JON BATISTE ANNOUNCES POWERFUL AND GENRE-DEFYING NEW ALBUM WE ARE SET FOR RELEASE MARCH 19

Multi Grammy & Emmy nominated recording artist, TV star and activist Jon Batiste announces a new single "I Need You" from his forthcoming 'black pop' album WE ARE. The album is set for worldwide release on March 19 (Verve Records). The new single is available now, along with a new music video directed by Alan Ferguson (Camilla Cabello, Jay-Z) and choreographed by the Emmy nominated Jemel McWillams (John Legend, Janelle Monáe). The video stars Batiste as the lead man and lead dancer, fronting a high-octane ensemble of dancers

On "I Need You" Batiste showcases his vocal range, accompanied by his once-in-a-generation musicianship. Produced and written in collaboration with songwriter Autumn Rowe and producer Kizzo, the song is communal and deceptively sophisticated. It fuses the sound of early 20th century black social music, with modern pop production and a hint of hip-hop storytelling. He expertly alternates between belting high notes in full voice, to singing harmony with himself on the choruses, to delivering the verses in a 'farm rap' style. Batiste then dives into two killer instrumental breaks on both piano and saxophone - all in less than 3 minutes.

"This song is a vibe cleanse. After 2020, this is like a warm hug," says Batiste. "Let's bring the vibes back!"

The video stars Jon as both a charming leading man and a bandleader with a sly nod to Little Richard and James Brown. It pays homage to Harlem era swing dances of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, with hints of New Wave film. Featuring swing and Lindy Hop choreography from Emmy-nominated choreographer Jemel McWilliams and directed by Alan Ferguson, the video brims with healing energy and unbridled joy. The video made its broadcast premiere today on MTV Live, BET Soul, and mtvU.

"I Need You" is the second single from Jon's highly anticipated album WE ARE. The first was the titular track, released as an accompanying anthem to Batiste's nationally recognized musical protests in New York City last summer.

WE ARE represents a completely new sonic chapter for Jon Batiste. Inviting some of the most esteemed creative minds to assist in birthing the album, he reached the finish line smack in the middle of the first wave of the worldwide pandemic and volatile social unrest. The result is a body of work characterized by the consciousness of Marvin Gaye, the grounded optimism of Stevie Wonder, the iconoclasm of Thelonious Monk and the swagger of Mannie Fresh.

Alongside songwriter Autumn Rowe and producer Kizzo, Batiste wrote and planned much of the project in about a week from his dressing room at The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he's the musical director and bandleader. WE ARE was recorded in New York, Los Angeles and in his native New Orleans, melding inspiration from his new home and new collaborators with that of the Batiste musical dynasty. The album was also recorded in between sessions for Disney/Pixar's 2020 hit film Soul­, which saw Batiste's music — and hands — incorporated into the animation about a teacher who dreams of being a jazz pianist.

Batiste presents a captivating musical experience to the world rooted in catharsis, joy, freedom, contemplation and sensuality. It's a love letter to his southern roots and the heritage of Black Music with guest appearances by Mavis Staples, Quincy Jones, Zadie Smith, PJ Morton, Trombone Shorty, St Augustine Marching 100, his father Michael Batiste, grandfather David Gauthier and many more. It is a meditation steeped in the sounds of the times with collaborators including POMO (Anderson.Paak), Ricky Reed (Lizzo), Jahaan Sweet (Drake, Eminem) and others. 

"I'm publicly known for some things already," says Batiste. "But there's so much more to know about me. It's always been there. Now is the time to show the world my full artistry."

Batiste continues, "WE ARE is a message of love for humanity, of humble reverence for our past, and of a hopeful future, in which we are the ones who can save us. The art reveals its motive to you. You just have to wait for the Spirit to tell you what it wants."

One of the best-known musicians of his generation, virtuoso pianist, singer, bandleader, educator and television personality Jon Batiste has spent his career bringing that music back to where it started — that is, with the people. From his days at Juilliard, where he established his Stay Human band by playing around New York City's subways and in street performances he called "love riots," to his work since 2015 as the bandleader and musical director of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, the Kenner, Louisiana native has consistently channeled his superb technical skill and deep knowledge of jazz tradition towards a specific, intentional purpose: making people's lives better and brighter, one harmonaboard (that's harmonica and keyboard, combined) solo at a time.

Born into Louisiana's legendarily musical Batiste family, Jon has performed and recorded widely since his teens; his 2013 album, Social Music, spent weeks atop the Billboard and iTunes jazz charts. Batiste tapped T Bone Burnett to produce his Verve debut, Hollywood Africans, which received wide acclaim when it was released in 2018 — the Wall Street Journal called it "an elegant meditation." His version of "St. James Infirmary Blues" also earned him his first Grammy nomination in 2019, in the Best American Roots Performance category.

His flexibility as an artist, his fluency in jazz as well as popular music of all stripes, has allowed him to collaborate with legends from Wynton Marsalis, a mentor since his Juilliard days, to Prince — as well as many of the widely-varied artists who appear on the Late Show. Batiste's marquee performances have ranged from the Grammy's, to the Kennedy Center Honors, to the US Open and the NBA All-Star Game — in 2015, Batiste and the Stay Human Band became the first group to play the main stage at both the Newport Jazz and Folk festivals.

Batiste played himself on the HBO series Treme and appeared in director Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer — most recently, his music was featured in the 2020 Disney/Pixar film Soul. He's been awarded the American Jazz Museum Lifetime Achievement Award, the Harry Chapin ASCAP Humanitarian Award and appeared on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list; Batiste also currently serves as the Music Director of The Atlantic and the Co-Artistic Director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem.

Jon Batiste is devoted to the education and mentorship of young musicians. He has led his own Social Music Residency and Mentoring Program sponsored by Chase, as well as master classes throughout the world. He has also led several cultural exchanges, beginning in 2006, while still a teen, with the Netherlands Trust, which brought students from the USA and Holland to perform with him at the Royal Concertgebouw and Carnegie Hall.

Batiste balances a demanding performance schedule with public speaking engagements, masterclasses, brand partnerships, community activism and acting roles. His composing and songwriting will be featured in his large-scale, genre-melding symphonic work "American Symphony," set to premiere at Carnegie Hall in 2021 and he has been developing a Broadway musical about the life of famed painter Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Jamie Cullum To Host Fourth Edition Of The Prestigious LetterOne 'RISING STARS' Jazz Award Ceremony; Winners To Be Announced Live February 6th

The fourth annual edition of the highly-acclaimed LetterOne 'RISING STARS' Jazz Award will announce its winners February 6th, 2021, via a global live stream broadcast on NPR's WBGO at 9 p.m. (ET).  Hosted by Jamie Cullum and featuring appearances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lyne Carrington, Christian McBride and others as well as the winners,  the prestigious award offers one European winner and one U.S. winner the unprecedented opportunity to appear at popular Jazz festivals throughout the Europe and the U.S respectively, with all expenses covered and an accompanying dedicated promotion/marketing team.

Over 375 up-and-coming artists from Europe and over 350 from the U.S. completed submissions for this year's award which is open to all age groups, and approximately one-third of this year's applicants were women.  This year's substantial number of contestants eclipsed the amount of entries from 2019 by more than a third.

