Anne Sajdera - It's Here

Pianist/composer Anne Sajdera takes an introspective turn on It’s Here, her third album, set to be released September 20 on Bijuri Records. The recording features five originals and three covers that juxtapose wistfulness for the past with an embrace of the present, on which the Bay Area–based Sajdera works with a wide-ranging assemblage of musicians whose core comprises bassist Gary Brown and drummer Deszon Claiborne. 

The title It’s Here comes from the revelation Sajdera experienced after writing the eponymous track, then trying to determine what it was about. “It was that feeling I get when I look at old photos or mementos, and for a split second you think you don’t have that moment anymore,” she says. “But then you realize it’s right here, if you look for it.” 

The feeling of that realization is unmistakable across “It’s Here,” from Sajdera’s winsome melody to the gorgeous solos by Sajdera, trumpeter Mike Olmos, and alto saxophonist Jesse Levit. Yet it also recurs, if in altered forms, throughout the album, from the genial post-bop take on “Stella by Starlight” to the affecting solo piano closer “Just Starlight.”

Which is not to say that the record is confined to any single mood or color. The Slovakian folk song “Ach Anička” (featuring two Czech guest musicians, trumpeter Miroslav Houcal and alto saxophonist Jan Fečo, who also animated her 2018 album New Year) and the Sajdera original “Bounce” both express upbeat joy with hard-driving swing and funk, respectively. “Three Color Study,” another solo piano piece, molds its fraught emotions to an expressive but angular melodic path, while the aptly titled “Lovely” is swathed in rich orchestration with players Rita Thies (flute) and Joyce Lee (violin) augmenting the ensemble, expressionistic solos by Olmos (trumpet) and Levit (alto saxophone), and perhaps a hint of the Brazilian music Sajdera so exquisitely drew on for her debut, 2012’s Azul.

If there are common elements, however, It’s Here is nonetheless a step forward for Sajdera. She remains a resolutely forward-looking pianist and composer, and this album finds her showing a more ruminative side without diminishing the style that had helped her establish her luminescent musical career. 

Born in Portsmouth, Virginia on November 5, 1965, Anne Sajdera was a “Navy brat,” largely growing up in the busy fleet center of San Diego, California. Her maternal grandfather was a professional musician in the Chicago area up until the 1940s, and even though he passed away when she was quite young, his love of music left an imprint on the family and inspired her grandmother to make sure Anne received piano lessons. She maintained a steady diet of Chopin waltzes, Bach inventions, and Beethoven sonatas in her piano studies, but at the age of 13 became intrigued by Chick Corea’s My Spanish Heart. Adolescent explorations into other kinds of music helped her to find a tight circle of musical friends who often gathered to play and perform together. After relocating to the Bay Area in 1985, she auditioned at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and was accepted as a piano performance major, studying under Peggy Salkind, and then switching to a composition major at the end of her sophomore year, studying under Elinor Armer. 

Sajdera’s investigation of jazz picked up pace while still at the Conservatory, listening daily to Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, and finally taking flight when she began a relationship with an accomplished jazz guitarist, with whom she was soon playing casuals. A class at Berkeley’s Jazzschool with the great Brazilian pianist/composer Marcos Silva sparked her enduring passion for Brazilian music. Before long she was gigging around the Bay Area with her own band Pelo Mar, and as an original member of Bat Makumba. 

Her debut album, 2012’s Azul, also reflects this deep and abiding passion, mixing her ravishing original pieces with classic tunes by the Brazilian masters. It received a place on one of Jazziz magazine’s 2012 Critics Polls and was named one of Latin Jazz Corner’s Great Latin Jazz Albums. The long-awaited follow-up, 2018’s New Year, took on a more straight-ahead postbop aesthetic and won Sajdera another round of critical acclaim. The six-year gap between New Year and It’s Here was, of course, necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic (which pre-empted Sajdera’s initial plan to record her third album in 2020). Yet it was also the pandemic that inspired the state of thoughtful reflection that gives her third album its essential character of fond remembrance and hopeful outlook. 

Anne Sajdera will perform a CD release show, in two sets (5:00 & 7:00pm), at Keys Jazz Bistro in San Francisco on Sunday 10/6, and a CD release/birthday show, in two sets (6:00 & 7:30pm), at Mr. Tipple’s, San Francisco on Friday 11/8.

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Jason Jackson | Looking Up

The seeds of success in music were planted before Jason Jackson concluded his ten-year military career three years ago. Now set to release his third recording project on October 25 and his first for the MBF Entertainment label, the R&B/jazz saxophonist is fervently energized by his upward trajectory, a feeling that permeates the nine new songs that he wrote with his producer, 16-time Billboard chart-topper Adam Hawley. The ten-track “Looking Up” arrives on October 25. 

Jackson hit the Billboard top 20 in 2021, two months after he completed his Navy service. Each project he released has taken him another step up in the soul-jazz marketplace. As Jackson steadily raises his profile, one constant force has been Hawley. “Looking Up” continues their fruitful creative partnership. In addition to producing and playing multiple instruments (guitar, keyboards, and programming) on the album and cowriting the material, Hawley signed Jackson to his MBF Entertainment imprint.     

Jackson’s recordings are personal and thematic, reflecting not just where he is in his music career, but emblematic of where he is at in his life. 

“My first record, the ‘Movin’ On’ EP, was written as I was transitioning out of the US Navy. My first full-length album, ‘All In,’ was conceived after I saw the success of the first record and decided that I wanted to pursue being a solo artist for real. This new record, ‘Looking Up,’ comes at a time when all of the pieces are finally starting to fall into place. I’ve signed with an amazing label (MBF) and I’m getting lots of opportunities to play with well established artists like Adam (Hawley), Rick Braun, Chieli Minucci, and Julian Vaughn. I’ve also had the wonderful opportunity to play shows and festivals as a solo artist such as Marcus Anderson’s MAJACE and Berks Jazz Fest. To me, this record represents that all of the hard work, pushing through slim odds, self-doubt, and setbacks were all worth it and that things are, well, looking up,” said Jackson who lives in Virginia just outside of Washington, DC.  

Jackson’s debut single, “All The Way,” featured Vaughn’s rubbery basslines and the two reconnect to open “Looking Up” with the uber funky and fun “Bump,” which was cowritten by keyboardist Judah Sealy. Keyboardist Caleb Middleton cowrote four songs with Jackson and Hawley for the album, the first of which is “Intentional,” a deliberate midtempo groove. Braun, a seminal figure in the genre who has notched 30 Billboard No. 1 singles, features on “Upside Down,” the next single that will be going for playlist adds on September 23.   

“‘Upside Down’ was the first track that Adam and I wrote for this album. We both knew it was special from the incredibly early demo. It’s got such great swag and a hook you could listen to on repeat all day. We knew we wanted a special featured artist on this track, and I thought ‘Why not shoot for the stars?’ literally. Rick Braun has been one of my favorite artists for as long as I can remember. I remember buying the ‘Shake It Up’ album from a music store at the mall and absolutely wore it out. I recently played a show with him in Norfolk, VA and found out that he is not just an amazing player, but a wonderful person as well. We had to get him on this track! Only in an ‘upside down’ world would I ever think that Rick and I would be playing a song together, much less on my record,” gushed Jackson.  

Two-time Grammy-winning bassist Mel Brown and drummer Eric Valentine dispense the beats and rhythms on “With The Get Down” on which Jackson’s sweaty sax gets way down. “Stay Awhile” pleads its case via an inviting soul-pop melody simmering atop a cozy R&B groove.  

Earlier this year while still in the studio, Jackson previewed the album with the single “Daybreak,” which features a collaboration with another genre stalwart, Special EFX guitarist Minucci, who illumines the vibrant track with gorgeous nylon guitar light, forming a striking combo with the saxophonist’s emotional soprano horn.

“This track is a throwback that conjures up images of when I was a kid in the middle and high school bands and listened to every contemporary jazz CD that I could get my hands on, all while wishing that I could play like that someday. You could say that those years were the very start of my passion for this genre and the early dawn or ‘Daybreak’ of my long musical journey to come,” Jackson shared. 

The album title track brims with confidence, promise and optimism. “I like for all of my records - and record titles - to present a snapshot of where I am to the listener, not just musically but in my life. I think ‘Looking Up’ is a statement song for my today and outlook for what lies ahead,” said Jackson. 

