NEW RELEASES: YACHT ROCK (VARIOUS ARTISTS); YACHT ROCK: THE ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES; R&B SINGLES COLLECTION VOL. 4 - OUTTA SIGN RED HOT RHYTHM & BLUES

YACHT ROCK (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

A smooth set of grooves from the 70s – just the kind of cool compressed pop that used to fill the 70s AM radio airwaves when we were kids – and which sounds even better in a hip compilation like this! The package doesn't go for easy hits – and instead digs deep into the treasure trove of 70s album-oriented rock – to find cuts that really glow anew in each others' company, filled with surprises that we never would have expected! Some folks have taken to calling these sounds "yacht rock" – but to us, the sound is pure 70s at its best – a sublime batch of tracks that includes "Georgy Porgy" by Toto, "Wait A Little While" by Kenny Loggins, "Here To Stay" by Boz Scaggs, "Fazon" by Sopwith Camel, "Whatcha Gonna Do For Me" by Average White Band, "Tranquilo" by Carly Simon, "Nightmoves" by Michael Franks, "Steal Away" by Robbie Dupree, "Tin Man" by America, "She's Gone" by Hall & Oates, "Midnight Prowl" by JD Souther, and "Ride Like The Wind" by Christopher Cross.  ~ Dusty Groove

YACHT ROCK: THE ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES - ABANDONED LUNCHEONETTE / LET THERE BE MUSIC / CHICAGO 16 / ROBBIE DUPREE / ON THE WATERS (5-CD SET)

An instant collection of AOR genius – a package that brings together five different yacht rock albums from the Warner catalog – all packaged together in tiny sleeves that replicate the original album covers! The set may well be worth it alone for Abandoned Luncheonette from Hall & Oates – a tremendous collaboration with the legendary Arif Mardin, who takes the pair's well-crafted vocals into territory that's much more slinkily soulful than some of their previous records – that sound that was always lurking in the background, never quite right, but which emerges here fully in that classic 70s Hall & Oates mode. Daryl and John seem to harmonize more here than before, and the backings are still somewhat rockish, but have a warmth that really suits their singing. We can't argue with the sublime brilliance of "She's Gone", one of those tracks that we've heard a bazillion times, but never cease to respect – and other titles include "Everytime I Look At You", "Had I Known You Better Then", "When The Morning Comes", and "Laughing Boy". But if that's not enough – the collection also features four more full albums – On The Waters by Bread, Chicago 16 by Chicago, Let There Be Music By Orleans, and the great debut album from Robbie Dupree!  ~ Dusty Groove

R&B SINGLES COLLECTION VOL. 4 - OUTTA SIGN RED HOT RHYTHM & BLUES

The fourth smoking volume in this wonderful series – filled with excellent pre-soul grooves all the way through! The Outta Sight label is one that we normally know for Northern Soul reissues, but in recent years they've also been handling a lot of R&B – but all with an ear towards the sounds that also appeal to fans of later soul too – which makes for a very fresh approach to material from the 50s and early 60s – and often discovery of tracks that haven't gotten any notice for years! The package collects material from their 7" single reissue series – the a and b-sides of 15 different 45s – with titles that include "Image (part 1)" by Hank Levine, "I Want To Know" by Gay Poppers, "Tie Me Tight" by Bob Kayli, "Catch That Teardrop" by The 5 Royales, "Strange Exotic Melody" by Ruth Christie, "Do You Think That's Right" by Judy Clay, "If You Wanna" by Baby Jean, "Have Your Way" by Lightnin Slim, "Cherry Wine" by Little Esther, "Wild Child" by Donnie Elbert, "I'm Cuttin Out" by Ivory Joe Hunter, "Wow" by David Michael, and "What A Mess" by Bobby Adams. ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: MAVIS STAPLES – YOUR GOOD FORTUNE; GREAT REVIVERS – HAVE A DRINK WITH GREAT REVIVERS; CYRUS CHESTNUT – A MILLION COLORS IN YOUR MIND

MAVIS STAPLES – YOUR GOOD FORTUNE (EP)

Just a four-track set from soul legend Mavis Staples – but a record that's got more than enough feeling to beat most full length albums on the market! The four tracks here were all produced by Son Little – and have this unusual approach that mixes acoustic roots with some slight contemporary touches – very light drum program passages from Little, mixed with more spontaneous instrumentation on guitar, organ, and slide guitar – plus a bit of backing vocals from a small group who almost bring in an old sort of Staple Singers vibe! The whole thing's still very much in keeping with the classic vibe of other Mavis projects in recent years – and titles include "Your Good Fortune", "Fight", "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean", and "Wish I Had Answered".  ~ Dusty Groove

GREAT REVIVERS – HAVE A DRINK WITH GREAT REVIVERS

We'd love to have a drink with The Great Revivers – as it would finally give us a chance to tell them how much we really love their music! This strong full length debut from the Russian funk combo really pushes past their initial wave of singles – showing the group to not only be as rock-solid as any funk group on this side of the former east/west divide – but also one that has a very mature, thoughtful approach to their instrumentation – super-skilled, and often with these jazzy inflections that remind us of New Mastersounds at their best! The lineup is nice and lean – just guitar, organ, percussion, bass, and drums – with no horns or vocals at all, just a lot of wonderful interplay between the keyboard and electric strings. Titles include "The Return Of Green Snake", "Dandelion Wine", "Sand & Breeze", "Rhino's Walk", "Midnight Run To Liquor Store", and "At The Dipsotheque".  ~ Dusty Groove

CYRUS CHESTNUT – A MILLION COLORS IN YOUR MIND

The title's a great one, as pianist Cyrus Chestnut explodes with a flurry of colors right from the very first note – that wonderful sense of richness in tone that made Chestnut a musician to watch right from the start, but which was sometimes dimmed in his projects for larger labels at the height of his fame. Thankfully, Cyrus has gotten even more open and powerful in recent years – working in a wonderfully unfettered setting like this, with superb support from bassist David Williams and drummer Victor Lewis – both extremely creative musicians, but in a really understated way. The trio comes together in the right mix of rhythm and lyricism that you'd find in the best Cedar Walton trio dates – no surprise, given Williams' long work with Walton – and titles include "Brotherhood Of Man", "From A Tip", "Gloria's Step", "Hello", "A Time For Love", and "Yemenja".  ~ Dusty Groove

HOT UK JAZZ FROM BABELFISH - CHASING RAINBOWS

Chasing Rainbows, the second album from Babelfish, has all of the understated musical virtues which were appreciated in the group's first album in 2012. Here again, the listener will find proof that musical strength has nothing whatsoever to do with high volume. It is very well known in UK jazz circles quite what a technically accomplished vocalist Brigitte Beraha, and she proves that again here. But what has also happened is a deepening of the emotional content. 

