Internationally Renowned Saxophonist Miguel Zenón and his Quartet Perform Music From Recent CD Identities Are Changeable

Internationally acclaimed saxophonist and composer Miguel Zenón performs thirteen dates in eleven European cities from July 3 – July 17, 2015. Joined by his quartet featuring drummer Henry Cole, pianist Luis Perdomo and bassist Hans Glawischnig, Zenón performs music from his groundbreaking recording Identities are Changeable, a project focusing on the cultural identity of the Puerto Rican community in NYC. They appear:

Friday, July 3: Funchal Jazz Festival, Madeira, Portugal

Saturday, July 4 – Sunday, July 5: Hot Club, Lisbon, Portugal

Monday, July 6: Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Copenhagen, Denmark

Wednesday, July 8: Unterfahrt, Munich, Germany

Thursday, July 9: Sunside, Paris, France

Friday, July 10: Ezcaray Jazz Festival, Ezcaray, Spain

Saturday, July 11 – Sunday, July 12:  Bogui Jazz, Madrid, Spain

Tuesday, July 14: Umbria Jazz Festival, Umbria, Italy

Wednesday, July 15: Jimmy Glass, Valencia, Spain

Thursday, July 16: Festival des Hauts de Garonnes, Bordeaux, France

Friday, July 17: Pori Jazz Festival, Pori, Finland

Multiple Grammy® nominee and Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellow Zenón is one of a select group of musicians who have masterfully balanced and blended the often-contradictory poles of innovation and tradition. Widely considered one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists of his generation, he has also developed a unique voice as a composer and as a conceptualist, concentrating his efforts on perfecting a fine mix between Latin American folkloric music and jazz. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Zenón has recorded and toured with a wide variety of musicians including Charlie Haden, Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, Bobby Hutcherson and Steve Coleman and is a founding member of the SFJAZZ Collective. 

He has earned wide critical acclaim for Identities are Changeable.  For this project the alto saxophonist and composer asked his friends the question he had been asking himself:

What does it mean to be Puerto Rican in 21st-century New York City?

That was the point of departure for Identities Are Changeable, the startlingly original album by Zenón, who grew up in the island’s main city of San Juan and came to New York in 1998 to pursue a career in music.

Zenón’s experience of moving via the air bridge from the small Antillean island to the landing strip 1600 miles north is something he shares with hundreds of thousands of other “Puerto Rican-New Yorkers.” Puerto Ricans are not immigrants in the United States: for nearly a century – since 1917 – Puerto Ricans have, unlike other natives of Latin America, been US citizens, able to come and go as they please between the island of Puerto Rico and the mainland. When they come north, overwhelmingly they go to New York City. After different waves of migration over the decades – most numerously in the 1950s – about 1.2 million “Puerto Rican-Americans” were living in the greater New York area as of 2012.

Zenón did his own fieldwork for the project, interviewing New Yorkers of Puerto Rican descent, focusing on their experience as second-generation Puerto Ricans. The conversations centered on a single question: what makes a Puerto Rican a Puerto Rican. As Zenón notes: “There is, of course, no correct answer, but the many answers and impressions that came from these conversations eventually served as the main source of inspiration for the music on this piece. Video images and audio clips from these interviews interact with the music and make a case for the fact that national identity can be multiple and changeable—that in many cases our nationality can be within us, no matter where we’re from or the language we speak.”

Zenón has expanded his musical and theatrical boundaries with this ambitious big band project built around his longtime quartet and accompanying video. Identities Are Changeable is a thrilling counterpoint of music, language, and images. Cross-cutting between Puerto Rico and New York, it’s all about living contrapuntally, exploring the split focus of Puerto Rican cultural identity, by unpacking foundational forces such as family, language, ritual, neighborhood, and memory. Zenón investigates this dichotomy in composition and arrangements, coupled with his sensuous and soulful mastery of the saxophone. In Identities Are Changeable, he scales new heights as cultural guide.

The resultant work is a song cycle for large ensemble, with his longtime quartet (Luis Perdomo, piano; Hans Glawischnig, bass; Henry Cole, drums) at the center, incorporating recorded voices from a series of interviews conducted by Zenón. Commissioned as a multi-media work by Montclair State University’s Peak Performances series, it has a multi-media element with audio and video footage from the interviews, complemented by a video installation created by artist David Dempewolf. It’s been performed at such prestigious venues as the New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall in Boston, The SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco, and Zankel Hall in the Carnegie Hall complex in New York City.

Zenón explains: “all of the compositions explore the idea of multiple rhythmic structures coexisting with each other (e.g., 5 against 7, 3 against 2, 5 against 3).” Drummer Henry Cole has his hands (and feet) full holding down the simultaneous time streams, as does Zenón when he conducts the group live. The players are a selected elite team – hear John Ellis’s tenor solo on “Same Fight,” or Tim Albright’s trombone feature on “First Language.” There’s no way to convey in words the impact of the orchestral effects, but reviewing the Zankel Hall performance for The New York Times, Ben Ratliff writes:

“[The] sound and language didn’t directly suggest traditional Puerto Rican music or traditional jazz. Its rhythm was phrased almost completely in stacked or odd meter, with parts of the band shifting into double or half time, and Mr. Zenón’s saxophone darting around the chord changes or resting on top, in long tones.

There was drama and momentum in the music’s developing harmonic movement; at times a shift to a new chord felt like an event. All the music was deeply hybridized and original, complex but clear.”

It’s all at the service of Zenón’s relentless curiosity, as he writes in the album’s liner notes:

When I first came into contact with Puerto Rican communities in this country, I was shocked to meet second and third generation Puerto Ricans who were as connected to the traditions of their parents/grandparents and as proud to be Puerto Rican as the people I knew back home. Where was this sense of pride coming from? What did they consider their first language? Their home? What did it mean to them to be Puerto Rican? What are the elements that help us shape our national identity?

If the music doesn’t directly answer these questions, it provides a way into thinking about them. Like Zenón’s other music, it’s about an entire society, but it’s deeply personal.

Identities are Changeable was released November 4, 2014 on Zenon’s Miel Music.

http://miguelzenon.com

Featured This Week On The Jazz Network Worldwide: Contemporary Jazz and R&B band E-Life7 debut CD “Miked Up” featuring Michael Pennick

E-Life 7 has united some of the finest musicians for their debut CD project entitled “Miked Up”, released on Three 2 Go Music Records.

E-Life7 is the brainchild of Ron Walker and Mike Pennick, who are long standing members of Buffalo Music Hall of Fame’s recording artists ‘The Exoutics’. Both decided it was time to explore their ‘jazz alter egos’ and discover what was hidden underneath the style of music they were so familiar composing throughout the years. 

