NEU3, D'ANGELO, HEKSELMAN, YARD BYARD & Many Others, all COMING UP at The Cornelia Street Cafe!‏

The Cornelia Street Cafe has once again been  named one of "Jazz Venues of The Year 2014" by The New York City Jazz Record. The Corrnelia Street Cafe has The Cafe (in New York City), which opened almost 38 years ago on July 4, 1977, kicks off January 2015 by presenting some of the most revered musicians on the creative/improvised music scene, including Mary Halvorson, Tomas Fujiwara, Michael Blake, Andrew D'Angelo featuring Nasheet Waits, Yard Byard, David Cook and many others!

  

COMING UP AT THE CAFE

January 13-20: 

TONIGHT - Tue  Jan 13,  8:30PM 

NEU3

Michael Blake, tenor sax; Mark Helias, bass; Scott Neumann, drums

TOMORROW NIGHT - Wed  Jan 14,  8:30PM 

ANDREW D'ANGELO TRIO

Andrew D'Angelo, alto sax, bass clarinet; Ingebrigt Håken Flaten, bass; Nasheet Waits, drums

Thu  Jan 15,  8:30PM 

TOM CHANG QUARTET

Tom Chang, guitar; Quinsin Nachoff, tenor sax; Sam Minaie, bass; Nate Wood, drums 

Sat  Jan 17,  9:00PM & 10:30PM 

GILAD HEKSELMAN + SZR

Gilad Hekselman, guitar; Glenn Zaleski, piano; Rick Roasto, bass; Colin Stranahan, drums 

Sun  Jan 18,  8:30PM 

YARD BYARD: THE JAKI BYARD PROJECT

Jamie Baum, flute, alto flute; Adam Kolker, tenor sax, clarinet; Jerome Harris, guitar; Essiet Okon Essiet, bass; George Schuller, drums

Mon  Jan 19,  8:30PM 

THE HERRERA GONÇALVES BOCCATO TRIO

Magos Herrera, voice; Vitor Gonçalves, accordion; Rogerio Boccato, percussion; Special Guest, Edmar Castañeda, harp

Tue  Jan 20,  8:00PM 

JOHN RAYMOND'S "ROOTS" TRIO

John Raymond, flugelhorn; Gilad Hekselman, guitar; Colin Stranahan, drums

Tue  Jan 20,  9:30PM 

PABLO MASIS QUARTET

Pablo Masis, trumpet; Andrew Gould, alto sax; Or Bareket, bass; Austin Walker, drums 

UPCOMING EVENTS:  

Wed  Jan 21,  8:00PM 

DAVID COOK QUINTET

Dave Smith, trumpet; John Ellis, tenor sax; David Cook, piano; Matt Clohesy, bass; Ross Pederson, drums 

Wed  Jan 21,  9:30PM 

GREG DIAMOND QUINTET

Greg Diamond, guitar; Stacy Dillard, sax; Mike Eckroth, piano; Peter Slavov, bass; Henry Cole, drums

Thu  Jan 22,  8:30PM 

CHES SMITH QUARTET

Jonathan Finlayson, trumpet; Mat Maneri, viola; Stephan Crump, bass; Ches Smith, drums

Fri  Jan 23,  9:00PM & 10:30PM 

PACEMAKER

Colin Stranahan, drums, comp.; Mark Turner, tenor sax; Andre Matos, guitar; Pete Rende, piano; Joe Martin, bass

Sat  Jan 24,  9:00PM & 10:30PM 

DAN WEISS TRIO

Dan Weiss, drums, comp.; Jacob Sacks, piano; Michael Formanek, bass

Wed  Jan 28,  8:30PM 

MOSTLY OTHER PEOPLE DO THE KILLING

Jon Irabagon, sax; Ron Stabinsky, piano; Moppa Elliott, bass; Kevin Shea, drums

Sun  Feb 01,  8:30PM 

SPERRAZZA/SACKS/KAMAGUCHI

Jacob Sacks, piano; Masa Kamaguchi, bass; Vinnie Sperrazza, drums

Mon  Feb 02,  8:30PM 

AMRAM & CO

David Amram, piano, french horn, flutes, composition & surprises; Kevin Twigg, drums, glockenspiel; Rene Hart, bass; Elliot Peper, bongos

Tue  Feb 03,  8:30PM 

TRAVIS REUTER QUINTET

Travis Reuter, guitar; Adam O'Farrill, trumpet; John O'Gallagher, alto sax; Rajna Swaminathan, mrudangam; Chris Tordini, bass

Wed  Feb 04,  8:30PM 

BOB GINGERY GROUP, CD RELEASE: TRAVELER

Bob Gingery, bass; Jon Irabagon, sax; Mike Baggetta, guitar; Mark Ferber, drums

Wed  Feb 04,  10:00PM 

JON LUNDBOM & BIG FIVE CHORD

Jon Lundbom, guitar; Jon Irabagon, soprano sax; Bryan Murray, tenor sax; Justin Wood, alto sax, flute; Sam Kulik, trombone; Moppa Elliott, bass; Dan Monaghan, drums

Sat  Feb 07,  9:00PM & 10:30PM 

JOHN HEBERT'S BRIDGE AND TUNNEL

John Hebert, bass; Peter Bernstein, guitar; Dayna Stephens, tenor sax; Eric McPherson, drums

Sun  Feb 08,  8:30PM 

JANE IRA BLOOM TRIO SINGING THE TRIANGLE

Jane Ira Bloom, soprano sax; Mark Helias, bass; Bobby Previte, drums

Wed  Feb 11,  8:30PM 

LL3

Lage Lund, guitar; Matt Brewer, bass; Tyshawn Sorey, drums

Sun  Feb 15,  6:00PM 

BOB GLUCK & ARUAN ORTIZ: TEXTURES AND PULSATIONS

Bob Gluck, piano; Aruán Ortiz, piano

2015 Newport Jazz Festival® Lineup Announced

After producing a successful and exciting 60th anniversary celebration last year, George Wein today announced that the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival® presented by Natixis Global Asset Management will return to the City-by-the-Sea July 31 - August 2 with three full days of music at Fort Adams State Park, plus the popular Friday night concert at the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino and a festive Gala at the historic Breakers on Saturday evening. 

