Monday, January 23, 2017

Multi GRAMMY Winner, Albita Rodriguez to release new Big Band album, self-titled, ALBITA

Multi GRAMMY Winner, Albita Rodriguez announces her highly anticipated new Big Band album, self-titled, ALBITA, set for release worldwide February 3 via InnerCat Music Group.  The album was produced by Paris Cabezas, Albita Rodriguez, Yorgis Goiricelaya and Livan Mesa at Live House Recording Studios (Miami) under the technical direction of Paris Cabezas.

The ALBITA album experience faithfully captures the sound and essence of the Cuban Big Bands of the 1950s. The repertoire, dynamic brass and arrangements are reminiscent of the golden age of Benny More and Machito. The LP also features duets with Ana Gabriel (“Perdon”), Alexandre Pires (“Pais Tropical”), Ednita Nazario (“Loca”) and Rafael “Pollo” Brito (“La Vaca Mariposa”)

“Albita meticulously studied the old big band arrangements to gain the spirit of the 1950s, then transferred it to this project and gave it a modern feel. ALBITA is her 14th full-length album and the recording and mixing process was intentionally kept analog. Although, digital technology has simplified the studio workflow a great deal, I'm still attached to the analogue world, so this LP was recorded on a 2-inch MTR-90 tape machine, together with an array of vintage microphones and custom tube gear that was expressly built for this project. There were no overdubbing edits or artificial corrections during the recording and mixing processes. In my opinion, the synthesis of the old and the new, analogue and digital, is the secret sauce for great sounding records.”, explains Cabezas.

Special D2C packages of ALBITA will also be available to fans, which includes an exclusive vinyl boxset containing an LP, an autographed booklet and other collector items.

ALBITA Tracklisting:

1. Quién Pero Quién
2. País Tropical (duet with Alexandre Pires)
3. Medley de Benny More
4. Medley de Cumbias
5. L-O-V-E
6. Perdón (duet with Ana Gabriel)
7. Angelitos Negros
8. Loca (duet with Ednita Nazario)
9. Medley de Boleros
10. La Vaca Mariposa (duet with Rafael “Pollo” Brito)
11. No te Metas Con Mi Conga

Honored with highest award given to selected artists in Cuba, the “Orden por la Cultura Nacional de Cuba”, winner of two GRAMMYS, two EMMYS and 11 GRAMMY Nominations, Albita is the most authentic Cuban singer hailing from Havana that has been able to move the world through her music. Albita is “the reincarnation of a 1930's European chanteuse, a Berlin Cabaret singer transfused with Latin blood" says Los Angeles Times. As a young singer through her authentic roots, she made herself noticed by her dynamic contribution to the renovation of traditional Cuban music and adding a very personal style to her compositions, musical arrangements and singing.

Since arriving in Miami, FL in 1993, her electrifying and mesmerizing performance of contagious Cuban music has elevated her career to an international level, performing all throughout Europe, Latin America, Australia, Africa and Malaysia, where she has shared the stage with such great artists as the late Celia Cruz, Tito Puentes, Oscar de Leon, Gilberto Gil, Juan Luis Guerra, Tito Nieves, Daniela Mercury, Miriam Makeeba, Phil Collins, Melissa Ethredge, and Tony Bennett.

Albita has recorded 12 albums in the US, earning her 11 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS. In the year 2004, she created her own independent record label, Angels’ Dawn Records, where she recorded and released the album titled “ALBITA LLEGO” which won two GRAMMY awards in the category of "Best Contemporary Tropical Album of the Year".


Legacy Recordings Celebrates Harry Belafonte's 90th Birthday with Release of When Colors Come Together... The Legacy of Harry Belafonte

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, is celebrating the 90th birthday of the iconic American singer, songwriter, actor, social activist and cultural ambassador Harry Belafonte (born March 1, 1927) with the release of When Colors Come Together... The Legacy of Harry Belafonte on Friday, February 24, 2017. 

Harry Belafonte broke into both mainstream success and musical immortality in 1956 when his breakout LP--Calypso--became the first album ever, by any artist of any race or gender, to sell more than a million copies while his signature "Day-O" (from "Banana Boat") became one of the most instantly recognized melodic phrases in the world. Belafonte's sound signified an international island dance party, Belafonte was an inspirational and motivating force in the American Civil Rights movement. Throughout his career, Belafonte has brought a high degree of social consciousness to everything he does, merging the activist with the artist in the flow of his music.

An essential single-disc anthology of Belafonte's biggest hits and timeless classics, When Colors Come Together... The Legacy of Harry Belafonte premieres a new recording of "When Colors Come Together (Our Island In The Sun)," performed by a children's choir. The original recording of the song (co-written by Belafonte and Irving Burgie) served as the title music for the highly successful and at-the-time controversial 1957 film, "Island In The Sun," which starred Belafonte, James Mason, Joan Fontaine, Joan Collins and Dorothy Dandridge. One of the great pop standards in the Belafonte catalog, "Island In The Sun" has been covered more than 40 times since becoming a hit in the 1950s and was referenced in the 1992 film "The Muppet Christmas Carol."

The film, "Island In The Sun" explored themes of racial tension and interracial romance in an explosive drama based on Alec Waugh's 1955 novel. "With the myriad of problems facing the world today, none embody the passion and life's work of Belafonte more than the issue of race. Coming from a background of diversity he evolved into a performing artist with a deep, lifelong commitment to social activism. In the spirit of that commitment and at the forefront of this important effort is a re-imagining of one of Harry's classic recordings that took the world by storm," wrote David Belafonte in his liner notes to the album. "We are proud to present 'When Colors Come Together (Our Island In The Sun)': re-interpreted for children; and re-recorded by children. We hasten to make the case that the concept of race is not a trait with which one is born, but instead an acquired disease that festers with age. As such, we looked to these young children as the voice of this expression through this reimagined song, dance, and art."

