NEW MUSIC: WILLIAM PARKER QUARTET – AO VIVO NA FABRICA; DAVE REMPIS / JOSH ABRAMS / AVREEAYL RA / JIM BAKER - PERIHELION; FUNK COMO LE GUSTA – A NAVE-MAE SEGUE VIAGEM

WILLIAM PARKER QUARTET – AO VIVO NA FABRICA

An excellent live set led by bassist William Parker – done in the same high quality modes as the other Fabrica dates from Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell! This set's got Parker working with a quartet – one that features some really tremendous alto from Rob Brown, who blows with both a boundless sense of freedom, and an inherent sense of swing – this subtle current that links his wonderfully with Parker's great work on bass. Trumpeter Lewis Barnes is also in the group, rounding his notes with this current of soul that is a wonderful pairing with some of Brown's freer impulses – and the always-great Hamid Drake is on drums, able to add so much to the sound of the performance through his deft, sympathetic contributions. At some point, someone's blowing a great wood flute – and tracks are all originals, penned by Parker, with titles that include "Deep Flower", "Sand Shadow", "Parallel Paragraph", "Peoples James", and "Corn Meal Dance".  ~ Dusty Groove

DAVE REMPIS / JOSH ABRAMS / AVREEAYL RA / JIM BAKER - PERIHELION

Two different sets from this sharp Chicago trio – both in a wide-open style that allows for plenty of organic sound shaping and improvisation! CD1 features "Enceladus" – a 43 minute live set by the trio, which begins with sublime bass notes from Josh Abrams, whose embrace of his instrument – both spiritually and literally – can be felt in the way that he presents the music, with these soulful, human elements that seem to bring out one of the most personal performances we've ever heard from Dave Rempis on alto and tenor! Ra's drums are great, too – and he also plays a bit of wooden flute. CD2 features the addition of Jim Baker's keyboards and electronics – which create a bit more sonic intensity, and a bolder performance overall from the group – on the titles "Cassini Division" and "Pan & Daphnis".  ~ Dusty Groove

FUNK COMO LE GUSTA – A NAVE-MAE SEGUE VIAGEM

Funk Como Le Gusta were one of the first contemporary funk groups we ever heard from Brazil – a combo who initially blew our minds over a dozen years, and who return here with a record that's maybe even tighter than before! There's a brilliant mix of funk elements going on here – not just American styles of the 70s, but also some of the best Brazilian currents too – echoes of the way that older acts like Banda Black Rio or Uniao Black took American inspiration, yet created rich new grooves of their own – especially in the way the basslines are shaped, and certain acoustic elements filter effortlessly into the mix next to the sweet electric sounds! All tracks are instrumental – and titles include "Som De Preco", "Yeah Yeah Yeah", "Tudo No Lugar", "Funk Nu A Murit", "Pappa Girl", and "Voce Vera". ~ Dusty Groove

The Branford Marsalis Quartet Teams Up With Kurt Elling On "Upward Spiral"

It is no secret that the Branford Marsalis Quartet can be as freewheeling off the bandstand as in performance.  Saxophonist Branford Marsalis, and his Quartet made up of pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner are each bold personalities with strong opinions, equally intense in both musical and verbal exchanges. “The band talks about all kinds of things, many of which are unprintable,” Marsalis admits. “But we have serious musical debates as well.” One of these exchanges led to Upward Spiral, the new album from the Branford Marsalis Quartet with special guest Kurt Elling. The album will be released via OKeh Records on June 10, 2016.

“One topic we got into was picking the best singer to work with our band,” Marsalis recalls. “My candidate was Kurt Elling, because he has the most flexible voice around, is always in tune and is a true jazz musician. When I met Kurt two years ago at a Thelonious Monk Institute competition, we had a conversation at the bar about doing a record together.”

“I had bumped into Branford on the road a handful of times, and we always had significant conversations,” Elling adds.  “So when he mentioned making a record, I said ‘any time!’”  

What has emerged, after an intense week of performance and recording in New Orleans, is a collection that blends Songbook staples, jazz standards, and standards-to-be from a diverse array of composers.

The goal from the outset was to create a true partnership. “I usually reject the word `collaboration,’ Marsalis explains, “because it implies a third thing from that which each collaborator does well. I don’t need a collaborator to do what I normally do, and Kurt doesn’t, either. But this time, none of us were going to do what we normally do.  The goal here, even though he sings lyrics, was to highlight Kurt’s voice as an instrument.”

Elling was more than prepared for the challenge. “I love singing with a hard-hitting band,” he confirms. “I didn’t want Branford’s band to feel that it had to hold back because a singer was there.  To be welcomed into the Quartet’s circle, which is all about new challenges and hard blowing, was very important to me. When I asked Branford what to bring about a week before the date, he said `Don’t worry, you’ve got the thing.’ So I brought `the thing.’

Barbra Streisand Releases "ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway" Album

On the heels of her first appearance at The Tonys since 1970, Columbia Records has announced Barbra Streisand's "ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway" album will debut on August 26th, 2016, featuring 10 new Streisand duets of Broadway classics with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood.   The inspired new musical pairings on "ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway" include Alec Baldwin, Antonio Banderas, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Seth MacFarlane, Melissa McCarthy, Chris Pine, Daisy Ridley, Patrick Wilson, and a spectacular virtual duet with Anthony Newley. 

  

The release of "ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway" follows the recording artist's nine-city August North American concert tour: THE MUSIC…THE MEM'RIES…THE MAGIC! during which she will perform hits from her ground-breaking career.

