Chano Domínguez & Ethan Margolis Release The Blues Around Us – A Bold Jazz-Blues Flamenco Fusion

Unifying Sounds makes its debut with the release of The Blues Around Us, a remarkable new album by acclaimed pianist Chano Domínguez and avant-garde guitarist Ethan Margolis (aka “Emaginario”). The record is a heartfelt exploration of jazz, blues, and flamenco traditions, brought to life by two artists who believe deeply in the power of music to connect people and transcend boundaries.

Domínguez, a celebrated pianist from Cádiz, Spain with decades of international acclaim—including collaborations with Blue Note Records and Wynton Marsalis—joins forces with Margolis, a Cleveland-born guitarist who spent over a decade living in Spain and immersing himself in flamenco culture. Together, they have crafted an album that bridges continents, traditions, and musical identities.

A Fusion of Styles with Roots in History

The Blues Around Us draws inspiration from jazz-blues legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, and Wes Montgomery, while seamlessly incorporating the fiery rhythmic underpinnings of flamenco. Many of the compositions—primarily written by Margolis—feature flamenco-inspired intros that evolve into swinging jazz-blues progressions, offering a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation.

Margolis reflects:

“We have both dedicated so much of our lives to the modern exploration of Jazz, Blues and Flamenco music that it was only natural to record an album inspired by these investigations. We believe in the imperfect beauty of humanity and in musical genres that are driven by the spirit, not by finance.”

Domínguez echoes the spirit of discovery:

“Ethan brought a deep mix of Blues styles to my apartment in Brooklyn and we experimented with some 20 styles before deciding what pieces worked best for the album design. I felt energized, like a little kid discovering new music again.”

A World-Class Ensemble

The duo is joined by Carlos Henriquez (bass) and Obed Calvaire (drums), both current members of Wynton Marsalis’s Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Recorded live as a quartet at Oktaven Studios in New York with legendary engineer James Farber, the album was later mixed by Grammy-winning Dave O’Donnell and mastered by Randy Merrill, ensuring a sound quality that pays homage to the warmth of classic recordings from the Rudy Van Gelder era.

A Celebration of Longevity and Authenticity

The Blues Around Us is not only a fresh creative statement but also a milestone in Domínguez’s career, marking his 50th year as a professional pianist. With a legacy of collaborations across Europe and the U.S., Domínguez continues to be one of the most in-demand musicians of his generation. Margolis, meanwhile, builds on his growing discography, fresh off his 2024 Ropeadope release with Larry Grenadier and Eric Harland.

At its heart, the album speaks to the timeless beauty of music born from dedication, authenticity, and human connection. It’s a powerful reminder that new artistic fruit can blossom from lifetimes of experience and a shared commitment to truth in music.

The Blues Around Us is available now from Unifying Sounds.

JC Sanford’s EQ: DENKI – A Bold Electric Journey

Trombonist and composer JC Sanford is set to release his eighth album as a leader, DENKI, on October 10, 2025, via Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records (BJUR 081). Performed with his band EQ (Electric Quartet)—featuring Toivo Hannigan (guitar/effects), Erik Fratzke (electric bass), and Satoshi Takeishi (drums)—the album is a vibrant, electrified statement from one of jazz’s most versatile and imaginative voices.

A Tribute to Electricity – and a Mentor

The title DENKI (Japanese for “electricity”) serves a dual purpose. It nods to Sanford’s increasing exploration of effects, pedals, and electronic soundscapes, but it also pays homage to his mentor Bob Brookmeyer, who released an album called Electricity in 1994 with the WDR Big Band.

Sanford’s career defies easy categorization. He is equally at home as a composer, bandleader, sideman, producer, and conductor. He has worked with jazz luminaries including Danilo Pérez, Matt Wilson, John McNeil, George Schuller, and many more, while also serving as a conductor for ensembles like the Grammy-nominated John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble and the Alice Coltrane Orchestra. DENKI represents the culmination of these wide-ranging influences: a sound that channels both jazz tradition and electric experimentation.