With each track handpicked by Harry Belafonte, When Colors Come Together... The Legacy of Harry Belafonte provides an essential overview of the artist's career, bringing together his biggest hits and most socially conscious performances alongside songs that are simply near and dear to his heart.

Belafonte has campaigned for social justice and equality throughout his career, while his transcendent timeless music continues to bring people of all races, creeds and colors together to celebrate and share the beauty of the world, the glory of our creator and the love of life and others.

In October 2016, in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, Sankofa.org, the organization founded by Belafonte in 2013, hosted the inaugural two-day Many Rivers to Cross Festival. Belafonte sang live for the first time in 12 years performing a powerful version of Pete Seeger's "Those Three on My Mind" (which he'd recorded for his 1967 album Belafonte on Campus) dedicated to slain civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner. The historical musical moment was part of the grand finale musical presentation called "Stir it Up," curated by Belafonte and produced by Sankofa.org

With the causes championed by Harry Belafonte in the news every day and the healing communal power of music more necessary than ever, now is the time to celebrate the powerful and diverse musical and cultural contributions of this iconic performer.

Harry Belafonte
When Colors Come Together... The Legacy of Harry Belafonte

1) When Colors Come Together (Our Island In The Sun) (newly recorded for this album)
2) Jump In The Line (1961 - Jump Up Calypso)
3) Banana Boat (Day-O) (1956 - Calypso)
4) All My Trials (1959 - Love is a Gentle Thing)
5) Empty Chairs (1973 - Play Me)
6) Matilda (1956 - Belafonte)
7) Angelina (1961 - Jump Up Calypso)
8) Turn The World Around (1977 - Turn The World Around)
9) Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair) (1956 - Belafonte)
10) Abraham, Martin and John (1970 - Belafonte By Request)
11) On Top of Old Smokey (1962 - The Midnight Special)
12) Jamaica Farewell (1956 - Calypso)
13) Brown Skin Girl (1956 - Calypso)
14) Island In The Sun (From "Island In The Sun") (1957 - Belafonte Sings of the Caribbean)
15) Those Three Are On My Mind (1967 - Belafonte On Campus)
16) Try To Remember (1966 - In My Quiet Room)
17) Mary's Boy Child (1956 - An Evening with Belafonte)
18) Look Over Yonder/Be My Woman, Gal (Live) (1972 - Harry Belafonte...Live!)
19 ) Pastures of Plenty (Live) (1972 - Harry Belafonte...Live!)

Born Harold George Bellanfanti, Jr. in New York City's Harlem on March 1, 1927, Harry Belafonte has achieved worldwide success acclaim as a recording artist, performer, singer, songwriter, actor and activist. One of the most successful African-American pop stars in history, Belafonte brought Caribbean party music to an international audience by popularizing Caribbean party music with his breakthrough album Calypso (1956). Perhaps best-known for his signature track "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)," Belafonte's catalog encompasses the music of many genres including pop, blues, folk, gospel, reggae, show tunes and American standards. In addition to his stand-out performance in "Island in the Sun" (1957), Belafonte has starred in several films including Otto Preminger's hit musical "Carmen Jones" (1954) and Robert Wise's "Odds Against Tomorrow" (1959).

An early supporter of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, Belafonte was among Martin Luther King, Jr.'s close circle. Throughout his career he has advocated for political and humanitarian causes including the anti-apartheid movement and USA for Africa. Since 1987, Belafonte has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and currently acts as the American Civil Liberties Union celebrity ambassador for juvenile justice issues.

Belafonte has won three Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. In 1989 he received the Kennedy Center Honors. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1994. In 2014, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy's 6th Annual Governors Awards. In March 2014, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in Boston.

In 2013 Belafonte founded Sankofa.org., which has been building a platform where influential artists and grassroots leaders can work collaboratively to speak out against human rights abuse and injustice. Recently Sankofa.org partnered with Blackout for Human Rights on the successful "Justice For Flint" benefit concert, and worked with Usher on his groundbreaking "Chains" music video and racial justice campaign. Proceeds for the festival will assist with partner grassroots organizations across the country.



Friday, January 20, 2017

NEW RELEASES: FOUR TOPS – NATURE PLANNED IT; ART HIRAHARA – CENTRAL LINE; ERIC LAU - EXAMPLES

FOUR TOPS – NATURE PLANNED IT

Why did Motown ever let the Four Tops get away? This album was their last for the label – and it's an excellent one, filled with soul, sweetness, and some of the best arrangements the group had in their later years! The soul component is super-high – with tight group instrumentation that reminds us of the best Philly backing combos of the same time, but leaner too – as Dennis Coffey and Wah Wah Ragin are on guitars, Jack Ashford handles percussion, and Leonard Caston adds some nice funky keyboards. The real talent, though, is the group – and Levi Stubbs is in fine fine form on cuts like "She's An Understanding Woman", "I Am Your Man", "If You Let Me", "Nature Planned It", "Walk With Me, Talk With Me Darling", and "Happy (Is A Bumpy Road)". Even includes a great version of Todd Rundgren's wonderful track "We Gotta Get You A Woman"! (Limited edition!)  ~ Dusty 
Groove

