CHRISTMAS RELEASES: EARTH, WIND & FIRE - HOLIDAY; RENEE FLEMING - CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK; PETER FURLER - CHRISTMAS

EARTH, WIND & FIRE - HOLIDAY

Earth, Wind & Fire are celebrating the season with their first-ever holiday album.  Holiday features seasonal standards, traditional carols and future holiday classics, Release is set for Tuesday, October 21. Holiday is a spirited celebration of the holiday season, bringing together brand new recordings of seasonal standards, beloved carols, a traditional Japanese winter song, a modern-day Christmas song, future Earth, Wind & Fire classics and "December" (inspired by "September") featuring original vocals from Maurice White. Philip Bailey says, "This album is the band's first and only holiday music project. We are very proud to offer it as a labor of love to all of our fans and soon to be. Enjoy and happy holidays from our families to all of yours." "The Holiday album was a joy to record, it is a celebration of tradition, love and spirituality, some of the elements of Earth, Wind & Fire. From our families to yours, we wish you a happy holiday", said Verdine White.

RENEE FLEMING - CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK

American soprano Renee Fleming s first-ever holiday album celebrates the beloved and iconic Christmas season in New York City. From the holiday windows lining 5th Avenue to the red and green-lit spire of the Empire State Building, the essence of the city at the most wonderful time of year is captured on Christmas in New York. Pop, Broadway and jazz greats Chris Botti, Kurt Elling, Wynton Marsalis, Brad Mehldau, Kelli O Hara, Gregory Porter and Rufus Wainwright join Renée as she lends her sublime voice to hits like Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Silver Bells and other gems, including Central Park Serenade, a brand new duet by songwriting legend Diane Warren. In total, Fleming and her guests have won 16 Grammy awards across multiple categories. Fleming s lush vocals, elegant persona, and intimate delivery of holiday classics make this album the perfect soundtrack for holiday parties, and a gift that will delight anyone who loves music. An exclusive recording artist with Decca since 1995, Fleming is known around the globe as a classical singer with a voice as warm and rich as a fine single malt, (The Times, London), and a career that has ranged from the stages of world s greatest opera houses to concerts and recordings of jazz, the American songbook, movie soundtracks and indie rock. In February 2014, Fleming became the first classical singer in history to perform the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, which was enjoyed by more than 111.5 million viewers in the US. ~ Amazon

PETER FURLER - CHRISTMAS

From the traditional orchestration of 'O Come All Ye Faithful' to the deconstructed 'O Come O Come Emmanuel', the arrangements reflect a solemn respect for these timeless Christmas classics. For example, Furler's introspective vocal delivery on 'We Three Kings' coupled with haunting melodies of the Duduk (Indigenous Armenian wind instrument), reinvigorates the often dismissed Christmas carol. The signature vintage sound of David Ian stays true and develops as he draws from his own cultural background. This album equally suits a meditative evening by the fire, or a dinner party with family and friends. Grammy Nominated Australian Singer-Songwriter, Peter Furler delivers his debut Christmas record. He has over 7 million album sales to his credit alongside extensive worldwide touring throughout the course of his career. With an international perspective in mind, he collaborates with 2013 Wall Street Journal favorited, Canadian-born David Ian whose unique affinity for the Vintage Christmas sound reaches a new level. Using singers and musicians from around the world including America, Armenia, Lebanon, Russia, and South Africa, the artists bring you an unparalleled cultured Christmas experience ringing sounds of the holiday season from ancient past to present. ~ Amazon

NEW RELEASES: ARETHA FRANKLIN - SINGS THE GREAT DIVA CLASSICS; SINKANE - MEAN LOVE; JONATHAN SIGLER - HARD WATER

ARETHA FRANKLIN - SINGS THE GREAT DIVA CLASSICS

Aretha Franklin, the incomparable "Queen of Soul," will release her highly anticipated brand new studio LP Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics on October 21st, featuring the . album s lead single, Adele's "Rolling In The Deep (The Aretha Version)."

Aretha's unsurpassed vocal styling permeates on popular diva classics ranging from Barbra Streisand's "People," and Gladys Knight's "Midnight Train To Georgia," to Alicia Keys' "No One," and a mash up of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and Destiny's Child's "I m A Survivor," and more. Also lauded as a skillful pianist, Aretha tickles the ivories on The Supremes' "You Keep Me Hangin' On." On The Great Diva Classic Aretha Franklin reunites with Sony Music Entertainment's Chief Creative Officer Clive Davis as they take the helm as co-producers to bring Davis' album concept to fruition. A-List producers Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, André 3000, Harvey Mason, Jr., Terry Hunter and Eric Kupper add their award-winning production skills. Rightfully earning the #1 spot on Rolling Stone magazine's prestigious "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" list, and #9 on 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list, Franklin has won a total of 19 Grammy Awards and is one of the best-selling female artists of all time, having sold over 75 million records worldwide. ~ Amazon

SINKANE – MEAN LOVE

The best yet from Sudan-born, Brooklyn-dwelling Sinkane – distilling a lot of diverse sonic influence into his own distinct still, pretty strongly rooted in adventurous soul! There's a lot going on here, inspiration wise – with modern synth-stoked twists on 70s Afrobeat influences, tropically-inflected R&B and lots of other stylistic twists and turns – but it all works together really well, thanks in no small part to memorable songs and his airy voice. Very cool stuff! Titles include "How We Are", "New Name", "Yacha", "Young Trouble", "Moonstruck", "Mean Love", "Hold Tight", "Galley Boys", "Son" and "Omdurman".  ~ Dusty Groove

JONATHAN SIGEL – HARD WATER

Sweet soulful trumpet from Jonathan Sigel – an artist who's got a really great ear for the best fusion styles of the 70s – particularly work by some of the more R&B inflected trumpet players of the time! The grooves are awash in warm keyboard lines, and sometimes feature either a bit of vocals or sax – and although the record's an indie production, it's got this warm glow that takes us back to crossover classics by Herb Alpert or Chuck Mangione in the late 70s – with maybe some echoes of Freddie Hubbard's more R&B work too! Titles include "Partido", "Mr Why", "Orange Blossom", "Darkness & Light", "Journey To Plex", and "Agua Dura".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: THE GRITS - MAKE A SOUND; U-NAM - C'EST LE FUNK; DIGGS DUKE - UPPER HAND AND OTHER GREAT ILLUSIONS

