Gecko Turner | "Somebody From Badajoz"

Somebody From Badajoz is the fifth studio album in Gecko Turner’s discography and his first in seven years, eagerly anticipated by both his fans and himself: “This business of dedicating yourself to music and making songs... it’s a long game.”

With the release of his first two, remarkable, albums, Guapapasea! (2003) and Chandalismo Ilustrado (2006), Gecko started cultivating what one astute journalist defined as Afro-maduran soul – the “maduran” bit referencing Extremadura, a region in central-western Spain. 

Badajoz, Gecko’s birthplace, is the biggest city in the area, on the border with Portugal, by the Guadiana River. It is a place that oozes history, where there is constant movement at the border, and people’s character is friendly and open-minded with foreign habits. 

Gecko’s Afro-maduran soul is built on Afro-American music and drenched in Brazilian, African, Latin American and Jamaican sounds. There are also echoes of a youth marked in equal parts by our man’s admiration for the Beatles and the flamenco that could be heard everywhere in Badajoz in the seventies. It makes for a singular sound and a musical language of its own—spicy, succulent, full of nuances, but with a very personal flavour.

The album opens with the Nigerian talking drums of Twenty-twenty Vision, (neo) soul in a magical falsetto, carried by a sumptuous orchestral arrangement with a cinematic flavour: “I’d been thinking about doing something called ‘Twenty-twenty Vision’ for some time, making a play on words with the vision we have of the world after the year 2020 and the medical expression, which, in ophthalmological terms, means ‘normal or complete vision’. Beyond that particular song, I think that’s the mood of the album: a look at society in the twenties of the 21st century and the feelings and demons it produces.”

It’s followed by De balde, a very special song born from a posthumously discovered lyric by the great writer Carlos Lencero, a regular collaborator of Camarón, Pata Negra and Remedios Amaya, and also from Badajoz. While conceived as a fandango, Gecko has moulded it into his sound in such a seamless way it now seems as if the words could only have been written to be embraced by the percussion, brass, and backing vocals heard on the album. It’s the only lyric on Somebody From Badajoz not written by Turner; still it sits rather comfortably with the rest, sharing the same emotivity and sensitivity, as well as the trademark humour and irony.

Other tracks see more protagonism for the rhythm. The beat-driven Ain’t No Fun Preachin’ To The Choir features Gecko’s vocals walking the thin line between singing and talking over a phenomenal afro-disco-funk-infused trailblazer. In Am I Sad? it’s impossible to not bob your head to the queen of Papatosina’s mongrel rhythm, as close to the banks of the Guadiana river as it is to the shores of the Mississippi. Qué siesta tan buena (he babeao y to…) is an ode to the snooze in true Afro-maduran fashion. And in Come And Try, the Caribbean influence is evident—lovers’ rock that invites you to dance in good company.

The groove is always around, moving between the magical border sound of Everybody Knows Somebody From Badajoz and Little Dose, the silky soul of The Sibariteo Appreciation Society, and the exultant celebration of End Of The World (which surprisingly sees Gecko turning to the occasional use of autotune), a piece that could be used for the final credits of a Monty Python film and, in fact, closes the album.

In these songs, and throughout the album, for that matter, the musicians accompanying Gecko, who himself plays many of the instruments as well, shine brightly. All hailing from Extremadura, Javi Mojave (percussion), Álvaro Fdez ‘Dr. Robelto’ (bass), and Rafa Prieto (guitar) have been carrying him with delicate forcefulness since he started out as a solo artist. At the same time, the wonderful and essential voices of Deborah Ayo, Astrid Jones, Fani Ela Nsue, and Miriam Solís give the album a sunny variety of colours. And there are many more—a sensational group of musicians contributes dazzling harmonic bursts to many of the songs. The palette of sounds is very diverse and rich in textures and nuances, including, for example, the ngoni, bells, and various repurposed kitchen utensils.

Gecko Turner has done it again with Somebody From Badajoz, looking to the future without losing sight of the roots. In times of upheaval all over the globe, when people are looking for purity, he delivers a formidable piece of work: risky, optimistic in spite of everything, and with a decidedly bastard sound. Let’s rejoice.

Tunico releases debut album

A new release from Far Out Recording is the self-titled debut album by Rio de Janeiro born multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger Tunico. Honing Brazilian roots rhythms like maracatu, forró, and samba, to combine with a global contemporary jazz outlook, the newcomer adds a modern classic to the ever rich vein of Brazilian instrumental music. Tunico is available on digital platforms and CD, and vinyl.

Consider it a natural evolution from the legacies of greats like Quarteto Novo, Hermeto Pascoal, Banda Black Rio, Tamba Trio, and Dom Um Romão, Tunico’s debut brings together an eye catching ensemble of talents from the Rio jazz community, with whom he performs on a weekly basis at celebrated live sessions and jam’s at venues like Macuna and Comuna Lapa, which often go on all night. 

Released in 2022, the album’s rip-roaring lead single “Galope” features the effervescent vocals of Katarina Assef, as well as consummate solos from all over the band, as Sounds & Colours put it “…it exudes distinction and promise”. “Sambola” calls on the signature swagger of Far Out favourite Antonio Neves, indulging us in irresistible swinging samba-funk, undeniably reminiscent of the aforementioned Banda Black Rio in their late 70s heyday.

Born and raised in an artistic Rio household, Antonio Secchin aka Tunico’s father was the painter Guilherme Secchin, whose original work is lovingly repurposed to create the album’s cover. Antonio learned his trade on guitar from a young age, which remains his primary method for composition, but at the age of eighteen he started to gravitate towards the saxophone, and in particular the soprano sax, from which he now leads bands despite being entirely self taught. He would develop his skills busking on curbsides and metro stations before becoming a mainstay player in venues and clubs around the city. 

When the pandemic struck, Antonio retreated to his family home in the Rio countryside. With time and space to breathe and reflect in a natural environment, he set to work at fleshing out the compositions he’d written throughout his musical life into full bodied works. His affinity with his rural surroundings is reflected in the luscious, blossoming feel of this groovy, mystical and poignant instrumental debut album.

New Release: Fiona Ross | "Thoughts, Conversations, and To Do Lists"

UK Jazz singer and songwriter Fiona Ross undertakes the difficulty of capturing the everyday – via both its birds-eye view and its sharp, minute detail – on her new album Thoughts, Conversations and To Do Lists, which has just been released. It;s on this album that Fiona Ross manages to crystallize the racing interior monologue, the standstill of the post-breakup blues, the gentle flow of a thirst for knowledge. She also deftly paints the party atmosphere, the easy camaraderie between friends, and the steadfast desire for truth.

The album’s first track, “When Will You Leave My Mind,” is a paradoxical song in the sense that it’s sonically full of movement – it has the pace of a cha-cha, a chugging train, a bustling city – while the lyrics capture perfectly the state of stuckness and standstill after a breakup. Replete with a catchy Latin guitar groove, the track makes the internal turmoil palpable with Ross’ syncopated singing, her words moving deftly in and out of the sensual instrumentation as she inquires, “When will you leave my mind/ You’ve spent too long in my mind/ You don’t belong in my mind.” The overall effect, however, is sassiness and steadfastness rather than wilted defeat, and the listener gets the sense that she’s going to solve this – if not right now, then quite soon.