ART HIRAHARA – CENTRAL LINE

Art Hirahara is a beautifully fluid pianist – one who really won us over with his last album on Posi-tone, and who seems to soar even more here – working in a fantastic trio that includes Linda Oh on bass and Rudy Royston on drums – plus some occasional tenor from Donny McCaslin! Oh and Royston have this round presence that really resonates strongly with Art's piano – creating this wave of soulful energy from the ground up, even on the mellower moments – with a tonal depth that's sophisticated, yet never forced at all. When McCaslin comes into the mix, his sound is a bit more separate from the three – yet in a way that only underscores their cohesion and beautiful sensitivity together. Titles include "Little Giant", "Sensitive Animal", "Central Line", "Kuroda Bushi", "Astray", and a version of the Chico Buarque tune "As Minhas Meninas".  ~ Dusty Groove

ERIC LAU - EXAMPLES

A beautiful back-to-basics set from Eric Lau – spare instrumentals that focus wonderfully on the best sort of interplay between beats and keyboards – never overdone, never overly-long, but a great reminder of how wonderful the format can be in the hands of the right musician! There's a crispness to the tunes that's wonderful – and a freshness that's really surprising, especially if you think that everything's already been done in the genre – which might have been our position, until we opened our ears to the goodness on the set! Titles include "Harmonics", "Rahw", "Harps In Space", "Lift Off", "Rhythm King", "The Sun & Beyond", "Flute Time", "Myo Shuffle", and "Everything Will Work Out Fine".  ~ Dusty Groove



NEW RELEASES: VIBRATION BLACK FINGER - BLACKISM; JEREMY PELT – MAKE NOISE!; CHIP WICKHAM – LA SOMBRA

VIBRATION BLACK FINGER - BLACKISM

Incredibly hip work from drummer Lascelle Gordon – a set that really lives up to the compelling name of the group, with a sound that instantly brings together a righteous 70s generation with the current cosmic underground scene! The music is a mix of spiritual and electric jazz modes, but also is unafraid to throw in a bit more in the way of electronics, too – never programmed rhythms, as Lascelle handles all those himself, live – but sometimes with phase shifts on some of the instruments, or a bit of processing – which evokes maybe a bit of electric Miles, or some of the Chicago Underground modes. Trumpet and tenor get nice space on the set, and the album features vocals from Maggie Nichols on one track – and titles include "Emin", "Sawalha", "Goodbye NYC", "Ofilli", "Drums For Peace", and "Bhamara/The Black Bee".  ~ Dusty Groove

JEREMY PELT – MAKE NOISE!

A joyous noise from trumpeter Jeremy Pelt – a player who just seems to get deeper and deeper as the years go on, and who's in very spiritual territory here – as he stretches out with a quintet on a host of beautiful original compositions! The lineup is heavy on the darker textures of the spectrum – with Victor Gould on piano, Vincente Archer on bass, Jonathan Barber on drums, and Jacquelene Acevedo on percussion – creating these shifting, blocking passages that really let Pelt's trumpet soar and shimmer over the top – maybe resonant with even more meaning than usual, as he blows these sublime lines that link him back to a righteous lineage we might never have expected from his early recordings. The whole thing's great – rock-solid, and free from gimmick – and titles include "Digression", "Cry Freedom", "Evolution", "Chateau D'Eau", "Your First Touch", and "Prince".  ~ Dusty Groove

CHIP WICKHAM – LA SOMBRA

Sublime spiritual sounds from reedman Chip Wickham – part of the new revival of soulful 70s modes that we see in the music of Nat Birchall and Matthew Halsall! Chip lists both of these musicians as key influence in the notes, and we can definitely hear that in the music, too – which is a mix of modal groovers and more spacious numbers that blossom with Strata East-like energy – all handled by a great quartet that features Chip on both flute and tenor, plus Gabriel Casanova on piano, David Salvador on bass, and Antonio Pax on both drums and vibes. The music also has some hip European echoes – with styles that recall older work by Harold McNair on the flute numbers, or maybe the best of the Saba/MPS acoustic years. Easily the most righteous album ever issued by the Lovemonk label – with titles that include "Sling Shot", "Red Planet", "The Detour", "La Sombra", "Pushed Too Far", and "La Leyenda Del Tiempo".  ~ Dusty Groove


BRENTON WOOD "THE VERY BEST OF" COLLECTION FEATURES 16 REMASTERED SONGS FROM 1967-1971

Very few singers ever accomplish what this soul man was able to do: create a lasting and indelible impression on listeners with only a few notes of a song. But that’s exactly what Brenton Wood did on his smash hit “The Oogum Boogum Song” in 1967. The opening piano notes and then Wood’s unique vocal still sounds brand new a half-century later. On February 24, Concord Bicycle is releasing The Very Best of Brenton Wood, a newly remastered collection charting his run of worldwide pop hits. Included are “The Oogum Boogum Song,” “Gimme Little Sign,” “Baby You Got,” along with unforgettable Dedicated to You soul ballads “Me and You” and “I Like the Way You Love Me.” 

In addition to Brenton Wood’s series of 7-inch 45s releases for the Double Shot Records label, two deep soul gems from the vaults are included: a stirring and deeply personal version of Sam Cooke’s Civil Rights anthem “A Change is Gonna Come” along with “Diamonds,” a sought after song that is among Wood’s most sought-after recordings. Both are making their physical debut on the compact disc version of The Very Best Of.

This brand new collection is Brenton Wood’s first official remastered Best Of compilation since 1988. Out of print for decades, his two classic studio albums Oogum Boogum and Baby You Got It were digitally reissued for the first time ever in 2013. Oogum Boogum will also have a wide vinyl album release this May. 