Pushing Sound Forward

The seeds of DENKI were planted during the post-pandemic years, when Sanford began experimenting with guitar effects pedals in small Minneapolis gigs. Encouraged by peers and audiences, he dove deeper into the sonic possibilities, discovering new textures that enhanced rather than obscured his trombone voice.

“I’ve always been conscious about the results not being a gimmick, but an enhancement of my language and timbre,” Sanford explains.

The resulting music stretches boundaries—drawing inspiration from Curtis Fuller, Slide Hampton, Stevie Wonder, Black Sabbath, and Brookmeyer himself—yet remains deeply personal.

The Music of DENKI

The album opens with “ausgleicht” (“equalized” in German), a powerful track with roots in German metal that also references the EQ band name. Other highlights include:

• “The Wise Stone” – a dedication to drummer Satoshi Takeishi, celebrating his wisdom and steadfast artistry.

• “Purple Spring” – a pastoral reflection on Sanford’s garden and the beauty of renewal.

• “Futari” – an improvised duet between Sanford and Takeishi, full of spontaneity and connection.

• “Head Rare, Red Hair” – inspired by improvisational word games with Sanford’s daughter, showcasing the quartet’s playful creativity.

• “That 60s Heist Movie” – written by composer Scott Miller, evoking cinematic swagger and mischief.

• A stirring cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s in Need of Love Today”, reimagined for today’s turbulent world, carrying a message of empathy and hope.

A Life in Music

JC Sanford’s career is as rich as his music. Recognized in DownBeat magazine’s Critic’s Poll across trombone, big band, and arranger categories, he is a founding member of the composers’ federation Pulse and an alumnus of the BMI Jazz Composer’s Workshop. His compositions have been performed by the likes of Dave Liebman, Lew Soloff, John Abercrombie, and ensembles worldwide.

Since returning to his native Minnesota in 2016, Sanford has remained an essential figure in the Twin Cities jazz scene, co-founding the Twin Cities Jazz Composers’ Workshop and continuing to write, perform, and teach.

DENKI – Available October 10

With DENKI, Sanford and his EQ band deliver a bold and electrified album that challenges genre boundaries while honoring deep musical traditions. It’s a record that captures an artist unafraid to evolve, explore, and plug directly into the currents of inspiration.

DENKI will be released October 10, 2025, on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records.

Ike Quebec – The Complete Blue Note 45 Sessions Coming Oct. 10 in Deluxe Tone Poet Vinyl Edition

Blue Note Records has announced the October 10 release of Ike Quebec – The Complete Blue Note 45 Sessions, a landmark collection that shines new light on one of the label’s most soulful and often overlooked saxophonists. Presented as part of the acclaimed Tone Poet Vinyl Series, this set brings together a magnificent body of work Quebec recorded between 1959 and 1962—a period that marked both a creative resurgence and a key chapter in Blue Note history.

Produced by Tone Poet curator Joe Harley, the 3-LP vinyl set is fully analog, cut directly from Rudy Van Gelder’s original master tapes by Kevin Gray, and pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI. The music is housed in a deluxe tip-on trifold jacket with an accompanying booklet featuring never-before-seen Francis Wolff photographs and a deeply researched essay by jazz scholar Loren Schoenberg. For those who prefer digital convenience, the collection will also be released as a 2-CD set.

A Saxophonist with Deep Roots in Blue Note History

Ike Quebec’s story is woven into the very fabric of Blue Note. In the 1940s, he recorded a series of 78s for co-founder Alfred Lion and even served as a talent scout, urging Lion to capture the groundbreaking music of bebop innovators like Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell. Despite his early contributions, Quebec fell into obscurity through much of the 1950s.

That all changed in 1959, when Lion reconnected with his old friend and invited him back to the studio. What followed was a remarkable series of 45 rpm jukebox singles that not only reintroduced Quebec to jazz fans but also revealed an artist at the height of his expressive powers. His warm, blues-infused tenor saxophone sound blended R&B accessibility with modern jazz sophistication, winning over audiences and reaffirming his place in the Blue Note legacy.

Rediscovering a Master Musician

“When I first listened to Ike’s 45 sessions, I was shocked,” Harley recalls. “I had imagined it would consist solely of short groove-oriented tunes. No—these stunning sessions capture a player who had already lived a full musical life, playing fully fleshed-out tunes with restraint, emotional weight, and a blues-drenched approach that bridged R&B accessibility with jazz sophistication.”

