Montreal Jazz Fest 2015 Lineup Announced: Jesse Cook, Snarky Puppy, The Stanley Clarke Band, Steven Wilson, The Bad Plus with Joshua Redman, Bebel Gilberto, Eliane Elias, Dee Dee Bridgewater and a Tribute to Piaf by Richard Galliano and Sylvain Luc

We’re delighted to announce the very first artists of the 36th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, presented by TD in collaboration with Rio Tinto Alcan—just in time to add them to everyone’s Christmas wish lists! Tickets for these concerts go on sale this Friday, December 5 at noon… although Spectra Newsletter subscribers (subscription is free at infolettrespectra.ca), can purchase them Thursday, December 4, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Steven Wilson — June 27, 8:30 p.m., Métropolis — Twenty years into his career, the versatile and prolific Steven Wilson ranks among the most fascinating artists on the British rock scene. While multitasking as leader of a series of equally cutting-edge groups—Porcupine Tree, No-Man, Blackfield and Bass Communion—the many-headed musician makes his Festival entrance with his new album, Hand. Cannot. Erase., a gem of progressive rock delivering mind-blowing rhythms and soaring melodies in the Pink Floyd tradition.

Snarky Puppy — June 30, 8:30 p.m., Métropolis — A massive big band with fluid membership, Snarky Puppy dresses up a stylin’ instrumental jazz brimming with guitar, brass, strings, woodwinds, keyboards and percussion. Led by the versatile Michael League, the group sets itself apart with its stunning musical mastery and creative maturity, building an international reputation with a border-smashing fusion of compositional excellence and improvisation, from melodic funk to harmonic soul, inspired as much by Herbie Hancock as by Björk, James Brown or Radiohead. A true YouTube phenomenon, the group lands with a new album due in April 2015.

Jesse Cook — July 2, 7 p.m., Maison symphonique de Montréal — With over 1.5 million albums sold in a 20-year career, and a Juno and three Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards among the prestigious awards on his mantel, acoustic guitar virtuoso Jesse Cook ranks among the most beloved regulars at this Festival. Playing with an eclectic stylistic palette that blends gypsy, Spanish, jazz and rumba influences, he returns with songs from a new album due in April.

The Stanley Clarke Band — June 27, 8 p.m., Théâtre Maisonneuve, PdA — He floored audiences with his memorable participation in the 2012 Invitation series, and now virtuoso bassist Stanley Clarke returns with a new highly ambitious album, aptly entitled Up. Unveiling a high-voltage jazz fusion with a profusion of funky melodies, the rhythmic opus turns out to be his most energetic and playful to date. He’s a master renowned for taking the bass anywhere he wants to, landing here with a pair of brilliant companions, Beka Gochiashvili and Mike Mitchell.

The Bad Plus with Joshua Redman — June 28, 8 p.m., Théâtre Maisonneuve, PdA — When a group renowned for its versatility and innovative brilliance meets a star saxophonist at the height of his artistic abilities, buckle up: jazzy sparks will fly. It’s an elite rendezvous between The Bad Plus, the rock fan’s favourite jazz trio (and vice versa), who’ve been burning up our stages for over 10 years, and the dazzling Joshua Redman, a friend of this Festival for over two decades. This combo is guaranteed to blow us away with collective improvisation and unmatched creative chemistry.

Dee Dee Bridgewater with Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra — July 3, 8 p.m., Théâtre Maisonneuve, PdA — Take the fabulous Dee Dee Bridgewater, a jazz singer equally accomplished in all styles and repertoires, from Malian music to Billie Holiday, Édith Piaf to Latin; add famed trumpeter Irvin Mayfield, founder and artistic director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and the brilliant orchestra in question, dedicated to the development and heritage of New Orleans jazz. That astonishing assemblage of talent led to a recording this year, which they’ll re-live in an evening of top-flight jazz.

Bebel Gilberto — June 26, 6 p.m., Club Soda — Almost 15 years after her last visit to the Festival, songbird Bebel is back with the bossa nova sounds that run in her veins. Daughter of the legendary João Gilberto, the lovely singer with the purring voice offers a trademark style of Brazilian music tinged with electronica, seasoned with contemporary sounds and modern musical spices. Her new album, Tudo, unveils original songs in Portuguese, English and French, along with a few covers including her irresistible version of Harvest Moon by Neil Young.

Richard Galliano, duo with Sylvain Luc. Tribute to Édith Piaf — June 30, 10:30 p.m., Gesù — Richard Galliano, one of the greatest accordionists of the modern era, and unimpeachable jazz guitarist Sylvain Luc collaborated in the ’90s before going their separate musical ways. The two musicians now reunite their talents for this duo project dedicated to the grande dame of French chanson. The result is a virtuoso jewel, showcasing and reawakening the freshness of the Piaf repertoire in this, the 100th anniversary of her birth.

Eliane Elias, Made in Brazil with Marc Johnson, Rubens De La Corte and Rafael Barata — July 3, 8 p.m., Monument-National — Recognized for her warm, sensual voice and ability to transport us to the languorous, idyllic beaches of Brazil, singer-pianist Eliane Elias returns with pieces from a new album, Made in Brazil. Plunge into Brazilian music from the ’30s to today, grooving through bossa nova by Antonio Carlos Jobim and her own compositions. She’ll be accompanied by her husband Marc Johnson (bass), Rubens De La Corte (guitar) and Rafael Barata (percussion).

First Lady of Brazilian Song - Joyce Moreno, Releases "Raiz"

The first lady of Brazilian song Joyce Moreno, is one of Brazil's leading lights, both musically and as a cultural icon. She was one of the very first in Brazil to speak from the feminist perspective and has worked with a host of fellow musical legends including Elis Regina, Toninho Horta, Madlib, and Yoko Kanno. Joyce's new album Raiz (Portuguese for 'Roots') marks an incredible fifty years since she first stepped foot in a recording studio at the very tender age of 15. Paying tribute to her personal musical roots, the album is made up entirely of Joyce's stunning new versions of some beautiful Brazilian standards, originally penned by the likes of Tom Jobim, Vinicius de Moares, Carlos Lyra, Baden Powell, Ze do Norte and Roberto Menescal (the very person to first capture Joyce's talent on record fifty years ago). Fifty years on, Joyce has decided to reciprocate Menescal's invitation, appointing him as special guest on Raiz which will be released on the 12th January 2015 on Far Out Recordings.

