Oakland Drummer Dillon Vado Releases Blissonance, the Debut Album by His Quintet Never Weather

Oakland drummer and vibraphonist Dillon Vado didn’t necessarily set out to make a bold statement. As a young bandleader and composer, he wanted to forge a distinctive group sound with some of the most vividly inventive improvisers on the Bay Area scene. He achieved exactly that with his quintet Never Weather, but what makes Blissonance such an impressive debut album is the music’s combination of emotional and musical intelligence. The album is slated for release on January 17, 2020 on bassist Jeff Denson’s Ridgeway Records. 

Featuring trumpeter Josh Reed, alto saxophonist Aaron Wolf, guitarist Justin Rock, and bassist Tyler Harlow, Never Weather is more than the sum of its considerable players. Heady and intricate but never over-thought or busy, Vado’s music reflects the collective personality forged by musicians trained in the art of careful, responsive listening. “I don’t want a book,” says Vado, 28. “There’s a difference between a band and a book. I want to play with these guys and go deep into this music.” 

The album opens with the insistent, rebounding theme “Never Catch Up,” a kinetic, headlong blues form that turns into a vehicle for Reed’s expansive, conversational trumpet. “Mask” is a mysterious ballad, a rising-and-falling soundscape that summons the spirit of Paul Motian. The band’s gift for melodic invention is on full display with “There Is No Secret,” a rolling theme by Rock that features some particularly graceful rhythm section interplay and the composer’s sly guitar work.

The album’s centerpiece is the evocative title track, which wends through a variety of thoughtful moods as it builds slowly to a beautifully calibrated guitar passage. While not through-composed, the piece is less a launching pad for solos than a kinetically detailed portrait of a vexing emotional state. A recently coined word describing the pleasure of being in a special place and realizing your presence damages the location, “Blissonance” is an almost programmatic work that maps treacherous inner terrain. 

Part of what makes Never Weather’s performances so enthralling is the calm decision with which the group flows from passage to passage, no matter the tempo. Solos often serve as commentary on the passing scene, rather than as digressions. With “Medium” Vado constructed the narrative after the fact, editing and layering improvisations played independently by Rock and Wolf  to create an ethereal dialogue. But most of the action takes place in real time. No piece better captures the group’s poise and attention to detail than “Always Setting,” a spacious, attenuated melody connected by a mobile bass line. It’s an intricate chamber jazz piece that gradually gains gravity without density.

Vado’s sequencing adds to the album’s overarching feel of tension and release, as five brief tracks punctuate his full compositions. Sometimes it’s just a deep breath before a plunge, like the mid-conversation trumpet fanfare of “No Grasp.” And sometimes a brief track contains a world unto itself, like the lapidary closing version of Thelonious Monk’s rarely played “Introspection,” a piece referenced earlier in hard-to-identify fragments. 

“Some of the short tracks function as a buffer between two intense tunes,” Vado says. “The second day of recording I got about 8-10 minutes of improvised material from each player and I wanted to use those little bits. We also recorded ‘Introspection’ at a bunch of different tempos. When you arrive at the piece at the end of the album I want it to feel like you’ve heard it before.” 

Blissonance is the latest dispatch from an artist who has quickly moved to the front ranks of the Bay Area scene. While gigging steadily as a drummer he’s gained as much attention as a vibraphonist, winning 1st place in the 2014 Jazz Search West competition on the instrument. In 2017, he was chosen for the Buddy Montgomery Jazz Legacy Award through the California Jazz Conservatory, where he earned his undergraduate degree the same year. He’s an essential component in some of the region’s most acclaimed bands, playing vibes in drummer Alan Hall’s Ratatet and trumpeter Erik Jekabson’s String-tet, and drums in Jekabson’s Electric Squeezebox Orchestra. 

In addition to Never Weather, Vado wears his drum hat in Beyond Words: Jazz and Poetry, a project he co-leads with poet Amos White. He plays vibes and marimba in his group The Table Trio with bass master Jeff Denson and drummer Hamir Atwal. Over the past five years he’s also performed with makland Drummer/Composer Dillon Vado Unleashes Exquisite Brain Storms With Blissonance, the Debut Album by His Quintet Never Weather.                                                                                                                                                               

Growing up in San Jose, Vado was surrounded by music. He started playing drums at eight, studying with a family friend while playing in school band programs throughout middle and high school. He played snare drum with the Santa Clara Vanguard and studied music full time at West Valley College, where he turned his attention to the vibraphone. Transferring to the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in 2017. 

While he considers himself blessed with a thick network of creatively ambitious collaborators, Vado isn’t given to seeing divine messages in his music. He notes however that a sign from above greeted the first Never Weather formation. Playing outdoors with Rock and Harlow at Harlow’s church in 2018 “it was one of those magic gigs where everything lined up musically,” Vado recalls. “We were playing ‘Round Midnight,’ and as Tyler bows the last two notes two shooting stars went by right behind the audience.”

A different form of divine intervention led to him expanding the ensemble in the form of a voice mail message from pianist and jazz guru Art Lande. “He said that Josh Reed was moving to town, that he’s a great that you have to play with him. We did an Electric Squeezebox Orchestra gig and he ripped it up.” Calling Wolf, an old friend from San Jose, came in a moment of inspiration. They’d been out of touch for a while, when Vado reached out to him and the timing was perfect. The saxophonist was eager for a challenging new situation.

“I picked every member really carefully,” he says. “No one really knew each other. Aaron and Josh have tons of mutual friends and hit it off. Aaron did his master’s at the University of Nevada, Reno and Josh just took over Ralph Alessi’s gig there.” 

A snapshot of an evolving ensemble, Blissonance is the work of restless intelligence and bountiful heart. Vado wasn’t looking to make an album when he got the players together “but the group dynamic came together quickly and I realized that I needed to document this,” he says. The cover art, a shot by award-winning National Geographic photographer Tom Schifanella, is icing on the cake. Taken with image, Vado contacted him and quickly reached generous terms to use the photo. “A lot of stuff lined up for this album,” he says. “I’m really proud of the sound of the record and the tunes.”

