New Music: Ben Iota, Kokoroko, Carlos Nino, Bennie Maupin & Adam Rudolph

Ben Iota - Hazy (EP)

Emcee, vocalist, and producer Ben Iota released his new EP entitled 'Hazy' on 1st of July 2022. It is the most technically-advanced release from Ben; written while juggling the competing priorities of nurturing a family, career and individual identity,and recognising the magic of it all. The title track 'Hazy' (featuring singer Taiaha of TIL The Break) speaks on a colourful youth lived, and how this formative experience and identity carries on into the 9 to 5 world. The B-side 'You Shape My Life' is a homage to Ben's family, and the unparalleled bonds that have been created through sharing a life together. The backdrop of producer Caper's Lofi soul/jazz production ties it all together. Ben Iota has made a journey since his days as a founding member of Adelaide underground Hip Hop groups Adroit Effusive and Common Cause. The solo emcee, vocalist and producer is now a four album veteran (Born 'Free' 2013, Jazz 2017, Letting Go EP 2019, Hazy EP 2022), orbiting around Lofi Soul/Jazz synth-sprinkled Hip Hop. The music; borne out of Ben's love for warm beats, human imperfection and creating meaning; is shaped by an arduous childhood, a colourful youth, a period of inner and outer exploration, and ultimately a time of planting roots and creating a family. Beats for the lounge, words from the gut.

Kokoroko - Could We Be More 

London's Kokoroko are a group with roots in many traditions and global modes – but they've also got a cohesive jazz-based sensibility that really makes the whole thing come together – and makes their music feel fresh and new, instead of a contemporary take on older modes! There's definitely strands of West African styles that run through the record, with vocals on a number of cuts – but those are offset by these prominent instrumental passages too – always given lots of different inflections, depending on the tracks – as the group have a lot to draw from in an octet lineup that mixes together trumpet, keyboards, alto, trombone, guitar, and plenty of percussion. Titles include "Age Of Ascent", "Something's Going On", "Blue Robe", "Home", "War Dance", "Those Good Times", "Soul Searching", and "Ewa Inu". ~ Dusty Groove

Carlos Nino - Extra Presence

The music of Carlos Nino has just gotten more and more spiritual as the years go on – and that's really saying a lot, given how spiritual he was right at the start! But with recent records, Nino has transformed from a jazz-inspired musician to maybe more of a sonic astronaut – able to take organic moments of expression and weave them into a rich tapestry of tone, color, and life – almost as if he's reworking the plane of existence, and trying to find the door to greater enlightenment in the process! That approach definitely comes through here, as Nino opens up in the company of contributors who include Jamael Dean on piano and keyboards, Devin Daniels on alto, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson on strings, Jesse Peterson on guitar, Sam Gendel on alto, and Jamire Wiliams on drums – as well all players whose work appears in different ways on a variety of tracks – all helmed by the sonic exploration of Carlos, with a bit of help from veteran travelers Iasos and Laraaji. Titles include "Explorations 7", "Actually", "For The Shapalaceer", "Luis' Special Shells", "Jamirelandflight", "Waterwavesarrival", "In The Moment", "Youwillgetthroughthis I Promise", "Dreamsishappening", and "Recurrent Reiki Dreams". ~ Dusty Groove

Bennie Maupin & Adam Rudolph - Symphonic Tone Poem For Brother Yusef

The Yusef here is Yusef Lateef – and reedman Bennie Maupin teams with Adam Rudolph in a set of richly organic numbers that we're guessing Lateef would have really appreciated! There's less "symphonic" and more "tone poem" on the record than the title might imply – as the setting is very intimate, with just a variety of reeds from Maupin, used in sonic territory created by Rudolph – a mix of percussion, electronics, and plenty of effects – but all used gently, and without any sort of bombast – so that the music progresses with a careful unfolding that lets all the best elements find a way to resonate together! The album features one long track, divided into five movements – and Maupin is at his most experimental here, while Rudolph really seems to respectfully address the legendary legacy of his collaborator. ~ Dusty Groove

Grant Geissman | "Blooz"

Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings has announced the release of veteran guitarist and composer Grant Geissman’s new album Blooz, out August 19, 2022.  The twelve instrumental tracks are a collection of original blues and jazz songs, performed by a stellar supporting cast of musicians. Geissman comments: “On Blooz, with the help of great friends and incredible musicians, I had some of the most fun and made some of the best music of my career.  It’s the album I have always wanted to make.”

The gospel-oriented “Preach” (featuring Randy Brecker), the Latin-influenced, Santana-inspired ‘Carlos En Siete” (featuring David Fairfield), the funky “Robben’s Hood” (featuring Robben Ford), the blues shuffle ‘This and That” (featuring Tom Scott), the mournfully bluesy ‘Sorry Not Sorry” (featuring Russell Ferrante), the rockabilly-styled ‘Whitewalls and Big Fins” (featuring John Jorgenson), and the Bo Diddley-inspired, three-guitar shootout “One G and Two J’s” (featuring Josh Smith and Joe Bonamassa) come together to form a project that might just surprise listeners who think they had a handle on Geissman both as a player and a composer.  Blooz showcases Geissman’s new creative directions and limitless musical prowess.

California-born Geissman’s storied carerr took off in late 1976, when he was asked to join Chuck Mangione’s band. The first album Geissman recorded with Mangione was Feels So Good, a platinum-selling album containing the mega-hot song “Feels So Good,” featuring an iconic guitar solo by Geissman.  Geissman’s career as a session guitarist has been prolific and includes work alongside many of music’s greatest, including Quincy Jones, Ringo Starr, Steve Tyrell, Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello, Klaus Voormann, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, and David Benoit.  Geissman’s pop and jazz solo work in the 1980 also helped define the contemporary instrumental music of that era.  Geissman released four albums with Mesa/Bluemoon in the early 1990s, and label president George Nauful notes: “In 33 years of running the label, I can honestly say that Grant’s releases are among my very favorites. And now I love every track on this new album!  All the compositions and the musicianship are off the charts.  We are very excited to be working with Grant again.”

 

 

Contemporary Jazz Flutist Ragan Whiteside’s ‘Thrill Ride’ Leaps to the Top 10 on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Chart

Contemporary jazz flutist Ragan Whiteside's current single, “Thrill Ride,” leaps to the Top 10 at No. 9 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart after only 11 weeks on the chart. The single is her eighth consecutive Billboard Top 10 single. Filled with joy and excitement about the news, she said, “I swear this never gets old.”

“Thrill Ride” is the title track from her forthcoming album, set for release on August 26, 2022, on her label, Randis Music. Written and produced by Dennis Johnson, Bob Baldwin, and Whiteside, the single features guitarist Phil Hamilton and drummer Richard Harrison, also known as the artist RAH.

The music video of “Thrill Ride” has a light-hearted, comical storyline, following Ragan on her impromptu stroll before her show. After getting dolled up by her glam squad, Ragan takes advantage of some downtime and ends up engaging in various thrill rides, skydiving, and a scooter sojourns around the neighborhood. Ragan returns to the show venue a little worse for wear – much to the chagrin of her glam squad. 

Though the pandemic resulted in two challenging years for Whiteside, 2021 still proved to be a successful year for her previous hit single, “Off The Cuff,” where it spent 17 weeks on the charts and peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay chart. The single also reached No. 5 on RadioWave, No. 3 on Media Base, and No.5 on Smooth Jazz Network. “Off The Cuff” will also be featured on her forthcoming album.

