NEW RELEASES: MAXI PRIEST - EASY TO LOVE; SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 - A LONG WAY TO THE BEGINNING; KEN VANDERMARK / DAVID GRUBBS - PARALLAX SOUNDS

MAXI PRIEST - EASY TO LOVE

Easy To Love is the new studio album from superstar Maxi Priest featuring the hits “Easy To Love”, “Holiday” "Every Little Thing" and the new single “Gravity.” Maxi is back with his first new studio album in 5 years titled Easy To Love. Eleven new songs highlighting Maxi’s earliest musical influences; gospel, R&B, roots reggae and lover’s rock. The album features reggae music luminaries Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden, Clive Hunt, deejay Assassin and Beres Hammond on the exciting R&B flavored ‘Without A Woman.” The production also feature some of the genre’s best talents including; Colin ‘Bulby’ York, Handel Tucker (who was one of the producers on Maxi’s classic hit “Close To You” and "Just A Little Bit Longer"), Red Boyz, Andre "GC" Fennell, and Livingstone Brown. Easy To Love is a fresh sound from one of the genre’s most familiar voices. ~ VP Reggae

SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 - A LONG WAY TO THE BEGINNING

Some of the fiercest, hardest work we've ever heard from Seun Kuti – a record that bristles with anger and energy right from the start – and which really has him lighting a whole new sort of fire under the Eygpt 80 band! Seun's got this intense look on the artwork of the record – including a Tupac-like photo on the back – and that vibe is definitely matched by the razor-sharp grooves on the set – and the brash politics of the lyrics – which include the especially memorable "IMF (International Motherf*cker)" – which is his way of carrying on the energy in the senior Fela's classic "ITT (International Thief Thief)". Other tracks include "African Smoke", "Higher Consciousness", "Kalakuta Boy", "African Airways", and "Black Woman". ~ Dusty Groove

KEN VANDERMARK / DAVID GRUBBS - PARALLAX SOUNDS ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK

A really unusual set of music from an equally unusual film project – special sounds recorded for the film Parallax Sounds, a look at the very unique music climate in Chicago during the past decade or two! The work here is composed by key figures in the film – both David Grubbs and Ken Vandermark – and served up in a genre-crossing style that's got a bit of jazz, a bit of rock, and lots of the creative interplay we know from living in this great city! In addition to Vandermark on reeds and Grubbs on vocals and guitar, the set also features additional guitar from Steve Albini, trumpet from Nate Wooley, vibes from Jason Adasiewicz, bass from Wayne Montana, and drums from John Herndon. Titles include "Crystal City", "Parallax Game", "Lady Loop", "Invisible Road", "Out With The Tide", and "Tomorrow Is The Past". ~ Dusty Groove

COOKIN' ON 3 BURNERS - BLIND BET

It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years since Cookin On 3 Burners released 'Soul Messin' the incredible album that included their massive crossover smash single 'This Girl', of which the vinyl 45 ended up being one of those records that was changing hands for crazy prices among the record collecting cognoscenti.

The long wait has certainly been worth it, as Blind Bet not only ticks all the boxes you would expect from the band (the best in contemporary soul-jazz, funk and amazing production) but the musical textures they create are more varied and eclectic than ever before. The album opens with the minimalist, crisp funk of Skeletor, which is promptly followed by Flat On My Back featuring Tex Perkins on vocals, which is an excursion into swampy blues territory with more than a hint of Tom Waits' gritty delivery.

Blind Bet is awash in fantastic vocal guest spots, and international chart topper Daniel Merriweather completely nails his vocals on Losin' Streak, and can now proudly add Cookin On Three Burners to his musical CV.. alongside Mark Ronson and a long list of movers & shakers.

There is more than just a hint of a film soundtrack influence on the instrumental Blind Bet, as horns, a soaring string section and heavy percussion evoke the film scores of Oliver Nelson, John Barry and other celluloid composers and arrangers - this track cries out to be the them tune of a handsome spy who is saving the world whilst sipping a cocktail.

The soundtrack influence continues on The Spanish Job - in addition to the wonderfully twangy, surf style guitar meshes with the tough backbeat to create a truly original and unusual sound.

Long time and much loved CO3B collaborator Kylie Auldist features more than once on the album, and on 'Mind Made Up' Kylie proves beyond doubt, that she is one of the premier contemporary soul vocalists working today. The snappy drums, crisp guitar and Jake Masons' organ work all compliment the vocals, whilst lush horns and strings lift this catchy track into total classic status!

Blind Bet is a strong and welcome return for Cookin' On 3 Burners, musically open minded to keep things fresh - but of course rooted in all that's best in modern rootsy soul & funk - just as you'd expect!

ADAM SCHROEDER'S LET'S FEATURES ANTHONY WILSON, JOHN CLAYTON & JEFF HAMILTON

Big sounds from the big horn!  Baritone saxophone giant Adam Schroeder's Let's brings together a modern day master with guitarist Anthony Wilson, bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton set for release on June 17 from Capri Records.

It's always news when an immensely gifted baritone saxophonist like Adam Schroeder releases a recording. Why the baritone - the mighty warhorse of the saxophone family, a horn capable of expressive majesty whether delving deep in the low register or careening in the tonal stratosphere - should have so few present day high profile players is anyone's guess. Still, it's obvious that with the release of Let's - Schroeder's second album as a leader - a mesmerizing baritone virtuoso, one capable of bringing newly deserved exposure to his instrument, is poised to make his mark. Making the most of a gorgeously full bodied tone and a commanding technique that allows him to both burrow deep and to soar, Schroeder reflects the best of such past masters of his instrument as Gerry Mulligan, Serge Chaloff and Pepper Adams, and such dazzling contemporary practitioners as Gary Smulyan and Ronnie Cuber. With expert support from guitarist Anthony Wilson, bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, Schroeder glides through a thoroughly pleasurable mainstream program that trains its spotlight on his inspired improvising as well as his engaging and well-crafted originals. Durable tunes by Duke Pearson, Thad Jones, Benny Carter, along with the sturdy standards, "Wrap Your Trouble In Dreams" and "In the Middle of a Kiss," and Stevie Wonder's R&B classic, "You and I (We Can Conquer the World)" round out a memorable recording that wisely places its faith in melodic swing.