This Tone Poet edition finally gives Quebec’s 45 sessions the deluxe treatment they deserve, offering both longtime collectors and new listeners the chance to experience his artistry in its full depth and richness.

Fans can secure their copy of Ike Quebec – The Complete Blue Note 45 Sessions now, available for pre-order on the Blue Note Store. Whether on vinyl or CD, this release is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of jazz, the story of Blue Note Records, and the soulful voice of a saxophonist who deserves much wider recognition.

Adrian Sherwood Releases The Well Is Poisoned Ahead of First Solo Album in 13 Years

Legendary UK producer Adrian Sherwood has unveiled The Well Is Poisoned, the third single from his highly anticipated new album The Collapse Of Everything, out August 22 via multiple formats including clear and black 12” LP vinyl, CD, digital download, and streaming platforms. The release marks Sherwood’s first solo album in 13 years and finds him pushing his signature dub sound into more cinematic, experimental realms.

A Cinematic Dub Journey

The Well Is Poisoned embodies the widescreen vision of Sherwood’s latest work. Built around an epic bass line, cavernous snare hits, and the haunting cry of saxophone, the track unfolds like a film score infused with deep dub sensibility. Adding to its weight is the fact that it was co-written with Brian Eno, Sherwood’s longtime friend and collaborator in sonic experimentation. The single arrives with an animated visualizer created by artist Peter Harris and animator Katie King, extending the music’s surreal and immersive qualities.

The Collapse Of Everything

Across the new record, Sherwood channels a lifetime of listening and producing into a fluid, genre-defying project that is at once reflective and expansive. While underpinned by dub techniques, the music ventures into ambient washes, desert blues textures, tuned percussion experiments, and hallucinogenic soundscapes. “I was basically trying to make a soundtrack encompassing all the things I like including good musicianship, dub techniques, and also good rhythms,” Sherwood explains.

The album’s title carries personal resonance. Sherwood cites the passing of two close collaborators, Mark Stewart and Keith LeBlanc, as the catalyst for revisiting solo work after more than a decade. Stewart had written a lyric containing the phrase “The Collapse of Everything”, which struck Sherwood as both a poignant tribute and a reflection of today’s political and environmental crises.

From the Studio to the Stage

For the first time in his career, Sherwood will also step out as a solo live performer, touring internationally with his own band. The live show premieres this autumn at the Dub Sessions 20th Anniversary in Japan and will feature long-time collaborators including Doug Wimbish (Living Colour, Tackhead), Alex White (Primal Scream, Fat White Family), and Mark Bandola (The Lucy Show). A major London show is planned for February 2026, with further dates across North America, Europe, and Australia.

Sherwood reflects on this new chapter: “I’ve made record after record as a producer for other artists, and I’m proud of every single one. But doing it as a solo artist I get the choice to call every shot. On this album it’s going to be a joy working it and trying to represent it live, and hopefully people will get off on it, because I think it’s a really good piece of work.”

A Career of Constant Evolution

Adrian Sherwood’s career has long paralleled his work as producer, performer, and label founder. From his groundbreaking On-U Sound label to his collaborations with reggae legends like Lee “Scratch” Perry and Dennis Bovell, his production has shaped the sound of countless artists. His solo albums—Never Trust a Hippy, Becoming A Cliché, and Survival & Resistance—each revealed a different dimension of his artistry, from rhythm-heavy experimentation to conceptual sound worlds.

With The Collapse Of Everything, Sherwood continues that evolution, stepping forward not just as a producer but as a composer, performer, and front-facing artist ready to bring his sonic vision to global stages.

Frank Swart Unleashes Bold New Album Mischief In The Musitorium

Bassist-producer Frank Swart has never been one to play it safe. With a career spanning multiple genres and collaborations with some of the most adventurous musicians of the past few decades, Swart has built a reputation as a fearless sonic architect. Now, he returns with his second alternative jazz full-length, Mischief In The Musitorium—a boundary-smashing record that refuses to be categorized. Released via Need To Know Records and available digitally, the album is a bold testament to improvisation, groove, and pure creative freedom.