She also has a series of upcoming concert dates including Marcus Anderson’s Jazz and Coffee Escape in Asheville, NC (Saturday, August 6); Ferrario Elmira Jazz Festival in Elmira, NY (Saturday, August 13); Jazz in the Park in Huntsville, AL (September 4); SOUTH Jazz Kitchen in Philadelphia, PA (September 15); White Plains Jazz & Food Festival in White Plains, NY (September 18); and Velvet Note in Atlanta, GA (October 1) with additional dates to be announced in the fall.

Meanwhile, her four-hour Saturday radio show (10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET), “Saturday with Ragan Whiteside” is the No. 1 Saturday show on Atlanta’s NPR affiliate radio station Jazz 91.9 WCLK. The broadcast is also the No. 2 show behind the gospel show, “Joy In The Morning.”

New Music: Eric Essix, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Dave Slonaker Big Band, Ken Powe

Eric Essix - Stride

The title of Eric Essix’s latest album says it all: 36 years and 28 releases into his extraordinary career, the prolific veteran guitarist is just hitting his Stride. Whether recording for outside record companies or his own label Essential Recordings, one of the Birmingham, Alabama native’s greatest ongoing gifts has been sharing his Southern blues, jazz and gospel roots via songs that are either edgy, bright and funky or laid back and simmering. Offering a sweet balance of punchy grooves and soulful atmospheres, Stride is a dynamic showcase for his fascinating guitar tone that’s crackling one minute, silky, languid, and smooth the next. Highlights include a haunting meditation on freedom and a vibrant organ and harmonica laced spin on hit current smash single, the Bill Withers classic, “Ain’t No Sunshine” featuring American Idol alum Ruben Studdard on vocals. ~www.smoothjazz.com

Sheku Kanneh-Mason - Song 

Song, the new album from cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, features music from across the entire spectrum of classical, folk, jazz and pop – all personally curated by Sheku. The eclectic mix of styles are tied together by one thing – the unique singing voice of Sheku’s cello. On Song, Sheku collaborates with friends and family, including jazz pianist Harry Baker, singer-songwriter Zak Abel, and soprano Pumeza Matshikiza. Sheku Kanneh-Mason became a household name in 2018 after performing at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Windsor Castle. His performance was greeted with universal excitement and was seen by nearly two billion people globally. Sheku initially garnered renown as the winner of the 2016 BBC Young Musician Competition, the first black musician to take the title. He has released two chart-topping albums on the Decca Classics label, "Inspiration" (2018) and "Elgar" (2020). The latter reached #8 in the overall UK official album chart, making Sheku the first cellist in history to reach the UK top 10.

Dave Slonaker Big Band - Convergency

The Dave Slonaker Big Band, coming off its 2013 Grammy® nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble, returns with a dazzling collection of new music celebrating the tradition, but also pushing the possibilities of big band jazz. Featuring an all-star cast of West Coast jazz and studio legends, including Bob Sheppard, Larry Koonse, Peter Erskine, Wayne Bergeron, and so many more, Convergency brings together the lives, stories and extraordinary talents of these great musicians, with the music of veteran Los Angeles composer/arranger Dave Slonaker, to create what will certainly be another  ave Slonaker's "Convergency" will be released via Origin Records on August 19th.

Ken Powe - Steppin'

Coinciding with the release of his high spirited, melodically sparkling and deeply grooving 5th album Steppin', veteran keyboardist, composer and producer Ken Powe recently published a book exploring the possibilities of our visions and dreams being divine experiences. Smooth Jazz fans checking out the array of moods and grooves by this vibrationally in tune spiritual and musical explorer may truly feel they’ve entered an urban dreamscape full of colorful and trippy atmospheric textures, eclectic rhythms and dazzling, dramatic ivory runs – all of which draw from Powe’s mult-faceted background in jazz, gospel, R&B, pop and classical music.  ~ www.smoothjazz.com 

Jimetta Rose & The Voices Of Creation | "How Good It Is"

The Voices of Creation are a community-based choir led by vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and mainstay of the Los Angeles scene Jimetta Rose. Made up of a multigenerational group of mainly non-professional singers backed by some of the city’s finest musicians, their music marries hip strains of gospel with layers of jazz, soul and funk. While aspects of their music might recall Kamasi Washington, The Staple Singers or Sly Stone, Jimetta’s unique vision has resulted in new spiritually-charged forms of music whose whole-hearted embrace of love, joy and peace act as sonic healing balms for the soul.

For Jimetta - whose resume includes collaborations with Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Angel Bat Dawid, Shafiq Husayn, MED and Blu - the very act of creation was part of a healing process: “I was very low at the time and I wrote most of the songs going through hardship. But I found comfort in the songs and a way to adjust my mindset to where things got better. So I thought ‘if this music works for me, maybe it will work for other people’ I believe that every person has their own voice and their own note and that we can use our voices to heal ourselves. That’s the intention behind creating the project.” 

After putting out a call on social media for people interested in joining her choir she was met with a sea of replies. Members were chosen in less-than conventional fashion: “I recruited people based on their interest in healing themselves and others, not necessarily on their musical experience or being seasoned performers” she says. Among those accepted into the ever-evolving collective, which was begun initially as a community choir, were the likes of Sly Stone’s daughter Novena Carmel, better known as a radio DJ for KCRW’s flagship breakfast show. Jimetta’s upbringing in the Pentecostal church, where she was a youth choir director, fed into her otherwise intuitive teachings of her songs and arrangements to the inexperienced members with help from the group’s seasoned organ player/co-musical director Jack Maeby.

Produced by Mario Caldato Jr. (Beastie Boys, Seu Jorge) and his wife Samantha Caldato the results show the incredible sense of togetherness and communal spirit that the group had built up over time in the rehearsal sessions. The six tracks of their debut album, a mixture of originals and rearranged covers, are performed in a wide-eyed mix of styles that reflect Jimetta’s vision for borderless music: “It’s new black classical music,” she explains. “It’s all the hodgepodge of being an African American but also with creativity and vision for the future. It has a taste of what is to come and what we can do. What we have gone through and who we are now.”

The group’s propensity for warm and buoyant sonics finds representation on album opener Let The Sunshine In, a sparkling rework of the Sons and Daughters of Lite’s deep jazz classic. Their version finds the group’s dynamic group harmonies offset with Allakoi Peete’s nimble afro-percussive touches and plenty of soul-drenched keys courtesy of pianist Quran Shaheed and organ player Jack Maeby. A similarly uplifting take on Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s choral jazz classic Spirits Up Above follows, with Maeby’s groove-laden organ lines inspiring some gorgeous group harmonies as well as prime solo turns from the likes of Kellye Hawkins, Zavier Wise, Tamara Blue, and Khalila Gardner.

Another Sons and Daughters of Lite cover follows as Jimetta leads the choir in the groove-drenched ode to self-affirmation Operation Feed Yourself. Written as a series of mantras for everyday living, the Jimetta-penned composition How Good It Is harnesses the full transformative power of music to generate a stirring and joyful ode to positivity - it’s chanted declarations bringing out some of the group’s most deeply-felt and affecting vocal performances over some superlative piano and organ accompaniment with a surprise feature vocal from Novena Carmel. 

Jimetta’s talent for re-imagining songs in her own light is highlighted in Answer The Call, her vivid re-telling of Funkadelic’s Cosmic Slop: “When I listened to the original song, the Mom in the story was really going through it. I thought of how I could turn this into a song that can encompass the glorification of all mothers and I thought of the Egyptian cosmic goddess Nut. To that mother we’re all the seeds planted in the garden. Answering the call in your life is literally that. Finding out exactly what you’re here for through your heart.”