Thoughts, Conversations and To Do Lists moves from strutting (“I Want To Know More”) to pensive and meandering (like the sax-studded “The Small Things”) to the wild, raucous and adventurous (“When You Walked In The Room”). Ross’ voice soars, strides, and shimmies through “A Single Source of Truth,” about looking for straightforwardness and low-drama in a world of melodrama and fake news.

Trumpet Man” is sexy and undulating, an ode to a sort of renaissance man, with (of course) sublime trumpet accents in all the right places. “The Don’t Stop Just Breathe Ragtime” features wildly fun, almost cartoonish instrumentation with a sense of deep playfulness. And the glittering piano, danceable beats, and groovy guitar on the instrumental “#ThursdayThoughts” at the album’s conclusion replicate a mind racing with ideas and boundless energy.

“Someone asked me what my new album was about and I explained that it’s just really some of my thoughts, some conversations I’ve had, and my To-Do lists,” Ross recalls. “That kind of stuck, so decided to call it exactly that – Thoughts, Conversations and To Do Lists.”

Written, arranged and produced by Ross, the 14-track album is a compendium of several themes reflecting Ross’ day-to-day life. While some songs are busy, with lots going on from every angle, others are more interior and reflective, mirroring Ross’ headspace. 

 Named among the 100 Alternative Power Music List for 2020, multi-award winning jazz artist, editor-in-chief, journalist and founder of the award-winning Women in Jazz Media organization Fiona Ross never stops. As a vocalist, pianist, composer and producer, Ross has become known for creating her own contemporary jazz sound incorporating fast-paced Latin jazz, vintage jazz club, and a little bit of neo-soul along with heart wrenching ballads. She came to the world’s attention as the artist that gave Ed Sheeran his “first push,” but she very quickly established herself as an artist in her own right and has received incredible reviews and awards across the globe for all of her albums.

Fiona Ross has achieved many accolades for her work, including Best Jazz Song from the World Songwriting Awards, Outstanding Achievement awarded by the Global Music Awards, and International Female Songwriter of the Year from the International Singer-Songwriters Association. She has been featured in publications including Tinnitist, Jazziz, Record World Magazine, Jazz Corner, Ink 19 and Jazz Quarterly. Fiona’s song “Mistress” (which was recorded live in a stairwell) was selected to be included in the British Library archives for prosperity. “Ross’s lyric phrasing, vocal register and arrangements deliver brilliant presence and form,” says Music Interview Magazine.

Ramsey Lewis Autobiography "Gentlemen of Jazz: A Life in Music"

Gentleman of Jazz: A Life in Music, written by Ramsey Lewis and Aaron Cohen is out now. This new autobiography provides insight into the early life and illustrious career of one of the most popular jazz pianists of all time, beginning with Lewis’s childhood growing up in Chicago’s Cabrini Green neighborhood, his experiences in his parents’ church and his early piano lessons, to eventually establishing the Ramsey Lewis Trio and launching an extraordinary, expansive life in music. Lewis died at his Chicago home in September 2022, at age 87.

An NEA Jazz Master, Top 10 hitmaker, and winner of three Grammys, Ramsey Lewis (1935-2022) also hosted popular television and radio shows that honored the history of jazz music. He was not only influential for many modern jazz artists but beats he created decades ago can be heard across R&B and hip-hop. His own musical growth never stopped, even including a foray into symphonic composition and performance. Through it all, Lewis remained grounded, never leaving behind his roots in Chicago.

Aaron Cohen teaches humanities at City Colleges of Chicago and writes for numerous publications, including the Chicago Tribune, DownBeat, and Chicago Reader. He is the author of Move on Up: Chicago Soul Music and Black Cultural Power and Amazing Grace. Cohen has been a National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholar and is a two-time recipient of the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for outstanding music writing.

Earlier this year, Steele Records released The Beatles Songbook: The Saturday Salon Series, Volume One, created during pandemic-era livestreamed sessions in Lewis’s living room and approved for release by the pianist shortly before his passing. His first ever solo piano recording, the CD contains new interpretations of 12 Lennon-McCartney songs, a body of work that Lewis had previously delved into because it was music that, like his own, had demonstrated universal appeal.

Jeff Tamarkin in JazzTimes called the album “a touching, sensitive and intelligently executed tribute... Lewis’ homages never fail to honor the Beatles’ essence, even as he puts his own distinctive stamp on a melody…. A perfect bookend to a long and illustrious career.”

Rosanna & Zélia - Baiao Da Luna | Rare 7" gets repress by We Jazz Records

We Jazz Records has released a lost MPB gem from rural Finland, and it's the first ever reissue of this rare 1990 local release by Brazilian duo Rosanna & Zélia. This is the second entry of the new archival 7" series by We Jazz Records. 7" EP with inside out 3mm spine sleeve.

This is taken from the liner notes by Mikko Mattlar:

"Rosanna & Zélia were a Brazilian duo of singers and musicians Rosanna Guimarães Tavares and Zélia Nogueira da Fonseca. They moved from Minas Gerais, Brazil to Europe in 1988, released five albums in Germany between 1993–2004 and featured vocals on an Ian Pooley house track Coração Tambor before Rosanna died of cancer in 2006. Zélia still continues her career in Germany, touring actively and releasing new music.

The duo's journey from Brazil to Germany also included two brief visits to Finland. In the years 1989–1990, they spent time in the small town of Seinäjoki in Ostrobothnia. Rosanna & Zélia performed Brazilian music in Finnish clubs and festivals and recorded a 7" EP for local label Maumau Music. The record was distributed mostly in the Seinäjoki area, but the three songs are well-performed and authentic Brazilian MPB, so the largely unknown record now gets its first reissue for a wider audience on We Jazz Records.

But how did two Brazilian women find their way to a small Finnish town to record an EP? The main reason for this was music journalist and promoter Risto Vuorinen, who was on a holiday in Albufeira, Portugal, where a friend of his lived. The streets were almost empty that evening, but Vuorinen and his friend heard fine guitar playing and singing from a bar. There were Rosanna and Zélia performing on a small stage, and the two Finnish men happened to be the only customers. When the artists ended their performance, Vuorinen's friend, who spoke Portuguese, went to talk to them. Rosanna and Zélia told him they had recently come from Brazil and are trying to gain ground in Europe with their music.

Because Rosanna and Zélia didn't know where they would head next, and because Vuorinen liked their music, he thought of bringing the duo to his hometown, Seinäjoki. They immediately liked the idea, and in the autumn of 1989 they arrived in Finland. The national Finnish jazz festival was held in Seinäjoki, and Vuorinen thought Rosanna & Zélia's Brazilian music would fit right in. They performed at the festival and in November 1989, also made recordings in a local studio with backing musicians from Seinäjoki.

Music enthusiast Pertti Hakala had a record shop and label Maumau Music in Seinäjoki releasing music from local artists. He released a three-track EP from the sessions. with two tracks written by Rosanna & Zelia themselves and their cover version of Extra (Brazilian Reggae), written and originally performed by Gilberto Gil in 1983. A small pressing was made for the Finnish market, and Hakala also sent a box of records to Brazil, but for some reason it was sent back.

After their first visit to Finland, Rosanna & Zélia headed back to central Europe, but Vuorinen decided to organize more performances for them for the next summer. Maybe he also wanted to show them the beautiful Finnish summer, as Rosanna and Zélia had so far seen the country only during the darkest autumn. The duo came back to Finland for the summer of 1990 and performed at the Womad world music festival organized as a part of local Provinssirock. They also played in Nummirock and Puistoblues, both respected music festivals, and performed on TV in Helsinki.