It is not just subtle musical half-lights which are caught on the wing and are there to be enjoyed, every song here is alive with flickering emotions, impulses and questions. (Sebastian Scotney, March 2015) Brigitte Beraha writes about Chasing Rainbows: "This album is about love, the cycles and stages of relationships, just love in many different forms (including love for sushi!). When singing with words, I try to keep those simple, and yet not necessarily obvious in their meaning, and to do more with emotions, senses rather than words. 

That's how I live, really." A collaboration between two of the UK's finest jazz artists Barry Green (piano) and Brigitte Beraha (voice), the band also features legends Chris Laurence (double bass) and Paul Clarvis (percussion). Between them they have played and recorded with Kenny Wheeler, John Surman, Sarah Vaughan, Norma Winstone, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, Lee Konitz and many more. Their debut album Babelfish received rave reviews and was picked by Sebastian Scotney, founder of LondonJazz, as his top album of 2012. 

Their second album " Chasing Rainbows" is out in April, a new collection of music they love,regardless of where it comes from - Songs in English, French, Portuguese and Italian, from original songs about love to fast paced compositions about sushi; from free Jazz to their take on Contemporary classical songs, each Babelfish performance is fearless, fresh and mesmerising. "These gracious and wonderfully talented musicians delivered an exciting and unusual combination of music... 

The visible joy of this band working together on stage was transferred to the audience." LondonJazz "Babelfish are a definition of a contemporary jazz class act." John Fordham, The Guardian "Brigitte should already be up there with the stars. She has a tremendous future to explore, one which we'll be watching with great expectations". Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth CBE "Brigitte's voice and writing have truly matured to another soaring level" Rufus Reid / Amazon

 

NEW RELEASES: RITA REYS - THE COOL VOICE OF RUTA REYS; BIG SCREEN – TAKE ONE; JERRY BERGONZI - RIGAMAROLL

RITA REYS - THE COOL VOICE OF RUTA REYS

After an early plunge into the pop music of the time, singer Rita Keys (1924-2013) came to jazz when, in 1943, she met Wessel Ilcken 1923-1957), Holland s then best drummer. She became his wife, and the influence of his teachings, allied to the impact on her of recordings by such American singers as Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday helped her forge a very personal style. This collection of songs sets her wonderfully cool voice and sophisticated approach against backgrounds which, though different, reflect her ability to stamp her personality on diverse circumstances to produce equally interesting performances. Regardless of context, her artistry is supremely evident throughout. Every song is approached with an instinctive musicianship and feeling for the lyrics, and an innate sense of phrasing, which fill each performance with an inescapable atmosphere. ~ Amazon

BIG SCREEN – TAKE ONE

The Big Screen trio joyfully explores the worlds of stage and screen, swinging through a selection of timeless melodies which enjoy universal appeal. A heavyweight of British jazz, pianist David Newton is joined for this project by Tom Farmer (from Empirical), who has a contemporary approach to bass playing, and Matt Skelton, whose virtuoso drum skills keeps everything moving nicely. David Newton has always thrived on playing material that brings new challenges to his improvisation and he has gone out of his way to do so for this new trio. There is an emotional and visceral joy when hearing these tunes rendered with the care, intellect, passion and excellence that Big Screen bring to the music. ~ Amazon

JERRY BERGONZI - RIGAMAROLL

'When I go into the studio with these guys, it's not like I feel pressure. It's like, 'oh boy, let's go have some fun,'' says saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, recalling how his previous Savant recordings came together. In short, the acclaimed veteran didn't want the fun to end. So now here we have another terrific recording to complement the reedman's impressive Savant discography and another chance to delight in the exceptionally responsive company he keeps. Revelling in the company of long-time partners bassist Dave Santoro and drummer Andrea Michelutti, Jerry also brings Pasadena-born pianist Bruce Barth into the studio. Jerry doesn't often record with a pianist when one cuts their musical teeth with a pianist like Dave Brubeck the titan's shadow must loom large over the keyboard but he and Bruce have become muy simpatico over the years and their interplay here is remarkable indeed. With Jerry's imaginative compositions and his intense approach to music-making, this is jazz that cuts you no quarter. The whole session swings, communicates and challenges as only Jerry Bergonzi can. ~ Amazon

NEW RELEASES: JOE STILGOE – NEW SONGS FOR OLD SOULS; FATOUMATA DIAWARA & ROBERTO FONSECA - AT HOME: LIVE IN MARCIAC; YURI HONING ACOUSTIC QUARTET - DESIRE

JOE STILGOE – NEW SONGS FOR OLD SOULS

Firmly established as a performer and songwriter of considerable skill, Joe Stilgoe gives a masterclass in nostalgia with a contemporary twist. New Songs For Old Souls is Joes first studio album for Linn Records, following his signing to the label in 2014. The album comprises twelve songs with ten terrific originals by Joe, including three thrilling big band numbers: Nobody Cares Like Me, Pocket Song and a new version of Gold On Silver, previously heard on Songs On Film Live. Includes: Totally, Nobody Cares Like Me, Nothing’s Changed, Roll, Rainbows in My Teacup, Pocket Song, I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times, How To Fall In Love, Two-tones, You’re Funny (But I’m Not In Love), Too Late Now, and Gold On Silver. ~ Amazon

FATOUMATA DIAWARA & ROBERTO FONSECA - AT HOME: LIVE IN MARCIAC

A marriage made in heaven! Two of the most high profile, and powerful, performers on the planet yoke up and get rocking. For the past 18 months Malian guitarist superstar Fatoumata (her first album was on World Circuit) and Cuban jazz pianist Roberto have been on the road, knocking them dead at festivals around the world. The combination of West African and Cuban rhythms has been done before, but never with so much life, energy and sex appeal! This album was recorded live at the Marciac festival in France in 2014 and demonstrates why these two are such a draw. ~ Amazon

