10th Annual Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival Breaks Records With 73,000 In Attendance

More than 73,000 attended the recent Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) music festival as the City of Miami Gardens celebrated the festival's 10th anniversary March 21 and 22. Approximately 42,000 festival-goers attended Saturday's show, the first sold-out day in the history of the event. A-list musical talent continues to attract more and more attendees every year. Once a festival of roughly 1,800 patrons in a corner of Sun Life Stadium's parking lot, JITG is now the fastest growing jazz and R&B music festival in the nation.

This year's lineup featured Maxwell, Erykah Badu, R. Kelly, Toni Braxton, Run D.M.C., Brian Culbertson, Sheila E., Men of Soul's Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, and Freddie Jackson, and Jazz in the Gardens All Stars Ronnie Laws, Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith, and Tom Browne. Comedians and nationally-syndicated radio personalities D.L. Hughley and Rickey Smiley co-hosted the festival.

"This year's attendance was unprecedented, and our lineup of musical talent was second to none, a fitting tribute to our 10th year of producing an incredible festival experience," said City of Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert. "This is our signature event and we are so proud that people from all over the world look forward to attending every year."

The event also drew celebrities including actors Bryshere Y. Gray and Jussie Smollett, who star as Hakeem and Jamal, respectively, on the new, red-hot, Fox television series "Empire." They were among several notables who made on-stage cameo appearances, including reality TV star Angela Simmons, J. Anthony Brown, co-host of "The Tom Joyner Morning Show," and Sybrina Fulton, founder of the Trayvon Martin Foundation and mother of Trayvon Martin.

JITG also featured local artists, soul singer Valerie Tyson, saxophonist John Erinosho and Karina Iglesias of NBC's "The Voice," along with more than 40 exotic food vendors, a Vendor Marketplace, and the most anticipated lineup for the City's milestone 10th year celebration.

The City of Miami Gardens was born in 2003 and the then City Council sought to create a signature event for the largest predominantly African-American municipality in Florida, which is also the third largest in the United States. In 2006, the City of Miami Gardens presented the inaugural Jazz in the Gardens, an intimate jazz-only festival featuring food and music, setting the foundation for the decade-long, signature experience that followed, adding R&B to the lineup.

In response to the popularity of the festival, the City of Miami Gardens has added two events to the JITG Weekend:  The Women's Impact Conference & Luncheon (WICL) which kicked off the Weekend Friday morning and included an Author's Lounge and keynote address by Omarosa Manigault; On Friday night, the Opening Night Party gave a preview of the city's two-day fest and featured the D.M.C. Band and a comedy show hosted by "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show" crew. 

JITG is unlike any other festival in the nation. From the lineup, to the food, to the weather, the JITG weekend is an unparalleled experience. By its explosive growth in just 10 years, it is certain that JITG is an experience that has earned its stripes, while its guests have earned their tan lines and enjoyed the camaraderie and first class performances year after glorious year.

[Photos top to bottom: Toni Braxton, Jeffrey Osborne, Sheila E & Howard Hewett, Peabo Bryson, Maxwell, Erykah Badu, Brian Culberton, Freddie Jackson, D.L. Hughley)

NEW RELEASES: DUDUKA DA FONSECA TRIO – JIVE SAMBA; RICHARD WALTON GROUP - UNDER THE CURRENT; AIDAN CARROLL - ORIGINAL VISION

DUDUKA DA FONSECA TRIO – JIVE SAMBA

Lively trio work from drummer Duduka Da Fonseca – a set that has all the Brazilian touches you might expect from the title, but which also sparkles with lots of straighter jazz moments too! Duduka's as strong as ever on the kit, and the album really draws a lot of warmth from the piano lines of David Feldman – who blocks out the ballads with this gentle groove that's especially nice, then really catches fire on some of the more upbeat numbers – which also have Fonseca reminding us of his deftness on the drums. Guto Wirtti plays bass in the trio, and one track includes tenor from Paulo Levi – on titles that include "Jive Samba", "Lucky Southern", "Pensativa", "Clouds", "Peresina", "Recorda Me", and "Sco's Bossa".  ~ Dusty Groove

RICHARD WALTON GROUP - UNDER THE CURRENT

"Under The Current" is the 2015 release of Mid-Atlantic's award-winning and Pandora Radio airplay contemporary jazz artist Richard Walton Group. This is their first studio release in eight years, following the successes of their CD's "Junction", "LIve At Blues Alley", "Hear And Now" and "Where Time Stood Still". For the past eight years, current group members Michael Gottleib (keyboards), Michael Bronson (guitars), David Krug (saxophone), Mitchell Shaivitz (percussion), Eric Robertson (drums), Eric Robertson (drums), David Meer (guitars) and Richard Walton (bass guitar) have solidified it's compositional strengths to co-write a collection of exciting brand new compositions. Most of these well crafted songs have been played in concert over the past few years. Their composition "Exitude"(included here on this CD) just received an honorary mention in the latest Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest in the instrumental category. "Exitude" also appeared as a selected track on the latest Best Of Baltimore Songwriters Association CD. Richard Walton Group's CD's are often compared to 'an instrumental Steely Dan'. Their music is also heard along side of contemporary greats such as Spyro Gyra, Acoustic Alchemy, Lee Ritenour, Pat Metheny Group, Sergio Mendes and Fourplay. ~ CD Universe

AIDAN CARROLL - ORIGINAL VISION

Original Vision showcases Aidan Carroll's diverse musicality as a bassist and composer. With an impressive roster of New York City artists, this Contemporary Jazz meets Soul recording uplifts and inspires the listener with each track. Showcasing two powerful rhythm sections,Original Vision brings fresh new energy to the world of jazz. Original Vision  draws it's title from an experience Carroll had as a child: "When I was 8 years old, I had a vision and a feeling wash over me in which I knew that I'd be playing music for the rest of my life - it wasn't so much a choice but a reality of my life to come." In dedication to this prophecy,Carroll took a leap of faith and moved from the plains of Oklahoma to New York City. The son of two musicians, his path has been vivid, diverse and full of adventure. With a deep appreciation for the arts and literature, Carroll's broad experiences have enabled him to fully express his musicianship in its truest and most authentic form. Supporting Carroll on this recording are two distinct rhythm sections. The first features New Orleans born pianist Sullivan Fortner and drummer Joe Dyson. The second rhythm section adds David Bryant on piano and Justin Brown on drums. Rounding out the band is saxophonist John Ellis who plays throughout the album. Saxophonist Ben van Gelder and vocalist Chris Turner bring their unique talents as special guests.~ CD Universe

