NEW RELEASES: FKAJAZZ - LET IT SNOW; SLIVOVITZ - LiveR; JOE MCPHEE / PASCAL NIGGENKEMPER / STALE LIAVIK SOLBERG - IMAGINARY NUMBERS

FKAJAZZ - LET IT SNOW

Deemed a "triple threat, musician, producer, and writer" by United Press International, Samir Zarif aka FKAjazz has taken the latter half of 2017 by storm, first by releasing his groundbreaking sophomore album under his new moniker, FKAjazz and now with the release of "Let It Snow (Lovers' Version)" a single release for the long winter season to come. "It's time to cozy up," he says. Jonathan Widran of Jazziz Magazine writes, "NYC based saxophonist Samir Zarif lays the dynamic groundwork for the possibilities of what jazz is for his generation and provides a vision for what the cherished American art form can be moving forward. With a freewheeling energy driven by the still simmering melting pot of influences that drive his musical passion – traditional jazz, R&B and hip-hop – [his music] is the culmination of a multi-faceted journey that transcends easy definitions. It’s always evolving with a sense of grooving and improvisational wonder and discovery." By all means, this is a beautifully unexpected version of "Let It Snow" which effortlessly holds a place on every holiday playlist. From it's smooth-groove R&B feel to the masterful saxophone performance, FKAjazz's "Let It Snow" is a must-listen throughout the cold months ahead. As Christian Wissmuller of JazzEd Magazine put it "[FKAjazz is] moving jazz forward even further into new and exciting territories, incorporating elements of hip hop, traditional jazz, R&B, and other musical forms. This single release of "Let It Snow" coupled with the release of "Stereotype Threat" (released Sept 2017), proves that FKAjazz is on a mission to take us all on an epic musical journey.

SLIVOVITZ - LiveR

The fourth album of the progressive jazz-rock group from Napoli, Italy - SLIVOVITZ on MoonJune Records. Recorded live in Milan, Italy, in May of 2016, "LiveR" showcases the eccentric Italian maestros at their collective best – playful, daring and just having fun! Some of their most potent material to date (primarily from their heralded 2011 release, "Bani Ahead" and 2016's delectable "All You Can Eat") is revisited in truly refreshing style: uninhibited, lively, but still with their decidedly tight synchronicity and intuitive interplay as a unit. Brilliant individual moments abound, with many songs extending well beyond their previously-established studio confines: affording soloists the opportunity to really step out and shine, while harmonic and rhythmic potentials are explored with playful delight by an always-adventurous rhythm section, steadily smoldering in the background. While many live albums may come across as merely a rehash or an attempted recapturing of some previous musical magic, from the opening frame it's apparent that Slivovitz is completely engaged in the material -- showcasing both their collective and individual brilliance and ambition, while continuing to push the bounds of each song's structural and harmonic blueprints. This album roars with intensity, while serving as a testimony to the intrepidity and unfettered spirit of adventure which make this band one of progressive music's most unique, innovative collective entities. 

JOE MCPHEE / PASCAL NIGGENKEMPER / STALE LIAVIK SOLBERG - IMAGINARY NUMBERS

A really old school trio setting – one that has a loose, open, freely exploratory vibe that really takes us back to the loft jazz generation – as the musicians work in very creative territory that really shows their individual spirits, yet still also come together strongly as a whole! Joe McPhee is great on tenor and trumpet – and really reminds us of those tremendous textures and tones he started developing in the late 70s – and the rest of the trio features Pascal Niggenkemper on bass and Stale Liavik Solberg on drums – both younger musicians, but equally creative in the setting. Titles include "i", "A", and "Zero Supreme Love" – the last of which is dedicated to John Coltrane. ~ Dusty Groove

'70s REISSUES FROM HANK CRAWFORD – CAJUN SUNRISE; SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL ‘77 - LOVE MUSIC; RON CARTER - ANYTHING GOES

HANK CRAWFORD – CAJUN SUNRISE

Hank Crawford comes across here as much as a soul star as a jazz musician – as he sings on half the album's tracks, and delivers his trademark alto solos throughout! The album's got a similar vibe to some of Crawford's other CTI/Kudu material of the 70s – but the presence of vocals also brings about something new – especially as Hank's singing nice has a vibe that's maybe more raspy and down to earth than the smooth sound of his horn! Arrangements are by David Matthews, and other players include Fred Wesley on trombone, Randy Brecker on trumpet, Hiram Bullock on guitar, and Cliff Carter on keyboards. Titles include the strong instrumental cut "New York's One Soulful City" – plus "Just The Way You Are", "Daytime Friends", "Evergreen", "Cajun Sunrise", "What A Difference You've Made In My Life", and "I Don't Want No Happy Songs". (Part of the CTI 50th Anniversary Special Collection!) ~ Dusty Groove

SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL ‘77 - LOVE MUSIC

Warm mellow magic from Sergio Mendes in the 70s – a great little album that's got a sweet electric feel! The set was recorded with help from Tom Scott and Bob Alcivar on arrangements, and has a sunny southern California feel that's a nice extension of Sergio's 60s work – yet which also takes his sound to a whole new level. There's still some traces of Braziliana in the mix, but there's also a lot more straight soulful pop – really working that twin female vocal lead style nicely, and wrapping it around some great tunes like "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Hey Look At The Sun", "Love Music", "Killing Me Softly With His Song", "Where Is The Love", "Put A Little Love Away", and "Walk The Way You Talk". ~ Dusty Groove

RON CARTER - ANYTHING GOES

Ron Carter gets sweet and funky on this 70s classic for Kudu Records – a set that's a fair bit different than some of Carter's acoustic trio sides of the decade, or some of his more high-concept work in recent years! The approach here is free and flowing – larger arrangements penned by Carter and David Matthews – all in that sweet Kudu blend of soul and jazz, acoustic and electric elements. Ron himself plays acoustic bass and piccolo bass – alongside some great keyboards from Don Grolnick and Richard Tee. A few cuts have backing singers, but others are more instrumental – and titles include a great cover of "Barretta Theme (Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow)", plus "Anything Goes", "Big Fro", "Quarto Azul", and "De Samba". (Part of the CTI 50th Anniversary Special Collection!) ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: PETER HORSFALL - NIGHTHAWKS; SLY5THAVE - THE INVISIBLE MAN: AN ORCHESTRAL TRIBUTE TO DR. DRE; CHIARA PANCALDI - WHAT IS THERE TO SAY