THE GRITS – MAKE A SOUND

The Grits make a mighty sound here – one that's even deeper, harder, and funkier than their previous records – thanks to some especially sharp drums at the bottom! These guys have really rediscovered the power of a classic break – and use the drums to really get all the cuts going right from the get-go – creating such an infectiously funky vibe, all the other elements of the tunes are just like icing on the cake! Most numbers feature vocals from Sophie Adler-McKean – a soulful singer in the Alice Russell mode – and the rest of the group features trumpet, tenor, bass, and keyboards – but the credits list three different drummers – so these guys are definitely serious about that part of the record! Titles include "Make A Sound", "Psycho", "Yeah No", "Funky Mile", "Six Pack", and "Heel & Toe".  ~ Dusty Groove

U-NAM – C’EST LE FUNK

Wicked guitar work from U-Nam – a contemporary musician, but one who's drank deeply of the best vintage modes from CTI and Kudu Records – and who is one of the few who can really get such a classic sound just right! This album's got all the sharp edges of a 70s funky fusion set by George Benson or Eric Gale – with tight, thoughtful solos from U-Nam out in the lead – supported by soul-drenched rhythms that really make the whole thing move – deep sounds that almost have the feel of Incognito in an instrumental mode – all arranged and produced by the leader himself. Easily the best record so far from this modern funky jazz giant – with titles that include "Throwback Kid", "Smoovin", "C'Est Le Funk", "Starlight Lover", "City Lights", and "Just Like That".  ~ Dusty Groove

DIGGS DUKE – UPPER HAND AND OTHER GREAT ILLUSIONS

Sublime soulful sounds from Diggs Duke – one of the freshest artists we've heard in years – and one of the few who really live up to the cosmic promise of the Brownswood label! Duke's got this way of singing, speaking, and playing Fender Rhodes with a really righteous sort of vibe – almost a modern day Weldon Irvine, but with an ear for heavier beats as well – and able to do more in this short EP than most artists can do in a full album! Titles include "The Pinnacle", "Secrets Seem Rehearsed", "Covered In Cloth", "Our Love Was Brand New", and "A Private Island". Why isn't this guy huge? (Includes bonus download too!). ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - THE HELIOCENTRICS & MELVIN VAN PEEBLES – THE LAST TRANSMISSION; CRISTINA ZAVALLONI – THE SOUL FACTOR; VICTOR HAYNES - MY TIME IS HERE

THE HELIOCENTRICS & MELVIN VAN PEEBLES – THE LAST TRANSMISSION

A mindblowing collaboration between The Heliocentrics and underground film legend Melvin Van Peebles – a set that has the group serving up some madly trippy grooves, while Melvin speaks and sings some wisdom of his own! Van Peebles already blew our minds years ago with his insane soundtrack to Sweet Sweetback's Baaaadasss Song – still one of our favorite records of all times – and The Heliocentrics follow in the odd spirit of that gem, by mixing lots of sounds and styles together in a mad cacophony of music – then leaving just the right amount of space for Melvin to come into the mix! Instrumentation is often fuzzy and psych-oriented, but always with a funky, soulful vibe as well – of the sort you'd hear on vintage records from Van Peebles – and titles include "Big Bang Reincarnation", "Transformation", "Infinite List", "Trust The Cosmos", and "Blue Mist". Special package also features a full bonus disc of instrumentals too!  ~ Dusty Groove

CRISTINA ZAVALLONI – THE SOUL FACTOR

A great collaboration between Italian vocalist Cristina Zavalloni and mighty keyboardist Uri Caine – a set that's surprisingly soulful overall, and one of Uri's funkiest records to date! The style is more soul than jazz – and Zavalloni works well as an old school styled singer, with almost a 70s vibe – one that's underscored nicely by Caine's heavy use of Hammond and Fender Rhodes! The rest of the group is pretty spare – often just guitar, bass, and drums to sharpen up the funky rhythms – and almost all the tracks are original numbers written by the duo. Titles include "For You", "Dear Presences", "A Day In Zory", "Tough Girls", "Hated Woman", and "Aretha's Song".  ~ Dusty Groove

VICTOR HAYNES – MY TIME IS HERE

Victor Haynes' time has been here for a few years now – as he's really be serving up some great music over the past few releases – but this album's definitely got a positive, confident feel that really lives up to its title – jazzy, upbeat, and rock-solid all the way through! The record's a great example of underground soul that's tight, but very far from commercial – put together with all the classic elements of an old school record, but done with an indie vibe that's nice and lean – and which is very well suited to Victor's vocals and lyrics. There's a jazzy undercurrent throughout – almost a bit of an Incognito vibe, and we mean that in the best way possible – and titles include "Feel", "Sleep Over", "Serious", "Get Back", "My Time Is Here", "Love Will Conquer All", and "Give Me The Reason".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: DON PEAKE - IT'S ABOUT TIME; JOYCE BREACH - MOMENTS LIKE THIS; KIM WATERS - SILVER SOUL

DON PEAKE - IT'S ABOUT TIME

"It's About Time" is Don Peake's first solo jazz album that was sent to various radio stations and received rave reviews. Featured are 5 originals by Don Peake, 3 by other band members and one traditional. Don Peake is one of the most successful guitar players ever; he was a member of Phil Spector's "Wrecking Crew" and has played on virtually every number one hit you can think of. Track list includes: Ust Friends, Soho Blue, Girl With The Flaxen Hair, Honeysuckle Rhythm, Lookin' For Trouble, Lover Man, Natasha, Sweet Dick Willie, and Battle Hymn Of The Republic. ~ CD Universe