NEW RELEASES: THE BUDDY RICH BAND - MERCY, MERCY; KEITH CARTER - PLAYING FOR YOU; J. LAROI - EAR CANDY

THE BUDDY RICH BAND - MERCY, MERCY

Mercy, Mercy has been entirely remixed and includes 3 previously unissued tracks. The Buddy Rich Big Band includes: Buddy Rich (drums); Art Pepper, Don Menza, Walt Nemuth. Recorded live at Ceasars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. This CD reissue brings back the finest all-round recording by Buddy Rich's big band. The original version of "Channel 1 Suite" is a classic and contains tenor saxophonist Don Menza's most memorable solo, plus a couple of brilliant improvisations from the explosive drummer/leader. Another highlight is an inventive Phil Wilson arrangement of "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," and even "Alfie" (a melodic feature for altoist Art Pepper) and "Ode to Billie Joe" come across well. In addition to the original LP program, three selections were released for the first time on this CD. "Chelsea Bridge" is particularly significant, for it showcases Pepper, who was making a brief (and unsuccessful) comeback seven years before he finally returned to the scene. This spirited and often-exciting set is a real gem and is essential. ~ Scott Yanow.

KEITH CARTER - PLAYING FOR YOU

Keith Carter's music is a blend of smooth jazz and adult contemporary. Keith was born and raised in the Seattle /Tacoma area and has been playing in funk bands since Jr High School. Keith comes from a large musical family starting with his father, LaRoi Carter Sr., who still plays trumpet and is the family's musical inspiration. The rest of the family includes Keith's twin brother, Kevan Carter, bass player and song writer; and younger brother LaRoi Carter Jr., guitar player. Keith recently shared the stage with prominent Northwest musicians such as Darren Motamedy, Jeff Kashiwa, and Tom Grant. Keith's musical instruments include: Yamaha Alto Custom 82Z, Yamaha Tenor Custom 82Z, and Yamaha Soprano Model 475. Keith's early musical influences such as Warren Hill, David Sanborn and Gerald Albright provided the inspiration for this album. Wonderfully recorded tracks and well executed playing make this "smooth" album a joy to listen to on rainy days, at parties, or just cruisin' down the road. ~ CD Universe

J. LAROI - EAR CANDY

"Ear Candy" is J. LaRoi's sophomore project following 2013's debut "West End of the Sky". Once again, J. LaRoi gives you a cornucopia of jazz styles but blends them seamlessly together. Whether your taste is in smooth jazz, jazz fusion, jazz rock, Latin jazz, straight ahead jazz, or jazz pop, there is something here to please everyone. From the catchy hook of "5th House of the Sun" to the sensual "Midnight Rain" to the funky retro jazz funk of "Afro's & Bell Bottoms", this latest project from J. LaRoi will give your ears something sweet to listen to and savor. If your musical tastes are diverse and range from The Rippingtons to Carlos Santana to Herbie Hancock to Paul Hardcastle, then treat yourself to some "Ear Candy". ~ CD Universe

Trombonist STEVE DAVIS Pays Tribute to the Immortal J.J. Johnson on SAY WHEN

One of the most meaningful moments in the remarkable trombonist Steve Davis' life occurred when he first met his idol, J.J. Johnson. It was the morning after the immortal trombonist heard Davis play for the first time. "I walked in the theater and I heard this tremendous, warm sound and clean, clear articulation and sophisticated harmonic ideas. Yeah, Stevie, you're right on track, baby. Keep it up. You sound beautiful, baby." In recalling it, Davis says, "It was like getting my passport stamped. It's just meant the world to me."

Davis, now beloved and highly influential in his own right, has always viewed J.J. not just as the inspiration for every modern jazz trombonist, but as the model upon which his personal artistic aspirations are built.

"J.J. Johnson is the Charlie Parker of the trombone," says Davis. "He's our Bird. He changed the game for the instrument. He's been a colossal influence on my playing, on my writing, and on my overall approach to the music." Now, Davis is ready to offer a compelling tribute to the NEA Jazz Master with his new release on Smoke Sessions Records, Say When.

To pay proper tribute to a legend, an artist - even one as extraordinary as Davis - must do more than pay homage, but must extend that storied legacy, demonstrating its timelessness by offering a musical vision that is immediate and of the present. Davis and his brilliant team of collaborators--trumpeter Eddie Henderson, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, and the sterling rhythm section of Harold Mabern, Nat Reeves and Joe Farnsworth--deliver that substance powerfully and with clear affinity and devotion. With many years of performing together in various contexts and combinations, these six outstanding musicians possess a synergy that is further unified by the radiant spirit of J.J. reflected in the repertoire, all of which is associated with J.J.'s legacy.

Davis is long renowned for his rich sound of sumptuous lyricism, intonation and an impeccable sense of swing - all of which holds true for Henderson and Alexander. Driven and buoyed by the stunning interplay of the rhythm section, powered by Mabern's riveting piano, centered by Reeves' resonance and rolling on Farnsworth's sparkling inventiveness, the sextet shines on six Johnson originals and five more pieces connected with J.J. - including one unexpected surprise.

Among the originals is a quartet rendition of J.J.'s iconic and best-known piece, the exquisite "Lament," ideally suited to Steve's captivating warmth and emotive tenderness. With plenty of textured layers, exhilarating call-and-response and subtly placed riffing, the ensemble conveys big band energy without losing the intimacy of the smaller group. This is particularly effective on two items that J.J. did with a big band, the gently swinging "Shortcake" and the sizzling up-tempo title cut, "Say When." "Pinnacles" opens the album in a bouncy fashion, and JJ.'s dedication to his granddaughter, "Kenya" is a soulful syncopated groover. The punchy "Shutterbug" takes syncopation into a "Milestones" feel with its staccato head and bluesy drive, and while Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love?" is certainly not a J.J. original, but his marvelous arrangement certainly makes it his own, delivered here with that big small band sound.

Mabern's dedication, "Mr. Johnson" was written when he played with J.J. and contains a modal Blakey's Messengers fire of concentrated intensity. For Davis' 16th birthday, his father gave him Concepts in Blue, which featured J.J.'s take on John Coltrane's "Village Blues," served up here on tantalizingly suspended rhythms. An additional ballad associated with J.J., "There Will Never Be Another You" is another quartet feature for Davis' poignant expressiveness; and that aforementioned surprise is a rousing version of "When the Saints Go Marching In." An unabashedly modern, ostinato-driven and tension-filled smoker, this was inspired by a version of this that Davis heard J.J. perform live at the Blue Note, and closes the album with Davis in bucket-muted fervor.