European Tour - January 2015 

Joyce will be touring Europe in January 2015 to coincide with the release (12/01/15). So if you're nearby any of these venues, grab a ticket from one of the links below:

10/01: Le Volcan - Le Havre (France) 

12/01: Ronnie Scotts Club - London (England) 

13/01: Ronnie Scotts Club - London (England) 

14/01: Jazzhus Montmartre - Copenhagen (Denmark) 

15/01: Jazzhus Montmartre - Copenhagen (Denmark) 

16/01: Jazzclub Hannover - Hannover (Germany) 

17/01: North Sea Jazz Club - Amsterdam (Netherlands) 

19/01: Porgy & Bess Jazz & Music Club - Wien (Austria) 

21/01: New Morning - Paris (France) 

22/01: Blue Note Milano - Milan (Italy) 

23/03: Kulturwerkstatt Kammgarn - Hard (Austria) 

~ Far Out

Featured This Week On The Jazz Network Worldwide: Songstress Sharon Marie Cline Revels In The Success Of Her Latest Release “This Is Where I Wanna Be"

“This Is Where I Wanna Be” has opened many portals for distribution as the year comes to a close.  Sharon Marie Cline is excited about the continued success domestically and abroad that she's receiving through print media, targeted publications, noted radio shows and video presentations. 

Sharon Marie Cline has a lot to smile about these days.  The momentum of her current CD “This Is Where I Wanna Be” has a pulse of its own.   Its already spanned the globe and she couldn’t be prouder, for it keeps bringing her to where “she wants to be”. 

It’s important to Cline to stay connected to her fans, not only does she have a door at every portal of social media, she works the technology in her favor.  From radio shows, to CD release parties, magazine reviews and interviews, her own social network, to producing a music video complimenting one of the key tunes from her release entitled “Laughter In The Rain.”   Through these efforts, Sharon seeks opportunities to perform on worldwide jazz festivals and concert stages.

“Originally lighthearted song about lovers in the rain, Cline turns it into a moody and seductive slow dance that leads to some optimistic improvised lyric and vocalizations at the end ~ almost as if the sun is just about to peek out from the clouds.  That’s a perfect metaphor for Cline’s emergence.  This is where jazz vocal fans are going to want to be too! ~ Jonathan Widran (Jazz montly.com ~ Standing Ovations Music Reviews.

“This Is Where I Wanna Be” has been taking me where I wanna go and is continually taking me to new horizons” says Cline jokingly.

“Sharon doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to her marketing efforts.  She’s everywhere” says Jaijai Jackson of The Jazz Network Worldwide.  “No wonder she is seeing results spring-boarding her forward to her goals.  ‘This Is Where I Wanna Be” has put her finger on the button that’s been garnering domestic and international acclaim.”

Cline's ensemble consists of: Rich Eames on Piano/Keyboard, sharing the bass chair on various tracks are Adam Cohen, Luther Hughes, Trevor Ware, Ryan Cross and John Belzeguy, Jon Stuart, Peter Buck on Drums, Jon Stuart and Victor Orlando on percussion, Lee Thornberg on Trumpet, Rich Eames on organ, Ryan Cross on cello, Reinhold Schwarzwald and Bram Glik on Saxophone, Jacques Lesure and Derek Bombeck on guitar, Rob Hardt on flute. Sound Mixing & mastering by Les Brockmann and recorded at Palm Mountain studio.   All arrangements by Rich Eames, Sharon Marie Cline and Jon Stuart. Sharon took the leap of penning two original songs on this project one being “Sugar On My Lips” with co-writer Mark Winkler and Rich Eames as well as “This Is Where I Wanna Be” co-written by Rich Eames. “If Dreams Come True” was arranged by internationally acclaimed Pianist and Arranger Tamir Hendelman.

“This Is Where I Wanna Be” leaves me with some hope that my standards for jazz vocal technique have not been totally abandoned “ ~ AXS Entertainment by Stephen Smoliar, Music Examiner. 

 This holiday season, Sharon is offering a gift of a free download of  “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ from her Christmas CD “By the fireside.“  Click here to get your free download

Sharon remains committed to her plan to stay connected and encouraging to her fans by keeping in tune with her social network  MyHeartsongcommunity.com built to share one’s ‘heartsong’ by creating a symphony of heartfelt expressions worldwide.  A social place where fans and festivals can keep up with her upcoming engagements, radio interviews, reviews as well as purchase downloads from her music catalogue and more. 

Upcoming engagements are on Friday, Dec. 5th, 2014 at the Jonathan Club Downtown LA from 6:00PM - 10:00PM and Friday, December 12th, 2014 at The Simi Valley Town Center from 7:00PM - 8:30 PM.  Click here for upcoming concert schedule

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

Trumpeter Eddie Henderson Releases Creative and Adventurous Collection of Works on New Release, Collective Portrait

Collective Portrait is much more than just the title of Eddie Henderson's new album for Smoke Sessions Records. For Henderson, it's the heart and soul of the remarkable trumpet/flugelhorn master's entire approach to musical expression. Taking a cue from Miles Davis statement that "a collective portrait is better than a self-portrait," Henderson has assembled a stellar cast of musicians to create music forged with the classic qualities of synergy and empathy essential for jazz at its highest level. Re-uniting with pianist George Cables and alto saxophonist Gary Bartz -- musical collaborators for nearly 40 years -- along with the perfectly simpatico bass and drums tandem of Doug Weiss and Carl Allen, Collective Portrait embodies the creative spirit and adventurousness that is always the primary goal of all of Henderson's musical endeavors. "I've known all of these guys for a long time but when we got together as a quintet for the first time in front of a live audience at Smoke to prepare for this date, I knew we had something," explains Henderson. "It had that special chemistry."

  

The 10-composition collection that Henderson has chosen for Collective Portrait is considerably more than a selection of fine songs. Each piece has a special meaning to him, including three pieces directly connected to trumpet masters who were personally influential to Henderson's development. Freddie Hubbard's "First Light", Woody Shaw's "Zoltan" and Jimmy Heath's "Ginger Bread Boy", immortalized by Miles Davis, are all powerfully delivered with virtuosity that never gets in the way of the vibrant lyricism, relentless rhythmic drive and palpable excitement. Two Cables' pieces -- the fractured funk rhythm-driven "Morning Song" and the punchy syncopated driver "Beyond Forever" -- both originally recorded by the two men on an earlier Henderson album in 1977, are marvelously re-imagined for this recording. Two Henderson originals (both featuring Cables on electric piano) are included, the surging but wistful Spanish-influenced "Sunburst" and the highly atmospheric, aptly titled "Dreams."

And what would a Henderson album be without the exquisite balladry for which he is an acknowledged master. Duke Pearson's captivating "You Know I Care" is given a tender and serene rendition; Leszek Kulakowski's "Spring" takes a more sprightly, but no less sensitive approach; and "Together," by Henderson's wife Natsuko, celebrates their 20 years together in a most lovely manner.

The musicianship is -- as one would expect from these gentlemen -- simply spectacular. Bartz (absent on the ballads and "Beyond Forever") is typically scintillating -- fiery, full-bodied and fluently virile. Cables brings his mastery of time, space and lyricism to every piece; and Weiss and Allen are impeccable in their tastefulness and drive, always bringing exactly what is needed and more. While the music is clearly a shared endeavor, Henderson's extraordinary artistry is front and center. His powerfully glowing sound, flawless intonation and willingness to take chances without ever missing his mark is, as always, breathtaking.

