Pianist Richard X Bennett Connects Mumbai & New York City With 2 New Releases

RXB What Is Now Since moving to New York from his native Toronto in the 1990s, pianist and composer Richard X Bennett has thrived as a performer in a broad variety of stylistic contexts. Splitting his time between New York and Mumbai, he released a series of acclaimed albums on several Indian imprints, with his last two on Times Music, India's largest label.

Until now, however, Bennett had yet to put an album out on an American label. On October 6, a dual release by Ropeadope Records will mark the pianist's first American recordings -- the trio date What Is Now and the Indo-jazz quintet session Experiments With Truth. Bennett displays his loose, percussive, and conversational instrumental style on the trio album. The raga-infused music on the quintet album is something else again, as stylistically remote from his trio opus as the Big Apple is from Bollywood.

RXB Experiments With Truth Bennett is joined on both CDs by bassist Adam Armstrong and drummer Alex Wyatt, with baritone saxophonist Lisa Parrott and tenor and soprano saxophonist Matt Parker augmenting the trio on the quintet album. What Is Now presents Bennett as a bold instrumentalist and as a composer of themes that beg for lyrics. The album's mood, energy, and tone range from the tender opener "Vital Grace" to the playful "Go Against the Tide," from the sanctified sway of "Sefrou Soul" to the cinematic scope of "Bittersweet Success." One also gets a taste of Bennett's sense of humor on a distinctly original doo-wop arrangement of "Over the Rainbow."

Bennett describes the quintet's sound on Experiments With Truth as "Mingus meets raga in the 21st Century." Music he originally conceived and performed with North Indian classical musicians is arranged and performed in a jazz context. "As far as I can tell it's the first time it's been done," Bennett says. "I don't claim to be a raga musician, because first off, the piano isn't a raga instrument. I'd say it's raga-based. I like the analogy they use on cooking shows, 'This is my take on a dosa.' As a jazz musician, this is my take on raga," the vast vocabulary of melodic structures, or modes, upon which classical Indian music is based.

"I was always somewhat of a minimalistic player," Bennett adds. "The blues is also like a specific raga, and if you play it academically it won't sound right. You can't just run the scales. With Indian music, everybody else was doing fusions based on complicated rhythmic figures. I'm much more interested in the melodies."

Experiments With Truth opens with "The Fabulist," a long, persuasively surging piece based on a particularly ancient raga (raga malkauns). "Portrait in Sepia" feels like an Ellingtonian tone poem by way of Calcutta, opening with an ominously swaying cadence designed for Parrott's brawny horn. The album's centerpiece is the two-movement "Durga Suite," which evokes dual but very diverse aspects of the warrior goddess Durga (also known as Devi and Shakti). The title track, which borrows its name from Gandhi's autobiography The Story of My Experiments With Truth, is a stimulating and increasingly wild piece inspired by the early morning raga ramkali.

Richard X Bennett While growing up in Toronto, Richard X Bennett honed his own approach to the piano. His highly personal sound flowed from limited contact with bebop and early exposure to traditional New Orleans jazz and avant-garde combos like the Art Ensemble of Chicago and World Saxophone Quartet. The first jazz he ever saw live was South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim "and I walked out of the concert being able to play five of his songs," Bennett recalls. "I've always loved that inside/out approach, Jaki Byard and Don Pullen. I don't play bop but I do just about every other jazz style."

He introduced his Indo-jazz concept on the 2009 solo album Ragas on Piano (Dreams Entertainment), and expanded the instrumentation with the late bassist Gaku Takanashi and tabla master Naren Budhkar on 2011's Raga and Blues (Mystica Music). Picked up by Times Music, India's biggest label, he released 2013's critically hailed New York City Swara, with Takanashi, Budhkar, Carnatic violinist Arun Ramamurthy, and drummer Michael Wimberly, followed by the 2015 duo album Mumbai Masala with Hindustani vocalist Dhanashree Pandit Rai. Today Bennett also works with Honk & Tonk, a "N.O.L.A. meets noir" duo with saxophonist Michael Blake, and composes for modern dance, most recently a piece for the Alvin Ailey Company performed at the Essence Festival in New Orleans.