Testimonials to Steve's luminous talent are filled with superlatives from virtually everyone with whom he's played. Freddie Hubbard ("one of the greatest trombone players in the world"), James Moody ("his solos never cease to amaze me') and Chick Corea ("some of the melodic improvisations ever heard in jazz"), are just three of a veritable who's who of jazz giants - Art Blakey, Jackie McLean, Horace Silver, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Ron Carter, Hank Jones and so many others - who shared those opinions. With well over a dozen albums under his own leadership, Davis' first album for Smoke Sessions Records fulfills a long time dream and is another giant step forward for this exceptional artist.

"I've wanted to do this tribute to J.J. Johnson for 20 years but I never felt quite ready," explains Davis. "Something kept telling me, 'Just wait. Just wait.' Then, a year and a half ago, we did the J.J. weekend at Smoke with this sextet and I finally realized it was time. J.J.'s music needs to be played. People need to hear this music. It's just that good."

The great man would be proud. 

"Say When" was recorded live in New York at Sear Sound's Studio C

on a Sear-Avalon custom console at 96KHz/24bit and mixed to ½" analog tape

using a Studer mastering deck. Available in audiophile HD format.

Steve Davis · Say When

Smoke Sessions Records  ·  Release Date: June 9, 2015

Release Performances: June 5 - 7 @ Smoke Jazz Club

Upcoming Releases on Smoke Sessions Records:

July 14: Heads of State feat. Gary Bartz, Larry Willis, Buster Williams, and Al Foster

www.SteveDavis.info

JOHN BROWN’S BODY RETURNS WITH KINGS AND QUEENS IN DUB // DUB RELEASE FEATURES COLLABORATIONS WITH TICKLAH, DUBMATIX, AND MORE

Almost two years to the day after releasing the beloved Kings And Queens - which topped the Billboard Reggae Chart and reconfirmed John Brown’s Body’s status as one of the most influential American reggae bands - JBB returns with KINGS AND QUEENS IN DUB. Taking inspiration from landmark dub albums by Burning Spear, Aswad, and others, the new release features the entire sequence from Kings And Queens mixed by a who’s who of dub champions including Ticklah, Dubmatix, Dubfader (of 10 Ft. Ganja Plant), UK legend Dennis Bovell, Yesking, Michael G (of Easy Star All-Stars), Lord Echo (of The Black Seeds), and more.

While the band has been working on new material for an upcoming release loosely scheduled for this fall, saxophonist Drew Sayers worked closely with Easy Star Records founders Eric Smith and Lem Oppenheimer to put together this album. John Brown’s Body had previously released the 2012 EP JBB IN DUB and had a number of great instrumental dub tracks in their catalog, but this release marks the first time the band has attempted to do a complete dub version of one of their full existing albums.

The dub collaborators give a good sense of the currently growing global dub scene, hailing from areas of the world including the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA. Ticklah, Dubmatix, Michael G and Dubfader are good representatives of the current vanguard from North America, each with past collaborations with JBB in their history. Dennis Bovell and Yesking both represent the UK, Bovell of course as one of the most influential dub artists ever, having started his career with Matumbi, and eventually producing much of Linton Kwesi Johnson’s output, along with helping to define the sound of UK lovers rock in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

A first track from the record, “Pulsing Dub,” which was mixed by Yesking, is being premiered by Boomshots on February 25th, and the track will be made available to fans via John Brown’s Body’s SoundCloud page, which has over 2 million followers. The album itself will be available via pre-order at iTunes, including two tracks instantly available to anyone who pre-orders.

John Brown’s Body has a handful of major tour dates coming up, including an appearance at California Roots Festival in Monterey, CA, which has become one of the biggest events in the US reggae calendar each year, as well as a record release show at Brooklyn Bowl in Brooklyn, NY, which will also include a DJ set from Ticklah.

TOUR DATES

4/20 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl (with Ticklah)

5/20 San Juan Capistrano, CA - The Coach House 

5/21 Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up (with Mike Love) 

5/22 Hermosa Beach, CA - Saint Rocke 

5/23 Monterey, CA – California Roots Music and Art Festival 

6/27 Selden, NY - Pennysaver Amphitheater

7/17 Trumansburg, NY – Finger Lakes Grass Roots Festival of Music and Dance

7/25 Topanga, CA - Reggae on the Mountain 

HAN BENNINK and HOLLAND’S WORLD-RENOWNED ICP ORCHESTRA CELEBRATES RECENT CD EAST OF THE SUN

Drummer Han Bennink and the world-renowned Amsterdam-based Instant Composers Pool (ICP) Orchestra celebrate the release of their recent CD East of the Sun with a 13-date US tour, May 2 – 17, 2015.

The 9-piece Instant Composers Pool (ICP) Orchestra has earned worldwide acclaim for its inventiveness, musical genius, and unpredictable stage antics. The group includes world-class improvisers Han Bennink on drums, Michael Moore on clarinet and alto saxophone, Ab Baars on clarinet and tenor saxophone, Tobias Delius on clarinet and tenor saxophone, Thomas Heberer on coronet, Wolter Wierbos on trombone, Tristan Honsinger on cello, Ernst Glerum on bass, and Mary Oliver on viola, violin, vocals.

Since 1967 when Willem Breuker and Han Bennink released ICP 001 New Acoustic Swing Duo, the group has toured and recorded widely. It has released a total of 51 recordings, most recently ICP Orchestra (ICP 049) recorded in 3 sessions in 2009, and !ICP! 50 (vinyl) and East of the Sun (051), the first release in ICP’s 47-year history without pianist and co-founder Misha Mengelberg. But with guest star Guus Janssen at the piano, a handful of stalwart DownBeat Critics Poll honorees on board, and a set of tunes handpicked by drummer and co-founder Han Bennink, “the music—as rich, wobbly, and unpredictable as ever—is still imbued with [Mengelberg’s] contrary character." (Guy Peters). Out November 15, 2014, East of the Sun is earning the highest praise.  As Bruce Lee Gallanter says in Downtown Music Gallery, "There is something magical and distinctive about this ensemble. They seem to have their hands in a wide variety of influences or genres: cartoon or circus music, traditional Dutch melodies, old school swing/jazz, modern classical arrangements, with lots of unexpected twists and turns and solo[s] or small subgroup sections and free eruptions when you least expect them. The quirky and consistently crafty arrangements by different members of the band (especially Mr. Moore) is/are what makes this band unlike any other…. There is only one ICP Orchestra...each and every release is a treasure.” 