 "Melodies!" Schroeder emphatically states when speaking of the criteria that he used in selecting his non-original material. "Each of the songs written by others had to have great melodies first and foremost. These are tunes that make you smile when you first hear them, and then reveal their compositional and harmonic depth the more you listen to them. They also offer vast freedom of expression for everyone to improvise on." Schroeder's own pieces, the funky, "Just Clap Your Hands," the alluring mid-tempo ballad, "Patience Endurance, Steady Hope" and the swinging, "A Hawkeye, A Hoosier & Two Cali Cats" among them, possess similarly attractive traits to the more recognizable fare. Whether seasoned or original, each piece allows Schroeder to display his stupendous gifts and to musically meld with his distinguished band mates. "It's awe-inspiring to work with legends like John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, as it is to play with a great younger player like Anthony Wilson. Musicians like them just want you to succeed. Although you might want to place experienced players like John and Jeff on a pedestal, that's the last place they want to be. They make you feel like part of a family. For them, the music becomes all important."

While a horn and guitar front line may be atypical, Schroeder felt that it was the right fit "sonically -- the timbre of the baritone with that of the guitar works better as far as I'm concerned, than an a baritone and a piano might. That combination can get too muddy."

Although originally a bebop-obsessed alto saxophonist, Schroeder, an Iowa native, switched to baritone in his later high school years. While still in school, Schroeder had the opportunity to play in the college band at Clark Terry's International Institute of Jazz Studies. Among the prestigious artists that the Los Angeles-based baritone virtuoso subsequently performed with over the ensuing decades are Ray Charles, Louie Bellson, Jack Nimitz, Diana Krall, Sting, John Pizzarelli, Chris Botti, Bob Mintzer, Bennie Wallace and Clark Terry, who remains a friend and mentor. Schroeder - whose first album A Handful Of Stars was released on Capri Records in 2010 - is currently associated with, among others, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

http://www.adamschroedermusic.com/live/

http://caprirecords.com/

NEW RELEASES: AVERY SUNSHINE - THE SUN ROOM; NAT BIRCHALL QUINTET - LIVE IN LARISSA; JOHN ZORN - IN THE HALL OF MIRRORS

AVERY SUNSHINE - THE SUN ROOM               

Avery Sunshine stunned us with her debut, but she really blows us away with this amazing second set – a record that has the singer not only deepening her sound, but also hitting this really classic vibe that takes us back to legendary music on Stax or Hi Records! The production and setting is still relatively modern, but also stripped-down – so that Avery's vocals are massively right out front – almost doing the whole thing on their own, but getting some sweet support from Fender Rhodes – which is played by the lady herself on most tracks. Titles include "Won't You Try", "Nothing To Something", "Call My Name", "Mediation #1", and "Sweet Afternoon". ~ Dusty Groove

NAT BIRCHALL QUINTET - LIVE IN LARISSA: DIVINE HARMONY IN DUENDE JAZZ BAR

Sublime live sounds from the great Nat Birchall – one of the most spiritual jazzmen currently working today! The set has Nat and his quintet really stretching out – playing his own great compositions, plus some Impulse and Strata East classics too – all at an open, searching, constantly creative level that really lives up to their inspiration from the Coltrane generation! Nat himself plays tenor and soprano sax – and the group features piano, vibes, bass, and drums – plus a bit of bells as well. The whole thing's very spiritual – like some lost Strata set from the 70s – and titles include remakes of Clifford Jordan's "John Coltrane" and Alice Coltrane's "Journey In Satchidananda" – plus the tracks "Sacred Dimension", "The Black Ark", "Return To Ithaca", and "Divine Harmony". ~ Dusty Groove

JOHN ZORN - IN THE HALL OF MIRRORS

Beautiful work composed by John Zorn – done in a mix of minimalism and modern jazz – and played with an equal flourish by the trio of pianist Stephen Gosling! Zorn's best known for his own work on alto, but he proves to be a surprisingly strong visionary for jazz piano as well – and really creates some compelling compositions that are taken even further by the group! Gosling's piano can be bold one minute, hypnotic and subtle the next – and the group features equally dynamic work from Greg Cohen on bass and Tyshawn Sorey on drums. Tracks include "Epode", "Illuminations", "In Lovely Blueness", and "Nightwood". ~ Dusty Groove

ERIC BENET - LAY IT DOWN (THE AFROPEANS REVISIT) FREE DOWNLOAD

Download Eric Benet's Lay It Down

(The Afropeans Revisit). Eric Benét has released his fantastic new album The Other One (Revisited By The Afropeans) and has partnered with MOBO to premiere some brand new world exclusive content.

The four time Grammy Nominee and R&B superstar has made his latest single, Lay It Down (The Afropeans Revisit), available for FREE DOWNLOAD only on MOBO.COM! Download the smooth new track by clicking the link below.

As a MOBO.COM reader you are also able to watch WORLD EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE of Eric Benét on set at the Lay It Down (The Afropeans Revisit) video shoot! 

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR DOWNLOAD!

NEW RELEASES - GENE PAGE PRODUCED BY BARRY WHITE - HOT CITY; DISCO REGGAE VOLUME TWO; GABOR SZABO & BOBBY WOMACK - HIGH CONTRAST

GENE PAGE PRODUCED BY BARRY WHITE - HOT CITY

An excellent album of Barry White-styled instrumentals – put together by Barry's right hand man Gene Page, and produced by Barry himself! The record's one of the best that Gene Page ever cut – apart from his seminal blacksploitation soundtracks – and it's very much in the mode of White's Love Unlimited Orchestra albums from the same time, although perhaps with less of a string section – and more of an emphasis on funky drums at the bottom. Players are an all-star cast of LA studio groovers that includes David T Walker and Ray Parker on guitar, Ernie Watts and Wilton Felder on saxes, and Clarence McDonald on keyboards – and tracks are mostly originals by Page and White. Titles include "Jungle Eyes", "She's My Main Squeeze", "I Am Living In A World Of Gloom", "Satin Soul", and "To The Bone". Bonus tracks include 7" versions of "Satin Soul" and "All Our Dreams Are Coming True". ~ Dusty Groove

DISCO REGGAE VOLUME TWO

Fantastic sounds from this ultra-cool project – music that's neither straight disco, nor really reggae – and instead a great dubby reworking of dancefloor modes from a few generations past! The range of material here comes a number of different settings – but is all worked together carefully with a very cohesive feel – thanks to a selection of like-minded artists and producers who've made this Disco Reggae project one of the better experiments of this nature in recent years! Most tunes are familiar numbers, but remade in this fresh new vision – and titles include "Tainted Love (Grandmagneto orig 7")" by Grandmagneto, "Watermelon Man (Taggy Matcher disco reggae mix)" by Taggy Matcher, "Sabadi (7 Samurai electro disco reggae mix)" by Lucas Arruda, "Stand On The World (7 Samurai electro dub mix)" by Joubert Singers, "I'll Do Anything For You (Mato reggae mix)" by Lee McDonald, and "Queen Of The Minstrels (Taggy Matcher disco reggae mix)" by Mr Day. ~ Dusty Groove 