JOYCE BREACH - MOMENTS LIKE THIS

In addition to wrapping you in the warm cashmere of her voice, she also thrills with such intellectually satisfying understanding of the true intent behind each lyric that she makes you understand it, too... with this superb collection of hand-picked, personally embossed take-home tunes, each arranged by the brilliant Mike Renzi. Precise dedication to quality, rubbed with a patina of subtle nuance, is the key to why she is one of the best interpreters of lyrics in the business today and why, like aging sherry, she gets better all the time. Includes Journey To A Star, I Like You, You're Nice, Moments Like This, I'm In Love Again, (There Ought To Be A) Moonlight Saving Time, Waiting For The Train To Come In, Dancing On A Dime, They Say It's Wonderful, Sunday Afternoon, I'll Only Miss Him When I Think Of Him,  Where Can I Go Without You?, That's For Me, and These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You). ~ CD Universe

KIM WATERS - SILVER SOUL

It's always the season for love and for 25 years, urban-jazz saxman Kim Waters (www.KimWaters.net) has provided the soulful soundtrack to romance. “Silver Soul,” the aptly-titled set to commemorate his silver anniversary as a recording artist, continues the affair with the critically-hailed session spawning Waters’ 17th Top 10 single, “Dreaming Of You.” Released last month, “Silver Soul,” was bolstered by the recent national broadcast of a Waters concert on SiriusXM. Summer tour dates around the U.S. created awareness and demand ahead of the album’s street date helping to ensure its successful launch. Waters took his time writing the material for “Silver Soul,” his 20th album, striving for each song to be a potential single. The love theme permeates the vibrant melodies, steams up the sensual R&B grooves and adds luster to the contemporary jazz nuances. In addition to playing a variety of saxophones on the balanced mix of instrumental and vocals selections, Waters performed all of the instrumentation except for guitar and sang the chorus on a handful of songs. Three distinctive vocalists shine brightly on duets with the musician: R&B crooner Eric Roberson (“Laying Beside Me”), Disney starlet Zendaya (her originally “Fireflies”) and Dana Pope (“Anything You Need”), the latter being Waters’ wife. Another highlight is an impassioned soprano sax revision of John Legend’s reverential “All Of Me” that perfectly suits the album’s motif.

THE SOUL REBELS ANNOUNCE "SONG OF THE WEEK" - WEEKLY FREE SONG DOWNLOAD CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF FALL TOUR 2014

Beginning with the premiere of "Karate" via OffBeat Magazine's website (recorded live with Galactic in 2012), the band will offer fans a free song download every Wednesday for the duration of their tour (ending in December), totaling 11 songs over the course of two months (available October 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19, 16; and December 3, 10, 17). The free downloads will feature songs from The Soul Rebels archive, recorded live on the road over the past two years (select songs will feature special guests). Tracks will premiere through various media outlets and also be made available at thesoulrebels.com.

Just one month into their extensive fall tour (which includes over 40 shows in 22 national/international cities), The Soul Rebels announce new dates with Trombone Shorty and Joey Bada$$. The band will play four shows opening for Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (November 30 - House of Blues - Houston, TX; December 10 - Terminal 5 - New York, NY; December 12 - Vic Theatre - Chicago, IL; and December 13 - Newport Music Hall - Columbus, OH). Additionally, the band will perform with Joey Bada$$ on October 28 at House of Blues in New Orleans (following a special collaboration at The Soul Rebels New York City Brooklyn Bowl show in August).

The fall tour features new material and marks their debut in China as well as a return to South Africa. It comes on the heels of a successful summer, with shows in Europe and across the U.S., including Outside Lands and opening for the legendary Allman Brothers Band at Peach Music Fest (in addition to their Brooklyn Bowl run).

Last year, the band released a critically acclaimed, eclectic mixtape, Power = Power, as a free download. The project covers Daft Punk, Jay-Z, and Drake, among others. Other recent collaborations include performances with Big Freedia, The String Cheese Incident, Metallica, Styles P, Maceo Parker, and a special private session with Rick Ross, among others.

thesoulrebels.com

Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek To Cheek LIVE! – an evening of classic jazz standards in both vocal duets and solo performances, full PBS set list revealed

Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek To Cheek LIVE! – an evening of classic jazz standards in both vocal duets and solo performances – will air on THIRTEEN's Great Performances, Friday, October 24 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS. (Check local listings.)    

Taped at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall on July 28, the concert features classic selections from the Great American Songbook, each handpicked by the artists, including "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," "Sophisticated Lady," "Lush Life," "Anything Goes," and the title track from their #1 chart topping and critically acclaimed album, "Cheek To Cheek." 

The album debuted last week at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album chart and also hit #1 on the Jazz Album and Traditional Jazz Album charts. With the release of "Cheek To Cheek," Bennett broke his own record, set in 2011 when "Duets II" debuted at #1 at the age of 85. Now at 88, Bennett remains the oldest artist in music industry history to have an album at the #1 spot on the Billboard charts. "Cheek To Cheek" marks Lady Gaga's third consecutive #1 album release in just over three years, making her the only female artist this decade to achieve this feat; this is the second time in Bennett's career that he has had an album debut at #1 in both Billboard's Pop and Jazz Album charts.

Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek To Cheek LIVE! was filmed in stunning 4K Ultra High Definition (HD) before a live audience of fans and invited guests, many of whom were students involved in arts programs in NYC public schools. The new special will air in Full HD as part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival 2014. Additionally, LG Electronics USA will present this highly anticipated concert performance in 4K Ultra HD resolution – four times the resolution of Full HD to deliver the sharpest, most detailed picture possible – when it debuts this fall on Amazon Instant Video.  Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek To Cheek LIVE! is supported by LG Electronics USA, the official sponsor, and will be the world's first concert to be streamed in Ultra HD.

With set and lighting design by Robert Wilson, the stars are joined by a 39-piece orchestra conducted by Jorge Calandrelli, soloists Chris Botti on trumpet and David Mann on tenor sax, and jazz musicians associated with both artists including members of Bennett's quartet, Mike Renzi, Gray Sargent, Harold Jones and Marshall Wood, and Lady Gaga's quintet, including Brian Newman, Paul Francis, Steven Kortyka, Michael Scott Ritchie, and Alex Smith.