Brenton Wood has had a career of both mainstream success and underground devotion. All Music Guide recently wrote: “It’s hard not to hear Brenton Wood’s biggest hit, ‘Gimme Little Sign,’ and not be convinced that it very well might be the greatest single ever cut. It relies on no one thing—the song is slinky, surprising and seductive, blessed with a perfect production (the organ break in the middle is positively, eerily beautiful) and a wonderful, understated performance by Wood, who proves with his smooth, sure-handed delivery that he is one of the finest soul singers of his generation.” 

Brenton Wood arrived on the scene in 1967 with back-to-back hits “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign” that would carry the then-Compton resident from a regional Southern California artist to international stardom. During his high-voltage period with the short-lived Double Shot Records independent label, Wood would record eleven 45s and two studio albums, creating a unique soul and pop hybrid style crossed with moving doo wop ballads.

The Hollywood-based Double Shot Records roster would also include garage rock legends Count Five, doo wop faves the Bagdads, Kent & the Candidates (who also were Wood’s touring  and session band) and Bay Area singing legend Bobby Freeman. It reflects an era when popular music was breaking across boundaries and become the sound heard around the world.
  
Track Listing

1. The Oogum Boogum Song
2. Gimme Little Sign
3. I Like The Way You Love Me
4. Baby You Got It
5. A Change Is Gonna Come
6. I Think You’ve Got Your Fools Mixed Up
7. Great Big Bundle Of Love
8. Me And You
9. Take A Chance
10. Darlin’
11. I’m The One Who Knows
12. Catch You On The Rebound
13. Two Time Loser
14. Best Thing I Ever had
15. Where Were you
16. Diamonds




ELIANE ELIAS CELEBRATES SAMBA’S CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW RELEASE "DANCE OF TIME"

Recorded in Brazil, the March 24 release features Randy Brecker, Mike Mainieri, Mark Kibble, Amilton Godoy, Toquinho and João Bosco

Two years after seducing fans with her GRAMMY®-winning Made in Brazil (Best Latin Jazz Album), the internationally acclaimed pianist, singer, composer and arranger Eliane Elias returns with the ebullient Dance of Time, set for release on March 24, 2017 via Concord Jazz.

The former disc commemorated a homecoming for her; it was the first time she recorded in her native country of Brazil since moving to the United States in 1981. JazzTimes magazine praised Made in Brazil as  “a warm embrace,” while Jazziz magazine wrote, “Surrounded by Brazilian-bred luminaries, Elias brilliantly captures the complexities of human emotions in a seamless display that reconciles past and present, loss and fulfillment, melancholy and bliss, all while celebrating her homecoming.”

Dance of Time, like its predecessor, was recorded in Brazil. “Recording in Brazil was such a high,” explains Elias as to why she returned to the country. But thematically, Dance of Time is its own beautiful beast. Whereas Made in Brazil was a tantalizing toast to three generations of Brazilian composers, Dance of Time’s themes are multifold.

With the presence of extraordinary guests including pianist Amilton Godoy plus singer-songwriting guitarists João Bosco and Toquinho—from Brazil—along with trumpeter Randy Brecker, vibraphonist Mike Mainieri and singer Mark Kibble—from the United States, Dance of Time celebrates certain people who were integral in Elias’ early artistic journey in both Brazil and the U.S. “I wanted to include musicians who were very important in the start of my career,” Elias says. “Dance of Time represents the spectrum of my career from the very beginning until now.”

Dance of Time also applauds the samba, a genre originating from Bahia, via Africa. Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the first samba ever recorded and registered, “Pelo Telefone.” “Samba is the most authentic and contagious dance rhythm of Brazil, and there is no better place in the world to capture this music. I just had to be in Brazil to make Dance of Time.”

“On this record, I play and sing more sambas than I have ever recorded on an album,” Elias states. Indeed, she gets the party started in the most ingenious manner with her sublime makeover of the Brazilian classic “O Pato.” João Gilberto was the first to release the song in 1960 (on his Capitol Records LP Brazil's Brilliant João Gilberto). In Elias’ deft hands, the song’s rhythmic pulse transforms from bossa nova to samba as her percussive piano accompaniment propels the song forward alongside her rhythm section’s sauntering thrust. Elias embellishes her piano playing with pliant jazz phrases in a style that is absolutely her own. While singing and swinging the vocal melody with her sumptuous voice, her left hand pulsing a syncopating rhythm and her right hand flying over the keys, Elias tells short stories in her own inimitable way.

Next, Elias explores the 1932 classic show tune “You’re Getting to Be a Habit With Me,” a song famously rendered by Frank Sinatra in 1956. By supplying the song with a graceful bossa nova groove, Elias makes a subtle nod to Francis Albert Sinatra & Antônio Carlos Jobim, the monumental duet LP between the two music icons, which celebrates its 50th anniversary. Elias’ rendition also features some glimmering vibraphone accompaniment from Mainieri.

Elias’ professional relationship with Mainieri dates back to 1981. When she was recording her first demo, Mainieri offered to produce it. Their partnership blossomed further when she joined the Mainieri-led jazz ensemble Steps Ahead. She recorded the group’s first album and toured internationally. Mainieri appears again on Elias’ amorous bossa nova “Little Paradise,” on which he underscores her husky voice and dreamy piano melodicism with aquatic vibraphone colors.