PETER HORSFALL - NIGHTHAWKS

Singer, songwriter and trumpeter Peter Horsfall releases his debut album Nighthawks this autumn. This cinematic song cycle of nighttime ballads includes five original compositions co-written with Giacomo Smith ('Nighthawks', 'Then I Saw You', 'Secretly', 'Couldn't Stop Lovin' You' and 'This is Goodbye') as well as interpretations of 'Paradise' by Barry Harris and 'Sunset & The Mockingbird' by Duke Ellington with new lyrics by Horsfall. The ensemble features a stellar cast of the UK's most exciting young jazz soloists drawn from Horsfall's band mates in the renowned Kansas Smittys House Band – saxophonist Giacomo Smith, pianist Joe Webb, Ferg Ireland on double bass and Pedro Segundo on drums. Horsfall sets down his horn for this release, choosing to put his vocals at the front and centre of the project. "The choice to work with this specific personnel for my solo record was easy - it's an ensemble of musicians with a refined sensibility for ballad playing. These are four musicians in whom I have total trust." says Horsfall. "I've also been a fan of singer Cecile McLoren Salvant's visual art for some years now and am overjoyed that she has painted three beautiful watercolours on the theme of Nighthawks to accompany this release, adding a special element to the album artwork". "Nighthawks is a love letter to the ballad form. It embraces the twilight, loneliness, and ultimate romance of the nighttime," says Horsfall. "Edward Hopper's painting of the same name has always chimed with me. The lonely figures of the nightime scene; the waiter working until the early hours, the man sat lonesome at the counter. Perhaps it is musicians who are the definitive nighthawks." For fans of: Kurt Elling, José James, Gregory Porter, Shirley Horn, Tom Waits, Billie Holiday

SLY5THAVE - THE INVISIBLE MAN: AN ORCHESTRAL TRIBUTE TO DR. DRE

With "The Invisible Man: An Orchestral Tribute to Dr. Dre" multi-instrumentalist and producer Sly5thAve releases one of his most accomplished works to date. The album comes from a place of collaboration and pioneers an openness to improvisation and experimentation, resulting in a collection of visionary jazz cross-over tributes to Dr. Dre's work. A significant marker of the collaborative process can be heard in the many link-ups and vocal features which hit home throughout the record; from Will "Quantic" Holland ('The Edge') and Marc de Clive-Lowe ('Drelude for Woo') to Jimetta Rose ('Let Me Ride') and Melissa McMillan ('I'd Rather Be With You'), each significantly contributing to the album's rhythmic and melodic flair. Honing many of his chops through former projects and on the road as a session musician, Sly5thAve has also worked as a collaborator and session musician with such legendary and established artists such as; Prince, Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe and Quantic.

CHIARA PANCALDI - WHAT IS THERE TO SAY

With What is There to Say , Italian jazz singer Chiara Pancaldi demonstrates her talent to sing jazz standards in a flawless and convincing way. Chiara formed a pure acoustic trio with Kirk Lightsey (piano) and Darryl Hall (double bass) to record this album and they are joined by special guests Jeremy Pelt (trumpet) and Laurent Maur (harmonica) who play on one track each. The recording is a true live session, with the artists improvising freely. Each song, whether it is the famous standard On the Sunny Side of the Street or the obscure Strayhorn tune Love Came, has its own atmosphere. 'We chose a repertoire that could allow us to take chances and get loose but at the same time be tight on the musical structures and arrangements…' Chiara Pancaldi. The album was recorded at Studio de Meudon, Paris in March 2017.

New Jimi Hendrix Album Out March 9 "Both Sides of the Sky" Completing the Trilogy Started with Valleys of Neptune and People, Hell and Angels

On March 9, Experience Hendrix and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, proudly release Both Sides of the Sky, a dynamic new Jimi Hendrix album featuring 13 studio recordings made between 1968 and 1970—10 of which have never before been released. The album will be released on multiple formats including CD, digital, and as a numbered 180 gram audiophile vinyl 2LP.

Both Sides of the Sky is the third volume in a trilogy of albums intended to present the best and most significant unissued studio recordings remaining in the music legend's archive. Beginning with Valleys of Neptune (2010), which earned top ten sales rankings in fifteen countries (including a top position of #4 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart), followed by People, Hell and Angels (2013) which peaked on Billboard's Top 100 album chart at #2. Billboard's coveted number one singles ranking went to "Somewhere," the album's lead track and the legendary guitarist's highest ever US singles chart achievement. This third release is anticipated to complete the spectacular recording event in epic fashion. "Since Experience Hendrix began its restoration of the Jimi Hendrix music catalog in 1997, our goal has been to present these important recordings to Jimi's fans in the best possible quality. We are excited about achieving that. We've also been intent on generating album releases which present this amazing music in its proper context," explains John McDermott, one of the album's co-producers, together with Janie Hendrix and Eddie Kramer.

Recorded between January 1968 and February 1970, Jimi's desire to push the boundaries of blues music can be heard throughout. Both Sides of the Sky additionally highlights Jimi's mastery of studio production and his increasing use of these facilities as a proving ground for new sounds, material, and techniques. Many of the album's tracks were recorded by the trio that would come to be known as Band of Gypsys: Jimi on guitar and vocals, Billy Cox on bass, and Buddy Miles on drums.  For their first-ever recording session on April 22, 1969, Hendrix turned to their shared musical root, delta blues. Their previously unreleased, uptempo reworking of Muddy Waters' "Mannish Boy" opens the album and sets the tempo for what follows. "Lover Man" was a favored Hendrix original and the guitarist was determined to realize a finished master.  Previous attempts by the original Experience had yet to yield this for Hendrix but this December 1969 effort by the Band Of Gypsys — complete with its homage to the popular Batman theme song—was his strongest effort to date.

"Hear My Train A Comin'" features drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding from the original Jimi Hendrix Experience. This original blues composition had become a staple of Hendrix's concerts. This previously unreleased April 1969 recording captured the furious power and dynamic tension that made the song so memorable. Previously unheard recordings of "Stepping Stone," "Jungle," "Cherokee Mist" (which features Hendrix on both electric guitar and sitar) as well as the January 1968 recording of "Sweet Angel" provide further highlights.