E-Life7 (short for “Enjoy Life 7 days a week) is a sophisticated combination of musicians spanning many musical genres. “Miked Up” is a unique compilation of collaborations of funk-pop-bass driven grooves embellished with rhythm and blues stitched with soulful dance grooves that is ideal for getting their audiences on their feet. Mike Pennick (for whom the project is named) exudes his artistry with grace as he walks up and down his bass guitar with his natural flow of spirited-musicianship. 

Also shining brilliantly on “Miked Up” are local legends Rodney Spears, Charlie Crymes, Jr., Walter Kemp III and Van Taylor (keys), Ron Walker (guitar), Tim Webb (drums and percussion), Ken Whitman (tenor sax), Joey Diggs, and Dee Osbourne (vocals). Each player’s performance is a thing of great beauty, art and skill, magnificently laudable, perfect in pitch, timing, and taste. In short, E-Life7 makes fusing genres with contemporary jazz flavors seem effortless. 

“Music lovers around the globe will appreciate the sheer musical expertise of E-Life7. Not only do they tap into the genres of music that we all know and love but its the way that they execute its fusion of the arrangements, it truly is ‘feel good’ music” says Jaijai Jackson of The Jazz Network Worldwide social network. 

Mike Pennick and Ron Walker not only have a great band that is looking to be booked for festivals and special events worldwide for 2015/2016 calendar, they have been on the lookout for aspiring musical talent seeking to conquer the music business and its live stages. As partners with Three 2 Go Music label, they have embarked upon two rising stars who they will be showcasing at the upcoming Midem conference this coming June. 

"Three 2 Go Music Alliance has a mission of “delivering musical excellenence with independence”. As a partner I’m very much anticipating the global introduction of Omeri’s debut CD 'Day Dream’n' in July. With the Midem conference happening in June this year the timing could not be better. Melissa Kate and Omeri are enthusiastically looking forward to performing live, entertaining fans and making new friends while having a great Midem conference. ~ Ron Walker, E-Life7 & Three 2 Go Music Alliance, RW Music Video Production 

Three 2 Go Music Alliance will present Buffalo, NY recording artists Omeri Monroe (pop/indie artist) and Melissa Kate(international jazz and blues singer), performance in Cannes France. We are pleased that our 2015 featured artists will attend the MIDEM music conference. Monroe and Kate will each deliver 30 minute performances at Plaga La Mandala on Saturday June 6th.

  

In addition to delivering outstanding musical performances, E-Life7 lends its philanthropic arm and charitable support to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Sickle Cell Disease Association and Western NY Food Bank.

Be sure to come by and check out their feature on The Jazz Network Worldwide at www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com. To purchase and learn more, go to http://www.elife7.com.

NEW RELEASES: ROB MAZUREK EXPLODING STAR ORCHESTRA - GALACTIC PARABLES VOL. 1; KENNY BARRON / MARK SHERMAN - INTERPLAY; PAQUITO D’RIVERA & QUINTETO CIMARRON – AIRES TROPICALES

ROB MAZUREK EXPLODING STAR ORCHESTRA - GALACTIC PARABLES VOL. 1

The most cosmically expansive and exciting work yet from composer/coronet player Rob Mazurek's Exploding Star Orchestra – dedicated to Amiri Baraka, and infused with the righteous, poetic spirit of Baraka's work with Sun Ra! The Exploding Star players include some Chicago underground heroes and heroines of longstanding brilliance, including flautist Nicole Mitchell, guitarist Jeff Parker, drummers John Herndon and Chad Taylor, bassist Matthew Lux, and Damon Locks on electronics and with some subtly righteous spoken word – along with Mazurek's Sao Paolo Underground cohorts Mauricio Takara and Guilherme Grandando, and last but not least, pianist Angelica Sanchez – all of whom have ample space to shine. Galactic Parables Vol 1 is a 2 disc set, one featuring the compositions as performed in Sardinia, and a second CD of their performances at the Chicago Cultural Center, which is a smart approach, given the improvisational nature of the material. There's plenty of space for the players to explore, and the differing performances are no doubt colored and shaded in different ways by different environments. Amazing stuff! Titles include "Free Agents Of Sound", "Make Way To The City", "The Arc Of Slavery #72", "Helmets Of Our Poisonous Thoughts #16", "Collections Of Time" and "Awaken The World #41". ~ Dusty Groove

KENNY BARRON / MARK SHERMAN - INTERPLAY

A great meeting between jazz piano legend Kenny Barron and the younger, brillant vibes player Mark Sherman – Barron being a veteran of top notch duo settings, and Sherman newer to it – but Sherman succeeds here mightily! Interplay couldn't be a more fitting title, as the pair are perfectly simpatico – working together on a range of material and a lone Barron original, it's wonderful from track-to-track – feeling like one of the coziest, strongest latenight jazz club sessions you'd ever be lucky enough to see. Includes nice takes on the tried-and-true "Afternoon In Paris", "Dear Old Stockholm" and "Indian Summer", the Barron composed waltz "Venture Within", Dexter Gordon's "Cheese Cake", the Charles Mingus gem "Orange Was The Color Of Her Dress, Then Blue Silk", "Polka Dots And Moonbeams", "Without A Song" and more.  ~ Dusty Groove

PAQUITO D’RIVERA & QUINTETO CIMARRON – AIRES TROPICALES

One of the most creatively adventurous efforts in years from Paquito D'Rivera – which is saying something, as he's never lacking in ambition – and it finds the style-straddling clarinetist joined by the Cimarron string quintet! Quinteto Cimarron is a Cuban combo that leans more towards contemporary small combo classical, with a pair of violins, viola, cello and contrabass – and Paquito's clarinet and occasional saxophone feels right at home in the mix. There's no additional accompaniment, nor is it needed, it works brilliantly as is, with arrangements by Eduardo Cana Flores, and titles that include "Alborada Y Son", "Wapango", "Habanera", "Afro", "Contradanza", "Martica", "Longina", "Notas De La Habana", "La Rity", "Dna Vainilla", "Zumolanida", "Isora Club", "La Rity" and more. 17 in all!  ~ Dusty Groove

New compilation showcasing some great early works by the outstanding Dutch jazz singer Greetje Kauffeld

This new compilation “Young Girl Sunday Jazz” makes Greetje Kauffeld’s lost jazz songs from the 1960s available on CD and vinyl LP. Mainly included are recordings from the private vaults of the singer or from musicians’ and collectors’ archives, with music performed between 1960 and 1969 at concerts, in the studio or at sessions for radio and tv. Greetje in top form, accompanied by some of the most excellent Dutch and German jazz musicians! Moreover, all four tracks of her first and only jazz EP from 1960, entitled “Makin’ Whoopee”, are reissued here for the first time.