The album finishes with the standout original gospel number Ain’t Life Grand. Over swaying organs and clapped percussion Jimetta’s lyrical mantras serve to emphasise the good feelings that come to those with a grateful heart. Good feeling is an apt descriptor for the mood of the album as a whole. Its shining positivity provides a welcome ray of light in an increasingly dark world. “It’s a shortcut if you will to the better feelings” Jimetta says. “The hope that we need to keep pressing forward. We are saturated and inundated with images of chaos and destruction, death and hatred. There’s so much we can witness. So, I want to make sure that there is a representation sonically of the other parts that are still there to witness so that we can continue to build those things. So that the systems we support actually reflect what we want to experience. So it’s like: “Don’t give up and Let The Sunshine Into You” and then find out what your purpose is and answer the call.” 

Steve Turre | "Generations"

Trombonist and composer Steve Turre was passed the jazz torch early in his career by some of the music’s greatest masters – Art Blakey, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Woody Shaw, and Ray Charles, among others. In recent years he’s kindled the same flame in a younger crop of rising stars. On his new album, Generations, Turre brings the eras together, inviting still-vital legends to join a gifted band of fresh blood while paying tribute to the elders who have helped shape his sound. 

Set for release on September 16 via Smoke Sessions Records, Generations features literal second-generation players including the trombonist’s own son, drummer Orion Turre, as well as trumpeter Wallace Roney Jr., whose late father was a close friend and collaborator of Turre’s. In addition, the core band includes young pianist Isaiah J. Thompson and the more tenured Corcoran Holt on bass, who has been working with Turre for more than a decade. 

Over the course of the album this stellar group is joined by the likes of saxophonist James Carter, guitarists Ed Cherry and Andy Bassford, keyboardist Trevor Watkis, bassists Buster Williams and Derrick Barnett, drummers Lenny White and Karl Wright, and percussionist Pedrito Martinez. 

“There's a balance between youth and age,” Turre says, “Age brings wisdom and knowledge, and youth brings enthusiasm and energy. Playing with each of them stretches me in a different way. The elders stretch me in ways of wisdom, but the youngsters fire it up. All of that is inspiring.” 

That inspiration bears fruit in one of the most scintillating and eclectic recordings of Turre’s storied career, ranging from burning modal jazz to tender ballads, sophisticated swing to reggae grooves to Latin rhythms, and of course, at the root of everything is the blues. “The blues don't never get old,” Turre declares. “I like playing the blues. To me, it's quintessential to American music.” 

The most straightforward blues on the album comes in the form of “Blue Smoke,” a tip of the horn to Turre’s home label for his past four releases and its namesake club, where he’s a regular performer. The tune pairs the trombonist with guitar great Ed Cherry, a fellow alumnus of the Dizzy Gillespie band. 

The album opens with the searing “Planting the Ceed,” an homage to Cedar Walton. “He’s one of my heroes,” Turre says of the great pianist, who was a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers when Turre joined the band in 1973. The tune is highlighted by a bold and serpentine tenor solo by Modeste. “I didn't set out to write a tune for Cedar, but it made me feel a similar kind of feeling that I used to get when I played with Cedar. And he planted the seed in me when I was young and started playing with him.” 

An even earlier influence was Duke Ellington, the honoree of the elegant “Dinner with Duke.” Turre had the opportunity to see the iconic bandleader in concert when he was in the fourth grade. “My parents took me to Oakland Auditorium to see Duke in 1957, when I had just started playing the trombone,” he recalls, still marveling at the experience. “He had Johnny Hodges, Clark Terry and Britt Woodman in the band, Coleman Hawkins was the guest soloist, and Ella Fitzgerald was a guest vocalist. I didn't know what they were doing, but it blew my mind. That was it. I said, ‘Man, I'm gonna do that.’ It just made me feel good.” 

For “Don D.,” a tribute to the legendary Skatalites trombonist Don Drummond, Turre convened a reggae summit meeting with guitarist Andy Bassford, bassist Derrick Barnett, drummer Karl Wright and keyboardist Trevor Watkis. The searching “Pharoah’s Dance” is a joint tribute to saxophone titan Pharoah Sanders and the genius pianist McCoy Tyner, both of whom have been collaborators with the trombonist over the years. Roney’s bristling solo is buoyed by Pedrito Martinez’s rollicking percussion. 

The album’s sole standard is a simmering rendition of the classic “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” Turre showcasing the supple grace of his playing on the wistful melody. “I'd never heard a trombone play that song,” Turre says. “But I didn't want to do it the same way everybody else does it so I put a little bit of African 6 [6/8 rhythm] to it, which is where swing comes from. That gives it a very tranquil mood. It's more relaxed than the hard-hitting tunes, so it's a nice release of tension.” 

“Flower Power” shines the spotlight on Turre’s famed conch shell virtuosity on a mesmerizing, elusive new piece. “It’s kind of a dreamy journey,” Turre describes with a grin. “You start out on your first steps with the bass, you go on a musical journey, and then your last steps end with the bass. I told the horn players, ‘I'm gonna play for a while, both with the trombone and later with the shells, then you join me and we'll make it a conversation.’ It was completely spontaneous and it's totally different every time. That's the thrill of discovery.” 

The Latin-influenced “Good People” is a tune that Turre has had in his book for years and finally decided to record. It’s enlivened by the presence of the brilliant percussionist Pedrito Martinez. “Sweet Dreams” is a gentle ballad graced by Orion’s feather-light brushwork, a breathtakingly eloquent bass solo as only the mighty Buster Williams can provide and an intimate and soaring turn from the always masterful James Carter on tenor.

 “Resistance” brings the album to a vigorous conclusion with a determined composition penned at the time of the tumultuous 2016 election, though it’s taken on a broader and more urgent meaning in the years since. “It's tough times,” Turre says. “This song is about resisting all the negative forces that we must encounter in the world today.” 

The generations of remarkable musicians joining forces on Generations prove that the music’s bloodline remains strong. “I always like to play with musicians that challenge me,” Turre concludes. “So, coming up, I would usually play with people older than me. My challenge now comes from the youthful energy of the younger players. Jazz is not dead.” 

New Music: Steve Gadd / Eddie Gomez / Ronnie Cuber / Center Stage WDR Big Band, Calvin Keys, Christian Hoff & Melissa Hoff, Ron Trent & Others

Steve Gadd / Eddie Gomez / Ronnie Cuber / Center Stage WDR Big Band

For the first time, super drummer Steve Gadd reunites with his friends from the "Gadd Gang" days, Eddie Gomez and Ronnie Cuber for a production with the multiple Grammy Award-winning WDR Big Band. Under the direction of Michael Abene, a fantastic grooving album was created, centered around Steve Gadd and his friends. They are joined by Bobby Sparks II and Simon Oslender as special guest musicians. The recordings took place in Studio 4 of the WDR in January and February 2022. Classics from the Gadd Gang repertoire can be found on Center Stage: "I Can't Turn You Loose," "Che Ore So'," "Them Changes," "Way Back Home," "Lucky 13," "Honky Tonk/I Can't Stop Loving You," and "My Little Brother." A perfect mixture of groovy songs and an excellent ensemble around Steve Gadd guarantee the highest entertainment value. 