The musical program includes:

Anything Goes (Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga)

Cheek to Cheek (Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga)

Nature Boy (Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga)

How Do You Keep the Music Playing? (Tony Bennett)

Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) (Lady Gaga)

Firefly (Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga)

I Won't Dance (Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga)

I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga)

Lush Life (Lady Gaga)

Sophisticated Lady (Tony Bennett)

Let's Face the Music and Dance (Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga)

But Beautiful (Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga)

It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) (Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga)

"Cheek To Cheek," the collaborative jazz album from Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, was released on Streamline/Columbia/Interscope Records on Tuesday, September 23, and an extended 73-minute version of the Great Performances concert will also be available on DVD from Streamline/Columbia/Interscope Records.

NEW RELEASES: BILL LASWELL / DJ KRUSH - SHUEN; METHOD OF DEFIANCE - PHANTOM SOUNDCLASH CUT-UP METHOD: ONE; BERNIE WORRELL - PHANTOM SOUNDCLASH CUT-UP METHOD: TWO

BILL LASWELL / DJ KRUSH - SHUEN

Turntablist and producer, DJ Krush, is one of the first Japanese artists to be embraced by the global hip-hop world. Beginning by mixing elements  of R & B and Acid Jazz with the big breakbeat backbone of mid- tempo hip-hop. Gradually moving more toward the abstract applying heavy effects and sample manipulation to thick, smart breaks, layered, ambient textures and subtle, inventive scratching. Heard here in duet with ikonoklast bassist/producer Bill Laswell. Shuen shows both musicians seamlessly navigate through the ambient / world beat matrix...a brief journey into sound and rhythm. (9:04)

METHOD OF DEFIANCE - PHANTOM SOUNDCLASH CUT-UP METHOD: ONE 

A spontaneous-recombinant, concrete music / sound collage. Electric Miles Davis, avant-funk, dub, reggae, noise, free-jazz and flashes of Africa - endure constnat rhythmic sound blasts, sonic detonations and high energy malfunctions. All past wreckage as raw material to be applied to the construction of completely new forms. Dr. Israel, Garrison Hawk, P-Funk icon - Bernie Worrell, Gambian Griot and kora master - Foday Musa Suso, Adam Rudolph, Graham Haynes, Peter Apfelbaum, Guy Licata and Bill Laswell... To be continued. 

BERNIE WORRELL - PHANTOM SOUNDCLASH CUT-UP METHOD: TWO 

P-Funk legend Bernie Worrell, without a doubt, the most influential and definitely the most emulated and copied electronic keyboardist in modern music. His work totally defined the synthesizer of 80s and 90s hip-hop and can still be clearly recognized in the pop hits of today. Caught here in a classic sound / mush up...that moves from delicate to simply raw, intense and bombastic free-form funkafied filth reloaded. In collaboration with multi-directional percussion virtuoso Adam Rudolph, Brooklyn's finest DJ / beat generator - Dr. Israel, Bill Laswell and the original Bronx DJ - Grandmixer DXT (Zulu Nation, Wild Style) best known for introducing scratching to the mainstream on Herbie Hancock's mega hit "Rockit"... Thus spawning a generation of innovative turntablists...The history continues. 

 

NEW RELEASES: MILFORD GRAVES & BILL LASWELL – THE STONE; WADADA LEO SMITH & BILL LASWELL – THE STONE; RAMM:ΣLL:ZΣΣ / BILL LASWELL - PRAXIS

MILFORD GRAVES & BILL LASWELL – THE STONE

Milford Graves - Iconic Force of Nature, Teacher, Healer, Shaman, Spiritual Rhythmatist... His drums speak in heavy African and Afro-Cuban dialects. Echoes of timeless voices... From his beginnings with Albert Ayler, Sonny Shorrock and others... To the present space / time... Milford Graves has been a profound conductor of healing energy. A true spirit, a legendary African-American voice... Here in uninterrupted dialog with bassist Bill Laswell. 

WADADA LEO SMITH &  BILL LASWELL – THE STONE

Wadada Leo Smith - One of the most original and important trumpet players of his generation. His masterful tone opens portals that explore new sonic environments and lost worlds. Ambient space music above with the deep delta blues below. He was born in Leland, Mississippi. And early corroborrator with the AACM in Chicago, has also worked with Anthony Braxton, Marion Brown, Jack DeJohnette, John Zorn and many others. With many documented recordings under his name. A true original. Caught here in duet with Bill Laswell.

RAMM:ΣLL:ZΣΣ / BILL LASWELL - PRAXIS

THE RAMM:ΣLL:ZΣΣ - Gothic Futurism, Ikonoklast Panzerism... "In Times of Horror" - a coded message from the gates of hell.The specter of the 90s Earache imprint, collides with intense sound construction detonated with multi layers of fierce industrial textures...contrasting semi controlled chaos. Featuring mutant Guitar virtuoso at his freest, avant-garde Icon - saxophonist/composer John Zorn and Bill Laswell. Trash, hardcore, garbage god metal, chainsaw demolition, IT GROWS. 

NEW RELEASES: CHERRY BOOP & THE SOUND MAKERS – THE WAY I AM; FREE SOUL - 2010s URBAN SWEET; MARIA BETHANIA - MY BACKYARD

CHERRY BOOP & THE SOUND  MAKERS – THE WAY I AM

Following the amazing feedback it received after its release in France in May, debut album "The Way I Am" by Paris-based retro soul outfit Cherry Boop & The Sound Makers gets an official European re-release this Fall. "The Way I Am" is an energetic and infectious blend of 60s-flavored funk & soul tracks that were recorded in Girona (Spain) and mixed and mastered in Philadelphia by Bobby Eli of MFSB. Former dancer and blue-eyed girl Cherry Boop draws inspiration from artists such as Tammi Terrell or Brenda Holloway and it can be felt in her melodies. Add to that a tight backing band in the form of The Sound Makers, original grooves penned by French composer Olivier Pot (with help from J. Barrientos on arrangements) and the unique touch of legendary Philly producer Bobby Eli, and you've got a recipe for some stone cold soul wrapped up into 11 irresistible tracks! From "I Want To Give You My Everything", a duet with William Hart of The Delfonics, to upbeat foot-stompers "What I Want" and "Listen", the sultry grooves of ballad "Sometimes", uplifting soul in "I Wanna Start A New Life" or rousing mid-tempo tune "My Weakness", this debut by Cherry Boop & The Sound Makers will take you to a place where Soul Music no longer belongs to the 60s, but to NOW!!! Have a nice trip.