Both Sides of the Sky also features an assortment of notable guest musicians. Stephen Stills befriended Hendrix at the June 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. In September of 1969 Stills was invited to a Hendrix session at the Record Plant in New York. Stills burst into the session with a song Joni Mitchell had recently composed, titled "Woodstock." Joined by Hendrix and Buddy Miles, the trio recorded this version first--months before Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released their popular rendition of Mitchell's song. Stills would also contribute $20 Fine, an original song that featured Hendrix on multiple guitars, Mitchell on drums, Stills on organ and lead vocals and Duane Hitchings (Buddy Miles Express) on piano.

Another of the album's unique band creations sees Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Winter on guitar, backed by Billy Cox and drummer Dallas Taylor of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. An excerpt of their rendition of Guitar Slim's "Things I Used To Do" was initially heard as part of a 1990 nationally syndicated radio program and accompanying box set, but here it is presented in full, newly mixed by Eddie Kramer for Both Sides of The Sky. On "Georgia Blues," Jimi is reunited with his old bandmate Lonnie Youngblood (vocals/sax) from his pre-fame days in Curtis Knight & The Squires. Briefly issued as part of the 2008 Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues series but out of print for nearly a decade, this special recording is once more available to Hendrix fans throughout the world on all audio formats.  

Both Sides of the Sky was produced by Janie Hendrix, John McDermott, and Eddie Kramer. Kramer served as recording engineer on every Jimi Hendrix album made during the artist's life. In order to preserve the integrity and continuity of the Hendrix legacy, this same team has produced every Jimi Hendrix audio and visual release since 1996.

Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. commented, "We have a growing commitment to preserve the legacy of Jimi and also to continue to give the worldwide family of Jimi fans quality releases. That's what "Both Sides of The Sky reflects…our ongoing commitment. In a deeper sense, it's the keeping of a promise. Jimi and I once made a promise to each other. He said he would take care of me and I told him I would take care him. Through his music and our preservation of his work, my brother and I honor one another. We are now in our third decade of watching over Jimi's creative works and our resolve to maintain the integrity of what he left us has only grown stronger with time."

That is also the purpose for Eddie Kramer's involvement and his devotion to the project. He remarked, "Jimi's true home was the studio, that's where the music and the magic happened. He loved everything about recording and it's been my distinct pleasure and an honor to play a part in that process both then and now."

Both Sides of the Sky tracklist:

1)    Mannish Boy*

2)    Lover Man*

3)    Hear My Train A Comin'*

4)    Stepping Stone*

5)    $20 Fine*+

6)    Power Of Soul^

7)    Jungle*

8)    Things I Used to Do#

9)    Georgia Blues++

10)  Sweet Angel*

11)  Woodstock*+

12)  Send My Love To Linda*

13)  Cherokee Mist*

*Previously unreleased

^ Previously unavailable extended version

+Featuring Stephen Stills

#Featuring Johnny Winter

++Featuring Lonnie Youngblood

Produced by Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer and John McDermott for Experience Hendrix, L.L.C.

NEW RELEASES: PAUL BROWN – GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN; RICKY ALAN DRAUGHN – HOLIDAY BEST WISHES; GILI YALO

PAUL BROWN – GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN

Two-time Grammy winning producer, guitarist, recording artist and all around musical Renaissance Man Paul Brown had another banner year in 2017, adding two more Billboard #1 Smooth Jazz singles to his ever-expanding resume. He’s kicking back and keeping it silky smooth for the holidays! On this intimate, sensual rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” Brown glides his sultry electric melody lines and graceful improvisations over the lush keyboards and easy flowing bass and drums of Lew Laing. This version is perfect for a cozy fireside playlist when the temperature drops! ~ smoothjazz.com

RICKY ALAN DRAUGHN – HOLIDAY BEST WISHES

Ricky Alan Draughn might be new on the Smooth Jazz artist radar, but he’s been rated one of the hottest cutting-edge artists on the East Coast by virtue of his Tri-State area performances with the Slammin’ Band. Previewing next year’s full length holiday album, BEST HOLIDAY WISHES, the intensely emotional soul singer creates a dramatic, orchestra-enhanced version of “O Holy Night” under the guidance of two-time Grammy winning producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis. In addition to his towering vocals, the track is notable for its clever quoting of “My Favorite Things.” Draughn’s “O Holy Night” is one of the most inspiring tracks of the season! ~ smoothjazz.com

GILI YALO - GILI YALO

A fantastic debut from Gili Yalo – an important artist on the current Tel Aviv scene, but one with roots in Ethiopia, too – a mix of cultural modes that he works to great effect on this album! The sounds here definitely echo some of the hippest Ethio sounds of the 70s – but the approach is never too copycat at all, and Gili certainly brings a lot of new spirit of his own to the lyrics, and his use of funkier currents in some of the instrumentation! Yalo's probably got more right to reference these sounds than other contemporary artists – and that also seems to give him more of a chance to play with them openly, too – really hitting some new ideas on titles that include "City Life", "Tadese", "Selam", "Africa", "Hot Shot", "Sab Sam", "T'Ebik'Ew", and "Fire". ~ Dusty Groove

SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS CAPTIVATING YOUNG PIANIST GREG SPERO & SPIRIT FINGERS

"I feel I have a mission and something to say," confides pianist Greg Spero and leader of Spirit Fingers. "It requires a lot of digging and a lot of agony to get to the point where it can be said truly and honestly." The forward-thinking and introspective pianist has been in the woodshed with his electrifying quartet Spirit Fingers, who will make their Shanachie Entertainment debut on March 16, 2018 with  their explosive eponymously titled CD. "We've been working on this for a year and a half, and have finally captured where we are on this new recording. We've only scratched the surface."  The new CD promises to be one of the highlights in jazz in 2018. A riveting collection of originals, Spirit Fingers takes us on a glorious genre-bending excursion of free-wheeling groove,  unbridled swing, and rhythmic fancy. Spero and company lock-in creating a thrilling soundscape and moments of beautiful telepathic interplay that make the journey more than worth- while. Spirit Fingers, formerly known as Polyrhythmic, has steadily been building a fan base and has amassed (under their original name) more than 250,000 views on YouTube. Spirit Fingers is pianist Greg Spero, Parisian bassist Hadrien Feraud (John McLaughlin, Kamasi Washington, Chick Corea), Dallas drum prodigy drummer Mike Mitchell (Stanley Clark, Christian McBride, Chrisette Michelle) and Italian guitarist Dario Chiazzolino (Dave Liebman, Buika, Taylor Eigsti).