Rosanna and Zélia lived in a small apartment in Seinäjoki and played two to three gigs per week all summer. Because there were only two of them, even small pubs could afford to book them, and in 1990 the economic situation in Finland was good. It was before a major economic depression hit the country. The duo travelled by bus or train, and because they were an acoustic duo, they could easily carry their instruments in public transport. Vuorinen got excellent feedback from organizers. Rosanna and Zélia were good performers, but also really nice people.

With the income from their summer gigs, Rosanna and Zélia could buy a PA mixer and other musical equipment. When the summer 1990 turned to autumn, they continued their journey from Seinäjoki to Germany where they settled down."

New Music Releases: Paul Murphy Presents The Jazz Room Vol. 2; Tony Higgins & Mike Peden Present Isao Suzuki; Kirk Degiorgio; Remi Kabaka

Paul Murphy Presents The Jazz Room Vol. 2

I.G. Release Day, its Daniel Crawford's clever reworking of a Fela Kuti Classic - Water no got enemy. Jazz Room Vol. 2 now, compiled by DJ legend Paul Murphy. This double vinyl features an amazing range of Jazz dance tracks, from heavy funk to contemporary jazz, and includes covers from Fela Kuti, The Stranglers, Azymuth, and The Human League. This album really is as much for the party people as it it for the headz and links the audiences from his legendary gigs in the 1970s and 80s at the Electric Ballroom, 100 Club and The Blue Note to those at his current appearances at Spiritland, Shiftless Shuffle and Brilliant Corners.

Tony Higgins & Mike Peden Present Isao Suzuki - Approach

BBE Music’s J Jazz Masterclass Series continues with the reissue of Isao Suzuki’s 'Approach'. Recorded and released in 1986, the album features bassist Isao Suzuki, percussionist Masahiko Togashi, keyboardist Hideo Ichikawa, and guitarist Akira Shiomoto, and showcases their individual talents as a unified ensemble across five tracks. The album is both sophisticated and experimental, with serene ambient moments and thunderous and dynamic explosions of energy. 'Approach' demonstrates the group's interplay and control, making it a first-class showcase of contemporary jazz. This is the first time the album has been reissued since its original release 36 years ago. 

Kirk Degiorgio - Beersheba

Get ready to transport yourself back in time to the mid-seventies with Kirk Degiorgio’s forthcoming project, Modal Forces / Percussive Forces. This exciting project explores both Modal Jazz and Seventies Jazz Fusion in the Library album format. The album promises to be a true gem for music aficionados, showcasing tight arrangements built around acoustic bass, electric piano and vintage analogue synth leads.And today, we have a special treat for you! BBE is releasing the first single from the project, Beersheba. This single is a perfect taster of what’s to come on the album, and it does not disappoint. Despite coming in at less than 4 minutes, Beersheba manages to create a captivating atmosphere and story, leaving the listener wanting more. The track features keys overlaying a melody and a refrain on top of a bass and drum break rhythm, building to a lovely mid-tempo dancefloor groove that will leave you wanting to hit repeat. Kirk Degiorgio is a DJ, composer, and music lover whose influences span all genres of Black music. From Soul, Jazz-Funk, and Funk to House and Detroit Techno, he has a love and appreciation for how all these sounds work together and evolve from each other. With the contributions of renowned session drummer Chris Whitten and vintage analogue synths, Modal Forces / Percussive Forces promises to be a true

Remi Kabaka - Son of Africa

The highly elusive and sought-after Afro-Funk LP, Son Of Afica, by Remi Kabaka is being reissued by BBE Music. One of the standout tracks on the album, "Meteorite" is now available for download for free with a pre-order of the album. Kabaka, who is now 85 and retired in America, was a cornerstone of British West African music in the 50s, 60s and 70s, playing sessions and live shows with The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Steve Winwood, among others.The reissued album, which was originally released by Chris Blackwell's Island records in 1976, received little acclaim and almost no promotion. However, it has since become a £700-plus collectors' item. The album is packed with sinuous, spare funk and 90-110 BPM grooves that go straight to the body. Whether you're a turntablist, hip hop sampler, or African Funk lover, don't miss the chance to grab this limited reissue, complete with full, updated liner notes.

New Music Releases: Subatomic Sound System, Lee “Scratch” Perry, & Screechy Dan; Ella And The Bossa Beat with Toco; The Soul Motivators

Subatomic Sound System, Lee “Scratch” Perry, & Screechy Dan - Lee “Scratch” Perry is the Dub Organizer

On the 50th anniversary of the world’s first dub album, “Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry Is The Dub Organizer” brings you the classic vibes of Scratch’s 1973 Black Ark studio from Jamaica reimagined for the 21st century with NYC's Subatomic Sound System, Scratch's steady collaborators and touring band for over a decade. The release coincides with a memorial set for Scratch on 4/20 at Red Rocks Amphitheater by Subatomic Sound System & Screechy Dan with special guest Mykal Rose of Black Uhuru plus The Marley Brothers & Steel Pulse. Recorded by Emch & Lee Perry in Jamaica at the New Ark and NYC at Subatomic Sound while working on their acclaimed 2017 “Super Ape Returns to Conquer” album, this song takes a similar approach with deep sub bass and drums laying a solid foundation for phased horns, vocals, and percussion to swim in murky tape echoes. The style and composition define Scratch's legacy as a pioneer of dub, reggae, studio production, and musical experimentation -- including being the first to ever record chatting on a recording. Kingston born & Brooklyn-raised Screechy Dan delivers the chatting to hail up Scratch in the original Jamaican party style of the era while Scratch lets the world know he is the dub inventor and innovator, not Tubby or Jammy, a final diss tune from beyond to set the record straight.

Ella And The Bossa Beat with Toco - Amanhecer (single)

Ella & The Bossa Beat, the father-daughter duo known for their unique blend of Brazilian jazz and Bossa Nova with soulful jazz influences, have teamed up with fellow Brazilian singer-songwriter Toco for their second single together. ‘Amanhecer’ is a chill, bossa nova track that showcases the talents of these accomplished artists and their ability to create a fresh sound that blends traditional Brazilian music with modern influences. The track begins with a gentle piano riff, immediately transporting listeners to a tranquil place. Ella’s smooth and soulful voice blends seamlessly with Toco’s velvety vocal tone, creating a harmonious duet that effortlessly captures the essence of a Brazilian sunrise. The mellow sound of the Bossa Nova groove further adds to the soothing feel of the song, making it perfect for a relaxing evening or a morning coffee. ‘Amanhecer’ joins Schema’s rich catalogue of Brazilian and Brazilian-inspired music.