Vance Gilbert's new album 'Good, Good Man' out Jan. 24, 2020

“If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might have been something close to the great Vance Gilbert.” As the above quote from Richmond magazine suggests, Vance Gilbert defies stereotypes. It’s little wonder then that he also exceeds expectations. In this case, those two qualities go hand in hand.

“I’m black, I sing, I play an acoustic guitar, and I don’t play the blues,” Gilbert insists. That may be a broad statement, but it rings with truth.

What he does do is make memorable music, as evidenced by the 13 albums he’s released so far, as well as the mark he’s made on the folk and acoustic music scenes in general. Over the course of a prolific career that extends back to the early ’90s, he’s recorded with his good friend Ellis Paul and shared stages worldwide with Aretha Franklin, Shawn Colvin, Arlo Guthrie, the Milk Carton Kids, George Carlin, Anita Baker, the Subdudes, Paul Reiser and any number of others.

He’s also made a prominent presence at some of the world’s most prestigious gatherings, among them the Newport, Winnipeg, Rocky Mountain, Calgary, Ottawa, and Falcon Ridge folk festivals, the Kate Wolf Music Festival, and Australia’s Woodford Folk Festival and Mullum Music Festival.

“There was also that one nude festival in Maryland,” Gilbert recalls. “I don’t recall the name of that one, but I have to admit that the name wasn’t the first thing I would remember.”

Naturally, Gilbert can be forgiven for that minor oversight, given the amount of praise he’s received from the pundits. His remarkable rapport with his audiences and his free spirited performances inspired one critic to hail him as “a folkie trapped in a vaudevillian body,” with “a voice that could have been on the opera stage, a wit that could have been on a comedy stage and a songwriting talent that’s thrust him on the folk stage for decades.”

Those descriptive phrases come to full fruition on Gilbert’s upcoming album, the appropriately named Good, Good Man, out January 24, 2020. Recorded with an A-list support cast that includes bluesman and singer/songwriter Chris Smither, Al Green’s organist Stacey Wade,  Tommy Malone of the Subdudes on guitars, Mike Posner on backing vocals, and Celtic harpist and vocalist Aine Minough it sums up the strengths that Gilbert’s always had at his command — that is, a gift for compelling melodies, insightful lyrics, a witty and whimsical point of view, and the ability to maintain an inherent humanity that translates to his connection with his audiences.

As always, the music is as varied as it is vibrant, from the philosophic musings of “Pie and Whiskey” and the rollicking R&B-flavored title track, to the swinging sound of “Zombie Pattycake,” the tender trappings of “Hitman” and the bare-bones remake of the 1972 hit “Wildflower,” a seminal song given Gilbert’s intimate and essential additives.

In short, it’s Gilbert at his very best, a set of songs that deserves to bring Gilbert the wider recognition that’s eluded him for far too long.

Then again, Gilbert’s unlikely trajectory isn’t what most folks might expect from such a talented troubadour. Raised in a Philadelphia row house, Gilbert was drawn to a variety of music early on, that is, the sounds of favorites that were always heard around the house, such as Dinah Washington, Brook Benton, Earl Bostic, David “Fathead” Newman, Wes Montgomery, as well as the pop and jazz that occupied his family’s beat-up turntables. Later there were the sounds he discovered on his own, including Motown, Stax, the Beatles, Bread, the Spinners, the Stylistics, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bonnie Raitt, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Steely Dan. It was an eclectic batch, not exactly the standard musical mash-up you’d hear in that particular part of town, but nevertheless, it did help inform Gilbert’s musical sensibilities in a real and emphatic way. It gave him the impetus to perform jazz and then folk, and execute all of it so adroitly.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t easy. His parents were alcoholics and mentally unstable, and naturally enough that made for an abusive environment. Gilbert spent four years homeless while still a teenager. Eventually he enrolled in Connecticut College, in the mid ’70s, which allowed him to further expand his musical vocabulary as he absorbed a steady infusion of influences in his new environs. In his sophomore year he began playing bass in jazz and funk bands on campus. Then, when his brother gave him a 12-string guitar strung with nylon strings and with the top six tuning pegs chopped off, he became smitten by the possibility of fusing folk music, jazz and songs that shared stories in a most emotive way. Kenny Rankin, Joni Mitchell, Greg Brown, and Patty Larkin, became early inspirations.

With a biology degree in hand, Gilbert made his way to Boston, an eternal mecca for folk music enthusiasts, and shared a flat with friends who shared his same sensibilities. “I wanted to be in a place where the music was accessible,” he reflects. To that end, he continued to pursue his musical interests, earning his living working in restaurants by day and performing in coffee houses and at open mics by night.

“I wanted to be Earl Klugh, Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, and Julie Andrews all at the same time,” he chuckles. “Or more precisely, the acoustic version of each. I wanted to play on the streets and get gigs ... that was my dream.”

It was a romantic notion, that idea of becoming an itinerant musician. Instead, he became a multicultural arts specialist in the Boston public school system and remained in that position for the next decade. Yet he never abandoned his dream of being a performer. One night, at the suggestion of a friend, he attended a concert at the Old Vienna Kaffeehause in Westboro, Massachusetts, a hangout he had frequented in the past. The performer that evening was Shawn Colvin, and from that point on, he knew what he wanted to do.

“I wanted to be a 5'5'' white woman,” he says, tongue lodged firmly in cheek. “She had it all — guitar, voice, solid time, stage chops, and the songs — those perfect little impressionistic masterpieces.”

He also determined that his goal would be to open for Colvin within a year - reaching it 3 months later when tapped by her to be support for Colvin’s “Fat City” tour in its entirety. “It’s that tour that marked my rise from absolute unknown to the ranks of the relatively obscure,” Gilbert jokes. Indeed, it earned him his first kudos, and it even inspired the Fort Worth Star-Telegram to describe him as having “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god.”