Bennett will celebrate the release of What Is Now and Experiments With Truth in the company of his trio and quintet, at Rockwood Music Hall in New York City on Wednesday, October 11.  

NEW RELEASES: "5 ORIGINAL ALBUM" BOX SETS FROM GEORGE BENSON, THE CRUSADERS, CHUCK MANGIONE

GEORGE BENSON – 5 ORIGINAL ALBUMS (THAT’S RIGHT / STANDING TOGETHER / ABSOLUTE BENSON / IRREPLACEABLE / LIVE)

George Benson may have hit his greatest fame in the 70s, but the guitarist kept on making wonderful work for many many years – as you'll hear in this excellent collection of albums from the end of the 90s! The albums here show that, even during a time when so many younger musicians were working under inspiration from his efforts, the man himself was still always a cut above – playing in a soulful style, but never too smooth – and always able to bring in a chromatic solo that reminded us of his tremendous skills. At the time of these records, even though we were slavish devotees of Benson's classics, we still really found ourselves impressed – and all these many years later, we're even more so – and expect you will be to. The set features five full albums, each in small LP-styled sleeves – the studio sets That's Right, Standing Together, Absolute Benson, and Irreplaceable – and a great Live best of set from 2005.  ~ Dusty Groove

THE CRUSADERS – 5 ORIGINAL ALBUMS (CHAIN REACTION / THOSE SOUTHERN NIGHTS / FREE AS THE WIND / IMAGES / STREET LIFE)

A document of an incredible shift in style for the Crusaders – and one that helped them soar even higher in the jazz funk stratosphere! By the time of these albums, the group had changed significantly from their youthful days as the Jazz Crusaders – mostly a trio, with Joe Sample on keyboards, Wilton Felder on saxes, and Stix Hooper on drums – but often augmented by some of the best studio help they could find, and working at a level that was still razor-sharp, and incredibly soulful! So many other artists mixed jazz and soul together in the 70s, but a rare few could do it this right – and still hold onto all the bite that the artists had in their earlier days. Production is tight, but never too slick – no 80s smooth jazz modes here – and there's a sense of groove balanced with a sense of soloing that's really wonderful! All five albums are impeccable – to jazz what Steely Dan was to mainstream rock at the time (and we mean that in the best way possible!) – and as you'll hear with some slight inclusion of vocals (most famously by Randy Crawford on Street Life), these guys also found a way to win whole new audiences to jazz from the world of soul too. A great package – with all five albums in little tiny LP-styled covers!  ~ Dusty Groove

CHUCK MANGIONE – 5 ORIGINAL ALBUMS (CHASE THE CLOUDS AWAY / MAIN SQUEEZE / FEELS SO GOOD / FUN & GAMES / 70 MILES YOUNG)

Five full albums from a time when jazzman Chuck Mangione was at the height of his powers – all served up here in one package, with tiny LP-styled covers for each CD! Most of these records were instant hits for Mangione, and for good reason too – as Chuck's got a way of balancing the sweet and the soulful here nicely – drifting along with the rhythms, so that all the most rounded, open notes of his horn cascade out warmly – yet never in the sort of too-polished mode that would show up later in mainstream fusion. From the perspective of the 21st Century, it's surprising how strongly creative these records sound – especially when some sonic surprises come into the mix, or Chuck stretches things out in unusual says – such as on the long title track of the final album. A great way to bring all these albums together – which sound even stronger as a whole than on their own!  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: KIM TIBBS – KIM; TOM HARRELL – MOVING PICTURE; VIJAY IYER SEXTET – FAR FROM OVER