GABOR SZABO & BOBBY WOMACK - HIGH CONTRAST

Excellent early 70s work from jazz guitarist Gabor Szabo – a super-dope album that's one of the best he ever recorded! Part of the success of the record has to do with the presence of Bobby Womack – normally a soul singer, but also a heck of a guitarist, playing here alongside Szabo in a very cool twin-guitar style that makes for an amazing sound. Both players have a hollow, warm tone to their work on the strings – stepping around a blend of soul and jazz that's nicely tripped out in a 70s Blue Thumb style. The highlight of the record is the massive track "Breezin", a sample track used by more than one group over the years – but the whole record's amazing, filled with slow, trippy grooves that were years ahead of their time! Titles include "I Remember When", "Just A Little Communication", "Amazon", "Fingers", and "Azure Blue". ~ Dusty Groove.

AL JARREAU TO HONOR THE LEGACY OF HIS DEAR FRIEND GEORGE DUKE TITLED MY OLD FRIEND: CELEBRATING GEORGE DUKE

The world of music was forever changed in 2013 with the passing of legendary keyboardist, composer and producer George Duke. This year, Al Jarreau, famed vocalist and long-time friend of Duke, re-interprets some of Duke’s renowned catalog of post-bop, jazz-fusion, R&B and Brazilian jazz with My Old Friend: Celebrating George Duke set for release August 5, 2014. Produced by John Burk, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Boney James, this work also hosts a stellar blend of guest artists including Gerald Albright, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Miller, Lalah Hathaway, Jeffrey Osborne, Kelly Price, Dr. John, and more, with a special appearance by George Duke on the track “Bring Me Joy” which also features Boney James. The album will be released by Concord Records in August 2014.

My Old Friend will surely extend the legacy of George Duke as well as become another crowning jewel in Jarreau’s own distinguished repertoire. “There are great moments all over this project,” Jarreau says proudly. “I couldn’t possibly cover George’s full range. But I wanted to give people a fun listen with his music for Duke’s diehard fans to once again, enjoy themselves through his music.” The album is now available for pre-order and is part of a Pledge Music campaign where Jarreau is offering fans a first listen, signed CDs, VIP packages and more.

Jarreau first met Duke in 1965 when he moved to San Francisco from his hometown of Milwaukee after a stint with the U.S. Army Reserves. Jarreau was working as a social worker and a rehabilitation counselor while also pounding the San Francisco streets for jazz gigs. A young Duke was already making a name for himself in the city by playing weekends at the Half Note. One Sunday night jam session, Jarreau came upon stage and tore it up. The club owner immediately asked Jarreau if he would be willing to join George Duke’s trio on a regular basis. Jarreau leaped at the opportunity and worked with the George Duke Trio for three years, evening recording a live LP. “We played together three years at that club; it closed in 1968 and George and I moved on. But that was a very important period for me,” Jarreau recalls.

Jarreau is also lining up a series of U.S and European tour engagements and below is what is on the schedule:

05/24 Jacksonville Jazz Festival Jacksonville, FL

05/30 Maui Arts & Cultural Center Kahului, Maui, HI

06/06 Chastain Park, with Atlanta Symphony Atlanta, GA

06/07 Capital Jazz Fest Columbia, MD

06/14 Playboy Jazz Festival at Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles, CA

07/01 Musiikkitalo Helsinki, Finland

07/03 State Opera House Vienna, Austria

07/05 Life – Das Liechtenstein Festival Schaan, Lichtenstein

07/06 Garage Saarbrucken Saarbrucken, Germany

07/10 Festivalul Jazz TM Timisoara, Romania

07/15 Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

07/16 Auditorio Alfredo Kraua Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

08/24 Thornton Winery Temecula, CA

http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/tributetogeorgeduke

EARTH WIND & FIRE FOUNDER MAURICE WHITE RELAUNCHES HIS LABEL KALIMBA MUSIC WITH THE RELEASE OF EWF'S THE PROMISE (FEATURING NEW URBAN JAZZ SINGLE 'NEVER')

Adding an exciting new chapter to Earth, Wind & Fire's highly influential four and a half decade legacy in pop and R&B music, the iconic band's founder Maurice White is pleased to announce the highly anticipated relaunch of his label, Kalimba Music (www.kalimba-music.com), after a several year hiatus.

The label's first release is a re-mastered collector's edition of the Earth, Wind & Fire hit album The Promise, a critically acclaimed full length set which in its original run -- after a six year studio recording hiatus by the band -- hit #19 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #5 on the Top Independent Albums chart. It also scored a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for "Hold Me."

Kalimba is also making a multi-project foray into the contemporary urban jazz world, first with the release of the album's new single, "Never," to smooth jazz radio May 19.

White is also excited about the recent signing of the label's first official artist, keyboardist and composer Greg Manning, whose debut instrumental single "Dance With You" was a popular genre airplay hit in 2013 -- reaching #1 on the taste-making chart, The Smooth Jazz Top 20 with Allen Kepler. Manning recently finished mastering his label debut for an upcoming release.

A native of Zurich, Switzerland, the multi-talented keyboardist studied piano and film scoring at Berklee College of Music in Boston before returning to his home country to establish himself as a composer and producer. He made his debut in the U.S. as the keyboardist for Brian McKnight's "Back At One" tour, then toured extensively for a decade as keyboardist and music director for Grammy nominated jazz/gospel artist Jonathan Butler. Over the years, Manning has also performed with many top names in the genre, including Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Richard Elliot, Eric Marienthal, Chante Moore and Kirk Whalum, among others.

White, who originally established Kalimba Music in 2003 as a vehicle to promote Earth, Wind & Fire as well as up and coming performers, decided to relaunch based on his passion and love for music and worthy artists. 