Tour dates:

May 2 - 4 at Constellation, Chicago, IL

May 5 at Trinosophes, Detroit, MI

May 6 - 8 at Roulette, Brooklyn, NY

May 9 at Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY

May 11 at Caspe Terrace, Waukee, IA

May 14 at The North Door, Austin, TX

May 15 at Outpost Performance Space, Albuquerque, NM

May 16 at The Royal Room, Columbia City, WA

May 17 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Portland, OR

NEW RELEASES: PETER TOSH & FRIENDS; PIERRE DORGE - BLUI; ATOMIC - LUCIDITY

PETER TOSH - PETER TOSH & FRIENDS

Contains all of the Peter Tosh vocal tracks recorded for Lee Scratch Perry! Available on both CD and green translucent vinyl, this collection also contains rare singles from U Roy, Big Youth, Dave Barker and more! All rhythm tracks performed by Bob Marley's band The Wailers, who were the original Upsetters lineup! Singer, musician, composer, and rebel Peter Tosh cut a swathe through the Jamaican musical scene, both as a founding member of the Wailers and as a solo artist. He toured with the Rolling Stones and had an international hit with a duet with Mick Jagger, then toured again to equally rapturous world audiences as the headlining act. His words would cause an uproar at the One Peace concert, but then unlike fellow Wailer Bob Marley, Tosh always made his true feelings known. He was born Winston Hubert McIntosh on October 19, 1944, in the small rural village of Grange Hill, Jamaica. Like so many young island teens searching for a better life, he left home at 15 and headed for Kingston. Once there, he made his way to Joe Higgs' tenement yard, joining other aspiring youths eager for the vocal coaching lessons the singing star provided to local teens. Amongst these youthful wannabes were Bunny, Bob Marley, and the much younger Junior Braithwaite; the four, buttressed by backing vocalists Cherry Green and Beverley Kelso, joined forces initially as the Teenagers before eventually settling on the moniker the Wailers. ~ Amazon

PIERRE DORGE - BLUI

Guitarist Pierre Dorge in a really unusual setting – not his larger orchestra, but a great small group with drummer Hamid Drake – who really helps bring out a whole new side of Dorge's music! The spare setting of the record also features Kirk Knuffe on cornet and Thommy Andersson on bass – and the players have this airy, open way of interacting – which really allows us to hear all these great sounds on guitar from Dorge, often with ringing tones that match perfectly with the cornet – but also bowed at other times, with a sonorous approach we especially love. Drake is great, as always – extremely sensitive in his approach to the drums – and titles include 'Wulla Wussa", "Blui", "Danza Reptilla", "Cha Cha Lupa", "Xongly", "Else Belse Bird Beard", and "Happy As A Cow". ~ Dusty Groove

ATOMIC - LUCIDITY

The title's a great one, as the album may well be the clearest musical vision we've heard from Atomic so far – a wonderful record that has the group at a level that's slightly more tuneful and straightforward, but all without losing any of their previous edge! There's still some key free moments here, but they're also mixed in with some tighter, more structured songs that really show off the jazz chops of the whole group – the quintet that includes Magnus Broo on trumpet, Frederik Ljungkvist on tenor and b flat clarinet, Havard Wiik on piano, Ingebriget Haker Flaten on bass, and Hans Hulboekmo on drums. Wiik and Ljungkvist wrote all of the songs on the album, separately – and between them, they've got a balanced musical vision that really shapes the entire record. Titles include "A New Junction", "Laterna Interfruit", "Start/Stop", "Major", "December", and "A MacGuffin's Tale". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: GREGORY TARDY – WITH SONGS OF JOY; HENRY FRANKLIN – TWO VIEWS; MARTY GROSZ & THE FAT BABIES – DIGA DIGA DOO

GREGORY TARDY – WITH SONGS OF JOY

Tenorist Gregory Tardy comes on here with a surprising degree of complexity – a range of expressions on his instrument that run from straightforward, to sharply angular, to dark-toned and sonorous – all in the space of a single session! The sense of individual spirit is stronger than ever with Tardy – as he reaches into so many different areas with his well-developed approach to the music – especially sharp on his own compositions, which make up a good amount of the album here. The group also features well-matched trumpet from Philip Dizack, who seems to shift his mood to match Tardy's – and the rest of the quintet includes John Chin on piano, Sean Conly on bass, and Jaimeo Brown on drums. Titles include "The Law Of Biogenesis", "Lil Patient One", "Ancient Of Days", "Song For Joshua", "The Myth Of Privacy", "The Narrow Door", and "Precious Abby". ~ Dusty Groove

HENRY FRANKLIN – TWO VIEWS

Bassist Henry Franklin is still very much at the top of his game here – grabbing our attention right away, as he has with his other excellent recent releases on his own label – playing with this strong, soulful quality that really steps off from his better-known work of the 70s! The album features reedman Benn Clatworthy throughout – on either tenor or flute – and the "two views" in the title comes from the use of either pianist Cecila Coleman or Kirk Lightsey, who each provide a slightly different flavor on the tracks on which they appear! Drummer Carl Burnett's in the group – but the tracks with Coleman don't have any drums at all – which makes for this special sort of interplay between her piano and Franklin's bass – and the album also features a bit of guitar from Calvin Keys, plus some percussion as well. Titles include some interesting originals by Clatworthy – "Kandahar" and "Blues For Drayce" – and other titles include versions of Joe Henderson's "Punjab", Lightsey's "Heaven's Dance", Frank Strozier's "Frank's Tune", and Clare Fischer's "Pensativa" – which is always one of our favorites. ~ Dusty Groove

MARTY GROSZ & THE FAT BABIES – DIGA DIGA DOO

A trad jazz legend joins the younger Fat Babies combo – in a set that really illustrates the renewed commitment to old school styles at Delmark Records! Guitarist Marty Grosz last recorded for Delmark in 1959, as a sideman for Albert Nicholas – but his strength hasn't dimmed a bit over the years, as his tightly rhythmic playing makes for a great complement to the Fat Babies' sound! Marty gets plenty of room to solo, and impact the rhythm section too – and the album's overflowing with tight, short numbers that include "My Daddy Rocks Me", "Hold Me", "Diga Diga Doo", "A Jazz Holiday", "Blue", and "Why Couldn't It Be Poor Little Me". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: GLUE TRIP – GLUE TRIP; SHAPES WIRES COMPILED BY ROBERT LUIS; MOPTI & BENDIK BAKSAAS – BITS & PIECES