Keyboardist Carnell Harrell cowrote the next two tunes for the album, including the robust R&B “Rewind,” on which Jackson lets loose some fierce alto saxophone play. “Silver” is a bouncy, head-bobbing  flashback with its old-school go-go beat breakdown etched by bassist Dwayne "Smitty" Smith and Valentine’s drums.   

“Looking Up” concludes with a look back. Jackson spotlights R&B vocalist L Young to pay homage to the legendary Luther Vandross by putting their own spin on “Take You Out Tonight.” They break down the track to an intimate acoustic groove augmented by expressive soprano sax, Hawley’s guitar, Ian Martin’s bass and Ramon Yslas’s percussion. 

“Luther has always been a special artist to me ever since his greatest hits CD was dropped into my candy bag one Halloween night. To this day, I don’t know why that person decided that I needed some Luther in my life more than a Snickers bar, but I’m glad he did! That CD ignited my love for R&B. I’ve always wanted to cover a Luther song, and I think this unplugged vibe is the perfect way to end the record,” said Jackson.    

Over the Labor Day Weekend, Jackson joined Hawley for a Saturday night (August 31) performance at the LOVAM Jazz Festival in Omaha, NE. Later this month, Jackson will be performing aboard fellow saxman Dave Koz’s Somma Italia Cruise. Other concert dates prior to the album release include October 11 at the Church Street Jazz Series in Norfolk, VA and October 20 at the Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival. After the album releases, Jackson will hit the stage on November 6 with guitarist JJ Sansaverino at Jazz Legacy in Hampton, VA. 

Jackson was a teenager studying under the tutelage of James Brown’s longtime saxophonist Leroy Harper Jr. when he opened for Brian McKnight, Morris Day and the Time, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Michael McDonald. He went on to perform all over the world as a member of the Navy’s band, taking the stage in international locales such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Australia, and Japan. Three years ago, shortly before exiting the Navy, Jackson sent a demo recording to Hawley. The two have been linked ever since. 

Jackson’s “Looking Up” album contains the following songs: 

• “Bump” featuring Julian Vaughn
• “Intentional”
• “Upside Down” featuring Rick Braun
• “With The Get Down”
• “Stay Awhile”
• “Daybreak” featuring Chieli Minucci
• “Looking Up”
• “Rewind”
• “Silver”
• “Take You Out Tonight” featuring L Young

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Aaron Parks | Little Big III

Acclaimed pianist and composer Aaron Parks returns to Blue Note Records with the October 18 release of Little Big III, the third studio album from his band Little Big featuring guitarist Greg Tuohey, bassist David Ginyard Jr., and drummer Jongkuk Kim. The heady lead single “Delusions” is out now.

Little Big III is the second album that Parks has recorded on Blue Note as a bandleader, following 2008’s Invisible Cinema, a powerfully modern, post-genre concept for improvised music in the 21st century that recently received it’s first-ever vinyl release as part of Blue Note’s Classic Vinyl Reissue Series. Invisible Cinema was a touchstone for so much of the atmospheric, indie-tinged jazz that came after and the catalyst for Parks to develop the working band that became Little Big.

Parks’ new album, co-produced by the pianist with Blue Note President Don Was, underscores the evolution of that vision, and that artist. With its shared writing credits and dynamic, streamlined production, Little Big III also reflects the vision of a bandleader who’s learned that letting go fosters greater inspiration than holding the reins tight. “There’s something about this record that feels like it captures the energy of the band in a more raw and honest way,” Parks says.

As Little Big III unfolds, the only thing more striking than the concise, accessible writing is the vibrancy of the ensemble: the empathy with which guitar and piano meld, sidestepping any surplus of harmonic information; Kim’s taste and finesse; the way Ginyard functions compositionally on the low end, anchoring this seemingly intuitive, slippery music.

For the pianist, crafting the album was an exercise in “letting the band itself start to show me what it sounded like, rather than me trying to control it all the time.” It follows that Parks is now at a stage in his life where acceptance, humility and levity are crucial — as a husband and a father, and as someone who has diligently worked on his wellness and mental health. At 40, Parks finds he’s able to “take the music itself more seriously, because I’m taking myself a little less seriously.”

Throughout Little Big III, the band’s kinship is palpable. There’s a vitality at play on the record that is extraordinary; beautiful and raw in equal measure. “While this record feels the most supple and alive,” Parks explains, “it also feels like the most focused album Little Big has recorded — the most distilled down to the essence.”

AARON PARKS – TOUR DATES:

• Nov. 15 – Bozar – Brussels, Belgium
• Nov. 16 – Alter Schlachthof – Eupen, Belgium
• Nov. 17 – Musig Im Pflegidach – Muri, Switzerland
• Nov. 19 – Kultur Worx – Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
• Nov. 20 – Świdnickie Noce Jazzowe – Świdnica, Poland
• Nov. 21 – Blue Note – Poznan, Poland
• Nov. 22 – Jassmine – Warsaw, Poland
• Nov. 23 – 40 Głogowskie Spotkania Jazzowe – Glogów, Poland
• Nov. 24 – Jazz Club Pod Filarami – Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland
• Nov. 26 – Casino – Wittlich, Germany
• Nov. 27 – Theaterhaus Jazzstage – Stuttgart, Germany
• Nov. 28 – Stadtgarten – Germany, Köln
• Nov. 29 – Jazz Dock – Prague, Czech Republic
• Nov. 30 – Il Torrione – Ferrara, Italy
• Dec. 2 – Jazz Café – London, UK

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Richard Elliot | Straight Up Down

If you are one of the lucky ones, you can recall a moment in time when a portal to an entire new world was opened for you, and a fire was lit within. For Richard Elliot, that moment was when his sister, ten years his senior, took a leap of faith and invited him to listen to her record collection. The only caveat was that he takes good care of her records and put them back where they belong. Elliot not only took good care of the music, but the music has been taking care of him for over four decades. The chart-topping Grammy-nominated saxophonist recalls, “My sister had everything from Joni Mitchell, Carlos Santana and Dave Brubeck to Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and The Four Tops. I got a chance to be exposed at a young age to a lot of great music.” That inspiration ran deep, and Elliot went on to work with all three of the aforementioned Motown legends. His enviable credits also include a five-year stint with the funk and soul horns of Tower of Power and when he was just a lad worked with Natalie Cole and the Pointer Sisters. A man of many talents, Elliot, who once moonlighted as a software engineer, is also a pilot. In fact, the saxman is in the process of building his own two-seat plane in his garage. On September 6, 2024, the Scottish-born, LA raised and San Diego based renaissance man will release his 21st recording as a leader, Straight Up Down, on Shanachie Entertainment.  He shares, “I feel incredibly fortunate that I am allowed to do this as a career and even more grateful that I have been able to do it for as long as I have. It’s all about being honest and truthful in my music and never taking it all for granted.” Elliot provides maximum cruise control on Straight Up Down, an inspired collection of nine tracks, eight of which are originals. The album’s solid and alluring material shine a light on Richard Elliot’s signature soulful and bluesy approach which seamlessly combines his technical prowess and unbridled passion with the finer elements of Jazz, Blues, Pop, R&B and Rock.

“Very Delicious,” is a sumptuous and spirited affair reminiscent of the bluesy soul of John Handy’s 1970s hit “Hard Work.” The selection of “Very Delicious” as an album opener and first single is perfect as Elliot’s supple and agile tenor lines twist and turn to delight elevating the mood and urge you to join in and clap along. “When Jeff Carruthers sent me the track,” he explains, “what I set out to do was come up with a melody that was kind of more hooky. The song is a bit nostalgic, and I love things that are nostalgic. I always feel that it's important to pay homage to what came before us and to choose vibes, grooves and melody lines that speak to where the genre started.”