The 16 remastered songs fill a major gap in her discography. Not even one jazz record by Greetje Kauffeld was released during the course of the 60s, although she regularly performed on stage as a truly gifted jazz singer. Her story of a recorded but never released Bossa Nova album, produced 1967 with Oscar Castro Neves in Los Angeles, and its corresponding master tape that somehow landed in the trash bin, fits well into the picture: Until today, she remains one of the great European jazz voices of the 1960s, but without accompanying releases from that period.

Already as a little girl Greetje sang while listening to jazz recordings on the radio or on records. She gained a broad knowledge of the song repertoire, by listening only and without the need to memorize the English lyrics. Greetje had music in her heart and knew exactly: “I want to be a singer”. In the school band “The Raindrops” she had her first practical experience. Then in 1957 the artist began to work in a professional environment. The German magazine “Jazz Podium” reported: “The 17-year-old Greetje Kauffeld is the new singer of the Dutch big band The Skymasters. Greetje made her debut in Cologne, where her predecessor Annie Plevier found a new home. Annie has left the Skymasters because she got married in Cologne”.

This is something of a leap in the dark for the young and self-confident lady from Rotterdam, who responded to a newspaper advertisement placed by the popular Radio Orchestra under the direction of Bep Rowold. Greetje made her first appearance as the new vocalist of the band at Guerzenich Cologne, also sang at the Tanzbrunnen and then went on a four-week tour with the musicians through the Ruhr area. A little later her first shellac record with the Skymasters was released on the Dutch Decca label, but “Kindje” appeared to be a naive pop song and a foolish idea by her record company. Her other Dutch pop records of the time largely flew under the radar and commercially failed.

However, in the same year the song “Who Knows Why”, with which the singer won the first prize at the Song Festival in Venice, incorporated an intense jazz feeling. Erwin Lehn sat in the audience and invited the young artist to work with his Big Band of the South German Radio. As late as 1960 a recording of the song was included in her first and only Dutch jazz EP, produced with the quartet of saxophonist Tony Vos. This Decca 7inch record contains three more songs and remains Greetje’s only jazz release from the 60s: “Almost Like Being In Love”, “Makin’ Whoopee” and “Orange Coloured Sky”.

A year later she moved to Stuttgart and topped the German charts with Schlager songs for Polydor and Columbia. Her record bosses were happy and helped to establish the pretty girl as a successful German pop singer. Nevertheless, in the background she continued to focus on her jazz career, clearly audible in these recordings with top-notch musicians, both from the Netherlands and Germany. But then, after the beginning of the 70s and a long stay in Los Angeles, Greetje finally left the entertainment industry and decided to devote herself entirely to her passion for jazz, especially to the songs from the Great American Songbook.

From 1974 on, her husband Joop De Roo produced the vocal jazz albums “And Let The Music Play” (arranged by Jerry Van Rooyen and Rob Pronk), “He Was A King Uncrowned” and “Some Other Spring”. Most of the included songs were already re-released on Sonorama Records and have been sold in many countries. During those times, Greetje performed with the who’s who of the European jazz elite and with American stars such as Phil Woods, Stan Getz, Mark Murphy or Herb Geller. In the 1980s and 90s she also released outstanding jazz records as a freelance singer, including the marvelous album “The Real Thing” with Humphrey Campbell.

In addition, Greetje became a singing teacher, first at the conservatories in Hilversum and Zwolle. Later she also worked as a vocal coach for artists like Roger Cicero or Ulita Knaus. Her album “My Shining Hour”, released in 2005 and recorded with the Paul Kuhn Trio featuring Paulo Morello and Kim Barth, was highly praised by critics and audiences alike. These days, she perfoms up to 80 concerts a year, with small and large ensembles between Trio and big band – in small clubs and at major festivals in Germany and Holland, e.g. over twenty times at the famous “North Sea Jazz Festival”. Thank you for the music, Greetje. Your modesty is one of your greatest charms!

  

Tracklisting:

01. Almost Like Being In Love

02. Saturday Night

03. Fever

04. Handful Of Soul

05. Orange Coloured Sky

06. Love For Sale

07. Shiny Stockings

08. Deed I Do

09. My Kinda World

10. My Blue Heaven

11. Day In Day Out

12. Makin’ Whoopee

13. You And I (Você E Eu)

14. It’s Alright With Me

15. Who Knows Why

16. Almost Like Being In Love

~ grooveattack.com

NEW RELEASES: JIMMY DALE – DEAR MR. BENSON; JACK PACK; VINICIUS CANTUARIA – VINICIUS CANTA ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM

JIMMY DALE – DEAR MR. BENSON

Jazz guitarist Jimmy Dale is turning heads with his new original single “Dear Mr. Benson”. This week Dale hits SmoothJazz.com’s Radar chart at #61. Right now his single is getting spins on numerous terrestrial and online radio stations such as CJazzChannel.com, KSHK 103.3 in Hawaii, Phase-Radio Show 90.5 FM, Smooth Jazz Florida, SmoothJazz.com, WFSS 91.9 in North Carolina, WOWE 98.9 in Michigan, and WTCC 90.7 in Massachusetts. His musical journey started at the age of 12 when he first learned how to play the guitar. When he first saw the movie A Hard Days Night from The Beatles, he claimed “I was lost in the life of music forever.” Jimmy also attended Berklee College of Music in Boston and UC Santa Cruz. He studied music with guitarists: Ted Greene, Carl Verheyen and Davis Ramey, trumpet/composition with Randy Masters and Tony Horowitz, mathematical composition with Joe Sekon, bass with Ray Drummond, and music arranging with Don Schamber.

JACK PACK

Jack Pack is a uniquely contemporary swing pop group is made up of four distinct vocalists Andrew Bourn, Alfie Palmer, Martin McCafferty and Sean Ryder Wolf, who channel an elegance reminiscent of the last days of true Hollywood glamour with a quintessentially British twist. After signing to Simon Cowell’s Syco Music roster following Britain’s Got Talent 2014, Jack Pack release their self-titled debut album. Jack Pack has been recorded with a 72-piece orchestra, hearing the group put a contemporary stamp on much-loved classics like “Light My Fire”, “I Put A Spell On You” and “My Way”. The album also features brand new original recordings including a previously un-released track penned by Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer/songwriter Randy Newman titled “Forever”. ~ Amazon

VINICIUS CANTUARIA – VINICIUS CANTA ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM

A truly beautiful tribute to the classic songcraft of Antonio Carlos Jobim – done with warmth, reverence and soul-stirring voice and guitar by Vinicius Cantuaria! The Tom Jobim songbook is timeless, of course, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that one of the finer Brazilian voices of a later generation could handle it, but this set is exceptionally strong! Some of the best numbers are on the spare side, with Cantuaria's voice up front in the mix, giving it an intimate quality that we love – but it also includes some wonderful musicians from both Rio and Tokyo – where the tracks were recorded – plus some nice guest guitar work by Bill Frisell on a couple tunes and a lovely duet with Joyce. Includes "Ligua", "Caminhos Cruzados" featuring Joyce, "Vivo Sonhando", "So Danco Samba", "Este Seu Ohlar", "Retrato Em Branco E Preto", "Felicade", "Insensatez", "Inutil Paisagem", "Voce Vai Ver", "Por Causa De Voce" and more. 13 in all. ~ Dusty Groove

"Padme" Marks the Recording Debut of Pianist/Composer Caili O'Doherty

Pianist and composer Caili O'Doherty steps into the top tier of promising young jazz artists with the release on July 7 of her sparkling debut album, Padme, on her ODO Records imprint. O'Doherty's prowess on acoustic and electric keys, her proclivity for writing airy, flowing melodies, and her clear vision as a leader are much in evidence on the new CD.