  

Shanachie VP of Jazz A&R Danny Weiss, who signed Greg Spero, is a veteran jazz producer who has recorded some of the biggest names in jazz. Weiss produced guitarist Larry Coryell's landmark album Spaces, featuring John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Miroslav Vitous and Billy Cobham. "When I started out making jazz records in the late 60s and early 70s, there was a great sense of adventure, innovation and excitement in the music. Since then, some great music has been created, but that vitality and innovation has become scarce," states Weiss. "When I heard Greg Spero and his band I felt an excitement that I had not experienced in a long time. Not only is his virtuosity on the highest level, but the passion, the sense of adventure and innovation, and flat out groove are off the charts. Greg's music has reminded me why I'm in this business!"

Greg Spero says, "I am excited every day to get better at composing and playing within the context of this brilliant ensemble and to reach the point where I can share it honestly with people who are interested to take this journey with me." Recently Spero has been dividing his time between Spirit Fingers and doing sound design and keyboards for Capital electropop singer/songwriter Halsey. In 2014, Spero relocated to Los Angeles and joined singer/songwriter Halsey's band just as she inked a deal with Capitol Records.  He has been an integral part of Halsey's sound and success. Check out this recent review in The Los Angeles Times that mentions Spero's work in the band. Most of the music featured on  Spirit Fingers evolved while Spero was on the road with Halsey. "I started this music when I would go back to the tour bus and compose every night after playing Halsey shows," shares Spero. "The music just kept evolving every night and I drew inspiration from everything around me. We were on tour opening for The Weeknd and I love The Weeknd, so some significant influence from that music filtered into the compositions I was creating."

Born in Chicago, the son of two pianists, Spero began working professionally with his father's blues band at 14. A year later he was playing in the Chicago fusion band Bucket Shop with musicians twice his age. The pianist cites two fellow Chicagoans as early influences: Robert Irving III, who was one of his first musical mentors and Herbie Hancock. Spero has formed close friendships with both pianists. Spero majored in music composition and jazz piano performance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, known for their renowned music composition program. He studied a wide range of composition including classical, atonal, algorithmic and electronic music.  Following college, Spero became a mainstay in Chicago's creative music scene and also participated in a number of Hip Hop projects in New York playing on tracks that featured Curren$y and Ski Beatz, among others. Spero also had the good fortune to join the Buddy Rich Big Band, where he performed with drummer Dave Weckl and met longtime Prince drummer John Blackwell. He ended up working with John Blackwell's band for several years after that.  In January 2013, Spero received the Best Jazz Entertainer award at the Chicago Music Awards. Last Spring, Spero toured with the Miles Electric Band under the direction of Vince Wilburn, Jr. and alongside the likes of Christian Scott and Darryl Jones, among others. 

There is an honesty and openness in Spirit Fingers' music that is almost palpable. Greg Spero, who is a practicing Buddhist, concludes "I want to explore a landscape of music that is uncharted. I want to use the compass of music history and an intellectual understanding of the essence of music to guide me into its center, where I can access something rare and special that goes beyond the intellectual understanding and can only be brought into this world from a spiritual grounding, with a human as its vessel."

Click Here To Listen To & Share Spirit Fingers' New Track "inside" 

CHIC JAZZ RENEGADES THE LADYBUGS BRING VINTAGE HOLIDAY VIBES WITH LUSH & LOVELY EP

Chic jazz renegades, The Ladybugs, have released their enchanting, nostalgia-inspired holiday EP, Blue Christmas. Having received great acclaim from The Wall Street Journal and Vanity Fair for their mesmerizing performances and for their sharp & brazen style, the group is excited to share this series of warm and wistful spins on holiday classics. This gorgeously arranged project incorporates lush bass, horns and strings with captivating vocals to explore both the cozy corners and the profound depths of these timeless Christmas tunes. Most recently, The Ladybugs premiered the EP’s title track and debut single via AXS; “Blue Christmas” acts as an endearing snapshot for the album on the whole, fusing melancholic country stylings with warm jazz elements to charmingly capture the bittersweet essence of a lonely Christmas.

The Ladybugs offer charming and captivating tunes and stories with dreamy, dulcet tones of voices and trombones. Led by jazz-trained vocalist Martina DaSilva, their unique instrumentation of two lead singers (both doubling in percussion & ukulele), two trombone players, guitar, and bass, creates a lush & dynamic soundscape that enchants and uplifts all listeners. The Ladybugs’ repertoire includes favorites from the 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s, infused with country, blues, latin, and classical music. The band has received high praise for recent performances at the Kennedy Center, Jazz At Lincoln Center, the NY Hot Jazz Festival, the NYC Winter Jazzfest, and the Catskill Jazz Factory. With a gorgeous and masterfully crafted sound that evokes nostalgia, comfort and mystery, The Ladybugs are effortless in their ability to keep listeners dreaming, smiling and moving. In September 2015, The Ladybugs released their debut self- titled album to rave reviews. 

 Stream Blue Christmas Here

New release from the Quartin reissue series: Victor Assis Brasil's Esperanto

Following the recent reissues of Jose Mauro’s Obnoxius, Piri’s Voces Querem Mate? and Victor Assis Brasil’s Toca Antonio Carlos Jobim, Far Out Recordings presents a second album from Victor Assis Brasil from the treasure trove of the Quartin Records catalogue, Esperanto. Over the course of the 1960s, Roberto Quartin released more than 20 albums in Brazil on his label Forma, by artists including the likes of Eumir Deodato, Quarteto Em Cy, Baden Powell and Vinicius De Moraës. Selling the rights of Forma to Polygram in 1969, Quartin struck out for pastures new at the dawn of the 1970s with the launch of his self-titled label. Significant works and high-water marks for Brazilian music overall followed in that decade’s first year. These singular gems in Brazilian music, difficult to categorise yet compellingly beautiful, have for too long gone unheard.

Gifted his first saxophone by his aunt at the age of fourteen, only four years later the inherently gifted and determined young musician Victor Assis Brasil recorded his debut album, with a second to follow only a year later. The prodigious young carioca was subsequently granted a place to study at Berklee College of Music, where he played alongside the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Chick Corea and Ron Carter. It was also during this period he recorded Esperanto and Toca Antonio Carlos Jobim with Roberto Quartin, upon returning to Brazil in the summer of 1970.