“Dexter (Gordon) is still my guy. I was around 18 years-old when I went to a club called Concerts By The Sea in Los Angeles. It was truly a life changing moment for me,” shares Richard Elliot. “This big man came out on stage with this low voice and this huge tenor sound. I had already been playing for a few years but when I heard him, I thought to myself ‘I'm doomed. I will never ever come up with a sound anywhere near this guy.’ It really was life changing to hear him play.” Inspired by Dexter and the likes of other tenor legends like Johnny Griffin, Gene Ammons, Coleman Hawkins, Grover Washington Jr. and Michael Brecker, Richard Elliot has managed to carve out this own niche out of his rich caldron of influences. Richard Elliot has scored more than 20 Top 10 Smooth Jazz singles and #1 Contemporary Jazz albums. His debut solo album, Trolltown was released in 1986 and shortly thereafter he began a fruitful relationship with Bruce Lundvall and was signed to Blue Note Records.  A few of his other stand out releases include 2016’s Summer Madness albums including On The Town, Soul Embrace, After Dark, and Jumpin’ Off. His 2013 collaboration with saxophonists Dave Koz Gerald Albright and Mindi Abair, Summer Horns. Elliot’s last recorded Authentic Life was released in 2021 and joined together an A-list line up including Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Jeff Lorber, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Philippe Saisse and. David Mann

 

The ultimate family man, Richard Elliot confides, “I love spending time with my family. My wife and I have five children and it is a joy watching them pursue their careers and their lives.” He is also a self-proclaimed foodie. He and wife Camella enjoy the pursuit of discovering new places to eat. Richard and his wife also run a foundation that donates to worthy causes that benefit youth and young adults including the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, St. Judes, and the San Diego area dance organization TranscenDANCE. With the release of Straight Up Down Elliot concludes, “If there's a few people out there that enjoy or feel impacted or moved by what I do, then I feel like I've accomplished something. If my music affects them in a positive way, then I am happy.”

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Nick Stone | Standing Strong

Last October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, R&B/jazz saxophonist Nick Stone’s wife, Jill, was diagnosed with breast cancer. As she fearlessly embarked on the journey to healing by undergoing extensive treatments that are still ongoing, Stone stood by her side in awe of her endless positivity and undaunted outlook. Her towering courage inspired Stone’s debut single, “Standing Strong,” which he wrote with Grammy nominated producer Nate Harasim (Dave Koz, Darren Rahn, Nils). The Sax-Ed Records release is out now and is presently collecting playlist adds.  

“Standing Strong” is an optimistic and energizing tune powered by Stone’s impassioned alto  sax leads. The invigorating melodies and high-tempo groove constructed by Harasim (piano, Rhodes, synths, guitar, and programmed drums and bass) is bolstered by Jimmy Smith’s trumpet. 29-time Billboard chart topper Darren Rahn mixed the track.  

When the couple received the cancer diagnosis, Jill took the news in stride, determined to fight the disease valiantly while Stone turned to music as an outlet to express his feelings. He entered the studio with Harasim to craft a song that was purposely positive.    

“Nate (Harasim) and I talked about it a lot and when we were approaching what we wanted to do with the song, I kept saying how amazing it was to me how nothing really ever phases Jill, that she just ‘stands strong’ in the face of adversity. That's how the song came to be. It's how the melody, bridge, chorus, and how everything was built,” said the Detroit-based Stone who premieres as a solo artist and has a long history of playing and touring with R&B/pop superstars Ne-Yo and Charlie Wilson. 

Stone’s fervent pursuit of Harasim as producer and collaborator is another storyline. After earning a Grammy nomination for his work on Dave Koz’s “Hello Tomorrow” album and collecting multiple Billboard No. 1 singles, Harasim retired from music. Stone persistently and tenaciously approached Harasim over a five-year span, attempting to lure him back into the game, but the producer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist declined. However, after doing a deep dive into Stone’s work and seeing the saxophonist’s soulful artistic expression and unique musical voice, he agreed. Harasim is producing Stone’s debut album, which is expected to drop early next year.  

As the one-year anniversary of Jill’s diagnosis approaches, Stone is hopeful for her return to full health after watching her endure taxing cancer treatments. 

“She's now in her final phases of treatment and is about to leave the cancer behind: ‘Standing Strong.’”

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Ilya Serov | Colors

The last couple of years have been transformational for trumpeter-singer Ilya Serov both musically and personally. Having released three albums centered on his modern interpretations of tunes culled from the Great American Songbook, Serov’s newly released Silky Sound Records album, “Colors,” is his first collection comprised entirely of original songs that he had a hand in writing. This artistic rebirth happened simultaneously to Serov becoming a father for the first time. Both life-changing events celebrate the maturation of the man and the musician.

The ten songs that make up “Colors” provide a vibrant palette of soul-jazz, R&B grooves and Brazilian jazz instrumentals along with a few iridescent pop vocals. Serov produced three tracks and tapped two-time Grammy winner Paul Brown, multiple Grammy nominee Darren Rahn and 16-time Billboard chart-topper Adam Hawley to produce the rest. Billboard hitmakers Jeff Ryan (saxophone) and Oli Silk (keyboards) were brought in as featured players.

“Colors” closes with “Blossom,” a gorgeous ballad that embodies Serov’s flourishing growth. 

“It took many years of being a professional musician and releasing albums featuring songs from the Great American Songbook until I was able to overcome my insecurities and vulnerabilities and gain confidence to reveal my inner voice and share creative ideas to the  public. ‘Colors’ is a tapestry, fusion of musical genres, blend of cultures and backgrounds, friendships and so much more,” said the Austin, Texas-based Serov.

The album opens with the first single, “Champagne Sky,” a vintage contemporary jazz instrumental showcasing Serov’s regal trumpet with elegant nylon guitar nuances perfectly placed by Brown. It was the first song penned for the project.

Hawley helmed “Beat of My Heart,” a pop gem that Serov said was written as a note of gratitude for his family, wife Amanda and son Caden. According to Serov, Caden’s terrible twos arrived as the artist worked on the album, which made life more complicated and the project more challenging and stressful to complete.

“Family, touring and studio work were hard to balance. Lots of sleepless nights with the baby. It was hard to keep my mind fresh and have a lot of energy to create. Having a family is an amazing thing, despite all the challenges. With this song, I want to remind myself of it every day,” Serov shared.

The beaming midtempo “Glow” was the second single from “Colors” and it’s another Serov-Hawley collab followed by a third Hawley production, “Sea Breeze.” Ryan’s tenor sax shines on the funky instrumental.

“I am so happy my dear friend Jeff (Ryan) was able to join me on this track. He’s an incredible saxophonist with one of the best tones and energy,” enthused Serov.

Serov and Brown link up again on the dreamy slice of sensual pop “Ice & Fire,” which was accompanied by a handsome video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaPRNP7LGS0).

A longtime fan of Brazilian music, Serov surrounded himself with Brazilian musicians to track “A Day in Rio.” Grammy-winning bassist Hussain Jiffry (Sergio Mendes, Herb Alpert) cowrote the song with Serov and plays on the multicultural excursion.  

“I always have been a huge fan of Brazilian music. Samba and bossa nova are my obsessions. I have been to Brazil a few times and every time I went, I wanted to write something using Brazilian beats and instrumentation. An incredible bassist, Hussain Jiffry and I have talked about a collaboration for a few years and the stars aligned on ‘A Day in Rio.’ I had a blast producing this track and building it piece by piece with the most amazing Brazilian players,” said Serov.

Serov chronicles the experience of making the album on the vocal number “Tunnel Vision,” a cut produced and cowritten by Rahn that became an expression of mindfulness and appreciation for Serov.

“The days in the studio were starting to blend one into the other. That’s when the idea for ‘Tunnel Vision’ came up. It was my way of reminding myself of the things that are important. Working on this song was a great outlet for me and helped me to continue. Working on the album was super fun and exciting,” said Serov. 

Silk’s keyboards help buoy “Afloat,” a soothing song that Serov wrote a few years ago and saved for this album. On the track, Serov played an innovative new horn that he co-created called a jazzohorn, which is a unique hybrid of a flugelhorn and a saxophone.

Serov’s muted trumpet and sultry voice combine on the ambient “Dreams,” which Hawley produced. 

Teaming with friend and collaborator Nick Petrillo (keyboards) on the poignant and pretty “Blossom” enabled both musicians to tap into their classical backgrounds. 

Citing jazz legend Chet Baker as a major inspiration, Serov’s last outing was the 2021 “Just Friends” album on which he kept the company of sax star Dave Koz, keyboardist Greg Manning, guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno, vocalist Matt Cusson and saxophonist Alex Hahn. It was Serov’s third album that served a blend of Great American Songbook standards and original songs. His 2013 debut album, “September in the Rain,” was a big band date followed five years later by “Back in Time,” an album that featured collaborations with piano icon Roger Kellaway, six-time Grammy nominated saxophonist Eric Marienthal, and Grammy-winning percussionist Poncho Sanchez. Serov has also composed music for film and has performed on scores that include “Creed II,” “Deadpool 2” and “Addams Family 2.”    