The greatest star to ever come out of Broadway, Streisand returns to her roots with "ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway." The legendary performer rose to unprecedented fame while starring on Broadway beginning with her stage debut in "I Can Get It For You Wholesale" in 1962 and then as comedienne Fanny Brice in the Broadway production of "Funny Girl" in 1964, earning Tony nominations for both turns. Streisand's very first record album, 1963's "The Barbra Streisand album," which earned Grammys for Album of the Year and Best Female Vocal Performances, featured several Broadway standards. In 1985 Streisand released "The Broadway Album" and in 1993 "Back to Broadway;" both albums went multi-platinum.

With the longest span of number one albums in history - six decades - Streisand has recorded 52 gold, 31 platinum and 13 multi-platinum albums in her career.  She is the only woman to make the All-Time Top 10 Best Selling Artists list. With the release of her last album, "Partners," Streisand has had 33 albums make the Top 10 on the US charts.  She is the only female artist to have achieved this milestone, tying her with Frank Sinatra. With ten, Streisand is the female artist with the most number one albums in Billboard's history. 

Widely recognized as an icon in multiple entertainment fields, Streisand has attained unprecedented achievements as a recording artist, actor, concert performer, producer, director, author and songwriter. Streisand has been awarded two Oscars, five Emmys, ten Golden Globes, eight Grammys plus two special Grammys, a special Tony award in 1970, and two CableACE Awards – the only artist to receive honors in all of those fields of endeavor. Streisand received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama this past November. Her many other honors include the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Endowment for the Arts Medal, three Peabody Awards and the French Légion d'Honneur. She is also the first female film director to receive the Kennedy Center Honors.  Streisand is a devoted philanthropist who works tirelessly to fight for what she believes in. A woman of action, Streisand founded The Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai and co-founded the Women's Heart Alliance, helping to raise awareness and push for more research into women's heart disease, the leading cause of death among women.

All artists featured on "ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway" have achieved international success. Below are a few highlights from their esteemed careers, along with information on their respective songs on the album:

"At The Ballet."  With Anne Hathaway and Daisy Ridley.  From "A Chorus Line," Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and Pulitzer Prize.  In referring to "At The Ballet," composer Marvin Hamlisch said that "the song set the tone for all the music in the show; once the song was written, the creators understood the shape and color of the piece as a whole."

Anne Hathaway: Actress, singer, Academy Award winner for her role in Les Misérables, winner of Golden Globe Award, Emmy Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, BAFTA Award.

Daisy Ridley: Starred as Rey in STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS - the highest-grossing film of 2015.  She will continue her role as Rey in STAR WAS: EPISODE VIII, scheduled for release in December 2017.

"Loving You."  With Patrick Wilson.  From Stephen Sondheim's "Passion."  "Passion" opened on Broadway in 1994 and was the winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical.

Patrick Wilson: Actor and singer who began his career starring in Broadway musicals.  Two-time Tony Award nominee, Golden Globe Award nominee and Emmy Award nominee.  Starred in the major motion picture adaption of Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera and the television series "Fargo."

"Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)?"  With Anthony Newley. From "The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd" - a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

Anthony Newley: Legendary actor, singer, and songwriter.  As a recording artist he enjoyed a dozen Top 40 songs on the UK Singles Chart between 1959 and 1962, starred on Broadway in "Stop The World – I Want To Get Off" and "The Roar Of The Greasepaint – The Smell Of The Crowd."  Best Film Score Academy Award nominee for film score for WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.  Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1989.  Grammy Award winner for Song of the Year for "What Kind Of Fool Am I."

"The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened."  With Alec Baldwin.  From "Road Show."  "Road Show is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman.

Alec Baldwin: Actor, producer, comedian, Broadway star, winner of two Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and seven Screen Actors Guild Awards.  Columnist for Huffington Post, podcast host.

"Any Moment Now."  With Hugh Jackman.  From an unproduced version of "Smile."  Music by Marvin Hamlisch; book and lyrics by Dorothy Fields.

Hugh Jackman: Stage and screen star, known for roles ranging from WOLVERINE, Jean Valjean in LES MISERABLES , Tony Award winning portrayal of Peter Allen in "The Boy From Oz," and host of the Tony Awards and Academy Awards.

"Anything You Can Do." With Melissa McCarthy. From "Annie Get Your Gun." Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and a book by Dorothy Fields and her brother Herbert Fields.  The story is a fictionalized version of the life of Annie Oakley, a sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill's Wild West.  The 1946 Broadway production was a hit and the musical had long runs in both New York and London and spawned revivals, a 1950 film version and television versions.

Actress, comedian, writer, fashion designer and producer.  Known for roles on television shows "Gilmore Girls" and "Mike & Molly," host on "Saturday Night Live," and films BRIDESMAIDS – which garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, IDENTITY THIEF, THE HEAT, TAMMY, ST. VINCENT, and the action comedy SPY - for which she received the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.  She is set to star in the 2016 re-boot of GHOSTBUSTERS.

"Pure Imagination."  With Seth MacFarlane.  Written for the motion picture WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY - a musical version of the beloved Roald Dahl book.  Written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Featured in hit West End Stage Musical "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" set to open on Broadway in 2017.

Seth MacFarlane: Actor, filmmaker, singer, and creator of "Family Guy," co-creator of "American Dad!" and "The Cleveland Show," writer-director of TED and TED 2.  Emmy Award winner, Webby Award Winner for Film & Video Person of the Year.  As a singer he has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.  Host of Academy Awards and executive producer of "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey."

"Take Me To The World."  With Antonio Banderas.  From "Evening Primrose."  "Evening Primrose" is a musical with book by James Goldman and lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim.  It was originally written for television and is based on a John Collier short story published in 1951.

Antonio Banderas: Actor, director, producer.  He began his acting career in a series of films by director Pedro Almodóvar and starred in films as diverse as PHILADELPHIA, EVITA, THE MASK OF ZORRO, SPY KIDS and SHREK.  Banderas appeared on Broadway to great acclaim in "Nine" – winning the Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards and nominated for a Tony Award.