GLUE TRIP – GLUE TRIP

A very cool Brazilian duo – working here with a sound that's nicely tripped-out, but which also has acoustic elements that take us back to Brazilian styles of the 70s too! Acoustic guitar figures strongly on many tracks – right up front in the mix, as on a Jorge Ben record – but often set to more contemporary rhythm and production modes, with keyboards or gentle beats stepping in the background, as raspy, rootsy lyrics match the acoustic vibe upfront! Some moments are sweet, some are a bit moodier – but the whole thing is never overdone, nor just a head-noddy blend of familiar elements – definitely something fresh and new, with a great voice of its own. Titles include "La Edad Del Futuro", "Birds Singing Lies", "Elbow Pain", "A New Place To Start", "Old Blood", and "Lucid Dream".  ~ Dusty Groove

SHAPES WIRES COMPILED BY ROBERT LUIS (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

All the wonderful styles and sounds of the Tru Thoughts label – brought together here in a very well-priced collection! As with other Shapes volumes, the set offers a great way to take a look at the best work of this long-running source of some of the freshest sounds from the underground – funky soul, soulful grooves, cosmic beats, and lots more in between – including some Tru Thoughts tracks from out of print singles and the digital world as well. 2LP set features 13 tracks in all – and titles include "Zheng" by Johnny Faith, "Breakdown" by Alice Russell with Darondo, "101 Reasons" by J Felix, "Sidesteppin" by Werkha with Bryony Jarman Pinto, "You Will Return (Ahmed Sirour rmx)" by Quantic with Alice Russell, "So Natural" by Titeknots, "Headgames" by Lost Midas with Audris, "Flight (Mungo's hi fi rmx)" by Hidden Orchestra, "Oblivion" by The Seshen, "Medicine Chest (dub)" by Prince Fatty meets Nostalgia 77, "Bingo Bango" by Hot 8 Brass Band, "I Believe (Peshay rmx)" by Harleighblu, and "Back It Up" by Ghost Writerz.  ~ Dusty Groove

MOPTI & BENDIK BAKSAAS – BITS & PIECES

Mopti get some extra electrification here from Bendik Baksaas – whose synth, laptop, and turntables inflect their music with a nice range of sounds and styles! There's almost an 80s experimental sound to the record – especially the use of turntables, which introduce found sounds from records – sometimes straight, sometimes manipulated – with a quality that brings a nice sense of historicity, and larger cultural placement to the other sounds – which include saxes, guitar, trumpet, bass, and drums – plus some added sound effects as well. Titles include "Circles", "Garage", "How Low Will You Go", "Melody", and "Afrodisiac".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: JARROD LAWSON – AT THE BBC; WARSAW AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA – WENDELU; CHANGE - TURN ON YOUR RADIO

JARROD LAWSON – AT THE BBC

A stunner of a set from Jarrod Lawson – easily one of our favorite soul vocalists in recent years, working here in a format that's maybe even more powerful than his excellent debut! The record has Lawson in the studios of the BBC – working through material done for a special Gilles Peterson show, with Jarrod himself on piano, playing as he sings in this magnificent mode that takes us back to Donny Hathaway or DJ Rogers – with Lawson soaring vocally on these beautiful long songs! The piano is wonderful too – a really surprising element that didn't stand out as strongly on Jarrod's debut – and the other instrumentation is only trumpet and guitar, which continues the unique flavor of the whole record – and underscores that slightly jazzy quality that appears at times. We've loved Jarrod right from the start – but with this set he really hits legendary status – on four songs that include the originals "Soul Symphony" and "Everything I Need" – plus versions of Bilal's "When Will You Call" and Anthony Hamilton's "Point Of It All". (Not on CD – and limited to 1000 copies!)  ~ Dusty Groove

WARSAW AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA – WENDELU

Warsaw may seem like an unlikely place for Afro Funk to grow – but given the work of this excellent combo, we're guessing we may well be hearing more from the scene in years to come! The group's got a richer, more sophisticated vibe than some of the other Fela-inspired groups on the scene these days – especially complex in their vocal approach, which features a trio of singers who come together in this really righteous, majestic way – not just aping older ideals and politics, but finding a new vibe of their own that really makes the record stand out. And the horns – tenor and trumpet – often have these lines that are a bit more jazzy, and a bit more complicated than usual – not just horn blasts, but really thoughtful musical expression that really enriches the groove! Titles include "Usurpation", "No Such Thing", "Empty Words", "Stop", "Signs", "Which Direction", and "Your Way". (Includes download!)  ~ Dusty Groove

CHANGE – TURN ON YOUR RADIO (INCLUDES BONUS TRACKS)

A great later album from Change – not nearly as well-known as their first few hits, but still in that all-solid approach to the groove that was the Change trademark during the early 80s! The sound is a bit more stripped down than before – tight beats and keyboards, mostly in a mellow to midtempo mode – all topped with vocals from male and female members of the group! Change still have a great way with a hook here – an approach to soul that's tight and professional, yet not nearly as cloying as some of the chart-climbing acts of their generation. And as before, the keyboards are almost as great as the vocals – with slight jazzy inflections that warm up the tunes nicely! Titles include "Turn On Your Radio", "Examination", "Let's Go Together", "Oh What A Feeling", "Mutual Attraction", "If You Want My Love", and "Love The Way You Love Me". CD features 7 bonus tracks too – including "Let's Go Together (12" Paul Hardcastle rmx)", "Mutual Attraction (12" Nick Martinelli rmx)", "Oh What A Feeling (12" Paul Hardcastle rmx)", "Let's Go Together (single)", "Mutual Attraction (single)", "Turn On Your Radio (single)", and "Mutual Attraction (inst)". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW MASTERED FOR iTUNES VERSION OF EPICENTER FROM BASSIST CHRIS LIGHTCAP'S BIGMOUTH

Clean Feed Records presents a Mastered for iTunes release of Epicenter, the new album from bassist Chris Lightcap's Bigmouth.The Mastered for iTunes version is encoded from 24-bit / 96 khz high resolution masters and now re-mastered with iTunes in mind, delivering the music to listeners exactly the way the artist and recording engineer intended.

When Chris Lightcap - a celebrated composer and bassist who has lent his huge sound, propulsive groove and creative vision to a wide-ranging array of artists including Marc Ribot, Regina Carter, Tomasz Stanko, Joe Morris and Matt Wilson - first assembled his own group over ten years ago, he had no idea it would develop into a viable entity. "I just put us all together to amuse myself and see what would happen," he recollects. Four acclaimed albums and countless sold-out shows later, Bigmouth has evolved into one of today's most accomplished creative music ensembles.