The album release will be feted on July 26 with a concert at Spaghettini south of Los Angeles. Joining him will be multi-instrumentalist Justin-Lee Schultz. A popular performer at jazz festivals, clubs, theaters and at sea aboard Koz’s all-star cruise (Serov will be back aboard in 2025), Serov will play the Glass City Jazz Festival in Toledo, Ohio on August 10, Spaghettini again on September 8 with special guest Tom Braxton, and the Oxnard Jazz Festival on September 15. Come the holiday season, Serov will join Keiko Matsui for a Christmas concert on December 8 in Florida. For more information, visit https://www.ilyaserov.com.

 

Julius Rodriguez | Evergreen

You can find Julius Rodriguez in many places. You could walk into a packed jazz haunt and bear witness to him behind the piano with energy practically surging from his fingers through the room. You might scroll up on social media and catch him alternating from drums to bass to guitar at the speed of a jump cut. You may also step onto festival grounds and see him on stage either solo or accompanying another likeminded visionary, jamming like his life depends on it. No matter where, the New York-born and Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer electrifies any lane. By doing so, he also transcends perceived boundaries between genres and styles, redefining the music to mirror his own fluid creative inclinations and delivering a sound that’s solely his alone.

Following widespread applause from The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The FADER, and more, collaborations with everyone from Wynton Marsalis to A$AP Rocky, and tens of millions of streams, he grows in as many directions as possible on his second full-length offering, EVERGREEN [Verve Records].

“I kept seeing the word EVERGREEN everywhere,” he recalls. “I looked up the definition, and it struck me. An ‘EVERGREEN’ is a plant whose foliage remains functional for all seasons. That’s similar to how I like to be; I want to be myself no matter the genre I’m playing or what’s going on around me. There are a lot of styles on this record, but it’s recognizably my voice.”

He's honed that voice since his childhood in New York where he participated in his first late-night downtown jam session at barely eleven-years-old. Sharpening his skills with thousands of hours and hundreds of gigs, he established himself as a highly sought-after collaborator—whether on piano, drums, synths, or bass. You could hear him loud and clear on recordings by the likes of Carmen Lundy, Lackecia Benjamin, Brasstracks, Kassa Overall, Baby Rose, Joe Farnsworth, Cautious Clay, Ian Isiah, and Braxton Cook. Moreover, he has shined on stage with the late Roy Hargrove, Remi Wolf, Dev Hynes, Lauren Spencer-Smith, Macy Gray, Kurt Elling, Gabriel Garzón-Montano, Morgan James, and Cautious Clay, to name a few. He even lent his talents to Meshell Ndegeocello’s The Omnichord Real Book—which garnered the first-ever GRAMMY® Award in the category of “Best Alternative Jazz Album.” 

Julius’s signature style came to life on his solo debut, Let Sound Tell All. NPR hailed the latter as “a project so dynamic that even the umbrella of jazz couldn’t quite contain its essence,” and GRAMMY.com noted, “Rodriguez is demonstrating a lively, inspired talent within the genre’s convention while also infusing his own personal musical identity and history into the music.” Not to mention, he made his debut at North See Jazz festival in 2023, charging up the crowd.

As life changed, his music evolved. Spending the bulk of his life in New York, he relocated to Los Angeles during 2022. At this point, he had toured and performed around the globe. Moving away from home and seeing the world exerted a profound impact upon him. He notes, “You don’t understand how different these moments are until you experience them head-on.”

At the top of 2024, he entered a studio in North Hollywood, CA with producer Tim Anderson [Solange, Halsey, Billie Eilish]. They unlocked a distinct chemistry, bonding over the catalog of Herbie Hancock and seventies fusion titans Mahavishnu Orchestra.

“Tim has an appreciation for jazz and the culture, so he understood where I was coming from musically,” Julius goes on. “From there, he brought in other elements. I love what he’s done with artists outside of the tradition I come from like Solange and Banks, and he introduced me to the ambient music world.”

Fittingly, Julius introduces the album with the opener and single “Mission Statement.” Steady handclaps set the track in motion as a spacey loop swims around a slick bass line. Cymbals chatter through vibrant piano, and a saxophone solo sails off towards the horizon.

“‘Mission Statement’ was one of those ideas that initially came to me in the Pandemic,” he recalls. “I was figuring out how to incorporate sounds from hyperpop, drum ‘n’ bass, and other styles that I dig, but I don’t get a chance to play. In terms of the name, I’m not just trying be the jazz musician that everyone knew me as. My vision was to create a different sound that’s unique to my influence. My mission is to break out of what people know and expect of me and just do what I like.”

“Love Everlasting” sees him team up with longtime friend and fellow dynamo Keyon Harold. A dreamy keyboard melody gently echoes as Keyon’s unmistakable trumpet booms in fits of emotion over robust drums and shimmering piano.

“I’ve known Keyon since college,” he goes on. “He was the first person to take me on tour in Europe, and I’d always wanted to work with him on my own material. I invited him to the studio, and he played trumpet and harmonized with himself. Thematically, it felt like a cycle of what I assumed to be a friendship. In a strong friendship, no matter what happens, you’ll always understand the love you and the other person have for each other.”

Then, there’s “Run To It (The CP Song).” It hinges on a boisterous back-and-forth between the bass, beats, guitar, and piano—akin to a vivacious Sunday on stage in a Southern church. “There’s a camaraderie to the melody,” he smiles. “It’s bound to make for a good time.”

On the other end of the spectrum, he injects a “jazz waltz vibe” into his reimagining of Dijon’s “Many Times.” The epic “Stars Talk” unites him with Nate Mercereau whose synths and freestyled guitar samples amplify an exhale of sonic bliss. “It takes you on a bit of a journey,” he notes. “Nate brought it to another level.”

The album crescendos to a triumphant inflection point on the closer “Champion’s Call” [feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow]. A signature piano line from Julius brims with energy as Georgia’s deep wail resounds with earthquaking intensity in a mantra-like motion, “Champions call.”

“I played some shows with Georgia, and I asked, ‘What are we going to play?’,” he remembers. “She replied, ‘I don’t do setlists; we go on stage and just trust God’. She’s big on letting her spirit flow through her from a higher power. That’s exactly what she did on ‘Champion’s Call’. It was pretty magical.”

By breaking boundaries with EVERGREEN, Julius has lived up to the true spirit of jazz by ushering it towards the future freely.

“I hope you hear this and forget about the whole genre labeling thing,” he leaves off. “This is just music you can dance to, feel to, and think to. It’s not about categorizing; it’s about enjoying something for what it is. EVERGREEN goes through a whole bunch of genres, but this is the world I’m seeing and hearing. This is the feeling I’m invoking. I made a statement and said, ‘The genre is just me’.” 

Gregory Goodloe | Groovin' On

Ever since R&B/jazz guitarist Gregory Goodloe scored his first Billboard No. 1 hit five years ago, he’s maintained a consistent presence on the national singles charts and on playlists everywhere. He released a half-dozen singles since, each of which was a collaboration with a chart-topping producer such as Adam Hawley, Darren Rahn, Jeff Canady and Bob Baldwin. For Goodloe’s new Hip Jazz Records single, “Groovin’ On,” he tapped Grammy winner Michael Broening to co-write and produce the effervescent track that recently began collecting radio and Spotify playlist adds. 

Goodloe has openly acknowledged the impact that legendary guitarist and vocalist George Benson has on his music. Broening won a Grammy for producing Benson’s and Al Jarreau’s 2007 duet, “Mornin’,” thus teaming up with the producer who has more than twenty No. 1 hits was a goal high up on Goodloe’s wish list. The guitarist respects the keyboardist-producer-songwriter’s catalogue that boasts more than sixty contemporary jazz hits from a star-studded assemblage of hitmakers including Nick Colionne, Cindy Bradley, Michael Lington, Steve Oliver, Tim Bowman, Lin Rountree, Althea Rene, Kim Scott and Kayla Waters.  

“I have always admired Michael’s amazing ability to tell a story through his music. We had talked about collaborating for more than a year. It was the vibe of ‘Groovin’ On’ that Michael decided would fit my personality. Putting the song together was a dream come true. I wanted to create a song that was easy on the ear, but true to the groove,” said Goodloe, who was accompanied on the invigorating track by Broening’s keyboards, Grammy-winning bassist Mel Brown, and rhythm guitarist Freddie Fox, the latter who also played on “Mornin’.”  

The song title fits the tune perfectly as “Groovin’ On” surfs towering waves of energizing, dance and funk grooves while Goodloe’s commanding electric jazz guitar splashes around in a frothy ocean of melodies. The single will serve as the title track of Goodloe’s forthcoming album that he anticipates releasing this summer. 