Mark Kibble—of the award-winning jazz-gospel vocal sextet Take 6—guests on the 1944 Brazilian classic “Copacabana.”  Her creative arranging skills are in evidence as she modernizes “Copacabana” with new harmonies, modulations and subtle backbeats, which provide an R&B sensibility that eventually morphs into a samba. Elias serenades the lyrics atop her gorgeous piano accompaniment while Kibble’s multi-tracked vocal harmonies insulate the song bracingly.

Elias reveals that she and Kibble have admired each other’s work since the mid-’80s: “I envisioned vocal harmonies on a few tunes, and I could not imagine anyone other than Mark Kibble to provide the background vocals,” Elias says. “His contributions are absolutely gorgeous. I couldn’t be happier with the results.”

Kibble’s vocal magic appears on Elias’ sensual, mid-tempo samba “By Hand (Em Mãos)” and on her enchanting reading of Kurt Weil’s 1943 gem “Speak Low,” another classic that gets an update with a hybrid groove underneath her inventive reharmonization on an abbreviated form. In addition to Kibble’s haunting background vocals, “Speak Low” also features sumptuous flugelhorn playing from the jazz-great, multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning trumpeter, Randy Brecker.  Elias and Brecker sparked a wonderful professional and personal relationship starting in the early ’80s.  Elias remarks, “Our friendship and musical relationship has remained all these years.  Randy is a virtuoso musician, and his amazing playing is modern while deep in the tradition at the same time.  He’s simply one of a kind.”

João Bosco, one of Brazil’s most eminent singer-songwriters, appears on Elias’ feisty take of his classic song “Coisa Feita.” Elias’ arrangement incorporates a deeper bottom and more forceful propulsion; it also includes some of her most aggressive piano improvisations on the entire album. “Samba can’t swing any more than what we all brought to this recording, if I may say it,” Elias boasts. “I’m so proud of this version. The intensity in João Bosco’s music was influential to me during my formative years and I wanted to include him in this album.

Toquinho is the other stellar Brazilian singer-songwriter-guitarist guesting on Dance of Time. The first time Elias encountered the iconic Toquinho, she was only 17 years old. He, along with Vinicius de Moraes and Antonio Carlos Jobim, discovered her playing when she was leading a jazz trio. “After they heard me play, they invited me to join their tours throughout Brazil and South America. It was fantastic. At age 17, I started my life on the road,” Elias remembers.

While working alongside Toquinho and Vinicius de Moraes, Elias developed a way of articulating the samba rhythm on the piano that is unique to her.  Performing together, Eliane and Toquinho enliven the melancholy “Samba de Orly,” a 1970 tune that Toquinho penned with de Moraes and Chico Buarque that addresses the sentiments of living in exile during Brazil’s notorious military dictatorship.

Toquinho later appears on the disc’s closer, “Not to Cry (Pra Não Chorar),” a poignant duet with Elias. The song was initially composed by Toquinho in 1978 and entitled “Eliane,” but it was unfinished. “When I reminded him of the tune, Toquinho was thrilled. We finished the song,” Elias says. “He wrote all the lyrics, which are nostalgic as they talk about the times we were together with Vinicius, rehearsing, touring and living a life in music and art.”

On the wondrous original “An Up Dawn,” Elias invites Amilton Godoy—one of her earliest mentors to join in a festive piano duet. While she handles the all-encompassing samba groove, Godoy presents the prancing melody of which Elias sings in unison.  Godoy is not only an important figure in Elias’ life, he fronted the popular Zimbo Trio and founded one of the most important music schools in Brazil, the Centro Livre De Aprendizagem Musical (CLAM), in 1973. Elias was only 13 years old when she enrolled at CLAM.

Under Godoy’s mentorship, Elias’ musical knowledge evolved rapidly. So impressed with not only Elias’ musicality and virtuosity at the piano but also her astonishing transcribing skills, Godoy promoted her as a teacher when she was merely a 15-year-old. “I helped create the syllabus and method books that they still use today,” Elias says. “I then was made a professor of the piano department where I taught for four more years, until age 19.”

Rounding out Dance of Time are Elias’ irresistible, virtuosic version of João Donato’s 1965 hit “Sambou Sambou,” whose lyrics revel in the joys of the samba dance while her superb piano gets you off your seat, and her tender reading of Ary Barroso’s  “Na Batucada da Vida,” an intrepid ballad written in 1934. Speaking of the latter, Elias says, “This song was harmonically advanced for its time and is quite challenging vocally due to its wide vocal range.” Elias’ profound interpretation on this track reveals a depth of emotional expression that penetrates one’s soul.

With all its multiple reference points, Elias sees Dance of Time as her way of acknowledging various people and influences who informed and continue to inspire her music. And as stated before, she uses this new album as her personal salute to samba. “If you were to slow down the samba, you could get to some very beautiful, heartfelt lyricism,” she says. “Most people dance to samba music while caught up in the intoxicating rhythm, but one can also dive deeper into the lyrical, harmonic and melodic aspects of the music as well.  Elias’ Dance of Time exudes beauty and joy as it moves in rhythm to the beat of her universe.   Says Elias, “I wish for the listener to feel the happiness I felt when making this album and hope to bring some joy and beauty into their world.”


Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Legendary French Violinist Jean Luc Ponty To Tour The US Summer 2017

Legendary French violinist Jean Luc Ponty and his band will be bringing their “Atlantic Years” tour to the US beginning late May 2017! Jean Luc Ponty is a pioneer and undisputed master of the violin in the arena of jazz and rock. He is widely regarded as an innovator who has applied his unique visionary spin that has expanded the vocabulary of modern music.

Says Jean Luc, “We're calling it 'The Atlantic Years' tour since I am touring with my band from the late 70's - 80's with whom I recorded several albums for Atlantic Records.”