Often compared to Miles Davis for his deep lyricism and modal mastery, Henderson has contributed mightily to the music of many of the modern giants, including Herbie Hancock (including three years with Hancock's Mwandishi group), McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Sanders, among many others; including that foremost University of Jazz -- Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He also attended some more widely recognized universities in pursuit of his medical degree, and in addition to his busy musical career, Henderson also practiced psychiatry for more than 10 years. Although he is widely recognized by musicians and knowledgeable fans as one of the finest musicians of the past 40 years, he has not yet achieved the popular recognition he deserves. Collective Portrait should help bring about a cure to that.

  

"Collective Portrait" was recorded live in New York at Sear Sound's Studio A on a Rupert Neve 8038 custom console and mixed to ½" analog tape using a Studer mastering deck.

  

Eddie Henderson · Collective Portrait / Smoke Sessons Records ·Release Date: February 10, 2015

Bassist and Bandleader Recently Named Host of New Show from NPR - Jazz Night in America

The organizers of the Jazz Connect Conference announced that bassist, composer, bandleader, and radio host Christian McBride will give the keynote presentation at the Conference on Thursday, January 8 at 12:15 pm. Presented by JazzTimes and the Jazz Forward Coalition, the Jazz Connect Conference takes place on January 8-9, 2015 at Saint Peter's Church in New York City.  The conference brings together members of the jazz community from all over the globe in a series of panels, workshops and events. With a theme of "Strength Through Community," Jazz Connect leads into both the APAP | NYC conference, which begins on that Friday, and Winter Jazzfest, which takes place on Friday and Saturday nights. You can find more information about the event at www.jazz-connect.com. Pre-registration is only $125 until December 15 (after which regular registration increases to $175), with additional discounts offered to members of various partner organizations, including APAP, Jazz Journalists Association, Chamber Music America, AFM - Local 802, JazzWeek and others.

Since the early 1990s Christian McBride has recorded on over 300 dates as a sideman. However, he's been a leader from his debut recording in 1995. Aside from relatively recent travels with Pat Metheny as well as Chick Corea, Roy Haynes, John McLaughlin and Kenny Garrett, and the Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour - 55th Anniversary, McBride has been artist-in-residence and artistic director with organizations such as Jazz Aspen, LA Philharmonic, New York's 92nd St. Y, Jazz House Kids and NJPAC. McBride manages to tour consistently with his trio (with Christian Sands and Ulysses Owens Jr.) and his quintet, Inside Straight. He also fronts the Christian McBride Big Band, whose Mack Avenue recording, The Good Feeling, won the GRAMMY® Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album in 2012-his third GRAMMY® win overall. In addition, McBride hosts a show on Sirius/XM and DJs at clubs as DJ Brother Mister.

McBride was recently named the host of "Jazz Night in America," a new program from NPR Music, WBGO, and Jazz at Lincoln Center that showcases today's thriving jazz scene across all public radio platforms. A weekly national radio program, Wednesday Night Video Webcasts from venues around the country, features in national news coverage, videos and more, "Jazz Night in America" is a hub for connecting audiences with the most inspiring performances, artists and stories in jazz.

Previous keynote speakers at Jazz Connect include Ben Cameron of the Doris Duke Foundation, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, and Bill Strickland of the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild.   McBride's keynote speech will follow five short TEDTalk-like presentations from speakers such as Somi, Francisco Mela and Michael Lazaroff (The Jazz Cruise), as well as the presentation of the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award to SFJAZZ founder Randall Kline.

MILES DAVIS’ EARLY PRESTIGE RECORDS SESSIONS: LIMITED-EDITION 10” VINYL LP BOX SETS, EXCLUSIVELY FOR RECORD STORE DAY EVENTS

THE PRESTIGE 10-INCH LP COLLECTION, VOLS. 1 AND 2. DUE OUT NOVEMBER 28, 2014 AND APRIL 18, 2015

Concord Music Group hasto announced the release of The Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection, Vols. 1 and 2, which, in total, comprise all ten of the 10” LPs on which Miles Davis appeared as a leader for Prestige Records in the early ’50s. Miles Davis is one of the most musically influential and most popular artists in the history of jazz, and his legendary Prestige recordings are amongst the all-time classics in the genre. Painstakingly reproduced on 10-inch vinyl, with the original LP cover artwork and liner notes included, these box sets will be sold in very limited quantities, available only at participating Record Store Day retailers. The Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection, Vol. 1 [5-LP set] streets November 28th, exclusively for Record Store Day Black Friday, while Vol. 2 [5-LP set] will be released exclusively for Record Store Day 2015, in April. Says Nick Phillips, Concord Music Group’s VP of Catalog Development and the collections’ compilation/reissue producer,  “Here’s a rare opportunity to time-travel back to the early ’50s and experience these iconic recordings in the historical context of their original LP album releases—on 10” vinyl, in their original 10” LP sequences, with the details and nuances of the original 10” LP artwork faithfully reproduced right down to the original typographical errors.”

The Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection, Vol. 1 presents the first five 10-inch albums on which Miles Davis appeared as a leader for Prestige Records (1951 – 1954). Included are Modern Jazz Trumpets, which also features tracks by fellow jazz trumpet giants Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro, and Kenny Dorham; The New Sounds, about which Ira Gitler wrote in the original LP liner notes, “This album gives Miles more freedom than he has ever had on record for time limits were not strictly enforced. There is opportunity to build ideas into a definite cumulative effect…Upon the wonderful rhythmic foundation of Art Blakey’s drums, Tommy Potter’s bass, and Walter Bishop’s piano, tenorman Sonny Rollins and altoman Jackie McLean are able to enjoy some of the unlimited time for their solo efforts.”

Following in the box is Blue Period. In his liner notes for this second LP, Gitler exclaimed, “BLUING, the high spot of this set, is over nine minutes of freedom of expression on modern blues chord changes. At the very end, Art Blakey continues playing after everyone else has stopped. If you listen closely, you will hear Miles say something like, ‘You know that ending man, let’s do it again,’ but why do it again when you've captured the feeling in the solos of Walter Bishop, Miles, Sonny Rollins, Jack McLean, and the inventive drumming of Art Blakey.” Miles Davis Plays the Compositions of Al Cohn follows in the collection, and finally, Miles Davis Quartet, where Davis is joined by the likes of Horace Silver, Max Roach and Art Blakey.

The Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection, Vol. 2, which will be released on April 18, 2015, presents the final five 10-inch vinyl LP albums on which Miles Davis appeared as a leader for Prestige, all recorded during 1954. Included in the box are Miles Davis All Star Sextet; Miles Davis Quintet; Miles Davis with Sonny Rollins; as well as Miles Davis All Stars, Vol. 1 and Miles Davis All Stars, Vol. 2, about which Gitler wrote, “With Thelonious Monk adding his wry witticisms and rhythmic fillips and the All-American rhythm team of Kenny Clarke and Percy Heath supplying the power, Miles and Milt create an atmosphere rich in idea and warmth.”

  

For a list of participating Record Store Day vendors, please go to www.recordstoreday.com.