The Denver-based Goodloe served in the U.S. Army prior to launching his music career. Stylistically, the guitarist has explored both secular and nonsecular music as well as instrumental and vocal music. Among Goodloe’s noteworthy endeavors in jazz, R&B and gospel are outings with Grammy winner Ben Tankard, R&B vocal trio Surface, soul singer Howard Hewett, boy band B2K, R&B singer-songwriter Tank, and The First Lady of Gospel Music Shirley Caesar. Of his own recordings, Goodloe’s single “Stylin’” went all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard chart in June 2019. More recently, “In This Love” was a top 25 single last year. Goodloe hosts the weekly Mile High Smooth Jazz radio show, which airs on Worldwide Jazz Radio.

 

Tracy Yang Jazz Orchestra | OR

From the opening notes of OR, composer Tracy Yang spreads her wings and flies high and fast. She asserts her brilliance and rightfully declares that she (an award and grant-winning artist) can dazzle you with a singular musical alloy of emotional resonance and intellectual depth. Produced by Yang and Darcy James Argue, and featuring a powerhouse ensemble of first-call NYC artists, OR will be released on August 23, 2024 on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records. 

Tracy Yang, originally from Taiwan, has established herself as a composer, musician, and cross-disciplinary artist in NYC over the past decade. Recognized with the Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize, she's also been honored with grants from respected institutions like New Music USA, New York Foundation for the Arts, and Pathways to Jazz. She has collaborated with esteemed ensembles such as The Army Jazz Ambassadors, BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, SWOJO (Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra), and the Taipei Jazz Orchestra. In addition to her musical accomplishments, Yang's expertise extends to the dance world, where she collaborates with renowned dance institutions, counting among them Martha Graham, ABT, Paul Taylor, Limón, Mark Morris and Juilliard School, to name a few.

To pursue music, Yang not only left her home country, but also left behind her beloved field of medicine. She followed her heart and embarked on her pursuit of becoming a jazz composer. The compositions on OR are the result of Yang putting together the puzzle of her existence, her dreams, her journeys and experiences; no less than her very life and being is reflected, redefined, and re-patched into images, feelings, and inner-thoughts expressed in music.

The title track, "OR" portrays Yang's enthusiasm for her background in medical science, and the composition itself unfolds as a narrative of an imaginary surgical procedure in an operating room; "Sea of Clouds" and "Sea Swell" are from her Scene Taiwan Collection, leading the audience to travel around the magnificent landscape of Taiwan, and for the composer to reflect on her culture; "Melting Arctic" shows concern for the ecological environment. "A Step to My Dream," the earliest jazz orchestra original she has written, is about the challenging journey she experienced while pursuing her dream of becoming a jazz composer and meaningfully marking the beginning of the journey. The creation of the “MMXXI suite - I. Uncertainty, II. Healing, III. Reunited" was a real-time reflection of the situation in the world and Yang’s emotional state in 2021 to 2022, and the timeless connection it has to human experiences in various scenarios. 

On working with renowned composer, arranger, and bandleader Darcy James Argue, Yang said, “I am fortunate to have gained insight into Darcy's producing style while working as a production assistant on Erica Seguine and Jihye Lee's past project. When Darcy sensed that I had lost faith in recording my own big band record, he simply said that I have to do it and he would be glad to produce it for me. I don't think that came out lightly from Darcy, and I simply held on to that faithfulness during the challenging phases. His high standard in many things, particularly producing a big band album, has consistently inspired me to follow his lead. Known for his clarity and meticulous attention to detail, he speaks like he writes – precise yet artistic. I deeply appreciate his respectful and witty communication with musicians. Without Darcy's faithful support and guidance, OR most likely wouldn't exist in its current form.”   

Yang’s large ensemble recording, OR, marks a profound milestone in her journey over the past ten years in NYC, which she called, “the most beautiful and meaningful chapter of my life.” We can celebrate that with the artist through this wonderful recording.

Eric Roberson | Mask

MASK" is the latest offering from songwriter extraordinaire ERIC ROBERSON. The beautifully-written song serves as a continuation of Eric Roberson's mission to release a new piece of work either every month and or every other month, in an effort to keep inspiring music afficionados around the world. "MASK" was written by Eric Roberson, Daniel Crawford and Jairus "JMo" Mozee and produced by Eric Roberson, Brett "B Dubb" Baker and Zachariah "SlimKat78: McGant. “This was probably my hardest song to write and record this year. Even though I didn't feel it was my story, I dove deep into the character. I cried throughout the entire process. I hope it connects with someone who needs it,” shares Eric.

Being that July is BIPOC Mental Health Month, Eric Roberson partnered with the African American Male Wellness Agency for their "Real Men Real Talk" initiative. In an effort to help maximize the song's reach and impact, promoting vulnerability and healing in our community. BIPOC Mental Health Month was created to bring awareness to the unique mental health challenges of historically disenfranchised and oppressed racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

"MASK", is the latest installment of Eric Roberson cycle of continuously releasing new music for his fans. This very emotional piece of art, joins the previous released songs of the series; "You", "Here For You", "Things Meant For Me", "I Apologize", and "Just Don't Hold It In."

Whether over the course of his seventeen beloved LPs (2001’s The Esoteric Movement to 2022’s Lessons) or through songwriting/production/vocal collaborations with the likes of Jill Scott, Dwele, Musiq Soulchild, Vivian Green, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Spinna and others, fine-tuned R&B music ears have come to recognize and make a somewhat spiritual connection with his everyday relatable, multi-influenced vibe which mirrors their own lives and experiences. “It’s R&B and soul music, but I’m a hip-hop dude,” Eric replies, of his influences as it relates to his music’s appeal.

Indeed, nothing less than heartfelt gratitude for the blessing of being able to continue releasing music through his very own Blue Erro Soul Entertainment, as well as accolades which have included two successive Grammy nominations for “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” (for “A Tale of two” in 2010; “Still” in 2011), a BET J Virtual Award for “Underground Artist of the Year” (2008), being distinguished as the first independent artist to be nominated for a BET Award in 2007 and sold-out tours throughout the world is what makes Eric Roberson, "The Soul Man himself".

Brad Shepik | Human Activity: Dream of the Possible

Guitarist and composer Brad Shepik will release his ninth album as leader on October 11, 2024. The new offering, Human Activity: Dream of the Possible, is a ten-movement meditation on the climate challenges we face, seeking to inspire action for a sustainable future. This piece, composed and premiered by Shepik in 2021, builds on his earlier work, Human Activity Suite (2007). Human Activity: Dream of the Possible features Shepik on guitar, tambura, and saz, along with a talented ensemble including Layale Chaker on violin, Amino Belyamani (Dawn of Midi, Innov Gnawa) on piano, Sam Minaie (Tigran Hamasyan) on bass, and John Hadfield (Kinan Azmeh, Lennie Pickett) on drums and percussion.

Shepik has previously recorded eight albums as a leader. Since 1995 his ensembles have performed at major festivals and clubs across Europe and North America including The North Sea Jazz Festival. He appears on more than 70 recordings and has been awarded commissions and grants from the Seattle Arts Commission (Borders 1987) and Chamber Music America (Human Activity Suite - Code Red), New York Foundation for the Arts and the Puffin Foundation. He has performed and recorded with many leading lights of jazz and world music including Paul Motian's Electric Bebop Band, Dave Douglas' Tiny Bell Trio, Carla Bley, Bob Brookmeyer, Charlie Haden, Simon Shaheen’s Quantara, Yuri Yunakov's Bulgarian Wedding Band, Chandrika Tandon’s Shivoham, Gnawa of Hope, Joey Baron, Pachora, Matt Darriau’s Paradox Trio, Tom Beckham, Combo Nuvo, Kiran Ahluwalia and George Schuller among others.

Human Activity: Dream of the Possible reflects Shepik's response to the alarming climate report of 2021, emphasizing the critical need for proactive environmental stewardship. Shepik explains, “I aimed to create a concert-length piece that reflects the state of the climate and the evolution of our attitudes toward climate change over the past 14 years. The term ‘human activity’ often signifies our negative, exploitative, and harmful impact on the environment. However, we are the one species capable of having the greatest positive effect on this issue. We can choose to actively change our habits, live more sustainably, and do whatever we can to preserve the planet for future generations.”