Recorded in the same sessions as the Toca Antonio Carlos Jobim album, Esperanto consists of five deep jazz cuts: original compositions except for a heavy-swinging latin-jazz cover of Jimmy Heath’s ‘Ginger Bread Boy’, alongside more moments of wild frenetic jazz, like ‘Quarenta Graus A Sombra’, amongst more melancholic, but no less captivating compositions like ‘Marilia’ and ‘Ao Amigo Quartin’. Esperanto’s influences span both American continents, finding a meeting point for Latin jazz and North American post-bop, with Roberto Quartin’s perfectionist approach to sound elevating the already incandescent music to divine new heights. The band consists of some mercurial greats of Brazilian music: Dom Salvador (bass), Edison Machado (drums), Helio Delmiro (guitar) and Edson Lobo (Bass).

Victor Assis Brasil passed away aged just thirty-five, due to a rare circulatory disease, but by this point his status was already cemented as one of the most talented musicians in Brazil’s history.

This issue of Esperanto also features a track previously unreleased on vinyl, ‘Children’. All the releases in the Quartin series have been re-mastered from the original 2” tapes, and pressed to high quality heavyweight vinyl.

NEW RELEASES: MARIA SCHAFER – TO KNOW LOVE…; IRREVERSABLE ENTANGLEMENTS; PLAY IT LIKE PAPA - 15 YEARS OF PAPA RECORDS 2002 - 2017

Duty Gr

MARIA SCHAFER – TO KNOW LOVE…

With a velveteen voice, charmingly straightforward delivery, and nuanced rhythmic sensibilities, versatile singer Maria Schafer enjoys presenting lyrical gems from the realms of jazz standards, Brazilian music, and pop tunes in beautifully modern arrangements. Currently touring as the featured vocalist with The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, Ms. Schafer has enjoyed the opportunity to perform for audiences across the United States, Canada, Australia, Latvia, and Japan. As a recording artist, Ms. Schafer can be heard as a featured vocalist on albums "So Right..." from The James Kob Experience, "Living In The Question" from sax player Eric Hirschhorn, and "Singin' In The Rain" and "Imagine", both from vocal jazz group Singcopation. Maria has been awarded Outstanding Soloist Awards at the Next Generation Jazz Festival and Reno Jazz Festival, and for 4 consecutive years served as a leading member of vocal jazz groups which won Downbeat Student Awards for "Best Vocal Jazz Ensemble" or "Outstanding Performance". To Know Love… is out on January 19, 2018.

IRREVERSABLE ENTANGLEMENTS - IRREVERSABLE ENTANGLEMENTS

A fantastic mix of jazz and spoken word performance – delivered in a very righteous style that takes us back to the best vintage sides by artists like Wanda Robinson or Jayne Cortez! The words here are by Camae Ayewa – whose lyrics are as politically powerful as her presentation style – and the backing is by a superb quartet that features Keir Neuringer on alto, Aquiles Navarro on trumpet, Luke Stewart on bass, and Tcheser Holmes on drums – all musicians who really do a lot to contribute to the power of the spoken passages, but in a way that never overwhelms them! The instrumental sounds are as powerful as the lyrics – and together, they make for a record that would have been a shining jewel of the loft jazz generation, had it been recorded back in the day – but at a level that's even more incredible for a contemporary set. Titles include "Chicago To Texas", "Fireworks", "Projects", and "Enough". ~ Dusty Groove

PLAY IT LIKE PAPA - 15 YEARS OF PAPA RECORDS 2002 - 2017

A fantastic tribute to a really mighty label – one of the few contemporary club imprints who can effortlessly combine future soul and dancefloor grooves – all in a way that makes both sides of the spectrum sound even better together! Papa's one of the rare few labels carrying on the best traditions of years back – especially that moment when house music really found a way to be uplifting and soulful, often with some strong help from the London scene – which then served to inspire artists back in America as well! There's lots of that trans-Atlantic spirit taking place here – and the 3CD set is overflowing with the kind of tracks you'd only hear on the hippest of floors – divided up into styles on each disc – with a focus on Broken Beat & Nu Jazz, Soulful House, and Deep House. Titles include "Same Thing (Atjazz rmx)" by Osunlade feat Maiya James, "Butterflies (Restless Soul's soul heaven mix)" by Reel People with Dyanna Fearon, "Sapporo" by Blaze, "Seein You (orig mix)" by Eli Escobar, "The Galactica Suite (orig mix)" by Simon Grey, "This Sound Rocks My Body" by Sebb Junior, "I'll Take You (Richard Earnshaw re-beat edit)" by Jon Cutler, "Celestine Prophecy" by Blaze, "Second Guess (Da Lata rmx)" by Reel People feat Jag, "We Can Change This World (orig mix)" by DJ Spinna feat Heavy, "Dreams (Afronaut mix)" by Alison David, "Waiting Is Over" by Faze Action Presents Orto with Vanessa Freeman, "Caught Up" by Saison, "Time (Realm voc mix" by The Realm feat Tony Momrelle, "In The Sun (Yoruba Soul rmx)" by Reel People with Angela Johnson, "Para Na We (rainy city music mix)" by Os Malandros, "Vazilando (main mix)" by Oreja, "Into My Soul (Spiritchaser rmx)" by Aki BErgen with CaDustrmen Sherry, "Summertime (NSM summertime 09 mix)" by Yam Who with Noel McKoy & Leroy Burgess, and "Look A Little Further (MuthaFunkaz 12" voc mix)" by Domu presents Pete Simpson. ~ Dusty Groove

International Clarinet Superstar Anat Cohen Receives TWO Grammy Nominations

Earlier this year, Anat Cohen, celebrated the world over for her expressive virtuosity and infectious charisma, continued her love affair with Brazilian sounds in a profound way by releasing two albums simultaneously via Anzic: Outra Coisa: The Music of Moacir Santos (with guitarist Marcello Gonçalves) and Rosa Dos Ventos (with Trio Brasileiro), both recorded in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia.