The 2015 edition of America's first annual jazz festival will feature Chris Botti, Cassandra Wilson, Jamie Cullum, Snarky Puppy, Maria Schneider, Arturo Sandoval, Kenny Garrett, Billy Childs, Arturo O'Farrill, Fred Hersch, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Jon Batiste, Kneebody, Hiromi with her trio and piano duets with Michel Camilo, Jon Faddis, James Carter, Christian McBride, Bill Frisell, Mike Stern/Bill Evans Band, Ambrose Akinmusire, Tom Harrell, Pat Martino, Matana Roberts, John Hollenbeck and the much-anticipated return of  Dr. John, who had to bow out last year due to illness. 

"No one was more excited by last year's anniversary than I," said George Wein, who has produced the Festival since its beginning in 1954. "We set out to present some of the most outstanding established and emerging artists with distinctive musical stories who not only represented the past and the present, but also the future of jazz. Based on the great response from the audience and critics alike, we believe we achieved our goal while fulfilling the mission of the Newport Festivals Foundation™. With the full day of emerging artists on Friday followed by two jam-packed days of amazing talent, we are looking forward to many more memorable moments in jazz history." 

Of the more than 40 bands performing on three stages at Fort Adams, 19 are making their Newport debut. Among the first-timers are Kneebody, Childs, Hersch, Roberts and Harrell as well as Steve Lehman, Gerald Clayton, Bria Skonberg, Wycliffe Gordon, José James, Lucky Peterson, Johnathan Blake and the 11-year old Indonesian piano prodigy Joey Alexander. 

The Newport Festivals Foundation will again host THE Jazz Club, a special experience offered on Saturday and Sunday at Fort Adams. The option includes special seating, reserved parking, tented lounge access, upgraded restroom facilities and a Festival poster. 

The lineup for the Newport Jazz Festival presented by Natixis Global Asset Management is as follows: 

Friday, July 31, 2015, 11:00 am - 6:30 pm

Snarky Puppy, Christian McBride Trio: Christian McBride, Christian Sands, Ulysses Owens

John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet: Ambrose Akinmusire, Sam Harris, Harish Raghavan, Justin Brown, Steve Lehman Octet*: Steve Lehman, Chris Dingman, Mark Shim, Jonathan Finlayson, José Davila, Tim  Albright, Drew Gress, Kneebody:  Adam Benjamin, Shane Endsley, Kaveh Rastegar, Ben Wendel, Nate Wood, Gerald Clayton Quintet: Gerald Clayton, Ambrose Akinmusire, Ben Wendel, Joe Sanders, Justin Brown, Bria Skonberg Quintet: Bria Skonberg, Evan Arntzen, Dalton Ridenhour, Sean Cronin, Darrian Douglas, Herlin Riley Quintet*: Herlin Riley, Godwin Louis, Bruce Harris, Emmet Cohen, Russell Hall, Lucky Peterson - Singin' the Blues: Lucky Peterson, Shawn Kellerman, Timothy Waites,  Raul Valdés, Matana Roberts' Coin Coin, Johnathan Blake Quartet: Johnathan Blake, Mark Turner, Ben Street, Peter Evans Quintet: Peter Evans, Sam Pluta, Ron Stabinsky, Tom Blancarte, Jim Black, The Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra with special guest soloist Sean Jones, URI Newport Big Band: Dr. Jared Sims, Director

Friday, July 31, 2015, 8:00 pm

Chris Botti, Jon Batiste & Stay Human

Saturday, August 1, 2015, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm 

Cassandra Wilson celebrates Billie Holiday, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Maria Schneider Orchestra, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Cécile McLorin Salvant: Cecile McLorin Salvant, Aaron Diehl, Paul Sikivie, Lawrence Leathers, José James, Pat Martino Organ Trio: Pat Martino, Pat Bianchi, Carmen Intorre, Jr., Conrad Herwig's Latin Side of Horace Silver featuring guest Michel Camilo:, Conrad Herwig, Michel Camilo, Craig Handy, Igor Butman, Alex Sipiagin, Bill O'Connell, Ruben Rodriguez, Robby Ameen, Richie Flores,

Hiromi: The Trio Project: Hiromi, Anthony Jackson, Simon Phillips, Kenny Garrett Quintet: Kenny Garrett, Rudy Bird, Vernell Brown, Corcoran Holt, McClenty Hunter, Wycliffe Gordon & Friends, Tom Harrell Quintet: Tom Harrell, Wayne Escoffery, Danny Grissett, Ugonna Okegwo, Johnathan Blake, Introducing Joey Alexander: Joey Alexander, Russell Hall, Sammy Miller, RI Music Educators Association Sr. All-State Jazz Ensemble conducted by Willie Hill

  

Saturday, August 1, 2015, 7:30 pm

Newport Festivals Foundation Gala (Artists To Be Announced)