The Soul Motivators - Do It Together

Canada’s The Soul Motivators (TSM) are a premier funk outfit based in Toronto. TSM blend classic 70s funk, soul, psychedelic grooves, and breaks to create a modern fresh sound with their strong craft for songwriting. In February 2020, the Motivators released their acclaimed third album ‘Do The Damn Thing’, featuring powerhouse frontwoman Shahi Teruko. With the accompanying tour derailed due to the pandemic, the band switched to a series of online and drive-thru concerts to keep them going. Now they’re back and ready with their fourth studio album, ‘Do it Together’. The 8 track album takes the listener on a cosmic trip filled with groove and optimism guided through aural  landscapes. Imagine the Toronto Yonge Street strip in the 70s. Flares, arcades, neon, cinema, record shops – grit and funk. Yet modern beats and rich rhythm infuse each track to lift you up and get you moving – floating  into outer space yet deeply rooted on solid ground. From the first note played on ‘Raise a Glass’, the band switches on their classic Motivators mode: hard- hitting, clav-heavy harmonic, smooth horn line, a timeless deep funk track. Next up, 'Power' pushes the TSM sound to new celestial limits - Interstellar synths and drum n’ bass inspired breakbeats are mediated by Teruko’s ethereal vocals with the fire and passion of Bettye Lavette and tight rhythm of The JB’s. Other highlights include, ‘It is what it is’ - a smooth soul groover that would easily blend into any Hitsville playlist! “It tackles the subject of our collective ups and downs, inspiring us to keep moving through the darkness.” With ‘Try’, TSM channel Muscle Shoals with a deep cut of southern soul, with passionate vocal delivery, evoking Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley, infuses this tune with a heavy Daptone influence. “'Do It Together' is The Soul Motivators at our best - fusing familiar influences with new elements and pushing our musical boundaries to new limits.” Since the release of their explosive 2015 full-length debut Free to Believe (Do Right! Music), TSM tirelessly toured to bring their high-octane live show to the masses. The acclaimed Dirt On the Floor EP, and collaboration with Detroit’s Funk Night Records released over two highly sought after 7” singles, saw them dig deep into the funk crates. The core of the band consists of Teruko (vocals), James Robinson (keys), Marc Shapiro (bass), Voltaire Ramos (guitar), Doug Melville (drums), and Derek Thorne (percussion), with a rotating cast of talented horns and special guests.

New Music Release: Tilo Weber | "Tesserae"

Drummer Tilo Weber joins forces with bassist Petter Eldh (Koma Saxo) and Elias Stemeseder, who plays harpsichord and keys here on Weber’s We Jazz debut, ‘Tesserae’, released 21 April 2023.

The three musicians as well as several guests present a unique jazz trio sound for all times, without boundaries. Tilo Weber, based in Berlin, came to the attention of We Jazz Records with his highly inspired drum work on Otis Sandsjö’s Y-OTIS, and has since then also been awarded with the prestigious Deutscher Jazz Preis for the arrangement of the year in 2022.

‘Tesserae’ is the work of not only Tilo Weber the drummer, but also the visionary ”full stack” artist on the rise, and the entire record consists of new, original compositions by Weber. Eldh and Stemeseder, both also part of the first incarnation of the Y-OTIS live band and the first album, are close musical partners to Tilo Weber, and the whole album brims with natural innovation and musical joy shared among the three. Each of the versatile musicians also move beyond their main instruments on the album, with Weber bringing on the vibraphone, Stemeseder tackling the celesta(!), and Eldh picking about acoustic guitar. It’s easy to hear that all three are keen on going beyond what would be expected while creating this music.

The harpsichord dominates the first spin, as the very sound of the instrument sounds so delightfully alien to the modern trio setting. Indeed, ‘Tesserae’ sounds at once baroque and futuristic. Flute, played on two tracks by Anna-Lena Schnabel and ney by Bastian Duncker on one selection, add levels that make the sound float at almost otherworldly dimensions (check ‘Sacre Sacre’ for a case in point). The lead single ‘Nacre Nacre’ introduces the trio in an apt way, snapping with an irresistible groove while moving not only from left to right, but also forward on a 3D spectrum of its own.

These added dimensions are there to be found for the repeated listens, suggesting ‘Tesserae’ is an enduring album with plenty of mileage. The whole kaleidoscope of the sound reveals itself slowly, yet the impact is an instant one. Making something seemingly minimal turn out so colorful is no mean feat, and Tilo Weber & co pull it off here with remarkable ease. The album has a flow that grabs you from the first notes and builds monuments from there on.

New Music Release: Christian Artmann | "The Middle Of Life"

Christian Artmann contemplates his, and our, moment in time with the June 2 release by Sunnyside Records of the aptly titled The Middle of Life. An introspective but highly emotional affair—with a sensitive quartet featuring pianist Laszlo Gardony, bassist John Lockwood, and drummer Yoron Israel adding their ruminations—the flutist/composer’s fourth album ponders the state of the world, both positive and negative, in both the personal and broad senses.

Like most of the world, San Francisco (by way of Germany and NYC)–based Christian Artmann found himself during the Covid lockdowns with empty space to take stock of life as it had been and was becoming. For him, though, that thoughtful aspect has not dimmed even as the world moved on from the pandemic. “In this time period for me, I find myself looking forward and backward,” Artmann says. “I’m very conscious of where I am, and of the value of life.”

The addition of regular collaborators (and Berklee College of Music colleagues) Gardony, Lockwood, and Israel—along with vocalist Elena McEntire, who appears on three tunes—brings depth and perspective to Artmann’s wondrous compositions and improvisations. It also creates an absolutely crackling chemistry. This is perhaps paradoxical for an album as mellow and contemplative as The Middle of Life. Nevertheless, the je ne sais quoi that passes between the musicians is unmistakable.

It’s also powerful, whether in the artful slow burn of “Turnaround,” the doleful “Twenty Seven,” or the steady-yet-fickle flow of the title track. The players shine as individuals, with Gardony working a fine solo turn on the troubled “Snow River,” both Lockwood and McEntire taking bravura turns on the classic samba standard “Paisagem da Janela,” and Israel doing arresting work on “The Middle of Life.”

Artmann is exemplary throughout, as strong a soloist on the stark "Lament for Ukraine" as on the bittersweet “Last Words.” Equally strong, however, is his work as a composer, arranger, and bandleader, leading his collaborators on The Middle of Life in a contemplative direction without sacrificing its deeply human core.

Christian Artmann was born May 12, 1975 in what was then Koblenz, West Germany. Although he was a child prodigy on the classical flute, performing at just 15 at the Aspen Music Festival in the United States, his parents tried to dissuade him from a career in music given their families’ struggles in postwar Germany. Artmann continued on anyway, even when he had to keep his obsessive studying and practicing a secret.

Although Christian Artmann made two recordings with pianist Philippine Duchateau (2007’s Good News and 2010’s Living Room, both released in 2017), his own leadership debut came with 2011’s self-released Uneasy Dreams. Fields of Pannonia arrived in 2015, followed by Our Story in 2018. The Middle of Life is his fourth album.

His clandestine passion for music continued into his years in higher education, with Artmann earning degrees at Princeton University (even as he whiled away his free time in the school orchestra) and Harvard Law School (while also studying composition and jazz performance at the nearby Berklee College of Music). He returned to Europe as accomplished on the flute as he was in academia—but even cosmopolitan Vienna couldn’t hold him for long, and Artmann came back to the States in 2005, moving to New York and beginning careers in both the corporate and creative worlds.

Reflecting on the album’s title, Artmann quotes a Buddhist poem: “’The world of dew is just a world of dew. And yet… and yet.’ What an amazingly succinct summary of our life! One fleeting moment in time, and yet so very valuable.” 