Anat Cohen has never been more prolific and inspired, onstage and on record. Since 2005, her series of releases via her Anzic Records label have seen the clarinetist and saxophonist range from hard-swinging to lilting balladry, from small groups to larger ensembles and back again, exploring a universe of music along the way. In recognition for this brilliant output Anat Cohen has received TWO Grammy
Nominations!:    

Anat Cohen & Marcello Gonçalves - Outra Coisa

Best Latin Jazz Album (Category 35)

Anat Cohen & Trio Brasileiro - Rosa Dos Ventos

Best World Music Album (Category 54)

"It is an incredible honor to be nominated for two different albums I released this year. I'm thankful Marcello Gonçalves had the idea to record the music of the great Moacir Santos and for arranging Moacir's large ensemble writing for an intimate guitar and clarinet duo. I got to play with a whole orchestra in one 7-string guitar. Thank you to my friends at Trio Brasileiro for their musicianship and compositions and for that week in Brasilia spent learning each other's music so we can express it in our best possible way. Thank you Anzic Records for releasing these albums!  I am so proud", Anat Cohen

"I'm very proud and happy for my friend and partner in Anzic Records Anat Cohen's well deserved double Grammy nominations", Oded Lev-Ari (partner in Anzic Records, Musical Director for Cohen's Tentet, arranger, producer, pianist and recording artist)

DownBeat Magazine has declared: "One of the most acclaimed clarinetists in jazz, the Israel-born Cohen has also managed to become one of the world's foremost practitioners of Brazilian music. Indeed, she is now to the clarinet what Stan Getz was to the tenor saxophone in the 1960s: a jazz musician who speaks the language so fluently that she has become a beacon of Brazilian music to the larger jazz world." The praise hasn't only come from the jazz world, with Brazilian Press saying: "Anat is an Israeli who seems like a Brazilian when she plays samba."

 

Anat Cohen On Tour In Celebration of Happy Song,

Featuring Her Spirited New York Tentet

2017

November 30 - Northridge, CA @ The Valley Performing Arts Center

December 3 - San Francisco, CA @ Miner Auditorium

December 4 - Olympia, WA @ South Puget Sound Community College

2018

March 10 - Cambridge, MA @ Sanders Theatre

April 7 - Kansas City, MO @ Gem Theater

April 8 - Columbia, MO @ "We Always Swing"® Jazz Series

April 9 and 10 - Lebanon, IL @ Hettenhausen Center for the Arts

April 11 - Dayton, OH @ Sears Recital Hall

May 5 - Washington, DC @ Kennedy Center Terrace Theater

Multi-Grammy Nominated Pioneer & Visionary Jeff Lorber Scores Grammy Nomination for Newest CD PROTOTYPE

"I couldn't be more thrilled to be nominated. It's a great feeling to be recognized by your peers and I'm really looking forward to attending the 60th Grammy Awards in New York. I'd really like to thank Jimmy (Haslip), Andy (Snitzer), Gary (Novak) and everybody else who took part in the production of the album." - JEFF LORBER

Trailblazing pianist, composer, producer and bandleader Jeff Lorber is a consummate artist who continues to push himself to new plateaus. A groundbreaking Fender Rhodes pioneer along with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample and Bob James, Lorber has triumphed as one of the most innovative musical minds in contemporary jazz. Lorber's newest CD Prototype, is a sterling example of his expansive musical roots, masterfully crafted harmonic and melodic sophistication, irresistible finger-poppin' grooves and intricate rhythmic sense. "I came up with the name Prototype because we are always trying to up our game and come up with new exciting music that could be a prototype or innovative harbinger for the future of our musical style," says the LA based pianist. Lorber, a Berklee College of Music alum who formerly majored in Chemistry at Boston College, goes full throttle on Prototype, orchestrating like an alchemist in the lab and concocting a majestic elixir of jazz, soul, funk, pop, R&B and gospel.

Prototype features longtime collaborators - bassist Jimmy Haslip (founding member of The Yellowjackets) and drummer Gary Novak. "From a production standpoint Jimmy adds a 'big picture' element. He contributes a lot with his warm bass sound and on the road he is without a doubt one of the finest soloists out there on his instrument." Lorber adds, "Gary's very versatile, imaginative, super solid and gets a great sound. He really shines playing over the funky polyrhythmic grooves we record."  The newest member to the all-star unit is saxophonist Andy Snitzer, who like Lorber (and the Brecker Brothers) hails from Cheltenham, PA.  Lorber states, "Andy's got a perfect approach. It's soulful and melodic and he is not afraid of taking the music outside a bit." Prototype also features special guests bassist Nathan East, guitarists Chuck Loeb, Larry Koonse and Paul Jackson, Jr. and saxophonist Dave Mann, among others.

Jeff Lorber's Fusion came to life in the 70s when the pianist attended Berklee College of Music. "I was listening to Miles Davis and Bitches Brew and the beginning of great fusion bands like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report and Return to Forever," reflects Lorber. "There were also artists like  Herbie Hancock,  The Crusaders and Grover Washington, who pioneered a more melodic and funky type of sound.  Not to mention the fantastic music being made in R&B and pop music like Earth Wind and Fire and Tower of Power." Lorber envisioned Jeff Lorber Fusion  a second generation to these fusion bands that were more R&B and melody oriented. A true clinician, Lorber has made it a point to study the long line of modern jazz pianists since 1945.  "Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea have been major influences but I had to go back and try to figure out who they listened to and were inspired by," says Lorber.  "Some of these icons that come to mind are Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner and Bud Powell." He adds, "I also can't forget all of the pianists who played with Miles Davis such as Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, Tommy Flanagan and Horace Silver." Growing up in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania offered great inspiration for Jeff Lorber. "There were a lot of home grown record labels like Cameo Parkway and Philadelphia International (Gamble and Huff) not to mention tons of home grown talent. And the Dick Clark show originally came from there."

In 1977 Jeff Lorber Fusion released their self-titled debut. Their 1980 album Wizard Island made the introduction of a then little known Kenny G. The ensemble quickly gained traction and became one of the most popular jazz acts, touring nonstop. In 1982 Lorber made his solo debut with It's A Fact. He   first Grammy nomination  in 1986 for his radio hit "Pacific Coast Highway" from his album Step By Step. In the 90s Lorber released a successful string of projects including West Side Stories (1994), State of Grace (1996) and Midnight (1998). During this time Lorber also stayed busy producing for the likes of Michael Franks, Richard Elliot, Gerald Albright and Rick Braun, among others. The prolific pianist continued to add to his accolades with his shining recordings Kickin' It (2001), Philly Style (2003), Flipside (2005), He Had A Hat (2007, Grammy nominated) and Heard That (2008), Now Is The Time (2010, Grammy nominated), Galaxy (2012, Grammy nominated) Hacienda (2013, Grammy nominated) and Step It Up (2015). Lorber made his first recordings for Shanchie as a member of Jazz Funk Soul with Chuck Loeb and Everette Harp on the albums Jazz Funk Soul and the Grammy nominated More Serious Business.