This year's stellar international Jury consists of Jazz superstar, educator and three-time Grammy Award Winner Terri Lyne Carrington (Jury head); producer Brian Bacchus (Gregory Porter, Randy Weston), media personality, journalist and festival director Alex Dutilh; international businessman, philanthropist and founder of the International Jazz Festival in Lvov, Mikhail Fridman; journalist, author and NPR contributor Michelle Mercer and UK Guardian Senior Arts Editor Imogen Tilden. 

What sets the LetterOne 'RISING STARS' Jazz Award apart is the exposure and support provided to the winners - for the U.S. winner there are confirmed appearances at 10 major festivals such as Montreal, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., while the European winner receives concerts at seven festivals including Nice, Vitoria, Umbria and Jazz Open in Stuttgart - often supporting artists such as Marcus Miller or Bobby McFerrin.  The LetterOne 'RISING STARS' Jazz Award tour, agent and marketing support equates to a monetary value in excess of E75,000 or $85,000, making the prize one of the most valuable Jazz awards in the world.  

Producing the Award is the award-winning Air Artist Agency, whose director Burkhard Hopper has a long-standing experience in introducing new artists. For 9 years Burkhard Hopper ran the Rising Stars concert series in Europe which – among others – introduced artists such as Diana Krall, Brad Mehldau, Benny Green, Jane Monheit, David Sanchez and Esbjörn Svensson to European audiences.

The "LetterOne 'RISING STARS' Jazz Award" is a significant event in the international jazz calendar that benefits from the sponsorship and backing of Mikhail Fridman, an international businessman, philanthropist and most importantly a huge jazz fan. Besides being a frequent visitor of Jazz festivals around the world, Fridman is also the founder of the Leopolis Jazz Festival in Lvov (UA).

www.l1risingstarsjazzaward.com

New channels honouring Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, and Motown launch on SiriusXM

SiriusXM announced new limited-engagement channels and specialty programming as a part of SiriusXM Celebrates Black History Month, beginning February 1 through March 1.

Limited-engagement channels, saluting powerful, pioneering Black artists, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, and recognizing the sounds and artists from legendary record label, Motown, will be available throughout the month of February on the SiriusXM app, internet connected devices and smart speakers in your home. Each of these channels will also be available on a respective satellite channel for a limited time, see details below.

SiriusXM has collaborated with these historic artists and their teams to create unique, hand-crafted radio channels that listeners and fans will find exclusively on SiriusXM.

The Aretha Franklin Channel will pay homage to the 'Queen of Soul' by featuring Aretha's iconic catalog, from her early recordings to biggest hits, which have withstood the test of time. Listeners can also expect to hear music from artists that have been influenced by Aretha. The Aretha Franklin Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Hip-Hop/R&B category. Channel 49 (Soul Town) will become The Aretha Franklin Channel from February 15 at 12:00 pm ET through February 21. 

The Jimi Hendrix Experience Channel will immerse listeners into the world of the legendary rock guitarist and singer, who redefined music with his compositions on the electric guitar, with studio and live performances, demos and original programming. The deep influence of Hendrix will be represented on "My Hendrix Experience," a show curated by guest DJs, who will share their love of Hendrix and his music. Additionally, the channel will feature music from artists that influenced Hendrix, as well as those that were influenced by him and that have covered his music. The Jimi Hendrix Experience Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Rock category. Channel 27 (Deep Tracks) will become The Jimi Hendrix Experience Channel from February 8 at 12:00 pm ET through February 14.

Miles Davis Radio will honour one of the most significant and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz music by showcasing music from over 100 of Davis' albums and featuring alumni band members as hosts. These band members include Marcus Miller, Lenny White, John Beasley, Joey DeFrancesco, Vince Wilburn Jr., and others. Miles Davis Radio will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Jazz/Standards category. Channel 67 (Real Jazz) will become Miles Davis Radio from February 22 at 12:00 pm ET through February 28.

The Motown Channel will celebrate the iconic record label envisioned by Berry Gordy, that generated history-making artists, who changed music forever. The channel will feature music from Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jackson 5 and more. A special virtual event, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of The Supremes, with founding member of The Supremes, Mary Wilson, will also be broadcast on the channel. The Motown Channel will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Hip-Hop/R&B category. Channel 49 (Soul Town) will become The Motown Channel from February 1 at 12:00 pm ET through February 7.

SiriusXM Celebrates Black History Month will extend across an array of music channels throughout the month of February, with specialty programming dedicated to iconic Black artists who have impacted the history of music. See the featured broadcast schedule below. For information on SiriusXM Celebrates Black History Month specialty programming and full broadcast schedule, please visit:siriusxm.ca/blackhistorymonth

Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio (ch. 19) will celebrate Bob Marley's birthday on February 6 with a special "All Bob, All Day," format playing only music from the Bob Marley repertoire in between a series of special programs that begin with a new children's show hosted by Ziggy Marley inspired by Ziggy's Grammy-winning Family Time album and the recently-released follow up More Family Time. Additional programming will feature an exclusive "Survivor 76" party mix from DJ GQ, as well as highlights of the annual "Reggae Jam Session" concert, which traditionally closes the annual birthday celebrations at the Marley Museum in Kingston. The highlights line-up includes the late great legends Toots Hibbert and Betty Wright and new performances from Kabaka Pyramid, Papa Michigan, Richie Spice, Tifa, Tanya Stephens, Skip Marley, Jo Mersa Marley, and Agent Sasco. Country star Kenny Chesney will kick off the birthday weekend programming as a guest DJ, playing some of his favourite Bob Marley recordings and sharing how reggae music impacted his life and career, on Friday, February 5 at 7 p.m. ET. Special programming will continue to air on the channel beyond Marley's birthday in honour of Black History Month.

B.B. King's Bluesville Powered by The Blues Foundation (ch. 74) will pay tribute to the founding artists of blues music and the prominent artists who continue to move blues music forward. Hourly vignettes, presented in partnership with The Blues Foundation, will salute legendary Black artists of the blues including, Muddy Waters, Big Mama Thronton, John Lee Hooker, Etta James, Robert Johnson, Koko Taylor, BB King and more. The channel will also feature exclusive live performances at SiriusXM's studios from Buddy Guy, Shemekia Copeland, Keb' Mo', Gaye Adegbalola, Gary Clark Jr., Irma Thomas, Joe Lewis Walker and more. 

Heart & Soul (ch. 48) will host Common for "There's a Beautiful Revolution Happening" Town Hall event, to celebrate his latest album, There's a Beautiful Revolution Happening Pt. 1., which is meant to uplift, heal and inspire those that are dealing with racial injustices. The one-hour event will broadcast on February 20 at 4 p.m. ET.  

Hip Hop Nation (ch. 44) will spotlight today's most paramount and ground-breaking Black artists impacting music now. All month long, the channel will give credit where credit is due to artists such as Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj and more, with specially-produced segments.