Sunday, August 2, 2015, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Jamie Cullum, Arturo Sandoval, Dr. John & The Nite Trippers, Michel Camilo/Hiromi Piano Duets: Michel Camilo, Hiromi Uehara, Mike Stern/Bill Evans Band: Mike Stern, Bill Evans, Tom Kennedy, Steve Smith, Arturo O'Farrill's Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra with special guest Rudresh Mahanthappa, Bill Frisell Trio: Bill Frisell, Tony Scherr, Kenny Wollesen, Billy Childs Sextet with Strings*: Billy Childs, Steve Wilson, Carol Robbins, Larry Koonse, Hans Glawischnig, Ari Hoenig, String Quartet, Jon Faddis: Triumph of Trumpets: Jon Faddis, MarquisHill, Sean Jones, David Hazeltine, Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Dion Parsons, James Carter Sextet - Living My Life: The Music of Don Byas, Fred Hersch Trio: Fred Hersch, John Hebert, Eric McPherson, Lou Donaldson Quartet: Lou Donaldson, Randy Johnston, Akiko Tsuruga,

Fukushi Tainaka, Scott Robinson's Doctette: Scott Robinson, Randy Sandke, Ted Rosenthal, Pat O'Leary, Dennis Mackrel. Jason Lindner Now vs. Now. MA Music Educators Association All-State Jazz Band conducted by Julius Tolentino.

Pianist LISA HILTON Explores Evolution of Nature Through Sound, Melody and Improvisation on HORIZONS

The view of any singular horizon changes with each movement one makes, no matter how small. With every step forward, backward, or side-to-side, a horizon evolves into a new and unique view. On her upcoming release, Horizons, pianist and composer Lisa Hilton aims to show that, much like a picturesque landscape, music is meant to evolve in the same fashion. Following last years Kaleidoscope, Horizons marks the seventeenth stateside album from the pianist/composer and is a continuation of Hilton's exploration through sound, melody and improvisation. With Hilton behind the piano, the record features exceptional performances by trumpeter Sean Jones, tenor saxophonist J.D. Allen, drummer Rudy Royston, and bassist Gregg August. 

Hilton writes in her liner notes, "I see so much beauty and truth in nature..." and that has led her to be informed and inspired on these 12 tracks - nine that are composed by Hilton.  From the classic straight ahead "Nocturnal" and Basie inspired, "Surfer Blues" to the intrigue of "Vapors and Shadows" or the playfulness of "Dolphins" and "Perfect Day," Hilton and her well - honed band bring a playlist of jazz styles.  It is the playful recast of the melody though that enlightens "The Sky and the Ocean" and "Lazy Moon" as well as Hilton's elegant arrangements of Duke Ellington's gem, "Sunset and the Mockingbird" and the Mercer/Mancini classic, "Moon River." These pieces really shine with Jones' clarion flugelhorn and Allen's seductive tenor.  Royston and August contribute well throughout especially on The Black Keys "Gold on the Ceiling" and the thoughtful, "Currents".  Horizons includes the impressionistic, "When It Rains" as a solo piano soundscape.

  

"I like to let what I see in nature inform and inspire my life," Hilton muses. "We see the extremes of weather, as well as a myriad of variations, but nature goes through severe change or challenge and then recovers.  If you take the time to look, there's always something positive to be found - a sunrise or a sunset to lift your spirits every day, so I like look at out to our horizon.  What happens outdoors is often a metaphor for what we're doing musically and compositionally - hopefully a sense of expansiveness, depth and beauty along with improvisations on life." 

A a distinctive and thought provoking composer and pianist, Hilton creates compositions that draw on classical traditions, twentieth century modernists, and the avant-garde as much as they look back to icons of American jazz and blues. Hilton's post bop style influences extend beyond jazz legends Thelonious Monk, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, to include bluesman Muddy Waters, minimalists like Steve Reich, current rockers Green Day and The Black Keys or modernists Prokofiev, Stravinsky and Bartok.

Originally from a small town on California's central coast, Hilton studied classical and twentieth century piano formally from the age of eight, but in college, switched majors and received a degree in art.  "I approach music as my art now," Hilton explains; "I build the composition with the musical elements - melody, rhythm, form, then 'paint' texture and color through harmony, improvisation, density and other concepts".

Hilton has produced a total of 17 albums, representing over 200 compositions to her name.  She has worked with many of this era's jazz luminaries, notably Christian McBride, Nasheet Waits, Steve Wilson, Jeremy Pelt, Lewis Nash, Billy Hart, Bobby Militello, Larry Grenadier, and Marcus Gilmore among others.  Her releases regularly appear on radio charts. 

Committed to helping students who are often overlooked, Hilton regularly spends time to help young blind musicians at the historic Perkins School for the Blind in Boston, The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired, The Junior Blind of America in Los Angeles, Camp Bloomfield for the Blind in Malibu, California, or with The Berklee College of Music in Boston and their adaptive music lab for visually impaired musicians.  "I enjoy extending help to those with physical disabilities - music should be for everyone," Hilton explains.

Gilles Peterson presents Sonzeira Brasil Bam Bam Bass - The Out Takes and Remakes: Curated with Love

In the middle of 2014, with all roads leading to Brazil, DJ, tastemaker and cultural curator Gilles Peterson embarked on the project of a lifetime, his most ambitious to date: setting up camp in a recording studio in Rio to record a sort of love letter to the nation under the artist name “Sonzeira” (meaning a joyful / killer sound). The resulting album “Brasil Bam Bam Bam” was a deeply personal work, bringing together the many authentic sounds and traditions but always through the eyes of an enthusiast inspired by 30 years of DJIng and record collecting. 