"I'll Be Seeing You"/ "I've Grown Accustomed To Your Face."  With Chris Pine.  From "Right This Way"/ "My Fair Lady."  "Right This Way" opened in 1938.  "I'll Be Seeing You" became the unofficial anthem of WWII, later recorded by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee and dozens more.   "My Fair Lady" is a musical based on George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion," with book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe.  The musical's 1956 Broadway production was a momentous hit, setting a record for the longest run of any major musical theater production in history.

Chris Pine: Known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the most recent STAR TREK reboot series.  Starred in THE PRINCESS DIARIES 2, UNSTOPPABLE, HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 and he played Cinderella's Prince in the film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's musical INTO THE WOODS.

"Climb Ev'ry Mountain."  With Jamie Foxx.  From "The Sound of Music."  "The Sound of Music" is a musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.  The original Broadway production, starring Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel, opened in 1957 and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.  It was adapted as a 1965 film musical starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, which won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Jamie Foxx: Actor, singer, comedian, Academy Award winner as Best Actor for his role in RAY.  Also winner of BAFTA Award and Golden Globe.  Foxx is also a Grammy winner.  He and Kanye West scored a #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Gold Digger."

Additional Streisand tracks available on the Target deluxe edition:

"I Didn't Know What Time It Was."  From "Too Many Girls" which opened on Broadway in 1939 starring Desi Arnaz.  The film version starred Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and they credited the production for bringing them together as a couple.

"Not A Day Goes By."  From Tony nominated "Merrily We Roll Along."  Book by George Furth and lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim

"Fifty Percent."  From "Ballroom."  "Ballroom" is a Tony nominated musical with book by Jerome Kass and music by Billy Goldenberg and lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Based on the 1975 Emmy Award-winning television drama "Queen of the Stardust Ballroom."

"Losing My Mind."   From "Follies."  "Follies" is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Goldman.  The Broadway production opened on April 4, 1971, directed by Harold Prince and Michael Bennett, and with choreography by Bennett. The musical was nominated for eleven Tony Awards and won seven.

New York Wine Events launches “Wine & Jazz On The River” an entertainment cruise series featuring award-winning jazz, wine and food, July and August 2016, aboard New York Cruise Lines

Elan Trotman performs July 21

New York Wine Events announces a star-filled line up for Wine & Jazz On The River, a new entertainment cruise series -- just in time for summer 2016. The series, part of the new Circle Live Summer Concert series at Pier 81’s North River Landing, will take place on the luxurious World Yacht Duchess and includes 4 nights on the Hudson featuring 4 contemporary jazz artists in a splendid setting. Shows are Thursday evenings: July 7, July 21, August 25 and September 22 with Boarding at 6:00 PM and Cruise Departure at 7:00 PM. The Duchess sails from North River Landing, Pier 81 41st St. & West Side Highway.

The events will carry guests down the Hudson River as they enjoy world-class jazz artists performing live, while savoring exhilarating views of the NYC skyline, Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. Each cruise lasts 2 hours, 7:00 – 9:00 PM.

“I am thrilled to bring a new entertainment cruise series to New York harbor,” said Sam Kimball founder of New York Wine Events. “The excitement of New York in the summer plus award-winning jazz artists on a beautiful ship is a wonderful experience that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy. This summer, we are blessed to have a roster of great jazz artists bringing their best live shows to Wine & Jazz On The River as part of Circle Live Summer Concert series. Who wouldn’t want to be sipping fine wine, enjoying a live performance by a Grammy-nominated musician while cruising past the Statue of Liberty 100 yards away?”

“We are excited to partner with Sam and his team to integrate a jazz cruise series into Circle Live,” notes Daniel Boockvar, CEO New York Cruise Lines, parent company of Circle Line

and World Yacht. “This new series fits perfectly with the unique experiences and destination we are creating at North River Landing with both North River Lobster Company and Fish Bar. Adding national jazz acts to the mix is a natural combination.”

SCHEDULE: Wine & Jazz On The River

July 7: Brian Simpson

July 21: Elan Trotman

August 25: Jeff Kashiwa

September 22: Matt Marshak & J.J. Sansaverino

The first annual Los Angeles Soul Music Festival will kick off July 22-24, to feature award-winnning international soul singers

Soul music lovers are marking their calendars for July 22-24, 2016 and Los Angeles’ first annual LA Soul Music Festival. Debuting live at the Autry Museum of American West nestled in the scenic Griffith Park (located at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027), Mark Douglas, along with business experts Ezell Kendrick, Jeffrey Weber and Airborne Tickets stand at the helm of this summer music festival circuit. Fri., Sat., and Sun., from 5:30 PM to 11 PM daily, this three-day festival experience will attract fans and tastemakers from all over Southern California.

Grammy, Soul Train, BET, NAACP Image, Billboard, ASCAP award-winners and nominees, international and newly discovered talent, are confirmed to entertain. Highlighted talents include Eric Benet, Angie Stone, Marsha Ambrosius, Lalah Hathaway Lyfe Jennings, Jazmine Sullivan, Joe (Joe Thomas), Melanie Fiona, Eric Roberson, Rahsaan Patterson, Goapele, Vivian Green, Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene, Avery Sunshine and Conya Doss. Representing a gathering of music enthusiasts who appreciate the many facets of live music, this event celebrates all things “Soul.”

"Whether it’s vocals, instrumental soloists or a band, it doesn’t matter as long as each artist has the ability and talent to inspire and connect with an audience," stated Los Angeles Soul Festival Head, Mark Douglas. By way of determination and a unique vision, Mark and his team's goal was to bring a music festival to Los Angeles to present to the public in one of the city's most distinctive locations. Mission accomplished for the festival underway, as The Autry is the ultimate, outdoor venue for live entertainment on sun-kissed days and twinkling, summer nights. Nestled on 2.5 acres of outdoor space, festival goers can soak up the breathtaking view while escaping into the sultry sounds of live music. There is also free parking available across the street at the LA Zoo.