The album title means "lotus flower," which "begins growing at the bottom of a muddy pool, emerges and blooms on the surface of the water during daylight, and then closes and sinks below the surface each night, to bloom clean the next day," she says. "To me, it embodies the idea that each person, despite the conditions they start from, can hope to realize their dreams." 

For Caili (pronounced "KAY-lee"), jazz is an extension of the lotus flower, imbued with qualities that resonate in people living through difficult circumstances -- helping them to recognize and connect with their dreams. Nourished by her experiences in Africa, Central and South America, and Europe, as well as in New York, Washington, DC, and her hometown of Portland, Oregon, O'Doherty's interest in the unifying impact of music across different cultures finds a stirring voice in her beautifully varied compositions.

The recipient of two DownBeat awards and an ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award in 2009, Caili has an unusual approach to composing. She writes lyrics to her songs to imbue in them the stories of her journeys and discards the words when the pieces are completed. This gives her melodies a natural rhythm of language. 

All of the songs on Padme have an engagingly light quality, even when probing dark themes. Her lyrical touch on piano opens the way for fetching arrangements involving violin and trombone, wordless vocals, the guitar of guest artist Mike Bono on the title track, and the earthy drumming by the stellar Adam Cruz on the gorgeously harmonized "Prayer Song."

Padme captures a terrific group of young artists with whom O'Doherty enjoys strong ties. They include bassist Zach Brown, violinist Alex Hargreaves, and guitarist Mike Bono, who were all at Berklee with Caili; drummer Cory Cox and tenor saxophonist Ben Flocks, who were at the Stanford Jazz Workshop with her; and alto saxophonist Caroline Davis and trombonist Eric Miller, whom she met after moving to New York.

The 23-year-old O'Doherty started classical piano lessons at five and began playing jazz at 11, studying under celebrated educator Thara Memory. After being selected for the Berklee Summer Jazz Workshop band, led by drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, Caili was awarded a full scholarship to the Boston school. Since she had only completed her sophomore year of high school when she received the offer, she took extra courses and graduated a year early in order to attend Berklee. As a member of Berklee's Global Jazz Institute, directed by Danilo Perez, she got to perform with him and other greats including Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, and John Patitucci. 

In 2010, O'Doherty was one of five pianists invited to participate in the inaugural season of the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Emerging Artists Workshop at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. After graduating from Berklee with a degree in jazz piano performance, she moved to New York. 

As witness her voluntary teaching and performing, as well as her efforts at WeBop, an early-childhood jazz education program at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, where she has been a member of the faculty since 2012, Caili retains her commitment to music education and outreach even as she devotes herself to performing jazz. 

"When you're very clear what you're doing it all for, it gives everything a bigger purpose," she said. "I've seen how music can be a vehicle for social change and healing. I strive to incorporate those ideas in my daily life." 

Caili O'Doherty on Tour:

• 6/25 Christo's Pizzeria & Lounge, Salem, OR 
• 6/26 The Royal Room, Seattle 
• 6/27 Arrivederci Wine Bar, Portland 
• 7/1 Jimmy Mak's, Portland 
• 7/2 The Jazz Station, Eugene, OR 
• 7/3 POPS Performing Arts & Cultural Center, Dunsmuir, CA 
• 7/4 Fillmore Jazz Festival, California Street Stage, San Francisco 
• 7/4 Jupiter Brewhouse, Berkeley 
• 7/5 Café Stritch, San Jose
• 7/6 SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, Santa Barbara 
• 7/8 The Blue Whale, Los Angeles 
• 7/9 Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz 
• 7/10 San Jose Jazz Presents Music at the Market, San Jose
• 7/11-7/25 Teaching at Stanford Jazz Workshop
• 7/21 Stanford Jazz Festival, Palo Alto, CA 

Multi-Platinum Artist and Keyboardist for the Moody Blues, Alan Hewitt, Forms Jazz/Rock Fusion Super Group: Alan Hewitt & One Nation, Releases New CD "Evolution"

Alan Hewitt, platinum keyboardist/producer to the stars, releases a jazz CD with his new super band Alan Hewitt & One Nation entitled "Evolution”. The album is now available on iTunes, Amazon and other electronic retail outlets. Full album streaming on Rdio here.

What happens when you put world class musicians together, stir in some jazz, rock, prog and a whole lot of inspiration? You get Alan Hewitt & One Nation… a fusion of great songs combined with great musicians and great performances influenced by their predecessors, Return to Forever, Weather Report and Mahavishnu Orchestra.

Alan Hewitt, multi platinum composer/writer/producer and keyboardist for the Moody Blues created the jazz super group Alan Hewitt and One Nation; he is featured on piano and keyboards.  The band is made up of JV Collier, Bass (Bruce Hornsby Noisemakers, The Temptations, Earl Klugh, Freda Payne, Ron Banks and the Dramatics, Enchantment and the Floaters); Sonny Emory, Grammy winning drummer (EWF, Steely Dan, Bruce Hornsby Noisemakers, Stanley Clarke); Jamie Glaser, Guitarist (Anderson/Ponty Band, Chick Corea’s Electric Band, Manhattan Transfer) and Duffy King, Guitarist and six time Detroit music award winner.  Special Guests on Album include Orianthi, the Guitarist best known from Michael Jackson's "This is It" and vocalist Alex Boye, the #1 YouTube Artist of the Year.

“This music has no boundaries nor relies on the current norm. It’s inspired, energetic, artful, melodic and edgy! I wanted to return to the music that I listened to and loved so much when I was growing up, which was fusion- and put my own stamp on it! ” says Hewitt.

Hewitt just finished up a U.S. and will be embarking on the European leg of the tour in June, with The Moody Blues performing at legendary venues such as the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, the majestic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver and The Apollo in London. Hewitt is also being showcased on “Justin Hayward’s Spirits…Live at Buckhead” DVD airing nationwide on PBS which has already charted at #2 on the Billboard Charts. You can view Alan’s press coverage here.