FREE SOUL - 2010s URBAN SWEET (COMPILATION)

One of the coolest collections of contemporary soul we've ever heard – a wonderful batch of work in a laidback, cosmic sort of vibe! The music here resonates strongly with the 70s vintage you'll find in most of the other Free Soul compilations – but it's all relatively recent, and represents a great new wave of music from the (mostly) American underground – by artists who may well be tomorrow's version of Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye! As usual with the Free Soul sets, the track list is superb – so much so, that there's loads of tracks here we would have missed otherwise – and titles include "Never Be The Same" by Bilal, "Look Up" by Daley, "Kissing Game" by Dwele, "What's Going On" by Brian Owens, "Kiss Of Life" by Chris Turner, "Wonderlove" by Kris Bowers with Chris Turner, "Shangri La" by James Tillman, "All We Do For Love" by Benny Sings, "Superwoman" by Anita Wardell, "Sweet Dreams" by Laura Holding, and "The Man I Love" by Gregoire Maret with Cassandra Wilson. ~ Dusty Groove

MARIA BETHANIA - MY BACKYARD

One of the most personal albums we've heard in years from Maria Bethania – a set that's got a quietly intimate vibe, one that really lives up to the spirit of the title – a place where Bethania can be herself and share some of her innermost thoughts! The backing is wonderfully intimate – usually just a bit of samba-styled percussion or guitar, but taken at a very slow pace – and Maria's vocals, while still having the majesty of other records, also come across with a more up-close spirit overall – one we find surprisingly moving, even after all these many years of loving her music. Titles include "Moda Da Onca", "Carco Da Velha India", "Candeiro Velho", "Alguma Voz", "Xavante", "Mae Maria", and "Povos Do Brazil". ~ Dusty Groove

MARILYN SCOTT'S GET CHRISTMAS STARTED! IS A HOLIDAY PARTY ALBUM

We’re going to answer the question before you even ask it: the reason that you need one more Christmas album - we’re speaking of Marilyn Scott’s new release, Get Christmas Started, here is that the critically acclaimed

song stylist has invited you to a party, her party. And we’re not talking cheap seats in the back; it’s an all-access pass to the premier musical bash of the season. While other collections this time of year (and from seasons past) may have their moments, Marilyn Scott has crafted the first-ever actual holiday party album, and one with an all-star

backing cast to boot.

Like any great hostess, Ms. Scott has prepped meticulously for the celebration. Marilyn consciously began adding a

new holiday tune into her Christmas season sets each year, the best of which form the heart and soul of Get Christmas Started. Drawing on sources far and wide, including Broadway legend Frank Loesser, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Leon Russell, and Motown hitmaker Anna Gordy Gaye, Scott takes time-tested holiday standards and does what she does best: reinvents them in her own instantly-recognizable style.

“I have always loved the old R&B and spiritual renditions of Christmas music,” says Scott, and the truth of that statement is evident from the Philly Soul vibe she establishes right from the album’s opening track, “This Christmas.” She digs into a bluesy groove in “Christmas in Chicago,” with just a dollop of New Orleans funk at its core. And by the time she segues into “That’s What Christmas Means to Me,” it’s evident that Ms. Scott studied at the school of Hitsville, U.S.A., with a bouncy backbeat that does Motown’s Funk Brothers’ sound proud.

If all this gives you the idea that Marilyn’s well travelled, both musically and otherwise, you’d be correct. At the tender age of 17, the Southern California native trekked north for the legendary Monterey Pop Festival, where she was exposed to the likes of Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, and Lou Rawls; at that point, the die was cast. Upon her post-collegiate return to LA, Marilyn found herself an in-demand vocalist, doing sessions and performing with the Yellowjackets, Hiroshima, Bobby Womack, George Duke and Etta James, among others.

Since then, Scott’s career has ranged all over the musical map, boasting entries on the Billboard Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, R&B Singles, Contemporary Jazz, and Jazz Album charts. Her cover of Burt Bacharach's "The Look of Love" garnered a Grammy nomination for producer George Duke on its way to the top of the charts. And from an interpretation of ”Skylark” in Torch Song Trilogy that was lauded by critic Christopher Loudon as “the most perfectly executed ‘Skylark’ I'd ever heard“ to her magnificent re-imagining of ”I Only Have Eyes For You” in Twins, Scott’s soundtrack career has brought her both critical and commercial acclaim as a world-class interpreter of music.

Which brings us back to today. Nearly half a century after the late Vince Guaraldi co-wrote “Christmas Time is Here” for A Charlie Brown Christmas, Scott has laid her stamp on the modern classic, aided by some super soulful sax accompaniment from Brandon Fields. Her mellow sophistication on the lead-off single from Get Christmas Started brings out the tune’s essential wistfulness, warm and sweet like an Irish coffee on a cold winter’s night.

But not to worry: Marilyn closes out the album with a kick-out-the-jams version of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” that blazes through that winter night even more luminously than the reindeer’s famed nose. “We all enjoyed the lighthearted, and soul-wrenching, songs of the season,” says Scott. “Now that’s the way to start the holidays.” 

Also appearing on the album are: Brandon Fields (tenor sax); Eric Marienthal (tenor sax); Greg Adams (trumpet); Lee Thomburg (trumpet); Johnnie Bamont (bari sax); Wayne Linsey (keys, organ); Larry Kimpel (bass); Mike Miller (guitar); Kevin Ricard (percussion); and Lori Petty, Carolyn Perry, Sharon Perry (backing vocals).