Wine and beer enthusiasts can look forward not only to LA Soul Music Festival's many talented musicians on stage but also the opportunity to have their favorite libations of choice throughout the weekend. Budweiser, Budlight, Stella Artois, Shock Top and Golden Road Brewing are a sampling of the domestic and craft breweries onboard. Foodies too can rally in the fun of deciding which gourmet food truck will punch their palates with some local favorites such as Not Your Mamas Kitchen and The Kobbler King.

Attendees will appreciate shorter waiting periods in line for food and beverages by the festival using cutting edge, RFID technology that lets fans leave their tickets and wallets at home. By loading funds onto wristbands, guests can effortlessly pay vendors on site. These RFID wristbands will also connect Los Angeles Soul Music Festival goers to the artists on the bill, other like-minded fans through social media, contribute to shorter entrance lines and function as their ticket into the event, too.

Premium or General Admission level ticketless wristbands are now available for purchase for 1, 2 or 3 days at LASoulMusic.com. The full performance schedule, L.A. Hotel Downtown accommodations for out-of-town guests and other festival details can be found online as well. Interview requests for LA Soul Festival performers or players behind the scene should be directed to Jade Umbrella PR.

Verve/UMe to Reissue Ella Fitzgerald's 'Mack the Knife: Ella In Berlin' and Jimmy Smith's 'Root Down: Jimmy Smith Live!' on 180-gram Vinyl LPs‏

Verve/UMe is proud to announce, as part of Verve's 60(th) anniversary celebration, new vinyl reissues on June 24 for two long unavailable live performance classics by a pair of jazz legends - the peerless Ella Fitzgerald's Mack The Knife: Ella In Berlin and funk-master Jimmy Smith's Root Down: Jimmy Smith Live!. Originally released in 1960 and 1972 respectively, the albums display a high level of creativity from a pair of jazz masters. Though serving different audiences, the recordings are linked by exuberance, spontaneity and profound substance, hallmarks of jazz expression. 

Recorded in front of an enthusiastic Saturday night audience in Berlin's Deutschlandhalle, Mack The Knife vividly demonstrates Ella Fitzgerald's unparalleled improvisational vocal artistry. With her regular quartet at the time - pianist Paul Smith, guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Alfred Middlebrooks and drummer Gus Johnson - the albums swings furiously. While emphasizing as usual the Great American Songbook - "Gone With The Wind," "The Lady Is A Tramp," "The Man I Love," "Summertime," "Too Darn Hot," "Misty" and "Lorelei" - Mack The Knife culminates in brilliant, extended excursions on Kurt Weill's title piece and a breathtaking, scat-singing romp on "How High the Moon."

Unplanned as a recording, this performance was serendipitously immortalized when Fitzgerald's manager/producer and visionary Verve label founder Norman Granz allowed WDR, West German Radio, to record and broadcast the performance. The LP was a major hit, peaking at No. 11 on Billboard magazine's 200 albums chart and becoming a landmark in the legacy of live jazz vocal artistry - the album that, out of many Ella classics, has maintained her undisputed position as the First Lady of Song for more than 80 years since she exploded onto the scene with Chick Webb in 1935.

Jimmy Smith, after almost singlehandedly redefining the Hammond B3 organ as a vital hard-bop instrument in the 1950s, then ushering in the Soul Jazz era a few years later, signed with Verve in 1962. At Granz's label Smith embarked on several journeys, including a deeper R&B context, remarkable orchestral collaborations with Oliver Nelson and two extraordinary pairings with the legendary guitarist Wes Montgomery. But it was his live performances that captured the unmistakable late-night, down-home aura of the organ joint.

On Root Down: Jimmy Smith Live!, recorded at L.A.'s Bombay Bicycle Club, Smith is surrounded by a stellar ensemble of musicians who ably straddled the worlds of classic jazz and blues and contemporary funk and rock. All heavily in-demand, first-call players for both recording and touring, they played with a veritable who's who of top R&B/Soul/Jazz artists including Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, the Jackson 5, Isley Brothers, Herbie Hancock and Les McCann. With guitarist Arthur Adams, electric bassist Wilton Felder (at the time also the saxophonist in the Crusaders), drummer Paul Humphrey, percussionist Buck Clarke and Steve Williams on harmonica, the band and Smith dive into a smoking deep-funk groove.

Root Down revitalized Smith's reputation as a prime master of jazz funk and became a touchstone for a new generation. Avery Parrish's iconic 1940 blues "After Hours" and "Let's Stay Together," a No. 1 hit for Al Green at the time, both get ultra-funky re-imaginations alongside balladeer Peter Chase's "Everyone Under the Sun" (written for this album), a couple of Smith compositions based on his sign of Sagittarius - "Sagg Shootin' His Arrow" and "Slow Down Sagg" - and most notably "Root Down," which reemerged as a prominent sample on the Beastie Boys' track of the same name on their 1994 album Ill Communication. Root Down is simultaneously being made available in high-resolution digital audio (192kHz/24-bit and 96kHz/24-bit). (Mack The Knife: Ella In Berlin is currently available in the same high-resolution formats.)

Whether one is a devoted fan of Ella Fitzgerald or Jimmy Smith, exceptional live jazz recordings or just wonderful music, these two albums are a must.