YURI HONING ACOUSTIC QUARTET - DESIRE

The leading Dutch saxophonist and composer Yuri Honing perfectly captures feelings of desire on his album of the same title. Renowned for mixing styles, Honing again explores his musical boundaries with moving melodies framed by pop, classical music and early music compositional techniques. Honing had his first major success in 1996 with his album 'Star Tracks', which comprised recordings of pop songs as an alternative to the American Songbook. The album became a hit in the Netherlands and Germany, and gained significant notice in the UK as well. The album contains songs by Abba and The Police among others. Subsequently he has performed/recorded with Paul Bley, Gary Peacock, Paul Motian, Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny and Vince Mendoza, amongst others. His quartet on 'Desire' includes the Dutch pianist Wolfert Brederode, who has recorded two albums as a leader for ECM Records, alongside Icelandic double bass player Gulli Gudmundsson and Dutch drummer Joost Lijbaart. Personnel: Yuri Honing (tenor saxophone), Wolfert Brederode (piano), Gulli Gudmundsson (bass), Joost Lijbaart (drums). ~ Amazon

Soulful Bluesy & Roots Singer ETHAN TUCKER To Release New Album MISUNDERSTOOD

Washington-born singer songwriter Ethan Tucker continues to establish himself in prestigious music circles with his soulful bluesy voice and roots music. With self-released albums, Take Me to the Mountains (2007) and Lost Between (2010) molding the young musician, and a live touring regimen that has taken him around the country on several national tours, the stage is now set for the first professional studio LP Misunderstood, available May 5 on Stoopid Records

Fresh off the road from an impressive list of tours that include legends Jimmy Cliff, Buddy Guy, and The Wailers, as well as national support slots with musical peers Slightly Stoopid, G-Love, and Michael Franti, Tucker's new release exemplifies his enthusiasm for collaboration at its best.

After impressing Michael Franti with an impromptu backstage jam in Spearhead's dressing room before ever playing a show together, Ethan was immediately summoned by Franti himself to come to Michael's studio in San Francisco, California to record. From there, a bond between the two artists was solidified.  The infectious first single "Crazy Tonight" was arranged, recorded, produced at Franti's studio, also featuring him on guest vocals. This track, coupled with the reggae-pop hybrid "Cool Kids" (also produced by Franti) opens a new album that is a cohesive coming of age for the artist.

The first single "Crazy Tonight" has begun to create a significant buzz around the release, garnering early attention at AAA radio across the US. A forthcoming music video for the song (directed by Franti) was filmed late last year.

The rest of the compositions that make up Misunderstood were masterfully produced by Mario Caldato Jr., known for his work with the Beastie Boys, Jack Johnson and G Love. With the master near completion, a "surprise" session evolved while Ethan visited downtown Los Angeles, and connected with the rhythm section of Norwood Fisher of Fishbone on bass, and Thomas Pridgeon of Mars Volta on skins. The power trio provides a surprisingly unique reggae dub rendition of Jimi Hendrix "Little Wing" recorded by Jimmy Sloan at Seahorse Studios in Downtown LA.

The results of all these sessions produced a diverse array of styles from blues and folk to pop and reggae, yielding 11 tracks in three weeks, and cementing the album's core.

The Easy Star dub remix of "Little Wing," plus "Josephine" and "Dance The Night Away" from the Mario C sessions are available as exclusive bonus tracks when pre-ordering Misunderstood on iTunes or Ethan's website: http://smarturl.it/MisunderstoodCD

Set to hit the road in the next few weeks in support of the album, Ethan makes his first two appearances at California festivals. "Summer Meltdown" on April 25 in Santa Clarita and on the hugely popular Cali Roots Music Festival in Monterey, May 23. Ethan will hit the road with Hirie, and perform at the acoustic venue Hotel Cafe in Hollywood on April 27.

Misunderstood Track List:

1.  Cool Kids

2.  Crazy Tonight (feat Michael Franti)

3.  Crazy

4.  High Time

5.  Coming Home

6.  Never Be

7.  Tease Me

8.  All I Need

9.  Misunderstood

10. This Has All Been A Dream

11. Little Wing

Bonus Tracks (available through www.ethantuckermusic.com only)

12. Josephine

13. Dance the Night Away

14. Little Wing (Dub)

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NEW RELEASES: PHILL FEST – THAT’S WHAT SHE SAYS; SNARKY PUPPY & METROPOLE ORKEST - SYLVIA; SWINGING JAPAN:THE NEO-MOOD SCENE TOKYO STYLE

PHILL FEST – THAT’S WHAT SHE SAYS

Hot on the trails blazed by ‘Projecto B.F.C,” comes  “That’s What She Says” continuing the Fest family tradition of fusing jazz harmony with Brazilian rhythms.  Guitarist Phill Fest, son of Manfredo Fest, returns with perhaps an even broader example of samba-jazz and all of it’s grace.  This time around the sound pallet is expanded with the addition of trumpet/flugel, female vocals, percussionists, and again the harmonica virtuosity of Hendrik Muerkens.  Highlights include compositions by Phill, Manfredo Fest and Antonio Adolfo’s ‘Chora Balao,” as well as a tribute to bossa creator Joao Gilberto with “De Conversa em Conversa.”

SNARKY PUPPY & METROPOLE ORKEST - SYLVIA

The Grammy Award-winning jazz collective & Holland's famous Metropole Orkest have created Sylva, a dreamlike cinema-concept-album dedicated to the forest, a place that enraptures bandleader/founder Michael League, who penned the songs. With graphic creations by Miraphora Mina ("Harry Potter"), the DVD companion is a feature- length film on the making of this stellar opus. Sylva will be performed only in Paris and Rotterdam, but the movie will be screened in key US cities. Trackslisting: Sintra, Flight, Atchafalaya, Curtain, Gretel, and Clearing. ~ Amazon

SWINGING JAPAN:THE NEO-MOOD SCENE TOKYO STYLE

Acid Jazz are proud to bring you this compilation album which features some of Japans’ finest Neo-Mod and “J-Mod” bands on one compilation. These tracks have been specially selected by Acid Jazz who ventured to find music to excite the modern listener. This venture led to the discovery of the following collection of songs and the overall discovery of Japan’s uber-hip Neo-Mods, music and fashions which aren’t constricted by the self-conscious rules and restraints upon which cliquey European modernists constantly insist. What “Swinging Japan” delivers is a 14-track compilation of raw and energetic garage tracks, plus jazzy, groovy, psychedelic tunes that have been specially selected to be part of this compilation. Think of this album as a trip to Kingslow 1969, Carnaby Street circa 1970, with a return flight to modern day Tokyo! ~ Amazon