The Jean Luc Ponty Band features:

Jean Luc Ponty – violin
Wally Minko – keyboards
Jamie Glaser – guitars
Rayford Griffin – drums
Baron Browne – bass

Jean Luc Ponty Band 2017 US tour dates:

May 30 – Portland, OR - Aladdin Theater
May 31 – Seattle, WA - The Neptune
June 01 – Eugene, OR - John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts
June 02 – Los Angeles, CA - The Saban Theater Beverly Hills
June 04 – San Francisco, CA - Regency Ballroom
June 05 – Santa Cruz, CA - Rio Theatre
June 07 – San Juan Capistrano, CA - The Coach House
June 08 – Agoura Hills, CA - The Canyon
June 09 – Scottsdale, AZ - Center For the Arts
June 10 – Las Vegas, NV - Allante Casino
June 14 – Boulder, CO - Boulder Theater
June 16 – Dallas, TX - Granada Theater
June 17 – Austin, TX - One World Theatre
June 20 – Chicago, IL - City Winery
June 21 – Detroit, MI - Chene Park
June 23 – Niagara Falls, NY - Seneca Niagara Casino
June 24 – Saratoga Springs, NY - Performing Arts Center
June 25 – NYC - B.B. King

After studying classical violin at the Paris Conservatory, Jean Luc Ponty turned to jazz in the 60's. Thanks to his revolutionary style he collaborated with some of the best European and American musicians such as Eddy Louiss, Daniel Humair, Niels Henning-Ørsted Pedersen, John Lewis, Lalo Schifrin, and Quincy Jones. He became the first bebop violinist and US jazz magazine “Down Beat” created a violin category for him in its critics' poll, until then violin was in the 'miscellaneous instruments' category. His pioneering work on the electric violin in the 70's attracted the attention of pop and rock musicians, he recorded with Elton John and participated to several tours and legendary recordings with Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention and John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra. In 1975 he founded his own band and became one of the most prominent figures of the jazz-fusion movement in the USA, selling millions of albums that all reached the top of the US charts. Ponty's most recent album “The Atacama Experience” is considered as one if his best and to this day Ponty keeps touring with his band around the world.

Ponty also collaborates on occasional projects such as “The Rite of Strings” with Stanley Clarke and Al Di Meola. In 2011 Ponty joined the mythical American group RETURN TO FOREVER IV with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White and Frank Gambale for a world tour spanning on 5 continents.

Ponty received the 2007 Jazz Trophy in Germany, the medal of Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur in France in 2009, the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Awards in Ireland, and the Grand Prix of the Sochi Arts Festival in 2012 in Russia from the hands of world famous classical violist and orchestra conductor Yuri Bashmet. In 2012 Ponty performed his music with Orchestre Pasdeloup for his 50-year career celebration at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, then again with symphony orchestras in Brazil, Russia and Hungary in 2012 and 2013.

In April 2013 Herbie Hancock invited him to perform in Istanbul at “International Jazz Day” for UNESCO. Ponty also founded a new quartet with his daughter, pianist-singer-composer Clara Ponty which performed in France and Germany in 2014. Ponty also performed with the 89 musicians of the Novosibirsk Philharmonic Orcherstra for the Siberian Christmas Festival.

In 2014 Ponty recorded an album as an acoustic trio with Stanley Clarke on double bass and Gypsy-French guitarist Bireli Lagrene, which was released on Impulse/Universal in the Fall 2015.

Jean Luc recently formed the Anderson Ponty Band with Jon Anderson, co-founder and lead singer of British progressive rock band YES, a CD and DVD was released in 2015 followed by a North American concert tour.


ANN-MARGRET THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION (2-CD SET)

She was the ultimate bombshell, a Swedish seductress with hair of flame, a fulsome figure, and a taste for Triumph motorcycles. But with Ann-Margret, her irresistible beauty took a back seat to her incandescent talent; this was no mere starlet, but a performer whose singing, dancing, and acting skills—all imbued with a devil-may-care charisma—caused record execs to groom her as the female Elvis Presley. 

Now, finally, here is a comprehensive collection that captures those magical early days of Ann-Margret’s career, a 2-CD set that includes 30 tracks carefully chosen from her 1961-1966 RCA recordings. Among the featured tracks: chart hits like “I Just Don’t Understand,” “It Do Me So Good,” and “What Am I Supposed to Do;” her famous duets with Elvis from Viva Las Vegas, “You’re the Boss” and “The Lady Loves Me” (which, as legend has it, Col. Tom Parker withheld from commercial release because he was afraid Ann-Margret would overshadow The King); four tracks from Beauty and the Beard, her charting album with trumpeter Al Hirt; soundtrack recordings from Bye Bye Birdie, Every Night at Eight, Thunderball, The Swinger, and The Pleasure Seekers; and much more. 

In fact, these 30 songs—which include single sides as well—hail from nine different albums, and liner note writer Joe Marchese walks you through each and every one of them on this sumptuous package, which includes vintage album artwork. An earful and an eye-ful…viva Ann-Margret!