Kirk Franklin's Praise (ch. 64) will see Franklin in conversation with legendary gospel artists Jonathan McReynolds, Kierra Sheard and more led by both Franklin and our own Isaac Carree, as they discuss the meaning of Black History Month. "Honouring the Legends of Gospel Music on Kirk Franklin's Praise" will air Saturday, February 20 at 9 a.m. ET.

SiriusXM Celebrates Black History Month programming is available to listeners nationwide on SiriusXM radios, the SiriusXM app, and at home on a wide variety of connected devices including smart TVs, devices with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. Go to www.siriusxm.ca/ways-to-listen/ to learn more.

NEW Omar Sosa CD Release - An East African Journey

An exquisite set of recordings featuring Omar Sosa collaborations with East African artists — mixing traditional sounds with jazz in a subtle, contemporary production.

"Binding folkloric music to the very essence of World Jazz, Sosa conducts this East Africa pilgrimage with the ease of a master whose pursuit of creative endeavors has always been guided by ingenious expressions of musical curiosity. Pensive, festive and joyful, 'An East African Journey' is a chance to swim in a sound that elegantly connects so many important musical traditions with those now flourishing in the present." —Michael Ambrosino, Currents & Dialectics

"The latest chapter in Sosa's long-standing fascination with blending the folkloric and the modern, the acoustic and the electronic, An East African Journey is a cross-cultural gem of a project that discovers enlivening connections — open doors — between musical traditions." —Mel Minter, Musically Speaking

During months of quarantine this year, Omar put together a new project on the terrace of his apartment in Barcelona called KO-BCN Quartet, featuring tuba (Amaiur Gonzales), trombone (Miguel Moises), and DJ (Yohitsounds). It's a fun and altogether new direction for Omar, and we're pleased a music video of the band's song 'Moments of Joy' debuted October 16, 2020 on the Late Summer Jazz series of ARTE.TV, the wonderful European culture channel.

New Release: Brownout | Jungle Fire - Renegades Of Jazz Remixes

Matasuna Records kicks off 2021 with another 7inch. This record features two remixes by German DJ and producer David Hanke aka Renegades Of Jazz, for Afro-latin Funk bands Brownout and Jungle Fire.

Brownout's remix was first released in 2013 via Paris DJs on a very limited run of 45s and quickly became very sought after. By painstakingly cutting every instrument's individual notes, increasing the tempo and adding in a punchy breakbeat at the end, David turned Flaximus into an up-tempo dancefloor hit.

Jungle Fire's song Comencemos that appears on the B side is a cover version of Fela Ransome-Kuti's song Let's Start.David added some more Afrofunk elements to the Jungle Fire version and builds a bridge to the original Fela version with the additional elements. The Jungle Fire remix is previously unreleased and will be available on vinyl for the first time.

David Hanke has been linked to Matasuna Records since our early days, when he released his Dem Juju Poets debut album on Matasuna in 2017. Most recently he delivered a dancefloor-friendly edit of Mawuli Decker's 'Mololi-Lomko' at the end of 2020, again released on Matasuna. David is constantly producing and surprises regularly with new musical projects, restlessly trying to develop and refine his sound. With his new label, Bathurst, he created a home for all his electronic music projects. Bathurst follows the notion of not focusing on any formats or genres, but caring more about the electronic music Hanke adores.

Nine-piece band Brownout from Austin/Texas, was formed in 2005 by members of the Grammy Award-winning Latin orchestra Grupo Fantasma and have since become a musical force of their own. In addition to three Austin Music Awards, the band has performed at countless events and festivals and has regularly toured the U.S. also as highly sought-after backing band for artists like Prince, GZA and many more. Their albums and singles have been released on labels like Freestyle Records, Ubiquity or Fat Beats.

Jungle Fire is an Afrolatin Funk band from Los Angeles known for their authentic and highly explosive sound. They quickly gained attention of the local Los Angeles scene and beyond, which led to their first release on the Funk and Soul label Colemine. Other releases have been released on Nacional Records, Paris DJs and Razor N Tape. Their second album "Jambú" debuted at #4 on the Billboard Latin charts in February 2017 which led to numerous features in several movies, commercials and TV shows. They create a unique Afro-Tropical sound by combining West African rhythms with heavy funk elements.

The 7inch single will be released February 5th 2021 exclusively on vinyl.

New Music Releases: Franco Ambrosetti, Marcos Resende & Index, Lisa Hilton

Franco Ambrosetti - Lost Within You

At 79, Franco Ambrosetti is easily the most elegant man in the room. Poised, refined, charming, conversant in five languages - one being the language of jazz - he is the very embodiment of 'suave.' A man of means who carries himself with an abundance of confidence and grace rather than swagger, he also happens to possess a remarkable gift for conveying heartfelt emotion through his horn. And like one of his role models, Miles Davis, the iconic Swiss trumpeter-composer and bandleader is indeed a beautiful singer of songs, as he so capably demonstrates on Lost Within You, his third recording for Unit Records and 25th overall as a leader.

Marcos Resende & Index (The Lost Debut Album)

Recorded in 1976 at Sonoviso Studios in Rio, the Brazilian keyboard and synth maestro Marcos Resende and his new group Index, made up of Rubão Sabino, Claudio Caribé and Oberdan Magalhães recorded their debut album for Creed Taylor's famed CTI Records. But the deal with the label fell through, and the album was shelved by Resende who had other priorities working with the likes of Gilberto Gil, Edu Lobo, Gal Costa and Carlos Dafé, as well as making music for TV and film.Thankfully Marcos kept the tapes safe and presented them to Far Out's Joe Davis at his home in Lisbon in 2018, but only after 25 years of Joe pleading to hear them. Since then Marcos worked closely with Far Out towards restoring these recordings over the last two years, but tragically passed away after a battle with stomach cancer on 12th November 2020 at the age of 73, only a matter of weeks before the album was due to be unveiled to the world. With the blessing of the Resende family who wish to honour his memory by ensuring these historic recordings see the light of day, Marcos Resende & Index is out today, 44 years since it was originally recorded, on vinyl, CD and digital formats. 

Lisa Hilton - More Than Another Day

"Impressions of color and depth.” JazzWeekly. For her latest jazz release, pianist, composer and producer Lisa Hilton teams up with long-standing band mates Luques Curtis/bass, and Rudy Royston/drums, on More Than Another Day. Hilton delivers creatively on nine new originals and a Cole Porter cover, recorded with stellar additional from her trio mates. Hilton and company are upbeat and engaging - this is music for today, for this year, and of course, for More Than Another Day.