A Fearless Cast of Innovators

Part of what makes Mischief In The Musitorium so thrilling is its staggering roster of collaborators. Swart has assembled an all-star lineup including Lenny White (Miles Davis, Return to Forever), Vernon Reid (Living Colour), Nduduzo Makhathini, Jason Marsalis, Donald Harrison, Hamid Drake, Guitar Shorty, Adam Holzman, G Calvin Weston (Ornette Coleman), Grant Green Jr., and Joseph Bowie. Each brings their own history of innovation, collectively forging an album that thrives on the unexpected.

A Sound Without Borders

Blending alt-jazz, progressive blues, and cosmic funk, the record feels like an otherworldly jam session where traditions collide and boundaries collapse. Swart describes the album as “Ornette Coleman meets King Crimson in a New Orleans warehouse”—an image that perfectly captures its raw, unboxed energy. From searing guitar lines to deep bass-driven grooves, the record is alive with improvisational fire.

What sets Mischief In The Musitorium apart is its refusal to sit still. Just when you think a groove has locked in, it twists into new territory. Just when you expect resolution, the music dissolves into abstraction. It is both challenging and deeply visceral—an album that demands attention while rewarding repeated listening.

Frank Swart: A Sonic Explorer

While Swart might not be a household name, his fingerprints are all over modern music. A bassist, producer, and engineer, he has worked with a wide spectrum of artists from rock to jazz to experimental music. His work has consistently pushed against the boundaries of genre, favoring collaboration and risk-taking over formulas and comfort zones.

Mischief In The Musitorium feels like a culmination of that journey. By bringing together such a wide-ranging group of musicians, Swart has created not just a record, but a musical ecosystem—one that celebrates improvisation as both an art and an act of rebellion.

Unapologetically Bold

At its core, Mischief In The Musitorium is about freedom: freedom to play, to experiment, to take risks, and to embrace the unexpected. It’s wild, untamed, and unapologetically bold—a sonic manifesto for anyone who believes music should be alive, unpredictable, and limitless.

Kayhan Kalhor Brings Rare Concert of Persian Classical Music to New York City

On Sunday, November 30 at 7pm, The Town Hall in New York City will host a rare and historic evening of Persian classical music, led by one of Iran’s most celebrated musicians: Kayhan Kalhor, Grammy-winning virtuoso of the kamancheh (spiked fiddle). This marks Kalhor’s first large-scale New York performance of Persian classical music in over a decade.

Joining him on stage will be acclaimed setar player Kiya Tabassian and tombak master Behrouz Jamali, together creating an authentic presentation of a musical tradition known for its subtle beauty, spiritual depth, and cultural richness.

Kalhor is widely regarded as a transcendent figure in world music. His career spans performances with major orchestras, groundbreaking ensembles, and cross-cultural collaborations. He was a founding member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, co-founder of The Masters of Persian Music with Mohammad Reza Shajarian and Hossein Alizadeh, and part of the Grammy-nominated Persian–Indian group Ghazal with sitarist Shujaat Husain Khan. His collaborations extend to the New York Philharmonic, Kronos Quartet, Brooklyn Rider, Malian kora legend Toumani Diabaté, and Turkish virtuoso Erdal Erzincan.

Earlier this year, Kalhor premiered Venus in the Mirror, his double concerto for kamancheh, cello, and orchestra, alongside Yo-Yo Ma and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra in Hamburg, Germany—underscoring his role as a bridge between Eastern and Western traditions.

For Kalhor, Persian music is more than performance—it is cultural storytelling. “We come from a venerable culture that has made profound contributions to the world through poetry, science, philosophy, and art,” he reflects. “Through my music, I hope to reveal the splendor of my homeland, so often misrepresented. When people connect through music, the space opens for dialogue, awareness, and discovery.”

Born in Iran to a Kurdish family, Kalhor was recognized as a prodigy early on, joining the Iranian National Radio and Television Orchestra at just 13. His musical journey has since encompassed studies in Persian traditions, Kurdish folk, Western classical music in Rome, and a degree in music from Ottawa.