KIM TIBBS – KIM

The debut album from Kim Tibbs – not only a wonderful singer, but also a heck of a keyboardist too – as you'll hear here through her work on Hammond and Fender Rhodes! Kim's got a soaring style of soul – upbeat, positive, and with this flow that moves right along with the keyboards – not the simple "beats and keys" mode of underground soul from a generation before, but a really focused sense of energy that almost seems to glow with an Incognito sort of positivity! Co-producer Reginald Myricks handled a lot of the songs and instrumentation with Tibbs – and they're clearly an unbeatable pair together, with an undeniable energy that's underscored by the way that five of the album's twelve tracks are listed on the cover with an exclamation point! Titles include "Soul", "Drifting", "My Better Side", "A Building That'll Last", "The River", "My Reason For Life", "Come On By", and "I Need You For Your Love". CD also features a bonus – "Soul (rmx – ext DJ version)".  ~ Dusty Groove

TOM HARRELL – MOVING PICTURE

Tremendous work from trumpeter Tom Harrell – a musician who's been making records for decades, but just seems to sound better and better as the years go on! Tom's always been wonderful, but a record like this seems to have him on fire with a whole new sense of purpose – a fresh musical mission, even at a time when he could easily sit back and rest on his laurels – really soaring out in a range of beautiful new compositions, and working in this soulful quartet that includes excellent piano from Danny Grissett, plus bass from Ugonna Okegwo and drums from Adam Cruz. Harrell's command of his trumpet and flugelhorn is amazing – fresh sounds, fresh tones, fresh lines that continue to hold us rapt throughout – on titles that include "Time Passage", "Montego Bay", "Moving Picture", "Apple House", "Sea", "Four The Moment", and "Different Clouds".  ~ Dusty Groove

VIJAY IYER SEXTET – FAR FROM OVER

A fantastic statement from pianist Vijay Iyer – an album recorded with a sextet who really seem to help the artist leap forward strongly with a more spiritual vision than ever before! The group is great – with Graham Haynes on cornet, Mark Shim on tenor, Steve Lehman on alto, Stephan Crump on bass, and Tyshawn Sorey on drums – and in addition to boldly-phrased work on acoustic piano, Iyer also plays some Fender Rhodes – used in more spacious ways that are extremely beautiful, and which we find far more soulful than some of his more abstract use of electronics! The set's quite a surprise – both for ECM and Iyer – and titles include "Poles", "Far From Over", "End Of The Tunnel", "Down To The Wire", "For Amiri Baraka", and "Thrednody".  ~ Dusty Groove

INCOGNITO: THE BEST (2004-2017) Includes 5 Brand New Songs

Incognito is firmly established in the music scene. There is no band beside Incognito with their over 35 years of music career that influenced the Acid Jazz that intensive. Since their foundation in 1980 by mastermind Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick it’s impossible to imagine a music world without the British Jazz/Funk/Soul band.

During the career Incognito has had hit singles all along the way. The band performed at all major festivals from Montreux via Monterey to North Sea Jazz and back. Bluey has over the years also worked as a producer for other artists including George Benson, Philip Bailey, Maxi Priest and Brenda Russell amongst others.

This new Best of Collection concentrates on the band’s very successful years 2004 - 2017. It was by far no easy task to decide on the best songs out of their impressive studio album portfolio of that time.

The result are 12 incredibly groovy tunes which reflect the band’s tremendous energy, combined with five brand new & exclusive songs: two amazingly funky vocal tunes – “Until The 12th of Never” and “Craziest High” – as well as three beautiful and energetic instrumental songs – “Jam On The Tyne”, “Pyramids On Mars” and “Village Life” - which mirror once more the high quality standard of Incognito’s incredible musical arrangements.