MATT HOLMAN, JEREMY UDDEN, JARRETT CHERNER, MARTIN NEVIN & ZIV RAVITZ RELEASE SKETCHES: VOLUME 2

Started in 2011, Sketches is a Brooklyn-based collective jazz quintet in which each member writes music based on another member's musical idea. Inherent in each piece is the challenge of blending two distinct musical personalities, yet with an ensemble of strong composers and sensitive performers, the results have been as engaging as they are unpredictable. Scott Yanow commented in Jazz Inside Magazine that, "these five musicians all have compatible styles and listen closely to each other, two qualities that give Sketches its own group sound . . . With consistently fine solos (pianist Cherner is particularly inventive) and worthy themes, Volume One is an excellent start for Sketches." 

On Volume Two, Sketches continues its investigation and exploration of their unique collaborative compositional process. The music on the band's sophomore album is a result of the growth that they have experienced while touring and performing music from their debut, appearing not only in New York City, but also performing in Washington D.C, Baltimore, Portland, and Boston. Volume Two reflects a deepening understanding between the band mates, building upon the critically-acclaimed music they offered on Volume One. As with the music from Volume One, each member shared a sketch from his notebook (e.g. any musical fragment, a collection of fragments, an incomplete tune) and another member used that as the basis for a new composition. The band then rehearsed and developed the compositions further. In this process, no tune is deemed complete until the band plays the composition and each improviser finds a way of coloring the pre-written material. Although the compositions start as "sketches", they are forged into complete compositions with ample room for improvisation. The band recorded all of the music on Volume Two in one day, a big indicator of the band's brilliance as ensemble players, and the unmitigated virtuosity they posses on their respective instruments. 

The compositions on Volume Two reflect a very personal tone and approach. The highlights include Ravitz's "Hail from Plainville" (based on a sketch by Jeremy Udden), a tribute to Udden's personality and his compositional approach - a rare ability to combine jazz and folk music in a seamless way - that Ravitz admires. On Holman's "Y&H"(based on a sketch by Ravitz), the use of "power chords" are a tip of the hat to Holman's angst-loving teenage years. Ravitz's sketch inspired Holman to create a simple, open-form composition that has a passionate grunge feel but also pays tribute to the drummer's Middle-Eastern sensibility (Ravitz originally titled his sketch "Y&H" as a dedication to Israeli-born musician Yaron Herman). Bassist Martin Nevin's "Dyson Ritual" (based on a sketch by Udden), is meant to evoke a tribal ritual with the opening theme summoning the members of the tribe and a call to the forces that the ritual honors. Cherner's "Caught In The Storm" (based on a sketch by Holman) depicts the drama and volatility of either an internal, or actual, storm. Cherner was drawn to the harmony that resulted from the various permutations of the pitch set and the rhythm that Holman's sketch included. The band enters gradually as the storm brews, crackles with dissonance, finds moments of lyricism, gains momentum, and eventually dies down. In the coda, the listener is left with the tranquil space that's left in the storm's wake." Throughout Volume Two, the band delivers, "impressive post bop material, with rich and intelligent arrangements and a clever mix of melody and improvisation . . . You'll like these guys!" - George Harris, JazzWeekly.

 

The members of Sketches are leaders of their own bands, and in-demand sideman as well, having performed and/or recorded with Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano, Fred Hersch, Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, Steve Lacy, John Hollenbeck, George Garzone, Aaron Goldberg, Aaron Parks, & Esperanza Spalding, among countless others. The artists have also garnered multiple accolades from the Young Jazz Composer Awards, the BMI Foundation's Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize/Manny Albam Commission, as well as both national and international performance competitions. United in Sketches, these five musicians become a formidable force of creativity.

www.Sketchesmusic.com

PIERS FACCINI AND VINCENT SEGAL - SONGS OF TIME LOST

Piers Faccini and Vincent Segal met in Paris in the late 1980s and have been friends ever since. Songs of Time Lost is their first joint album. Using voice, guitar and cello and a variety of languages (including English, Neapolitan dialect and Creole), the album brings together original compositions, traditional songs and some covers. “It feels like a reunion,” says Vincent, “even though we never really lost touch over the years.”

At the time of their original meeting, Piers was a painter and student at the Paris Beaux-Arts and Vincent had just left the Conservatoire. Vincent was immediately taken by Piers’ vocals: “I wanted to find ways to support his voice, to envelop his words.” Piers later went on to launch his first solo album in 2004, Leave No Trace, which Vincent produced. His many subsequent solo releases have drawn rave reviews from critics around the world, including his most recent album, Between Dogs and Wolves, which was released in North America by Six Degrees Records in 2013. Meanwhile, Vincent started to develop his band Bumcello, as well as a myriad of other projects, including the popular album, Chamber Music, recorded with kora master Ballaké Sissoko.

Songs of Time Lost weaves together many musical strands, made up of both artists' diverse influences. There is the blues that Piers first heard from Mississippi John Hurt (“Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor”), a composition by Alain Peters from the island of La Réunion (“Mangé pou le coeur”), a country waltz by Townes Van Zandt (“Quicksilver Daydreams of Maria”) and an instrumental theme by the Berlin composer Friedrich Holländer (“Wenn ich mir, was wünschen dürfte”). There are also the melodies of the traditional Neapolitan repertoire, which are favorites of Piers, who is of Anglo-Italian lineage (“Jesce sole,” “Villanella di cenerentola,” “Dicitencello vuje,” “Cicerenella” and the contemporary “Cammina cammina” by Pino Daniele).

Both musicians also draw from their own repertoires for the album. This includes two songs dating back to 1996, which Piers originally wrote for a film soundtrack (“A Half of Me” and “The Closing of Our Eyes”). There are also two recent compositions by Vincent (“Cradle to the Grave” and “Everyday Away from You”), which Piers added lyrics to. The first has a New Orleans-style riff that would not feel out of place on an old Allen Toussaint record and the latter seems to conjure up the soft refrains of Brazilian guitarist Luiz Bonfá.

In short, Songs of Time Lost is a fine balance between inspiration and influence. It is the meeting point of the music one inherits from the great masters and the music one writes oneself.