At The Town Hall, audiences will witness the depth of Persian classical artistry in its purest form. As Kalhor emphasizes, “Our music is not religious, but it is deeply connected to Iranian philosophy and mysticism, and this makes it spiritual. This concert is pure music. It has nothing to do with politics or social matters. As musicians, our mission is to tell the story of our culture.”

For lovers of world music, classical traditions, or transcendent live performance, this concert is not to be missed.

Kayhan Kalhor in Concert
The Town Hall, New York City
Sunday, November 30, 7pm

Najee Releases Vibrant New Jazz Album Under the Moon Over the Sky, Blending Contemporary Jazz with Brazilian Rhythms

Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed saxophonist and flautist Najee returns with his highly anticipated new project, Under the Moon Over the Sky, set for release on August 12, 2025. Known for his ability to bridge contemporary jazz with soul, R&B, and world music traditions, Najee’s latest recording takes listeners on a journey that beautifully fuses modern jazz with the warmth and vibrancy of Brazilian rhythms.

The album is a celebration of cross-cultural collaboration, featuring an exceptional lineup of guest artists and producers from across the globe. Legendary vocalist Regina Belle lends her voice to several tracks, weaving dynamic jazz arrangements with the soul of Brazilian music. Najee also collaborates with Will Downing, Eric Roberson, and Chris Walker, adding depth and versatility to the project.

Produced in part by Barry Eastmond (New York), Robert Hebert (Brazil), and Jean Paul “Bluey” Maunick (UK) of the iconic group Incognito, the record is a testament to Najee’s fearless creative spirit and his mission to unify music lovers through diverse sounds.

Tracklist – Under the Moon Over the Sky

1. La Costa

2. Novo Romance

3. Being With You

4. Salvador

5. Nothing on You

6. Catch a Feelin'

7. Under the Moon and Over the Sky

8. Nice for You

9. Tudo O Que Você Podia Ser

10. Juan Le Pins

11. Living in the Moment

Each track highlights a different side of Najee’s artistry—from the romantic melodies of Novo Romance to the vibrant Brazilian flair of Salvador and the contemplative tones of Living in the Moment. The title track, Under the Moon and Over the Sky, stands out as a centerpiece, blending smooth grooves with rich instrumentation that embodies the album’s cross-cultural vision.

Reflecting on the project, Najee shared:

“I am extremely honored to present this special project to the world. Working with artists such as Regina Belle, Will Downing, Eric Roberson, and Chris Walker offers a diverse cultural experience I think everyone will enjoy.”

With a career spanning over four decades, Najee has solidified his place as one of the most influential voices in contemporary jazz. His albums have achieved multiple platinum and gold certifications, and his distinctive style on both the saxophone and flute has earned him a global fan base.

Born in New York City, Najee first gained recognition in the mid-1980s with the release of Najee’s Theme (1986), which quickly achieved platinum status. Since then, he has worked with a who’s-who of the music industry, including Prince, Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and George Duke, while continuously pushing jazz forward with innovative projects.

Over the years, Najee has become known for his ability to blend jazz, R&B, soul, and world music in a way that feels both contemporary and timeless. His artistry, combined with a dedication to reaching new audiences, ensures that his work remains at the forefront of the jazz world.

Under the Moon Over the Sky is more than an album—it’s a celebration of collaboration, rhythm, and cultural harmony. By bridging the worlds of contemporary jazz and Brazilian music, Najee has crafted a body of work that not only honors the traditions of jazz but also pushes its boundaries into exciting new territory.

Be sure to stream the album on August 12, 2025, and immerse yourself in Najee’s radiant new soundscape.

Conrad Herwig: Reflections–Facing South

Featuring the Late Eddie Palmieri & Luques Curtis

Multiple GRAMMY®-nominated trombonist, composer, and bandleader Conrad Herwig returns with a bold new release, Reflections–Facing South (Savant Records), featuring the late Latin jazz icon Eddie Palmieri and bassist Luques Curtis.