NEW RELEASES: ELDAR - WORLD TOUR VOL. 1; BOBBY MATOS AFRO LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE - RITMO & BLUES; JACK WALRATH - UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED

ELDAR - WORLD TOUR VOL. 1

Piano tour-de-force Eldar released his 10th album World Tour Vol. 1 on April 17th, 2015.  A compilation of takes from his recent touring, the record covers a wide range of performances from across the globe with trio and solo tracks sure to impress.  Clips from Tokyo, Philadelphia, Windham, Montreal, Atlanta, Washington DC, Tongyeong, San Diego and Oakland are captured in front of live audiences.  The record features outstanding performances from Ludwig Afonso, Ferenc Nemeth, and Jonathan Joseph on drums and Armando Gola on bass. The unparalleled virtuosity of Eldar’s playing and thrilling compositions make this a masterpiece not to miss. Includes: Blackjack, Morning Bell, Airport, Driven Blues, Hope, I Should Care, What'll I Do, South Bixel, Embraceable You, Moanin', and Exposition. 

BOBBY MATOS AFRO LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE - RITMO & BLUES

A great little set from the legendary Bobby Matos – and maybe the record that comes closest to his initial Latin soul sessions of the 60s! The album features more vocals than usual – including cool harmony soul from The Mighty Echoes, and a lead from the great Joe Bataan – plus additional singing by Candi Sosa and Estaire Godinez – who really add a lot to the record! The instrumentation still has those great deep tones we've loved from Matos' material of the past decade or so – especially his killers for the Life Force Jazz label – and the group features Theo Saunders on piano, Dan Weinstein on trombone, and Pablo Calogero on flute, soprano, and tenor sax! Titles include "Hey Senorita", "Senor Blues", "You Send Me", "Tin Tin Deo", "I Want You", "Fever", "Dejarla Passar", "Stagg Street", "Unchain My Heart", and "Bruca Manigua".  ~ Dusty Groove

JACK WALRATH - UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED

Jack Walrath just keeps on growing and growing as a musician – a hell of a trumpeter for the past few decades, but also a great writer too – with a fresh approach to a tune that really keeps things interesting! This set may well be one of Walrath's best in years – a soulful quintet outing that has some especially nice tenor from Abraham Burton, who brings some darker tones to the record – and has this way of sharpening Walrath's horn too – as the pair step out in the lead over some of Jack's inventive compositions, then stretch out individually in well-phrased solos. The rhythm trio keeps just the right for each individual track – sometimes sprightly, but never too playful – sometimes more laidback, and nicely mellow. George Burton plays piano, Boris Kozlov plays bass, and Donald Edwards is on drums – and titles include "End The Beguine", "Why Not", "Bobby Timmons", "Unsafe At Any Speed", and "Happiness Really Is A Warm Puppy". ~ Dusty Groove

INTRUMENTS is full of groove – without any beats: Henrik Schwarz‘s music in an acoustic arrangement for chamber orchestra

"What's left of my music if I have it played by Classical musicians and omit the most important element, the beats?" This question was the starting point for INSTRUMENTS, the new Henrik Schwarz album. Four years have passed now since the Berlin musician and producer was first invited to have a selection of his House tracks played by an orchestra. Now the Tokyo Secret Orchestra has recorded seven pieces arranged for chamber orchestra that are reminiscent of the minimalism of Steve Reich and Michael Nyman not least in their poetry and magnetic pull. In between times, a piece like "In Björndal" with its shimmering instrumental colours even takes us back to the fin de siècle and the music of Schönberg.

The last ten years have seen quite a few Classical performances of electronic club music. But many of these were in the "classic rock" tradition of the 1970's, when symphony orchestras played the big pop hits of the day. "In most cases, electronic beats were then mixed into the orchestral arrangements, but I always found that a bit half-hearted", says Schwarz. He wasn't interested in so-called Crossover; what interested him was what happens when club music is transferred to a body of Classical instruments. "I wanted to see whether this music still means anything when you take away all the synthetic sounds and the beats." This prompted Henrik Schwarz to experiment with the scores, working together with arranger Johannes Brecht and various ensembles, without any computer sounds or acoustic percussion instruments that supply a rhythm in 4/4 time.

For more than a decade now Henrik Schwarz, 42, has been one of the best-respected House producers and a sought-after remixer, e.g. for Mary J. Blige, Ane Brun and Coldplay, with his music appearing on labels like Innervisions, !K7 and Sunday Music. In recent years, he has worked on an increasing number of cross-genre projects: Schwarz wrote the music for a silent film and worked together with the Berlin State Ballet and painter Norbert Bisky; he makes music together with leading jazzmen Bugge Wesseltoft and Dan Berglund, and gives concerts with pianist Nik Bärtsch. The arrangements on INSTRUMENTS have been performed in the last few years by different orchestras in some of Europe's best-known concert venues, such as Berlin's Kammermusiksaal, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw or the Tonhalle in Zurich. And the audience was delighted in every case. "An elegant, dynamic, unprecedented combination of Classical instruments and an Afro-American groove that doesn't seem superimposed, but is actually in the molecules of this music" – thus critic Florian Sievers in "Groove Magazin".

The breakthough came for Henrik Schwarz personally with a performance given by 27 young Japanese musicians under conductor Emi Akiyama: they appeared in a Buddhist temple in 2013 under the name Tokyo Secret Orchestra. "Suddenly I heard my own music with different ears. Classical music makes completely different demands on the players from a House track. In House music it's the precision timing that creates the groove, but an orchestra is not used to playing like a machine. In Tokyo, though, I had the feeling that the musicians managed to penetrate to the music's core."

The recordings made in Japan supplied the source material for the album INSTRUMENTS. Seven pieces are rearranged here for Classical instruments, from Henrik Schwarz's club hit "Walk Music" (which he used in the new arrangement as an opener for his live sets for a long time) through "Wamims", the version of a 2006 remix, to the only piece on the record that is new and previously unreleased: "In Björndal".

All the pieces have been arranged for the obligatory body of strings (violins, violas, cellos and double bass, and the strings are joined by low woodwind (bass flute, bass clarinet and bassoon) that not only supply individual timbres. In addition, similar to the percussion instruments (the vibraphone among them), they are also a source of rhythm. In this context, the focus is on the magic and the magnetic power of minimalism, something that American composer Steve Reich used to influence the pop and techno scene with his cleverly interlocking rhythmic chains.