 

NEW RELEASES: THE DON GARNER QUINTET- RHYTHM & BLUES DANCE PARTY; FUMACA PRETA; RED TRIO & MATTHIAS STAHL - NORTH AND THE RED STREA

THE DON GARNER QUINTET FEATURING DEE DEE FORD / BEVERLY GLENN - RHYTHM & BLUES DANCE PARTY

A blazing live set from The Don Gardner Quintet – recorded live a Stockholm's Dans In in August of 1965 – and a pretty great mix of drums and organ-heavy jazz and the Rhythm & Blues Dance Party promised by the titles! The group is fantastic – with Gardner holding down on the drums and Dee Dee Ford really standout out strongly on organ – and the two also contribute some vocals. Other players include Bill Leslie and Jimmy Ricks on saxes and Nat Stokes on guitar. Guest singer Beverly Glenn contributes some great, almost show-stealing soul vocals on "Shotgun" and "Heatwave", and other numbers include "Walkin'", "I Don't Want To Cry", "Watermelon Man", "Shiny Stockings", "Julep". "I Don't Need You Anymore" and "Last Dance". ~ Dusty Groove

FUMACA PRETA - FUMACA PRETA

Heady psych, but with a funky groove from Fumaca Preta – a contemporary group on Soundway, and truly akin to the global psych funk of late 60s and 70s we've always loved from the label! Fumaca Preta founder/percussion/vocalist Alex Figueira is Portuguese-Venezuelan and based in Amsterdam – and the music here is heavily influences by some most tripped-out global sounds of the 70s onward. Lots of heavy fuzz guitars, wild-eyed vocals and echoey effects – and just when you think it's about to spiral out of control, the funky rhythms and percussion rein it back in. Titles include "Pupilas Dilatadas", "Toda Pessoa", "Eu Era Um Cao", "Voce Enlouqueceu", "Recitando A Toa", "Espelhos Fundidos", "Vou Me Libertar", "Tire Sua Mascara" and "Perdidos".~ Dusty Groove

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RED TRIO & MATTHIAS STAHL - NORTH AND THE RED STREAM

Vibist Matthias Stahl joins the Red Trio here – in a set of three long tracks that really build up from these beautiful blocks of sound! Stahl's vibes mix with the piano of Rodrigo Pinheiro – in ways that echo, then transform an older John Lewis/Milt Jackson quality from the MJQ – referencing a past, but quickly moving forward – with subtle sonic support from Hernani Faustino on bass and Gabriel Ferrandindi on drums. The music was recorded live, but has a very personal sonic sort of feel – and titles include "North", "Red", and "Stream". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: ADAM LANE’S FULL THROTTLE ORCHESTRA - LIVE IN LUBLJANA; KONSTRUKT & JOE MCPHEE - BABYLON; TONY MALABY / WILLIAM PARKER / NASHEET WAITS – SOMOS AGUA

ADAM LANE’S FULL THROTTLE ORCHESTRA - LIVE IN LUBLJANA

Adam Lane's group is definitely working full throttle here – in a bold, soulful blend of horns that are given lots of direction by Lane's strong work on bass! The music often has this modal sort of vibe – building up a groove at the start, like some hip 70s ensemble on MPS – as Lane gets an especially strong presence in the mix, which really keeps things moving strongly throughout – with additional driving work on drums from Igal Foni. The groove is usually straight, with some great breakout solos – almost a hipper underground take on the spirit of the Clark Boland Big Band, particularly in some of its smaller ensembles. Players include Nate Wooley and Susana Santos Silva on trumpets, Reut Regev on trombone, David Bindman on tenor and soprano sax, Avram Fefer on alto, and Matt Bauder on baritone – on titles that include "Empire Of Music", "Sanctum", "Ashcan Rantings", "Multiply Then Divide", and "Power Lines/Feeling Blue-ish".  ~ Dusty Groove

KONSTRUKT & JOE MCPHEE - BABYLON

The legendary Joe McPhee joins forces with this underground Turkish group – adding in his own tenor and pocket trumpet to their freewheeling blend of moogs, reeds, organ, guitar, bass, and drums! There's a fair bit of electric instrumentation in the mix – but all of it is played at a level that's as free and improvisational as the acoustic elements – although McPhee himself is clearly the standout throughout – a bold, confident voice that rises above all the other musicians, especially when he really gets going on tenor! Titles include "Flyswatter", "Involution", "Tek'e", and "Simple Questions/Complex Answers". ~ Dusty Groove

TONY MALABY / WILLIAM PARKER / NASHEET WAITS – SOMOS AGUA

Tony Malaby brews up some heady work on tenor and soprano sax – often with tones more than deep enough to match the wonderful bass work of William Parker in the trio! Parker plays his instrument with a bow at some key points – and creates these dark waves that really sharpen the edge of Malaby's horns, especially his tenor – and Nasheet Waits drums with a very sensitive touch – rattling things up when needed, but also laying back often to let Tony dominate the sound. Titles include "Mule Skinner", "Little Head", "Somos Agua", "Can't Find You", "Bitter Dream", and "Loretto". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: WILLIAM HOOKER & LIUDAS MOCKUNAS - LIVE AT VILNIUS JAZZ FESTIVAL; PHAROAH AND THE UNDERGROUND - PRIMITIVE JUPITER; FLYING LOTUS – YOU’RE DEAD!

WILLIAM HOOKER & LIUDAS MOCKUNAS - LIVE AT VILNIUS JAZZ FESTIVAL

Spacious, open duets between drummer William Hooker and saxophonist Liudas Mockunas – recorded live, and in a way that really builds up the sound in slow, thoughtful passages throughout! Hooker's at his most subtle at the start of each selection – almost tentative in the way he feels out the drum kit with his touch, resulting in some very organic sounds – then spurred on more by the inventive sounds from Mockunas on alto, tenor, and soprano sax – sometimes at a very far-reaching sonic level, sometimes more inside and soulful! The set features four long tracks – "Id", "Idea", "Ideal", and "Idol". ~ Dusty Groove.