Pianist Mike Jones' Roaring, a swinging recasting of 1920s standards featuring bassist Katie Thiroux and drummer Matt Witek

Roaring, pianist Mike Jones' second release for Capri Records, brings sparkling new life to standards from the 1920's. Teaming up with the marvelously sympathetic rhythm team of Katie Thiroux on bass and Matt Witek on drums, Jones takes on such "Roaring Twenties" favorites as "I Found a New Baby," "Mean To Me" and "Me and My Shadow," fully displaying the dexterous technique, style and taste that have brought him acclaim from both jazz cognoscenti and critics alike.

Roaring features an original cover illustration by David Silverman of Simpsons fame (rendered in the iconic style of "Jazz Age" artist John Held Jr.) and liner notes by the renowned writer Neil Gaiman. Recorded in a single four-hour session, the album demonstrates how superior instrumentalists can come together, without rehearsal and without having played together as a group, and effortlessly meld into an indivisible unit. All but one of the tunes were done in one take. Together, Jones and company brush off the dust from Great American Songbook classics originally introduced in the 1920s, imbuing each with vitality and renewed spirit. The CD will be released July 15, 2016.

Celebrated as one of the most adept keyboard practitioners of mainstream jazz, Jones has also gained international attention for his work with Penn and Teller. Over the past fifteen years, millions of Las Vegas visitors have heard the versatile pianist play with the eminent magic team at the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino. Jones is not only the opening act for the show, he is also the music director and composer for the production. Roaring was made while Jones was appearing in the sold out "Penn & Teller On Broadway" show.

LITTLE RICHARD TO BE CELEBRATED WITH DELUXE, 5-LP BOX SET

Specialty Records — an imprint of the Concord Bicycle Music Group — is pleased to announce the release of Mono Box: The Complete Specialty and Vee-Jay Albums:  a deluxe, 5-LP box set that celebrates one of the most influential entertainers in popular music history, Little Richard. The collection includes the entire output of studio albums that Little Richard had recorded for both the Specialty and Vee-Jay labels, spanning 1957–1965. The albums, each featuring original label and jacket art, have been meticulously remastered from analog tapes and are presented in their original mono mixes. Completing the collection is a 16-page booklet featuring new liner notes by journalist Bill Dahl, plus era-specific photos.

In the early ’50s, Little Richard Penniman combined the spirit of church music, the bawdiness of blues and the swing of New Orleans jazz and turned it into something altogether new — rock ’n’ roll.  When the Macon, Georgia native signed to Art Rupe’s Specialty Records, Little Richard began to develop his signature sound and flamboyant persona. His legendary debut album, Here’s Little Richard (1957), is a bold introduction to the artist, featuring the iconic tracks “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally.” His 1958 follow-up, Little Richard, finds the singer on his rise to superstardom, with hits like “Lucille,” “Good Golly Miss Molly” and the title track of Jayne Mansfield hit flick The Girl Can't Help It, in which Little Richard appeared. The artist’s third and final album for Specialty, The Fabulous Little Richard (1959), was released soon after Richard had traded in a life of fame to focus on spreading the gospel. The LP featured standout tracks from Richard’s 1955-57 Specialty sessions, including “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On,” “Lonesome and Blue” and “Kansas City.”

Having taken several years out of the spotlight to focus on religion, Little Richard returned to his rock ’n’ roll roots in the early ’60s. This period kicked off with a successful European tour, followed by a new record contract with Vee-Jay Records. His first release with the label was 1964’s Little Richard Is Back — a triumphant collection of old favorites and new tunes, with a backing band that featured a young Jimi Hendrix on guitar. Richard’s second and final studio release with Vee-Jay was 1965’s His Greatest Hits. Despite the name, this album is not a compilation, but rather features the singer revisiting his classic hits nearly a decade later, introducing new arrangements and instrumentation. In his liner notes for the Mono Box, musicologist Bill Dahl writes, “As the end of the decade grew near and the first rock and roll revival loomed, Richard emerged at its forefront, his outrageous image earning him overdue network TV exposure.” Indeed, by the end of his tenure on Vee-Jay, Richard had firmly cemented his status as a rock ’n’ roll legend. Dahl continues, “It’s impossible to imagine how the genre would have developed if not for his massive innovations.”

Mono Box: The Complete Specialty and Vee-Jay Albums will be released July 15th on Specialty Records.

Little Richard Mono Box: The Complete Specialty and Vee-Jay Albums 

Track List

Disc 1: Here’s Little Richard

A1. Tutti Frutti

A2. True, Fine Mama

A3. Can’t Believe You Wanna Leave

A4. Ready Teddy

A5. Baby

A6. Slippin’ and Slidin’

B1. Long Tall Sally (The Thing)

B2. Miss Ann

B3. Oh Why?

B4. Rip it Up

B5. Jenny Jenny

B6. She’s Got It

Disc 2: Little Richard

A1. Keep a Knockin’

A2. By the Light of the Silvery Moon

A3. Send Me Some Lovin’

A4. I’ll Never Let You Go (Boo Hoo Hoo Hoo)

A5. Heeby-Jeebies

A6. All Around the World

B1. Good Golly, Miss Molly

B2. Baby Face

B3. Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey

B4. Ooh! My Soul

B5. The Girl Can’t Help It

B6. Lucille

Disc 3: The Fabulous Little Richard

A1. Shake a Hand

A2. Chicken Little Baby

A3. All Night Long

A4. The Most I Can Offer

A5. Lonesome and Blue

A6. Wonderin’

A7. She Knows How to Rock

B1. Kansas City

B2. Directly from My Heart

B3. Maybe I’m Right

B4. Early One Morning

B5. I’m Just a Lonely Guy (All Alone)

B6. Whole Lotta Shakin’