BIM SKALA BIM - CHET'S LAST CALL

Bim Skala Bim formed in Boston, MA as a Ska Rock band that was influenced by the groups in England’s 2-Tone movement, as well as bands such as the Clash, UB40, and Bob Marley. Bim Skala Bim took a hiatus in 2002, but recently reformed with all of the original members and recorded a brand new album, "Chet’s Last Call." Bim’s infectious “Boston Blue Beat” sound —a mix of upbeat 2-Tone Ska, Rock n Roll, and a pinch of Calypsowith a substantial Reggae undertone--led them, together with The Toasters, to be the premier bands kick-starting the Third Wave of Ska in the 1980s. Other bands quickly followed their example resulting in a lively scene in Boston and much of the United States.

In 1997, Bim Skala Bim, The Dropkick Murphys, and The Bosstones emerged on a 50 date nationwide “Boston On The Road” tour, demonstrating the shared success of those Boston artists. One of the world’s longest-running independent bands with over twenty-five years of touring and recording, Bim Skala Bim has released 9 highly acclaimed albums and has been the winner of 10 Boston Music Awards, 8 Boston Phoenix Reader’s Poll awards, as well as Boston Magazine’s “Best of Boston” twice. In March of 2013, Boston Business Journal rated Bim Skala Bim’s Bones album #19 in their “Boston Top 40 Albums of All Time” list.

Chet’s Last Call has Bim’s unmistakable sound and they’ll be touring in support of this new album in Europe in spring of 2014, finishing with an appearance at the much acclaimed Freedom Sounds Festival in Cologne, Germany in May.

http://www.bimska.com

LIRA - RISE AGAIN

Platinum-selling South African singer/model/actress Lira has already conquered South Africa and much of Europe with her irresistible blend of R & B, Jazz and African styles. Like Sade before her, she is now set to conquer America, having just released Rise Again, her US debut. The album’s first single, "Feel Good," is a slinky, jazzy re-mix of one of her major South African hits, a perfect showcase for Lira's soulful, melodious singing style. That unique style led Essence Magazine to name her as one of "Five Unique Artists To Change Music in 2012.” 

"Lira has all the ingredients to be a star in the U.S.," says Shanachie General Manager Randall Grass. "She has a unique sound, a wonderful voice, model-quality looks and is already a popular artist, not only in Africa but in much of Europe as well, with a wide-ranging appeal to Jazz, R & B, World music and Pop audiences."

  

Rise Again is the perfect introduction to the full-spectrum of Lira’s artistry. Songs such as “With My Eyes” and “Typical” highlight her sultry vocal tone on songs that deal with the subtleties of romantic relationships. “Rise Again,” “Feel Good” and “Believer” are all upbeat, inspirational, feel good anthems that exemplify Lira’s ability to touch people of all different backgrounds.  She incorporates reggae into “Valley Of Darkness” and “Call Me,” a natural move since reggae continues to be a vibrant presence on the contemporary African music scene. “Ixesha,” “Hamba” and “Phakade” are all African-language songs that bring South African musical textures to the fore.

  

Lira was born in Ekurhuleni, East of Johannesburg, South Africa. Having grown up listening to Stevie Wonder, Miriam Makeba, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone, she began writing songs and performing at age 16. In 2000, she was discovered by the musician producer Arthur Mafokate, who signed her to his label, releasing her debut album All My Love in 2003. The title track surpassed Beyonce's "Dangerously In Love" on a chart-topping run. She was then signed to Sony Music in South Africa and saw her debut Sony album win awards at the South African Music Awards (SAMA), the South African equivalent of the Grammy awards. In summer of 2010 she joined such artists as Alicia Keys, Shakira, K'Naan and John Legend as featured performer in the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Concert. That year she also made her cinematic debut as the support lead in the Italian feature film Consul. The Star newspaper in South Africa declared her the foremost Adult Contemporary solo artist in South Africa.  The release of her high-end concert DVD, Live In Concert: A Celebration, was certified Triple-Platinum and  knocked Celine Dion's Live In Las Vegas out of the #1 spot on the video sales chart. Her first two Sony albums were likewise certified Platinum. Lira has appeared on the cover of more than twenty magazines around the world and has the largest Facebook following of any South African musician with over 400,000 fans. She also received a BET Awards nomination as "Best International Artist" in 2012. With the release of Rise Again, American audiences will at last experience the magic Lira has brought to audiences in Europe and Africa.

All of the songs on Rise Again are written or co-written by Lira, except the deeply moving “Something Inside So Strong,” written by Labi Siffre.  Lira performed the song for Nelson Mandela at his 90th birthday celebration.  Having just announced a nationwide US Summer tour, Lira is clearly poised for a major stateside breakthrough.

MICHAEL BELLAR THE AS-IS ENSEMBLE - OH NO OH WOW

At its core, the music Michael Bellar & the AS-IS Ensemble creates is ecstatic. It's wide-open improvisation with earthy, percussion-fueled grooves. It's funky and weird. It's expansive and arresting. It will always be in the moment and without apology.

From the opening moment of their latest recording Oh No Oh Wow, you hear the band in mid-laughter, which turns out to be a sure sign that the album got it's title for a reason. It's the very best of everything this band has to offer with grinding vintage keyboards, funky drums, exotic percussion and thumping bass. The musical environs that Bellar takes the band through on the new record are many but never are they disparate. "I'm interested in creating the largest palette I can with a small group so I'm bringing as many sonic colors and different grooves to the table as possible," states Bellar.

The AS-IS Ensemble is the musical home of keyboardist/composer/producer Michael Bellar. As a sideman, Bellar has recorded and toured the world with some of the greatest voices in music today - Amos Lee, Art Garfunkel, Oliver Wood (of the Wood Brothers), Jay Clifford's Rosebud, Jump Little Children, Ryan Montbleau, Wheatus, Howie Day and Euro pop star Giorgia. Oh No Oh Wow features the talents of Bellar's longtime group, which features drummer Brad Wentworth (Melissa Ferrick, Aretha Franklin, Howie Day), bassist Rob Jost (Bjork, Imogen Heap, Tony Scherr), and percussionist Brook Martinez (Brooklyn Qawwali Party, Slavic Soul Party).

Bellar and Wentworth both grew up in North Carolina and went to the same school, but it wasn't until the drummer finally moved to New York City that they played together, and it was at that session that Bellar decided it was time to change up his band to include Wentworth. Wentworth suggested Jost, a bassist he had just met, and the new lineup of the band was formed. Bellar admits, "It's been amazing to be able to keep such great collaborators and improvisers together for such a long time. With musicians such as these, there is always something new being tossed around on stage."