ST. GERMAIN: TOURIST 20th ANNIVERSARY TRAVEL VERSION

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of his TOURIST album, Ludovic Navarre aka St Germain has invited UK, South Africa, USA, Reunion Island and France producers, DJs and remixers with various musical inspirations, from Deep House to Afro House and Chicago House ... He declares : " I would like to thank all the people I asked to travel through their favorite "Tourist' album track. Some of them worked on my last Africa-inspired album in 2015, like my dear friend AtJazz, who helped me a lot on this new project, and also Terry Laird Dj Deep and Traumer. I don't have to introduce highly respected newcomers such as Nightmares on Wax , JoVonn, Ron Trent, Black Motion, Osunlade and Jullian Gomes. I truly enjoy their passion for music, their personality and musical integrity. I know they've got soul ! "

TRACKLIST 

01. Rose Rouge (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remix)

02. Sure Thing (Osunlade Yoruba Soul Mix)

03. Rose Rouge (Terry Laird Nu Maloya Fusion Mix)

04. Rose Rouge (Ron Trent Jazzfunksuite for Musicandpower Remix)

05. So Flute (Ludovic Naverre Amapiano Version 2020)

06. Sure Thing (Black Motion Anniversary Mix)

07. Rose Rouge (Jovonn Oldskool ’90s Remix)

08. Sure Thing (Jullian Gomes Remix)

09. Rose Rouge (Nightmares on Wax Rerub)

10. What You Think About (Traumer Re-jammed Remix)

11. Sure Thing (DJ Deep Remix) 

This journey began on September 4th, 2020 in England with the Deep House version of ROSE ROUGE by English producer Martin Iveson aka ATJAZZ. Then on October 16, Destination South Africa with Dj Murdah and Thabo Smol who form the Afro House duo BLACK MOTION with their version of the flagship song SURE THING.

 

New Music Releases: Charles Lloyd & The Marvels, Joe Chambers, Pharoah Sanders

Charles Lloyd & The Marvels - Tone Poem

Charles Lloyd & The Marvels have released “Ramblin’,” a rollicking version of Ornette Coleman’s tune from the forthcoming album Tone Poem out March 12. Lloyd debuted his collective The Marvels—featuring Bill Frisell on guitar, Greg Leisz on pedal steel guitar, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Eric Harland on drums—on I Long To See You (2016) followed by Vanished Gardens (2018) with Lucinda Williams. The vinyl edition of Tone Poem will be the first new release to be featured as part of the Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Series supervised by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray, pressed at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe Stoughton gatefold tip-on jacket. It available now for pre-order now on vinyl, CD or digital download.

Joe Chambers - Samba De Maracatu

Joe Chambers will release Samba de Maracatu on Feb. 26, a notable Blue Note return for a significant figure in the label’s history. The Brazilian flavored title track “Samba de Maracatu” features him on drums, vibraphone, and percussion with Brad Merritt on keys and Steve Haines on bass. In the 1960s, Chambers played on many progressive classics like Wayne Shorter Adam’s Apple, Bobby Hutcherson Components, Freddie Hubbard’s Breaking Point, and Joe Henderson’s Mode for Joe. His own 1998 Blue Note debut Mirrors featured Eddie Henderson, Vincent Herring, Mulgrew Miller, and Ira Coleman.

Pharoah Sanders - Jewels Of Thought

A wonderful reunion of Pharoah Sanders and vocalist Leon Thomas – and a set that captures a lot of the same energy as the pair's previous record – Karma! Thomas' vocals are in wonderful form for the set – stretching out soulfully on the extended classic "Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah" – a title that has much of the same grace and power as "The Creator Has A Master Plan. The rest of the players on the date include Lonnie Liston Smith on piano, Richard Davis and Cecil McBee on basses, and Idris Muhammad and Roy Haynes on drums – and unusually enough, each of the double bassists and drummers gets their own channel of sound to work with! The other long track on the album is the extended "Sun In Aquarius" – which is a bit more outside, but still pretty great! ~ Dusty Groove

The Fabulous Red Diesel Record Modern Soul Jazz Classic, The Queensbury House Sessions, in One Take!

The Fabulous Red Diesel are a collective quite unlike any other and their new album, The Queensbury House Sessions, looks to introduce them into the hearts and minds of music fans everywhere. A husband and wife on vocals and drums; a transgender trumpeter and double-bassist; and a synth player and guitarist named Rabbi Jaffa Delicious – on paper unconventional but their sound will hypnotise you, a beguiling mix of smoky jazz and achingly swooning soul, their latest single is Butterfly Mind, a track which says that no matter how your mind flits from one idea to the next, true love remains constant.

The Fabulous Red Diesel are Ms Kitty (Kat Lee-Ryan) on vocals, keys and flute; Duke Boom (husband, Will Lee-Ryan) on drums; Miss Bea-Have (Beatrice Gullick) on double bass, tuba and trumpet and Rabbi Jaffa Delicious (Simon Dobell) on guitar and trumpet. Based in Hastings, they have built up a loyal fanbase, not only through their live shows which have seen them supporting and playing alongside the likes of The James Taylor Quartet, Skunk Anansie and Jeff Buckley but also their unique sound, fusing classic 60s soul with jazz arrangements and a rhythm section which can skip from hip-hop beats to Latin to funk. The Queensbury House Sessions is their new album, sixteen extraordinary tracks, each recorded in just one take at a disused office block (called, yes, Queensbury House) to truly capture their live sound.

Writing songs like spells, Butterfly Mind is best summed up by the writer, Kat:

“It's about the way my brain works and the way music flits from one person to another, changing their perception (hopefully for the better) by tiny inspirational touches. And then it's also a love song - I am married to the drummer and I'm saying no matter how many twists and turns and expansions my mind has, I am always grounded in him - you know I've got a butterfly mind but I settle on you ‘’

Although defiantly upbeat and circus-like in their approach to entertaining audiences, Kat’s own life has been touched by tragedy, her sister taking her own life in 2006. As part of the grieving process, she wrote and developed a stage show called Sparkly Bird which has gone on to sell-out theatres as well as educate audiences about mental health at Universities and for the NHS. With songs written by Ms Kitty and the music, of course, performed by The Fabulous Red Diesel (and with aerial performances, a narrator and dance), it’s yet another side of a collective who mix their ideas and personalities with real passion, flair and invention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcwSFdbx-xw&ab_channel=TheFabulousRedDiesel

New Music Releases: Diego Rivera, Underflow, Nat Birchall

Diego Rivera - Indigenous

Diego Rivera's a hell of a tenorist – and he plays a bit of soprano too – packing a heck of a lot into just a little bit of space, almost with the mix of hardbop and soul jazz we'd hear from 60s favorites like Benny Golson or Jerome Richardson! As with both of those artists, Rivera's got a way of making his presence known right from the start – but then never needs to overstate himself – as his playing is always right on the money, with just the right notes along the way – supported here by a crack quartet that features Helen Sung on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Donald Edwards on drums – plus trumpet from Etienne Charles on three of the album's twelve tracks. Many tunes are originals by Diego – just the right material for his balance of expression – and titles include "Indigenous", "Sombras Del Pasado", "Secret Life Of Plants", "Melina Maria", "BLM Plaza", "Shir Lashalom", and "Purpose". ~ Dusty Groove

Underflow (David Grubbs/Mats Gustafsson/Rob Mazurek) - Instant Opaque Evening 

A fantastic collaboration between three of the most creative improvisers on the planet – an extended live set that's even better than the studio outing the group gave us on their debut! The lineup here features David Grubbs on guitar and voice, Rob Mazurek on piccolo trumpet and electronics, and Mats Gustafsson on flute, baritone sax, and fluteophone – plus some live electronics as well! The players clearly have tremendous respect and sympathy for each other – and rather than an all-star outing in which everyone's trying to wrestle to the top, the music moves very organically between structure and improvisation – really thoughtful creation throughout, at a level that makes the whole thing even greater than the sum of its three mighty parts. Titles include "Gethsemani Night", "Not At My Funeral", "Self Portrait As Interference Pattern", "A Thin Eternity", "Planks", "Instant Opaque Evening", and "Cooler Side Of The Pillow". ~ Dusty Groove

