong and drummer Kennedy.

In addition to his work with Slow/Fast, Thomson's recent compositional output includes Thaw, a CD for string quartet and bass clarinet recorded with the heralded JACK Quartet. Thaw was ranked the #1 Classical CD of 2013 by Rhapsody.com and garnered a four-star review in DownBeat; the piece was also listed on NPR's "10 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing." http://ktonline.net/

Ken Thomson is a Brooklyn-based clarinetist, saxophonist, and composer.  In demand as a composer and freelancer in many settings, he moves quickly between genres and scenes, bringing a fiery intensity and emotional commitment to every musical situation; Time Out NY called him "the hardest-working saxophonist in new-music show business."

He has recently released a CD of his compositions for the heralded JACK Quartet, entitled Thaw, on Cantaloupe Music, called #1 Classical CD of 2013 by Rhapsody.com, and was featured in NPR's "10 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing."   His latest project of exclusively his music, called Slow/Fast, released its debut CD It Would Be Easier If internationally on Intuition Records in 2010, garnering a feature review in The New York Times highlighting the "intricately wrought and incident-steeped" compositions and "gutsy precision of the playing."  A followup disc, Settle, will be released in 2014.

Thomson plays clarinet for the Bang on a Can All-Stars, one of the world's preeminent new music ensembles.  He leads the Asphalt Orchestra - a 12-piece next-generation avant-garde marching band, called "cooly brilliant, infectious... top notch players" by The New York Times.  He plays saxophone and is one of the 3 composers in the punk/jazz band Gutbucket, with whom he has toured internationally to nineteen countries and 32 states over fourteen years, and released CDs for Knitting Factory, Enja, NRW, Cantaloupe and Cuneiform Records.  He is on faculty at the Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival.

NEW RELEASES: HAMILTON DE HOLANDA / DIOGO NOGUEIRA - BOSSA NEGRA; JASON ADASIEWICZ'S SUN ROOMS - FROM THE REGION; RONNIE DYSON - PHASE 2 / BRAND NEW DAY

HAMILTON DE HOLANDA / DIOGO NOGUEIRA - BOSSA NEGRA

Some of the most incredible music we've ever heard from Hamilton De Holanda – a set that brings his work on bandolim into a whole new focus, by teaming him with the younger singer Diogo Nogueira! The album has this spare power that really grabs us right away – amazing interplay between the vocals and acoustic strings – with a rhythmic pulse throughout, which almost takes us back to some of the best post-bossa experiments in Brazil during the late 60s! Nogueira's vocals are wonderfully soulful, but never overdone – and the only other instrumentation is percussion and acoustic bass, used in these warm, rootsy ways that giev the music an earthy feel and a timeless spirit. Tremendous stuff throughout – with titles that include "Bicho Da Terra", "Bossa Negra", "Ta", "Ate A Volta", "Mundo Melhor", "Doce Flor", "Mais Um Dia", and "Salamandra". ~ Dusty Groove

JASON ADASIEWICZ'S SUN ROOMS - FROM THE REGION

Amazing work from one of the greatest jazz musicians working today – vibist Jason Adasiewicz, a player with a sound that's unlike anyone else we can think of! It's been years since we've been this excited about anyone on the vibes – and Adasiewicz not only returns the instrument to the prominence in avant jazz that it had during Bobby Hutcherson's "new thing" years, but also pushes the instrument forward in this incredible flurry of tones, sounds, and timings! And while these qualities have always been showcased in all of his albums as a leader – and his great dates with other players too – they really come to the forefront in this sublime trio session – a date that only features Jason on vibes, Mike Reed on drums, and Ingebrigt Haker Flaten on bass. The trio are incredible throughout – and the record's a modern jazz treasure that you could easily stack next to your most forward-thinking classics on ESP, MPS, or even Blue Note in the mid 60s. Titles include "Two Comes One", "Mae Flowers", "Classic Route", "Leeza", "I Forgot The Words", and "Cubane". ~ Dusty Groove

RONNIE DYSON - PHASE 2 / BRAND NEW DAY

The late Ronnie Dyson (1950-1990) began his career when he landed a lead role in the famed Broadway musical Hair, singing "Aquarius" (the song most associated with the show) at the age of eighteen. Signed to Columbia Records in 1968, Dyson continued his stage career in Salvation, achieving his first chart single with the US Top 10 with "(If You Let Me Make Love to You) Why Can't I Touch You" from the show. The young singer then cut a cover version of The Delfonics' "When You Get Right Down to It," -- produced and co-written by Thom Bell -- which became a Top 40 R&B US hit and a Top 40 UK charted single. In the wake of its success, Columbia teamed Dyson with Bell and the result was the 1973 best-selling album One Man Band, the title track for which was another pop and soul hit for the Washington, DC native. After recording a number of singles and three more albums for Columbia, Ronnie signed with Cotillion Records in 1982, teaming up with producer Bobby Eli to record "Phase 2". For the occasion, Eli used top-notch New York musicians including drummer Yogi Horton, guitarist Doc Powell, bassist Francisco Centenato and keyboardist Ray Chew, along with famed MSFB arranger/conductor Don Renaldo's strings and arrangements by Richie Rome and Eli. The album included a revival of the Gamble & Huff-penned Soul Survivors' 1967 hit, "Expressway to Your Heart," and the double-sided R&B charted single, "Heart to Heart" and "Bring It on Home." In 1983, Ronnie teamed up with another renowned Philadelphia producer, Butch Ingram, for his final Cotillion album, "Brand New Day". Recorded in Philly with members of the Ingram family, the eight-song set focused on a mix of dance-oriented material ("You Better Be Fierce"), ballads ("Tender Loving Care" and "I Gave You All of Me"), a duet with premier Philly background vocalist Barbara Ingram on "Let the Love Begin," and spawned Ronnie's final Top 30 R&B charted single, "All Over Your Face." The Real Gone Music reissue of "Phase 2/Brand New Day" in association with SoulMusic Records marks the worldwide CD debut for both albums, featuring liner notes by noted American journalist Roshod Ollison. ~ Real Gone Music