Jeff Lorber has endured his own battle with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and has made it a mission to work with the PKD Foundation to raise awareness. "I was very lucky that my wife donated her kidney," shares the pianist. "I'm going on 11+ years and I'm very grateful for that. My sister had a transplant a couple years ago and she is doing well also. There are some solutions that are being worked on but like many genetic based diseases it could be a long time before there is significant progress.  People should know that there are 800,000 people in the US with PKD and two million worldwide. It's a huge problem that unfortunately doesn't get a lot of publicity."

Loeber, a self-professed enthusiast of podcasts, audio books, Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music concludes, "Since I had the transplant I focus on doing things that I enjoy and that are meaningful. I try to make the most of each day and to be productive and make great music."  There lies the Prototype for a beautiful life.

LA Musician Carey Frank Pays Tribute To Don And Iris Cornell On 'Something To Remember Him By'

LA-based musician (and current touring member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band) Carey Frank has released his second album as a bandleader, Something to Remember Him By.

Self–produced by Carey Frank, Something to Remember Him By is a unique duo album consisting solely of Frank’s Hammond organ (substituted on two tracks by melodica) and guitar courtesy of veteran jazz player Bruce Forman. This format deviates from the standard organ trio instrumentation of Hammond, guitar and drums.

Something To Remember Him By, which follows 2015’s Keep Smiling (a #1 best seller in the ‘Cool Jazz’ category on Amazon Music), was inspired by Frank’s grandfather Don Cornell, who was a prominent big band crooner in the 1940s and 1950s and passed away in 2004. The album’s title is also a direct homage to Cornell’s 1996 album “Something to Remember Me By.”

Frank inherited Cornell’s rare 1938 Gibson L5 guitar, which is still in perfect working condition, and Forman used this guitar, along with a matching Gibson amplifier from the same year, for the Something To Remember Him By recording sessions.

Something to Remember Him By features Frank’s original composition “Iris Iris” (a dedication to his grandmother and Don's wife, Iris Cornell, who died in March of 2016) alongside songs that Don Cornell recorded and performed live, including the standards “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” “Love is a Many Splendored Thing,” Cole Porter’s “All of You” and Kurt Weill and Maxwell Anderson’s iconic “September Song.”

Something to Remember Him By was engineered by Sheldon Gomberg and Kevin Smith, mixed to analog tape by Gomberg and mastered by Joe Gastwirt.

NEW RELEASES: JOHN MORALES - THE M&M MIXES VOLUME IV; AFROBEATS HOT HITS: NEW URBAN DANCE GROOVES FROM AFRICA; KENNEDY ADMINISTRATION

JOHN MORALES - THE M&M MIXES VOLUME IV

Described wholly accurately by Boiler Room as “one of the best producers and arrangers of disco music to have ever done it”, Bronx native John Morales has more than three decades of hits and over 800 remixes to his credit. This 4th volume of M&M Mixes on BBE is without doubt the most ambitious yet, containing gems from Barry White, Diana Ross, Level 42, Teddy Pendergrass and Eddie Kendricks among others, all woven together with that special, intricate M&M magic. Gaining unprecedented access to original multitrack recordings from the vaults of Sony and Universal Records, John has once again upped the ante, going where no DJ has gone before. Accept no imitations, nobody does remixes quite like John Morales. Includes songs by Barry White – I’m Gonna Love you Just A Little Bit More Baby; Lenny Williams – You Got Me Running; Dan Hartman – Vertigo / Relight My Fire; Level 42 – Mind On You; Barry White – Let The Music Play; Teena Marie – Lovergirl; MFSB – Love Is The Message; Atlantic Star – Circles; Diana Ross – Tenderness; Tamiko Jones – Can’t Live Without Your Love; Jackie Moore – This Time Baby; Tata Vega – Just Keep Thinking About You Baby; The Jones Girls – Life Goes On; Frankie Beverly – Joy & Pain; The Controllers – Stay; Melba Moore – You Stepped Into My Life; Donna Summer – Heaven Knows; Teddy Pendergrass – Life Is A Song Worth Singing; David Ruffin – Walk Away From Love; Diana Ross – No One Gets The Prize; Cher – Take Me Home; The Emotions – Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love; Cheryl Lynn – Got To Be Real; Frankie Beverly – Before I Let Go; Eddie Kendricks – Girl You Need A Change of Mind; Tom Browne – Funkin for Jamaica; Harold Melvin Blue Notes – Don’t Leave Me This Way; and Hi Tension – Hi Tension.

AFROBEATS HOT HITS: NEW URBAN DANCE GROOVES FROM AFRICA (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

The hot new world dance style “Afrobeats” (not to be confused with Fela’s Afrobeat) is a dynamic mix of reggae dancehall, soca, West African beats, tropical house and hip-hop and is considered to be the most exciting new sound on the scene today. Drake’s “One Dance” hit utilized an “Afrobeats” groove and featured Nigerian star Wizkid while Alicia Keys’ “In Common” sports an Afrobeats re-mix; artists as diverse as Chris Brown, Tinashe, Sean Paul, Busy Signal and Machel Montano have all collaborated with Afrobeats artists recently. Afrobeats Hot Hits is the first internationally released compilation of some of Afrobeats' biggest hits and newest hits. It includes smash tracks featuring the genre’s biggest stars, including Davido, WizKid, Timaya, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Yemi Alade and more. Such tracks as Timaya’s collaboration with Sean Paul, “Shake Ur Bum Bum,” the remix of “Woju” by Kiss Daniel featuring Davido, and Davido’s “Skelewu” have all been smashes on dance floors worldwide.