Keyboardist Dan Siegel returns with a lush collection of astute jazz etched in melodically rich "Indigo"

Having recorded a catalogue of Top 10 albums in a vivid spectrum of jazz hues with topflight musicians for 35 years, Dan Siegel only emerges when he has something engaging to say with his poetic piano and crafty keyboards. Back with his first new statement in five years, Siegel’s DSM record label will release “Indigo” on October 14, a set comprised of ten new compositions that he wrote, arranged and shared production chores with Grammy-nominated bassist Brian Bromberg.  

On his 20th album, Siegel creates right up the spine of the jazz dichotomy allowing the melodies, improvisational soloing and grooves to unfold and flourish unencumbered by restrictive genre borders and polarizing labels. His cerebral compositions traverse the expansive jazz terrain, but do so with heart rendering them instantly accessible. The keyboardist has a gift for writing inviting, emotionally-evocative material that connects soulfully.  

"My tendency is it to overwrite, which can make it challenging for the listener.  I believe the emotional allure of the music on this album (“Indigo”) transcends its compositional complexity," said the Irvine, California-based artist who was born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Eugene, Oregon.

The beating heart and soul heard on “Indigo” in part comes from the live production tracked in the cozy confines of Bromberg’s home studio in the valley just over the hill from Los Angeles. Siegel and Bromberg have an easy rapport and level of trust that dates back several decades from playing and recording together. Bromberg’s 300-year-old acoustic bass provides the rhythmic bottom end on tracks anchored by the deft drum beats from Yellowjackets veteran Will Kennedy. Bob Sheppard plays a prominent role using a variety of saxophones and impassioned play to echo Siegel’s piano and keyboards leads as well as emote his own scholarly theses. 

Allen Hinds and Mike Miller are afforded ample room to dispense thoughtful guitar riffs and do so with finesse. Lenny Castro’s percussion and Craig Fundyga’s vibraphone embellishments add texture, color and shadow in all the right places while two different horn sections appear on a total of six tracks providing power and depth. The cumulative result of such masterful players animating Siegel’s poignant piano pieces is a warm and plush album that will be serviced for airplay at straight-ahead jazz (full album) and contemporary/smooth jazz outlets (title cut).     

Siegel inked his first record deal in 1979 with Inner City Records, which issued his debut disc,

“Nite Ride,” featuring guitar great Lee Ritenour. Siegel’s sophomore session, “The Hot Shot,” went No. 1 on the Radio & Records chart and spent ten weeks in the Top 10 on the Billboard jazz chart. A couple years later, Siegel moved to Los Angeles to focus on composing film and television scores.

Subsequently, he signed with Epic Records and altered his sound from fusion to collections that spanned contemporary jazz, electronic, worldbeat and R&B. Over the years, he has played and recorded with Herbie Hancock, Boney James, Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, Ernie Watts, John Patitucci, Bela Fleck and Ottmar Liebert in instrumental settings; Glenn Frey, Chaka Khan, Berlin and Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire) in the pop world; and amassed an array of television and film credits that boasts Oscar-winner “The Usual Suspects.” For more information, please visit www.DanSiegelMusic.com.

The songs contained on “Indigo” are:
“To Be Continued”
“By Chance”
“Indigo”
“Beyond”
“Far and Away”
“If Ever”
“Spur of the Moment”
“First Light”
“Consider This”
“Endless”

NEW MUSIC: THE GREG FOAT GROUP - LIVE AT THE PLAYBOY CLUB, LONDON; SOUL, FUNK AND AFRO RARITIES: AN INTRODUCTION TO ATA RECORDS (COMPILATION); JIMMY GREENE - A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

THE GREG FOAT GROUP - LIVE AT THE PLAYBOY CLUB, LONDON

The coolest record so far from this totally great combo – a live recording done on the home turf of the Greg Foat Group – the Playboy Club in London! The retro venue really fits the slinky, sexy vibe of the group's music – and although we already loved these guys before, this album has a really special sort of feel – with loads of wonderful keyboard lines from Greg on Hohner Electra piano, Elka Rhapsody, Hammond L 100, and Mutron Phaser – almost always distorted with a nice degree of fuzz, but still a straight ahead approach, and some great undercurrents of fuzz too! The group also features tenor and trumpet – which sometimes sound distorted, ala Varitone modes – and the overall sound feels like some lost jazzy club combo from the late 60s, really tripping out in a very comfortable space. We'd easily stack this one next to our favorite funky Fender Rhodes records from back in the day – and titles include "By The Grace Of God I Am", "Ingen Reklam", "Funky Fanfare", "Madrid", and "Mr Minor". CD features two bonus tracks – "Finky Minky" and "Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag".  ~ Dusty Groove

SOUL, FUNK AND AFRO RARITIES: AN INTRODUCTION TO ATA RECORDS (COMPILATION)

A funky compilation of sorts – but one that features almost all contemporary recordings done in the best styles of older UK sound library funk! ATA are actually a current studio, put together by the guys behind the Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra – a group we normally know for more Afro Funk-styled sounds, but who here recall the glory days of Alan Hawkshaw, Keith Mansfield, and Brian Bennett – in a host of grooves that are heavy on vintage instruments, and equally old school production! The work feels a lot like lost funk tracks from labels like KPM or DeWolfe – and these guys really change their previous group to get the sound just right – on cuts that include "The Flip", "London Station", "The Terror", "Cookie Jar", "Moscow Central", "Sucker Punch", and "Hawkshaw Philly" – all credited to different groups, but we think played by the Ariya guys themselves!  ~ Dusty Groove

JIMMY GREENE - A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

A heartbreaking project from saxophonist Jimmy Greene – dedicated to his daughter, who was caught in the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school. Instead of focusing on the tragedy that struck his family, Greene instead chooses to celebrate the wonderful, but too-short life of his daughter Ana – through a beautiful record that may well be his most ambitious to date! The scope of the sound here is wonderful – very soulful, thoughtful tracks performed by a shifting lineup that includes some famous names who were only happy to help out on the project – like Kenny Barron and Cyrus Chestnut on piano, Pat Metheny on guitar, and Kurt Elling on vocals. But the core group alone is wonderful –w ith Renee Rosnes on piano, Christian McBride on bass, and Lewis Nash on drums – who set things up in this wonderfully soulful style that seems to evoke some of Greene's most personal moments on record. Titles include "Last Summer", "Ana's Way", "Maybe", "Little Voices", "Where Is Love", and "Seventh Candle".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - FRANK SINATRA - LONDON; JOHN COLTRANE - LUSH LIFE; HOUSTON PERSON '75 / GET OUT'A MY WAY

FRANK SINATRA – LONDON (3-CD/DVD BOXSET)