Hailed as "GENERATION NEXT" by Billboard Magazine following their first ever New York City show, Michael Bellar & AS-IS Ensemble are known for their joyous, never-the-same-way-twice live musical experiences. Even if they did use a set list, which they don't, the music and flow of their shows would never be the same. "I love bringing a room full of people along for the ride with us and the greatest shows are always the ones when the band and the crowd become a complete circuit. The most common comment I get from people after shows is, 'It's so obvious you really love what you do!' And I say at this point if I didn't love what I do, I would truly be insane.'"

The songs on Oh No Oh Wow not only exemplify Bellar's small group/large palette concept but also showcase his many strengths as a composer, improviser and producer with a wide range of musical stylings including the super funky "Gadson" (dedicated to the historic soul drummer James Gadson) and "Little Mike D's a Big Boy Now," the hypnotic/bubbling rhythms of the title track "Oh No Oh Wow" and "Yes Please," the soulful gospel of "Biscuit Baby," the Pink Floyd meets Bill Frisell expansiveness of "Girl on a String," and contemporary reworkings of two classic covers: Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" and Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Chile."

Bellar wrote "Gadson" after getting to play and hang out with the great drummer for a week while he was touring in Amos Lee's band. "Not only is that man as humble as can be, but no one else can play that sixteenth note, slow burn funk like he does," explains Bellar. "This piece is not about trying to sound like him, for me it's celebrating the spirit of James."

"Hot Box Magic" came from the desire to record something for the accordion that was as far away from a typical accordion vibe as they could get. (Hot Box in this case serves as an epithet for the accordion). "When I first wrote the melody, it had an almost Sephardic desert vibe to it and though experimentation in the studio transformed into this fun, strange little pop song. And live, it's seems to have become a real favorite," says Bellar.

The fun and twisted arrangement of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" was actually a collaborative effort by all the members of the group in one short session. "Usually with covers, I like to make it as bare bones as possible, so we can go in any direction at any time live," says Bellar. "But when I started playing 'Three Little Birds' in a rehearsal one day, this arrangement just sort of snowballed and morphed into this really trippy, high-energy vibe which is so much fun to play."

"My life would be a whole lot easier if I could rattle off some cool buzz words that describe this music but on the other hand I'm really glad that I can't. It doesn't fit into any clear genre but I guess that's just a product of who I am as a person and musician - a rock kid who fell in love with improvisation," admits the keyboardist. It's just Bellar - he does things a little different.

About Michael Bellar & the AS-IS Ensemble:

For a group that you've never heard of before, Michael Bellar & the AS-IS Ensemble have performed at a wide range of diverse festivals and venues across the country including the NYC Winter Jazz Festival, Brooklyn Bowl, Telluride Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center, SXSW, A Bear's Picnic, Blue Note Jazz Festival NYC, Avery Fischer Hall (for Habitat for Humanity), San Jose Jazz Festival, Evolve Fest, JVC Jazz Festival, Rockwood Music Hall and spent a summer as the house band at the world famous Blue Note jazz club in New York City. The group has also opened for artists diverse as Robert Randolph & the Family Band, John Scofield, Oliver Wood (of the Wood Brothers), the Everyone Orchestra, Medeski Martin & Wood, Tea Leaf Green, Howie Day, Grant Green Jr. and the Ryan Montbleau Band.

Upcoming Michael Bellar & the AS-IS Ensemble Performances:

May 25 / The Colony Cafe / Woodstock, NY

May 31 / Positive Pie / Montpelier, VT

June 1 / Radio Bean / Burlington, VT

June 6-7 / O'Hara and Flynn (solo) / Charleston, SC

* June 10 / The Pourhouse / Raleigh, NC

* June 12 / ISIS / Asheville, NC

June 25 / BB King - Lucille's, Blue Note Jazz Festival / New York, NY

July 6 / BRYAC / Bridgeport, CT

July 12 / The Jazz Estate / Milwaukee, WI

July 13 / The Cabooze / Minneapolis, MN

July 14 / Rockwood Music Hall Stage II / New York, NY

July 28 / Rockwood Music Hall Stage II / New York, NY

August 1 / Telluride Jazz Festival / Telluride, CO

August 2 / Vine Street Brewery / Denver, CO

August 3 / Mountain Sun / Boulder, CO

August 5 / Winstons / San Diego, CA

August 9 / Blackbird Cafe, San Jose Jazz Festival / San Jose, CA

August 11 / Rockwood Music Hall Stage II  (w/ special guest Shaun Pelton) / New York, NY

August 25 / Rockwood Music Hall Stage II (w/ special guest Melissa Reaves) / New York, NY

* indicates a Michael Bellar solo performance opening for Carsie Blanton

  

Michael Bellar & the AS-IS Ensemble · Oh No Oh Wow / Left 3 Lanes Music  ·  Release Date: June 24, 2014 / MichaelBellar.com

BLUE NOTE SELECT COLLECTIONS FROM CLIFFORD BROWN, JOHN COLTRANE. MILES DAVIS & THELONIOUS MONK

Blue Note Records, the world’s most respected and longest-running Jazz label, is being commemorated for its 75th Anniversary throughout 2014 and beyond with a broad range of special releases and events. Blue Note is pleased to announce new Blue Note Select collections for Clifford Brown, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, each with original recordings sequenced as they were first released on 10-inch or 78 RPM singles (a departure from previous reissues, which have used recording chronology or later 12-inch versions of the albums for their sequences). Each Blue Note Select collection will be presented in special book-style packaging with a new essay, Francis Wolff session photos, original album art and other details. Miles Davis Take Off: The Complete Blue Note Albums is available beginning today in 2CD and digital packages, Clifford Brown Brownie Speaks: The Complete Blue Note Recordings will be released June 10 in 3CD and digital packages, and John Coltrane & Friends Sideman: Trane’s Blue Note Sessions will be released July 15 in 3CD and digital packages. Thelonious Monk ‘Round Midnight: The Complete Blue Note Recordings will be released this fall in 2CD and digital packages.

Miles Davis / Take Off: The Complete Blue Note Albums (2CD; digital)

A new, Miles Davis Estate-approved collection of Davis' three Blue Note 10-inch albums plus all alternate takes issued on subsequent 12-inch albums and CD reissues: a total of 26 tracks recorded for Blue Note Records on three dates in 1952, ’53 and ’54. This is the first time Davis’ 10-inch albums – Young Man With A Horn, Miles Davis Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 – have been issued in their original sequence since the early 1950s. The book-style packaging includes a 32-page booklet with an essay by respected jazz writer Kirk Silsbee, and other elements as noted.