Nat Birchall - Exalation: Live In Athens Volume 1

We always love the music of British tenor saxophonist Nat Birchall – but here, he's in an even more amazing setting than usual – really stretching out in a live format, and working with two Greek musicians who really bring a lot to the performance! In addition to these long, spiritual solos from Nat, the record also features work from Harris Lambrakis on ney – a flute-like reed instrument that provides a perfect balance to the depth of Birchall's tenor – as both musicians stretch out on long-building tracks with modal rhythms from Adam Fairhall on piano, Seth Bennett on bass, and Andy Hay on drums and percussion – plus a second set of drums from Nikos Sidirokastris – who really helps propel things forward. Titles include "Exaltation", "Humility", and "For Michalis". ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Miles Bonny, Muriel Grossmann, Quincy Davis

Miles Bonny - Lumberjack Soul 2

It's been almost a decade since the first Lumberjack Soul album from Miles Bonny – and in that time, he's grown tremendously – both as a singer and musician, and as an artist who's really in command of his sound! Miles' voice still has the raspy charm we loved before, but the overall setting is far richer and more complex – maybe in a way that owes a lot more to jazz than before, although still with just the right inflections of beats – which are balanced with all these really creative sonic touches from Bonny – shapes and sounds from trumpet, piano, moog, and some other sources that are a bit hard to figure out – mixed together wonderfully. Titles include "Day Alone", "Go With The Sun", "In This World", "Soulful Melodies", "Release & Expand", "Wantu", and "Mother Of Love". ~ Dusty Groove

Muriel Grossmann - Quiet Earth

There's nothing quiet about the way that Muriel Grossman approaches her music – as the saxophonist is one of the boldest, strongest voices in jazz in the past decade – one of the key proponents of the new spiritual underground, and a player who just seems to win us over more and more with each new record! This album's got the amazing rhythmic pulse of Grossman's previous records, but also shifts the sound slightly too – as in addition to the fantastic use of guitar by Radomir Milojkovic, the set also features these strongly swirling organ lines from Llorenc Barcelo – in a way that makes us imagine what it might sound like if we ever got to hear those lost jam sessions between John Coltrane and Larry Young! Grossman blows tenor, alto, and soprano sax here, with a rich sense of imagination throughout – and the rest of the group features Gina Schwarz on bass and Uros Stamenkovic on drums – on long titles that include "Wien", "African Call", "Quiet Earth", and "Peaceful River".  ~ Dusty Groove

Quincy Davis - Q Vision

Drummer Quincy Davis has a very visionary approach here – music that makes a bold statement for his role as a leader, as Davis works here with three different groups on a strong set of original material! The mix of players is wonderful – shading in and adding voice to Quincy's music in different ways – sometimes with a septet that includes Philip Dizack on trumpet, Myron Walden on alto, Peter Bernstein on guitar, and JD Allen on tenor – other times with a quintet that has the great Warren Wolf on vibes and Dayna Stephens on tenor. There's also two trio tracks – with excellent piano from Xavier Davis and bass from Ugonna Okegwo – and in the other groups, Adam Birnbaum handles piano, with either Richie Goods or Vicente Archer on bass. Davis has this great way of blending darkness and light in his compositions, in a style that's echoed strongly by the soloists – on titles that include "Shorter Days", "Nat Turner", "Lost In Thought", "The Creeper", "Outbreak", and "Slippery Slope".  ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Tori Handsley, Mayer Hawthorne, Daniel Humair

Tori Handsley - As We Stand

Tori Handsley may not look like your usual jazz musician on the front cover – but she's part of the contemporary London scene, and really breaks out here alongside some killer drums from the great Moses Boyd! Handley plays both piano and electric harp with lots of cool effects – and the trio also features this round, rolling basswork from Ruth Goller – a player who's a perfect counterpart for Boyd's nonstop sense of energy! This is the first we've ever heard of Tori – and she's wonderful on piano, playing with this bold sense of flow that should get her plenty of attention in years to come – and her use of the electric harp is equally great, and never gimmicky at all – a very cool instrument that's often processed in ways that really bring out the richness of its sound. Sahra Gure sings on three of the album's tracks, but the main vibe is instrumental – and titles include "Polar Retreat", "Rivers Of Mind", "Home", "Settling In to The Sun", "Kestrel", "As We Stand", "Out Of Sight Out Of Mind", and "Convolution". ~ Dusty Groove

Mayer Hawthorne – Rare Changes 

Raised by hippie parents in Ann Arbor, Michigan, smack between the Hash Bash and the car factories -Hawthorne’s old man taught him to play bass guitar at age five. He would play records in the house all while Mayer was growing up. He put him up on game. He’d say, “You hear him singing there? That’s David Ruffin.” Or, “You hear that guitar solo? That’s Stephen Stills.” And young Hawthorne would sit there, with his bowl of cereal, soaking it up.Mayer DJed in Michigan at the height of Detroit hip-hop. He was there. Before Em blew, when Dilla was still alive. He was spinning records and making rap beats. Now he’s making soul records and rappers are sampling him. Circle of life.Mayer’s been digging in the crates and you can hear the influences in his music. A touch of Shuggie Otis here, some Bob Marley there, a sprinkle of Sly Stone…

Daniel Humair - Drum Thing

Fantastic work from drummer Daniel Humair – a hugely important creative musician, still very much at the top of his game! Humair was one of the first European percussionists to really set his instrument free from conventions of timekeeping – to open up more possibilities for melody, which is definitely the case here – as Daniel works in a nicely loose group – with Stephane Kerecki on superb acoustic bass, and Vincent Le Quang on tenor and soprano sax – plus a bit of guest flugelhorn from Yoann Loustalot. The songs vary in length and approach, but always have a warmth that other drummers in this situation might not find – that way that Humair has of letting himself free, but never going too far outside – so that there's always this resonance with the bass, which sounds tremendous next to the saxophone. Titles include "Heaven's Gate", "Drum Thing 2", "Mutinerie", "La Cantonal", "Prologue", and a number of "Interlude" tracks. ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Terrace Martin & Devi Dev, Apifera, Le Deal

Terrace Martin & Devi Dev - Here My Dear

A set inspired by the Marvin Gaye album of the same name, but delivered here in a very contemporary spirit – handled with lots of fantastic production from Terrace Martin – who moves between a mix of hip hop and some of the cosmic jazz touches that have become his strength in more recent years! Guests include a lot of heavyweight talents – Kendrick Lamar, Kurupt, Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Wilson, Snoop Dogg, and others – and titles include "What You Won't Do For Love", "Expectations", "Here My Dear", "Call Me", "Makings Of You", "Koo Koo Cyco Loco", "Hey Girl", "Show Her The Way", and "Cheat". ~ Dusty Groove