Disc 4: Little Richard Is Back

A1. Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

A2. Goin’ Home Tomorrow

A3. Money Honey

A4. Only You

A5. Hound Dog

A6. Goodnight Irene

B1. Lawdy Miss Claudie

B2. Groovy Little Suzy

B3. Short Fat Fanny

B4. Cherry Red

B5. Memories are Made of This

B6. Blueberry Hill

Disc 5: His Greatest Hits

A1. Good Golly Miss Molly

A2. Baby Face

A3. Tutti-Frutti

A4. Send Me Some Loving

A5. The Girl Can’t Help It

A6. Lucille

B1. Slippin’ and Slidin’

B2. Keep a Knockin’

B3. Rip It Up

B4. She’s Got It

B5. Oh My Soul

B6. Long Tall Sally

For THE BOB THOMPSON BAND It's All About Optimism - LOOK BEYOND THE RAIN

Blue Canoe Records has released “Look Beyond The Rain” from veteran piano man Bob Thompson and The Bob Thompson Band. Mr. Thompson brings the optimism in a funky way with the help of legendary producer and long-time friend, Buzz Amato (Curtis Mayfield, Ben E. King, Kriss Kross). Referring to the theme of the album, Thompson asserts, “It is going to rain sometime on your life but you have to look beyond that. This music spreads love and makes people feel good.”

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Bob Thompson is a performer, band leader, and educator and is a staple in the music of West Virginia. A native of New York, Mr. Thompson came to West Virginia to study trumpet at West Virginia State University. In 1991, Bob joined the West Virginia Public Broadcasting's ground breaking "Mountain Stage", as house pianist and featured artist. He is also co-producer of Joy To The World, a Holiday Jazz Show broadcast on public radio nationwide (since 1992), heard internationally on Voice Of America and was just inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2015. He has played all over the world with diverse artists including Bunky Green, Larry Coryell and recorded with Omar Hakim, Gerald Veasley and Kevin Eubanks.

“Look Beyond The Rain” opens with “Time 2 B One” and reveals Bob Thompson dancing along an exhilarating melody. After a few bars John Inghram (bass) and Tim Courts (drums) lay down a solid funk groove cued by the piano’s opening. The opening track unfolds into a floating solo by Doug Payne (sax), a driving solo from Ryan Kennedy (guitar) and again from Mr. Thompson with a supporting solo that brings them all together. The exchange between them resolves by the end in a dreamy fade that leaves the listener wanting more.

Possibly the most notable on the compilation is “The Swamp Stomp”. This time the listener is guided through the groove by a joyous and melodic theme on the saxophone. Again the rhythm section throws down a solid, funky groove and the listener is treated to delightful lick-swapping by some of the most talented musicians that the Eastern United States has to offer. The juxtaposition of the funk groove, wafting sax, beautifully linear fender rhodes and driving rock guitar really exposes the influences of this diverse group of individuals and melds into a solid singular voice. 

“Look Beyond The Rain” is a joyful experience, no doubt about it. These incredibly talented musicians have a way of delivering accessible melody, touching the heart of the listener and not overcomplicating things. Like any great artists, they make it look easy. “Look Beyond The Rain” is a must-listen for fans of jazz, rock, blues and funk. These songs will stir emotion and leave the listener...optimistic.

JOSEPH PATRICK MOORE LOOKS BACK TO RELEASE "DECADE II: 2006-2015

On June 24th, 2016 Blue Canoe Records will release “Decade II 2006-2015” from baseman and producer, Joseph Patrick Moore. Mr. Moore looks back over the past decade and remixes the hits for a fresh new perspective. His work fuses elements of contemporary jazz, for which Mr. Moore is famous, with funk, rock, pop, urban, spiritual and even electronica for a compilation that keeps listeners on their toes.

Joseph Patrick Moore is a prolific jazz, pop and rock musician as well as producer, session musician, film composer and author. He has worked with artists such as Stewart Copeland (The Police), Earl Klugh, Bob James, Chris Duarte, Celtic Women Lisa Kelly and Chloe Agnew to name a few. “Decade II” is fresh on the heels of “XYZ Factor” and “To Africa With Love” where Mr. Moore coupled its release with a mission trip to Africa. There he was involved personally on the front line of support for the amazing and lost continent. JPM gives a taste of all…work from soundtracks (Path To Geshe), solo work (XYZ Factor and To Africa With Love), group projects (The RockTronix) and projects with friends (Christmas Time Is Here with Dan Baraszu and work with Soulful genius Chinua Hawk).

“Decade II” opens with the expansive “Ubuntu” originally on “To Africa With Love” (2010). Mr Moore leads with a looped bass formation and drives a powerful line over the top. Joined by supportive guitar and keyboards, the melody tells a beautiful story of hope Moore saw during his time spend in Africa. The anthem finally gives way to a subtle electronic feel in the melody as it fades to the next track.

“Quest” is a song that JPM wrote for Yonrico Scott’s solo album, “Quest Of The Big Drum”, featuring Scott (Grammy winning drummer with The Derek Trucks Band and Royal Southern Brotherhood) and Nick Rosen. The listener enters the song on a light bed of keyboards with chaotic bass playing over the top. The chaos gradually finds peace with a deep, impassioned funk rock groove with a tantalizing melody from Rosen’s keyboard. Quest indeed!

“Magnificent Obsession” is a rock number from Mr. Moore’s band The RockTronix that is saturated with mischievous interplay between Chris Blackwell’s guitar and Mr. Moore’s sparse fretless bass line. The testimony builds throughout, graduating from funky, colorful guitar textures to full on rock guitar and back again. “Magnificent Obsession” shows again not only the versatility of Mr. Moore but also the capability of his accomplices.

“Decade II 2006-2015” is a comprehensive look at the last ten years from a true music talent of our day. Joseph Patrick Moore manages to fuse current and classic and he makes it look easy. Truly, the listener is left impatient…what will the next “Decade” bring?