Naturally, Gilbert didn’t stop there. Over the course of his career, he’s carved out a singular niche with songs that have resonated with his fans and drawn in new listeners. His classic compositions — “Old White Men,” “Charlene” and “Unfamiliar Moon,” “Goodbye Pluto,” and “Waiting for Gilligan” — are emotive and profound, offering certain truths in ways that make a meaningful impact in the most enduring and evocative ways.

Indeed, Gilbert posses a wide palette and perspective, from a co-write with Grammy Award winner Lori McKenna, “House of Prayer,” to a song on a Grammy-nominated children’s record by the duo Trout Fishing in America. Likewise, after alt-rock star Mike Posner heard Gilbert perform on a podcast, he invited him to take part in co-writing sessions and subsequently to sing on his recent single, “Noah’s Ark.”  Posner reciprocated with a haunting background vocal on “Flyby,” a song featured on Gilbert’s forthcoming album.

“You take a broad idea and you infuse it for the most precise details,” Gilbert says when describing the essence of his approach. “That’s probably the hardest part of writing for any of us. Connecting the dots is very important. It’s not about the kitchen table. It’s about the placement and the fork on that placement and the food that was on that fork. It’s about creating detail after detail. It’s all about the detail.

“It’s about philosophy, humor, double meanings ... any of those things,” he allows. “The things that I see in my head are mini movies. I see the genesis of the idea and then it becomes my job to iron out the details. The hardest thing to do is to take that concept and surround it with those philosophical insights. I guess I’ve done that in my work from time to time. You start illuminating things that you didn’t realize when you first began the process. It’s is the day to day things that motivate me to start writing and I’m frequently surprised by the things that I come up with.”

Ultimately, it’s the impact that he has on his audiences that matters to him the most.

“People take away from these songs what they decide they’re going to take away,” he reflects. “I would hope they walk away thinking. If that’s the case, then I’ve done my job successfully.”

New Music Releases: Saskia Laroo, Lafayette Harris, Eri Yamamoto & Choral Chameleon

Saskia Laroo - Trumpets Around The World

"The Dutch Lady of Jazz" is what trumpeter Saskia Laroo has been affectionately called by the press and fans for years. On November 15, she released her highly anticipated eighth album “Trumpets Around The World”, with which she will also celebrate three milestones at the same time: the new release, 40 years on stage as of this year, 25 years leading the Saskia Laroo Band, and 25 years since the start-up of Laroo Records. On the protean “Trumpets Around The World”, Laroo skillfully combines her mastery of various instruments, namely, trumpet, bass, and saxophone with funky dance, hip hop, modern grooves, singing and rap. Here stands Laroo's repute for a candid improvisational style, inspired by influences and cultures from all over the world. ~ smoothjazz.com

Lafayette Harris - You Can't Lose With The Blues

Straight, strong, and soulful work from pianist Lafayette Harris – working here with a nicely understated trio that features Peter Washington on bass and Lewis Nash on drums – both musicians with more than enough sensitivity to make some subtle contributions, while still letting Harris dominate the lead and do his thing! The tracks are all relatively short – most in the four or five minute range – but like a piano pro of the old school, Harris really packs a lot into a little space – on titles that include "Bloomdido", "Love Me In A Special Way", "Things Ain't What They Used To Be", "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying", "He's My Guy", and "The Juicy Blues".  ~ Dusty Groove

Eri Yamamoto & Choral Chameleon – Goshu Ondo Suite

One of the most beautiful albums we've ever heard from pianist Eri Yamamoto – in large part because of the presence of the Choral Cameleon vocal group! The mix of piano and voice is wonderful – haunting and powerful, in a way that reminds us of some of the best Vince Guaraldi experiments of this type – but with a sharper edge, as you might guess from the piano of Yamamoto – and support from David Ambrosio on bass and Ikuo Takeuchi on drums! Sometimes the voices rise high and proud – as in a Max Roach jazz-with-voices album – other times they drift dreamily, providing more of a subtle ascendant current to the lines of the piano. Either way is great to our ears – a really wonderful record – and tracks feature the long "Goshu Ondo Suite", plus "Echo Of Echo". ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Spiritual Jazz 10 – Modal, Esoteric, & Deep Jazz From Prestige Records; Junius Paul, Free Soul TK

Spiritual Jazz 10 – Modal, Esoteric, & Deep Jazz From Prestige Records (Various Artists)

A really loving look at a sometimes-forgotten side of the Prestige Records label – a company that's famous for giving the world plenty of hardbop and soul jazz in the 50s and 60s, but which also helped lay the groundwork for American spiritual jazz to come! Long before Impulse, Strata East, MPS, and other labels were working with the music – and even long before Coltrane first started to soar into the cosmos – Prestige was letting its musicians really experiment with unusual rhythms, extended solos, and even some non-Western instrumentation – which resulted in a set of records that were years ahead of their time, and which still sound pretty darn mindblowing all these many years later! The package is a long-overdue entry in this hip series from Jazzman Records, and will also have you looking at your collection of older jazz in a completely new way – thanks to tracks that include "Summertime" by Ahmed Abul-Malik, "Love Theme From Spartacus" by Yusef Lateef, "Dorian" by Roy Haynes, "Rip A Dip" by The Latin Jazz Quintet, "Warm Canto" by Mal Waldron, "Organ Rounds" by Moondog, "Death & Taxes" by Walt Dickerson, "Song Of Delilah" by Ahmed Abul-Malik, and "Modette" by Roy Haynes – plus 70s tracks "I've Known Rivers" by Gary Bartz Ntu Troop and "Peace" by Idris Muhammad.  ~ Dusty Groove

Junius Paul - Ism

A fantastic record from the contemporary Chicago scene – one that both gives bassist Junius Paul his first showcase as a leader, and underscores the richly collaborative energy in which the musician works! The set was recorded at various points in the Windy City underground – with Paul at the help of a shifting lineup that includes Makaya McCraven on drums, Corey Wilkes on trumpet, Justin Dillard on piano and keyboards, Jim Baker on piano and Arp, Isaiah Spencer on drums, Marquis Hill on trumpet, and Tomeika Reid on cello – with most musicians also handling other instruments too, in a continuation of an AACM legacy – on a record that's then edited by Makaya McCraven, in the best International Anthem mode! The music is jazz, but of the most forward-thinking type – and titles include "Ma & Dad", "Fred Anderson & A Half", "Twelve Eighteen West", "Georgia", "Spocky Chainsey Has Re-Emerged", "The One Who Endures", "Baker's Dozen", "View From The Moon", "You Are Free To Choose", "Paris", "Collant Denier", and "Sprouts". ~ Dusty Groove