For several weeks during the spring of 1962, London's music scene buzzed with the rumor that Frank Sinatra was to record a new album there. Indeed, in June that year, the iconic star traveled to the U.K. to record Sinatra Sings Great Songs From Great Britain. Recorded over three consecutive nights at London's CTS Studios, Great Songs From Great Britain would be the only album Sinatra would ever record outside of the United States. On November 25, Universal Music Enterprises & Frank Sinatra Enterprises will release Sinatra: LONDON, a deluxe 3-CD/DVD and digital audio collection presenting the remastered original studio album with a treasure trove of other London highlights from Sinatra's career. The expansive set's more than 50 previously unreleased recordings include session material from the album, a 1962 BBC 'Light Programme' radio special with introductions to each song by Sinatra himself, a 1953 live session for BBC Radio's 'The Show Band Show,' and a Royal Albert Hall concert from 1984. The collection's DVD features a previously unreleased filmed 1962 concert from Royal Festival Hall, plus a 1970 concert appearance from the same venue with a never before released performance of the classic song 'A Foggy Day.' The sleek book-style set includes a 60-page booklet with a new essay by producer, filmmaker, songwriter, music publisher and author, Ken Barnes, who attended the Great Songs From Great Britain sessions, the album's original liner notes, newly-written track notes, details about Sinatra's many visits to the U.K., and several photos of Sinatra in London: onstage, in the studio, and about town. The new collection also includes two exclusive art print reproductions of original London concert posters, and a unique studio panorama from the 1962 recording sessions for Great Songs From Great Britain. ~ Amazon

JOHN COLTRANE - LUSH LIFE

Hybrid Mono SACD for sale individually and as part of Analogue Productions' Prestige Mono Series Mini "old style" gatefold jacket packaging These SACD jackets feature printed wraps mounted to chipboard shells, producing an authentic, "old school" look and feel. Some people call these "mini LP" jackets. Here is one of the musical giants of the 20th century, poised on the precipice of greatness. Between the spring of 1957 and the winter of 1958, during which time Lush Life was recorded, the music of tenor saxophonist John Coltrane (1926-1967) was developing in giant steps, thanks in great part to a six-month 1957 stint with Thelonious Monk that had much to do with sharpening Coltrane's harmonic conception and torrential attack. Lush Life contains Coltrane's first recordings as sole leader, his initial date fronting a pianoless trio, and one of his first extended readings of a ballad, Billy Strayhorn's resplendent title track. We also hear him at the helm of a quartet and quintet, featuring pianist Red Garland, with trumpeter Donald Byrd, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Louis Hayes added to "Lush Life." Coltrane handles the tune's delicate complexities with infinite style and finesse. Coltrane and jazz would never be the same. Originally released in 1958. The sleek book-style set includes a 60-page booklet with a new essay by producer, filmmaker, songwriter, music publisher and author, Ken Barnes, who attended the Great Songs From Great Britain sessions, the album's original liner notes, newly-written track notes, details about Sinatra's many visits to the U.K., and several photos of Sinatra in London: onstage, in the studio, and about town. The new collection also includes two exclusive art print reproductions of original London concert posters, and a unique studio panorama from the 1962 recording sessions for Great Songs From Great Britain. ~ Amazon

HOUSTON PERSON - HOUSTON PERSON '75 / GET OUT'A MY WAY

Carolina-born Houston Person is a towering figure in the world of soulful jazz. His albums for Prestige, Muse, Westbound and beyond have always been joyous affairs, filled with soul and aimed at those who like their jazz with a beat. Until now the three albums which he recorded for the Detroit-based Westbound label and its subsidiary Eastbound have never been reissued. This release pairs his second and third albums for them.Person made his name in Johnny 'Hammond' Smith's group between 1963 and 1966; in 1967 he signed as a band leader to Prestige, where his album Goodness was a hit. He moved to Eastbound in 1973 and when it closed moved to its parent for the release of Houston Person '75, the first album he produced himself. It is a raucous party with Person's sax lines playing over some tight funky arrangements; one track features Etta Jones. Get Out'a My Way follows in the same vein, an excellent soulful jazz album which suits Person's style. It also includes a version of the Isley Brothers' For The Love Of You. Featuring musical backing from the Westbound Gang and backing vocals by Honey, it is a fine addition to Person's catalogue. 60-page booklet with a new essay by producer, filmmaker, songwriter, music publisher and author, Ken Barnes, who attended the Great Songs From Great Britain sessions, the album's original liner notes, newly-written track notes, details about Sinatra's many visits to the U.K., and several photos of Sinatra in London: onstage, in the studio, and about town. The new collection also includes two exclusive art print reproductions of original London concert posters, and a unique studio panorama from the 1962 recording sessions for Great Songs From Great Britain. ~ Amazon

NEW RELEASES: JAMIE CULLUM – INTERLUDE; ORNETTE COLEMAN - TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION!; FUNKEE BOY - SOUL PURPOSE

JAMIE CULLUM – INTERLUDE

The intent behind Jamie Cullum's seventh album, Interlude -- released in the U.K. in 2014, with a U.S. release in 2015 -- is to strongly reconnect the singer/pianist with his jazz roots. Gone are the flirtations with electronics, along with original material: Cullum is playing live with a jazz orchestra, singing standards that are familiar but not shopworn. He expands the songbook so there's room for Hank Williams' "Lovesick Blues" and the Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," but his playbook is straight out of Ray Charles. He's growling and crooning as he alternately pounds and tinkles his piano, giving plenty of space for the orchestra to surge but not allowing a lot of room for improvisation. Most of the songs here clock in somewhere between three and four minutes, which is a strong indication that this album lies toward the pop end of the jazz spectrum. This is by no means a bad thing. By devoting himself to a strong book of standards and recording with a live big band, Cullum seems reinvigorated. He's enjoying tearing into these old tunes and that excitement isn't merely palpable, it's contagious. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

ORNETTE COLEMAN - TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION!

Digitally remastered by Joe Tarantino (Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California). With his second album as a leader, 1959's TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION!, Ornette Coleman had not quite made all the necessary adjustments that would introduce his classic period. However, enough changes had been made to make it clear that the alto saxophonist -- contrary to his detractors' sneers--had a specific sound he was aiming toward, and a clear idea of how to get there. The biggest change between this album and Coleman's 1958 debut is the lack of a pianist, which puts the melodic emphasis solely on Coleman's sax and Don Cherry's trumpet. Coleman and Cherry are in remarkable sync throughout; indeed, "Rejoicing" features several passages of the pair playing in unison, and two of the album's most harmonically fearless and rhythmically loose solos are Cherry's spotlights in "Giggin'" and "Endless." Only the somewhat ordinary post-bop rhythm section of bassist Percy Heath (spelled by Red Mitchell on the last three tracks) and drummer Shelly Manne keeps TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION! from reaching the ecstatic free-jazz heights of Coleman's classic Atlantic albums. Recorded at Contemporary's Studio, Los Angeles, California on January 16, February 23 and March 9 & 10, 1959. Originally released on Contemporary (7569). Includes original liner notes by Nat Hentoff. Personnel: Ornette Coleman (alto saxophone); Don Cherry (trumpet); Percy Heath, Red Mitchell (bass); Shelly Manne (drums).  ~ CD Universe