Disc : 1
1. Teach Me Tonight
2. I Just Don't Understand
3. It Do Me So Good
4. Heartbreak Hotel
5. Fever
6. What Am I Supposed to Do
7. Bachelor in Paradise
8. Mr. Wonderful
9. Let Me Entertain You
10. How Lovely to Be a Woman
11. Bye Bye Birdie
12. Take All the Kisses
13. I'm in the Mood for Love
14. You're the Boss
15. The Lady Loves Me
Disc : 2
1. Man's Favorite Sport
2. I'm Nobody's Baby
3. Bill Bailey
4. My Baby Just Cares for Me
5. Mack the Knife
6. Love Makes the World Go Round
7. Our Language of Love
8. The Pleasure Seekers
9. Next Time
10. Something to Think About
11. Everything Makes Music When You're in Love
12. Mister Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
13. That Old Black Magic
14. I Wanna Be Loved
15. The Swinger


Friday, January 13, 2017

PRODUCED BY THOM BELL - THE FISH THAT SAVED PITTSBURGH: MUSIC FROM THE ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK (EXPANDED EDITION) CD

Real Gone Music and Second Disc Records are tipping off 2017 with a slam dunk release! The 1979 cult favorite film The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh featured an all-star team from the worlds of basketball and Hollywood - Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Meadowlark Lemon, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry Tarkanian, Stockard Channing, Jonathan Winters, Flip Wilson, Debbie Allen, Harry Shearer, and more – for its fantastical tale of a struggling Pittsburgh basketball team that beats the odds with a little help from the heavens. The movie’s soundtrack was equally illustrious. Pop-soul maestro Thom Bell, renowned for his work with The Spinners, The Stylistics, The Delfonics, and Johnny Mathis, wrote, produced, arranged, and conducted his very first motion picture score, and the result was a soul symphony incorporating funk, disco, and jazz rhythms, and of course, Bell’s trademark luscious balladry. 

An A-team of R&B’s finest artists was enlisted to perform Bell’s all-new songs, including The Four Tops, The Spinners, Bell and James, Phyllis Hyman, The Delfonics’ William “Poogie” Hart, and The Sylvers, plus country superstar Loretta Lynn, ragtime legend Eubie Blake, and the one and only Doc Severinsen. Yet, when the movie came and went from theatres, so did the soundtrack album…until now! The Fish gained a cult following on television and VHS, and now, it’s time for its sizzling soundtrack to have its chance on the court, too. Hip-hop’s most tuned-in artists have already sampled these lost grooves; now you can hear the originals! 

The first-ever CD release of The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh boasts a sparkling new remastering from the original Lorimar Records tapes by XXX at Sony’s Battery Studios, detailed liner notes by The Second Disc’s Joe Marchese featuring fresh quotes from Thom Bell, and three rare bonus tracks: two distinctive 12-inch mixes of Bell and James’ infectious title track, and the lush, dramatic “Pisces Theme.” This deluxe Expanded Edition is nothing but net, and a must-have for classic soul fans from Philly to Motown…and of course, Pittsburgh. The Doctor is in!

1. A Theme for L.A.'s Team
2. Magic Mona
3. Mighty Mighty Pisces
4. (Do It, Do It) No One Does It Better
5. The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
6. Moses Theme
7. Chance of a Lifetime
8. Follow Every Dream
9. Ragtime
10. Is It Love, Must Be Love
11. Pisces Theme
12. The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh
13. The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh


NEW RELEASES: JOE BOURNE - UPBEAT AND SWEET; CHET BAKER - THE PACIFIC JAZZ COLLECTION; SONNY ROLLINS - THE COMPLETE BLUE NOTE, RIVERSIDE & CONTEMPORARY COLLECTION

JOE BOURNE - UPBEAT AND SWEET: FEATURING JAZZ-INFUSED ROCK AND POP SONGS

Featuring Jazz Drummer sensation, Louis Nash, seasoned vocalist Joe Bourne and his warm voice turn classics into jazz...This collection of hit songs from the middle of the 20th Century is sure to tickle the nostalgic fancy of baby boomers. However, the jazz- infused arrangements and virtuosic instrumental solos will appeal to jazz and popular song fans of all ages. Bourne's rock-solid delivery--no auto tuning here--harkens back to some of the great singers of the last century including Lou Rawls and Al Green. Joe Bourne has a warm mellifluous voice and simple, elegant style He has the virtuosity combined with ease of execution needed to communicate the fun and swing of this music. From Sting to Clapton to Fleetwood Mac, he nails the jazz infusion in this user friendly, accessible recording. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the singer/ entertainer, Joe Bourne was inspired by many of the big names of Jazz that toured the Boston area. Whether it's a swinging rendition of the fun song Goody Goody, Oscar Brown's philosophical Dhat Dher the romantic ballad of Earl Garner's Misty, or his special tribute to the great Nat King Cole, Joe, who has been influenced by the likes of Lou Rawls, Billy Eckstein, Arthur Prysock, and Nat King Cole always seems to capture the audience with his on style and warm, light baritone, voice and his dynamic stage presentation. Joe has shared the stage with Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Nina Simone, Dionne Warwick and several other Jazz and Popular music greats. Even as more jazz musicians are stretching the meaning of The Great American Songbook, to take hit ballads by one- name rockers like Sting, and Clapton and iconic bands like The Beatles, The Eagles and Steppenwolf and make them your own in a contemporary jazz context is not an easy feat. But Bourne accomplishes it

CHET BAKER - THE PACIFIC JAZZ COLLECTION

A master of the trumpet and a much-heralded vocalist, Chet Baker s string of classic albums and his seemingly effortless cool style have earned him a legendary reputation which still rivals that of any other jazz musician. Esteemed jazz historian Dave Gelly described the trumpeter s image as a blend of James Dean, Sinatra and Bix, rolled into one . A musical icon of the 1950s and 60s, Baker s playing, singing and style would go on to influence countless others who came along in his wake. This four disc collection, containing over five hours of music in total, brings together the finest records made by Chet Baker for Pacific Jazz. Demonstrating the creation of a true jazz icon and tracking his development from his earliest recordings to his departure from the label with whom he made his name, these albums are presented here faithfully remastered and in the best possible quality, and form not just the perfect introduction to this master musician, but equally provide an a enthralling glimpse of an essential contribution to American musical history.