PHAROAH AND THE UNDERGROUND - PRIMITIVE JUPITER

The legendary Pharoah Sanders joins the Chicago/Sao Paulo Underground – and the result is one of the most striking records in years from everyone involved! Pharoah blows with this really open, searching sort of tone – wonderfully concerned with sound texture at points, and not nearly as straight a some of his other sessions in recent decades – definitely drawing strong inspiration from the freewheeling work of Rob Mazurek on cornet, flute, and electronics – with additional electronics from Guilherme Granado. Drummer Chad Taylor provides a firm grounding for the experiments – as does bassist Matt Lux – and the group gets some Sao Paulo touches touches Mauricio Takara, who also plays percussion as well. Tracks are all relatively long – cosmic and open, with a stunning mix of acoustic and electric elements – and titles include "Spiral Mercury", "Primitive Jupiter", "This One's For All Mothers", and "Asasumamehn" – two of which are not on the CD!  ~ Dusty Groove

FLYING LOTUS – YOU’RE DEAD!

Flying Lotus is not only very much alive on You're Dead! – he's as lively as ever – delivering his best, most diverse record to date! The Flying Lotus sound is in peak form here – glitchy beats and spacey keyboards, deftly layered samples, and carrying boundless influences from cosmic soul jazz to leftfield hip hop! An impressive guest roster from both realms participate – with appearances by Herbie Hancock (!!!), Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, frequent collaborator and stylistic sibling Thundercat, strings arranger Miguel Atwood Ferguson and others. Standout moments include the tracks "Tesla" and "Moment Of Hesitation", both with some incredible keyboards by Herbie Hancock, plus the uber-moody, Ennio Morricone-sampled "Turtles" – but the whole thing is great, and shows that the Flying Lotus phenomenon is still in ascension, circa 2014. Other cuts include "Cold Dead", "Never Catch Me" with Kendrick Lamar, "Dead Man's Tetris" with Snoop Dogg, "Turkey Dog Coma", "Stirring", "Obligatory Cadence", "The Protest" and more. ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: RAY CHARLES & MILT JACKSON - SOUL BROTHERS MEETING; AUDREY MARTIN - LIVING ROOM; RICHARD "GROOVE" HOLMES - SOUL MESSAGE

RAY CHARLES & MILT JACKSON - SOUL BROTHERS MEETING

Recorded in New York on between 1957 & 1958. Includes original release liner notes by Gary Kramer & Bill Randle. Originally released separately as SOUL BROTHERS (Atlantic 1360) and SOUL MEETING (Atlantic 1279).2 LPs on 2 CDs. Both are available separately on cassette. These records are "cool" in the classic sense of the word: they swing, groove, whisper and discuss with the sophisticated yet down-home relaxation of a late-night session. While Milt Jackson's work with the Modern Jazz Quartet represents a kind of bebop perfection, the truism about the MJQ has always been that it's Jackson the irrepressible soloist and blues spirit that provides the ballast to John Lewis' more cerebral explorations of form and composition. At the same time, Ray Charles' reputation as the definitive gospel-inspired R&B shouter and bandleader overshadows the facts of his jazz background and impressive musicianship. This is a guy, after all, who early in his career wanted to sound as much like Nat Cole as possible--and did, for a time, as both a singer and a pianist. So while these giants meet on the common turf of the blues on these two records, they bring a sharp jazz sensibility to the numerous and varied twelve-bar grooves here. Charles' stompin' bebop lines on the bonus track "Charlesville" are only one of the many revelations of this session. Reissue producer: Bob Porter. Personnel: Skeeter Best, Kenny Burrell (guitar); Ray Charles (alto saxophone, acoustic & electric pianos); Billy Mitchell (tenor saxophone); Milt Jackson (piano, vibraphone); Oscar Pettiford (bass); Connie Kay (drums); Percy Heath, Art Taylor. Producers: Nesuhi Ertegun, Jerry Wexler. ~ CD Universe

AUDREY MARTIN - LIVING ROOM

For some jazz singers, a song is a point of departure, a launching pad for extended improvisational flights with a band of fellow explorers. For Audrey Martin, songs are revelatory texts ripe for interpretation. Not every song, mind you. In building her repertoire, the Bay Area singer has gathered a treasure trove of material that resonates with her on a bone-deep level. Living Room, her consistently inspired ballad-centric debut album, finds Martin delving deeply into a highly personal array of material with a particular focus on groundbreaking women artists like Laura Nyro, Joni Mitchell, Abbey Lincoln, and Blossom Dearie. The first thing that stands out about Martin is her warm, luxuriant sound and supple phrasing. But what sets her apart is the probing emotional intelligence that she brings to the lyrics. It's rare indeed for a jazz artist to arrive on the scene as such a mature and fully realized artist. In Martin's case, it's because she's taken a long, indirect path to finding her voice.  While still practicing as a psychotherapist, she plunged back into her early love of singing in the late 1990s, studying at the Jazzschool in Berkeley. The key to her exponential growth as a performer was finding pianist Larry Dunlap, a master accompanist who provides lustrous support as a player and arranger. He connected her with the superlative rhythm section tandem of bassist John Shifflett and drummer Jason Lewis, who both share Martin's less-is-more aesthetic. A work of remarkable but unforced intimacy, Living Room introduces a singer who makes you hear familiar songs anew. -Andrew Gilbert (Andrew Gilbert writes for The San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, and other publications).~ CD Universe

RICHARD "GROOVE" HOLMES - SOUL MESSAGE

This mid-1960s soul-jazz collection features the trio of the organist Richard "Groove" Holmes, who, despite having been a working musician since the late 1950s, only came to public attention with his first hit, an uptempo reading of "Misty," included here. Holmes also performs a Latin-tinged version of Horace Silver's classic "Song For My Father," and the hip, swinging title track is a further display of his remarkable invention. Recorded on August 3, 1965. Originally released on Prestige (7435). Personnel includes: Richard "Groove" Holmes (organ); Jimmie Smith (drums); Gene Edwards. ~ CD Universe