Alan Hewitt has made his living painting musical tapestries about the lives of others.  Hewitt began his career performing in the club scene but quickly graduated to the production room, where he had the honor of working as Co-Producer alongside Maurice White of Earth Wind and Fire (EWF) for over half a decade with EWF's Greatest Hits album going platinum in 2000. However, it was co-writing and piano/B-3 contributions on the platinum record Cherry Pie with Warrant that would solidify Hewitt as a monster musical talent capable of crossing genres.

Hewitt's list of record production credits as both a Producer and recording artist spans across various major labels and genres with over 12 million records sold. A first call composer for a long list of major film and television productions, Hewitt's film & television credits include National Lampoon's Van Wilder, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Survivor, MTV, Access Hollywood, Tom Holland's Twisted Tales and is a favored composer for the Oprah Winfrey Show (including Oprah's Big Give). The list of accolades from the industry includes a "The Golden Planet Award", “Best Score at New York International Film Fest” and the "ESPY Award for Excellence".

The 5th Dimension: Up Up & Away / Magic Garden / Stoned Soul Picnic / Age Of Aquarius (with bonus tracks)

An amazing little package of classic late 60s 5th Dimenion – with the complete Up, Up And Away, Magic Garden, Stoned Soul Picnic and Age Of Aquarius LP, back-to-back on 2CDs – and bonus tracks, too! Up Up & Away is the fab first album – and as groovy a batch of pop soul harmonies as you'll ever hope to find! Jimmy Webb is already at the helm on this one – arranging and conducting the group with his heavenly 60s pop approach – all produced to perfection by the amazing Bones Howe! 

The record soars to the top with the hit "Up Up & Away", and features many other great numbers –lesser-known, but really wonderful gems like "California My Way", "Another Day Another Heartache", "Pattern People", "Rosecrans Blvd", "Learn How To Fly", and the group's great cover of Tim Hardin's "Misty Roses"! 

Magic Garden is also brilliant work – arguably their best! The reason for this is partly Jimmy Webb – who arranged and conducted the album, which is comprised entirely of his own work. Titles include the sublime "The Girls Song", a track that out-Bacharachs Burt himself – plus "Requiem 820 Latham", "The Worst That Could Happen", "Paper Cup", and "Carpet Man". CD also features 3 bonus tracks – "I'll Be Loving You Forever", "Train Keep On Movin", and "Too Poor To Die" – all by Willie Hutch! 

Stoned Soul Picnic is a great leap forward for the 5th Dimension – with a strongly soulful quality that moves past just pop, and which hits even deeper territory than before! Titles include the group's hit version of "Stoned Soul Picnic" – plus "California Soul", "Bobbie's Blues", "It's A Great Life", "Sweet Blindness", "Broken Wing Bird", "Good News", and "The Eleventh Song (What A Groovy Day)". 

Age Of Aquarius is one of their biggest albums ever, built around the group's hit version of "Aquarius/Let The Sun Shine In", and featuring some other psychedelic pop soul gems like "Sunshine Of Your Love", "Blowing Away", "The Hideaway", "The Winds of Heaven", and "Working On A Grooving Thing". Also includes the excellent "Wedding Bell Blues" – one of the greatest songs of all time! CD features 2 bonus tracks – "Chissa Se Tornera" and "East Of Java"!  ~ Dusty Groove

Soulful house trio TORTURED SOUL from Brooklyn release their third album‏, HOT FOR YOUR LOVE TONIGHT

Led by drummer and vocalist Christian Urich, US Soulful House trio Tortured Soul deliver four-on-the-floor beats topped by a Maxwell-like falsetto and poppy hooks. Influenced by such classic artists as Prince, Heatwave and Kool & The Gang, the band now release their third cool, groove-centred album, "Hot For Your Love Tonight", dedicated to the memory of keyboard player and founding member Ethan White, who passed away suddenly in March at the age of 39.

"Hot For Your Love Tonight" is ripe with the awesomely soulful Tortured Soul signature style that their fans globally have come to adore. Opening with the heartfelt "I’ll Be There For You", with other highlights including the Deep House flavoured "Don’t Lead Me On" and the seductively catchy album title cut, sandwiched among some Tortured Soul recent stunners including the hot under the collar "Dirty" and the beautiful Disco groove "Can't Keep Rhythm From A Dancer". 

Tortured Soul have astounded audiences around the world with their performances, including playing to a 15,000-plus crowds at the Montreal Jazz Festival, headlining Southport Weekender and performing at the Big Chill festival, while their recorded oeuvres push the genre boundaries of soul, dance, and pop. Tortured Soul is both an echo of the past and a challenge to the future, combining elements of old soul and funk with a modern dancefloor sensibility. They have been dubbed the undisputed worldwide leaders in live soulful house music and their productions have received remix treatment from such luminaries as Osunlade, DJ Spinna, Alix Alvarez, Quentin Harris and Dimitri from Paris among others.

DAVID SMITH - IMPETUS, featuring DAN PRATT, NATE RADLEY, GARY WANG & ANTHONY PINCIOTTI

Impetus is the third album from the David Smith Quintet, featuring Smith's working band for the past several years, Dan Pratt on saxophones, Nate Radley on guitar, Gary Wang on bass and Anthony Pinciotti on drums.  On Impetus Smith offers six original compositions that explore subtle tensions that drive the music forward.  

The trumpeter/composer explains, "in several tunes I was looking for a tempo that was laid back enough that it created a subtle tension to move forward, like a spring that is pulled just a bit causing it to pull back." While Smith considers his compositions the foundation of his records, he is intent on finding the point of balance whereby the tune communicates a musical idea but remains open enough to allow creative space for the band to explore.

The first three tunes of Impetus make a continuous "suite". "Moments" is an understated, lyrical melody that sets the tone for the album. "Bond" was built upon the last two chords of "Moments" with the intention of them being continuous. Smith elaborates, "as a pair of tunes they sort of needed a foil to balance them out and segueing into "The Toaster" was working on gigs so I kept it. "The Toaster" was written in tribute to a tragically unfortunate mouse." "Seven" borrows its harmony from the Allegretto second movement of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, resulting in something very different. "Starr St" is about a rough and tumble part of Bushwick, Brooklyn. "Intersection" was another attempt to capture the energy Smith was describing earlier, with the tempo sitting back and the "F" that exists throughout the entire tune creating a subtle but building tension until the last four measures of the recording when it is finally released. 

Impetus was recorded live in a one-room studio to two-track analog tape, and also mastered directly from the tape; the mixing was completed before the band started playing. Smith wanted to capture the organic nature of the tunes and band dynamic and felt this was the best way to accomplish that. 