Free Soul TK (Various Artists)

A deep double-dip into the legendary TK Records catalog of Miami Soul – and one that offers up a very different version of the label than you might know from the hits! This 2CD set follows in the best tradition of the Free Soul series from Japan – which means that the collection is filled with unusual tracks that we might have missed otherwise, alongside other numbers that we do know, but which seem to have a really special vibe in this setting – an unpacking of the TK catalog from top to bottom, with a special focus on warmer, more unusual bits of funk and soul. Titles include "Jolie" by Lattimore, "Don't Waste My Time" by Jerry Washington, "Keep It Up" by Milton Wright, "You Knock Me Out" by Wildflower, "Cramp Your Style" by All The People, "I Can't Leave Your Love Alone" by Willie & Anthony, "Street Love" by Spats, "Concrete Jungle" by Little Beaver, "Good Good Lovin" by Charles Johnson, "90% Of Me Is You" by Vanessa Kendrick, "I Got Bills To Pay" by Johnny K, "You Can Be A Lady" by JP Robinson, "Love Is A Simple Thing" by Leon Ware, "Island Girl" by Lew Kirton, "Share Your Love" by Herman Kelly & Life, "Ain't Nothin Wrong" by KC & The Sunshine Band, "What Would Your Mama Say" by Facts Of Life, "Jazz Freak" by Paulette Reaves, "Let's Make A Baby" by Funky Brown, "The Love We Had Stays On My Mind" by Freddy Henry, and "How Long" by Brandye. ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Jack Ashford's Just Productions, Calibro 35, Jason McGuiness

Jack Ashford's Just Productions (Various Artists)

A huge legacy of Detroit soul – all from the masterful hands of onetime Motown maestro Jack Ashford and his Just Productions team! Ashford's had his hands in countless great records over the years – early work with Motown, key Detroit Pied Piper Productions material, and all these excellent cuts from later years – done by Jack in a mix of Northern Soul styles, and some even funkier modes for the 70s! Almost all these tracks only got released on tiny little labels, mostly as singles – and the set also includes a few never-heard tunes from the Ashford vaults – although overall, most of this music is still pretty darn obscure. Yet that never stops it from being great – as, similar to Detroit contemporary Dave Hamilton, Ashford was always working at a top level – and always found a way to bring his A-game to the table, even if he wasn't going for a hit. LP version features the vinyl debut of a few tracks – and titles include "Payback's A Drag" by The Smith Brothers, "I'll Fly To Your Open Arms" by The Family Brick, "Sweet Baby" by Al Gardner, "I'm Gone" by Eddie Parker, "The Story Of My Life" by Billy Sha-Rae, "There Can Be A Better Way" by The Smith Brothers, "Don't Leave Me Baby" by Ray Gant & The Arabian Knights, "Stay Here With Me" by Sandra Richardson, "I Need Your Love" by The Stylists, and "Let Me Take Care Of Your Heart" by Jack Ashford himself.  ~ Dusty Groove

Calibro 35 - High Tension Vol 35 – Calibro 35 Plays Lesiman

Maybe one of the coolest records we've ever heard from Calibro 35 – and certainly one of the funkiest – thanks in part to a selection of tracks that are pulled from the catalog of Italian sound library genius Lesiman! The music is very hip – unusual sonic touches alongside tight basslines, great drums, and riffing guitar – all recorded with a mode that seems more open, airy, and inventive than any other Calibro 35 record too! And oddly, even though the group are reaching for a more direct reference to a sound and style they've already been exploring, the whole thing is maybe their most individual album overall – and the group's greatest calling card to date. Titles include "Milano 7", "Play Car", "Players/Bagliori", "Moto Centripeto", "Macchine Nello Spazio", "Schegge", and "Ricognizione Sulle Macerie".  ~ Dusty Groove

Jason McGuiness - Empyrean Tones

Jason McGuiness handles the keyboards, but he's also got some great help on the session too – a strong lineup of guests that includes Kamasi Washington on tenor, Phil Ranelin on trombone, and Keyon Harrold on trumpet! Drums are by Te'Amir Sweeney, who's got this crackling touch that brings a tight acoustic core next to the freer flows that McGuiness brings on keyboards – balancing the album out nicely, and grounding some of the cosmic currents of the leader – in ways that nicely hold a space between an album of electric funk and spiritual jazz! Titles include "Titals", "Cosmos", "Discipline", "Empyrean Tones", and "Black Messiah Project".  ~ Dusty Groove

Bob Holz to Release New Album with Rolling Stones Bassist Darryl Jones

Jazz Fusion Legend Bob Holz to Release New Album Featuring Rolling Stones Bassist Darryl Jones, Dean Brown, Randy Brecker, Ric Fierabracci, Billy Steinway and Brandon Fields

Jazz Fusion legend Bob Holz will release his fifth album for MVD Audio in early 2020. The record is titled "Holz-Stathis Collaborative". Joining Bob Holz is Rolling Stones bassist Darryl Jones. Both Bob Holz and Darryl Jones have played with the late jazz fusion guitarist Larry Coryell.

Bob Holz is wrapping up a busy 2019 which included featured concerts at The Whiskey a Go Go and Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood,CA. Bassist Darryl Jones is joining Bob Holz in the recording studio fresh off the No Filter tour with The Rolling Stones. Darryl Jones has played bass for the Rolling Stones since 1993. He has also worked with Miles Davis and Sting.

The album features ten new original tunes penned by Holz, Billy Steinway and Dean Brown. The album is being recorded and mixed by multi platinum sound engineer  Dennis Moody.