As Gilles said at the time: ‘Brazil’s music culture is massive..There’s the North – Bahia, Recife, the afro-brazilian sound. There’s batucada, the heavy sambas. Then bossa nova - Tom Jobim and all that history. There’s baile funk. There’s Tropicalia and the more soulful, funky scene championed by groups like Banda Black Rio, Trio Mocoto and icons like Gilberto Gil. Such a huge amount of stuff to fit in. I wanted to try and cover it all – to make a kind of Buena Vista meets club culture, but to keep it sonically very modern.’ The album included star turns from Brazilian superstars young and old, including ‘City of God’ actor and singer Seu Jorge, the grande dame of samba, 76-year-old powerhouse Elza Soares, and world-renowned percussionist Nana Vasconcelos. Of course, this was a Gilles Peterson record and so there was also many left turns -  who else would come up with Emanuelle Araujo’s bossa nova take on the 80s UK jazz-funk hit Southern Freeez, or draft in Seun Kuti (youngest son of Fela) to join the dots between modern day Brazil and the slave ships that bought poly-rhythms from Africa 400 years ago.

Of course, with roots so deep in the interesting edges of club culture it was natural for Gilles to continue this journey into new sonic territories. As such he has spent the last 6 months curating this new album “Brasil Bam Bam Bass” drafting in some of his favourite producers, friends, and associates to reimagine tracks from the album, with all the taste and good judgement you would expect. Much like the original record this is a very personal curation, a considered work that saw Gilles hand pick producers to re-imagine the album track by track - these include At Jazz, FaltyDL, DJ Oil, Kyodai, Max Graef and many more. Also included on this double CD are some wonderful outtakes (including the sublime reworking of Yusef lateef’s Plum Blossom previously only on the vinyl box set of the album), and dubbed out alternative versions of several tracks by Gilles’ Sonzeira co-producer Dillip Harris.        

If the original record was about examining Gilles own history and love for every quarter of Brasil’s sound, this provides a further glimpse into Gilles’ creative mind, ever serching for connections between rhythms; exciting, imaginative and original productions. Most of all this is a record where respect for the source material continues to shine through.

Gilles Peterson presents Sonzeira Brasil Bam Bam Bass - The Out Takes and Remakes: Curated with Love will be released on double CD on Brownswood Recordings on the 9th February.

~ Brownswood Recordings

Drummer/Composer ERNESTO CERVINI Flies High With His New CD TURBOPROP

On February 3, 2015, Anzic Records proudly releases the much-anticipated fourth recording from drummer/composer Ernesto Cervini, titled Turboprop. On the heels of his third album, There, which featured his quartet recorded live at the Cellar Jazz Club in Vancouver, BC, Cervini added two incredible musicians to the fold to create an exciting new sextet he calls Turboprop. The band is comprised of his working quartet with Joel Frahm (tenor saxophone), Adrean Farrugia (piano), Dan Loomis (bass) & Ernesto Cervini (drums), plus Tara Davidson (alto & soprano saxophone) and William Carn (trombone). The sound of Turboprop, produced by Oded Lev-Ari, is sophisticated and soaring, reminiscent of the hard swinging Jazz Messenger bands of Art Blakey, and able to offer an extraordinarily wide range of repertoire; from Charlie Parker to Claude Debussy, plus originals from all the band members. Turboprop has already toured Canada to rave reviews, and will be celebrating the release with concerts across Canada and the U.S. (see below for dates).

Cervini, who Hank Shteamer of Time Out New York called, "a tastefully buoyant drummer as well as a sharp composer and bandleader", conceived of Turboprop as blades of a propeller that work together in synergy, moving an aircraft powerfully through the sky. Cervini elaborates, "by combining the experience and artistry of these musicians, the music takes flight with a force and energy that only a sextet can bring. This band has been a wonderful conduit for my compositions and arrangements and all of the members have taken a very personal approach to the pieces, embracing the emotion and sentiment that this group brings to every note we play." Producer Lev-Ari added that, "I was really excited to produce this album, as I love a 3-piece front line, and it's a sound that is rarely heard anymore. I knew it would be a strong vehicle for Ernesto's writing and arranging. Since the band had just gotten back from a tour days before getting into the studio, the music was well-rehearsed and had this unmistakable 'live' feeling. We captured great performances, and could easily fill two albums with strong music. Ernesto is simply an incredible musician and bandleader and this recording really captures his essence as a multifaceted creative force."

Highlights on Turboprop include, "Cheer Up Charlie", a lovely ballad from the film Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, that Cervini and his wife sing to their baby boy; "Three Angels", another very special piece for Cervini, composed for his three nieces who passed away unexpectedly; and the third ballad on the album called "Marion Theresa", which was written for Cervini's grandmother. 

Turboprop however is anything but an all ballads album, and, "Cervini exemplifies 'float like a butterfly, sting like a bee' . . . turning drums into a rainforest symphony"- Ken Micallef, DownBeat Magazine. Sprinkled around these emotional compositions are upbeat, anthemic tunes including, "Unnecessary Mountain", which was named after a mountain in the Rockies; "Bindi Bop", inspired by Cervini's trip to Australia; "Fear of Flying", which Cervini wrote for all those with Pteromerhanophobia; and "De Molen", a great burner by saxophonist Joel Frahm. 

In addition to the compelling originals, Turboprop also sunk their teeth into some "standard" tunes that they love to play, including "Red Cross" by Charlie Parker, and "The Windup" by Keith Jarrett, and Cervini's arrangement of the gorgeous Claude Debussy piano etude, "The Engulfed Cathedral". 

There's an old saying in aviation; "Accidents happen when you run out of experience." In the case of Turboprop, the music is clearly in good hands. 