BEBEL GILBERTO RETURNS WITH 'TUDO' FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM IN FIVE YEARS

World renowned, multi-Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Bebel Gilberto  has released her first new studio album in five years, Tudo, released via  Portrait/Sony Music Masterworks.  The intoxicating new 12-track collection includes  Gilberto’s  trademark blend of warm Brazilian rhythms and ethereal vocals, along with  with bright, incandescent bossa nova-infused melodies, lyrics about love, and a lilting performance style that has earned her a devoted fanbase worldwide.

"For me, this album came straight from the heart, and the recording process was one of the most intense I have ever been through," said Gilberto.  "A good part of the album was recorded in LA, and you really feel that lighter, brighter west coast vibe in the music, mixed in with my darker 'New Yorker' feelings.  Tudo means 'everything' and as a Brazilian, I feel everything and live every moment deeply, and wanted to sing about each little moment, emotion, idea, melody that has been part of my life over the past year. I am loving life and living more passionately than ever and wanted to share all that!"

Gilberto, daughter of bossa nova immortal Joao Gilberto, is one of the most internationally famous and beloved of Brazilian musicians. "Tudo," which means "everything" in English, showcases Bebel's trademark vocals and wistful, dreamy songwriting in each of the CD s 12 tracks. With Bebel singing in French, English and Portuguese, "Tudo" is a shimmering, sweet summery collection that includes original songs along with songs by her father, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Neil Young and John Michel-Jarré as well as soulful duet with Seu Jorge.

Recorded in Brazil, New York and Los Angeles this past winter, and produced and mixed by Mario Caldato Jr., Tudo features six new original tracks including the captivating standout English language track "Somewhere Else,"  the soft "Nada Nao," filled with hypnotic percussion touches including wood bongos, shakers and even bottle caps; "Tom de Voz," which features Gilberto teaming up with acclaimed songwriter and guitarist Cesar Mendez from Bahia, who Gilberto met through mutual friend Caetano Veloso and who penned the track; and the delightful  duet "Novas Ideias," which Gilberto co-wrote and performed with her longtime friend Seu Jorge.

Gilberto also masterfully reinterprets the Antonio Carlos Jobim classic "Vivo Sonhando," and pays homage to one of her personal favorites, Neil Young, with a beautiful cover of "Harvest Moon," which Gilberto originally sang - and debuted her guitar skills on - at the "Music of Neil Young at Carnegie Hall" tribute in NYC in 2011.  Jon Pareles of The New York Times praised the performance saying, "Ms. Gilberto turned 'Harvest Moon' into a whispery bossa nova that savored every bit of its romance."

An outstanding band of assorted longtime musical friends and collaborators joined Gilberto in the studio to lend their talents to Tudo  including Masa Shimizu on assorted guitars, Didi Gutman (of Brazilian Girls fame) on piano, percussionist Mauro Refosco, Kassin on electric and acoustic bass and guitars, and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, who helmed the wonderful string arrangements.

Gilberto captured fans and media acclaim worldwide with her hit breakout album Tanto Tempo in 2000, which featured her trademark electronic bossa nova, taking over clubs around the world and positioning Bebel as one of the top-selling Brazilian artists in the U.S. since the '60s. Critically-acclaimed albums to follow included Bebel Gilberto (2004), on which she refined her sound to create an acoustic lounge style that showcased her strengths as a Brazilian composer, and Momento (2007), which masterfully showcased her skills at fusing all her musical styles, and the Grammy-nominated All in One (2009), which brought to forefront more of Bebel's personality and love for organic rhythms.  Bebel Gilberto also recently released a beautiful concert DVD called Bebel Gilberto in Rio in Brazil in 2013.