Clifford Brown / Brownie Speaks: The Complete Blue Note Recordings (3CD; digital)

Documenting when trumpeter Clifford Brown was on the rise, the new collection covers his three 10-inch albums from 1953 – recorded with J.J. Johnson (Jay Jay Johnson with Clifford Brown), Lou Donaldson (New Faces New Sounds) and his own sextet (New Star On The Horizon) – plus legendary live Birdland recordings headlined by Art Blakey, in which Brown is featured along with Donaldson and pianist Horace Silver. While this collection presents the original 10-inch album sequences for the first time since the mid-1950s, the Birdland shows are presented in their original performance sequence for the first time ever. The book-style package includes a 34-page booklet with an essay by Kirk Silsbee, and other elements as noted.

John Coltrane & Friends / Sideman: Trane’s Blue Note Sessions (3CD; digital)

A collection of the legendary saxophonist’s sideman sessions for Blue Note Records from 1956-1957, when Coltrane was a regular member of the Miles Davis Quintet and played with pianist Thelonious Monk. This set, conceived by former Blue Note Records president Bruce Lundvall, marks the first time Coltrane’s sideman sessions for Blue Note have been collected in one place; albums include recordings led by Paul Chambers (Chambers’ Music, a.k.a. High Step, and Whims of Chambers), Johnny Griffin (A Blowing Session) and Sonny Clark (Sonny’s Crib). The entire set will be in original Blue Note mono, with the mono version of Clark’s album on CD for the first time. The book-style package includes a 34-page booklet with an essay by author and educator Ashley Kahn, and other elements as noted.

Thelonious Monk: ‘Round Midnight: The Complete Blue Note Recordings (2CD; digital)

Monk’s first recordings in the late 1940s were for Blue Note Records, and they signaled a new kind of Blue Note, as the label was evolving from an outlet for boogie woogie and old time jazz into a flag-waver for hard bop. These recordings, which include the first version of Monk’s classic composition, “'Round Midnight” (originally known as "'Round About Midnight"), were released on a series of fifteen 78 RPM singles. Later, Monk’s sessions were re-compiled on 10-inch and 12-inch LPs, and this collection will present for the first time Monk’s Blue Note recordings in their original 78 RPM sequence of release, adding as bonus tracks the alternate takes that appeared on later LP and CD releases. In addition, ’Round Midnight includes nine tracks not available on any current reissues of Monk’s albums.

On March 25, Blue Note/UMe launched an extensive 100-album vinyl reissue initiative with five classic titles (Art Blakey Free For All, John Coltrane Blue Train, Eric Dolphy Out To Lunch, Wayne Shorter Speak No Evil, and Larry Young Unity). Five more classic LPs were released in April (Ornette Coleman At The “Golden Circle” Stockholm, Vol. 1, Herbie Hancock Maiden Voyage, Sonny Rollins A Night At The Village Vanguard, Cannonball Adderley Somethin’ Else, and Dexter Gordon Our Man In Paris). The vinyl series continues this month with the May 27 release of Grant Green Idle Moments, Hank Mobley Soul Station, Madlib Shades Of Blue, Horace Silver Song For My Father, and McCoy Tyner The Real McCoy. The vinyl releases are set to continue monthly and also include modern classics from Blue Note’s recent catalog such as Joe Lovano Quartets: Live At The Village Vanguard, Jason Moran Soundtrack To Human Motion, Terence Blanchard Flow, Medeski Martin & Wood Combustication, and Cassandra Wilson Traveling Miles. Click here for the full list of vinyl releases.

On April 29, Blue Note/UMe released a remastered and expanded 20th anniversary edition of Cassandra Wilson's landmark album Blue Light ‘Til Dawn. Wilson’s groundbreaking Blue Note album helped to define a new style of jazz and earned her the title of "America's best singer" from Time magazine. Supervised by original producer Craig Street, the new edition includes three previously unreleased live recordings from Wilson’s 1994 tour.

B.B KING - THE LIFE OF RILEY: THE SOUNDTRACK

B.B. King-The Life Of Riley is a powerful, insightful and heart-warming feature documentary about legendary Blues man, B.B. King. The film is narrated by OSCAR® winning actor Morgan Freeman and features never-before-seen interviews with music icons Eric Clapton, Bono, Ringo Starr, Carlos Santana, Slash, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and longtime blues fan and supporter, Bruce Willis. The film will play in movie theatres across the United States, starting May 21st. Tickets for the theatrical screenings are on sale now, only at www.bbking.com

B.B. King -The Life Of Riley Original Soundtrack, available digitally on May 19, 2014 carefully follows the specifically chosen music sequence used in the film. The soundtrack contains 19 career-spanning songs as featured in the movie from his 1951 hit “3 O’Clock Blues” to his 2000 GRAMMY® winning “Riding With the King” duet, plus two live songs never available on digital or CD, “Walking Dr. Bill” and “Sweet Sixteen.”

Producer/Director Jon Brewer worked closely with B.B. King for more than 2 years, amassing more than 250 hours of footage to create a no holds barred, powerful documentary feature that explores how an orphaned child, working in the cotton fields of Mississippi in 1925, turned his life around against all odds to overcome even the toughest critics, to become “King of the Blues.”

B.B. King: The Life of Riley film includes appearances and contributions from: Aaron Neville, Bill Cosby, Bill Szymczyk, Bill Wyman, Bono, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Willis, Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Carver Randle, Derek Trucks, Dr. John, Eric Clapton, George Benson, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Walsh, John Mayer, John Mayall, Johnny Winter, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mick Taylor, Morgan Freeman, Paul Rodgers, Rev. David Matthews, Ringo Starr, Ronnie Wood, Slash, Susan Tedeschi, Tina France, Walter Trout, and Wayne Cartledge.

The DVD and Blu-Ray™, available everywhere on June 17th, feature performance footage from the Royal Albert Hall, with special guests Ronnie Wood, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Mick Hucknell, and Slash. In addition, there are bonus interviews from Buddy Guy, Mick Hucknell, Ronnie Wood, Bonnie Raitt, Derek Trucks, Bobby Bland, Walter Trout, Susan Tedeschi, Carlos Santana, Joe Bonamassa, Dr. John, John Mayall, Slash, and Leon Russell.

B.B. KING-THE LIFE OF RILEY ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK TRACKLISTING:

*All songs performed by BB King, unless otherwise noted. 