More on Ernesto Cervini: Innovative and electrifying, Toronto jazz drummer Ernesto Cervini, who has shared the stage with many legendary musicians such as Joe Lovano, Clark Terry, Benny Golson, Cleo Laine, Pat LaBarbera, Dick Oatts, Buddy DeFranco, Eddie Daniels, Scott Robinson, Dave Binney, Jim McNeely, and many others, has energy to burn, whether radiating it from behind his drums or working on any number of musical and educational projects. Cervini's diversity as a musician (he is also an excellent pianist and clarinetist) has allowed him to travel throughout the world, performing in some of the world's greatest jazz venues such as Smalls, Birdland, The Jazz Standard, The 55 Bar, The Montreal Bistro, The Top Of the Senator, The Rex Jazz and Blues Club, and also many of the world's most prestigious concert halls, such as Massey Hall, The Glen Gould Theatre, The St. Lawrence Center for the Arts and the Sugita Theatre in Yokohama, Japan. His second album, Little Black Bird, recorded with his quartet was celebrated loudly by DownBeat Magazine with a four-star review. His joyous and engaging third recording, There, released in 2011, is now followed up on with the artist's most irresistible work to date, Turboprop (Anzic Records, February 3, 2015).

Ernesto Cervini - Turboprop - CD Release Celebrations:

February 19th - 21st - The Jazz Bistro, Toronto, ON

February 28th - The Jazz Room, Kitchener, ON

March 13 - The Yardbird Suite, Edmonton, AB

March 14 - The Bassment, Saskatoon, SK

March 17 - The Arts Station, Fernie, BC

March 19 - The Avalanche Bar & Grill - Georgia Straight Jazz Society, Courtenay, BC March 20 - Hermann's - Victoria Jazz Society, Victoria, BC

March 21 - Pat's Pub, Vancouver, BC

BRIAN CULBERTSON CELEBRATES A MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY "LIVE"

Years ago, a young ambitious musician-songwriter-producer emerged from Chicago who went on to architect 27 No. 1 Billboard singles along with a half-dozen albums that debuted at No.1 that changed the status quo with a creative and fresh alchemy of astutely performed contemporary jazz, soulful R&B and horn-powered funk. Decades later, his ability to achieve and balance commercial success and the respect of his peers is perhaps as admirable as his hit-making consistency and the meticulous approach he uses to craft infectious melodies and compelling rhythms. The above description could easily apply to the works of his role models, Maurice White and Quincy Jones, but here we refer to Brian Culbertson.  

From the 1994 debut of “Long Night Out,” released while the keyboardist-trombonist was a DePaul University music major recording demos in the bedroom of his crowded apartment that landed him a six-album record deal, right up through his 14th album, 2014’s “Another Long Night Out,” Culbertson has injected a much needed jolt of lyrical harmony and deft musicianship along with a flair for lively showmanship that meshes to form an aesthetic that raises the bar on a musical genre. To commemorate his 20th anniversary as a recording artist, Culbertson marched his well-drilled band out on a coast-to-coast concert mission last year that was preserved for posterity on his first live album recorded during a sold-out, eight-show stand at the famed Yoshi’s nightclub in Oakland, California last September.  The resulting double CD set, “Live - 20th Anniversary Tour,” was released Monday - Culbertson’s 42nd birthday - on his own BCM Entertainment label. 

Featuring a crack eight-piece band, many of whom are musicians out of Chicago and have been playing with Culbertson for years, “Live” is a spirited and at times sweaty celebration of jazz, fusion, R&B, romantic piano pop and deep funk grooves that barely let up for air bolstered by crisp horn section arrangements reminiscent of the mighty Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power. 

One could say that “Live” is a statement album. Forget what you thought you knew about so called “smooth jazz.” Seldom does a contemporary jazz artist dare to release a live record these days making it even more of a treat that Culbertson & Company was able to bottle the magic, charismatic energy and excitement of their live show on this recording. The 21-song session - 22 songs if you include the CD exclusive bonus track, “Forever” - rifles through Culbertson’s chart-topping original compositions and introduces a vibrant new number, “Think Free,” the album’s initial radio single written by Culbertson and Sheldon Reynolds especially for the occasion. Culbertson’s set list also pays tribute to his influences – White’s Earth, Wind & Fire (“Serpentine Fire”) and Jones (“Secret Garden”) – along with the rump-shaking party starter “Hollywood Swingin’,” a Kool & The Gang classic. 

“I just wanted to capture the raw dynamic energy of our live show. My band members are each incredible talents in their own right and I’m happy to be able to showcase them, which in turn makes the entire project more exciting and daring,” said Culbertson, who is also a lifestyle curator who founded and serves as artistic director of the starry Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, the fourth annual wine and music festival presented by Lexus in the heart of California’s stunning wine country slated for June 10-14, 2015. 

Culbertson’s touring band consists of Marqueal Jordan (vocals, tenor sax & percussion), Eddie Miller (keyboards, Hammond B3 organ & vocals), Michael Stever (trumpet & keyboards), Adam Hawley (guitar & background vocals), Rodney Jones Jr. (bass) and Chris Miskel (drums). For the “Live” recording, they were supplemented by the firepower of Doug Beavers (trombone & additional percussion) and Doug Rowan (Bari sax). 

“Live” contains the following songs:

Disc 1

“City Lights Intro”

“Always Remember”

“Hollywood Swingin’”

“Do You Really Love Me”

“Come To Me”

“All About You”

“Let’s Get Started”

“Fullerton Ave.”