Tudo Tracklisting:

1.Somewhere Else  

2.Nada Nao  

3.Tom De Voz  

4.Novas Ideias  

5.Harvest Moon  

6.Tudo  

7.Saudade Vem Correndo  

8.Areia   

9.Tout Est Bleu  

10.Lonely in My Heart  

11.Vivo Sonhando   

12.Inspiracao   

Wadada Leo Smith Teams With Jamie Saft, Joe Morris and Balazs Pandi New RareNoise Release 'Red Hill'

There's a sense of mystery, majesty and daring surrounding this remarkably deep studio session, the first of its kind for the adventurous renegade label RareNoiseRecords. Each piece resounds with such compelling, conversational, in-the-moment playing that it sets a new standard in collective improvisation. "I believe it raises the bar for what improvised music can achieve on record," says pianist Jamie Saft of Red Hill, the group's mesmerizing debut on the RareNoise label. 

Fueled by the urgent high note blasts and expressive muted trumpet work of avant-garde icon Wadada Leo Smith and underscored by an uncanny group-think of RareNoise stalwarts Saft (Metallic Taste of Blood, Slobber Pup, Plymouth, The New Standard) on keyboards, Joe Morris (Plymouth, Slobber Pup, One) on acoustic bass and Balazs Pandi (Obake, Metallic Taste of Blood, Slobber, Pup, One) on drums, Red Hill is a kind of clarion call for the new avant-garde. "It's rare that four improvisers with such a broad depth of approach are given complete freedom to construct an album such as this," adds Saft. "I think there is nothing like Red Hill. It is a wholly unique and previously unheard shape for an album. The session was totally improvised. No sketches or preconceptions, really no discussion at all before playing." 

A dynamic, highly intuitive offering, Red Hill is full of tensions and releases and characterized by dramatic use of space juxtaposed with turbulent crescendos by the provocative collective. That this music really breathes and flows organic is due in no small part to the incredibly sensitive, remarkably flexible playing of drummer Balazs, who covers a very wide spectrum on this recording. "Balazs has a sense of freedom that is rare in improvised music," says Saft. "He brings a depth of knowledge of both hardcore and metal music as well as free jazz and noise styles. He is of the moment and always pushing forward. He's a deep listener and a sympathetic thinker, so improvising with Balazs always flows properly." Saft has similarly high praise for Pandi's rhythm tandem mate, bassist Joe Morris. "His approach to the acoustic bass is completely unique and like nothing else in this world. Joe pushes the music into uncharted territory while sustaining the flow brilliantly. The idea of 'Snake Time' is in full effect here, and Joe and Balazs together create truly unique and crucial spaces to frame the improvising." 

Pandi's sensitive, highly interactive brushwork and coloristic cymbals underscore Smith's lyrical muted trumpet playing on the sparse opener, "Gneiss." And yet, when that piece builds to a turbulent crescendo near the end, the drummer is right there to fuel the frantic proceedings. With mallets, Pandi engages in a conversational duet with Smith at the outset to "Janus Face," a piece that evolves from slow, open rubato statements to dense explosions of tumultuous free jazz sparked by Saft's Cecil Taylor-esque attack on the piano. Saft switches to Fender Rhodes electric piano to attain another color on "Agpaitic," a conversational romp that features some aggressive bowing on the bass by Morris. And Pandi supplies the rolling free pulse beneath Morris' trance-like bass ostinato and Smith's edgy trumpet excursions on "Tragic Wisdom," which also has intrepid improvisor Saft plucking strings inside his piano. 

Silence is the watchword on "Debts of Honor," a thoughtful improvisation which evolves gradually over the course of nine minutes from zen-like tranquility to intense crescendo paced by Pandi's relentless drumming and Saft's spiky piano comping and is highlighted by some of Smith's most powerful blowing of the session. The trumpeter begins the closing number, "Arfvedsonite," with a high-note blast before Morris enters with some insistent arco work to create an edgy texture. Pandi's rolling pulse with mallets and Morris' resounding bass tones quickly establish a solid launching pad for Wadada's stratospheric improvisations on trumpet, bringing this spell-binding collection to a ferocious conclusion. 

"I have worked with Wadada in the past both as a pianist and also as an studio engineer," says Saft of the revered elder statesman of this Red Hill session. "I was thrilled to record and mix Wadada's large ensemble album Lake Biwa as well as contribute some piano to it. I've worked closely with Wadada in the studio in the past and witnessed his incredible focus and deeply intuitive way of putting together albums. So it was thrilling for me to get the opportunity to put together this album with a lead voice as strong and important as Wadada's. My approach to this record was to accompany and support him as deeply and as intuitively as possible. All decisions were made in service of the whole." 

Adds Morris, "I first heard Wadada in my hometown of New Haven in 1973-74. I've always paid attention to him, heard all of his work, read his writings. We've known each other for more than 30 years but this was the first time we've had the chance to work together. I think of Wadada as a master trumpeter/improviser and as the inventor of his own methodology. He has a completely unique sound and way of playing. He uses space and pulse in very sophisticated ways, and he always plays everything from the deepest part of his being. He's a beautiful person, artist and musician. He always brings out the best in everyone around him." 

With the iconic Smith inspiring the rest of the crew of Saft, Morris and Pandi on this freewheeling session, the four daring improvisers hit a stirring accord on Red Hill, their monumental debut on RareNoise Records.

TRACKS

Gneiss

Janus Face

Agpaitic

Tragic Wisdom

Debts Of Honor

Arvedsonite