Walking Dr. Bill (Live on “GTK” Australia, March 18, 1974) **previously unreleased on CD/digital formats

1.    Nobody Loves Me But My Mother

2.    To Know You Is To Love You

3.    Paying The Cost To Be The Boss

4.    3 O’Clock Blues

5.    Sweet Little Angel

6.    Catfish Blues (Fishin’ After Me)

7.    Every Day I Have the Blues (recorded live at The Regal Theatre)

8.    How Blue Can You Get? (Recorded live at The Regal Theatre)

9.    Chains And Things

10.  The Thrill Is Gone

11.  Caldonia

12.  Sweet Sixteen (Live in Africa, 1974) **previously unreleased live version

13.  Hold On (I Feel Our Love is Changing)

14.  When Love Comes to Town *Performed by U2 & B.B. King

15.  Riding With The King *Performed by Eric Clapton & B.B. King

16.  Messy But Good

17.  Precious Lord

18  Think It Over

BONNIE RAITT SPECIAL VINYL-ONLY 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF NICK OF TIME

On June 24, Capitol Records/UMe will release a special vinyl-only edition of Bonnie Raitt's classic NICK OF TIME in honor of the album's 25th anniversary. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's tenth album still stands as her signature work and as a turning point in her legendary career. It topped the Billboard 200 album chart, sold five million copies, and won three GRAMMY® Awards, including “Album of the Year.” Rolling Stone ranked NICK OF TIME as number 230 on its list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time."

The NICK OF TIME - 25th Anniversary album was remastered from the original analog tapes, overseen by both the albums producer, Don Was and engineer Ed Cherney and is being released on 180 gram heavyweight vinyl.

"Personally, I think it may be the best record of my career," says Raitt. "Every record has its charm and its significance, but I think we finally got it right — I could finally say, 'Yeah, that's what I had in mind.' As a mixture of styles, reflected in one record, it was a really good version of what I do."

NICK OF TIME came along at a fortuitous moment for Raitt, following a difficult few years in which she had been dropped by her long-time label, Warner Bros., and got sober and healthy. The album was produced by Don Was, which initiated a working relationship that went on for several projects (the 1991 follow-up, Luck of the Draw, sold over seven million copies), and spawned four singles, including the hit "Thing Called Love." NICK OF TIME was bookended by two landmark Raitt original compositions: the opening title track, a powerful mediation on aging, and the closing cut, "The Road's My Middle Name," a rollicking update of the blues that captured her life as a traveling performer.

"It's a particularly great batch of songs," says Raitt, "and the synchronicity of finding these songs when I did — the emotional connection and the gratitude that I had to be given another shot — I think that shows. It was kismet to have it come out this well."

More than just a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer, and accomplished songwriter, Bonnie Raitt has become an institution in American music. The recipient of ten GRAMMY® awards — including "Best Americana Album" for her most recent release, 2012's Slipstream — she appears on Rolling Stone's lists of both the Greatest Singers and Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Over the years, Raitt has contributed to over 100 album projects, collaborating with the likes of B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder. Yet it is the breakthrough of NICK OF TIME (which received an additional GRAMMY® nomination when it was remixed for Surround Sound in 2004) that serves as the cornerstone of her body of work.

"The success of NICK OF TIME brought me a level of freedom, and the opportunities to do everything I had wanted to do," says Raitt. "Nearly every gift in my life now is, in so many ways, because of what happened with that album and the GRAMMYs®. Definitely one of the greatest highlights of my life." 

STUDIO RIO PRESENTS THE BRAZIL CONNECTION

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection, an innovative collection of 12 beloved vocal recordings re-experienced through new samba and bossa nova arrangements created by iconic Brazilian musicians and The Berman Brothers.  The perfect summer soundtrack party album, Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection includes first single, "Lovely Day (Studio Rio Version)" by Bill Withers with Studio Rio and will be released just in time for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, scheduled for June 12th - July 13th. Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection is available now at all digital music providers; the 12" vinyl LP arrives on May 27th with a CD edition following on June 23rd.

Embracing the All In One Rhythm™ Theme of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection blends 12 iconic performances - from Bill Withers, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday, Sly & The Family Stone, The Isley Brothers, Mel Torme, Nina Simone, Johnny Nash, Dave Brubeck with Carmen McRae, Andy Williams and Sarah Vaughan - with new samba and bossa nova arrangements and production inspired by the spirit of Brazilian music.

Tracks from Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection will be included throughout ESPN's comprehensive coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, with multiple songs from the album slated to soundtrack the network's multi-platform presentation of the quadrennial tournament. In addition, the collection's "It's Your Thing" (Studio Rio Version)" by The Isley Brothers with Studio Rio is among the highlights included on Sony Music Entertainment's recently released One Love, One Rhythm – The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Album.

Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection is the latest innovative musical project from the award-winning production duo, the Berman Brothers (Frank and Christian). The project saw the Berman Brothers seeking out the original multi-track masters and then utilizing state-of-the-art separation technology from Science of Sounds to extract exquisitely pristine and detailed vocals.  The newly isolated vocals were then melded with brand-new, authentic backing arrangements played by Studio Rio, an all-star cast of Brazilian musical pioneers from the bossa nova and samba genres, including Latin GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award winner Roberto Menescal and Brazilian musical legend Marcos Valle.

"Music is the heart and soul of Brazil, celebrating with syncopated beats and beautifully expressive melodies. It's the life force of the entire culture," wrote the Berman Brothers in their notes for Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection.  "We have always had a huge appreciation of Brazilian music. Between us, we have a massive collection of bossa nova and samba recordings, new and old, a lot which we found in flea markets in Amsterdam, Paris, and London.... Once you get into this music, there really is no way to stop. It was this joyful and timeless music that inspired the idea for this collection. Our goal was to bring the Brazilian joie de vivre to iconic performances by well-known American artists like Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, The Isley Brothers, and many others. What would these classic songs sound like had they been recorded in the studios of Rio de Janeiro in the first place, with the best Brazilian musicians and arrangers?"

"It was an amazing journey—bringing together these American classics and the vibrancy of Brazilian music with the help of so many talented musicians, arrangers and a dedicated production team. We learned many things putting together this music including what was the most important, and least surprising lesson of all: Brazil is the most musical place we have ever been in our lives."

The Berman Brothers have a long history of coupling classic and contemporary sounds from around the world, including Rhythms Del Mundo (2006), a cross-cultural album summit which fused an all-star cast of Cuban musicians like Ibrahim Ferrer and Omara Portuondo of the Buena Vista Social Club with US and UK artists and superstars including U2, Coldplay, Sting, Jack Johnson, Maroon5, Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs and others. Rhythms del Mundo was released in more than 61 countries and received multiple sales awards worldwide.