“Beautiful Liar”

“Get It On”

“Skies Wide Open”

“Another Love”

“Horizon”

Disc 2

“Think Free”

“Dreams”

“On My Mind”

“Secret Garden”

“Serpentine Fire”

“Funkin’ Like My Father”

“City Lights Outro”

“Our Love”

“Forever” (CD bonus track only)

www.BrianCulbertson.com

 

KERMIT RUFFINS & THE BBQ SWINGERS TO CELEBRATE FAT TUESDAY/MARDI GRAS WEEK AT BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB, FEBRUARY 17-22

Blue Note Jazz Club will present celebrated trumpeter Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers for a special Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras Week celebration, Tuesday through Sunday, February 17-22. While Ruffins has performed at other Blue Note Entertainment Group venues such as Highline Ballroom and B.B. King Blues Club in recent years, this engagement marks his Blue Note Jazz Club debut.

  

Blue Note will also feature speciality items on the food menu celebrating New Orleans culture, including: Chicken Gumbo Soup; Fried Crawfish with a Cajun Mayonnaise; Catfish Creole; Jambalaya with Chicken, Shrimp and Sausage; Chicken Fried Steak; and Bread Pudding. At the bar, Hurricane cocktails and Abita Beer (brewed in Abita Springs, Louisiana) will be available. 

Trumpeter Kermit Ruffins is one of New Orleans' biggest personalities. For over three decades Ruffins has been a champion of the Crescent City's traditional jazz roots, channeling Louis Armstrong as only someone who grew up in the Ninth Ward can. Co-founder of the legendary Rebirth Brass Band, Ruffins has been leading the Barbecue Swingers since 1992 - a traditional jazz quintet that mixes music with another of his true loves, food. And now, hundreds of shows and barbecues later, prolonging the status of jazz in New Orleans is among Ruffins pet projects. Jon Pareles of The New York Times wrote, "Mr. Ruffins is an unabashed entertainer who plays trumpet with a bright, silvery tone." He is also known for repeat appearances on the hit HBO show "Treme."

Tuesday - Sunday, February 17 - 22, 2015; 

Two shows nightly at 8:00PM & 10:30PM

Blue Note Jazz Club

131 W. 3rd Street (between 6th Ave and MacDougal St.)

New York City

 

Brian Auger, Hammond organ legend, signs to Freestyle Records

Freestyle Records has announced the signing of legendary, world-renowned, award winning organist and pianist Brian Auger.

Spring 2015 will see the release of 'Back To The Beginning - The Brian Auger Anthology': a 24 track compilation covering 50 years of his amazing career, followed by 'Brian Auger's Oblivion Express - Live In Los Angeles' - featuring Alex Ligertwood, is planned for late summer, in time for two forthcoming European tours (#1: July through August & #2: October through November).

  

Brian's professional career first made headlines in 1963 when he won the #1 position in the Melody Maker's Jazz Piano Readers' Poll. As a prodigious jazz pianist, Brian had already amassed an amazing amount of experience in the London scene. In 1965, after hearing jazz organist Jimmy Smith's music, Brian began his love affair with the mighty Hammond Organ. Naturally, he totally mastered the instrument, and then went on to break new ground on the organ – using it as his primary tool as a pioneer of jazz-fusion.

Lauded and loved by everybody from Herbie Hancock to Mose Allison, from the Brand New Heavies to The Beastie Boys, his music has been sampled by Mos Def, Common, Air and Kid Loco, plus his original compositions covered by Sarah Vaughan and The Main Ingredient.

Brian's career has spanned genres, continents, decades and his ground breaking, genre-defying bands like the mid 60s mod super group The Steampacket (with a young Rod Stewart), The Trinity with the ultimate groovy 60s chick, vocalist Julie Driscoll, and of course Brian Auger's Oblivion Express – the band whose alumni reads like a 'who's who' of amazing musicians (including guitarist Jim Mullen, drummer Steve Ferrone). This group created musical history with its particular brand of soulful fusion, when the 'Closer To It' album did the previously unimaginable and broke into the Billboard Jazz, Rock and R&B charts simultaneously in 1973!

Accolades and awards have continued to accumulate throughout his career, hitting the Top 5 of the UK Pop Charts in 1968 with the jazzed up version of Bob Dylan's 'This Wheel’s On Fire', which got Brian and vocalist Julie Driscoll onto Top Of The Pops, receiving multiple Grammy nominations – the last one as recently as 2007. In the same year, Brian was awarded a 'Certificate of Special Recognition' by the US Congress for his contribution to the American art form of Jazz. It's easier to list the musical legends he hasn't played with, but a quick glance of his many collaborations includes names such as Sonny Boy Williamson, Van Morrison, Paul McCartney and Jimi Hendrix.

Freestyle A&R man, Greg Boraman, first met Brian during a trip to California in 1994, and immediately struck up a friendship based upon Hammond organ maintenance tips and quoting lines from The Goons: “Signing Brian to Freestyle is a personal and professional high point. Brian’s influence on music is epic, his blistering keyboard skills leave people speechless (as do his shirts!) and the chance to release new recordings and some of his classic tracks from his illustrious career is exciting and an honour.”

Of this brand new partnership Brian stated: “I am so happy to be working with Freestyle Records. They understand my music, and know how to market it… this all feels most agreeable. Meanwhile, I shall sing their praises from the Horse troughs of Edgware to the Yak-Laundering Sheds of Novosibirsk!”

"Brian Auger is one of the best B3 artists I have ever heard in my life. He is a tremendous talent with a wonderfully warm and compassionate personality, a combination that is hard to beat. He deserves all the accolades." - Herbie Hancock

"The ferocious energy in Brian Auger's explosive playing is far greater than virtually any other Hammondist dead or alive. His dynamic, driving live shows take this energy through the roof time after time and are a hot ticket all over the world. He has matured but not mellowed. Focused and visceral, his pioneering style has set a bench mark that few have got anywhere near." - James Taylor, The James Taylor Quartet

"Brian Auger is not only responsible for my music education over the the years, encompassing jazz, blues, folk, psychedelia, soul and more in a way that few have managed to, he's also part of that rare breed of musician whose touch and playing you instantly recognise; the mark of a true great" - The Reflex

GRAMMY NOMINATED POWERHOUSE LEDISI RELEASING "THE INTIMATE TRUTH" ACOUSTIC EP + ANNOUNCES NEW TOUR DATES

Grammy nominated singer and Verve Records artist Ledisi has announced the release of her new project The Intimate Truth, which is set to hit stores on January 20.  This seven song EP will feature acoustic performances from her latest full-length album The Truth (March 2014).  