Epicenter, the band's much anticipated follow-up to 2010's Deluxe, a critically lauded recording that was on twenty of the year's "best of" lists (including the New York Times, NPR, and JazzTimes), was released on March 4, 2015 on Clean Feed Records.

Bigmouth features two profoundly original tenor saxophonists, Tony Malaby and Chris Cheek, the multifaceted genius of keyboardist Craig Taborn, and the creative powerhouse drumming of Gerald Cleaver. The band is, in effect, a "supergroup" within the contemporary world of creative music. Despite each member's outsize musical personality, together they create a cohesive whole, resulting in grand collective statements of driving, ethereal beauty.

The album has already garnered rave reviews.

Four stars. "...A taste of Ornette-flavored drive... A characteristic of Bigmouth's decades-old sound (their first album outing together since 2010's Deluxe), the bassist's legwork helps shape and rework the contours of this band. It's heads-up ball with enough flexibility to allow for some fun free-roaming in and outside the unconventional heads." - John Ephland, DownBeat

"By and large his best [album], which is saying something... You could listen to this album and fixate on the contrasting tenor styles: drier and more linear for Mr. Cheek, harder and blurrier for Mr. Malaby. But these musicians all have endless history together, and their total cohesion, with its earthy elasticity, feels like the larger point." - Nate Chinen, New York Times

"Bassist Chris Lightcap has arrived at something distinctive as a composer, leading a band with two tenor saxophones to summon big legato melodies full of tension and yearning... Lightcap's deft, imaginative use of the musical canvas hints at still more intriguing things to come." - David R. Adler, New York City Jazz Record

Lightcap was recently awarded a prestigious Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grant, which commissioned the original compositions featured on Epicenter. He wrote pieces inspired by various touchstones and cultural landmarks of his adopted home, New York City. Drawing on his love of West African music, classic pop hooks and great composers across the entire spectrum of jazz, Lightcap creates memorable melodies and harmonic landscapes for the group to delve into. Beginning with the driving declaratory statements of "Nine South," Lightcap sets a musical landscape that reflects the city's most sublime, strange, and sometimes frightening elements. From the hard-swinging freedom of the title track to the ambient interwoven layers of "White Horse" to the off-kilter groove and slow build of "Stillwell," Lightcap's music displays the breadth of his unique compositional vision.

Although the members of Bigmouth are very busy working with dozens of other artists, each manages to carve out time to perform with the band on a regular basis. Lightcap adds, "I'm so happy that everyone has remained enthusiastic about the group. Every time we get together, they show up ready to engage, support each other, throw down, and deliver the goods. We never know how it's going to turn out but it's always a great journey."

Capping off the album is a raucous take on Lou Reed's "All Tomorrow's Parties," originally heard on the groundbreaking, 1967 New York rock classic Velvet Underground & Nico. Bigmouth's rendition of this song was one of the most talked about highlights of the 2014 New York Winter Jazz Fest. As Evan Haga wrote in his JazzTimes review, the song "hit the spot for this festival. It was jazz, it was bohemian pop and it was New York City to the bone."

http://chrislightcap.com/

MILFORD GRAVES and BILL LASWELL release SPACE / TIME ・REDEMPTION; their first duo recording

On the five extended improvisations that comprise Space / Time ・ Redemption, Graves and Laswell, who have in recent years occasionally performed live as a duo at The Stone and other New York venues, jointly create a sound world all of their own. The album was produced by Bill Laswell and the recording took place at his studios in West Orange, New Jersey.

"Understanding the unique rhythmic thrust and fractured sonic patterns of Milford Graves´s tribal matrix is like trying to synchronize raindrops. Time is lapsed, accelerated and finally erased. Time is that which ends," says Bill Laswell about Milford Graves. "For my part, I was probably subconsciously channeling recent experiences in Africa or childhood memories of sound and silence, long open spaces and endless distance. An unknown point of departure with no designated destination."

Milford Graves (b.1941) was born and raised in the Borough of Queens in New York City, where he continues to live. He became deeply involved with New York´s avant-garde or free jazz scene of the early 1960s and has since worked almost exclusively within this idiom. Early in his career, Graves performed with the likes of saxophonists Giuseppi Logan and Albert Ayler, pianists Paul Bley and Don Pullen, guitarist Sonny Sharrock, drummer Andrew Cyrille and percussionist Sunny Morgan, among many others. He also joined one of the key groups of the 1960s, the New York Art Quartet, with saxophonist John Tchicai, trombonist Roswell Rudd, poet Amiri Baraka et.al. In more recent years, Graves has performed with saxophonists David Murray, John Zorn and Anthony Braxton, among others. He has also performed and recorded with his own groups and as a solo artist.

Bill Laswell (b.1955) moved from the Detroit area to New York City in the late 1970s and soon became an important part of the so-called Downtown scene centered around the East Village. His early groups included The Zu Band andMaterial, which combined rock influences with electronic experimentation and improvisation and often featured prominent guest artists. As a producer, Laswell may be best known for his collaborations with pianist Herbie Hancock that began with "Rockit" on the album Future Shock. Laswell has also produced countless other albums ranging from Laurie Anderson to Mick Jagger, from Yoko Ono to Pharoah Sanders and from the Last Poets to the Gnawa musicians of Morocco. Laswell´s best known remix credit may be for Panthalassa, an album that features Miles Davis´s music from his electric period. As a musician, Laswell has continued to lead and participate in a number of groundbreaking groups, including Massacre, the Golden Palominos, Curlew, Last Exit, Praxis, Painkiller, Arcana and Method of Defiance. He has also released two solo bass recordings.

MIKKO INNANEN / WILLIAM PARKER / ANDREW CYRILLE – SONG FOR A NEW DECADE

The first CD comprises a studio recording of Mikko Innanen´s compositions and a spontaneous improvisation by the Innanen, Parker & Cyrille trio whereas the second CD comprises a six-part live improvisation by Innanen and Cyrille at IBEAM Brooklyn. Both sessions were recorded in New York City.

"I was excited but also a bit nervous before having my first musical meeting with William Parker and Andrew Cyrille, two leading improvisers of their respective generations and creators of truly unique sounds on their instruments. Quite soon I realized, however, that with these kind and supportive men all I needed to do was to relax, be myself and enjoy the ride," says Innanen. "As a duo, Andrew and I improvise freely - no compositions, rules or other preconceived plans are involved. It feels so easy and effortless to do so with him - we can visit any musical place and move to any direction we fancy. To me, that´s true freedom."