Shepik discusses his motivation and composition process: “I set out to express my own feelings about the climate issue and at the same time explore the musical worlds of these inspiring musicians, each with their own distinctive voices. The piece initially premiered under the title ‘Code Red,’ but after conversations with artists from various mediums, including my photographer wife, Caroline Mardok, whose work is featured throughout the CD booklet, I began to consider the inspiration and impact of a more hopeful narrative.”

The movements of the piece each address different aspects of the climate crisis. The album opens with “Code Red” which references the 2021 IPCC warning from scientists that Earth's vital signs have reached critical levels. “The Search” explores the plight of climate migrants seeking refuge from environmental changes.

Next up is “Dream of the Possible” which contemplates cleaner, cheaper, and healthier alternatives to carbon-intensive lifestyles while “Symbioticity” suggests cooperation and interdependence for mutual benefit between humans and the natural world.

“Future Generations” is inspired by those who will inherit the consequences of our actions and inactions. “Travel Back” evokes nostalgia and the environment of one's youth. “Still Heat” reflects on the unprecedented 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome. “All Hands” centers on the idea that everyone can contribute to mitigating climate change.

“Naturitude” is a meditation on gratitude and the protection of the natural world that we still have. The album closes with “Orange Haze” which captures the dissonance and surreal luminosity of wildfire smoke seen from thousands of miles away.

Through Human Activity: Dream of the Possible, Shepik is not only addressing the gravity of our environmental crisis, but also underscoring the power of hope and collective action. The masterful blending of jazz and world music in the compositions reflects the truly global nature of this crisis. His work is both a poignant reminder and an inspiring call to action to protect our planet for the sake of future generations.

Emiliano Lasansky | The Optimist

Emiliano Lasansky’s melodies have the potential to simultaneously serve as vehicles to memories and past experiences, and to evoke optimistic anticipation for the future. Lasansky elaborates, “my work attempts to unify elements of the past and present in exciting and unexpected new ways. I also strive for my work to be accessible to a wide audience with hidden layers of subtlety for those that desire to take a closer look.” 

The title track, “The Optimist,” mirrors life, presenting the soloist with trials and tribulations challenges, and rewards, with sections of challenging chords, creating harmonic adversity for the soloist, followed by open sections where the soloist can improvise freely and celebrate. This composition also reflects a core part of Lasansky’s identity. “L.P.’s Tune” pays tribute to Lasansky’s father who passed away in 2020. It celebrates his life, his unwavering support of the young musician’s endeavors and pursuits, and the deep love of music he passed on to his son.

“Dependence” is a modern jazz gem that leaves you with the feeling one might have after spending time with a dear friend. It is about the positive aspects of the word, the essence of reliance, celebrating the diverse elements that shape our identities. This is reflected in the energetic solos that sparkle with the warmth of friendly banter and camaraderie amongst the musicians. In 2017 & 2018 Lasansky attended the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program, led by preeminent pianist, Jason Moran, who left a big impression on Lasansky, which led to “Follow The Thread.” Lasansky explains, “Jason said something to the effect of ‘get out there and do your thing. If you get lost, turn around and grab onto the thread of what music has come before you and then turn back around and follow that thread into the future.’ When I was writing music for this project, I knew I wanted to write something in a slow three and many of the things I was coming up with just fell short. Jason’s words kept rolling through my mind coupled with how an idea that one needs to be fearless and authentic to truly speak their mind. I ended up going back and checking out tons of recordings by my favorite artists and a picture started to come together for the song.” 

Other highlights on The Optimist include “Fountain Of Youth,” which began with a assignment from none other than Herbie Hancock himself, to compose music based on experiencing, and being inspired by your environment. “Young Corn” (featuring vocalist Genevieve Artadi) draws inspiration from a Grant Wood painting of the same title. “In 2018 I went to see the Grant Wood retrospective at the Whitney Museum in NYC. Wood is an artist who is from near where I grew up in Iowa and lived around the corner from where my father grew up. Many of his paintings depict the rolling hills and prairie scenes of my home state Iowa. I was inspired when I saw painted scenes from where I grew up and imagined what music might accompany some of those images. This inspired me to write ‘Young Corn.’ The song takes on the character of open, expansive prairies, drawing sonic influence from composers like Aaron Copland, Maria Schneider and Pat Metheny (two of whom are from areas near me in the Midwest). The lyrics tell the story of being sure- footed in one’s pursuit of happiness and are meant to evoke a sense of honesty and optimism,” explains Lasansky. 

With The Optimist we find ourselves under the spell of a fully-fledged, modern day composer making great strides, and frankly, hitting it over the wall on his first at-bat. We can enjoy his wonderful, emotive melodies, and his ensemble elevating each composition to works of art, which remind us of the greatness and love in all of us, the joyful and sorrowful times of our lives, and the importance of having excitement and optimism for our future.

Dan Siegel | Unity

Pianist and keyboardist Dan Siegel has covered a broad swath of the jazz spectrum over the course of his four-and-a-half decade career, from straightahead swing to sleek contemporary sounds. While that’s a testament to Siegel’s multi-faceted talents and restless curiosity, it’s also the result of the diverse array of collaborators that have joined him along the journey – a staggering roster that includes Bela Fleck, Steve Gadd, Larry Carlton, Ernie Watts, Ottmar Liebert, Lee Ritenour, Brian Bromberg, Eric Marienthal, Bob Sheppard, Boney James, Alex Acuña and others. 

Siegel’s twenty-third release, Unity, is the latest and one of the finest examples of that alchemical process. Due out August 9, 2024, Unity reunites the keyboardist with drummer Oscar Seaton for the first time in 20 years, since the recording of the 2004 album Inside Out. It also marks his first meeting with bassist David “DJ” Ginyard, Seaton’s rhythm section partner in Terence Blanchard’s electrically charged E-Collective band. From the time the trio entered the studio together, Siegel’s vision of the music he’d written for the session irrevocably changed, a display of the titular unity.

'Recording is like magic sometimes,” Siegel says. “The music appears from nothing, which can be really gratifying. The best guarantee you can have is to hire good people. When I got together with Oscar and DJ, the feel and the overall direction changed pretty drastically from how I envisioned it.” 

Siegel points to the breezy, infectious “Free Spirit,” which he initially pictured as a swinging piano trio tune in the classic tradition. Approaching Ginyard and Seaton separately, both assumed they’d play it as a shuffle. “I had no idea that's where it was going to go,” Siegel marvels. It turned out to be this pretty heavy 12/8 groove, but it works. I have to admit that when things change up like that, it's the most fun you can have in the studio.” 

To the core trio, Siegel added a rotating cast of master guitarists, most of them longtime compatriots and friends who each added their own distinctive flavors to the tracks: Rob Bacon (Raphael Saadiq, Amp Fiddler), Allen Hinds (Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole), Michael Miller (Boz Scaggs, Chick Corea), Dean Parks (Steely Dan, Michael Jackson), and Michael Thompson (Babyface, Whitney Houston). Unity also features percussion great Lenny Castro, whose relationship with Siegel dates back to the keyboardist’s self-titled 1982 album, as does that of prolific saxophonist Tom Scott, who heads the album’s horn section. 

Unity, like each of Siegel’s wide-ranging albums, is a reflection of the time and circumstances in which it was created. Its most recent predecessors, the meditative Fractured Monolith and the densely arranged, wistful Faraway Place, were Siegel’s pandemic projects, generated by isolation and endless time. The ability to convene with one’s fellow musicians is captured in the new album’s title, as is a bit of wishful thinking in reaction to our current divisive culture. Chiefly, though, it defines the method of its production, a cohesive whole arising from multiple distinct personalities. 

“This project came together in an incredible fashion from the very beginning,” Siegel says. “It was really painless and a lot of fun. With DJ and Oscar playing together, it's impossible not to have a great rhythmic foundation that’s a joy to play on top of. With that foundation I brought in all these guitarists, guys that I've known throughout the years that I thought would be suitable for different tunes. In the end, the music speaks for itself.” 

A sense of freedom, escape and momentum is threaded through the album, from the lyrical, Crusaders-like opener “Best Foot Forward” through the elegant ballad “Line of Sight” with its lush, Gil Evans-inspired horn arrangement, to the funky “Streetwise,” “Free Spirit” with its surging shuffle groove, on to the lively, humor-laced “Roadside Attraction.” But Unity also contains a range of emotions and moods, including the stirring drama of “Defining Moment,” the bright, organ-laced title track, and the tender “Before I Go.” 