During the past 20 years, the Berman Brothers have received more than 90 gold and platinum awards, two BMI Awards, a GRAMMY® nomination (for "Love One Another," recorded by Cher) and a place in history for their production and remix of the Baha Men's colossal hit, "Who Let the Dogs Out."  As producers, writers and publishers, the Bermans have worked with an array of international superstars including Coldplay, Sting, Cher, Real McCoy, Dido, Maroon5, Sophie B. Hawkins, Reamonn, and members of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club.

Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection 

(COMPLETE TRACKLISTING)

1. Bill Withers with Studio Rio - Lovely Day

2. Aretha Franklin with Studio Rio - Walk On By

3. Marvin Gaye with Studio Rio - Sexual Healing

4. Billie Holiday with Studio Rio - You've Changed

5. Sly & The Family Stone with Studio Rio - Family Affair

6. The Isley Brothers with Studio Rio - It's Your Thing

7. Mel Torme with Studio Rio - I've Got You Under My Skin

8. Nina Simone with Studio Rio – I Wish I Knew What It Means To Be Free

9. Johnny Nash with Studio Rio - I Can See Clearly Now

10. Dave Brubeck with Carmen McRae with Studio Rio - Take 5

11. Andy Williams with Studio Rio - Music To Watch Girls By

12. Sarah Vaughan with Studio Rio – Summertime

www.StudioRio.com  

HENRY MANCINI RELEASES: MANCINI'S ANGELS; THE THEME SCENE; SYMPHONIC SOUL; THE COP SHOW THEMES; THE LATIN SOUND OF HENRY MANCINI; THE BIG LATIN BAND OF HENRY MANCINI

HENRY MANCINI - MANCINI'S ANGELS / THE THEME SCENE 

Two groovy late 70s albums from Henry Mancini – back to back on a single CD! Mancini's Angels has happy Hank surrounded by plenty of cleavage – a cover that's perfect for the album's title play on the hit Charlie's Angels show! Mancini does a great job with the theme to that one, and also adds in some cool keyboards you wouldn't have heard on the original – and the rest of the album is a mix of other mid 70s TV themes, plus some cool originals penned by Mancini himself, but with a very similar flavor – often quite funky, in a soundtrack sort of way. Titles include "Charlie's Angels", "Car Wash", "Silver Streak", "Inspector Clouseau Theme", "Gonna Fly Now", "What's Happening", "The Moneychangers", and "Evergreen". The Theme Scene features plenty of cool 70s soundtrack themes – titles pulled from both film and TV use, some with a feel that's every bit as funky as Henry Mancini's great work on the Cop Show album! Titles include "The Cheap Detective", "Star Trek", "Heaven Can Wait", "Children Of Sanchez", "Battlestar Galactica", "Once Is Not Enough", "Three's Company", "NBC News Theme", and "Fantasy Island". ~ Dusty Groove 

HENRY MANCINI - SYMPHONIC SOUL / THE COP SHOW THEMES

Funky soundtrack-styled work by Henry Mancini – compiling the mid 70s Cop Show Themes and Symphonic Soul LPs – together in single set! Cop Show Themes is easily ne of the funkiest albums ever from Mancini – a brilliant reworking of hit 70s cop show themes, put together with a really jazzy groove! The group's a big one – filled with hip players who include Clare Fischer on organ, Artie Kane on electric piano and harpsichord, Don Menza on tenor, Lee Ritenour on guitar – all instruments that are used strongly to help kick things nicely on the set, with a vibe that's right up there with the best funky 70s soundtracks. Harvey Mason is on drums, bringing up the bottom a bit more than usual for Mancini – and the choice of material really makes the record cook – with tracks that include "Kojak", "SWAT", "Police Woman", "Rockford Files", "Hawaii Five O", "Streets Of San Francisco", "Bumper's Theme", and "Baretta's Theme". Symphonic Soul is just as great – a mixture of tight large arrangements with a smooth funky edge, similar to some of his best soundtrack work at the time! The rhythm section is great – again with Harvey Mason on drums, plus Joe Sample on keyboards, and guitar by David T Walker and Dennis Budimir – and the album also features some cool solos on instruments like African finger piano and piccolo trumpet. The whole thing bounces along with a majestic approach that's very full and complicated – yet also tight and funky! Lots of nice groovy tunes – and titles include "Sun Goddess", "Symphonic Soul", "Soul Saga", "African Symphony", "Slow Hot Wind", and "Satin Soul". ~ Dusty Groove

HENRY MANCINI - THE LATIN SOUND OF HENRY MANCINI / THE BIG LATIN BAND OF HENRY MANCINI

2 great albums of Latiny tunes from Henry Mancini! The Big Latin Band Of Henry Mancini features a very hip lineup of west coast jazzmen – including Bud Shank and Tom Scott on reeds, Buddy Childers and Pete Candoli on trumpets, Ray Brown on acoustic bass, Max Bennett on fender bass, Larry Bunker on percussion, and Shelly Manne on drums. The rhythms have a great mix of Latin influences and Mancini magic, the kind of grooves you'd hear on his 60s soundtracks at the time, and the vibe is nice and relaxed. It's a bit more upbeat than bossa, but not as all-out as other RCA Latin sessions – thanks to Mancini's nice sense of warmth and space in the arrangements. Titles include some pretty darn cool takes on "Mission Impossible", "Fistful Of Dollars", "Magnificent Seven", "Touch Of Evil", and "Springtime For Hitler", from the film The Producers. Other titles include "Patricia", "Zacatecas", and "Las Cruces". The Latin Sound record is a gem from a few years earlier – with some great arrangements by Mancini! The album's less a straight Latin date than it is a new approach to the grooves Henry was laying down on his 60s soundtracks – a mix of bossa and cha cha-inspired themes that sparkle wonderfully with warm jazzy touches from a host of LA players who include Dick Nash on trombone, Harry Klee on flute, Ted Nash on alto and tenor, Jimmy Rowles on piano, Laurindo Almeida on guitar, and Gene Garf on organ – all working beautifully under Mancini's direction, with a sound that's both tight and relaxed at the same time! Lots of tracks have some nice groovy organ, which gives the arrangements a cool lively sound – and titles include "Preciosa", "Baia", "Carnavalito", "Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars", "Tico Tico", and the nice "Senor Peter Gunn", a Latin remake of Mancini's big hit!  ~ Dusty Groove