FUNKEE BOY - SOUL PURPOSE

Chart Topping/Award Winning Smooth Jazz recording artist Funkee Boy follows up his award winning/#1 selling CD "Philosoulphy" with his 3rd CD "Soul Purpose". This stellar CD blends Funkee Boy's signature keyboard playing/songwriting/music production w/ A-List artists Warren Hill, Najee, Bob Baldwin, Cindy Bradley, Nick Colionne, LEILA, Surface, Lamone, Timmy Maia, Tevin Michael and more!!! "Soul Purpose" wins the prestigious SESAC 2014 Smooth Jazz Award for top 5 Billboard and radio play. These stellar artists come together on my new CD that features 9 original songs along with hot smooth jazz coverversions of Bruno Mars smash hits "Treasure" & "Just The Way You Are". Funkee Boy also grooves to R.Kelly's"Step In The Name Of Love", and then slow it down with the Eagles classic ballad "I Can't Tell You Why". Soul Purpose takes the listener on a journey starting off with the Uptempo tracks "Bonafide" & "Let It Flow". Then it embraces your smooth & soulful side with tracks "Deja Vu", "Karma", & "Keystroke. There are also brilliantly written lyrics on the RnB vibes "Bring Back The Days" and "Satisfied". Funkee Boy then plays with your senses and invokes a certain type of mood by drawing on the 50 Shades Of Grey inspiration with the solo piano piece "Escala". The 1st single "Let It Flow" featuring Warren Hill achieved Top 10 on all 4 Major (non pay for play) Charts - #4 Billboard, #8 Groove Jazz, #9 American Music/USA TODAY, #10 Smooth Jazz Network. The CD also achieved the #1 best selling worldwide CD in Soul Jazz! Once again, Funkee Boy stays true to his "philosoulphy" of blending his roots Jazz + Funk + RnB = SOUL. If you like Smooth Jazz, RnB, Soul, Piano, Saxophone, Tasteful Vocals with meaningful lyrics then this CD is for you!! ~ CD Universe

New Releases: Ken Thomson and Slow/Fast - Settle; Joe Morris - Mess Hall; David Holmes - 71 Original Soundtrack

KEN THOMSON AND SLOW/FAST - SETTLE

New from alto saxophonist, bass clarinetist and composer Ken Thomson and his quicksilver quintet Slow/Fast is their new release Settle. The album 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. Thomson is joined by guitar phenomenon Nir Felder, trumpeter Russ Johnson, bassist Adam Armstrong and drummer Fred Kennedy.

JOE MORRIS – MESS HALL

Striking improvisations from the trio of Joe Morris on guitar, Steve Lantner on keyboards, and Jerome Dupree on bass – working here on material that's composed on the spot during performance, but which has a surprising sense of structure at times! Both Morris and Lantner use cycles of sound to their best advantage – spinning out elements that are noisy, but which really warm with familiarity – especially as they find a way to resonate strongly together. The drums can be intense one minute, looser the next – which provides a good sense of tension in the record – and titles include "Dirt Reverence", "Response Arena", "Advanced Animal", "Hymn Zone", and "Magnet Move".  ~ Dusty Groove

DAVID HOLMES – 71 ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK

One of the darkest soundtracks we've ever heard from David Holmes – presented here as one single long piece of music, put together almost as an audio collage that evokes all the tension and black mood of the film 71! Holmes really stretches himself strongly here – and goes for these subtle, often lower-end sounds that kind of bubble together in the darkness, then emerge in different ways as the piece goes on – and if you only know the work of David Holmes from his funky or more retro-styled film scores, you'll be pretty stunned here! Individual passages include "The Hunt", "Where's The Soldier", "Escape From Divis", and "Aftermath" – but the whole thing runs together as one long work. ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: GILBERTO GIL & GAL COSTA - LIVE IN LONDON NOVEMBER 1971; TOM ZE - VURA LATA NA VIA LACTEA; JAQUES MORELENBAUM CELLO SAMBA TRIO - SAUDADE DO FUTURO / FUTURO DA SAUDADE

GILBERTO GIL & GAL COSTA - LIVE IN LONDON NOVEMBER 1971

Really stunning stuff – a never-heard live performance from early 70s London – one that features Gilberto Gil in exile, working alongside the great Gal Costa! The album's got a lean, stripped-down feel – similar acoustic instrumentation to both Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso's London recordings – a mode that's an especially great change from some of Costa's more produced albums of the period – at a level that really lets us hear how warmly collaborative and high spirited she could be! Both Gal and Gilberto play guitar – and backing is by a group of bass, percussion, and drums – the last of which are played by Tutty Moreno – and the performance has the singers working solo and in duet – the latter of which is especially great! The set includes a few English language numbers – "Brand New Dream" and "One O'Clock Last Morning 20th April 1970" – plus versions of "Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Up From The Skies". And other titles include "Sai Do Sereno", "Coracao Vagabundo", "Procissao", "Acaua", "Chuva Suor E Cerveja", "Viramundo", "Como Dois E Dois", and "Maria Bethania/Bota A Mao Nas Cadeiras".  ~ Dusty Groove

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TOM ZE - VURA LATA NA VIA LACTEA

A mighty record from the great Tom Ze – every bit as creative and experimental as ever, and maybe sounding better here than he has on the past few studio albums – even though we liked those releases an awful lot too! The record is heavy on vocal interplay – both Ze with himself, but also alongside contributions from Caetano Veloso, Milton Nascimento, and others – voices that are often set to relatively spare instrumentation that's quite rhythmic, but without any sort of obvious beats or drum parts either – usually more unusual grooves that are matched with creative elements on guitar, both acoustic and electric, and some sweet reed parts too – which almost have a bit of a Hermeto Pascoal quality. The whole thing's a great reminder that the passage of years has done nothing to dim the vitality of Tom Ze – and titles include "Mamon", "Banca De Jornal", "A Quantas Anda Voce", "Geracao Y", "Irara Ira La", "Papa Perdoa Tom Ze", and "A Boca Da Cabeca". ~ Dusty Groove

JAQUES MORELENBAUM CELLO SAMBA TRIO - SAUDADE DO FUTURO / FUTURO DA SAUDADE

A beautiful record that's exactly what's promised in the group's name – a samba trio that's heavy on cello – played by the great Jaques Morelenbaum, who we know from so many other great records! The style's a bit bossa jazz, but has a very different feel – as the use of the cello really brings out the bluer, more melancholy moments in the tunes – as Jacques bows his instrument with a great sense of expressiveness alongside acoustic guitar and percussion. Titles include "Eu Vim Da Bahia", "Coracoa Vagabundo", "Outra Vez", "Ar Livre", "Voce E Eu", "Maracatuesday", and "Tim Tim Por Tim Tim". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: AKIRA SAKATA WITH BILL LASWELL, PETE COSEY, HAMID DRAKE - KAIGARABUSHI - BILL LASWELL REMIX; BILL LASWELL – BILMAWN: LITTLE VILLAGE; PORTIA MONIQUE

AKIRA SAKATA WITH  BILL LASWELL, PETE COSEY, HAMID DRAKE - KAIGARABUSHI - BILL LASWELL REMIX

Japanese free jazz icon Akira Sakata in collaboration with the legendary Pete Cosey (Miles Davis, Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf), drummer Hamid Drake and bassist Bill Laswell. A remix of a track from the album fisherman's.com released in 2001, it offers traditional Japanese folk art meets funk and free improvisation. Mix-construction by Bill Laswell. Track: 1. Kaigarabushi Return  (11:44). Available December 2, 2104.