Apifera - Overstand

A jazz set, but one that's in a very Stones Throw mode – as the music here mixes jazz elements with more contemporary production elements, and blends together the live and programmed in a mighty nice way! The group's a quartet, most of whom have played on other Stones Throw albums – and the lineup features twin keyboard work from Yuval Havkin (aka Rejoicer) and Nitai Hershkovits, plus bass from Yonatan Albalak and drums from Amir Bresler – the last of whom has a great rhythmic pulse that often defines the energy of the set! Titles include "Notre Damn", "Pulse 420", "Four Green Yellows", "Iris One", "Lake Vu", "The Pit & The Beggar", and "Yaki's Delight". ~ Dusty Groove

Le Deal - Jazz Traficantes

A beautiful debut from this hip French group – a quartet that features piano and arrangements by Florian Pellissier, who we've loved on his other records – plus Yoann Loustalot on flugelhorn, Theo Girard on bass, and Malick Koly on drums – really stretching out here at a session recorded at the legendary Rudy Van Gelder studio! The mix of flugelhorn and piano is great – used spaciously, with really well-punctuated notes from Loustalot – balanced with bolder work from Pelissier on piano and a bit of Fender Rhodes – on a set of all original material that has a wonderfully fresh feel. There's a slightly spiritual current to the music, but the overall sound is maybe more in the territory of 70s soul jazz – sophisticated, but very down to earth too – on titles that include "Custom Agents", "Riot In Chinatown", "Jazz Traficantes", and the three part "Mexican Junkanoo" suite. CD also features the bonus track "Noche En La Carcel". ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Sun Ra Arkestra, Mandrill, Omniversal Earkestra

Sun Ra Arkestra — Swirling 

Sun Ra left the planet a few decades ago, but his Arkestra has been going strong – really carrying the torch that the great one kept burning – and stepping out here in their first studio album in 20 years! The record is really something special – that core Sun Ra spirit, but taken in righteous territory that shows just how much the group has evolved in his absence – still with alto saxophonist Marshall Allen as the leader, but a combination of classic Arkestra members and younger musicians who have really helped continue that legacy of mentorship and spiritual exploration that was always the greater mission of the ensemble. The production is great – never too commercial, and handled brilliantly to capture the spirit of the group at their most expressive – with a lineup that also features Knoel Scott on alto, James Stewart on tenor and flute, Michael Ray and Cecil Brooks on trumpets, Vincent Chancey on French horn, Farid Barron on piano, Dave Hotep on guitar, Akatunde and Elso Nascimento on percussion, and Tara Middleton on vocals and violin. Titles include "Sea Of Darkness/Darkness", "Swirling", "Seductive Fantasy", "Sunology", "Door Of The Cosmos/Shy", "Satellites Are Spinning/Lights On A Satellite", "Infinity/I'll Wait For You", and "Angels & Demons At Play". ~ Dusty Groove

Mandrill - Mandrill

A masterpiece of freeform funk from Mandrill – New York group at the start of the 70s, but one who work here with the best longform jamming styles of the Bay Area scene! The combo draw equal influence from jazz, funk, soul, and Latin – using all elements in a unique hybrid that's all their own – and which really favors instrumental passages more than vocal moments on this debut album – with searing lead guitar from Omar Mesa, next to plenty of organ lines, flute, trumpet, and tenor – all carried with heavy bass and percussion, and peppered with lots of surprises along the way! The whole thing's tremendous – a massively funky first statement from the group – with cuts that include the extended suite "Peace & Love", plus other funky goodies like "Symphonic Revolution", "Rollin' On", "Warning Blues", and "Mandrill". ~ Dusty Groove

Omniversal Earkestra - Le Mali 70

A fantastic project, and one whose sound is even better than we can sum up in words – as the core group features players from Berlin, inspired by older African sounds – turning to work from the 70s Mali scene, and teaming up with some of its musical giants – but all in a way that's much more jazz-based than you might expect! The Earkestra clearly borrow a bit of their name from Sun Ra's Arkestra – and they keep a strong jazz legacy intact as they use their horns not just for full charts alongside the rhythms, but also for breakout solos that are more jazz than the usual Afro Funk-styled charts – really adding a lot to the album's guest work from legends who include Abdoulaye Diabate, Salif Keita, Sory Bamba, and Cheick Tidiane Seck. A really great record where the whole is even greater than the sum of its elements – something new and unique, with titles that include "Chie", "Wale", "Kulukutu", "Apolo", "Gambari", and "Badiala Male". ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Javon Jackson, Emma Jean Thackray, Tenderlonious

Javon Jackson - Deja Vu

A beautiful self-released album from tenorist Javon Jackson – a set that's overflowing with warmth and soul, and which features a really well-chosen array of material throughout! Jackson could sometimes have a colder edge in his youth – and while his sharpness is still present here, there's a mature depth to his tenor work that's really fantastic – set up in an easy-flowing trio with Jeremy Manasia on piano, David Williams on bass, and McClenty Hunter on drums – on tunes by Cedar Walton, Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Heath, and Jackson himself – all of which have plenty of space to find the right sort of groove and open up with the solos. Titles include "Martha's Prize", "Venus De Mildew", "Raise Four", "TJ", "In The Kitchen", "Rio Dawn", and "My Shining Hour". ~ Dusty Groove

Emma Jean Thackray - Walrus EP

Emma-Jean Thackray has been one of the most inventive musicians to emerge from the London scene in the past decade or so – a player who, like some of the best from that city, is taking her instrument way past familiar modes of jazz – with sounds that explode here with help from some great collaborators too! Emma-Jean adds a bit of electronics to her trumpet – and the quintet mixes drums, organ, electronics, and sousaphone – the last of which is used more like a bass than anything else – giving the record some odd brass band currents at the bottom, but with freaky sounds up top that are light years from anything in that tradition! Thackray's always given us amazing music, but this record may well be one of her best – with titles that include "Birthday Cake", "Walrus", "Wet Nose", "Baro Bop", and "Morley Bottoms" – plus three short interlude tracks.  ~ Dusty Groove

 - Ragas From Lahore: Improvisations With Jaubi 

One of the most compelling records we've ever heard from UK reedman Tenderlonious – and that's saying a lot, because most of his other recordings have been pretty damn great as well! This set has Tenderlonious playing flute and soprano sax, stretching out on long improvised ragas with the group Jaubi – a trio who use tabla, sarangi, and guitar in modes that echo older currents of Indian music, but also move things towards a slightly more contemporary vibe – with unusual drone elements that enhance the acoustic instruments in a very subtle way – and which only seem to make the flute lines stand out even more by comparison! Titles include "Kirwani", "Impressions", "Azeem", "Shahla Bagh", and "Azadi". ~ Dusty Groove

Jazz Is Dead’s Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad team up with Doug Carn for "Doug Carn JID005"

As and innovators of 70s spiritual, progressive, funk, and jazz, Doug Carn has always flown a little under the radar. He has long plied his trade with patience and dedication, releasing absolutely stunning albums that are cherished by cognoscenti but lesser known even to the jazz mainstream, even as his influence can be detected among his colleagues. On December 11, Jazz Is Dead released their new album: Doug Carn JID005.