Other musicians on the album include guitarist Dean Brown, trumpet legend Randy Brecker, saxophonist Brandon Fields, Blood, Sweat and Tears bassist Ric Fierabracci and pianist Billy Steinway.

Internationally renowned drummer and composer Bob Holz is signed to MVD Audio (a division of MVD Entertainment Group), managed by Eric Cohen of EC Music Agency and produced by Rob Stathis.In the past Bob Holz has worked extensively with Larry Coryell, Mike Stern, Stanley Clarke and Randy Brecker.

http://www.bobholzband.com

New Music Releases: Jazzz, Meem, A. Billi Free

Jazzz – Yummy Vibes

This is JazzZ, but with a triple Z and some additional juju magic: With influences like Sade Adu and Aaliyah, "Yummy Vibes" is a soulful and magical musical alchemy of afrobeats, R&B and reggae vibes.The lyrical themes include love ("Lover", "Juju Na Magic"), freedom of expression, not letting the fear of lack of acceptance hold you back from being yourself ("My Body"), relationship issues ("Gbim Gbim"), and sexual freedom ("Shine Your Love", "Wild Thing"). Inspired by her everlasting muse, the Yoruba Goddess Yemoja, protector of woman and children, this is the start of something big for Lagos-based vocalist JazzZ. Get onboard the Yummy Vibes train and let JazzZ take you on an afro-futuristic transcendental cosmic musical journey.

Meem – Monsters vs Music

Australia’s pioneer of beatmaking returns with one of his strongest releases to date. Forging new collaborations with vocalists worldwide (Manchester, London, New York, Jamaica, Toronto, Arizona), this new release is a rock-solid collection of conscious hip hop and future reggae vibes. Encompassing his own distinctive vision of music production, Meem’s 7th album ‘Monsters vs Music’ is a melting pot of throwback party funk, innovative hip hop, positive reggae and classic jazz-hop. Produced in Sydney with an international focus, this release is the culmination of the past few years of Meem’s collaborations with some of the worlds finest underground vocalists. Based in Sydney, Meem is an integral part of the Australian music scene. He is one of Sydney’s most in demand DJs, and host of Australia’s longest running funk music radio show ‘Back To Funk’ on 2ser 107.3 FM since 1980. His previous production work includes six critically acclaimed releases, numerous remixes, and countless edits that are played by DJs across the globe. But this one isn't just about the music, it's also about the monsters as you'll hear.

A. Billi Free – I Luma

In theme and style, A. Billi Free effortlessly slides between the present and the future and between earth and space on her debut album I Luma. Meaning "in front" in the Samoan language, I Luma centers A. Billi Free's sincere musings on discovery and adventure in her universe over soulful, uplifting, dance-ready jams. I Luma is backed by an electronic/pop/alternative R&B sensibility entirely composed and produced by Chicago production duo and Tokyo Dawn artists, Tensei. Interstellar jazz multi-instrumentalist Angel Bat Dawid on clarinet sets the tone for this enchanted musical journey on the track "Flourish". Recorded in New Mexico, Illinois, and Massachusetts, the resulting magic outweighs the challenges of this type of creation as the album’s sonics are strong and richly layered, providing a solid foundation for A. Billi Free's smooth tone and earnest message to transmit through the cosmos. Rooted in an eclectic blend of hip hop, soul and electronica, she has spent the last decade in the deserts of southern New Mexico and west Texas fusing elements of both the city and the border into her sound.

New Music Releases: Space Funk, The Jazz Defenders, Sonny Rollins

Space Funk – Afro Futurist Electro Funk In Space 1976 to 1984

Sun Ra was one of the first 20th Century artists to soar off in space, and George Clinton followed his lead with the Mothership in the 70s – and after that time, there was a surprisingly huge legacy of funk and soul artists who also headed for the cosmos – as you'll discover in this very unique set! The package is one of the deepest-digging soul collections we've ever heard from Soul Jazz – as most of the material here is pretty darn obscure – tracks that are from farther in the hinterlands of American soul at the end of the 70s and start of the 80s – and which are heavy on the sort of electrified touches it must have taken to send a funky spaceship out into the stratosphere! Many of these cuts have a sweet electro soul groove, which includes some nice keyboards and even a bit of vocoder work too – while others have a more old school funk approach, but still plenty of cosmic vibes in the mix. Titles include "Supersonic Space Lady" by Ernest Flippin II, "Make It Good To Me Baby" by Copperfield, "Break Out" by Rodney Stepp, "Computer Funk" by Ose, "Fly Guy & The Unemployed" by Ramsey 2C/3D, "Fee Fi Fo Fum" by Leo, "Bionic Funk" by Santiago, "Space Invaders" by Solaris, "Computer Power" by Jamie Jupitor, "Plastic" by Juju & The Space Rangers, and "Computer Games" by Frank Cornelius. CD features the bonus track "Electro-?" by Robotron 4.  ~ Dusty Groove

The Jazz Defenders - Scheming 

The Jazz Defenders produce music that is a modern soul-jazz slant on classic bebop and hard bop, effortlessly channeling the spirit of the golden Blue Note era of jazz. The band's debut album "Scheming" is released on Haggis Records, the label started by UK funk band The Haggis Horns. Jazz has always been a massive part of what The Haggis Horns are about so this marriage was the perfect fit. The Jazz Defenders were founded by George Cooper, one of the UK's most formidable jazz pianists, who at only 31 years of age has already amassed a comprehensive repertoire of working partnerships including Hans Zimmer, Nigel Kennedy, U2 and The Haggis Horns. In 2015 George set about choosing some of the finest musicians the UK has to offer to form a group that have since wowed audiences with their superb musicianship and virtuosity. For their debut album, The Jazz Defenders offer an original set of tunes written by Cooper and each member of the ensemble. Filled with as much playfulness and humor as it is of skilled mastery and musical prowess, "Scheming" is a delight for the ears. From the first to last track it's evident The Jazz Defenders thoroughly enjoyed making this album. There's a connective thread of irony throughout "Scheming", proving jazz doesn't have to take itself too seriously to be of the highest quality.