This album is unlike anything Herwig has released before. Stripping the music down to its essence, the trio performs without a drummer — a daring move in a rhythm-driven genre like Latin jazz. Instead, Curtis anchors the sound with a melodic, driving bass; Palmieri transforms the piano into a rhythmic powerhouse; and Herwig soars above with his bold, fluid trombone lines. The result is Latin jazz reimagined — unfiltered, intimate, and electrifying.

A Legacy of the “Latin Side”

For nearly three decades, Herwig has been celebrated for his groundbreaking “Latin Side” series, which has paid tribute to jazz legends including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, and Charles Mingus. His ability to merge Afro-Caribbean rhythms with modern jazz sensibilities has earned him recognition worldwide, as well as multiple GRAMMY® nominations.

Reflections–Facing South continues that legacy while standing apart as a deeply personal project. It captures the energy of Herwig’s long partnership with Palmieri, a collaboration that has spanned several Grammy-winning recordings and countless live performances.

Remembering Eddie Palmieri (1936–2025)

Herwig dedicates this project to his late friend and mentor, Eddie Palmieri:

“Without a doubt – Eddie Palmieri was an innovator, a virtuoso musician, a brilliant composer, master communicator, and creative genius. But deeper still, he approached life and music as a sacred calling. His energy, his passion, and his love for his public, his musicians, and his family were limitless. For me, he was my Compay and blood brother. For the world, he will always be our Padrino, the godfather of this sacred music.”

Palmieri’s presence on this recording is both a celebration and a farewell, a final document of his creative brilliance alongside one of his closest collaborators.

Track Listing

1. Bianco’s Waltz – 5:10

2. C’mon (Mi Guajira) – 4:56

3. Que Viva Barry – 5:08

4. Reflections–Facing South – 5:33

5. Listen Lady – 7:59

6. Augmented Blues – 5:30

7. Cuando se Habla de Amor – 6:14

8. Monica – 5:09

9. El Guerrero Solitario – 6:02

Conrad Herwig has recorded nearly 30 albums as a leader and appeared on more than 200 as a sideman. He has worked with legends including Joe Henderson, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano, Tito Puente, and Michel Camilo. He is a longtime member of the Mingus Big Band, where he has also served as musical director. Beyond performance, Herwig is a respected educator, currently serving as Artistic Director and Chair of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University.

With Reflections–Facing South, Herwig delivers not only a tribute to Palmieri but also a striking new chapter in Latin jazz — proof that innovation, passion, and respect for tradition can all thrive together in the same breath.

Satoko Fujii & Natsuki Tamura Dare to Be Quietly Adventurous on Ki

When pianist-composer Satoko Fujii and trumpeter-composer Natsuki Tamura make music together, the results are always extraordinary. Their deep musical intuition and fearless creativity have shaped one of the most distinctive duos in modern jazz. On September 19, 2025, they will release Ki (Libra Records), their tenth duo album—a work that proves restraint can be just as daring as explosive virtuosity.

Unlike past projects filled with fiery improvisations, Ki thrives on quiet intensity. The album features seven new Tamura compositions, each named after a species of tree, alongside one Fujii original. The entire program unfolds at a meditative, slow tempo—yet the performances remain endlessly fascinating thanks to the duo’s command of tone, silence, and emotional depth.

Tracks like Keyaki open with Fujii’s tolling piano notes fading into stillness before Tamura’s muted trumpet etches delicate melodies in response. On Sugi, sharp piano figures play against translucent trumpet lines, creating tension and suspense without raising the volume. Pieces such as Kusunoki and Fujii’s Dan’s Oceanside Listening Post highlight their ability to balance improvised freedom with hushed lyricism, crafting music that is as fragile as it is powerful.

This approach recalls Tamura’s acclaimed Gato Libre quartet, known for its graceful lyricism and dignified quietude. “The lyricism of Gato Libre was always in my mind,” Tamura explained. “With Ki, I wanted to create an even more extremely dignified world—like standing tall in clear air.” Fujii adds, “It was not easy for me to play less than I usually do, but I came to love the challenge. The emotions it stirred were unlike anything I had experienced before.”

Before recording, the pair tested the new material in a series of California concerts, experiences that reinforced the music’s emotional depth. Each performance underscored the duo’s ability to weave intimacy, silence, and spontaneity into something timeless.