Carn's newest project, his entry in the Jazz Is Dead album series helmed by Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, takes his unique and timeless art and places it within the context of a musical culture that has always taken cues from his ‘70s classics. There's no mistaking the musical mind that created legendary albums like Infant Eyes and Adam's Apple, but the encounter of that with the distinctive jazz-hip hop-funk-noir that is the Younge/Muhammad/JID trademark creates something worthy of comparison to Carn's past work but which could only have been made right now.

Emerging out of Florida at the end of the ‘60s he made his debut on record as perhaps the key member of the Black Jazz roster, releasing four albums for the label between 1971-75 that stand as all-time classics of Black Consciousness expressed through jazz. A key aspect of the success of these albums was the haunting and powerful vocal contributions of his then-wife Jean Carn, whose five-octave vocal range made for memorable renditions of classics like “Peace” (Horace Silver), “Little B’s Poem” (Bobby Hutcherson), “Blue And Green” (Miles Davis) and Doug’s own “Power And Glory.”

Carn’s own luminous work on acoustic and electric piano on all these albums placed him firmly in the realm of contemporaries like Lonnie Liston Smith, Herbie Hancock and George Duke and they were elevated even further by the exquisite sideman work of a number of luminaries including Olu Dara (aka Nas Sr.), Charles Tolliver, Alphonse Mouzon and legendary Cannonball Adderley bassist Walter Booker among others. Following this classic era, Doug and Jean continued to chart their own paths separately, Jean as a solo R&B star with a number of successful albums and singles for Philadelphia International Records and Doug as the same brilliant and creatively restless spiritual-jazz avatar he’s always been. Happily, for the last decade Doug and Jean’s orbits have intersected anew, and they can often be found performing together once again.

“I was barely a year old when Doug Carn released Infant Eyes. To me the album is an expedition of warmth, hope, majesty and pride, where you cross the bridge of venerable wonders on supernatural tones of innovation,” says Shaheed Muhammad. “If you grew up in the ‘70s then you know exactly how consequential his art is. There are so many levels to this and time is never enough to unfold it, but Adrian and I were blessed to spend a twinkle of time with the honorable Doug Carn. We recorded an album that bridges to dimensions seemingly familiar but yet uncharted and raw.”

One can detect nods to musical motifs by Carn's jazz peers that have served as frequent sample fodder, but his compositional and improvisational integrity remain indisputable throughout. A track like "Desert Rain" (the first project's single) effortlessly evokes cinematic images that could take place on a desert plain just as easily as on an urban side street. A recurring bass motif is soon joined by drums and Carn’s distinctive organ on the beautiful track: a relaxed, lyrical theme which seems to take the vibe associated with ‘70s Black musicians'-collective loft-jazz scenes and combine it with a funky street edge. The organ and horns deftly interact with and dance around each other in harmonically creative ways while being kept tethered to solid ground by the gentle yet unwavering support of the Rhodes, bass and drums.

"Nunca Um Malandro" displays a facility with the Brazilian forms that captivated his generation of musicians just as they've also captivated Shaheed Muhammad and Younge’s, and would fit in snugly on the albums by Marcos Valle, João Donato or Azymuth from this series. All of the things that have made Doug Carn's name one that has been spoken for years in reverent tones are plainly in evidence on this triumphant new work.

"Lions Walk" is taken at a tempo and groove reminiscent of the best of Prestige Records' jazz-funk era and its 4:19 duration sounds like it was plucked from the middle of a heated solo-jam section from a 10-minute workout on one of those records. The interplay here, once again, serves as a reminder of the glorious results achieved when musicians are listening to and reacting to one another in the moment.

Reflecting on Carn’s legacy and the opportunity to collaborate, Younge reminds us: “Doug Carn reigns as one of the greatest jazz organists of all time. Doug Carn JID005 is a testament to his continued legacy and funky contributions to jazz.”

New Music Releases: Fred Van Hove & Peter Brotzmann, Terje Rypdal, Jahari Massamba Unit (Madlib & Karriem Riggins)

Fred Van Hove & Peter Brotzmann | "Front To Front"

Two improvising giants, still very much at the top of their game – and making music that almost has the same intensity as their groundbreaking work from decades back! We've heard often from Peter Brotzmann in recent years, so Fred Van Hove may be the biggest surprise here – as he can really set fire on the piano, at a level that you'd never expect from his image on the cover – matching the robust energy of Brotzmann's continued magnificence on saxes – a fire that never seems to dim at all, and which is really burning strongly here in the company of his old musical partner, in ways that are different than some of his collaborations with younger improvisers. The set was recorded live at the Summer Bummer Festival in 2019 – and titles include "Terms & Conditions", "Nervous Pudding", "Quite A Package", and "Front To Front". ~ Dusty Groove

Terje Rypdal | "Conspiracy"

Mindblowing sounds from guitarist Terje Rypdal – one of the most unique players of the 70s, and still very much at the top of his game all these many years later – even after generations have tried to copy his style! The set is a great reminder that the mixture of Rypdal and ECM is a match made in heaven – as the guitarist has a sound that's full of the kind of atmospherics that the label loves to spin out with its trademark production, but also keeps more than enough of his own identity here – never falling into easy modes or soundscape cliches – and always knowing when to step up front sonically when that seems about to happen. Other players include Stale Storlokken on keyboards, Endre Hareide Hallre on Fender and fretless bass, and Pal Thowsen on percussion and drums – on the titles "Dawn", "By His Lonesome", "Conspiracy", "What Was I Thinking", and "As If The Ghost Was Me". ~ Dusty Groove

Jahari Massamba Unit (Madlib & Karriem Riggins) | "Pardon My French"

A tremendous collaboration between Madlib and drummer Karriem Riggins – both artists who are great enough on their own, but who really hit some new territory in this funky instrumental project! Riggins plays live drums, and Madlib throws in all this other instrumentation that really changes things up – bits of keyboards, flute, trumpet, and a whole heck of a lot more – but not used in ways that are conventional – as they more have that quality of sonically peppering the grooves, as you'd hear in Madlib's other production modes – but with a very different flavor here! There's a huge amount going on – all these little sounds and touches that are great – n titles that include "Les Jardins Esmeraldins", "Etude Montrachet", "Le Feu", "La Closerie", "Hommage A La Vielle Garde", "Merde", and "Deux Fakes Jayers". ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Doug Webb, Lionel Loueke, Joel Ross

Doug Webb | "Apples & Oranges"

Forget the cover, which is maybe a bit too sweet for our taste – and instead imagine some sort of vintage Prestige Records soul jazz image on the front – because the set's a tremendous batch of tenor and organ numbers throughout! Tenorist Doug Webb has recorded with Hammond organ before, but there's definitely something about this record that's a real cut above – maybe the way the group is balanced, as it's just a trio with Brian Charette on organ and Andy Sanesi on drums – a lineup that's fluid, very open, and which draws as much from Charette's work on the bass pedals as it does on the keys – beautifully balanced with this really strong current of soul! Webb's sense of imagination and expression are set more free here than ever before – stretching out on these original tracks that allow all players to really be their best – titles that include "Coruba", "Alexico", "Monkey Face", "Forethought", "For Steve", and "Apples & Oranges" – plus nice versions of "Estate" and "How Can I Be Sure". ~ Dusty Groove