KENNEDY ADMINISTRATION - KENNEDY ADMINISTRATION

Kennedy Administration have that vibrant Soul/Jazz-Funk sound that only a really together Band can give us. Led by vocalist Kennedy, Keyboardist Ondre J Pivec, Drummer Nathaniel Townsley and bassist Chelton Grey and augmented by many other musicians including Horn section and strings on some tracks, the band really let rip through their eight original compositions and two outstanding covers. It is their unique up-tempo versions of Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’ and Billy Preston’s ‘Will It go round in Circles’ which really hit home, bringing a new dimension and energy to these classics. Gregoire Maret guests on Harmonica on the beautiful ‘Don’t Forget To Smile’ . ‘Let’s Party’ has an old school early 80’s Groove. The excellent uplifting spoken word vocal ‘Let Go’ is in the style of say Elements Of Life. ‘it’s Over Now’ and ‘Nothing Else will Do’ are good tracks but to my ears unnecessarily spoiled by mid song raps. Overall a very good album introducing a new talent.

J-Jazz – Deep Modern Jazz from Japan 1969-1984

In the years following World War Two, Japan developed one of the most insatiable, dynamic and diverse markets for jazz. For a crucial period of little over a decade – from the late 1960s to the early 1980s – Japanese jazz culture progressed at an astonishing rate, producing an extraordinary array of artists, recordings and record labels that created some of the most forward thinking and impressive jazz to be committed to tape. This amazing journey is explored on ‘J Jazz’.

This compilation from BBE uncovers some of the most sought after and rare material from this period and pulls together key artists who shaped the post-war modern jazz scene in Japan.

‘J Jazz’ includes obscure and sought after rarities like the bass-driven power jazz of Koichi Matsukaze’s ‘Earth Mother’, the holy grail rarity of Aizawa Tohru Quartet’s ‘Dead Letter’ and the loping majesty of Takeo Moriyama’s ‘North Wind’. This collection takes the listener into deep spiritual jazz, post-modal impressionism and fierce dance-floor fusion with material from artists and composers whose names are generally only known to committed collectors of Japanese jazz. Fumio Karashima, Mitsuaki Katayama, Takeo Moriyama and Kiyoshi Sugimoto are among the names featured on an album aiming to shed a little light on the shadowy world of Japanese jazz clubs, tucked away in the neon backstreets. This music demands a wider audience and BBE are excited to deliver a landmark compilation, lifting the veil on this wonderful and mysterious area of the global jazz catalogue.

None of the tracks featured on ‘J Jazz’ have ever received an official release outside Japan before. The albums the tracks are taken from are extremely hard to find and often fetch huge sums on the collector’s circuit. Originally pressed in small numbers on independent and private labels such as Union, Johnny’s Disk, Whynot, ALM and VAP, these tracks are now available for everyone to enjoy.

Compiled by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden, both long-time collectors of Japanese jazz, ’J Jazz’ brings together the very best in modern jazz from Japan, recorded during a critical period of musical and cultural transition that saw composers and musicians not only assert a new artistic identity but also create a lasting musical legacy.

The official release date is February 23, 2018.

NEW RELEASES: WES MONTGOMERY - IN PARIS: THE DEFINITIVE ORTF RECORDING; GIZELLE SMITH - SWEET MEMPROES / S.T.A.Y; JIM SELF & JOHN CHIODINI - FLOATING IN WINTER

WES MONTGOMERY - IN PARIS: THE DEFINITIVE ORTF RECORDING

Beautifully-recorded material by the great Wes Montgomery – some fairly open-ended tracks recorded for French radio in the 60s – with guest work from tenorist Johnny Griffin on a number of tunes! The core group here is great enough on its own – as Wes' guitar is backed by superb piano from Harold Mabern – who's really opening his flow at this time in his career, and makes for some really imaginative collaboration here with Montgomery – and the rest of the combo features tight rhythm from Arthur Harper on bass and Jimmy Lovelace on drums. The addition of Griffin is a nice surprise – especially as Montgomery wasn't often playing with tenor in a small group setting by this point – and titles include "Twisted Blues", "Blue N Boogie/West Coast Blues", "Full House", "To wane", "Jingles", "Impressions", "Four On Six", and "Round Midnight".  © 1996-2017, Dusty Groove, Inc.

GIZELLE SMITH - SWEET MEMPROES / S.T.A.Y

Gizelle Smith announces her return on the music scene with this fantastic double-A side single ahead of a new album slated for release March 30th 2018. The record sees her moving on from the classic sound of her debut album as she’s expanded her musical palette to incorporate more psychedelic and jazzy progressions, bold arrangements and adventurous instrumentation. This next level of artistic development in Gizelle is a joy to discover and signals exciting times ahead. First track “Sweet Memories” announces the return with a bang and really showcases Smith’s vocal range and control. Coupling her beautifully layered harmonies and powerful topline acrobatics over a funky backdrop of tasteful guitar, solid bass and tight drums the emotive lyrics and charged up chorus capture listeners as she pours her heart out into the mic. Flitting between honey dripped soul during the verses before a full on frontal funk assault from the chorus it’s a treat from the first note to the last. The flipside is definitely one for the modern soul crowd – the bouncing “S.T.A.Y.” boasts a bassline that does more walking than your average Labrador and a groove that wouldn’t be out of place on an Isley Brothers or Gil Scott Heron LP. Soul man extraordinaire and respected Stones Throw Records alumni Eric Boss also gets in on the action contributing vocals to accompany Ms Smith. The uplifting and positive message of this song is the sunshine to “Sweet Memories” rainy day – there’s something in this single for listeners whatever the weather. “Sweet Memories” / “S.T.A.Y” out Dec. 1st on 45/Digital via Jalapeno Records.

JIM SELF & JOHN CHIODINI - FLOATING IN WINTER

Floating in Winter, is Jim Self’s new collaboration with guitarist John Chiodini. Self is a Los Angeles-based freelance musician; his primary instrument is tuba, but he also plays a large number of low-brass and other bass instruments. Since l974 he has worked for all the major Hollywood studios performing on the scores of over 1,500 motion pictures and hundreds of television shows. His solos in major films appear on the John Williams scores to Jurassic Park, Home Alone and and was the “Voice of the Mothership” in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. He has also appeared on recordings by Cassandra Wilson, Maynard Ferguson, Randy Newman, Bette Midler and Frank Sinatra. “This recording was inspired by the musical connection between John Chiodini and myself.  We met playing in David Angel’s 13 piece jazz band, I loved John’s playing and he was complimentary about mine. A tuba and guitar duo may seem odd but it turned out to be a beautiful sound, so we decided to make this recording. John and I have a wide palate of musical interests and these songs reflect our love of great melodies and interesting chord changes. The pairing of guitar and tuba frees up the low part of my instrument and the natural blend of the two instruments creates a warm and rich sound.” - Jim Self