With Ki, Fujii and Tamura prove that adventurous jazz does not always roar—it can whisper, breathe, and still carry the force of discovery. For long-time followers and new listeners alike, this is a remarkable document of two masters pushing the boundaries of expression by embracing quietude.

DeeAnn Breathes New Soul into Sade Classic Kiss of Life

Buffalo’s own award-winning jazz and blues vocalist DeeAnn is once again showcasing her versatility and emotional depth with the release of her latest single, a soulful reinterpretation of Sade’s 1992 R&B hit “Kiss of Life.”

Known for her ability to fuse jazz, blues, soul, and rock with grace and authenticity, DeeAnn brings a fresh and deeply personal perspective to this classic. Following her acclaimed cover of Al Green’s “Simply Beautiful,” her version of “Kiss of Life” highlights her rich vocal delivery, exquisite jazz scatting, and the ongoing creative synergy she shares with legendary producer Ted Perlman.

While Sade’s original speaks of romantic love, DeeAnn’s interpretation embraces a more spiritual dimension. Having endured the heartbreaking loss of her son William in 2023, she now finds profound resonance in the song’s imagery of an angel bringing new love and joy to earth.

“It’s a great song and I’ve always loved Sade,” DeeAnn reflects. “I relate to those lyrics about an angel bringing someone to us on a different level now. To me, the song is about our connection to God, about angels bringing us new life and love after loss. The angel could even be William, bringing the beauty of God into my life. The lyrics remind me that even after grief, the world can truly hear our hearts beating again.”

This deepened perspective gives her Kiss of Life performance an emotional richness that transcends romance, touching instead on healing, resilience, and faith.

Perlman — whose résumé includes collaborations with Whitney Houston, Harry Belafonte, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, and Brian Wilson — has become a key partner in DeeAnn’s recent work. He describes her artistry with admiration:

“I love her combination of soul, jazz, blues and rock. She has a unique sound, and I’m always on the lookout for artists who are unique and have that special je ne sais quoi. It’s wonderful to create music with her, and I often feel like a custom tailor coming up with the perfect vibe around an artist who can really bring a song home.”

Recorded at Perlman’s Nashville studio, Station West, the single features some of Music City’s finest session musicians, including pianist/organist Jody Nardone, bassist Jonathan Nixon, drummer Brian Czach, and background vocalists Moe Loughran and Damien Horne, with Perlman himself contributing evocative electric guitar textures.

The arrangement balances smooth, soulful grooves with jazz-inspired playfulness, perfectly framing DeeAnn’s voice as it moves effortlessly between her powerful low register and expressive higher tones.

Earlier in 2025, DeeAnn earned multiple honors in the 10th Annual JazzBuffalo Poll, including Jazz Female Vocalist of the Year. Her 2023 album It’s My Time remains a fan favorite, earning the most votes in the poll while she was also named runner-up for both Most Memorable Performance and the John Hunt Jazz Artist of the Year Award.

These accolades build on a career that began in Buffalo’s pop/rock scene, where she twice won Best Female Vocalist at the Buffalo Music Awards, later earning Best Female Blues Vocalist at the Buffalo NightLife Music Awards before launching her recording career with her 2016 debut album Desperately Seeking DeeAnn.With Kiss of Life, DeeAnn proves once again that her artistry is about more than honoring classics — it’s about transforming them into deeply personal statements of resilience and hope. Her upcoming album, blending originals with reimagined gems from across eras, promises to further reveal the depth of her journey and the boundless range of her voice.

For DeeAnn, the music isn’t just performance — it’s healing, testimony, and a reminder that love and joy are never far away, even after loss.

Ellis Hall Returns with Soulful New Single: I’d Really Love To See You Tonight

Ellis Hall is back with a powerful new release: a stunning remake of the 1976 England Dan & John Ford Coley classic “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight.”

Reimagined with Hall’s signature artistry, the track is a deeply soulful ballad that blends timeless R&B smoothness with a fresh, modern vibrancy. Channeling the emotional depth of Luther Vandross and the magnetic energy of Bruno Mars, Hall delivers a performance that promises to captivate listeners across generations.