Right at the outset of "Walk Music", we are offered a magical combination of single, lyrical notes from the strings and mysterious vibraphone figures in the background. And the following track, "Marvin", literally sprouts from a single note that is constantly repeated. Here, the bass flute, the viola and the cello evolve a rhythmic energy whose slightly burlesque tone is initially reminiscent of the Neo-Classicism of Stravinsky – at least until the orchestra strikes up a groove in several parts.

Nor is this by any means the only reference to the great Classical masters: inconspicuous reminiscences of this kind are cunningly sprinkled in at liberty. The piece "In Björndal" radiates a curious and seductive melancholy magic that could almost be a tribute to Arnold Schönberg and his prismatic style. Another example: arranger Johannes Brecht added to the ensemble for "Leave My Head Alone Brain" a bassett horn, a member of the clarinet family that Mozart was particularly fond of. And in "I Exist Because Of You" the cello sometimes plays the so-called 'Bartók pizzicati' that go back to the Hungarian composer: the cellist twangs the string and then lets it spring back against the fingerboard.

The harmonies and sounds of the original tracks are played here by the strings and also a number of woodwind instruments, among which the bass clarinet has the starring role. Time and time again, production techniques from electronic music such as loops or low-cuts are transformed into orchestral arrangements, with frequencies being muffled over the space of several bars (e.g. in "Leave My Head Alone Brain Seven"). The result is a new kind of music played on Classical instruments. a music that doesn't deny its roots in the club world and could only be created on the computer; a music that manages to transport the energy of electronic dance music to the Classical concert hall – with the bass drum only present in the listener's head.

DAVE STRYKER'S tribute to Stanley Turrentine, MESSIN' WITH MISTER T, feature 10 world-class saxophone players

Now here’s a winning hand: Dave Stryker’s organ trio, 10 of the world’s finest tenor saxophone players, and the legacy of Stanley Turrentine.  You could call it a tribute to the late great tenor, but given Stryker’s audacious title, Mister T looms here more like an enduring challenge that an icon of past glories.  The Pittsburgh native died 15 years ago, but he remains synonymous with soulfulness.

Messin’ with Mister T is Dave Styker’s personal homage to Turrentine, whom he toured with for over a decade and recorded twice.  Dave says that being hired by Stanley was a “real validation” of his playing, and he’s had it in mind,”ever since he passed to do something like this tribute.”  One sure sign that the time was right is that everyone he asked to appear on that date came “immediately on board.  Stanley meant so much to all of us.”  Deciding who would play which tune fell into place without a hitch, too, as did the material, which basically reflects Turrentine’s set lists from over the years Stryker toured with him. 

The greater challenge that Stryker faced on Messin’ with Mister T was to pay proper respects to his mentor while still managing to make a “Dave Stryker record.”  I’d say he’s succeeded from start to finish, and Chris Potter, who joins him here for a phenomenal take on “Impressions,” knows why.  “There’s no better person to pay tribute to Stanley than Dave because the musical values Stanley always stood for – swing, soulfulness, taste, melody, and beautiful sound – are carried forward in everything that Dave plays.”

Messin’ with Mister T is the latest in the brilliant series of recordings that Stryker has led over the past 25 years, and a follow-up to his hugely successful Eight Track.  The guitarist seems never at a loss for inspiration and the array of styles he commands and the flow of ideas he executes is truly impressive.  Dave says that Turrentine’s influence was especially strong in showing him how important it was to establish a sound of his own, and to “communicate to people.  Stanley had an audience, and he never left them behind.”

Tracklisting:    

1.  La Place Street w/Houston Person

2.  Pieces Of Dreams w/Mike Le

3.  Don’t Mess With Mister T w/Don Braden

4.  In A Sentimental Mood w/Jimmy Heath

5.  Impressions w/Chris Potter

6.  Gibraltar w/Bob Mintzer

7.  Salt Song w/Eric Alexander

8.  Sugar w/Javon Jackson

9.  Sidesteppin’ w/Steve Stagle

10.Let It Go w/Tivon Pennicott

Bassist LORENZO FELICIATI To Release KOI; concept album, blending ambient music and prog-rock, features Japan drummer STEVE JANSEN & King Crimson drummer PAT MASTELOTTO

For his sixth recording for RareNoiseRecords, following his 2011 solo album Frequent Flyer and subsequent collaborations with vocalist-multi-instrumentalist Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari (Berserk!) and Porcupine Tree bassist Colin Edwin (Twinscapes) as well as two albums with the adventurous jazz-rock outfit Naked Truth (Shizaru, Ouroboros), the restlessly creative bassist-composer-producer Lorenzo Feliciati has realized his most ambitious and personal project to date in Koi.

A concept album based on the life of the renowned river carp fish, Koi features former Japan drummer Steve Jansen and current King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto along with pianist Alessandro Gwis, trumpeter Angelo Olivieri, saxophonist Nicola Alesini and a horn section consisting of trombonist Stan Adams, bass trombonist Pierluigi Bastioli and baritone saxophonist Duilio Ingrosso. A suite-like offering that intersperses mesmerizing ambient interludes with full-blown prog-rock type anthems, Koi brilliantly showcases Feliciati's composerly vision while highlighting his considerable chops on fretted and fretless electric basses.

Traditional Chinese folktales tell the story of Koi fish that swam up the Yellow River, and though taunted by demons, would not relent in their quest to jump over waterfalls; the gods noticed and celebrated their perseverance and endurance by transforming them into golden dragons, a symbol of strength and power. The Japanese recognized these fish not just for their beauty but for their ability to induce otherworldly states of perception in the observer. These altered states of perception ultimately lead to the attraction of high energy, which manifests itself in the form of prosperity of all kinds in our lives.

The musical journey of Koi begins with the spacious, echo-laden piano soundscape "Kohaku" and is followed by the hard-hitting "New House," a Feliciati composition with Steve Jansen on drums and Alessandro Gwis on keyboards, that is brimming with kinetic momentum and based on a repetitive riff augmented by punchy horns. Lorenzo's fretless bass melody is doubled here by muted trumpet while baritone sax deepens the groove. The icy and hypnotic interlude "Kumonryu" is followed by the moody, slow-grooving requiem "Oxbow."