TRACKLISTING

1. Until The 12th Of Never (brand new song)

2. Just Say Nothing (feat. Vanessa Haynes) (taken from “In Search Of Better Days”)

3. Goodbye To Yesterday (feat. Mo Brandis) (taken from “Surreal”)

4. Craziest High (brand new song)

5. I Couldn't Love You More (feat. Vanessa Haynes) (taken from “Amplified Soul”)

6. Jam On The Tyne (brand new song)

7. Hats (Make Me Wanna Holler) feat. Tony Momrelle (taken from “Amplified Soul”)

8. Don’t Turn My Love Away (taken from “Adventures In Black Sunshine”)

9. Lowdown (feat. Mario Biondi & Chaka Khan) (taken from “Transatlantic R.P.M”)

10. It's Just One Of Those Things (taken from “Eleven”)

11. Pyramids On Mars (brand new song)

12. Step Aside (taken from “Tales From The Beach”)

13. Love Born in Flames (feat. Imaani & Stuart Zender) (taken from “In Search Of Better Days”)

14. Village Life (brand new song)

15. Always There (taken from “Live In London – 35th Anniversary Show)

16. Still A Friend Of Mine (feat. Imaani) (taken from “Live In London – 35th Anniversary Show)

17. Givin' It Up (taken from “Live In London – 35th Anniversary Show)

NEW MUSIC: BRUCE HARRIS - BEGINNINGS; REDISCOVERED ELLINGTON; JAMIRE WILLIAMS - EFFECTUAL

BRUCE HARRIS - BEGINNINGS

The debut album from Bruce Harris – a tight trumpeter that we'll certainly be hearing from in years to come, working here with an all-star group of musicians that really help the leader shine! The core group is a quartet – with Michael Weiss on piano, Clovis Nicolas on bass, and Pete Van Nostrand on drums – but other players step into the mix often, in a lineup that includes Grant Stewart and Jerry Weldon on tenor, Dmitry Baevsky on alto, and Frank Basile on baritone. Harris can have a bit more tradition in his tone than you'd expect for a younger player – although it also depends on the material, as the album features songs by Horace Silver, Bud Powell, Harld Arlen, and Prince – in addition to Bruce's own material. Titles include "The Step", "Mr Blakey", "Snowbound", "Ask Questions", "So Near So Far", "Una Noche Con Francis", and "Do U Lie".  ~ Dusty Groove

DIAL & OATTS / RICH DEROSA / THE WDR BIG BAND - REDISCOVERED ELLINGTON

Rediscovered Ellington is a rarity that comes along once every few decades, a trove of mostly unheard music by a music legend fashioned into a glimmering yet meditative production. The great Duke Ellington, for whom this album is a tribute, once observed that there are two kinds of music, the kind that connects to the audience with sincerity and the kind that doesn't. Judging by the response of listeners worldwide, Ellington's music is of the first kind: beautiful, cultivated, resonant, and timeless. But for there to be any audience connection at all, the music must first be heard. And that's what is special about this stunner. Maestros in their own right, Garry Dial, Dick Oatts, and Rich DeRosa unearthed these compositions from obscurity, They turned musical amnesia into memorable and vivid works that bring Ellington's life and music into sharper focus not only for the seasoned Ellington diaspora but those new to his sizable repertoire. Dial, Oatts, and DeRosa shaping these compositions with colorful and immaculate arrangements, rendering Ellington afresh and anew. Prior to this recording, few of these works had a brief public life. Most were unknown to the general public. While a few of the arrangements suggest an homage to Ellington's sound, most of the works showcase how music may be given new and refreshing life while respecting the composer's essence. The album opens with Hey Baby, a mid-tempo swing number recorded in 1946 and released on RCA Victor. It's also a well-known tune from Blue Rose, the 1956 Rosemary Clooney album. It brings the virtuosity of soloists Oatts (soprano sax), Paul Heller (tenor sax), Dial (piano) and Johan Hörlen (alto sax) to the forefront, and showcases the big band's mighty brass section in multicolored shout sections. Let The Zoomers Drool, an Ellington/Johnny Hodges tune, was originally released as a live album in 1945 on the Jazz Society label. Kabir Sehgal, multiple GRAMMY winning producer.