New Music Releases: Jonathan Butler, Billy Childs, Donald Byrd, Joe Chambers

Jonathan Butler - Ubuntu

Legendary singer and songwriter Jonathan Butler traveled back to his home country of South Africa to craft his most exciting and deeply personal album to date. Featuring producer and bassist Marcus Miller, Ubuntu is a reintroduction of Jonathan Butler’s life story, going back 60 years to his upbringing in apartheid-era Capetown, which shaped his world view, prompted years of advocacy and instilled the ideology of ‘Oneness’ (Ubuntu). Featuring special guests Keb’ Mo’ and Stevie Wonder, the new album serves both as a rebirth of musical creativity and reconciliation with systemically biased history to forge a brighter future.

Billy Childs - The Winds Of Change

For his third Mack Avenue Records release, 5-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Billy Childs has assembled an all-star quartet with trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Brian Blade. On The Winds of Change, the critically acclaimed pianist/composer offers 5 brand new original compositions alongside exhilarating arrangements of Chick Corea’s “Crystal Silence” (originally on Corea’s 1972 ECM recording of the same name with vibraphonist Gary Burton) and Kenny Barron’s “The Black Angel” (originally on trumpeter Freddie Hubbard’s 1970 Atlantic recording of the same name) to push the creative boundaries of the group and inspire a collective new sound to pay homage to jazz legends and the artistry.

Donald Byrd - Live: Cookin’ with Blue Note at Montreux 

Donald Byrd’s dynamic 1973 live recording Live: Cookin’ with Blue Note at Montreux is out now in its first-ever official release. The legendary trumpeter was fresh off his hit crossover fusion album Black Byrd produced by Larry Mizell, but in a live setting the 10-piece band had a rawer edge as this searing set from the Montreux Jazz Festival attests. The set list includes Larry Mizell’s tune “Black Byrd” along with otherwise unrecorded Byrd originals and a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “You’ve Got It Bad Girl.” It's available now on Blue Note Store exclusive blue vinyl, black vinyl, CD & digital. Watch video of Byrd performing “Poco-Mania.”

Joe Chambers - Dance Kobina

Drummer, percussionist, vibraphonist, composer & Blue Note legend Joe Chambers returns with the release of Dance Kobina, which explores the deep musical connection between Jazz, Latin, Brazilian, Argentinian & African music. The album was recorded in both New York & Montreal with musicians including pianists Andrés Vial & Richard Germanson, bassists Ira Coleman & Mark Lewandowski, saxophonists Marvin Carter & Caoilainn Power, vibraphonist Michael Davidson, and percussionists Elli Miller Maboungou & Emilio Valdes Cortes. Hear the vibrant title track “Dance Kobina.”

French Caribbean artist Sebah's new album 'Speak With Your Heart'

Sebah grew up in the South of France and it was during his childhood that he started to play the guitar, surrounded by the music of the Caribbean via his grandfather who was an afro Caribbean singer and guitarist, as well as international pop music.

At fourteen he started his first rock group and also started to sing, covering a variety of bands such as Nirvana, and by the time he was eighteen he was listening to Bob, Marley, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Keziah Jones, Michael Jackson,Toots and The Maytals, Lenny Kravitz, Kassav, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Fela Kuti.

As an a young aspiring musician Sebah became part of many major French Reggae backing bands as a guitarist and singer which led him to do his first tours of France and Europe opening for his idols such as Toots Hibbert, Alpha Blondy, Max Romeo, The Skatalites, Julian Marley and Madness amongst others.

In the meantime he was also composing his own songs, with all the influences in his repertoire, slowly building his own identity without barriers, refusing to be stereotyped and performing his songs whenever he could on stage as well as in the street or in bars.

In 2016, Sebah released his first album called Unir Nos Forces (unite our strengths), a harmonious cocktail of Soul and World music within which he describes a world more open to each other where the basics of life are given again their value. Produced by Yovo M’Boueke (Bashtung, Amadou and Miriam, Alpha Blondy, Nneka) Sebah found himself surrounded by prestigious musicians such as Paco Séry (Marvin Gaye, Bobby McFerrin) and Richard Balengola (The Wailers, Papa Wemba) and it was supporting Imany that he produced his opus before an adoring public.

In 2019 Sebah returned to the studio and recorded “My friend” within which he shared his style with Jean Roussel a renowned keyboard player (Bob Marley, The Police, Joe Cocker, Toots and the Maytals).

In 2020 during the lockdown Sebah recorded “Generous Man” a soul/gospel tune which he offered to his fans for Christmas, a musical present which offered notes of hope for troubled times, and was to inspire the creation of his upcoming second album entitled Speak With Your Heart produced by Jeff ‘The Fish’ Lefroy and engineered by Guillaume Bouthié.

New Releases: London Brew (Benji B, Theon Cross, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, & Others; MEB (Miles Electric Band); Louis Hayes, Daniel Bingert

London Brew (Benji B, Theon Cross, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, & Others) - London Brew 

Heady work from this supergroup from the London jazz scene – a moody electric ensemble that was initially put together to explore the music of Miles Davis, but who have a soaring sound that's very much all their own. If you know the work of some of the players in the lineup, you'll instantly recognize that you're in very genre-breaking territory – a world past conventional jazz, served up with contributions from Nubya Garcia (sax) and Shabaka Hutchings (flute), Theon Cross (tuba), Nikolaj Torp Larsen (electronics and melodica), Raven Bush (violin and electronics), Dave Okumu (guitar), Benji B ( turntables and "sonic recycling"), and Tom Skinner (drums) and Dan See (percussion). The set was put together by Martin Terefe, who also plays guitar in the group – and the whole thing really takes off from early 70s Miles electric territory, on titles that include "Raven Flies Low", "Morning Prayers", "Bassics", "Miles Chases New Voodoo In The Church", and "London Brew". ~ Dusty Groove

MEB (Miles Electric Band) - That You Not Dare To Forget (2023 Record Store Day Release)

The electric years of Miles Davis have left a huge legacy in music – one that's referenced again and again, and continually revisited by generations of musicians, both young and old. Here, that legacy gets some especially nice treatment – by a group of artists who include some key collaborators with Miles in years back, plus other musicians too – in a project that even features two unreleased solo performance by Davis himself! Vince Wilburn Jr is the leader of the project, and players are almost far too many to mention here – so we'll just list a few – including Ron Carter, Vernon Reid, Wallace Roney, Bernard Wright, Stanley Clarke, Donald Harrison, Marcus Miller, Jeremy Pelt, John Scofield, and Lenny White – all working in deeply layered territory that definitely pushes the older electric mode forward. Titles include "Over My Shoulder", "Hail To The Real Chief (long version)", "Mellow Kisses", "That You Dare Not To Forget", and "Bitches Are Back". ~ Dusty Groove

Louis Hayes - Exactly Right

Louis Hayes is not just a great drummer, he's also a hell of a leader too – the kind that always seems to know how to pick the right players for a really special sort of sound – and create a vibe that really sets his records apart from the rest. That quality is definitely in place here – as Louis leads a cool quintet with Abraham Burton (tenor), Steve Nelson (vibes), David Hazeltine (piano), and Dezron Douglas (bass) – all leaders and all-stars on their own, but coming together here in a wonderfully cohesive group to express Hayes' vision. Years back, Louis worked with Horace Silver – and at some level, he's got a similar genius of his own in the front of a group – as you'll hear here on titles that include "Is That So", "Mellow D", "Nefertiti", "Ugetsu", "Scarborough Fair", "Exactly Right", and "So Many Stars". ~ Dusty Groove