Calvin Keys - Blue Keys

Calvin Keys Blue Keys featuring legends Gary Bartz and Steve Turre.  One nine new recordings, Calvin Keys delivers outstanding guitar performances that clearly demonstrate why he is considered an all time great. Joining Calvin are Black Jazz compatriot Henry Franklin, Gregory Howe (Throttle Elevator Music) and Strata East conga player Babatunde Lea. Jazz guitarist Calvin Keys is a legend among soul-jazz fans and known for his lean, muscular single-string solo style. In 1971, he signed with Black Jazz label, released a pair of albums and played in the Ray Charles Orchestra. Keys' unique phrasing and his ability to balance sophisticated jazz harmonics with tough R&B and soul grooves were showcased nightly in the Charles band. By 1975, Keys had relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he became -- and remains -- an avid participant in its jazz community. He worked in live settings and recording sessions with John Handy, Bobby Hutcherson, Eddie Marshall, Bob Braye, Ed Kelly, Eddie Duran, Bruce Forman, Junius Simmons, and Eddie Moore. He was sidelined in 1997 by heart surgery, undergoing a quadruple bypass. Undaunted, he released the widely acclaimed Detours into Unconscious Rhythms on Wide Hive Records and toured in the U.S. and Europe. In 2005 Keys recorded Calvinesque for Silverado. The album hit number 30 on the jazz charts. In 2006 he released Vertical Clearance followed by Hand-Made Portrait on Silverado.

Christian Hoff & Melissa Hoff - We Talk Without Words

6-10 PRODUCTIONS, LLC announces the August 19th release of the new jazz duet, “We Talk Without Words,” recorded by Jersey Boys’ TONY ®AWARD Winner, Christian Hoff with his enchanting wife, Melissa Hoff. A dreamy jazz waltz with a fun-filled, frenetic bridge, the husband and wife musical team prove that “kindred spirits” share a language all their own. Best known for his Tony®Award Winning performance in Broadway’s Jersey Boys and two Grammy® Award Winning cast albums (Jersey Boys and The Who’s Tommy), Christian regularly bridges the worlds of jazz, rock & roll, and theater. As a solo performer and founding member of the vocal group,The Midtown Men, Christian recently completed his 10th consecutive world tour. His lifelong TV, film, and music career highlights include being the first actor to portray Walt Disney on film in One Man’s Dream, originating “Richie” in Hanna-Barbera’s Richie Rich Cartoon Show, and surpassing the Guinness World Record for number of voices in an audiobook. Most currently, Christian is the radio host of Jazz ’N Tost, heard weekly on WEQX 102.7FM, as well as the host for the new Summer Concert Series, Broadway in Vermont. With his leading lady (on stage and off), Melissa and Christian, explain “in perfect harmony” how so much can be said without uttering a single word. Coming August 19 on the new children’s album Arise Together, and as a single (to be distributed by CD Baby worldwide) on all digital platforms. 

Ron Trent & Others - What Do The Stars Say To You (Francois Kervorkian continuous mix – with bonus tracks)

One of the most soulful sets we've ever heard from the mighty Ron Trent – a full length set that's a fantastic summation of all the genius he's given us on singles over the past decade or so – and a record that marks a real maturation in Ron's music! Make no mistake, Trent was always a cut above most club music talents – working with an understanding of deeper, older currents that always showed up in his tracks, but which really take root and flower here – partly through collaborations with members of Azymuth, Jean-Luc Ponty, Khruangbin, and other guests – but with a sense of unity that's definitely Ron's own! This isn't simple house or club – but a rich palette of cosmic vision – on titles that include "On My Way Home", "Warm", "Cool Water", "Cycle Of Many", "Admira", "Melt Into You", "Flos Potentia", and "Sphere". This package brings together all the tracks from the LP in a very cool mix by the legendary Francois K – and adds in 5 bonus tracks too!  ~ Dusty Groove

South Jersey Jazz Society Announces Dates for the Pat Martino Celebration of Life and Legacy

South Jersey Jazz Society presents a Celebration of Life and Legacy of the great jazz guitarist Pat Martino at this year’s Jazz @ the Point Festival, which runs from November 3 through 6 at various venues in Somers Point, New Jersey. Artists performing at the festival include influential musicians and jazz icons who have interacted with Martino throughout the guitarist’s illustrious career that spanned more than five decades before he passed away in 2021. The complete lineup will be announced in the near future. 

“The planned Celebration of Life and Legacy comes nearly a year to the day Pat passed away on November 1,” stated Joe Donofrio, artistic director, vice president and event producer on behalf of South Jersey Jazz Society. “It was not an ideal situation to try and gather musicians and audience during the past COVID cycle and look forward to recognizing and celebrating his genius with his many musical colleagues." 

The Celebration of Life and Legacy will also be live-streamed on Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5, which will provide an opportunity for an international audience to engage. 

South Jersey Jazz Society hopes to make this a free event for all attendees (live-streaming will $10 per day), accepting only free-will donations from those in attendance thereby exposing as many people as possible to the magic that was and is Pat Martino. Proceeds from this event will be shared equally with the estate of Pat Martino. 

Sponsors include OceanFirst Bank Foundation, Benedetto Guitars, Just 4 Wheels, John Scarpa, UBS Financial, Dennisville Fence, Walt’s Original Primo Pizza and Ritala Associates..

This event is made possible in part through the New Jersey State Council of the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through the Local Arts Grant administered by Atlantic County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. This program is made possible in part through the New Jersey State Council of the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts through the Local Arts Grant administered by Atlantic County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs. The producers wish to thank DL Media for their participation. 

For more information, call Nicholas Regine at (609) 289-0326 or info@southjerseyjazz.org, or visit www.southjerseyjazz.org.

New Music: Slave/Steve Arrington/Aurra, Giménez López / Matthew Golombisky / MatíasFormica, JK Group, Boney James

Slave/Steve Arrington/Aurra - The Definitive Collection (3CD set)

The first-ever group-spanning collection of work from the family of Slave – the late 70s funk powerhouse that was also linked to the group's Aurra and Steve Arrington's Hall Of Fame! The package is heavy on work from Slave – that bass-heavy group who really revolutionized the sound of funk in the late 70s – creating a lean groove that was tight and right on the money, and providing a perfect platform for so many new artists to leap off into the 80s! The group also boasted members Steve Washington and Steve Arrington – the former of whom would launch Aurra, a great funk group famous for their Salsoul Records material – the latter of whom was lead singer Steve Arrington, who'd enjoy a great run under his own name in the 80s! This package brings together a massive amount of greatness from everyone involved – Aurra tracks that include "Are You Single", "Checking You Out", "Make Up Your Mind", "Such A Feeling", and "In The Mood To Groove"; Steve Arrington cuts "You Meet My Approval", "Weak At The Knees", "Feel So Real", and "Dancin In The Key Of Life"; and Slave cuts that include "Slide", "Screw Your Wig On Tite", "Are You Ready For Love", "Stellar Fungk", "Feel My Love", "Shine", "Funky Lady", "Snap Shot", "Party Lites", "Life Can Be Happy", "Great American Funk Song", "Stone Jam", "Sizzlin Hot", "Watching You", "Son Of Slide", "Party Hardy", and "Drac Is Back". 44 cuts in all! ~ Dusty Groove

Giménez López / Matthew Golombisky /  MatíasFormica - 4.9

This new trio and project arises from the album Hastío y Paranoia, by Matías Formica (released on his label Numeral in 2021), in which there are two pieces recorded by Giménez López,  and Formica. After the two pieces for Hastío y Paranoia, a remaining three hours of material was left and resulted in the pieces being released here on 4.9. The idea of ​​the session had been to record spontaneous music without clear guidelines, but as the session progressed they were modified, with slight indications to generate different sound results. Matthew said out loud after soundcheck his love for playing free music and spontaneously composed pieces are something that can result in what might seem as previously worked out material. In that while we were to improvise freely, it’s ok to stop short of what is often conceived as a freely improvised piece of music; ie. it’s ok to stop after two or three minutes if the vibe is discovered, explored sufficiently, there’s not necessarily a reason to keep going… just stop and let that be the tune. All tunes (except one) are under five minutes and most are in the three-minute range, all relating to one of his ideas within the concept of “free pop”.