Following another ambient interlude, "Black Kumonryu" Feliciati is reunited with his Naked Truth band mate Mastelotto, who provides the rhythmic pulse on "Noir Alley Verdigris", a potent number which falls somewhere between King Crimson and Weather Report."Ogon" provides a breath before Feliciati and crew launch into the dynamic, odd-metered "Narada", featuring a strong 7/8 groove by Jansen, nearly a dance beat, where distorted bass and horn section mesh to unison. 

Feliciati turns in his most expressive fretless playing on "Margata", a homage to Jaco Pastorius; following another mesmerizing interlude in "Kuchibeni," Feliciati unleashes his fuzz bass chops on the powerhouse "Fish Bowl", which incorporates trombones and bass in a low-end unison motif before yielding to a throbbing vamp. This piece originally started as a Frank Zappa-influenced bass/horn section unison riff, but morphed during the final arrangement into something quite different altogether - Feliciati's bass line moving around Steve Jansen's drums and electronics giving the impression that it is Jansen moving around Feliciati.

The collection closes with the title track "Koi", which travels from minimalist intro to cinematic crescendo - the Koi has now become a Golden Dragon.

TRACKS

1. Kohaku 

2. New House

3. Kumonryu

4. Oxbow

5. Black Kumonryu

6. Noir Alley Verdigris

7. Ogon

8. Narada

9. Margata

10.Kuchibeni

11. Fish Bowl

12. Koi

 

Brooklyn Gypsies Announce Debut Album Sin Fronteras is out May 5, 2015 on Wonderwheel Recordings

The Brooklyn Gypsies are a group of NYC based musicians/producers whose creative influences draw from the constant shifting of an ever changing urban sociopolitical landscape while retaining their unique cultural backgrounds through what has come to be recognized as “Gypsy” music.

Sin Fronteras is the groups debut album which translates to “Without Borders.”  This theme can be heard in the seamless fusion of genres taking the listener on a sci-fi desert journey through the Middle East and North African Sahara with The Spy From Cairo’s Oud stylings navigating the caravan.  Lyrics in Spanish, English and even Russian are featured from the group’s two vocalists Carmen Estevez, who showcases her flamenco freestyle textures on “Supercore,” & Tina Kristina’s, whose reggae blues & Russian folk inspired melodies in “Desert Moon” create a unique BK Gypsy sound.  Rhythmic trances are induced via drummer Brandon Lewis & Estevez’s Arabic percussion breakbeats as heard on “Marfa,” while producer Takuya Nakamura's seductive trumpet lines & deep bass synth pads along with co producer Troy "Mobius" Simms summon Gypsy Dub sax riffs & solos reminiscent of street musicians on Istanbul’s Istikal thoroughfare and dancehalls in Kingston Jamaica.  The roots reach as far east as Japan on “BK Gypsy Dancehall” Feat. Bajah of Dry Eye Crew, fusing a Japanese Koto melody with the Sierra Leonean MC’s signature reggae dancehall cadence.  “Sin Fronteras” is a tribute to the nomadic Gypsy spirit worldwide.

Originating from Spain, Japan, Russia, Italy & U.S.A. BK Gypsies truly represents Brooklyn’s diverse ethnic heritage and style.  The gypsies came to be in 2012 within Williamsburg Brooklyn’s  Studio BPM music scene.   Members include: Carmen Estevez, Takuya Nakamura, Tina Kristina, Brandon Lewis, Troy "Mobius" Simms & Zeb "The Spy From Cairo.”  After a number of collaborative projects between the artist were explored the opportunity to form a band that incorporated elements from each project arose. The groups sound is an infusion of Mediterranean, North African, Arabic Themes with Electronic, Dancehall and Dub Reggae. The term "Gypsy" was incorporated into the band name representing the nomadic spirit & way of life within this musical journey.

NEW RELEASES: THE VERY BEST OF IDRIS MUHAMMAD: BOOGIE TO THE TOP; PAUL WILLIAMS – A LITTLE ON THE WINDY SIDE (EXPANDED EDITION); NICOLE WILLIS & THE SOUL INVESTIGATORS - PAINT ME IN A CORNER

IDRIS MUHAMMAD - THE VERY BEST OF IDRIS MUHAMMAD: BOOGIE TO THE TOP

This collection includes the Jazz Funk Classics Could Heaven Ever Be Like This, Boogie To The Top and Turn This Mutha Out, and the 7 versions of these three tracks are also added as bonus tracks. Some amazing Jazz musicians play on tracks featured on this compilation, including Grover Washington Jr, Eric Gale, Bob James, Ralph MacDonald, Fred Wesley, Hiram Bullock & The Brecker Brothers. The CTI / Kudu albums were recorded between 1974 & 1978 a real purple patch for Idris with the release of four albums in that period namely Power Of Soul, House Of The Rising Sun, Turn This Mutha Out & Boogie To The Top Tracks on these albums were produced by Creed Taylor & Dave Matthews. The track Lorans Dance was sampled by both The Beastie Boys (For All The Girls) and Fatboy Slim (The Weekend Starts Here), Could Heaven Ever Be Like This has also been sampled notably by Jamiroquai (Alright). ~ Amazon

PAUL WILLIAMS – A LITTLE ON THE WINDY SIDE (EXPANDED EDITION)

In a Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe-winning career that’s taken him from Tiny Tim to Daft Punk, Paul Williams has seen his songs recorded by Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, The Carpenters, and of course, Kermit the Frog. During his reign as perhaps the Seventies’ most in-demand songwriter, Williams also kept busy as an actor, television personality and recording artist. He came into his own as a vocalist at Reprise and A&M Records on albums such as Someday Man and Just an Old-Fashioned Love Song before moving to Epic Records’ sister label, Portrait. At Portrait – also the home of Heart and, briefly, Ringo Starr – Williams recorded what he later described as “one of the most listenable and good-feeling records I’ve ever been associated with.”  That record was A Little on the Windy Side. The album was recorded in Nashville with Paul’s brother Mentor Williams—the songwriter of Dobie Gray’s Top 5 hit “Drift Away” and Paul’s onetime bandmate in The Holy Mackerel—and featured Music City’s top session cats including David Briggs, Reggie Young and Troy Seals (a talented songwriter in his own right.)  Despite a wealth of strong material including movie tunes “Here’s Another Fine Mess” and “My Fair Share,” fan favorite “For Goodness Sake,” and a collaboration with Brill Building legend Jeff Barry, A Little on the Windy Side all but disappeared when the Portrait label was briefly shuttered.  Years later, a limited edition Japanese CD release came and went, too.  Real Gone Music and Second Disc Records have come to the rescue with this freshly-remastered first-ever American reissue.  Even better, four bonus tracks have been added to this Expanded Edition!  Three never-before-heard outtakes (including Paul’s own rendition of “When the River Meets the Sea” from the beloved holiday special Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and “Love Conquers All,” originally performed by Seals & Crofts) and a rare mono single round out this package, which features new liner notes from The Second Disc’s Joe Marchese and remastering by Sean Brennan at Battery Studios in New York.  