Daniel Bingert - Ariba

One of the most unusual albums ever heard on the Moserobie label – and that's saying a lot, given the groundbreaking material the Swedish imprint has given us for almost 20 years! Daniel Bingert heads up a group that's very heavy on reed interplay, on a set of tunes that are Monkish at points, but also have some surprising funky touches – not in a conventional way, but at a level that really keeps things interesting! Moussa Fadera handles some plenty heavy drums, and gets bass accompaniment from Torbjorn Zetterberg – a player we always love, but who shows off a whole new side of his talents here. The reeds soar, cross, and sparkle – work from Per Texas Johansson (tenor and bass clarinet), Jonas Kullhammar (alto), and Charlie Malberg (baritone and piano). The leader Bingert also brings in some moog at times, and Karl Olanderson provides key work on trumpet – on titles that include "Tom Of Norway", "Mobley Phone", "Ulla My Dear", "Soul Nedgangen", "Kennet Lemur", and "Latin Good Times Spela Roll". ~ Dusty Groove

New Music Releases: Dewayne Pate, Gregory Abbott, Larry Coryell, Roberta Gambarini

Dewayne Pate - On The Upside

Bass player Dewayne Pate is so busy working as a sideman that it has taken him 14 years and a pandemic lockdown to find the time to record his second album as a leader. On The Updise comprises funk, blues, and fusion jazz tunes performed with a variety of instrumentations. Aside from being an in-demand bass player in the business, Dewayne Pate is also an accomplished composer and included five of his original compositions on this release. Pate is a master of many styles and has performed around the world with many top acts. Pate played the 4-string bass for most of his career but switched first to the 5-string and then the 6-string bass because he wanted to expand his musical vocabulary, especially for jazz and fusion gigs. Pate quips, “Whenever I show up for a blues gig with my 6-string bass, people look at me funny. But for those gigs, I just play it like a regular 4-string bass.” From jazz to fusion to Latin to funk to the blues, Dewayne Pate’s superb musicianship has been an essential component of so many different recordings and live performances that audiences may not have realized just how accomplished and versatile he is. On The Upside is a musically rich, formidable display of Pate’s talents as a composer.

Gregory Abbott - Whisper The Words ft. Chieli Minucci

Though Gregory Abbott’s classic, instantly recognizable 1986 hit single “Shake You Down” was a Billboard #1 pop/R&B smash with the distinction of reaching a million radio spins faster than any song in BMI history, the New York bred singer and songwriter is far from a one hit wonder. Drawing lightly exotic touches of inspiration from his Spanish and Caribbean roots, Gregory Abbott’s new single “Whisper the Words” offers a master class in infectious and lilting romantic island charm, with lyrical imagery to match its sweet musical tropicality. The Al Jarreau-flavored seduction features the hypnotic, sensually balmy acoustic playing of guitar great Chieli Minucci.  Beyond his other two Top 5 hits, he’s been releasing a steady stream of Urban/Smooth jazz friendly singles for over 20 years, including five since 2019.

Larry Coryell - Tricycles

A milestone in the discography of master guitarist Larry Coryell. Remixed and remastered from the original tapes exclusively for the Deluxe Edition by sound engineer Winnie Leyh, who has played a major role in the excellent sound of numerous IN+OUT releases. When a jazz trio in the worst possible physical condition manages an outstanding studio session, they must be exceptional musicians. Flu-ridden, Larry Coryell, Mark Egan and Paul Wertico completed their autumn tour of stormy Europe in 2002 and finally found themselves in a studio near Frankfurt to record this album. The Deluxe Edition was remixed and remastered from the original recordings and includes two previously unreleased bonus tracks. Musicians: Larry Coryell – guitar; Mark Egan – bass; and Paul Wertico – drums.

Roberta Gambarini - Easy to Love

IN+OUT Records releases Roberta Gambarini's debut album - for the first time on vinyl in a Limited Audiophile Signature Edition. With a lyrical singing style which shows commitment to the heritage of Monk, Gillespie and Benny Carter, Gambarini delights us with her début album, Easy to Love, recorded in L. A. Limited Audiophile Signature Edition is hand-numbered, artist signed, limited to 1999 copies worldwide and includes two bonus tracks. Musicians: Roberta Gambarini - vocals; James Moody - tenor sax & vocal; Tamir Hendelman - piano; Gerald Clayton - piano; and John Clayton - bass.

 

Craft Recordings relaunches reissue series Original Jazz Classics

Craft Recordings has announced the relaunch of Original Jazz Classics – the reissue series that faithfully presented more than 850 memorable jazz albums over three decades. First launched in 1982 under Fantasy Records, the imprint served as a home for the label’s impressive jazz catalog – which had grown to include thousands of celebrated titles from Prestige, Galaxy, Milestone, Riverside, Debut, Contemporary, Jazzland, and Pablo. Fantasy also had its own place in jazz history, beginning in 1949 with its very first signing, Dave Brubeck. The Bay Area label was also home to the likes of Cal Tjader, Gerry Mulligan, and Vince Guaraldi.

In the ’80s and ’90s, Original Jazz Classics became the go-to imprint for jazz reissues on vinyl, CD and cassette. Its extensive catalog not only boasted some of the most important albums ever recorded, but also long-out-of-print favorites – all of which featured original cover art and liner notes, as well as superior audio.  The previous Original Jazz Classics vinyl pressings are still praised and much sought after by jazz fans and audiophiles alike, who have gone to great lengths to document and share how to find the best-sounding pressings. However, with the relaunch of Original Jazz Classics, there is no need to search any longer.

Original Jazz Classics will relaunch with two of its foundational releases: the seminal Workin' With the Miles Davis Quintet on April 28, followed by Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane on May 26. Both albums have been cut from the original master tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. Each LP is pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI and housed in a replica of its original tip-on jacket. Additionally, Workin’ and Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane will be reissued digitally in 192/24 HD audio.

Culled from Miles Davis’ storied Prestige sessions with Rudy Van Gelder, 1960’s Workin' With the Miles Davis Quintet captures the trumpet player and his First Great Quintet at their peak. Assembled in 1955, the all-star line-up showcased the talents of Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). Replacing Sonny Rollins on the tenor sax was a relatively unknown musician, named John Coltrane. For the two-year period that they were together, the quintet became the defining hard bop group, while their standing engagement at New York’s Café Bohemia was the hottest show in town. Between November 1955 and October 1956, the group recreated the magic of their live shows with three marathon sessions, which resulted in five exceptional albums for Prestige: Miles: The New Miles Davis Quintet (1956), Cookin’ (1957), Relaxin’ (1958), Workin’ (1960), and Steamin’ (1961).

From poignant balladry to uptempo numbers, Workin’ offers a range of moods and material, including standards (Richard Rodgers’ “It Never Entered My Mind,” Dave Brubeck’s “In Your Own Sweet Way”), originals (Davis’ “Four” and Coltrane’s “Trane’s Blues” among them), and a trio number – Ahmad Jamal’s “Ahmad’s Blues.” Throughout, there’s a palpable sense of immediacy, as the deft interplay between the musicians takes center stage: from the excitement of a young John Coltrane to the informed, melodic swing of Red Garland; the tremendous snap and pop of the rhythm section; and Miles’ intense swing.

To add additional context to the importance of these Prestige sessions, the esteemed music historian Bob Blumenthal writes, “Davis understood the potential of the new, longer 12-inch album format, and used it to create definitive performances. . . . The key was contrast, which began with the juxtaposition of Davis’ concision, Coltrane’s complexity, and Garland’s sparkle; extended to the textural variety the rhythm section provided each soloist; and was capped by the distinctive range of the band’s repertoire.”