JK Group - Find Joy

Multi-dimensional future-jazz outfit JK GROUP to release a new EP, 'Rising' on La Sape Records. The brainchild of award-winning saxophonist, Joshua Kelly (30/70 collective, PBS Young Elder of Jazz 2019), the band returns to the label with a follow up EP to the mind-bending 2021 release, 'What’s Real?' Where 'What’s Real?' served as a platform for wild experimentation, 'Rising' returns to a more considered and familiar format for the band, offering up 4 cohesive tracks that are deep in conception and expression, at once original and fresh. Conceived after recording an as yet unreleased body of work written whilst undergoing chemotherapy, 'Rising' celebrates bandleader Josh’s survival and eventual recovery from the intense treatment he received for lymphoma in 2020. The band stays true to their honed format of jazz traditions melding with influences from electronica and beyond. Like the first release, 'The Young Ones', 'Rising' sits comfortably in the crossover of raw, live jazz and electronic dance music, whilst also throwing an unexpected curveball to the listener expanding the palate of the bands sound to a pigment never before heard in their music. 'Find Joy' is the first track taken from the EP.

Boney James - Bring It Back

Chart-topping jazz/R&B sax player Boney James released his new single “Bring It Back”  featuring critically acclaimed composer, conductor, orchestrator, arranger, and trumpeter, Dontae Winslow.  The track is available today via all streaming services and marks the first release from James’ forthcoming 18th studio album, Detour, out September 23rd on Concord Records.  The new 10-song collection is a subtle stylistic turn that builds on the commercial success of 2020’s Solid, James’ highest charting release ever on the pop charts, peaking in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200. "It was such fun co-writing and co-producing this track with the awesome J-Mo. The old school vibe inspired the title. Also featuring a great trumpet solo by Dontae Winslow (from Kamasi Washington’s band)!" - Boney James

Jae Ordon | "Artificially Natural"

It’s a case of a kismet-style meeting 20 years ago, a like-minded connection and an inevitable reconnection 20 years later that produced musical magic over just one week in Nashville. That’s the distilled down story of how NYC folk-jazz artist Jae Ordon forged a creative partnership with legendary Broadway guitarist and composer Laurent Medelgi to record his new album Artificially Natural and its captivating lead single, “Life Whispers On” — available now.

A multi-layered, genre-bending tune trip that journeys from time travel through a couple’s whirlwind romance and eventual dissolution, “Life Whispers On” explores the fleetingness of life and relationships with a chorus that anchors down a central idea of the power of love.

“‘Life Whispers On’ had come to me in sort of a dream state in pieces over a few years’ time,” recalls Ordon. “A reflection on life’s relentless yet delicate and unwavering march forward, getting older in a whispering sentimental way of sometimes unnoticed motion wrapping around us while both caressing and weathering.” 

It took the aforementioned connection and collaboration with Medelgi to give “Life Whispers On” its full voice though.

In 2002, while looking for a fourth member for his trio Mascot’s Distance, Ordon put the word out on Craig’s List and Medelgi was the first to answer the ad. At the same time, Ordon’s drummer Yutaka Uchida had suggested that Ordon meet his guitarist friend, Laurent, as a potential new band member.

“That led me to believe it was a sign — if you believe in that sort of thing,” says Ordon. 

Ordon and Medelgi met up at a coffee shop in Chelsea, discovered a kinship and how much they had in common musically and Medelgi joined the band in the studio. Mascot’s Distance continued playing gigs with Medelgi at such legendary NYC venues as the Cutting Room, Bitter End, Joe’s Pub, Arlene’s Grocery, and The Living Room. A few more records were cut including Chasing Pixie Dust which spawned some radio play including on Albany’s WEXT, where DJ Dave Michaels called the album “a masterpiece!”

Even so, losing their bass player and other setbacks caused Mascot’s Distance to disband some months later and Medelgi moved back to his home city of Paris.

Fast forward to 2020 and, after reminiscing about the magic Mascot’s Distance made 18 years prior, Medelgi reached out to Ordon to tell him that his girlfriend had been crying after listening to their Chasing Pixie Dust album.

“Why was she crying?” Ordon asked Medelgi. “She thought it was so tragic that Mascot’s Distance never got the acclaim and visibility it deserved, and that it would be great if we could get back in the studio.”

Ordon agreed to send Medelgi some of his new songs and asked him to pick his favourites that they could record. Medelgi chose “Life Whispers On” as one of them. Medelgi asked if he could do some arrangements of Ordon’s new songs and, after a false start with acclaimed London-based producer Rick James, the duo focused on Nashville as a recording locale, where Medelgi had some remarkable connections.

Medelgi’s connections were utilized to negotiate and procure a group of top-shelf session musicians including Toto/Steely Dan drummer Keith Carlock, Michael McDonald’s horn section, piano player Pat Coil who was voted by Keyboard magazine ”world’s best keyboardist”, and Christopher Cross and Robben Ford’s bass player Brian Allen. 

Ordon and Medelgi booked an ambitious and economical four days of recording time at Nashville’s Coop de Ville Studios and hunkered down at Ordon’s place in Queens for a week of 14-hour-day song woodshedding before the trip to Music City. Notably, Steely Dan pianist Jim Beard was almost part of the project but opted out because he thought the music was too complicated to record in just one session that was allocated to recording auxiliary keyboards. 

“Jim said it seemed like the project was a ‘runaway horse’, which turned out to be a marvelous challenge for us, as well as the source of a lot of laughing,” recalls Ordon.

After hearing some of the studio results, Beard texted Medelgi to say, “Congratulations on a marvelous album.” Artificially Natural had been borne out of true kismet, determination, expert musicianship, and a desire to get ‘er done. 

“I guess we tamed the horse,” muses Ordon.

The star-aligning experience of recording Artificially Natural is just one in a long line of achievements for the Long Island composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter. Ordon has been featured in Time Out New York magazine and has worked as a composer with Ian Gillan of Deep Purple, the broadway musical Wicked’s composer Stephen Schwartz, as well as actors Hugh Jackman, Taye Diggs, the late Brittany Murphy and organizations such as Bed Bath and Beyond, Folger’s Coffee and The New School. A classically trained pianist who majored in music at Syracuse University, Ordon went on to earn a Master's degree from Columbia University in music education. 

Artificially Natural and its lead single “Life Whispers On” is actually on the second of three projects that the Nashville sessions form part of. “The first being a four song EP entitled Life Whispers On (released in 2021), the 2nd is a full length album entitled Artificially Natural comprising the four EP songs from Nashville sessions, as well as singles and songs from my earlier albums,” explains Ordon. “And lastly a 3rd album called Berdache which will have the remaining three unreleased Nashville songs, also songs which I recorded on my own, and four songs yet to be recorded. I am aiming to release Berdache in October of 2022.”

Ordon is nothing short of very busy and creatively productive, and that’s just the way to be as life whispers on. 

Daniel Lanois | "Player, Piano"

Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Daniel Lanois has announced the upcoming release of his new album Player, Piano. The album features a series of exotic instrumental piano performances and was recorded at Lanois’ studio in Toronto with the help of co-producer Dangerous Wayne Lorenz. Lanois has also today shared the single “My All.” Player, Piano will be released on September 23rd via Modern Recordings. 