Lionel Loueke | "HH"

Some of the most beautiful music we've ever heard from Lionel Loueke – a set that's mostly just solo guitar, with a bit of vocalization thrown in for good measure – and which has a style that's almost more compelling than some of Lionel's work in a larger format! Loueke doesn't really sing so much as he makes vocalized expressions at moments along with the guitar – sometimes with lyrics, sometimes more in a scat-based mode – and sometimes with a quality that's almost percussive, and which resonates strongly with his work on the strings! The HH title is a reference to Herbie Hancock – and most of the tunes here are classics from the Herbie songbook, but completely redone in a very unique way – on selections that include "Tell Me A Bedtime Story", "Cantaloupe Island", "Hang Up Your Hang Ups", "Watermelon Man", "Speak Like A Child", "Rockit", "One Finger Snap", and "Voyage Maiden".  ~ Dusty Groove

Joel Ross | "Who Are You"

Beautiful work from vibist Joel Ross – a player who's just starting to blossom as a leader, and who's clearly on the right path! The sound is wonderfully rich – not just vibes from Ross, but especially nice work from bassist Kanoa Mendenhall, who's a really key part of the sound here – blended with warm piano lines from Jeremy Corren, subtle drums from Jeremy Dutton, and alto from Immanuel Wilkins – all players who seem instantly linked together in their sense of sound, and who work with Joel to make the kind of record that should really get him the attention he deserves! There's this slow-burning majesty to the record – both in composition and performance – a sound that's sophisticated, but very organic – and a very different setting for the use of vibes in jazz. Brandee Younger plays harp on a few tracks too – another plus in our book – and titles include "Vartha", "Marsheland", "Waiting On A Solemn Reminiscence", "Home", "More", "Calling", "King's Loop", and "Dream". ~ Dusty Groove

Amy Winehouse Collection (Frank/Back To Black/Lioness/Live In London/Rarities)

Way more than just a box set of the key albums from the all-too-short career of Amy Winehouse – as this massive package also features a wealth of rarities and live tracks – some making their CD debut in this limited collection! The set leads off with Frank – the stunning debut from UK soul singer Amy Winehouse – a vocalist with a sound that's instantly captivating, and which will be with us for years! Amy's clearly cut her chops in jazz, but also has a laidback and soulful personality – easily shifting between modes for the right mood of each song, without any of the pretensions that would ruin an album like this. The backings have a proud stepping feel that fits well with tunes like "In My Bed", "What Is It About Men", "F*ck Me Pumps", and "You Sent Me Flying" – really keeping Amy's spirit fresh throughout the whole set! 

Next is Back to Black – an incredible album from Amy Winehouse – even way better than her fantastic debut! Although a contemporary soul album, this one's steeped in tradition – soul styles that run the gamut from Detroit down to Kingston, and which are carried off here with a rougher, sharper-edged sound than before! The instrumentation on here is really mindblowing – almost at a Motown level, with isolated instruments really crackling out from the fuller backings – all set to rhythms that snap and bounce, and are almost a bit funky at times. Credit is definitely due to producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi – but Amy's vocals are really tremendous too – classic, but really personal and fresh! Titles include "Rehab", "Just Friends", "Back To Black", "Love Is A Losing Game", "He Can Only Hold Her", "Some Unholy War", and "Me & Mr Jones". 

Next is Lioness Hidden Treasures – a (sadly) posthumous release from Amy Winehouse – a voice we loved for a couple good years before knowing how troubled she was in real life and now lament the loss of – and this set, largely put together by producer Salaam Remi turned out surprisingly well! It'd be pretty easy to bow to cynicism, but for our money, there's more than enough strong stuff here. It features production by Remi, plus Mark Ronson on a couple tracks, and it's a mix of styles that ably demonstrate Amy's depth as an interpreter. There's some great, kinda late night jazzy soul numbers, classic level 60s R&B and thoroughly modern hip hop soul – all with strong vocal performances from Amy. Includes "Our Day Will Come", "Between The Cheats", "Tears Dry (Original Version)", "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (2011)", "Like Smoke" feat Nas (and some eerily timely lyricism, as of this album's release date), "Valerie ('68 Version)", "Half Time", "The Girl From Ipanema", "Half Time", "Body & Soul" with Tony Bennett, "A Song For You" and more. Next is the 2LP set Live In London – the vinyl debut of material from the DVD of the same name – with titles that include "Just Friends", "Cherry", "Back To Black", "Wake Up Alone", "Tears Dry On Their Own", "He Can Only Hold Her/Doo Wop (That Thing)", "Valerie", "Rehab", "Me & Mr Jones", "Monkey Man" and more. 

Last is the album Remixes – which features the CD debut of 15 tracks – material from Frank and Back To Black – remixed by MJ Cole, Al Usher, Skeewiff, Truth & Soul, Ghostface, Hot Chip, and others.  ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Gorden Campbell, Eric Byak & Quantum Energy, Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad

Gorden Campbell | "Conversations"

A wonderful debut from Gorden Campbell – an underground soul singer on the contemporary LA scene, and one who works here with some of the same collaborative power as the jazz musicians in the city in recent years! Gorden claims inspiration from Terrace Martin, who's on the set, in a lineup that also includes Kamasi Washington – but apart from the bigger names, the whole thing is really an overall effort from everyone involved – great musicians who help shift the vibe with each track, but keep things unified over the strong vocals and message-minded music that Campbell lays down – tunes that include "Too Many Lost", "One Mind", "6 In The Mornin", "Play Somethin", "Initiate", "Song In 6", "Wherever", and "Purify Me". ~ Dusty Groove

Eric Byak & Quantum Energy | "Lagunua Breeze"

Celebrated guitarist, Eric Byak, created his latest single “Laguna Breeze” live in front of the art crowd in Laguna Beach, California at the world famous “Pageant of the Masters”. The single is seasoned with Grammy Award Winning percussionist MB Gordy. Nathan East and Ricky Lawson are also featured guest artists on the Byak’s forthcoming album. Eric’s guitar work has been described as seductive, sensuous, exotic, intertwining classic jazz, breezy funk and Brazilian rhythms. Celebrated in the Los Angeles music scene, Eric’s work on the hit TV show “This is Us” has been hailed as “inspiringly beautiful” (Paul Andersen, Glendale News Press) and “gorgeous...with grace [and] a bit of grittiness” (LA Jazz Scene, Myna Daniels).

Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad | "Run This Town"

Not everyone loved the movie, but Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad did a really great job with the soundtrack – using a style that's a more stripped-down approach to some of the funkier styles they've used in other films – often with more of a focus on percussion, and an insolated element in the mix too! The whole thing's a great shift from the usual for the duo – who manage to evoke some deeper colors here, while still staying very far from conventional soundtrack material – a bit less of the sense of doom that sometimes graces their scoring, but still a gentle sort of majesty overall. Titles include "The Meeting", "Buy The Tape", "Speech", "Graduation", "End Theme", "Driving", "Laundry Alternate", "Wake Up", "Termination", and "File Corrupted". ~ Dusty Groove