Ledisi is also beaming from her recent Grammy nomination for new single “Like This” in the Best R&B Performance category. Fans can view the 57th annual Grammy Awards on CBS on February 8th at 8pm ET.

Furthermore, Ledisi will be hitting the road again for “The Intimate Truth Tour”. The 20+city tour will kick off in Los Angeles, February 27 at Club Nokia. The tour will cut across the U.S hitting major markets including Houston (Bayou Music Center), Chicago (Portage Theatre), Cleveland (HOB), St. Louis (The Pageant), Memphis (Orpheum Theatre), Boston (Wilbur Theatre), Newark (NJPAC) and will conclude in Atlanta on March 29 at Symphony Hall. Opening up for Ledisi will be Raheem DeVaughn and Leela James.  Check your local markets for more information on purchasing tickets.

 

To add to her excitement, Ledisi will be playing the legendary Mahalia Jackson in the upcoming Paramount movie Selma, which is one of the most anticipated movies for the holiday season.  Selma is the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s historic struggle to secure voting rights for all people – a dangerous and terrifying campaign that culminated with the epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, and led to President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The film also stars Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Cuba Gooding Jr., Common, Dylan Baker and more.

Tour Dates:

February 27, Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia

February 28, Fresno, CA @ , Tower

March 1, Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater

March 4, Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center

March 5, Dallas, TX @ Majestic

March 6, Tulsa, OK @ The Brady

March 7, Memphis, TN @ Orpheum Theatre

March 8, St. Louis. MO @ The Pageant

March 11, Chicago, IL @  Portage Theatre

March 12, Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues

March 13, Detroit, MI @ Motor City Casino

March 14, Indianapolis, IN @ , Murat Theatre

March 15, Baltimore, MD @ Lyric Theatre

March 18, Bethlehem, PA @ Sands Bethlehem Event Center

March 19, Boston, MA @ Wilbur Theatre

March 20, Newark, NJ  @ NJPAC

March 21, Washington, DC @ DAR Constitution Hall

March 22, Richmond, VA @ Altria Theater

March 25, Charlotte, NC @ , The Fillmore

March 26, Greensboro, NC @ Cone Denim Entertainment Center

March 27, Nashville, TN @ War Memorial Auditorium

March 28, North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues

March 29, Atlanta, GA @ Symphony Hall

ELIANE ELIAS’ MADE IN BRAZIL MARKS A MUSICAL HOMECOMING FOR MULTI-GRAMMY®-NOMINATED PIANIST/KEYBOARDIST/SINGER/COMPOSER

March 31st release features Take 6, guitarist/vocalist Roberto Menescal and vocalists Mark Kibble and Ed Motta, with seven orchestral arrangements by Rob Mathes recorded at Abbey Road Studios

Eliane Elias’ Made in Brazil, scheduled for release on March 31, 2015 on Concord Jazz, marks a musical homecoming for the multi-GRAMMY®-nominated pianist, keyboardist, singer, and composer. In her three-decade long career as a solo artist, Made in Brazil results from the first time she’s recorded a disc in her native Brazil since moving to the United States in 1981. (International release dates may vary)

Elias wears many hats on this project as producer, composer, lyricist, arranger, pianist and vocalist. “I am completely immersed and involved in every single detail of the music and the recording process, from the birth of an idea until its completion through every aspect of the production until it reaches the public,” she explains.

Along with co-producers, Steve Rodby and Marc Johnson, her bass playing musical partner, Elias ventured ‘home’ and recruited a splendid cast of Brazilian musicians that include electric bassist Marcelo Mariano; guitarists Marcus Teixeira and Roberto Menescal; drummers Edu Ribeiro and Rafael Barata; and percussionists Mauro Refosco and Marivaldo dos Santos.

Elias peppered the sessions with delightful special guest performances from Mark Kibble and the multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning gospel vocal group Take 6; her singer/songwriter-daughter Amanda Brecker; one of Brazil’s most celebrated R&B stars, Ed Motta; and the distinguished bossa nova composer Roberto Menescal.

Elias also invited Rob Mathes to handle orchestral arrangements on seven of the 12 tracks, which were recorded in London at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. “It’s so touching to hear the music unfold,” she says of the orchestral arrangements after they were overdubbed onto the São Paulo sessions. “You can see the musical notes on paper, but it’s something else to hear them realized and performed by members of the London Symphonic Orchestra.”

In terms of material, Made in Brazil contains six Elias originals plus two Ary Barroso standards, two Roberto Menescal chestnuts, and two Antônio Carlos Jobim world-renowned gems. Elias, who did all the arrangements for the basic tracks, said that she purposely wanted Made in Brazil to incorporate three generations of Brazilian composers. “But it’s not a retro record,” she clarifies. “It’s very contemporary yet with the tradition and authenticity of Brazil; it’s music of the world with Brazilian DNA.”

Indeed, Made in Brazil’s pulsating bossa nova and samba rhythms, transfixing harmonies and sensual lyrics, accentuated by Elias’ own captivating vocals and incredible pianistic acumen, will surely become a 21st-century Brazilian classic. Elias frames the disc with two Barroso gems – “Brasil (Aquarela do Brasil)” and “No Tabuleiro da Baiana.”