“‘My All‘ is a melody I wrote as a send off to my little brother who passed away,” writes Lanois. “The piano part is based on an approach I learned from Steven Tyler from Aerosmith. Some time back Steven was at my house playing my upright piano, he showed this style of repeating a chord on the right hand, while playing a moving melody on the left hand. It was a turning point in my piano playing…Thank you Steven!” 

“Making this record transported me at a time when I couldn’t go anywhere,” Lanois reflects. “I got to travel to Cuba and Mexico and Jamaica. I got to visit with the ghosts of Erik Satie and Oscar Peterson and Harold Budd. I got to go back in time to my work with Brian Eno and Kate Bush and Emmylou Harris. All without ever leaving my studio.” 

In order to achieve the timeless-sounding recordings on Player, Piano, Lanois and Lorenz set about transforming each of the three pianos in the studio, dampening the strings with tea towels and dulling the percussive impact of the hammers by adding small felt pads to the heads. When it came time to record, they used vintage ribbon mics and arranged them behind the instruments rather than in front in an effort to further soften the sound. “I decided that if I was going to make a piano record, I wanted it to sound like recordings from the ‘40s and ’50s, back when the piano was soft and beautiful,” explains Lanois. 

As one of the most acclaimed and influential producers of the modern era, he’s helmed iconic albums for everyone from Bob Dylan and Neil Young to U2 and Peter Gabriel. As a prolific and critically acclaimed songwriter, he’s composed scores for Oscar-winning films and blockbuster video games in addition to releasing more than a dozen genre-bending solo records. Rolling Stone declared that his “unmistakable fingerprints are all over an entire wing of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” (think The Joshua Tree, Wrecking Ball, Time Out Of Mind), while NPR lauded him as the author of his own “brilliant albums of heartfelt songs.” 

Player, Piano follows the 2021 release of Lanois’ album Heavy Sun, which received wide acclaim from outlets such as SPIN, World Cafe, No Depression and American Songwriter and more. 

Each song on Player, Piano is a portal, an invitation to lose yourself in the moment and disappear into a world of imagination and memory. Melodies unfold slowly with patience and grace; ethereal arrangements drift around them like fog rolling through the mountains. More than just an album, Player, Piano is a gateway into a cinematic sonic universe full of mystery and wonder, a place where the lines between reality and fantasy blur and deep truths and desires reveal themselves in profound and unexpected ways.

Playing For Change Band | "The Real Revolution"

Playing For Change is proud to announce their debut album The Real Revolution featuring the Playing For Change Band! The new album is a purpose-driven record with a compelling message of connecting the world through music. The songs embody the spirit of love, truth and unity that binds us all together and leads us from the darkness to the light. 

Although this is the first studio album from the renowned band, they have been a unique fusion of influences and talents in constant evolution since their start in 2008. The band currently consists of 10 musicians from 10 countries, carrying music from the streets to the stage to the hearts of people. Even though the musicians come from many different countries and cultures, it is through music that they speak the same language. It is a tangible, traveling representation of the Playing For Change mission: to inspire, connect and bring peace to the world through music. 

The Real Revolution features members of the Playing For Change Band as well as special guests. The core group of 10 musicians from 10 countries recorded the new album over the course of five years as they toured the world to several different countries. The worldly influences are prominent in shaping The Real Revolution sound, and the body of work is a reflection of the power of the human spirit, witnessed first hand throughout their global travels.

The PFC Band recorded at the famous Tuff Gong Studio and teamed up with members of Damian Marley’s band to create an album that is a fusion of various languages and cultures, combining world music and reggae. Bob Marley has been one of the most pivotal figures in the DNA of Playing For Change and The Real Revolution is a celebration in that spirit of transforming people with music from the inside out. The record was produced by Mark Johnson, Mermans Mosengo, and Robin Moxey. Mixed by Greg Morgenstein at Astound Studios, Los Angeles, and mastered by Greg Morgenstein in Los Angeles.

The full album is 10 songs stacked with potent messages centered around unity and social
justice that vibrate to the core of the Playing For Change Band. The powerful lead single, showcasing the vocals of Congolese musicians Mermans Mosengo and Jason Tamba and also titled “The Real Revolution,” lives in the spirit of the people and offers an empowering message. Reflecting on the new song, Mark Johnson comments, “I wrote this song a few years ago knowing that I would have the full power of Mermans Mosengo and Jason Tamba’s voices and their shared conviction to tell the story. The Real Revolution lives in the spirit of the people and true change comes from within. Fear is the enemy.” 

The second release, “Me Pierdo,” written by Pierre Minetti, is a perfect blend of reggae and Latin music and speaks of the journey to our inner nature and the longing for freedom while feeling lost in a world full of injustice and stress. Tula Ben Ari comments, “I introduced the song to the band back in 2009 and it became a favorite in the band’s live show!”

The Real Revolution album will be released alongside the focus track “Run” due out on June 24, 2022. “Run” is an uplifting song written by PFC Band member Claire Finley that inspires feelings of hopefulness, focusing on the good in life instead of dwelling on the past. She comments, “When writing the song ‘Run,’ I thought it would be cool to play with the concept of running towards the good things in life instead of only focusing on getting away from bad thoughts or situations holding you back. In life, I believe it’s very important to think about the things you aspire to instead of continuing to dwell on situations of the past.”

The release of The Real Revolution album commences the 20 year anniversary of Playing For Change, with exclusively designed cover art by Neville Garrick (longtime Art Director for Bob Marley and the Wailers), and perfectly represents the PFC belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. 

Track List:

• The Real Revolution 
• Young People 
• Lamuka 
• Me Pierdo
• Right Foot Forward 
• 54-46 That’s My Number
• Bibamba
• Run
• Bwanya
• When The Music Comes Around

Julia Hülsmann Quartet | "The Next Door"

The follow-up to 2019’s Not Far From Here sees Julia Hülsmann reconvening with the same line-up as last time, in Studios La Buissonne, and entering into intense interplay with a band that has been extensively worked-in on the road. The Guardian called the quartet’s debut “a standout, for understated reinvention of the familiar and cool virtuosity” and spoke of “clever, thoughtful, inquisitively contemporary jazzmaking." These virtues have been further refined and new idioms added to the blend on the quartet’s second stance, with each member – tenor saxophonist Uli Kempendorff, Heinrich Köbberling on drums, Marc Muellbauer on bass and Julia – contributing original material to The Next Door. 

“Since the last album we’ve been on the road a whole lot," Julia notes. “We’ve had time to further develop our rapport as a quartet and, as a result, our interplay has become even more intuitive.” Even when most live-activity was intermittently shut down, Julia and her quartet participated in alternative performance projects and spent many weeks vigorously rehearsing new material. The fruit of their labour, presented on this album, is as multi-facetted as it is uncompromising, with a strong emphasis on an intimate ensemble sound. Flashes of jazz’ tradition, somewhere between '60s modal customs and post-bop swing, pull through The Next Door like a guiding light, but it’s how the group subsequently transforms these notions and makes them their own that stands out. 

“Empty Hands," the album’s pensive opener, is a blank canvas, gradually filled in with tender key strokes, searching melodies and delicate accompaniment. As Julia, who wrote the song, explains: “When your hands are full, you have to juggle everything back and forth, you’ve too much to deal with simultaneously. Empty hands, on the other hand, are like a clean slate – you have all the possibilities in the world to do what you please”. “Made of Wood” contrasts this impressionist design with an earthy tone, set in a modal frame and propelled forward by straight-ahead swing: “Time and again I feel like writing something solid, conciliatory in a way. This piece refers to my inner foundation, which I associate with something made of wood, something comforting.” 