At times Impetus betrays a rock influence, both musically and emotionally. Smith explains, "I feel this is acknowledging a part of where I came from musically, earlier in life. It wasn't a conscious decision, but rather what came out when I tried to write honest music." From the twenty-four minute suite that opens the recording, to the resolution in the last four measures, this is an album in the truest sense. 

www.davesmithtrumpet.com

DAVID COOK releases SCENIC DESIGN, a compelling set of original music

Pianist and composer David Cook possesses the ability to compose music that allows his massive talent to shine through unimpeded, creating a bond with the listener with every note.  On May 26, Cook follows up his debut recording, Pathway (produced by Bruce Barth and released on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records) with the release of Scenic Design, a compelling set of original music, and a brilliant duo version of Taylor Swift's "Safe and Sound" (with trumpeter David Smith), produced by Ben Wendel, and featuring his quintet of David Smith - trumpet, Ben Wendel - sax, Matt Clohesy - bass, Kendrick Scott - drums, and special guest Shayna Steele on vocals (on "I Know You Know").  In addition to leading his own bands, Cook is a first-call artist in multiple genres, working as the long time music director/pianist for seven-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor Swift, and with such notable musicians as Lizz Wright, Donny McCaslin, the late Lew Soloff, John Ellis, Nir Felder, Sunny Jain (of Red Baraat), Alan Ferber, Michael Blanco, Greg Howe, and pop artists N-Sync (during the heyday of their career), Justin Timberlake, Natasha Bedingfield, and many more. 

"I'm really fortunate to have been able to record Scenic Design with Ben, Dave, Matt and Kendrick. These are 4 of my favorite musicians, all total pros that have strong and clear voices on their respective instruments . . . really all I had to do was write the music and get out of the way. The goal was for a true collective sound, and I hope this album has achieved it," said Cook. 

The idea of doing a quintet recording was both daunting and exciting for Cook. He explains, "I knew that I wanted to spread the melodies out past the piano on this record, but in which direction? Is it possible to say something unique and true to the history of this music at the same time? As a starting point, I picked three of my favorite quintets - Woody Shaw with Dexter Gordon, Fred Hersch and Kneebody - and tried to write music that might exist in the middle of a triangular plain with those three points." Producer/saxophonist Ben Wendel (Kneebody) was instrumental in making this happen, as he "had so many great arrangement and orchestrational ideas; the tunes really came together once he put his ears on them," said Cook.

Highlights on Scenic Design include, "Flower + Hope", written for a dear friend of Cook's who is facing an uphill battle with his health. "He told me what he was up against (with his typical Viking strength and wit) while standing on a street corner in Los Angeles, and looking in both directions was Flower Street and Hope Street. The juxtaposition of fighting for life in this world but spiritually being fine with any outcome was a powerful moment," explained Cook. "80s TV theme song": "I wanted to write a Keith Jarrett tune circa, 'Somewhere Before' or 'Life Between the Exit Signs', and what came out sounded more like an 80s TV theme song, so there you go," said Cook. "I Know You Know" is for Cook's daughter Caia, written by the pianist and his wife, vocalist Shayna Steele. Cook describes the inspiration behind this beautiful composition, "every parent out there knows the feeling of stepping back, taking a look at your child and being overcome with emotion that you're responsible for someone this beautiful and precious. We wanted to put music and lyrics to that moment." "'Scenic Design' is my favorite tune on the record, mostly because it allows everyone to 'paint' however they'd like. Kendrick Scott ate this one up, although that goes for every tune on the session."

In addition to his original compositions, Cook and Wendel also arranged Cook's favorite Taylor Swift song, "Safe & Sound," Cook has been working with Taylor for the last five years and has witnessed up close how serious she is about writing, recording and performing music, while simultaneously living her life in the public eye. Scenic Design closes with the contemplative tunes, "Midwestern" and "Still", one looking back and another dealing with the present and future. "'Midwestern' is a tribute to the beauty of the part of the country where I grew up, trying to carry some of that vibe with me wherever I go," David Cook. 

www.davidcookmusic.com

R&B Guitarist Shuggie Otis Hits The Road For An Extended Summer Tour

After the recent release of his first-ever live album, Live In Williamsburg (available on CD, vinyl and DVD), R&B legend Shuggie Otis is once again bringing his talents to the stage for a 20+ date, coast-to-coast tour starting July 5th. Nobody brings as much soul, style, and swagger to a live performance as Shug with his signature red Gibson SG, and fans who have followed this multi-talented performer’s tumultuous career know that a Shuggie Otis concert is not an event to be missed. Whether it be the fabulous grooves of “Inspiration Information” or the funkdafied rhythm of the all-time classic “Strawberry Letter 23,” Shuggie’s songs have a magical sway over audiences, both young and old, guaranteed to get them on their feet and dancing in the aisles!

The son of renowned bandleader and musician Johnny Otis, Shuggie Otis began his incredible career at the tender age of 15, playing as a session guitarist alongside Al Kooper before releasing his first solo album Here Comes Shuggie Otis in 1970. Already being hailed as a uniquely skillful guitarist, Shuggie proved his mettle as a songwriter the following year with the hit single “Strawberry Letter 23” from his second solo album. Now one of the most sampled songs in all of modern music, “Strawberry Letter 23” became an even bigger smash when The Brothers Johnson recorded their version in 1977 (produced by Quincy Jones). After the release of his third album Inspiration Information failed to meet outsized expectations, Shuggie seemed to retire permanently from music. But, thankfully, he reemerged in 2013 with a deluxe reissue of Inspiration Information that included a new album of previously unreleased recordings called Wings Of Love. Since then, Shuggie has returned to the stage and been re-embraced by an adoring public who have waited a long time and never lost faith!

07/05/15 Napa, CA City Winery

07/10/15 Houston, TX Continental Club

07/11/15 Austin, TX Continental Club

07/12/15 Dallas, TX DADA Club

07/15/15 Little Rock, AR Rev Room

07/16/15 Nashville, TN City Winery

07/17/15 Chicago, IL City Winery

07/19/15 Ottawa Ottawa Bluesfest

07/20/15 Toronto, ONT Lee's Palace

07/22/15 Boston, MA The Sinclair

07/23/15 North Hampton, MA Iron Horse

07/24/15 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Bowl

07/25/15 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club

07/26/15 Albany, NY The Egg

07/30/15 Lancaster, PA Ardmore Music Hall

07/31/15 Washington, DC Howard Theater

08/01/15 Raleigh, NC Lincoln Theatre

08/03/15 Atlanta Georgia Terminal West

08/06/15 Pensacola, FL Vinyl

www.shuggieotismusic.com

THE BEST OF DON MCCASLIN"S WARMTH

++$1000 AND MORE++ULTRA RARE++SOUGHT AFTER! The reason why labels work so hard to track down musicians to re-issue their privately released music is normally because the original records are very hard to find and very expensive. Demand within the 'collectors scene' is crucial. So what do we have here?