“Brasil,” penned in 1939, “is a Brazilian anthem,” enthuses Elias. “It’s reported to be the most preferred Brazilian song of the last 100 years. It’s about the beautiful things of our country, the Brazilian Brazil; its natural beauty, mixed ethnic cultures and the samba.” Here she accentuates the composition with a suspenseful diaphanous string arrangement, whereas Elias and the band concoct an intoxicating, lithe groove. Atop of the infectious samba rhythm, Elias graces the proceeding with a glowing Fender Rhodes accompaniment, which later unfolds into a joyous and rhythmic solo.

Barroso wrote “No Tabuleiro da Baiana,” in 1936, which was made famous by singer Carmen Miranda. Through the song’s theme about a tabuleiro, a tray filled with edible treats typical of Bahia, Elias says that her rendition allows her to share her affection for that particular Brazilian state. “I love the culture; I love the people; I love the music; and I love the food,” Elias says.” I’ve been in love with Bahia all my life.” On her delightful rendition, Elias hammers the samba with harder, percussive accents via her vivacious piano playing inside some hip-swerving inducing accompaniment while her dexterous vocal rides and swings on top.

On “Você” and “Rio,” Elias invites the songs’ composer, Roberto Menescal, to accompany on guitar. On “Você,” the two sound like lovebirds on the 1963 bossa nova hit as they croon the romantic lyrics while the string arrangement sweeps them afloat. Elias’ impeccable piano accompaniment and sparkling improvisation provide the perfect musical trimming.

On “Rio,” which also dates back to 1963, Elias retains the same lineup as she sings the song’s elegant lyrics about the beauty of a seaside landscape while creating beautiful modulations and colors through her harmonies. “It was special to have the composer be a guest,” Elias says of her collaboration with Menescal. “We shared some very tender moments.”

As a bonus track, Elias delivers a rapturous makeover of Menescal’s most beloved composition, “Little Boat (O Barquinho),” yet another aquatic-themed showcase for Elias’ incredible musical rapport with Johnson and Barata. Elias’ ingenious arrangement at times evokes the motion of a boat floating and moving through waves.

Regarding Jobim, Elias performs his epochal “Águas de Março (Waters of March),” which she notes is the most covered Brazilian tune in the world.” Through the song’s picturesque, stream-of-consciousness lyrics, Elias puts a new spin on the song’s allure with her R&B-inflected mid-tempo arrangement, and by inviting Take 6 to sing with her. Elias’ arrangement is a completely fresh take on the song, and her vocals combined with Take 6 are splendid.  “Ironically, when Jobim wrote this song in 1972, he thought he had reached the end of his career,” Elias explains. “The lyrics talk about being at the end of the road, about being alone, but the song’s message ultimately is optimistic and carries hope.”

Elias’ other revisit of Jobim’s music on Made in Brazil illustrates her capricious yet musical ingenuity. She delivers a sublime mashup of Jobim’s “Este Seu Olhar” and “Promessas.” Accompanied by Johnson, Teixeira and Ribeiro, this elegant rendition works splendidly as Elias delivers a heartfelt interpretation of the songs. Elias notes that the chord sequence of both compositions is the same and both melodies can be sung together simultaneously. 

Whereas the aforementioned compositions display Elias’ mastery at arranging and interpreting Brazilian standards, other songs on Made in Brazil show her deft musicianship as a composer and lyricist. Draped with a gorgeous string arrangement, the yearning “Searching” puts Elias’ enchanting singing and piano playing squarely in the center as she coos the romantic lyrics about the affairs of the heart.  This song evokes the timeless quality of a Frank Sinatra standard.

Elias picks up the tempo slightly on the effervescent “Some Enchanted Place,” which contains poetic, optimistic lyrics and features guest vocals from her daughter Amanda Brecker.

Take 6’s lead vocalist Mark Kibble joins Elias on “Incendiando” and “Driving Ambition.”  On “Incendiando” the stellar performances of Elias and Kibble heighten the romantic and sexual tension revealed in the song.

“Driving Ambition” equally simmers with an erotic charge, thanks to the song’s titillating automobile metaphors and the sauntering bossa nova/Latin blend of rhythms. Kibble’s background vocals are sonic brush strokes of imagery perfectly complementing the seductive vocals by Elias.

The poetic pop/R&B ballad “Vida” features the prominent Brazilian R&B singer Ed Motta. Elias and Motta portray characters in a musical drama. Elias’ character describes what a woman wants in a romantic partner and Motta responds to her as the man she is looking for.

Amidst a magnificent string arrangement, Elias’ gorgeous composition “A Sorte do Amor (The Luck of Love)” is a comely piano and bass duet between her and Johnson that belies an empathic relationship built upon years spent together. Elias explains, “The lyrics are a bit ironic. They describe a love so incredibly intense, it takes away one’s sleep and peace of mind.”

Elias’ songs and lyrics on Made in Brazil  reveal the skills of a great songwriter. The intelligent, sensitive lyrics, beautiful melodies and rich, touching harmonies evoke some of the great songs of the 20th century and give continuity to the line of famous Brazilian composers. This album establishes Elias once and for all as one of Brazil’s most eminent musical artists.

“When I write lyrics, I am inclined to talk about feelings, wishes of the heart and life situations,” Elias says. “Aspects of love – being in a relationship; the search for the right person; the search for happiness; romance; and the desires of our hearts, while I amplify these ideas and bring another depth to the message with the melodies and harmonies.”

Listening to Made in Brazil and diving into Elias’ originals and fetching interpretations of Brazilian classics will surely delight and fill your heart and ears with soul-stirring joy.