BILL LASWELL – BILMAWN: LITTLE VILLAGE 

Taken from the soundtrack of Jim Jarmusch's newest film "Only Lovers Left Alive." Bilmawn captures the strong raw rhythmic elements of Morroccan music (trance and spirit). Track: 1. Little Village (5:19). Available December 2, 2014.from M.O.D. - A futuristic hybrid of music exploration - dub, dub step, reggae, world, africa,,drum'n'bass,,mutant hip hop,,avant metal,experimental, vocal music, instrumental, DJ culture and much more. M.O.D. resumes and continues the legacy of AXIOM, the timeless imprint established in 1989 by Bill Laswell with Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records.

PORTIA MONIQUE

A hell of a debut from Portia Monique – a singer who gets very strong support here from Reel People – who are very much at the top of their game too! The record's a bit like a Reel People album, but a lot more soulful up top – as Portia's vocals have this rich, righteous feel that really pushes the cosmic energy of the record forward – a bit like some of the best work we were hearing from the UK a decade ago, but a lot more fresh and individual as well! A great return to form for the kind of music we've always loved from Reel People – but with echoes of the more dynamic 4Hero side of the spectrum too. Titles include "Cloud IX", "Ain't Scared Of You", "Ecstasy", "My Love", "Grace", "Nobody", and "Never Give You Up". ~ Dusty Groove

Vocalist Allan Harris Set to Release Black Bar Jukebox, New Album Inspired by Music Emanating from Jukeboxes in African-American Culture in the '70s

Ever since he burst on the jazz scene in the latter part of the twentieth century, The Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist/guitarist/bandleader/composer Allan Harris has reigned supreme as one of the most accomplished and exceptional singers of his generation. Aptly described by the Miami Herald as an artist blessed with, "the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat 'King' Cole," the ample and aural evidence of Harris' multifaceted talent can be heard on his ten recordings as a leader; his far-flung and critically-acclaimed concerts around the world, from Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, and Washington DC's Kennedy Center, to the 2012 London Olympics, and a number of prestigious bookings in Europe, The Middle East and Asia, and his numerous awards, which include the New York Nightlife Award for "Outstanding Jazz Vocalist" - which he won three times - the Backstage Bistro Award for "Ongoing Achievement in Jazz," and the Harlem Speaks "Jazz Museum of Harlem Award."

Harris' new album, Black Bar Jukebox, produced by Grammy® Award-winning producer Brian Bacchus (Norah Jones, Gregory Porter), is his most compelling and comprehensive recording to date. "Believe me, what Brian brought to the table was wonderful," Harris says, "not only because of his music, but also because of the vision, and the way he hears things. I'm enamored with the sound I got." Inspired by the jazz, R&B, soul, country and Latin sounds that emanated from jukeboxes in African-American barbershops, clubs, bars, and restaurants, from the mid to late twentieth century, the album - which features Harris' accomplished band of three years: drummer Jake Goldbas, bassist Leon Boykins, and pianist/keyboardist Pascal Le Boeuf; with special guests, percussionist Samuel Torres and guitarist Yotam Silberstein - also marks his moving and momentous return to his jazz-centered, Harlem roots, where he heard all those aforementioned styles, genres and grooves in the Golden Age of the seventies. "Growing up, I heard the sound of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Nat King Cole," Harris says, "I was always cognizant of jazz."

Black Bar Jukebox features thirteen selections that include several popular standards and originals penned by Harris. His soulful, silken bari-tenor voice dances and trances throughout an eclectic spectrum of moods and grooves: from the moving, mid-tempo, 4/4 swing of "You Make Me Feel So Young," "A Little Bit Scared" and the Count Basie-ish, "Jumping at the Woodside" vibe of 'I Got The Blues," to the Ahmad Jamal, "Poinciana"-pulsed "Miami," the Latin-tinged "Catfish," "Take Me To The Pilot," which can be compared to Les McCann's soulful grooves, and an ebullient cover of pop singer John Mayer's "Daughters," which features Harris' spare and syncopated guitar strains.

Allan Harris' soulful sound on Black Bar Jukebox comes from his rich musical home life, which extended deep into the artistic world of Harlem. Harris' mother, Johanna Chemina Ingram-Harris, was a concert pianist, and was a graduate of the first class of New York's legendary High School for the Performing Arts. Growing up, Harris went to Apollo Sunday afternoon matinees, and he visited his aunt Kate Ingram's famous soul food restaurant, Kate's Home Cooking; located behind the Apollo Theater, which was featured on the cover of organist Jimmy Smith's 1960 Blue Note LP, Home Cookin'.

In this soulful setting, Harris would meet many jazz and R&B stars who worked at the Apollo and came by the restaurant to eat and hang out. Another aunt, Theodosia Ingram, won the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night Competition and performed at a number of Manhattan clubs, including The Lenox Lounge under her stage name, "Phoebe." It was through her, that Harris would meet and be mentored by a seminal jazz figure, Clarence Williams. "We used to go to his record store, and he'd come into our house on Lincoln Avenue," explains Harris. "At the time I was a child ... I just thought that was just a part of my life. And later, I understood the gravity of the depth of his history. Yes: Clarence Williams opened up a lot of doors for me, to really get me into this genre called jazz." It was Williams who brought Louis Armstrong to the Harris home, and babysat the future crooner, who was frightened by Satchmo's gravelly, "frog like voice."

Harris is a first call vocalist (especially back in Harlem), as evidenced by his potpourri of engagements, including an impressive run as a featured soloist and producer of Sotheby's three-year jazz series. His commitment to education is as equally impressive as his recordings and engagements. A Gibson guitarist, Harris is a long-time supporter of the St. Mary's Children's Hospital and donates a performance every year to Challenge Aspen/America, along with Vince Gill and Amy Grant.

All of which brings us to Black Bar Jukebox: a diverse and dynamic disc that showcases Allan Harris at the zenith of his all-encompassing artistry. "I'm a storyteller through the genre of jazz," concludes Harris.