SONNY ROLLINS - THE COMPLETE BLUE NOTE, RIVERSIDE & CONTEMPORARY COLLECTION

A titan of jazz saxophone with a career spanning more than seven decades, Sonny Rollins approach to the tenor sax brought a new sound spectrum to the instrument that went on to influence just about every horn player who has come along since. After spending his early career recording for Prestige Records, during which time he produced such magnificent albums as Tenor Madness and Saxophone Colossus (both 1956), as well as making guest appearances alongside such names as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and Max Roach, Rollins left the label in 1957 and worked on a freelance basis for Blue Note, Riverside and Contemporary, for whom he created a series of extraordinary records that equalled his earlier output. This collection, containing eight complete, original albums over four discs, includes all of Sonny Rollins records released on Blue Note, Riverside and Contemporary Records between 1957 and 1959. A masterclass in jazz saxophone and improvisation, the five hours of music contained here includes many of the defining moments of the bebop era and, in completion, serves as both a welcome reminder and a superb starting point for exploration into this majestic musician s catalogue.


Roy Orbison's Black & White Night 30 is a re-imagined, re-edited, remastered and expanded version of the orginal

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Roy Orbison's renowned 1987 televised comeback concert at the Cocoanut Grove night club in Los Angeles, Sony Music's Legacy Recordings has teamed up with Roy's Boys LLC, the Nashville-based company founded by the late icon's sons to administer their father's catalog and safeguard his legacy. Together, they are releasing Black & White Night 30, a re-imagined, re-edited, remastered and expanded version of the original television special, available both as a CD/DVD set and as a CD/Blu-ray set on February 24. PBS will also air Roy Orbison: Black & White Night 30 during the month of March as part of their special programming.

By the mid-1980s, Roy Orbison had been out of the limelight for quite some time, but his song "In Dreams" was prominently featured in David Lynch's landmark 1986 noir film Blue Velvet and helped reignite interest in the 'Big O.' On September 30, 1987, Orbison, then 51, staged a remarkable comeback with the help of guest musicians whom he had influenced: Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Elvis Costello, k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, J.D. Souther, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits and Jennifer Warnes. The all-star concert at the Ambassador Hotel's Cocoanut Grove night club was turned into a television special and broadcast as Roy Orbison & Friends: Black & White Night on Cinemax the following January, less than a year before the icon's untimely passing.

Black & White Night 30 is NOT a reissue. Because the concert had been shot using seven separate cameras, there were hundreds of hours of footage that went unused and unseen. Roy's youngest son Alex Orbison and his co-editor Luke Chalk have gone back and re-edited the entire performance so that while the look will be familiar to those that have seen the original version, the vast majority of footage in Black & White Night 30 has never been seen before by the public.  Furthermore, the program has been restored to reflect the correct set order, so that viewers can see Roy, brilliantly backed by Elvis Presley's TCB Band (James Burton, Glen D. Hardin, Jerry Scheff, Ron Tutt), blast through massive Orbison hits such as "Only the Lonely," "In Dreams" and "Crying" just as the star-studded live audience witnessed them on that very night.

The bonus features included in Black & White Night 30 are remarkable in both size and scope.  These include a previously unseen alternate version of Orbison's biggest hit "Oh, Pretty Woman" and a previously unseen "Blue Angel." Then, unbeknownst to just about everyone but those that were there in 1987, Roy and friends and the full band regathered onstage after the show had ended and after the audience had left.  A 'secret concert' of five songs followed and is presented here for the first time.   The "secret concert" features alternate takes of "Dream You," "Comedians," "Candyman," "Claudette," and "Uptown" with shooting stopped only after film ran out in the middle of the latter song.  These 'secret' performances have been highly sought after by fans for decades.  All tracks, including all 'secret concert' alternate versions have been freshly remastered by Richard Dodd.   The audio for the concert is available on CD with buyers of Black & White Night 30 receiving a download code for access to the audio records of the 'secret concert.'

Also included is a brand new 33-minute mini-documentary consisting of rehearsal footage and pre and post show interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne from that night.  Absolutely none of this content has ever been released commercially, and until recently, has only been rumored to exist.

Black & White Night 30's bonus features are capped with a montage consisting of 20 still photos from the show and new photos of show memorabilia, mostly unused and unseen in any context. Liner notes written by son Roy Orbison Jr. are included in the brand new, yet thematically consistent, packaging.

Just as the original Black and White Night was televised almost three decades ago, so too will Roy Orbison: Black & White Night 30, this time as part of PBS special programming.

Only the Lonely
Leah
In Dreams
Crying
Uptown
The Comedians
Blue Angel
It's Over
Running Scared
Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)
Mean Woman Blues
Candy Man
Ooby Dooby
Blue Bayou
Go Go Go (Down the Line)
(All I Can Do Is) Dream You
Claudette
Oh, Pretty Woman (Alternate Version)*
Oh, Pretty Woman
Secret Post-Show Concert (available on digital download, included)

(All I Can Do Is) Dream You (Alternate Version)*
The Comedians (Alternate Version)*
Candy Man (Alternate Version)*
Claudette (Alternate Version)*
Uptown (Alternate Version)*
DVD/Blu-ray Special Features

Bonus Rehearsal & Interview Footage
Photo Gallery
*Previously Unreleased


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