In the past decade, Mikko Innanen (b. 1978) has become an undisputed leader on the Nordic and European jazz scene. His studies at the Jazz Department of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen led to many of the musical collaborations that still continue today in groups like Delirium, Kalle Kalima & K-18, Gourmet, PLOP and Triot. In addition to his own groups, Innkvisitio and the 12-piece Mikko Innanen 10+, Innanen also leads two New York-based trios and has frequently performed with players of his own generation active in New York City. He has participated in close to 50 recordings as a leader, co-leader or featured member of an ensemble.

William Parker (b. 1952) entered the music scene during New York´s loft jazz era in the early 1970s. He quickly became a much sought-after bassist playing primarily with fellow avant-gardists, such as Don Cherry, Frank Lowe, Jemeel Moondoc, Cecil Taylor, Charles Tyler and Frank Wright, among others. Parker´s key collaborators have also included his spouse, dancer Patricia Nicholson, as well as Roy Brown, Rob Campbell, Hamid Drake, Charles Gayle, Joe Morris, Matthew Shipp and David S. Ware. Since the early 1990s, Parker has increasingly led his own ensembles, including In Order To Survive, The Little Huey Creative Music Orchestra and the William Parker Quartet. To date, he has released over 40 albums under his own leadership.

Andrew Cyrille (b. 1939) began recording and performing with the likes of Walt Dickerson, Coleman Hawkins, Roland Kirk, Mary Lou Williams and others when barely 20 years of age. However, Cyrille truly made his mark with his more than a decade-long tenure with the Cecil Taylor Unit in the 1960s and early 1970s. He has become one of the most respected drummers in modern jazz through both of his own recordings as a leader and through his collaborations with virtually every important name on the contemporary scene. Since the 1970s, Cyrille has led or co-led a number of ensembles, including Maono, The Group, the percussion quartet Pieces Of Time, Haitian Fascination and Trio 3. He has released more than 30 recordings as a leader or co-leader and countless others as a sideman.

...

Detroit Jazz Festival Announces Pat Metheny as 2015 Artist-in-Residence // Metheny to Perform in Various Settings with Antonio Sanchez, Scott Colley, Kenny Garrett, Ron Carter, Gary Burton, and more

The Detroit Jazz Festival, the world's largest free jazz festival, announced today that guitarist/composer Pat Metheny will be its 2015 Artist-in-Residence. Metheny is the latest in a long line of jazz greats to take the mantle of the prestigious Detroit Jazz Festival Artist-In-Residence Program, which will include different musical incarnations at this year's festival, as well as education and mentorship activities throughout the year. The 2015 Artist-In-Residence Program is sponsored by Absopure Water Company. Metheny has 20 Grammy® Awards to his name and has sold more than 20 million records, including three gold albums. 

"It's very humbling to not only be asked to perform at the Detroit Jazz Festival, but to also serve as its Artist-in-Residence," said Metheny. "I'm honored and look forward to my visits to Detroit, a place with such rich music history. Getting involved with the Festival's educational programs and performing in the heart of downtown will be a memorable experience." 

Each year the festival's Artist-in-Residence assists the Detroit Jazz Festival in its efforts to foster an appreciation of jazz and nurture young talent, specifically in relation to Detroit. This year, Absopure is enhancing its festival support by sponsoring the program and helping bring such a well-known jazz musician to the city. As the festival's ambassador, Metheny's duties include headlining the second performance of opening night, playing collaborative sets with special guests throughout the weekend - including homecoming jam sessions with native Detroiters - and participating in Festival education initiatives leading up to Labor Day Weekend performances including:

The Pat Metheny Trio with Antonio Sanchez and Scott Colley and special guest Detroit native, Kenny Garrett

An intimate acoustic duo with Detroit native, Ron Carter

A much-anticipated reunion with Gary Burton in a special quartet put together just for this festival with Scott Colley and Antonio Sanchez

An ambitious large ensemble, consisting of the Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra and the North American premier of Metheny's latest 30 minute suite - a tribute to German bassist Eberhard Weber

"Metheny is an incredible artist. He has been a heavyweight in the jazz world for decades and revolutionized what it means to play 'jazz guitar,'" said Chris Collins, artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival. "His experimentation with sound and style--and jazz itself--truly taps into why this medium can be so moving and inspiring. Our goal with the Artist-in-Residence program is to connect people, to draw them in to our city and take them on unique musical journeys, and Pat will definitely help us do that. We have some special performances on tap that highlight his incredible musicianship and composing ability." 

"We are thrilled to assist the festival in bringing an iconic musician to the forefront of the Detroit Jazz Festival scene. Metheny's body of work speaks for itself," said William Patrick, Absopure. "With his nearly universal acclaim and unwavering commitment to artistry, he'll make a great ambassador for the festival. To bring him to Detroit, a place very much engrained in the roots of jazz, is special."

Metheny was born in Kansas City and by the age of 15 was working regularly with the best jazz musicians in the city, quickly climbing the ranks. In 1974, he burst onto the international jazz scene in part due to his three-year stint with Gary Burton. Since then, he's put out numerous albums and performed with greats like Steve Reich, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock and David Bowie. Metheny, who has created compositions for solo guitar, small ensembles, electric and acoustic instruments, ballet pieces and more, is known for continuously redefining his sound by embracing instrument innovations and the many different sounds a guitar can offer. 

The 36th annual Detroit Jazz Festival will take place September 4 - 7, 2015. The festival spans several city blocks in downtown Detroit - from Hart Plaza to Campus Martius - with four stages and more than 100 performances.

www.detroitjazzfest.com

BLUE NOTE JAZZ FESTIVAL CELEBRATES FIFTH ANNIVERSARY with Natalie Cole, Robert Glasper Trio, Buddy Guy, The Bad Plus, Joshua Redman, Meshell Ndegeocello, Manhattan Transfer Meets Take 6, Al Di Meola, Roy Hargrove, Abdullah Ibrahim, Bebel Gilberto, Darlene Love, Kathleen Battle, Ginger Baker, Avishai Cohen, Roy Haynes & More

The Blue Note Jazz Festival will celebrate its Fifth Anniversary, June 1-30 and headliners include vocal icon Natalie Cole; Blues titan Buddy Guy; special collaborations such as The Bad Plus Joshua Redman (performing music from their forthcoming project on Nonesuch Records) and The Manhattan Transfer Meets Take 6; album release performances by the Robert Glasper Trio (Blue Note Records) and bassist Avishai Cohen's Trio (Razdaz Recordz); a double bill featuring Meshell Ndegeocello & Roy Hargrove; acclaimed vocalists Darlene Love and Kathleen Battle (the latter produced by Jill Newman Productions); global-centric artists Buika, Bebel Gilberto, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Pedrito Martínez; and jazz/rock artists Al Di Meola and Ginger Baker, among others. 