The second release in the series, Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane, pairs two of history’s most influential jazz artists. While they were at different stages in their careers when this 1957 session was recorded, they both possessed the same rebellious spirit – particularly when it came to pushing their craft to its limits. By the mid-’50s, Thelonious Monk was an established player in the New York scene, whose complex melodies and eccentric persona were often divisive. But the pianist was thriving – having signed with Riverside Records and secured a six-month residency at The Five Spot Café. John Coltrane, meanwhile, was about to release his debut as a leader, after years of being a supporting player with greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis. But the chance to play alongside Monk at the Five Spot was too good of an opportunity to pass up. What transpired that summer was historic. Luckily, some of that magic was caught on tape.

Long considered to be one of the greatest collaborations of all time, Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane is one of the few recordings that includes both jazz icons. Captured in July 1957, not long after the residency began, the session is comprised of Monk classics, including “Trinkle Tinkle,” “Monk’s Mood,” and “Epistrophy” (written with Kenny Clarke) – all performed in a variety of settings, including trios, septets, and quartets. Adding additional star power are such talented players as Art Blakey (drums), Wilbur Ware (bass), Gigi Gryce (alto sax), and Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax).

Speaking to the importance of Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane, AllMusic praises, “This will always be an essential item standing proudly among unearthed live sessions from Monk and Coltrane, demarcating a pivotal point during the most significant year in all types of music, from a technical and creative standpoint, but especially the jazz of the immediate future.” After the Five Spot residency ended, Coltrane and Monk went their separate ways – each reaching new creative heights and international acclaim in the process. But Coltrane never forgot those influential months with the pianist. As he later reflected, “working with Monk brought me close to a musical architect of the highest order. I learned from him in every way.”

President of Craft Recordings, Sig Sigworth says about the Original Jazz Classics series, “Given Craft’s shared passion for meticulous curation and quality, it was a natural step to relaunch Original Jazz Classics. Its popularity and iconic status have endured decades and many audio formats, but its mission remains the same. We are excited for longtime fans of the series to rediscover these historic titles as well as introduce them to an entire new generation of jazz fans.”

Upcoming reissues in the series include titles from Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Mal Waldron and Yusef Lateef, with further details to be announced soon via craftrecordings.com.

Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield, Dick Oatts, Bruce Barth, Mike Boone and Justin Faulkner Pay Tribute to Philadelphia’s Iconic Jazz Composers on "Fly With the Wind"

The musicians that make up the jazz faculty of Temple University’s Boyer College of Music & Dance take their place in the jazz lineage seriously. While their day job entails shaping the next generation of innovators, they’re all renowned players, composers, and bandleaders in their own right. The membership of the Temple Jazz Sextet is such that this would be an all-star group without the renowned school’s imprimatur. The fact that trumpeter Terell Stafford, saxophonists Tim Warfield and Dick Oatts, pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Mike Boone and drummer Justin Faulkner unite so vibrantly under the university’s banner just goes to prove how important they deem its educational mission.

Fly With the Wind (their second release), is a thrilling tribute to the city and its place in that musical history. Released in April 2023, the album features compositions by four of Philly’s most iconic jazz figures: Jimmy Heath, John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, and Lee Morgan. Each tune has been given thoughtful and exhilarating new arrangements by Barth and features inspired playing by all six musicians. The session offers a chance for these brilliant artists to look back at some of the key figures who have shaped their voices as well as the music as a whole.

“For me this album represents the rich tradition of songs written by Philly composers,” says Barth, who selected and arranged the four compositions on Fly With the Wind. “I hope we captured the spirit of Philadelphia music. I think the Philly vibe, in terms of the deep feel for the rhythm and the blues and a certain deep soulfulness, comes through in the playing.”

Named for the title track from Tyner’s string-drenched 1976 Milestone debut, Fly With the Wind also allows the ensemble to bid a loving farewell to two legends close to their hearts who passed away in the last few years. Stafford in particular worked closely with both Tyner and Heath, the latter also being a dear friend and supporter of the Temple jazz program. “Their music still carries on,” Stafford eulogizes, “so that helps carry us through their loss.”

Heath’s “All Members” was recorded by the diminutive saxophonist and his quartet on 1975’s Picture of Heath. Barth’s arrangement slows the piece down a touch without losing any of its robust swagger. Propelled by the lurching swing laid down by Boone and Faulkner, the tune sparks an incisive solo from Stafford, who the wordplay-loving Heath nicknamed “Staff Inflection.” That’s followed by Warfield’s gritty honk and then Oatts with a more lithe and lyrical turn. Barth’s nimble keyboard dance leads into a steely yet understated statement from Boone.

The band’s take on Trane’s classic “Naima” luxuriates in its languid, aching melody while enveloping it in rich, haunting new harmonies. Warfield’s breathy solo may cause listeners to catch themselves holding their breaths in the face of its hushed intimacy, while Boone answers with a heartfelt, elegant beauty.

“Yes I Can, No You Can’t” is reprised from Stafford’s 2015 tribute to Lee Morgan, BrotherLee Love, which also featured Warfield and Barth. “Sometimes people sleep on what an interesting and sophisticated composer Lee Morgan was,” Barth says. “Sure, that tune is a down home, funky 24-bar blues. But when you look closely at the melody it’s just so hip and sophisticated.” Barth elaborated that melody into three part harmony for the frontline, setting the groove-fueled pace for Faulkner’s explosive drum feature.

At more than thirteen minutes, “Fly With the Wind” is the album’s breathtaking centerpiece. Announced by a portentous fanfare devised by Barth, the song launches at a relentless pace and never lets up. The passion poured into this performance by all six members of the sextet exemplifies the esteem in which Tyner was held. Barth has long acknowledged the pianist’s importance in his own development, paying homage with two earlier compositions of his own: “Blues for Mr. Tyner” on the Temple sextet’s previous release, Family Feeling, and “Let’s Go” on his most recent solo album, Dedication.

“McCoy played with an intensity that’s hard to describe and that we all strive to get to,” Barth says. “The power and the depth of his expression came through on the records, but there were a few times hearing him live where it was almost an otherworldly experience.”

Barth tailored the solo sections for his bandmates, having Stafford and Oatts play over the changes but then crafting a C Minor vamp for Warfield, unleashing a blistering blowing session that gives away to a pugilistic duet between the saxophonist and Faulkner’s thunderous drumming.

Having played with Tyner so often, Stafford was able to get closer to that estimable power than anyone. “To record ‘Fly With the Wind’ with these guys and create that same energy that I remember from playing with McCoy was unbelievable,” he describes.

The camaraderie that Stafford hints at is key to the Temple Jazz Sextet and to the infectious joy that shines through on Fly With the Wind. “The choice of tunes on this album really speaks to my heart,” he says, “and of course the guys that play them are all my close colleagues and friends. When you play with your boys, the music is different because you trust them and they trust you. You just want to play because it feels so good.”

On Sunday, April 16 at 8 p.m., the Temple University Symphony Orchestra, Studio Orchestra and Jazz Band are joined by faculty artists Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts, Bruce Barth, Tim Warfield, Mike Boone and Justin Faulkner to explore an eclectic mix of classical, jazz and crossover music. 