Sonny Rollins – Newport Jazz Festival 1973

Sonny Rollins is a true colossus. Championed by Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis as a young player, he quickly became one of jazz's leading voices on tenor saxophone. His tone, swing and almost superhuman creativity persisted from the mid 1950s for over 60 years. At the time of this concert, aged 43 and playing with a band of old friends and new talents, Sonny was at the height of his powers. This performance from the Newport Jazz Festival was captured by National Public Radio on June 30th 1973 and features the band responsible for Rollins' Horn Culture LP (1973). Fresh from a two year break in Jamaica and India where he studied yoga and eastern philosophy Sonny put together a band of old friends and new talents. Pianist Walter Davis Jr had known Rollins since his earliest days as a professional musician. A disciple of both Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, Davis worked with Max Roach and other leading lights of be-bop in the 1950s before landing the piano seat with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Bassist Bob Cranshaw first played with Rollins at the 1959 Playboy Jazz Festival and provided a solid core on his 1962 piano-less classic LP The Bridge. David Lee, a drummer from New Orleans was first spotted by Dizzy Gillespie who invited him to join his band in 1969. In 1971 he spent a year with vibist Roy Ayers before answering the call from Rollins. The youngest member of the quintet, guitarist Yoshiaki Masuo was given his break while still at university by Japan's foremost saxophonist Sado Watanabe. The music features Love Letters, a 1940s popular song by Victor Young and Edward Hayman; Sais, the centrepiece of the set and a rare example of Rollins on Soprano saxophone; he ballad There Is No Greater Love, first featured on Rollins' 1957 LP Way Out West and Alfie's Theme, originally written by Sonny for the famed Michael Caine film Alfie.

New Music Releases: Lisa Hilton, Vincent Herring / Bobby Watson / Gary Bartz, Grant Green

Lisa Hilton – Chalkboard Destiny

We live in an exciting time of constant change... is the introductory quote from the award winning composer, and acclaimed pianist Lisa Hilton, in her liner notes for her latest release Chalkboard Destiny recorded with jazz luminaries JD Allen on tenor sax, Rudy Royston on drums and Luques Curtis on bass. It s an appropriate prelude for an album that unfolds with the track Rush Hour Rhapsody - quickly exposing the listener to the robust energy of Hilton's band. There s also a hard-to-pin-down energy flowing between Allen s explosive virtuoso displays, the dynamic details of Royston s accents or the booming lines of Curtis s bass alongside Hilton s fluid piano but impressive it is in a beguiling way. Allen's solo in the middle of Sympathy for Blues is astounding, and along with Curtis's agile bass, Royston's touch and the laid back retro charm of Hilton's piano you'll want to play this one over and over. Hilton conveys that the concept behind Chalkboard Destiny is the idea that our future, our destiny, can be continually reshaped, implying that we are not beholden by history or traditional myths, allowing us a freedom in creation. The title track easily exhibits this concept with Royston s rim shots clacking for attention. Hilton also shows her harmonic and emotional depth with her tender composition Temporary Lullaby, as well as the moving Waltz From Nowhere. The Joni Mitchell classic, Blue Boy showcases the compatibility of this group Allens dusky tenor a contrast to his band mates. Tracks Tropic of Tango, Myths & Fantasy, and Adventures & Alibis all delve into a variety of Latin rhythms and engaging harmonic ideas as well. Café au Mojo, is a bright piece where traditional ideas abound. Altogether an exuberant exhibition of top notch players rallying around traditional ideas in new ways.

Vincent Herring / Bobby Watson / Gary Bartz - Bird At 100

A tribute to the music of Charlie Parker – but a set that sparkles more from the individual inspiration of the three alto giants in the lead – a great lineup that features Gary Bartz, Bobby Watson, and Vincent Herring! The tracks are long, with great lead passages that have all three horns soaring together, then individual solos from each player – and although the songs include a number of classics from the Charlie Parker songbook, the album also features original tunes by Herring and Watson, and another by Jackie McLean – maybe marking the whole thing as being very much in the spirit of its title – a look back at a century that's felt the influence of Bird, with all the alto sax changes that have taken place in the time since his passing. The rhythm trio is excellent too – David Kikoski on piano, Yasushi Nakamura on bass, and Carl Allen on drums – and titles include "Bird-Ish", "Klactoveedsedstene", "The Hymn", "Folklore", "Bird Lives", and "Yardbird Suite". ~ Dusty Groove

Grant Green - Sunday Mornin' (180 gram pressing)

A beautiful little session from one of the greatest guitarists ever! The album's part of Blue Note's tendency to "churchify" Grant Green on some albums – giving his guitar a gospelly groove that has some nicely soulful connotations – but it's also a record that's maybe the strongest of that bunch, as it's got this approach that's loose and open – and which has this fantastic flow that's aided by the piano of Kenny Drew! Drew is the equal star on this set – and the longer tunes on the record really allow for plenty of open solo space – and the whole thing shines with Drew's piano matching lines with Green's strung-out single-note solos. The groove is pretty hard, and the recording quality keeps the whole thing nice and lively – thanks also to work from Ben Tucker on bass and Ben Dixon on drums. Titles include "Sunday Mornin", "Come Sunrise", "Exodus", and "Freedom March".  ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Randy Muller, Al Sunny, Sulu & Excelsior

Randy Muller - Welcome to My Life

A fantastic return to form for Randy Muller – the man who gave the world such great music in the 70s with the groups Brass Construction and Skyy, then continued with a rich underground legacy over the years! Randy's given us a few recent records in the past few decades, but this is his first in a long time – and it really feels like he's been saving up his best, and focusing his groove – coming up with this warm, wonderful blend of jazz, funk, and soul – all topped by Randy's own vocals, plenty of keyboards, and some especially great solos on funky flute! In fact, the flute work here really sets the album apart from the rest – sometimes with echoes of the classic Bobbi Humphrey/Larry Mizell music of the 70s, other times with more contemporary mode that comes off equally well. Great to hear from Randy again – and the set is another feather in his mighty full cap – with titles that include "What Are We Gonna Do", "So Happy", "Over & Over", "Nice & Slow", "Brazilian Nights", "Pimms & Lemonade", "Lover To Lover", "I Cry", "Summer Luv", and "Welcome To My Life". ~ Dusty Groove