JAMIRE WILLIAMS - EFFECTUAL

Solo drum work from Jamire Williams, beautifully captured by the spiritual production of Carlos Nino – and balanced out occasionally with additional keyboard sounds on Fender Rhodes and Oberheim, and some other percussion instruments as well! The approach here is quite unique – as the set's neither as free as some improvised music albums, nor trying for any sort of rootsy, organic approach – as Jamire clearly has a sharp focus on some numbers, and is always keeping things on a straightforward rhythmic path – yet one that's never just about easy drum breaks or more familiar modes. The electric elements step in about a third of the time, and definitely keep a nicely dynamic range to the music – on tracks that include "In Retrospect", "Futurism", "Children Of The Supernatural", "Selectric", "Who Will Stand", "Chase The Ghost", and "Wash Me Over". ~ Dusty Groove.

 

  

THE MUSIC OF JOHN LEE HOOKER TO BE CELEBRATED WITH CAREER-SPANNING BOX SET

Craft Recordings, the Catalog division of Concord Bicycle Music, is proud to announce the release of King Of The Boogie, a career-spanning retrospective, honoring blues icon John Lee Hooker. Due out September 29th, the five-CD set delves deep into the catalog of the influential artist, featuring not only his iconic hits, but also rarities, live recordings and several previously unreleased tracks. Housed in a 56-page book, the collection includes a wide selection of photos, taken throughout the musician’s life, plus new liner notes by writer and John Lee Hooker historian Jas Obrecht, as well as by the artist’s longtime manager and friend, Mike Kappus.

  

John Lee Hooker (1917-2001) was born 100 years ago today, near Clarksdale, Mississippi to a sharecropping family. Throughout the years, there has been some academic debate about his original birth year. However, The Hooker family maintains 1917 as the de facto date. Says daughter Zakiya Hooker, “As we all know there was no great push for accuracy back then in that portion of the community. But we just stick to what my father told us, which was what he was told by his mother.” 

As a young man, Hooker worked his way up north to Detroit to pursue his passion of music. By 1948, the artist had a hit on his hands with one of his earliest recordings, “Boogie Chillun’.” From there, Hooker would record over 100 albums throughout the course of his six-decade-long career, building a diverse collection of fans along the way: from folk musicians and beatniks, to the stars of the British Invasion. The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana are among those who cite Hooker as a major influence. In his liner notes, Mike Kappus recalls that, “Everyone who knew John Lee Hooker loved him and felt privileged to be in his presence. While he influenced generations of musicians with his incomparable style, that impact on musicians stepped up to yet another level once they got to know and, universally, love him.” 

In his later years, as the bluesman found himself in one of the busiest, most productive eras of his career, Hooker was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Blues Hall of Fame and Memphis Music Hall of Fame; was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and took home four GRAMMY® awards, plus a coveted Lifetime Achievement award in 2000. 

Tasked with narrowing down Hooker’s vast catalog into five CDs, box set producer Mason Williams curated the collection to narrate the artist’s story. “Even at 100 songs, this set is just a snapshot of John Lee Hooker’s incredible and influential career,” says Williams, “but one that takes you on the long journey he took from his early days in Detroit, to his time in Chicago recording for Vee-Jay Records and up through his later collaborations with Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt and Santana, among others.” 

King Of The Boogie will be released as part of a year-long, multi-partner centennial

celebration, honoring the music and influence of John Lee Hooker, and will be a companion piece to an exhibit of the same name, which kicks off today at the GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi.  John Lee Hooker: King Of The Boogie includes Hooker’s performance outfits, guitars, photos, awards and, of course, his music. The exhibit will be on display through February 2018, before traveling west to the GRAMMY Museum® at L.A. LIVE. Additional centennial partners include The Blues Foundation, The Delta Blues Museum, Living Blues, Oxford American, the John Lee Hooker Estate, and Epiphone Guitars, who are currently planning the release of a limited-edition John Lee Hooker Zephyr Outfit sometime in early 2018. John Lee’s daughter, Zakiya, has worked closely with all partners on her father’s centennial events, and affirms, “Today, on what would have been my father’s 100th birthday, I am so thrilled to see him celebrated—both with the exhibit, as well as with the announcement of this special collection of music. I know that his fans will be excited to hear rare performances, and to read the touching words of his longtime manager, Mike Kappus, as well as those of the wonderful Jas Obrecht. It was a pleasure to watch this box set come together, and I can’t wait to see it shared with the world.” 