This performance features the premieres of Billy Childs’ Labyrinth and Bill Cunliffe’s Rainforests alongside Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera’s energetic Four Dances from Estancia. 

Additionally, the Temple University Jazz Band repeats Banks Sapnar’s Red Braid from the performance that earned them second place at this year’s Jack Rudin Jazz Championship and Stafford, Oatts, Barth, Warfield, Boone and Faulkner perform the title track from Fly With the Wind.

New Music Release: Orrin Evans | "The Red Door"

What’s behind The Red Door? For pianist Orrin Evans, that question has come to symbolize the daring path his life and music have taken over the course of his three-decade career. On his latest album, due out this coming June 16, Orin Evans again flings that door open, delighting in the collaborators, friends, inspiration, and history that he finds inside.

Growing up in the Pentecostal church, Evans explains, the color red came to signify the negative: think blood, sin, the temptation embodied in red light districts, all things infernal. Approaching a red door, then, is a daunting prospect. The image manifested for him recently when he overheard someone say, “I don’t see color” – itself something of a red flag.

“I’ve realized that along with red meaning ‘warning’ or ‘stop,’ it also represents so many beautiful things,” he says. “Roses are red, and Valentine’s hearts. So, I do see color, and we all should see color, but we shouldn't see the negative history that comes along with it. Instead, we need to allow ourselves the opportunity to walk inside and discover what’s behind the red door.”

Looking back, Evans has opened that door time and again, always with fortuitous results. There was the decision to pursue a life in jazz, the initial red door that led to a series of others: summoning the courage to test his mettle in the notorious jam sessions at Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus in Philly; braving a move to New York with growing confidence but no sure prospects (“I didn't get a gig, but I got a wife,” he laughs); launching his own big band, a formidable undertaking that’s ended up garnering him two Grammy nominations; joining The Bad Plus, putting him under microscopic scrutiny, the striking out on his own again despite the band’s ongoing success.

Many of the musicians who join Evans on The Red Door connect to those periods of discovery and growth. The album features two core bands: one the rhythm section of bass legend Buster Williams and veteran drummer Gene Jackson, joined by the late trumpet master Wallace Roney or Philly living legend Larry McKenna on tenor; the other a quintet with trumpeter Nicholas Payton, saxophonist/flutist Gary Thomas, bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. In addition, the album features guest appearances by vocalists Jazzmeia Horn, Sy Smith, and Alita Moses.

In many cases, the elders on the album are artists whom Evans had long dreamed of working with, or acquaintances from the past whom he felt he was long overdue to reconnect with. Roney, who hired Evans early in the pianist’s career but whose path he hadn’t crossed in the intervening years, passed away in March 2020, an early casualty of the pandemic, bringing home the urgency of working with these masters while they’re still among us.

COVID also claimed the great tenor titan Bootsie Barnes, whom Evans had originally planned to feature along with fellow Philly legend Larry McKenna. McKenna, who was also Evans’ first music theory teacher, unfurls a simmering, lyrical solo on “The Good Life,” his first meeting with the great Buster Williams. “All the Things You Are,” meanwhile, brings West Philly natives Roney and Gene Jackson together for the first time since both were featured on Joey DeFrancesco’s 1990 big band album Where Were You? – and in that case, the two were never in the studio together. The album closes with the aching ballad “I Have the Feeling I’ve Been Here Before,” rendered by the trio of Evans, Hurst, and Smith.

The Red Door opens with the title track, which Evans originally recorded with The Bad Plus on 2019’s Activate Infinity. Payton had recorded with Evans as a guest with the collective trio Tarbaby, but Thomas’s presence finally makes up for the saxophonist’s inability to make the session for Evans’ 2002 Palmetto debut, Meant to Shine. Early on, Evans recalls, “Gary was on the other side of that door for me because he was working with Uri Caine and Ralph Peterson.”

Hurst, Smith, and Jackson all harken back to the progressive '80s jazz sound that the pianist was reared on, working with the likes of Kevin Eubanks and Branford Marsalis. Evans had only worked with Hurst and Smith once apiece – the drummer on a never-released Kevin Eubanks recording, the bassist on a Terri Lyne Carrington performance. “I don’t apologize for loving that '80s music and '80s sound,” Evans insists.

“Weezy” and “Phoebe’s Stroll,” the latter of which pares the quintet back to a swaggering trio, are both named for Evans’ godchildren – Sean Jones’ daughter Phoebe and Eloise, the daughter of his booking agents. The trio also essays the lovely “Dexter’s Tune,” a Randy Newman composition from the soundtrack of the 1990 film Awakenings. The quintet reconvenes for Geri Allen’s “Feed the Fire,” and Ralph Peterson Jr.’s “Smoke Rings,” both composed by influential figures lost too soon.

As always, Evans’ recording dates tend to adhere to a liberal open-door policy (red or otherwise), in this case, welcoming three gifted vocalists to the ever-growing village. Jazzmeia Horn gives an impassioned reading of Bill McHenry’s lyric for Evans’ “Big Small,” which originally appeared on his 2012 trio album Flip the Script. Sy Smith took a break from her busy touring schedule with Chris Botti to sing Geri Allen’s arrangement of “Amazing Grace,” while Alita Moses duets with Evans on a spare, compelling rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “They Won’t Go When I Go.”

The musicians with whom he collaborates may not always know what to expect when they walk into an Orrin Evans studio date, but he flings that red door open for them. Now it’s the listeners’ turn to enter. “It's a swinging party on the inside.”

Claire Davis | "Get It Right"

Toronto-based retro-soul artist Claire Davis shares her journey of self-worth and love on her debut album “Get it Right”, released April 2023.

This 10-track analog soul LP was recorded to an 8-track tape machine by engineer Braden Sauder in a converted garage- studio in Toronto, owned by the renowned instrumental jazz/hip-hop group, BADBADNOTGOOD. Featuring some of the city’s top-flight musicians in the R&B/Soul scene, the album was laid down live-off-the-floor in one week during the winter of 2022.

Davis shares, “My heart really lies in live performance so I wanted to recreate that experience as much as possible for this record by having the musicians all record together to tape. I feel like I personally thrive under the limitations that tape gives you; it offers the opportunity to capture a vibe of a performance more so than chasing perfection. Knowing that my favourite soul records were recorded this way gives me an even deeper appreciation for the skill and talent involved in this process.”

“Get it Right” is a record born out of the faith that there’s better things on the other side of fear. Whether that’s breaking toxic cycles or being truly honest about what is and isn’t working in life. The first song written for the record was the title-track of the album which began as a jam between Davis on guitar, producer Scott McCannell on bass, and drummer Chino deVilla. “The lyrics were inspired by my relationship with my partner and the intention that we both have to work on healing ourselves in order to make our partnership work. I’d like to think that it’s a love song with a strong sense of maturity and understanding to it. And the whole record was really shaped around that idea of my relationships and experiences stemming from my own sense of self-love and my desire to live and create from an authentic place.”

The songs on Get It Right feature co-writes from Scott McCannell, Kyla Charter, and Toronto production house Safe Spaceship Music, in addition to horn and background vocal arrangements by composer La-Nai Gabriel. Musicians include Heather Crawford on guitar, Scott McCannell on bass, Adrian Hogan on keys, Chino de Villa on drums, Juan Carlos Medrano on percussion, Aphrose, Tegan Michelle Gordon and Chynna Lewis on background vocals, and horn section The Northern Soul Horns.