NEW MUSIC: LEON WARE – MUSICAL MASSAGE (REMASTERED & EXPANDED); JAZZTRONIK – KEYSTROKE; MATHIAS LANDEAUS - FROM THE PIANO

LEON WARE – MUSICAL MASSAGE (REMASTERED & EXPANDED)

Amazing stuff! Arguably Leon Ware's greatest record – and one of the greatest Motown records of the 70s! The record is a beautiful set of interwoven mellow soul tracks, recorded right on the heels of Marvin Gaye's I Want You album, which was written and conceived by Ware, then taken at the last minute by Marvin! For this set, Ware creates a very similar sound – mixing together smooth keyboards with subtle bits of funk and electronics, all wrapped up in his own sweet warm vocals, which sound better here than on any other album. The whole thing's filled with loads of beautiful tracks, including "French Waltz", "Journey Into You", "Phantom Lover", and the great "Turn Out the Light", written with Minnie Riperton. Plus, this reissue features 5 previously unissued bonus tracks – Leon's original versions of "Comfort (aka Come Live With Me Angel)", recorded with Minnie Riperton, and "I Wanna Be Where You Are", both done by Marvin Gaye on I Want You, plus the tracks "Don't You Wanna Come", "Long Time No See", and "You Are The Way You Are". ~ Dusty Groove

JAZZTRONIK – KEYSTROKE

Beautiful sounds from Jazztronik – a set that reminds us why we first fell in love with his music so many years ago! The album mixes wonderful keyboard lines and warmly soulful vocals – the former from the man himself, Ryo Nozaki – the latter from guests who include Valerie Etienne, Eliana, Love, Kaori Takeda, and Sumire – singers whose presence is interspersed with instrumental tracks that further the lyrical vision of Nozaki's music! Nozaki's really upped his vision here – and not only works in strings on some of the more soaring numbers, but also creates these gentler, poetic passages at mellower moments – all blended together at a level that makes this the most sophisticated Jazztronik set we've ever heard. Titles include "Now", "DGA", "Lost Melody", "Parade", "Warp", "The City Beyond", "Peach Boy", and "A New Phase Of Life". ~ Dusty Groove

MATHIAS LANDEAUS - FROM THE PIANO

The title and cover really get to the heart of the matter here – as the album's definitely from the piano, but not just the keys – as pianist Mathias Landeaus has a way of playing that can really open up the whole instrument! Some numbers are beautifully lyrical and poetic, but others have this offbeat ear that's still quite musical, but which uses inner parts of the instrument, and possibly some "prepared" piano as well – to create these amazing sounds that balance things out wonderfully with his more introspective solos! The whole thing's very unified – none of these are just experiments for experiment's sake – and it's been years since we've heard a player able to merge older expressions and new ideas so easily like this. A few moments feel electronic, but the notes claim that every sound here was made on Mathias Landaeus' 1910 Steinway – and titles include "Just Like Our Children", "Yellow Circle", "Pedagogen", "Grasshoppers & Some Other Bugs", "Angels In Our Car", "Piano N Piano", "Jens", "Last Song On Earth", and "The Male Isolation Pattern".  ~ Dusty Groove

SAXMAN STEVE COLE GETS READY TO "TURN IT UP" WITH NEW ALBUM

Known for consistently cranking out chart-topping singles that deploy big vibrant pop hooks, contemporary jazz saxophonist Steve Cole conjures a sonic escapade with the hypnotic “Mirage,” the first single from his forthcoming eighth album, “Turn It Up,” which will be released July 15 by Artistry Music. Radio programmers were instantly spellbound, making the track from the David Mann-produced set of R&B grooves and soul-powered sojourns the No. 1 most added single on the Billboard BDS chart. 

The entrancing single on which electronic beats bombard the senses before chill tenor and soprano sax leads and a soothing trumpet undercurrent take command of the illusion is one of nine new songs on the session, eight of which were composed or co-composed by Cole. The tune reflects his hometown roots and ardor for Chicago’s dance music scene. It’s one of three major cities that helped shape the collection.   

“I embarked on ‘Turn It Up’ with the goal of making music with great musicians and great friends in great cities. This time around I wrote much of the music with Dave Mann in New York City.  We recorded horns, guitars and vocals there as well. The energy in that great city was truly inspiring and it really is reflected in the music. Next stop was Minneapolis, where I worked with the great keyboardist and producer Ricky Peterson. Ricky and I wrote the song ‘Workhouse’ together, a track influenced by our love of Chicago house music. Dave joined us later in Minneapolis to record Ricky on the Hammond B3 organ as well as to record my Chicago pals, bassist Lamar Jones and drummer Khari Parker. I decided to track all of the saxophone parts in Minneapolis as well,” explained Cole, who has a slate of festival and club dates running into mid-October to help support the album release.

  

Cole and Mann have been collaborating ever since Cole’s sophomore record, “Between Us” (2000). In addition to helming the production on “Turn It Up,” multi-instrumentalist Mann often shadows Cole on alto and soprano sax to add depth, thickness, volume and intensity to the layers upon layers of horns – alto, tenor and soprano saxophones, trumpet, trombone and flute. Aside from the back-to-back dance music workouts that close the album, Cole’s energizing pop melodies and hooky harmonies on the disc are presented as soulful R&B joints. The saxman dusted off Bobby Womack’s “Woman’s Gotta Have It,” teamed up with fresh-faced keyboardist Nicholas Cole on “Turn It Up!” and yielded the spotlight on “Bright Side” to Pieces of a Dream’s James Lloyd, the author of the sunny mid-tempo smile, who solos on piano.         

  

“In the end, I really accomplished what I set out to do,” Cole surmised. “The music reflects all of the diverse backgrounds and personalities that brought it to life. There was a lot of laughter and good times throughout this journey. I think that's why I've got such a big smile on my face on the album cover. After all, it's supposed to be fun...and it sure was!” 