Al Sunny - Planets

Al Sunny is a singer who really lives up to his name – as his voice has this warm glow that's really wonderful, and which is a perfect fit for the classic-styled backings on the set! And by "classic", we mean a tight mix of soul and 70s AOR modes – laidback, but well-crafted – with plenty of Fender Rhodes from Florian Pellissier – a keyboardist that we really love for albums under his own name! Al comes across with this great vibe – never too forcedly soulful, and right on the money – and he also brings plenty of his own tight guitar work into the mix too, which helps underscore the jazzier currents in the music. Titles include "Should I", "A Million Miles Away", "How Does It Feel", "If Your Heart", "You & I", and "Planets". CD features the bonus track "Song For Two". ~ Dusty Groove

Sulu & Excelsior - Antimatter Suite

A sweet set from Sulu & Excelsior – essentially the solo project of singer, rapper and trumpet player Steven "Sulu" Mallorca despite the sprawling sound and stylistic breadth – with influences that stretch from classic Motown, to late 60s funk, to live horn-backed hip hop and the skills to fuse them seamlessly! Sulu is a soulful singer and solid MC, often doing both in single rap, and handles most of the instrumentation – from the beats, to piano & keys, to horns, with guests on vocals, bass and guitar on just a handful of tunes – all the more impressive given the full band vibe you get here. lncludes "My Own Volition", "You Don't Mind Me Sayin' That", "Find Another" with Hiro-A-Key, "Antimatter", "Lady Libby", "Mad Dog Magic", "Equilibrium", "Space Suit", "Silver Fox", "Gratitude", "Hate To See You Go". ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Selenites Band, Aldorande, Cotonete & Di Melo

Selenites Band - Ethio Jazz Groove Project

An album that definitely lives up to the title – as the music here is rooted in classic Ethiopian modes, but also has the freer flow of a contemporary funky jazz ensemble! There have been other Ethio-styled albums from current groups in recent years, but this set may well be one of the best – as the group really leave room for plenty of their own sense of expression, which includes some nicely roomy solos, especially on baritone sax! Other instrumentation includes Fender Rhodes, moog, flute, bass, drums, guitar, and some guest organ – and titles include reworks of classics by Mulatu Astatke and some of his contemporaries – "Yegelle Tezeta", "Yekatit", "Muzikawi Silt", "Yekermo Sew", and "Antchim Endelela".  ~ Dusty Groove / (Hand-numbered limited edition of 300!).

Aldorande - Aldorande

A jazz funk killer from Aldorande – a French quartet that features some mighty nice keyboards from Florian Pellissier, who we also really love on his own recordings too! The style here is different than those, though – very tight rhythms with a slightly cosmic core – almost jazz funk taking things back from the broken beat generation, finding a way to move with energy learned from that scene, but in a style that's more cohesively funky – classic and contemporary at the same time! The group get a bit of help from added horns at points, and there's also a bit of vocals on the set too – but the main energy comes from the fantastic mix of keyboards and rhythms at the core. Titles include "Praia Do Destino", "Rayon Vert", "Because Of You", "La Fin Est Un Commencement", "Beauty Island", and "Sous La Lune".  ~ Dusty Groove

Cotonete & Di Melo - Atemporal

A legendary soul singer returns to the fold – the mighty Di Melo, who's best known for one killer Brazilian funk album in the 70s – working here with superb support from contemporary French combo Cotonete! Di Melo's vocals maybe sound even better than before – with a raspy charm that only deepens the soul, and which has this tremendous power, even if you can't understand his Portuguese lyrics – and Cotonete provide grooves that move between tight funk and airier moments, often drenched in Fender Rhodes, which gives the whole thing the right sort of 70s echoes to take us back to Di Melo's classic material. Really tremendous, and long overdue – with cuts that include "Canto Da Yara", "Papos Desconexos (parts 1 & 2)", "Linhas De Alinhar", "Verso E Prosa", "Kilario", and "Mulher Instrumento (parts 1 & 2)".  ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Andre Solomko, Upperground Orchestra, Arp Frique & Erik Ritfeld

Andre Solomko - Le Deltaplane

Great sounds from Andre Solomko – an artist who's been giving us some great 70s-styled music in recent years, and may well have topped himself with this fantastic set! Andre plays alto and soprano sax, in a setting that's got the warm glow of a sweet 70s fusion record – but this time around, he also gets plenty of great vocal contributions from female singer Charlotta Kerbs – whose soulful lyrics appear on most of the album, and give the fusion grooves a slightly AOR sort of vibe – but always at a level that's very understated and individual, and never just trying to cop an older groove. Instead, Andre brings a great sense of personality to the music – which also includes lots of Fender Rhodes and other keyboards – on titles that include "Moonbeach Disco", "Le Deltaplane", "Aquaplane", "Summer 79", and "Paraphraser". ~ Dusty Groove

Upperground Orchestra - Euganea

Darker sounds than usual for this cool Italian combo – a set that still has the cosmic elements of their previous record, but a much sharper edge, and a style that feels a lot more improvised and free! Each of the long tunes build up in a way that's organic – free at the start, then taking on more shape as the musicians come together – with a shifting lineup of instrumentation that includes bass clarinet, flute, alto sax, percussion, oud, drums, bass, and a fair bit of electronics – the last of which are used sparely sometimes, more boldly at others. Titles include "Ghebi", "Hephaistos", "Barene", "Sinopia", and "Kaigo". ~ Dusty Groove

Arp Frique & Erik Ritfeld - Improvised Suites For Analog Machines

A really fantastic set of keyboard sounds – a record that features improvised duets between Arp Frique and Erik Ritfeld – who each switch up their machines on every different track! At the core of the record is an Elka Drummer One rhythm box and a Roland Space Echo – but then each of the tracks has Frique and Ritfeld moving to a different keyboard unit as they improvise together – all in a way that's tuneful and rhythmic, but with a style that's a lot more creative than the usual keyboard record of this style! Each track is named after the keyboard used – and titles include "Arp", "Farfisa", "SH2000", "DX7", "Solina", and "Juno". ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Black Jazz Consortium, Carl Craig, Dexter Story