Established in 2011, the Blue Note Jazz Festival was initially formed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Greenwich Village's iconic Blue Note Jazz Club. Presented by Blue Note Entertainment Group - which owns and operates the diverse venue lineup of Blue Note, B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, Highline Ballroom, Subrosa (its latest venue), and Lucille's Grill - the festival has quickly grown into an annual 30-day event, emerging as the city's largest jazz festival, with each venue offering its own unique cultural contribution to the New York City music landscape. 

"While the festival's scope has expanded since its inception, the origin can be traced back to our core family of venues," says Steven Bensusan, President of Blue Note Entertainment Group. "With the launch of our new venue Subrosa and B.B. King Blues Club's 15th anniversary, it's fitting that this year's fifth anniversary puts the spotlight on the wide range of creative and commercial programming at our core New York City venues," adds Bensusan, "In addition to special theater shows such as Natalie Cole, Manhattan Transfer Meets Take 6, and Buika at The Town Hall." 

Most notably, the festival adds Subrosa to its venue lineup. Latin for "under the rose," Subrosa is an intimate 120-capacity Latin & World Music listening room located in New York City's Meatpacking District (63 Gansevoort St.), dedicated to showcasing music, art, and culture. Following a several month-long soft-launch beginning in November 2014, the venue's grand opening week is scheduled for April 14-20. 

"We opened Subrosa to provide a new creative hub for eclectic music, with an emphasis on Latin music," says Bensusan. "The space is quickly becoming a destination for listeners to discover new globally-influenced music in an accessible setting. We're proud to showcase this new space as part of our festival." 

Subrosa's festival lineup will feature the Pedrito Martínez Group for five days throughout the month (who has an on-going monthly residency at the venue). Other notable headliners include Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez and his trio, Fulaso, an 11-piece Latin soul group, and the Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra, among others to be announced. 

This year's festival also coincides with the 15th Anniversary of B.B. King Blues Club. Located in Times Square, the venue has featured some of the biggest names in blues, rock, hip-hop and pop music since opening its doors in June 2000 (ranging from Aretha Franklin and James Brown to Alicia Keys and Jay-Z). To celebrate this landmark anniversary, Blue Note Jazz Festival will present Buddy Guy on Thursday, June 11 with various special guests to be announced (the third and final night of his festival engagement). 

B.B. King Blues Club and Highline Ballroom will present a wide range of performances, including rock artists/groups such as singer Gary U.S. Bonds, Johnny & The Asbury Jukes Group, keyboardist Al Kooper's annual birthday show, roots/rock group The Subdudes, and psychedelic rock band Ozric Tentacles; guitarist/singer Robert Cray Band rounding out Blues programming, in addition to Buddy Guy; eclectic global-centric acts such as the South African Afro-fusion collective Freshlyground, Indian vocalist Falu, and Spanish-influenced guitarist/songwriter Ottmar Liebert  & Luna Negra; as well as vocalist Alicia Hall Moran with Jason Moran (Produced by Jill Newman Productions). 

Other jazz headliners at Blue Note Jazz Club include celebrated dancer Savion Glover; saxophonist David Murray, who will make his festival debut with a trio featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and Geri Allen; drum legend Roy Haynes, who returns to Blue Note following his recent three-night 90th birthday engagement in mid-March 2015; and saxophonist Gato Barbieri, who continues his on-going monthly residency at the venue. Additional shows include harmonicist Grégoire Maret with special guest vocalist Lizz Wright and a surprise guest at Highline Ballroom (Produced by Jill Newman Productions) as well as drummer Stanton Moore's Trio at Blue Note with special guests. 

Additional partner events include the 2015 Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards on June 16 at Blue Note Jazz Club, among others. In addition to Blue Note Entertainment Group properties, other festival venues include The Town Hall and Central Park SummerStage, among others. Festival co-presenters include Jill Newman Productions, Jazz Journalists Association, and JazzReach, among others. 

www.BlueNoteJazzFestival.com

NEW RELEASES: JON REGEN – STOP TIME; OLIVER LAKE / WILLIAM PARKER – TO ROY; ALEXANDER VON SCHLIPPENBACH TRIO - FEATURES

JON REGEN – STOP TIME

Remarkable. Infectious. Soulful. Just some of the words critics have used to describe Stop Time, the new album by singer, songwriter and pianist Jon Regen. Produced by Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Paul McCartney), and featuring Davey Faragher and Pete Thomas from Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Stop Time finds Regen at the peak of his songwriting and pianistic powers, with ten original tunes that brim with humor and heart. In the words of storied Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell, "Stop Time never stops pleasing the ears."

OLIVER LAKE / WILLIAM PARKER – TO ROY

Beautiful duets between Oliver Lake and William Parker – dedicated to the late Roy Campbell, and a wonderful tribute to his genius! This may well be one of the best performances we've heard from Lake in years – a clear, clean, unfettered way to really return to his strengths on alto sax – next to these warm, round basslines from Parker that are always a treat – but which again, seem to have even more power here than on other recent albums. Most tunes are originals, written by either of the pair – and the match of souls and spirits is tremendous throughout. Titles include "Check", "Victor Jara", "Variation On A Theme Of Marvin Gaye", "To Roy", "Light Over Still Water Paints A Portrait Of God", and "Bonu".  ~ Dusty Groove

ALEXANDER VON SCHLIPPENBACH TRIO - FEATURES

Fifteen short "features" from this legendary trio – a lineup that includes Alexander Von Schlippenbach on piano, Evan Parker on tenor, and Paul Lovens on drums! The group performs with the angular sensibility that makes Schlippenbach's name well placed as their leader – and Parker's deft lines are especially great, sometimes richly sonorous in his more color-based performances – sometimes bolder, and with a starkness that really matches Alexander's work on piano. Lovens' has always been a great partner for performances like these – and chooses to use space as much as sound, which gives his well-chosen percussion parts even more power than if he came on with a more full-on approach. 15 short titles, all improvised, and all beautiful – with a really classic FMP sort of vibe.  ~ Dusty Groove