The pianist’s brief duo exposition in exchange with saxophonist Uli Kempendorff on “Jetzt Noch Nicht” – later reprised as a variation with all members of the group – is a moody theme with a twisty melody, inviting the players’ most expressive playing. On Julia’s “Fluid” the band presents a tight, spirited unit in a mesmerizing performance of a smooth, steadily crescendoing arc: “This piece is based around the thick, layered piano sound that’s introduced after a couple of bars. Melodies can crystallize over this fluid tapestry and flow on in waves. Water is an important element to me, which frequently appears in my images.”  

Uli’s warm tone complements Julia’s trio with exceptional warmth, entering into a natural symbiosis with the piano’s subtle action, and his own piece, “Open Up," is among the set’s highlights: “When writing ‘Open Up’ I was exclusively focused on the melody’s forward-motion. The line dancingly weaves its way through three octaves. The bass part is notated and creates a counterpoint, while piano and drums are free to interject, comment and mingle at will. There’s much room for free interpretation and alteration throughout.” 

Marc Muellbauer’s compositional contributions go through various pulsations – “Polychrome” being a rubato exercise built around a, mostly, diatonic melody that wants to escape its tonal framework. “Wasp at the Window” on the other hand finds the group conspiring in an extensive workout in nine-time with an ostinato bending and bulging to the quartet’s beat. Again different by design, Marc wrote the bossa nova “Valdemossa” with composer Frédéric Chopin in mind: “It is based on the harmony of Chopin’s well-known Prelude No.4 in E Minor, from his cycle of 24 Preludes, op.28. I wrote a new melody expanding the harmony’s chromatic suggestions and exploiting its ambiguity in modulating into two other, far removed keys. It is named after the beautiful place in Mallorca where Chopin wrote his piece…” 

With a playful and slightly deconstructed inclination, drummer Heinrich Köbberling’s first original in the programme, “Lightcap," initially suggests the sketch-like framework of a Paul Motian tune. Actually, the piece is inspired by Köbberling’s early trio endeavours in the '90s with saxophonist Lisa Parrott and bassist Chris Lightcap, giving the song its name. The drummer’s other composition is “Post Post Post” – a subtle group improvisation with a veiled melody that has occupied the drummer for several years. 

It has become customary for Julia’s records to highlight revamps of known songs from the pop world and with Prince’s “Sometimes it Snows in April” the quartet uncovers another neat treat. The piece’s catchy melody, immediate harmonic hook and laid-back groove are thoughtfully explored by the entire band, with Julia’s gentle touch at the centre of attention.  

The Next Door, recorded at Studios La Buissonne in the South of France in March 2022, is issued as the quartet embarks on a European tour, with concerts in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Norway.

New Music: Mark De Clive-Lowe & Friends, Kabir Sehgal/Amaan Ali Bangash/Ayaan Ali Bangash, Robert Diak, Antonio Adolfo

Mark De Clive-Lowe & Friends - Freedom: Celebrating The Music Of Pharoah Sanders

A wonderful set, one that's even better than you might expect – and a record that really marks the shift in Mark De Clive-Lowe from club music to jazz – a format that he carries off beautifully here in the company of some very like-minded musicians! The setting is a live one – and the double-length set builds with the kind of organic energy that really lives up to the legacy of Pharoah Sanders, especially his Impulse Records material – but also has a quality that's nicely individual, too – so that the tunes aren't just aping an older spiritual jazz sound, but instead showing how its legacy has really transformed creation on the contemporary LA scene! The group is small, and in addition to work from Mark on piano, Fender Rhodes, and live effects, the set also features Teodross Avery on tenor, Corbin Jones on bass, Tommaso Cappellato on drums, and the great Carlos Nino on percussion – plus excellent vocals from Dwight Trible on a number of titles too. Tracks include "Elevation", "Colors", "You've Got To Have Freedom", "Upper Egypt", "Love Is Everywhere", "Mansions World", "Memories Of Lee Morgan", "Greeting To Saud", and "The Creator Has A Master Plan". ~ Dusty Groove

Kabir Sehgal, Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash - Sand and Foam: Music Inspired by Kahlil Gibran

The forthcoming remarkable release from multi Grammy winner Kabir Sehgal & master sarodists Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. The creators fused East and West artistic traditions. They turned to the eclectic works of Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese writer and painter, for inspiration. The album and almost all tracks are named after Gibran's works. The eight tracks are an unfolding fusion of classical Indian music, with jazz harmonies, trap drums, and neo-synths. Special guest appearances by Claudia Acuna (vocals), Latin Grammy nominee; Tivon Pennicott (sax); Caliph (rap), Oran Etkins (saxophone), Malini Aswathi (vocals), Sudha Raghunanthan (vocals).

Robert Diak - Small Bridges

Small Bridges is the uncompromising new album from drummer, producer, and composer Robert Diack. After his debut, Lost Villages - an extremely focused concept album about a series of flooded townships in Southern Ontario - Diack wanted to explore a broader swath of genre and texture for his hour-long sophomore release. Small Bridges escorts the listener through a wide variety of expansive musical spaces shaped by impressive genre bending production techniques. Drawing inspiration from contemporary and traditional jazz, post-rock, fusion, and country music, Diack weaves his way deftly through this album, making clear his broad artistic vision. “I’m reminded of how Phillip Glass speaks of the intimate nature of the piano in his composition Opening from his album Glassworks” says Diack in reference to the opening track of the album. The attention to sonic detail is immediately clear: this album is truly a Hi-Fi fanatic’s dream. This initially inviting flow of Hollow hides where the song leads: it’s truly a tour-de-force of exuberant musicianship from a strong cast of some of Canada’s best young talent. The album’s sound is defined by layers of guitars contrasted with intimate piano, interspersed with complicated moments of layered meters, all packaged with an extremely focused attention to production detail and audio fidelity. Written entirely in his cramped, overpriced New York apartment, Small Bridges is a reflection of Diack’s experience uprooting countries, moving from Canada to study in the USA. This music was composed during an intense period of culture shock and isolation, and was recorded while he was in Canada for the release of Lost Villages. Small Bridges clearly demonstrates the deliberate line that runs through Diack’s entire body of work - not only in terms of the ensemble's sound, but with regards to the album’s visual appearance as well. This compelling new record is a brilliant showcase of young Canadian talent, featuring cutting edge improvisation and production.

Antonio Adolfo - Octet And Originals

With over two dozen albums as a leader and multiple Latin Grammy and Grammy nominations, pianist, arranger, composer, and bandleader Antonio Adolfo is an internationally recognized Latin jazz star. More than 200 of his original compositions have been covered by artists like Sergio Mendes, Earl Klugh, Herb Alpert, Stevie Wonder, and Dionne Warwick.  Although he often includes his own compositions on his recordings, Adolfo has now recorded an album that comprises only his original music. Octet And Originals is a brilliant showcase for the writing talents of an artist about whom jazz critic Travis Rogers has said, “Let me say it from the top, I can't get enough of Antonio Adolfo. Every album, every song he has ever released is a treasure. Not only is Antonio a brilliant composer and pianist, he is also an arranger without peer.”  A few of the tunes on Octet And Originals were originally conceived with lyrics; however, Adolfo rearranged them as instrumentals for this album. His arrangements touch on a panoply of Brazilian musical styles, including samba, baiao, bossa, partido alto, quadrilha, toada, calango, maracatu and more. Although rooted in Brazilian music, Adolfo’s elegant reharmonizations transform his compositions into jazz. Antonio Adolfo is a Brazilian jazz master. Influenced by bebop, soul and West Coast jazz yet firmly rooted in the rhythmic, danceable styles of Brazil, Adolfo’s music has a polished opulence that is uniquely his own. The music on Octet And Originals is romantic, swinging, and toe-tapping with frequent unexpected turns that consistently keep the music fresh.