NICOLE WILLIS & THE SOUL INVESTIGATORS - PAINT ME IN A CORNER

Now and then you might find yourself painted in a corner. It is usually the case that you can only blame yourself for ending up there. The painter of shapes and words, Nicole Willis has painted herself for the past ten years into the periphery of Helsinki, Finland, only to sing her soul out. Now she's back at grinding her vocal axe with The Soul Investigators. Approaching the release of their third joint album in late 2015, it's time to test the waters with Paint Me in a Corner b/w Where Are You Now. Neither of the tracks carries much of a humour element. The first one points its pounding existential finger towards us all, urging us to break the chains of normality, while the beautiful melancholia of the second track rocks the listener in a mid-tempo groove paradise. These two tracks might be just the thing to kick you in the chest with enough soul in order to get out of the house. Maybe even dance by yourself in a desolate corner of the bar.

Things are already heating up for the throwback R&B vocal group DW3 on the heels of a new album "VINTAGE TRUTH" plus a hot radio single featuring Brian Culbertson

A twelve-song set of smooth old school soul strewn with modern day sensibilities, retro R&B vocal group DW3’s just released sophomore disc, “Vintage Truth,” is letting the music be its guide to the top of Billboard’s Most Added and New & Active singles charts thanks to their spirited harmony, rhythm & groove outing with contemporary jazz keyboards kingpin Brian Culbertson titled “Let The Music.” The GRAMMY®-nominated vocalists will celebrate the Woodward Avenue Records release at a pair of Los Angeles-area launch parties beginning with Thursday’s (April 16) gig at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California prior to playing a string of summer jazz festival dates from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. 

“Vintage Truth,” which was Amazon’s No. 1 classic R&B album during the week of release, is dedicated to DW3’s late drummer, producer and mentor Ricky Lawson (Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, Steely Dan), who passed away prior to the album’s completion. Hit producer-mixer Paul Brown stepped in to help finish the record and DW3 – brothers Billy & Eric Mondragon and Damon Reel - assumed the production helm on half the tracks, a mix of soul-powered originals and classic covers by a pair of the outfit’s seminal influences, Stevie Wonder (“Overjoyed”) and Luther Vandross (“So Amazing”),  in addition to a scorching soul-singed remake of The Pasadenas’ “Tribute (Right On)” and seductive, caressing versions of The Eagles’ “I Can’t Tell You Why” and The Mamas & The Papas’ “California Dreamin’.” Horn men Dave Koz, Greg Adams and Elan Trotman make guest appearances on “Vintage Truth” to animate by adding hues of sax and trumpet.      

The release of “Vintage Truth” will be feted a second time on May 24 at Spaghettini’s new buzz spot location in Beverly Hills. Earlier that same day, DW3 will bring their combustible party band live show to the San Diego Jazz Festival. Other upcoming high-profile festival dates include the Newport Beach Jazz Festival (May 30), Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway (June 13 & 14) and the Cancun Jazz Festival (September 2-6). DW3 is slated to open for R&B-jazz great George Benson on September 25 at Thornton Winery in Temecula, California. 

www.DW3music.com   

“Remembering Joe Sample” at the Berks Jazz Festival

One of the featured attractions at this year’s Berks Jazz Festival (its 25th anniversary show) will be a special performance on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Reading, PA called “Remembering Joe Sample.” This special tribute to the world renowned pianist and composer who passed away last September was organized by musical director Bobby Lyle and festival promoter John Ernesto; and will feature a stellar lineup of artists—many of whom performed and/or recorded with Sample.

It was a sad day for jazz fans as they lost their ambassador last fall (September 12, 2014) when Joe Sample died of mesothelioma, leaving a void in the smooth jazz/contemporary piano world. Gaining his fame in the early 1960s, and then topping charts with the award-winning Jazz Crusaders, the keyboard player who was comfortable in all musical settings, ranging from zydeco to playing blues with Eric Clapton to playing straight-ahead jazz. Sample also played a tremendous role in branding the sound of the Houston-based Jazz Crusaders.

The horn section will consist of saxophonist Wilton Felder, who along with Sample, trombonist Wayne Henderson, and drummer Stix Hooper founded the famous Houston-based group called the Jazz Crusaders. Felder will be joined by trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonist Everette Harp, and trombonist Jeff Bradshaw. The rhythm section will consist of Nick Sample (Joe’s son) on bass; J.J. Williams on drums; Randy Jacobs on guitar; Doc Gibbs on percussion; and musical director Bobby Lyle on piano. Vocalist Lizz Hogue will recreate some of the tunes made famous by the Sample/ Randy Crawford collaboration, including “Street Life.”

Joe Sample, who was a pioneer of contemporary jazz piano always reached back to the primary sources of jazz and soul music to create his personal interpretations of many composers. For nearly five decades Sample was an integral innovative, and best-selling part of jazz history; and the world lost one of its legends last year with his passing.

“Joe Sample and I became very close in the last few years. He was like a big brother to me and there was always tremendous musical respect between the two of us, thus, his loss hit all of us very hard. But putting this tribute together for the festival will allow us to celebrate the man and his illustrious musical life. For me it has truly been a labor of love, an honor, and a privilege. Showcasing some of his brilliant compositions for the audience will be a wonderful way to salute a musical icon whose legacy spanned decades and will live on forever.” –Bobby Lyle

In the history of the Berks Jazz Festival, and starting from its launch in 1991, Jazz Crusaders Joe Sample has been a featured performer four times (2000, 2002, 2006, and 2011). Berks Jazz Festival has always been about cultivating, promoting, and supporting the arts in the community of Pennsylvania through collaboration, education, and presentation. It continues that mission and propels excellence in jazz by featuring the cream of the crop in the jazz world. Joe Sample has been among the world’s jazz royalty throughout the years and has graced Berks Festival’s stage alongside Lalah Hathaway, Boney James, Spyro Gyra. Kirk Whalum, Yellow Jackets, Kurt Elling quartet, Betty Carter, Jeff Lorber, Najee, etc., throughout his years of his attendance there.