Cole’s 1998 award-winning arrival onto the contemporary jazz scene was the Brian Culbertson-produced “Stay Awhile” that spawned a pair of No. 1 singles. Solo tours and prominent sideman gigs with Culbertson, Boz Scaggs, Rick Braun, Peter White, Jeff Lorber and Larry Carlton served to rapidly multiply his fervent fan base exponentially while successive albums and singles repeatedly took Cole to the top of the charts, establishing him as a radio playlist favorite. In addition to his own recordings, Cole records and performs regularly as a member of Sax Pack, an all-star sax combo consisting of rotating members Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters, Jackiem Joyner and Marcus Anderson. For more information, please visit www.SteveCole.net.  

“Turn It Up” tracklisting::

"Sidechain”

“Turn It Up!”

“Reverence”

“She’s The One”

“Bright Side”

“Woman’s Gotta Have It”

“Laws Of Attraction” 
"Life Is A Groove"                                                                   
“Workhouse”

“Mirage”

  

Catch Cole in concert on the following dates:

June 16-19 - London, England @ Pizza Express

July 4 - Irondale, AL @ Jazz in the Park

July 14 - Branford, CT @ Branford Jazz on the Green

July 15 - Norfolk, VA @ Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival

July 16 - Atlanta, GA @ Wade Ford Concert Series – Mable House

August 14 - Long Beach, CA @ Long Beach Jazz Festival

August 17 - Dearborn, MI @ Jazz on the Ave

August 18 - Philadelphia, PA @ South Jazz Club

August 20 - San Antonio, TX @ Big Bib Too

September 3 - Pensacola, FL @ Gulf Coast Summerfest

September 16 - Denver, CO @ Soiled Dove Underground

October 15-16 - Rehoboth Beach, DE  @ Rehoboth Beach Jazz Fest

NEW MUSIC: BOB BALDWIN - THE BRAZILIAN-AMERICAN SOUNDTRACK; AZYMUTH - OUTUBRO; JOYCE – VISIONS OF DAWN

BOB BALDWIN - THE BRAZILIAN-AMERICAN SOUNDTRACK

The Bob Baldwin love affair with Brazil began with his love of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Gilberto and Sergio Mendes as a child. His love elevated when he witnessed the marriage of American Funk/Jazz and the Samba/Bossa Nova sound, which was later explored by the likes of Djavan, Ivan Lins, Elaine Elias, George Duke, Maurice White, and Pat Metheny. Fast forward, Baldwin follows up his experimental Brazil Chill (2004) disc with more flavors from Rio, with covers by the aforementioned Djavan, Jobim and Lins. The result is a 20-song plus soundtrack through the eyes of this American…musically celebrating the year of the 2016 Summer Olympics, in beautiful Brazil. Tracks include: Funky Rio; Ipanema Fusion (f/Cafe Da Silva); Teardrop (f/Ragan Whiteside); Caipirinha (f/Torcuato Mariano); Corcovado (f/Torcuato Mariano); Greatest Lover (f/Zoiea); Boa Noite; Lookin' At Me (f/Gigi); Anjo De Mim: Island (f/Leo Gandelman); Eu Te Devoro; Oasis; Love Dance/May I Have This Dance; Children of The Sun; Home From Work; The Sound of His Voice; My Soul (f/Marion Meadows); For You; Summer Madness (f/James "Crab" Robinson); Yesterday; South of the Border (f/Emedin Rivera); Mobile & Global (f/Gabriel Mark Hasselbach); Summer's Over; I Need the Air You Breathe; State of Mind; and The Message (A Maurice White Tribute).

AZYMUTH - OUTUBRO

We hear that Azymuth are back in the studio recording a brand new album. In anticipation, Far Out is reissuing the band’s seminal 1980 album Outubro: mixed and mastered from the original tapes and pressed onto 180g vinyl (also available on CD and digitally). Outubro began Azymuth’s run of prolific output for Milestone Records throughout the 80's. Typifying the consummate craftsmanship of the three members’ performances - each with such distinct personality and together so perfectly balanced - together they colour the expressionist fusion of samba rhythm, jazz progression, funk attitude and psychedelic electronics. From Alex Malheiros’ earth-shaking slap-bass on ‘Dear Limmertz’, which was to become a hit on London’s underground disco and jazz-dance club scenes alike, to the late maestro Jose Roberto Bertrami’s genial melodic Rhodes excursions on the vocoder laden, samba-jazz masterpiece ‘Un Amigo’, while Ivan ‘Mamao’ Conti’s signature swing on ‘Maracana’ exemplifies the root of Azymuth’s ‘samba doidoi’ (crazy samba) philosophy. Azymuth will be playing at Dekmantel Festival Amsterdam on 4-7th August alongside a star studded line up that includes Tony Allen, Theo Parrish and Jeff Mills. We're also very excited to announce that the guys will embark on a European tour in October/ November 2016 to support the release of their new and unheard forthcoming album release.

JOYCE – VISIONS OF DAWN

Visions of Dawn by Joyce is the stunning ‘lost’ Brazilian acid-folk album recorded in Paris in 1976. The previously unreleased project by three Brazilian musical greats has since been rescued from the lost tapes. Led by Joyce's gorgeous vocals, sharp lyrics and delicate tones on the guitar, the trio is completed by the expert musicianship of her close friends, the late legendary percussionist Nana Vasconcelos and Mauricio Maestro (electric bass, vocals, guitar and producer). These beautiful, hazy and understated recordings, which took place among the charming artistic 1970s Paris scene, offer a unique chance to sit in on the original jamming sessions of tracks that later became Brazilian cult classics.