Brooklyn Funk Essentials have released the video for their afrofunk single ‘Scream!

Brooklyn Funk Essentials have released the video for their afrofunk single ‘Scream!’, featuring legendary vocalist Alison Limerick and the full BFE band. The video accompanying the single sees the much loved cult funk ensemble jamming in their element in the studio, with dynamic cuts of Alison moving gracefully across the screen. Watch the new video here: https://youtu.be/WbyxlmO8RDs.

‘Scream!’ is an infectious and uplifting funk and afrobeat jam, a syncopated groove wrapped by powerful Tower Of Power style brass and percussion, with lyrics that see Alison Limerick make a shout for freedom of expression.  ‘Scream!’ will be followed by the group’s hugely anticipated seventh studio album ‘Intuition’, which is due November 2022 on Dorado Records. Save & download the new single here: https://lnk.to/scream

Across 28 years and six albums, Brooklyn Funk Essentials have fused soul, hip hop, spoken

word, jazz, Latin, and of course, funk. The band has built up a loyal international cult following since its inception in 1993 by iconic producer Arthur Baker and bassist Lati Kronlund during New York’s buzzing hip hop, jazz and slam poetry scenes in the early 90s, rotating some of the finest musicians, DJs, poets, rappers and singers.

BFE’s celebrated debut album ‘Cool & Steady & Easy’ (Dorado/RCA 1995) scored an underground hit with their version of Pharoah Sanders’ ‘The Creator Has a Master Plan’ and featured legends Maceo Parker, The Tower Of Power Horns and Dizzy Gillespie.

In 2015, BFE was joined by UK soul singer Alison Limerick, for whom Lati Kronlund had originally written and produced the iconic house anthem ‘Where Love Lives’ in the early 90s.  Limerick is now BFE’s co-writer, along with singer and guitarist Desmond Foster and drummer Hux Flux. Completing the BFE lineup is Kristoffer Wallman on keys and Ebba Asman on trombone and vocals.

Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Volume 6 – Various Artists

The latest volume in the acclaimed Masterpieces Of Modern Soul series is as strong as ever and drips with brand new, old recordings. An amazing 12 tracks are previously unheard and a further two are very different versions of already popular numbers.

Some rare-soul household names have new material featured on here. Ronnie McNeir hits a wicked dance groove with ‘Let’s Make A Move’ and Dee Ervin offers a superbly soulful ‘You Make Me Happy’ – sure to become a modern classic. The lesser-known Joe Graham’s ‘Higher Than High’ is already halfway there, thanks to advance plays in Europe from DJ Dave Thorley. It’s from an Atlanta session around 1976, in-between his Chant and later Hotlanta releases. Jean Shy is a highly-thought of artist who recorded firstly in Chicago and later in L A. ‘What Tomorrow Brings’ was cut in the latter city, under the auspices of Kent Harris; it’s a very classy midtempo jazz-infused number. Ramona King had her best-known records in the 60s but ‘Happy Times’ was recorded in the Bay Area’s GSR studios in the 70s and is a laid-back gem.

Then there are the late 70s / early 80s disco sound with numbers found on tape that were just crying out to be heard. Joe Simon cut the unknown group Cynic on ‘I Want You’ at Spring early in 1982. Detroit’s Exportations very catchy ‘Second Time Around’ and the equally fast, funky and fantastic ‘Have A Good Time’ by Atlanta’s Maggabrain were laid down in the late 70s as was Fox Fire’s ‘Don’t Play Me Cheap’. The early 80s is the likely era for Melanie Burke’s ‘I Can’t Turn You Down’ – which, like the McNeir and Hodges James & Smith offerings, were Mickey Stevenson productions made in L A.

There are three great LP-only tracks from 1975 Fantasy albums by Janice, Betty Everett and Three Pieces: they fit so well into the compilation. Margie Joseph singing a Willie Tee song called ‘Nobody’ is virtually guaranteed to be great music. It is still for sale at a reasonable price – as opposed to the arm and a leg you’ll need to offer for ‘You Done Let The Daylight Catch You’ by Second Re$surection.

In addition ,there's quite different vocal take for Phillip Mitchell’s ‘I’ll See You In Hell First’ and a much longer version of Dave Hamilton’s ‘Who’ as recorded by the unknown Jackie Dee – it was remixed from the master tape. Another Dave Hamilton song ‘Must Have Had Company’ by Elayne Starr has only appeared on one of the later Dave Hamilton CDs – well worthy of a rewind for modern soul movers. The highly talented west coast producer George Semper gives us ‘Doo Doop Dee Deep Doot Doo’ which owes a lot to the Sly Stone sound of the time and is similarly enthralling. There’s some moody Bay Area jazz-soul from the Karen Sanders Group; recorded in the 70s but only ever available on a 2011 US LP. Finally, we have yet another top quality, unheard 70s soul recording from Joe Hinton who had many tracks abandoned and left in the vault when Atlanta’s GRC records crashed due to the nefarious behaviour of its owner.

Marco Benevento Announces West Coast Tour In October; New Album "Benevento"

Marco Benevento has announced a West Coast tour this coming October. The 11-date run supports the Woodstock, NY-based artist's new studio album, simply titled, Benevento, out now on Royal Potato Family. Benevento—joined by his band featuring bassist Karina Rykman and drummer Chris Corsico—will kick off the tour at Pappy Harriet's in Pioneertown, CA followed by five additional California shows, including stops at Casbah in San Diego, Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles and The Chapel in San Francisco. Benevento and company then make their way to the Northwest highlighted by a two night stand at Doug Fir Lounge in Portland and Madame Lou's in Seattle. Special guest William Tyler opens each evening. 

Marco Benevento recorded his latest eponymous titled release over the course of 2020 and 2021 while locked down during the pandemic at his home studio in the Hudson Valley. Amidst stacks of gear in varying states of repair, Benevento found fodder for inspiration during long quarantine-dictated solo jam sessions. In this environment, he unlocked his archives and surrendered to the machines, mining for unfinished song ideas, and coaxing beats and melodies from both go-to favorite instruments and gear that had long been collecting dust. Playing all of the parts himself with few exceptions, such as vocals added by his wife and daughter, the final 11-track collection mixes lo-fi dance floor jams like "Winter Rose," "At The End Or The Beginning" and "Marco & Mimo" alongside hallucinatory synth and drum machine experimentalism on tracks including "Do You Want Some Magic?," "Mountain Cougars" and "Is This A Dream."

West Coast 2022 Tour Dates

• 10/11 - Pioneertown, CA - Pappy & Harriett's
• 10/12 - San Diego, CA - Casbah
• 10/13 - Los Angeles, CA - Teragram Ballroom
• 10/14 - Felton, CA - Felton Music Hall
• 10/15 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel
• 10/16 - Sonoma, CA - Sebastiani Theatre
• 10/19 - Eugene, OR - Sessions Music Hall
• 10/20 - Bend, OR - Volcanic Theatre Pub
• 10/21 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir
• 10/22 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir
• 10/23 - Seattle, WA - Madame Lou's