The latter is a rare moment of reflection on a primarily forward-looking collection. It’s an acknowledgment that at 70, Siegel’s long and rewarding career is entering a concluding chapter. It’s a stark fact also reflected in the striking cover art, a painting by Siegel’s longtime friend Alan Rubin, who passed away in 2022. 

“While we were in the middle of recording at Sunset Sound in L.A., I took a moment to look around and think to myself, ‘I wonder how many more opportunities I'm going to get to do this.’ But you never know when the inspiration will come again and the ideas will start to flow. That’s what happened here, and I’m so proud of this album.”

Discover.

Nduduzo Makhathin | uNomkhubulwane

Since making his international debut for Blue Note in 2020 with Modes of Communication: Letters From the Underworlds, the South African pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini has earned widespread acclaim for the genuinely spiritual transcendence of his music. For Makhathini, a Zulu healer and educator who has delved deeply into the histories and traditions of his ancestors, improvised music has never been merely about aesthetics or idioms. As the New York Times put it when naming Modes of Communication one of the Best Jazz Albums of 2020: “In a moment when spiritual jazz has become a dangerously buzzy concept, trust a musician who has truly devoted his life to divination practices.”

But with the three-movement suite uNomkhubulwane, his third release for the venerated jazz label, Makhathini travels beyond any existing notion of music-making to offer his most profound vision of creative mysticism yet. Unlike his previous records, Makhathini explains, “which often expressed intention through composition or some form of conceptual paradigm,” the pianist seeks inspiration on a wholly metaphysical plane — using sound as a way to commune with, as he puts it, “supernatural voices.” To say it another way, rather than relying on the celebrated work of his American and African jazz heroes, or even on the probing research in his academic fields of study, Makhathini opts here to tap into the pure essence of being — an otherworldly effort that involved “listening-hearing-sensing and establishing a relationship with an ‘elsewhere’ through some guidedness.” Throughout uNomkhubulwane, Makhathini acts as both a futurist and an ancient, venturing into the unknown by exploring concepts that return him to the dawn of time.

Remarkably, he has crafted an inviting, immersive listen that should once again impress devotees of John and Alice Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, classic South African jazz, Makhathini’s friend and collaborator Shabaka Hutchings and other intrepid musical voyagers. uNomkhubulwane features the pianist’s trio—an intuitive unit whose extensive touring has spanned the globe over the past year—with Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere, a bassist of South African descent who was born and raised in the U.S.; and the Cuban-born drummer Francisco Mela, a best-of-generation musician recognized for his work with Joe Lovano, Kenny Barron, McCoy Tyner and other lions, and for his own culture-merging work as a bandleader. The rhythm section adds passionate vocal backing, accenting and lifting up Makhathini’s sacred lead-vocal offerings.

Collectively, their touch is precise in its technique yet ethereal in its purpose — and astoundingly clairvoyant in its cohesion. On “Omnyama,” a gracefully hypnotic repeated figure bolsters the leader’s spoken-word — filled with rhythmically compelling contours and bluffs — and rousing sung incantations. The click sounds that Makhathini deploys here and elsewhere in his suite, especially the qa sound common to the Bantu languages, evoke the aural sensation of water droplets; water, at the core of the African creation story, invokes essence, which in turn invokes God.

“Izinkonjana” is an enchanting ballad that delivers the gospelish elegance of such South African greats as Abdullah Ibrahim. Similarly, “Uxolo” comes off as a vintage American jazz standard, beautifully showcasing the ensemble’s shared temperament and keen sense of interplay. Twilit and nostalgic and featuring an outstanding bass solo, “Uxolo” sounds as if it could have been captured at the Village Vanguard in 1961. “KwaKhangelamankengana” is highlighted by its percolating whirlwind of groove, as well as the leader’s speak-sing vocal and hammered chording, which calls to mind McCoy Tyner, one of Makhathini’s guiding lights in finding the continuity between American jazz and the Mother Continent.

So many fascinating evocations, and yet uNomkhubulwane contains a backstory unlike anything in recorded music. To start, Makhathini’s 11-track suite takes its title from the Zulu name of “God’s only daughter and a manifestation of God’s very creation purpose,” the pianist explains. “She is also believed to be a mythical rain goddess, a regulator of nature, light and fertility.” A shapeshifting force, uNomkhubulwane can manifest in the form of an animal, or a hurricane or a rainbow — the lattermost of which, Makhathini says, symbolizes her “kindness and regulation of balance.”

uNomkhubulwane is an essential presence in Zulu life: She lives with the people as a protector and a source of equilibrium that makes “abundance” — a word Makhathini uses often, to signify prosperity — a possibility. Makhathini strives to dissociate the actual abundance of Africa’s past from the shameful reputation forced onto the continent through colonialism. The soul and heritage of Africa is impossibly rich, complex and cultivated, he argues. But colonialism and its continuing repercussions robbed these African communities of their meaning and rightful pride. The African peoples’ sophistication and self-sufficiency went unacknowledged or, more commonly, destroyed, as these attributes were viewed as threats.

This devastation all but defines the lack of infrastructure and the surplus of exploitation — of resources, of culture — that Africa experiences today. Apartheid did a horrifically effective job of making sure the townships failed to thrive while refocusing the blame inward, back onto subjugated South Africans. Today, as Makhathini points out, Africa isn’t part of the global conversation around civilization and progress … and yet Africa invented civilization!

Makhathini’s album is a never-ending exploration of these issues — of the myriad reasons why the African people have struggled to experience the abundance of uNomkhubulwane. In seeking these answers, he uses here an “ongoing rehearsal” concept, in contrast to a performance. To put it tritely, the journey of this suite is in fact the destination — and that destination includes nothing less than “cosmic totality.” “This process,” Makhathini says, “deals with rituals of being as a state of surrender, meditation and prayer.”

The project’s three movements are a kind of pathway to embracing the spirit of uNomkhubulwane — three being a number of monumental power and meaning in Africa. “In Yoruba cosmology,” Makhathini says, “number 3 represents balance and harmony [characteristics of uNomkhubulwane]. Much broader African worldviews associate number 3 with endlessness, immortality and ongoing-ness through a triple state of being; before [ancestors], here [the living] and the future [the not-yet-born].” Three is indicated directly in the music of Makhathini’s new suite — in the trio format of the band, in time signatures, in a delightful triplet feel.

The suite emerged out of a “mother song” afforded to Makhathini during the initiation process he underwent to become a healer. There, he was immersed in water in order to encounter uNomkhubulwane, who gifted him this song. “The first movement ‘Libations,’” he says, “deals with collective black memory inside a state of protest against ongoing oppression[s],” adding that “this movement invokes an eternal state of black mourning that has made us lose our ‘voices,’ and even though we still cry, we do not have tears anymore.” The second movement, ‘Water Spirits,’ deals with vital energy and restoration — a proposal of “cleansing and summoning of essence.” The final movement, “Inner Attainment,” focuses on “freedom, hope and grace,” and the striving toward a transcendence that would bring abundance back to our current time and physical plane.

As always, Makhathini’s message is ultimately one of perpetual optimism for his people, and for all people. “Essentially, this offering is an invitation to humanity to cultivate ways of being that yearn for freedom and balance,” he says. “Here I invite you to a new mode of humanism that is oriented towards singing the songs of uNomkhubulwane.”

~ By Evan Haga

Patrice Rushen | Prelusion

Craft Recordings and Jazz Dispensary celebrate the five-decade-long career of singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Patrice Rushen with a reissue of her long-out-of-print debut, Prelusion. While the three-time GRAMMY® nominee became best known as an R&B singer and barrier-breaking musical director, this 1974 album showcases Rushen’s talents as a jazz musician, composer, and improviser and features such esteemed sidemen as Joe Henderson, Oscar Brashear, and George Bohanon. 

Set for release on August 23rd and available for pre-order today, Prelusion marks the latest title in Jazz Dispensary’s album-centric Top Shelf series—which reissues the highest-quality, hand-picked rarities. As with all releases in the series, the LP features all-analog remastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio and is pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI. A tip-on jacket, replicating Prelusion’s original design, completes the package. 

In 1982, Patrice Rushen soared to stratospheric heights with her GRAMMY-nominated album, Straight from the Heart (featuring the enduring hit, “Forget Me Nots”). Yet, while Rushen found international fame as an R&B singer-songwriter, her career was actually rooted in jazz tradition. Just eight years earlier, at the age of 20, she embarked on her musical journey with Prelusion—a spectacular debut that introduced Rushen as a formidable new star on the jazz scene.