None of the adjectives mentioned above apply for the albums of Don McCaslin's Warmth. Born in Tacoma Washington in 1926, Don moved to the San Jose area during the first year of life. He took a few piano lessons as a child, but it was boogie woogie music that really inspired him. While attending San Jose State he formed a band which had piano, guitar, vibes, bass and drums. Following his graduation from college, Don played music on the weekends and worked as a high school English teacher for fifteen years. Then in 1970 he quit his teaching job and moved to Santa Cruz, making music his main pursuit. In 1971 he was invited to bring a jazz combo to play at a political rally. The event took place in the patio of the 19th century courthouse building, now called the Cooper House. The owner told Don that he was putting a sidewalk cafe there and invited him to play on opening day. Don ended up playing there until the 1989 earthquake ruined the beautiful old building.

Don and his fellow musicians were forced to move to the Warf House, a restaurant situated at the tip of the Capitola pier, and played there for 20 years. Today you can find Don's band The Amazing Jazz Geezers play at Severino's Lounge in Aptos, California. The Geezers are not necessarily "amazing" because of their musicianship. To become an "Amazing Jazz Geezer" one must merely be over 75 years of age, know over 1000 tunes written between 1935 and 1950, and still be able to play a full gig.

Regardless of rarity and demand, for Don McCaslin the time has come for representation and appreciation. Neither of Warmth original albums are considered to be sought after nor they sell for big money. Until now.

NEW RELEASES: STEVIE HOLLAND – LIFE GOES ON; MARCOS VALLE – 1985; POLAR BEAR – SAME AS YOU

STEVIE HOLLAND – LIFE GOES ON

The journey continues! Stevie Holland's swinging jazz phrasing, sense of humor, and sheer vocal beauty shine brighter than ever on her fifth release Life Goes On. With Randy Ingram on piano, Peter Brendler on bass, Jeff Davis on drums, Nicholas Payton on trumpet, and a String Quartet on some select tracks, Life Goes On, is a stunning collection of powerful songs from writers including Johnny Mercer, James Taylor, Stephen Sondheim, as well as originals by Stevie Holland and award-winning composer Gary William Friedman, who also did the arrangements. Review: "Effortless swing and a radiant wit...a self-possessed tour de force" --Gary Giddins // "Holland straddles pop and jazz with effortless elegance and warmth" --USA Today // "I hear Stevie Holland and I get goosebumps. Need I say more?" --Smoothjazz.com. ~ Amazon

MARCOS VALLE – 1985 (THEO PARRISH SS TRANSLATION) / PREFIXO (DAZ I KUE BLOODFIRE REMIX)

Theo Parrish takes on Marcos Valle – and the results are even more wonderful than we might expect! Valle's "1985" is really expanded by Theo – and pushed into territory that makes the extended cut feel more like Parrish's own cosmic territory than Marcos' usual mode – although there's this sweet Fender Rhodes line and spacious way of handling the cut that's definitely respectful of the original! "Prefixo" gets more of an upbeat approach from Daz I Kue – with a pulsating bassline that sets the groove strongly underneath the fluttering woodwind melody of the original!  ~ Dusty Groove

POLAR BEAR – SAME AS YOU

2015 release by the indie band, the follow-up to 2014's Mercury Prize shortlisted In Each And Every One. Given it's short gestation, it is striking how far removed the new album is from it's immediate predecessor. There is a startling freshness in the songs, both thematically and sonically. After the dark complexity of recent output, Same As You is presented in sharp focus, as inclusive and accessible as the title suggests, while still maintaining the playful experimentation on which the band has made it's name. Driven by a renewed vitality, bandleader Sebastian Rochford has made several bold artistic moves with this new music. Originally conceived as a single long-form piece, Same As You employs a constant tempo on top of which the band builds swells of raw, joyous, often life-enhancing energy. The vocal performances and the heartfelt, spiritual lyrics of Same As You are an inspired addition to the rich instrumental line-up. A highlight of Polar Bear's second album, 2005's critically acclaimed Held On The Tips Of Fingers was 'Life That Ends Too Soon,' an intense, heartfelt lament. Same As You stands as something of an optimistic rejoinder to that song-a celebration and embrace of love as a great guiding force within a setting of mature musical invention. ~ Amazon

Bob Baldwin - Mellowonder / Songs in the Key of Stevie

Four-time SESAC Award-winning and Grammy nominee Pianist/Arranger Bob Baldwin continues his flow of music, and follows up with his tributes to Michael Jackson and Songwriter extraordinaire Thom Bell with his MelloWonder/Songs In the Key of Stevie CD. MelloWonder… takes some of his favorite songs from the catalog of Stevie Wonder, and particularly a huge chunk between 1969-1974, when Baldwin believes this was the beginning of an era where Wonder turned the keyboard into a “one-man orchestra.” The project is a dream project, which took two years to complete.

“As a young budding musician and keyboardist, the key albums that impacted me the most were ‘Innervisions’, ‘Fulfillingness First Finale’, ‘Music of My Mind’, and ‘Talking Book,’” says the New York native. “These projects featured this behemoth analog keyboard they called ‘T.O.N.T.O.’ and Stevie’s Producers at the time (Bob Margouleff and Malcolm Cecil) were the most forward programmers of that instrument, and the producers of those projects. While they are flipping knobs and pushing buttons on T.O.N.T.O. machine, Stevie was getting busy on the creativity with the funky bass-lines, clavinets, Wurlitzer and Rhodes Keyboards. Those projects had a warmth that was unexplainable, and as a result, those four projects are very unique to his entire catalog, so I wanted to create my own vibe that spoke to his use of the keyboard as an arranging tool, which of course, is miles ahead these days due to the application of digital technology.”

“When I do a cover project, I want to make sure I’m not covering music that has not been overdone in the market. Stevie’s music has been covered thousands of time over the years but rarely by a keyboardist. Hugo Montenegro did a moog-based project back in the 1970’s, George Duke produced a record for Najee years ago “Songs in the Key of Life”, so we wanted to stay away from that period, but by-and-large, a keyboard-focused disc covering Stevie Wonder has not been done in 40 years. I pulled out the old vintage pieces; the Moog, Rhodes, Wurlitzer, but also added some new keyboard pieces to keep things current.”

Add to the fact that Stevie Wonder’s birthday is 65 (5/13), and his recently intense tour schedule, the timing of this project is pretty special in its’ own way. “In observing the vehicle that this living legend is driving today as he approaches his 65th birthday and his tour theme, the title “MelloWonder/Songs in the Key of Stevie” just felt right.