Longtime friend, neighbor, and fellow pianist Bobby Lyle is paying homage to Joe Sample during the Berks Jazz Festival with this special concert. Throughout his musical career, Lyle has developed an international reputation not only for his incredible piano technique, but also for his versatility and ability to constantly reinvent himself, both as a leader, sideman, and even as music director for superstars Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, and Anita Baker.

NEW RELEASES: FREE SOUL MEETS P-VINE JAZZ (VARIOUS ARTISTS); RHONDA THOMAS - VINYL DAZE; HYSEAR DON WALKER - COMPLETE EXPRESSIONS

FREE SOUL MEETS P-VINE JAZZ (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Rare jazz gems from the 60s and 70s – all tracks from albums that have been reissued on the P-Vine label in recent years, but pulled together with an especially groovy focus for the Free Soul series! Most of these tunes are upbeat and very lively, and the strong presence of jazz vocals really links the style of the collection to the more familiar soul-based Free Soul titles – although a number of these tracks really stretch out into more spiritual jazz territory too! The CD features over 80 minutes of music – all of them great – and titles include "You've Got To Have Freedom" by Pharoah Sanders, "On A Clear Day" by Fred Johnson, "The One Who Needs You" by Vince Andrews, "Moves" by Doug Hammond, "Attica" by The Descendents Of Mike & Phoebe, "Sack Full Of Dreams" by Paul Humphrey, "He Loves You" by Janice Borla, "Feel Like Making Love" by Meta Roos, "Common Ground" by Judy Roberts, and "Dancing & Singing" by Billy Wooten. ~ Dusty Groove.

RHONDA THOMAS - VINYL DAZE

The title's a great one, given the old school vibe of the record – a quality that's enforced by the back cover's image of Rhonda kicking back with headphones, doing some deep listening on her collection of vintage vinyl! The set's got all the great elements we've always loved in Rhonda's previous records – that warm, rich vocal style that's rooted in jazz, and which makes Thomas one of the strongest soul singers in the contemporary underground – and production this time around is by Daz-I-Kue of Bugz In The Attic – who's nicely restrained, and really respectful of Rhonda's lead – yet still finds a way to make the whole thing bristle with the kind of energy we've come to expect form his own music. The result may well be the strongest album we've ever heard from Thomas – and titles include "Reach", "Castles Made Of Sand", "I Won't Tell", "Let's Go", "Show Me How To Love You", and "When You Know You Know". ~ Dusty Groove

HYSEAR DON WALKER - COMPLETE EXPRESSIONS

A landmark album of electric piano grooves from Hysear Don Walker – the keyboardist on some of Young-Holt Unlimited's best albums! This album's much more in a jazz vein than some of the Young-Holt titles – with Walker playing electric keys on slower funky numbers that burn along at a sweet Kudu or CTI-styled pace – kicking back and letting the keys really open up as the tunes progress – putting equal emphasis on rhythm and solo space as Walker goes for the groove in an amazing way! All tracks are originals, save for one nicely placed Beatles cover – and titles include "Hydel", "Fat Flower, Skinny Stalk", "Durham Queen", "Inner Face", and "Jade Silhouettes". ~ Dusty Groove

ALBUMS YOU NEED TO HEAR: CHINA MOSES & RAPHAEL LEMONNIER - THIS ONE'S FOR DINAH; KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET – MISSION; DOUG WEBB - TRIPLE 3 PLAY

CHINA MOSES & RAPHAEL LEMONNIER - THIS ONE'S FOR DINAH

It could never be said that China Moses and Raphaël Lemonnier were fated to join forces on a project, given their rather different career paths and the seeming absence of any compelling reason for the two artists to meet. It was Dinah Washington, their mutual idol. So why not put together a show devoted to Dinah Washington? Known as The Queen of The Blues, Dinah Washington was one of the most important female singers during the 1950s and 1960s. The disc was recorded in the old style: all the musicians performed together and the best take was used in its entirety for the actual release. So the bar was set quite high for China, who had the artistic intelligence and good taste to pay tribute to Dinah by emphasizing spirit over form—in other words, by relying on her own talent. Thoroughly immersed in Dinah’s world, she sings the blues with a lovely authority highlighted in Dinah’s Blues, one of China’s own compositions. And it’s a good thing too, because with songs like “Evil Gal Blues”, “Fat Daddy” and “Fine Fine Daddy“, a close approximation won’t do. China is also a remarkable interpreter of standards, as seen in her clever handling of “Cry Me A River” and “Goodbye“, whose arrangements show off her voice to such impressive effect, and in the authentic emotion that emerges from “Mad About The Boy” and “Teach Me Tonight“, performed with great sensitivity and restraint. It’s the beautiful tribute that Dinah deserved. ~ chinamoses.com

KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET – MISSION

Kyoto Jazz Massive is on a soulful mission this time around – stepping out on Blue Note with a wonderful tribute to the rich legacy of the label! The music is directed by Shuya Okino, and played by a super-sharp quintet who really recall the genius of Blue Note in the 60s – especially that time when the label was perfectly balanced between modern and hardbop modes, as evidenced by the selection of compositions here by Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Joe Henderson! None of the tracks are straight remakes, and there's definitely a fresh, acoustic spin on the rhythms – played by a lineup that includes trumpet, tenor, piano, bass, and drums – plus some guest instrumentation as well. Tracks include the group's own "Eclipse" – plus "Search For The New Land", "Succotash", "The Melting Pot", "Mr Jin", "Jinrikisha", "Up A Step", and "Speak No Evil".  ~ Dusty Groove

DOUG WEBB - TRIPLE 3 PLAY

A triple-tenor powerhouse – as Doug Webb invites Walt Weiskopf and Joel Frahm in for the sessions – and things really begin to cook! The trio get this raw, spare accompaniment from Brian Charette on Hammond and Rudy Royston on drums – which leaves the tenors plenty of room to open up, stretch out, and really do their thing – coming together as unified voices on the heads, then breaking out into really well-crafted, well-defined individual solos. The feel is a bit like some of those great Don Patterson albums of the 60s, but even more modern – and titles include "Jazz Car", ~ , Dusty Groove