A classically trained pianist, Rushen scored her big break at 17, earning a chance to perform at the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival after winning a high school talent competition. Before long, she caught the attention of legendary label Prestige Records (home to such greats as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Thelonious Monk), who signed the promising teenager to a three-album deal. 

The first of these recordings was Prelusion, which paired Rushen with some of the era’s top-tier musicians, including Joe Henderson (tenor saxophone), Oscar Brashear (trumpet), Hadley Caliman (Flute), George Bohanon (Trombone), Leon “Ndugu” Chancler (drums), Tony Dumas (bass), and Kenneth Nash (percussion). The album also marked Rushen’s first of many projects with her longtime producer and mentor, Reggie Andrews. 

Rushen not only shines as a musician on the album—where she switches between the piano, electric keyboard, synth, and clavinet—but also as a composer, with five original works. Performing primarily post-bop selections (including the energetic opener, “Shortie’s Portion,” and the jaunty “Traverse”), Rushen also incorporates a variety of unique sonic textures, plus elements of fusion, as heard in the reflective, percussion-heavy “7/73,” the bluesy, Rhodes-driven “Haw-Right Now,” and the cosmic “Puttered Bopcorn.” 

Released in 1974, Prelusion introduced Rushen as one of the genre’s most promising talents and marked the beginning of her long and celebrated career. In retrospective reviews, AllMusic praised that the album gave listeners “every reason to believe that [Rushen] would become a major figure in the jazz world,” adding, “One can only speculate on where her career in jazz might have gone had she not switched to R&B singing.” Downbeat, meanwhile, noted that Rushen’s “enchanting debut… boasted her extraordinary gifts as an improviser, composer and arranger” adding that “Rushen’s “impressionistic harmonies and intricate arrangements revealed a maturity well beyond her 20 years.” 

After releasing two more jazz-focused albums (1975’s Before the Dawn and 1977’s Shout It Out), Rushen successfully transitioned into a career as an R&B singer-songwriter. In the ensuing years, she released such best-selling albums as the aforementioned Straight from the Heart (1982), Now (1984), and the GRAMMY-nominated Signature (1997), while hits like “Forget Me Nots” (1982) would later earn new generations of fans through sampling—most famously in Will Smith’s “Men in Black” (1997) and George Michael’s “Fastlove” (1996). 

Beyond her solo career, Rushen is also an esteemed musical director and prolific composer for film and TV, including scores for Waiting to Exhale, Men in Black, HBO’s America’s Dream, and the theme song to The Steve Harvey Show. Among other accomplishments, Rushen stands as the first woman to serve as Musical Director for the 46th, 47th, and 48th GRAMMY Awards, the first woman to hold the role of Head Composer/Musical Director for the Emmy® Awards, as well as the first female Musical Director of both the NAACP Image Awards and People’s Choice Awards.

 

Meshell Ndegeocello | No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin + Tour Dates Announced

Meshell Ndegeocello has released the inspiriting new single “Love,” the second song to be revealed from her forthcoming Blue Note album No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin, a striking homage to the eminent writer and activist James Baldwin to be released Aug. 2 on his Centennial.

Ndegeocello will be marking the album release with a headline performance at the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival on Aug. 2. Ndegeocello performs songs from the new album on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert as part of their Black Music Month celebration of Black women artists.

Last month saw the release of the album’s opening track “Travel” paired with the searing spoken word piece “Raise The Roof” by poet Staceyann Chin.

No More Water is a visionary work that is at once a musical experience, a church service, a celebration, a testimonial, and a call to action. Ndegeocello has created a prophetic musical odyssey that transcends boundaries and genres, delving headfirst into race, sexuality, religion, and other recurring themes explored in Baldwin’s canon. Following 2023’s The Omnichord Real Book, her acclaimed Blue Note debut which won the inaugural GRAMMY Award for Best Alternative Jazz Album, the multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer renders an immersive and palpable document that is as sagacious, unabashed, and introspective as Baldwin was in life.

Co-produced by Ndegeocello and guitarist Chris Bruce, No More Water features some of the bassist’s frequent collaborators including Bruce, vocalist Justin Hicks, saxophonist (and Omnichord producer) Josh Johnson, keyboardist Jebin Bruni, and drummer Abe Rounds. Also appearing on various songs are vocalist Kenita-Miller Hicks, keyboardists Jake Sherman and Julius Rodriguez, and Executive Director of the NYCPS Arts Office and trumpeter Paul Thompson. The album also showcases powerful spoken word by venerated poet Staceyann Chin and Pulitzer Prize-winning author and critic Hilton Als.

Nearly a decade in the making, the album’s origins began in 2016 during a performance at The Harlem Stage Gatehouse as part of their annual showcase honoring Baldwin. Ndegeocello had delved into Baldwin’s work the year before, including the seminal nonfiction work The Fire Next Time, which she considers “life-changing” and carries with her as a “spiritual text.” Ndegeocello says, “It was just a revelation to me, and it softened my heart in so many ways.”

“Inspired by Baldwin’s most well-known essay, Ndegeocello’s piece—often staged as a church service—employs music, sermon, text, images, and movement, all of which enter into conversation with Baldwin’s monumental and delicate essay about how black bodies were perceived not only by white Americans but by blacks themselves,” writes Als in the album’s liner notes. “The music you hear in No More Water, is Jimmy talking to Meshell and his words meeting the language of her sounds and then coming out again through a multitude of voices, a multitude of sounds and thoughts that bring Jimmy back and give him—finally—his whole and true self, that which he offered up, time and again, if only we knew then how to listen.”

No More Water marks a significant moment of self-discovery for Ndegeocello. She adds that Baldwin entered her life at precisely the right time. “It came when I was ready to look in the mirror. I’ve had to play Plantation Lullabies at a few shows. Looking back, I had an interesting perspective, but the dialogue was limited. It was more like a cathartic experience for a young person of color, whereas now I’m going, ‘How can I get us all to love each other? How can I get us all to see this for what it is?’”

MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO – TOUR DATES:

• July 5 – Love Supreme Festival – East Sussex, United Kingdom
• July 7 – Casa del Jazz – Rome, Italy
• July 8 – Bremen Theater – Copenhagen, Denmark
• July 10 – Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents – Marseille, France
• July 12-14 – North Sea Jazz Festival “Artist In Residence” – Rotterdam, Netherlands
• July 16 – Jazz a Sete Festival – Sete, France
• July 19 – Festival Jazz en Ville – Vannes, France
• July 21 – Stuttgart Jazz Open Festival – Stuttgart, Germany
• July 23 – Jazz in Marciac – Marciac, France
• Aug. 2 – BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn – Brooklyn, NY
• Aug. 4 – Newport Jazz Festival – Newport, RI
• Aug. 7 – Denver Botanic Gardens – Denver, CO
• Aug. 8 – Ravinia Festival – Highland Park, IL
• Sept. 15 – New Mexico Jazz Festival – Santa Fe, NM
• Sept. 16 – MIM – Phoenix, AZ
• Sept. 20 – The Center for the Arts at the Armory – Somerville, MA
• Sept. 21 – Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center – Albany, NY
• Sept. 22 – Wexner Center for the Arts – Columbus, OH
• Sept. 26 – Infinite Dream Festival – Iowa City, IA
• Sept. 28 – Wisconsin Union Theater – Madison, WI
• Sept. 29 – Door Community Auditorium – Fish Creek, WI
• Oct. 3 – World Café Live – Philadelphia, PA
• Oct. 5 – The Music Center at Strathmore – North Bethesda, MD
• Oct. 6 – New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Newark, NJ
• Oct. 31 – JazzOnze+ Festival Lausanne – Lausanne, Switzerland
• Nov. 1 – Enjoy Jazz-Alte Feuerwache – Mannheim, Germany
• Nov. 3-4 – Stadtgarten Konzertsaal – Cologne, Germany
• Nov. 6-7 – Musikbrauerei – Berlin, Germany
• Nov. 7 – Walter Art Center – Minneapolis, MNNov. 9 – Rockit Festival – Groningen, Netherlands
• Nov. 10 – Le Guess Who? Festival – Utrecht, Netherlands
• Nov. 11 – De Roma – Antwerp, Belgium
• Nov. 12-13 – New Morning – Paris, France
• Nov. 15 – Koko – London, United Kingdom
• Dec. 2-5 – Jazz Alley – Seattle, WA

Discover it here.