  

Upcoming Allan Harris Performances:

December 6 / Kennedy Center (w/ Chicago Jazz Orchestra) / Washington, DC

December 7 / Kennedy Center Awards Gala w/ Chicago Jazz Orchestra) / Washington, DC

December 16 - January 4 / Cafe Society Swing @ 59 E. 59th St. Theatre / New York, NY

January 8 / Smoke Jazz Club / New York, NY

January 16 - 17 / Art Deco Festival / Miami, FL

January 18 / Arts Garage / Delray Beach, FL

January 25 / Tucson Jazz Festival / Tucson, AZ

February 9 / Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola / New York, NY

February 14 / Mid Atlantic Jazz Festival / Rockport, MD

February 27 / Scullers / Boston, MA

www.AllanHarris.com

12th Annual Panama Jazz Festival Led by Artistic Director Danilo Pérez Announces 2015 Lineup

Uniting internationally acclaimed jazz artists, renowned educators and jazz fans from around the globe, the 12th Annual Panama Jazz Festival will be held January 12-17, 2015 at The City of Knowledge in Panama City and the recently founded Danilo's Jazz Club located at the American Trade Hotel in the Old Quarter of Panama City. The festival honors multi-instrumentalist Eric Dolphy, whose father was Panamanian.

Among the headliners for this year's festival is Founder and Artistic Director Danilo Pérez and his recently assembled Children of The Light Trio, featuring bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade, who is also the first Resident Artist of the Festival.

Additional headliners include jazz legend Benny Golson Quartet, Ruben Blades, Miguel Zenón, Pedrito Martinez, Latin pop singer and songwriter Omar Alfanno, Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band, Chilean saxophonist Patricia Zarate with her band MapuJazz and special guest singer Claudia Acuña, and Phil Ranelin and Matt Marvuglio giving a special tribute to Eric Dolphy.

German duo Uwe Kropinski (guitar) & Michael Heupel (flute) will be featured, as well as international artists and clinicians such as Richie Barshay (USA), Ehud Ettud (Israel), Tom Patitucci (USA), Jorge Perez (Peru), Kevin Harris (USA), Marco Pignataro (Italy), Ricardo del Fra (France), Orion Lion (Chile), Shea Welsh (USA), Sissy Castrogiovanni (Italy) among many others.

Furthermore, the festival will host the 3rd Latin American Music Therapy Symposium, bringing music therapists from the Chile, Argentina, Panama, Venezuela, Costa Rica (among other Latin American countries) and the United States together to present on the therapeutic effects of music.

Since its inception in 2003, the Panama Jazz Festival has attracted over 220,000 jazz fans worldwide, has raised over 1 million dollars, and has announced over 3.5 million dollars in scholarships on an international level. Last year, the festival welcomed 2,000 students from around the world who participated in the educational events.

Participating educational institutions include Boston-based institutions, Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory, which will be holding auditions for admission and scholarships. The Berklee Global Jazz Institute will hold master classes, perform social work with Panamanian youth and perform in various settings throughout the festival. Berklee will repeat last years innovative program where students will earn college performance credit for the college. In addition to these various universities, Paris Conservatory (France) and Crossroads High School (Los Angeles, CA) will be participating in this year's events.

Pianist, composer, educator and social activist, Danilo Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time.

Born in Panama in 1965, Pérez started his musical studies when he was three years old with his father, a bandleader and singer. By age 10, he was studying the European classical piano repertoire at the National Conservatory in Panama. After receiving his bachelor's degree in electronics in Panama, he studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. From 1985-88, while still a student, he performed with Jon Hendricks, Terence Blanchard, Claudio Roditi and Paquito D'Rivera. Quickly established as a young master, he soon toured and/or recorded with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie (with the trumpeter's United Nations Orchestra, 1989-1992), Wayne Shorter, Steve Lacy, Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Tito Puente, Wynton Marsalis, John Patitucci, Tom Harrell, Gary Burton, and Roy Haynes.

In 1993, Pérez turned his focus to his own ensembles and recording projects, releasing eight albums as a leader, earning Grammy® and Latin Grammy® nominations for Central Avenue (1989), Motherland (2000) and Across The Crystal Sea (2008). Additionally, Pérez released Providencia, his debut for Mack Avenue Records, in August of 2010. The album was also nominated for a 2011 Grammy® Award in the category of "Best Instrumental Jazz Album." His latest album in Panama 500 released in 2014 by Mack Avenue Records.

Pérez, who served as Goodwill Ambassador to UNICEF, has received a variety of awards for his musical achievements, activism and social work efforts. He currently serves as UNESCO Artist for Peace, Founder and Artistic Director of the Panama Jazz Festival, and Artistic Director of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute in Boston's Berklee, During the Gala of the jazz festival on January 14th, 2015 he will be appointed Cultural Ambassador of the Republic of Panama serving his second term as such. 

panamajazzfestival.com

SLOWLY ROLLING CAMERA FUSE TRIP HOP, SOUL, ELECTRONIC AND SOUL "INTO THE SHADOW"

Formed in Cardiff in 2013 Slowly Rolling Cameraa brought together four wildly talented musicians from diverse backgrounds. The result was a captivating hybrid of these influences: trip hop, jazz, soul, electronic music fused into a new and unique soundscape. The product was their eponymous album, released on Edition Records in February 2014 and received ecstatically by press (including UK’s Guardian and Germany’s Stern Magazine) and audiences alike.

Live, they’ve proved a phenomenon, wowing audiences from Cardiff to Hamburg and at high profile festivals including Umea Jazz Festival (SE), Love Supreme (UK), London Jazz Festival (UK) and Reeperbahn Festival (DE).

SRC have spent 2014 honing their music on the road and have recently returned to the studio to record a bold and striking four track EP, Into The Shadow, for release on 26th January 2015. Into The Shadow is more cohesive and sees the band further develop their sound, integrating lush electronic soundscapes, emotive melodies, shifts in dynamic and pace. With Elliot Bennett’s virtuosic, robust groove and Robert’s exemplary production techniques, it provides the perfect setting for the captivating, soulful voice of Dionne Bennett to impressively mould he lyrics around the musical arrangement.

In order to capture the spirit and energy of the band the EP was written and recorded in only three months. Employing the creative spirit and boundless energies of Mancunian master guitarist Stuart McCallum (Cinematic Orchestra), Bristol based Ben Waghorn on sax and Aidan Thorne, Cardiff’s top double bassist, Slowly Rolling Camera’s new recording has a big sound and big ambitions to match.

The suite-like opener River’s End, a song about asking for forgiveness, introduces a powerful and emotive ambience from the off. The title track, with its gloriously empowering crescendo and sweet sound of Dave Stapleton’s string arrangements, remarks on how the power of love can transform loneliness. Anne leads us through hope to regret with a beautifully raw and emotive stripped down arrangement featuring Fender Rhodes and Bennett’s intimate vocal set against a wall of strings and choral voices. The final track, Riga, forms a satisfying conclusion, its odd time signatures, shifting patterns, beats, grooves and moods defining everything that’s great about this band: bold, brave, experimental but with deep soul.

These four tracks confirm that SRC’s promise is no transient thing and indicates progression on a steep curve. ‘Into The Shadow’ continues to push the musical boundaries and there can only be excitement at where this young, immensely talented outfit can go next. But they remain rooted, however vaunting the ambition. As the band say: “If it moves you, it’s just good music”.