His 21st disc contains 14 songs total, of which 2 are original Baldwin tracks. He added some flava to a few of Stevie’s originals, such as “Rocket Love / Down to Earth”, “Love’s Light in Flight / Love Trippin’”, and “The Real Thing / Keepin’ it Real”. The disc features Marion Meadows, U-Nam, Chieli Minucci, Toni Redd, Ragan Whiteside, and Stevie sideman Ryan Kilgore, who was on his most recent 2014-2015 “Songs in the Key of Life” tour.

Bob Baldwin has been obliterating the lines between Urban, Jazz, and Gospel for years since his earlier works in 1988. This project is no different - a must-have for your BB collection. ~ bobbaldwin.com

NEW RELEASES: LUCAS ARRUDA – SOLAR; THE POLYVERSAL SOULS – YELLE BE BOBRE; FABIO FRIZZI – REWIND: THE STUDIO ALBUM

LUCAS ARRUDA – SOLAR

Stunning work from Lucas Arruda – a record we love even more than his first – and we totally loved that one to death! The sound here is prime Brazilian 70s at its best – that magical moment when jazz, fusion, and older bossa-schooled styles all came together in a really unique blend – and also helped Brazil find its own unique sense of soul, too – a quality that really came forth in the best work from Azymuth and Marcos Valle at the end of the decade! No surprise, Lucas has Azymuth bassist Alex Malheiros and Valle collaborator Leon Ware both on board to help out with the record – but the strength of the set is clearly all Arruda's own – as his vocals are wonderful, with a soulful expression that's vaguely in the Ed Motta side of the spectrum – mixed with his own warm lines on Fender Rhodes, which totally warm things up! Production is perfect, and equally vintage – and the album's a treasure we'll be loving for years. Titles include "Uma Onda", "Melt The Night", "Vento Sul", "Kalunga", "Solar", "O Mar O Samba E O Sol", "Beyond The Sea", and "Agua".  ~ Dusty Groove

THE POLYVERSAL SOULS – YELLE BE BOBRE

Yelle Be Bobre is the first single to be taken from Invisible Joy, the debut album from Max Weissenfeldt's (Poets of Rhythm / Whitefield Brothers / Dr. John / Bombino) new band The Polyversal Souls. With this album, the band has successfully create a globalised style of soul music with; raw funk grooves, enchanting melodies from a faraway world, polyrhythmic hip-hop coming together to take you on a musical trip around the world. Guy One's unique voice and energic Kologo play features here - as also heard on last year's 7" on Philophon Records (Suro Yuama / A Me Bayela Do Me). The Frafra poet from north Ghana teams up again with his German music brothers and fills the Trans-Saharian distance with his haunting voice and his proto-banjo, which - you won't believe it - has just two strings. The Polyversal Souls' debut album, Invisible Joy, will be available on Philophon Records in July 2015.

FABIO FRIZZI – REWIND: THE STUDIO ALBUM

A really surprising studio project from Italian soundtrack legend Fabio Frizzi – a set that has Frizzi himself on guitar and a bit of vocals, working with a small string group, and a bit of tenor sax! The music is mostly pulled from older film scores – penned by Frizzi and contemporaries like Piero Piccioni and Carlo Rustichelli – but there's also a few vocal tunes by Paul McCartney and Noel Gallagher – sung by Frizzi in this earthy voice to offset the mostly-instrumental modes of the record. The soundtrack numbers are our favorites – and are taken in these cool, intimate ways that are really nice – like a composer going back on his generation, and delivering things with a more personal vibe overall. Titles include "Fantozzi", "Bla Bla Bla", "Butta La Lunda", "La Marcia Di Esulapio", "Sette Note In Nero", "Baby Sequenza 2", "Junk", "If I Had A Gun", and "Ibo Lele". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: JASON MILES / INGRID JENSEN - KIND OF NEW; BOBBY HUTCHERSON - COMPONENTS; BOBBY BYRD - GOT SOUL: THE BEST OF BOBBY BYRD

JASON MILES / INGRID JENSEN - KIND OF NEW

Keyboardist and composer Jason Miles has teamed up with trumpeter Ingrid Jenson on the new CD – Kind Of New. Inspired by Miles Davis' Cellar Door sessions, ""Kind Of New"" creates a new vibe mixing electric and acoustic, percussion with electric grooves, and drums with electronic percussion. Six new studio tracks and four live tracks see Miles and Jensen joined by such eminent players as Jay Rodriguez, James Genus, Jeff Coffin, Adam Dorn, Amanda Ruzza, Steve Wolf, Jon Wikan, Nir Felder, Cyro Baptista, Mike Clark and Jerry Brooks. Ingrid Jensen has been hailed as one of the most gifted trumpeters of her generation. She has released three highly acclaimed CDs for the ENJA record label, soon becoming one of the most in-demand players on the global jazz scene. Miles is a Grammy-recognized producer and keyboardist, whose credits also include work with Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan and Sting, among many others.  Tracks include: The Faction of Cool, Super City, Shirley, Film Noir Interlude, Ferrari, Seeing Through the Rain, Close to the Action, Kat’s Eye, Street Vibe, Twilight Interlude, Sanctuary, and Jean Pierre.

BOBBY HUTCHERSON - COMPONENTS

An essential Blue Note album by the great vibist Bobby Hutcherson, and a record that's split into 2 different sides, each of which display different aspects of Hutcherson's talents. The first four tracks are mellow and lyrical, with the kind of lovely melodic writing that is best illustrated by the cut "Little B's Poem" – included here, and still one of Hutcherson's most enduring works. The next four tracks show Hutcherson more as the accomplished modernist, working with edgey talents like James Spaulding on alto and flute, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and the great Joe Chambers on drums – who also wrote all 4 of the tracks in this segment. The work is a key example of Hutcherson's devotion to the Blue Note "new thing" sound, and titles include "Air", "Juba Dance", and "Pastoral". ~ Dusty Groove

BOBBY BYRD - GOT SOUL: THE BEST OF BOBBY BYRD

Essential material by this funky soul legend – even if you've got his one and only album! This is an excellent compilation of the very hard to find work of this James Brown partner and singer, with a track list of 22 cuts that includes lots of cool rare funky 45 tracks, and a number of previously unreleased tracks! Bobby is excellent throughout, and the set's filled with loads of rare James Brown-produced grooves that includes "I'm Just A Nobody", "Keep On Doin What You're Doin", "We're In Love", "No One Like My Baby", I'm Not To Blame", "I Know You Got Soul", "Funky Soul (parts 1 & 2)", "Baby Baby Baby", "I Need Help", "Never Get Enough", "Hang Ups We Don't Need", "Sayin It And Doin' It Are Two Different Things" – and lots lots more, including a rare PSA urging the listener to "Fight Drug Abuse". ~ Dusty Groove