Black Jazz Consortium - Evolution Of Light

A crackling little full length set from Fred Peterkin – aka Black Jazz Consortium – a set that continues his forward-thinking approach to a groove, but which also brings in a recent love of the music of Brazil as well! The Brazilian elements here are very spare – this is still mostly future house overall – but the lighter touches really open up the sound, and especially speak to the warmer collaborative energy from a list of guests who include Leonardo Peretti Reibnitz, Trovao Rocham, Leo Vieira, Bruna Elisabetsky, and Slikk Tim. Titles include "More Blessings", "Another Path", "Salvador", "Brisbane", "Energies Collide", "Focus", "Love Alliance", "Resonate", "Soul People For Life", and "Sacred Sun". ~ Dusty Groove

Carl Craig - Detroit Love Vol 2 (Various Artists)

A heavy helping of Detroit Love – and one that will also make you love Detroit too – or, at least, completely respect the city for having such a continually rewarding underground over the last few decades – long after the possibility of chart hits or bigger fame have passed! Detroit's electronic scene first got notice at the end of the 80s – when its own grooves were rising to rival the house music coming from Chicago – and while that moment sparked some big international fame, the decades have continued to see the city working to improve, refine, and mature their initial impulses – with the sorts of fantastic sounds that you'll hear in this set! Not all the music is new, but most of it is – and the set combines some wonderfully fresh tracks from the Carl Craig side of the universe – both his own music, and work by key contemporaries too – with titles that include "It Is What It Is" by Rhythim Is Rhythim, "Rosalie" by Green Velvet & Carl Craig, "Do It All Night (C2 edit)" by DJ Minx, "Credit Card (Gay Marvine rmx)" by BMG & Sal P, "Satori" by Ectomorph, "Formulaic Mode" by Mirko Loko & Stacey Pullen, "My Love Check" by Claude Vonstroke, and "Alleys Of Your Mind" by The Dirtbombs. ~ Dusty Groove

Dexter Story - Bahir

The world of Dexter Story just keeps getting bigger and bigger – not just because he's a richly collaborative player, but also because he's got this musical style that really opens up to so many different elements – but without ever sounding like he's trying to crash them together in any sort of inorganic way! Instead, Dexter draws evenly from spiritual jazz, Ethiopian rhythms, underground soul, and some of the best strands of 21st Century grooves – opening up the door for his own wonderful lead lyrics, while creating and exploring a planet of his own. Guests on the record include Carlos Nino on percussion, Te'Amir Sweeney on drums, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson on strings, and Randal Fischer on tenor – and the set features guest vocals from Haile Supreme, Marie Daulne, Endeguena Mulu, Sudan Archives, Jimetta Rose, and Kibrom Birhane – although Dexter gets plenty of time in the lead too. Titles include "Mamdooh", "Buna Be Chow", "Gold", "Techawit", "Shuruba Song", "Bahir", "Abebaye", and "Jijiga Jijiya". ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Rongetz Foundation, Crowd Company, Ahmed Abdullah

Rongetz Foundation - Alphabet City Music Club

We've loved these guys since the start, but this time around they really seem to be knocking it out of the park – fusing their fantastic blend of funky jazz and contemporary soul with a fresher vibe than they've ever had before! These guys draw on plenty of classic elements, but never sound like a retro group at all – as they've got this bold spirit and forward-thinking energy that bristles with positivity, and really marks their music right from the start. The singers get some really great space in the spotlight this time around – a lineup that includes Vanisha Gould, Alina Engibaryan, Mr Day, and Vuyo Sotashe – plus rapper Lewis Parker. Rongetz plays trumpet, produced, and arranged – and instrumentation includes some great keyboards and organ, plus tenor, alto, and flute. Tracks include "The Tour Song", "Clapping Your Soul", "Funky Fancy NYC", "Death Of A Music Box", "Success Success", "Murky Park", and "Somehow Blues". ~ Dusty Groove

Crowd Company - Lowdown

Hot on the heels of new single "Express 76", acclaimed UK funk band Crowd Company return with another taste from their forthcoming third album in the form of "Lowdown", a sassy slice of sister funk that once again features Ryan Zodis & Eric Bloom, the sax & trumpet virtuosos from USA funk band Lettuce. "Lowdown" is released digitally on November 29th via Vintage League Music and anticipates the band's new album that will see the light of day on CD, LP & Digital on January 31st 2020. Both the single and the album were recorded in Millers Falls, USA at the studio of Alan Evans (Soulive / Ae3) who also produced the record.  We're not quite sure what Crowd Company have been eating lately but we wouldn't be surprised if it was some high-energy spinach cause they are on a roll and have never sounded better! If first singles "Express 76" and "Lowdown" are any indication of what is to come, we're ready to bet the next album will firmly cement the band's standing as a force to be reckoned with in the global funk scene!

Ahmed Abdullah - Life's Force

A crowning moment of achievement for trumpeter Ahmed Abdullah – a record that draws on his rich experience working with Sun Ra, but focuses the energy into a warmer, more spiritual jazz setting overall! The album's a lost treasure from the US scene of the late 70s – a perfect melding of jazz modes of the time, and one of those dates that somehow has all the players sounding even better than usual – really hitting a unique space together – one that's rhythmic, yet searching – free, yet structured – and always open to new ideas throughout! In addition to trumpet from Abdullah, the group also features vibes from Jay Hoggard, French horn from Vincent Chaney, cello from Muneer Abdul Fatah, bass from Jerome Hunter, and drums from Rashied Sinan. Hunter's bass is an especially moving force in the session – giving the album a warm, soulful current that really holds things together – and titles include "Song of Tenderness", "Eternal Spiraling Spirit", "Long Time Black", and "Life's Force". ~ Dusty Groove