“This song is my way of honoring the foundation of R&B while embracing a fresh sound,” says Hall. “It’s a personal journey—rich in emotion, layered with depth, and designed to resonate with anyone who’s ever loved and longed.”

With soaring vocals, lush harmonies, and heartfelt delivery, Hall reminds audiences of his mastery as a singer, songwriter, and producer.

An acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Ellis Hall has built a career defined by both tradition and innovation. Known for seamlessly blending musical heritage with forward-looking artistry, his return to R&B feels both like a homecoming and a bold new step.

With I’d Really Love To See You Tonight, Ellis Hall proves once again that great soul music never fades—it evolves, carrying its legacy forward to inspire new generations.

This striking new ballad is more than just a song — it’s a celebration of timeless soul. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or discovering Ellis Hall for the first time, this release is a reminder of music’s power to connect hearts across time.

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The Secret Trio Returns with Old Friends

With the release of Old Friends, The Secret Trio continues its mission of bringing people together through the universal language of music. Known for their ability to weave together seemingly contrasting traditions, the ensemble blends eastern micro-tonal modes and intricate rhythmic patterns with western harmony and form, creating a sonic world that is at once familiar and refreshingly new.

This cross-cultural vision has been the hallmark of the Trio’s acclaimed recordings — Soundscapes, Three of Us, and Coexist. Now, with Old Friends, they deepen their artistry, proving that music truly has the power to dissolve boundaries.

Meet The Secret Trio

Ismail Lumanovski (clarinet) — Born in Macedonia in 1984, Lumanovski is recognized as one of the world’s leading clarinetists. Equally at home as a classical soloist with major symphony orchestras and a boundary-pushing improviser at global music festivals, his versatility and virtuosity bring unmatched depth to the Trio’s sound.

Tamer Pınarbaşı (kanun) — Born in Turkey in 1970, Pınarbaşı has revolutionized the playing of the kanun, a centuries-old Middle Eastern instrument. By developing a groundbreaking ten-finger technique, he expands its possibilities, merging traditional makams (modes) with modern harmonic concepts. His playing gives the Trio limitless flexibility in reimagining genres and idioms.

Ara Dinkjian (oud) — An Armenian-American composer and musician, Dinkjian was born in 1958 in the United States. His songs have been translated into 16 languages, but within The Secret Trio he is the grounding force. On the oud, he provides bass lines, chords, counterpoint, and rhythm — occasionally stepping into dazzling passages with his bandmates, but always with an ear toward balance and connection.

A Friendship in Music

Pınarbaşı and Dinkjian first met in 1996; nearly a decade later, in 2005, they were introduced to Lumanovski. What began as mutual admiration quickly evolved into a lasting friendship. Today, their chemistry on stage is undeniable. Audiences often remark not only on the Trio’s musical brilliance, but also on the joy the three radiate while playing together. It’s as if you are watching old friends share a musical conversation — and in many ways, you are.

The New Single

From Old Friends comes the single “Bülbülüm Altın Kafeste” (My Nightingale in the Golden Cage) — a traditional folksong from Thessaloniki. The piece is set in the Kürdi melodic mode and the aksak (9/8) rhythmic cycle, featuring a stunning improvisation by kanun virtuoso Tamer Pınarbaşı. It captures the Trio’s gift for marrying makam-based traditions with the harmonic richness of the western idiom.

Behind the Sound

Produced by Anderson Audio New York in collaboration with The Secret Trio, Old Friends was recorded and mixed at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, Studio 4 in Brooklyn between 2023 and 2024. Legendary engineer Jim Anderson handled recording and mixing, with mastering by Ulrike Schwarz at the Tippet Rise Arts Center in Montana. Immersive audio authoring was completed by Morten Lindberg (2L, Norway), ensuring the album delivers a multidimensional listening experience.

The Secret Trio Today

Featuring:

• Ismail Lumanovski – clarinet

• Ara Dinkjian – oud

• Tamer Pınarbaşı – kanun

With Old Friends, The Secret Trio reminds us that music is more than entertainment — it is a force for connection, friendship, and shared humanity.