  

JOHN LEE HOOKER – KING OF THE BOOGIE TRACK LIST:

Disc 1:

1. Boogie Chillen’ – John Lee Hooker And His Guitar

2. Sally May – John Lee Hooker And His Guitar

3. Hobo Blues – John Lee Hooker And His Guitar

4. Crawlin’ King Snake – John Lee Hooker & His Guitar

5. Black Man Blues – Texas Slim

6. Goin’ Mad Blues – Delta John

7. Who’s Been Jivin’ You – Texas Slim

8. (Miss Sadie Mae) Curl My Baby’s Hair

9. Hoogie Boogie – John Lee Hooker And His Guitar

10. Burnin’ Hell – John Lee Hooker And His Guitar

11. Weeping Willow Boogie

12. Moaning Blues – Texas Slim

13. Huckle Up Baby – John Lee Hooker And His Guitar

14. Goin’ On Highway #51 – John Lee Hooker And His Guitar

15. John L’s House Rent Boogie

16. I’m In The Mood

17. Two White Horses

18. 33 Blues

19. Sugar Mama

20. Wobbling Baby

21. Stuttering Blues – John Lee Booker

22. I’m A Boogie Man – Johnny Lee

23. Down Child

24. Odds Against Me (Backbiters And Syndicaters)

25. Shake, Holler And Run

Disc 2:

1. Unfriendly Woman [Aka Stop Now]*

2. Mambo Chillun

3. Time Is Marching

4. Dimples

5. Little Wheel

6. I Love You Honey

7. Drive Me Away

8. Maudie

9. When I Lay My Burden Down*

10. Tupelo Blues

11. Good Mornin’ Lil’ School Girl

12. I Rolled And Turned And Cried The Whole Night Long

13. No More Doggin’

14. Dusty Road

15. No Shoes

16. My First Wife Left Me

17. Crazy About That Walk - Sir John Lee Hooker

18. Want Ad Blues

19. Will The Circle Be Unbroken

20. I’m Going Upstairs

21. I Lost My Job

22. Don’t Turn Me From Your Door

23. Grinder Man

24. Meat Shakes On Her Bone*

Disc 3:

1. Boom Boom

2. Blues Before Sunrise

3. She’s Mine

4. Frisco Blues

5. Good Rockin’ Mama

6. I’m Leaving

7. Birmingham Blues

8. Don’t Look Back

9. Big Legs,Tight Skirt

10. It Serves Me Right

11. Money

12. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer

13. The Motor City Is Burning

14. Mean, Mean Woman

15. Doin’ The Shout

16. Homework

17. Early One Morning

18. Rocking Chair

19. Hittin’ The Bottle Again

20. Deep Blue Sea

21. Spellbound

Disc 4: LIVE

1. Hobo Blues – Live

2. Maudie – Live

3. Shake It Baby – Live

4. Boogie Chillun – Live

5. Bottle Up And Go – Live

6. Crawlin’ King Snake – Live

7. The Mighty Fire – Live

8. You’ve Got To Walk Yourself – Live

9. I’m Bad Like Jesse James – Live

10. Boogie Everywhere I Go – Live

11.She’s Gone*– Live

12.It Serves Me Right To Suffer*– Live

13. Boom Boom* – Live

14. Hi-Heel Sneakers* – Live

15. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer* – Live

Disc 5: FRIENDS

1. I Got Eyes For You – With “Little” Eddie Kirkland

2. Mai Lee – With The Groundhogs

3. Peavine – With Canned Heat

4. Never Get Out Of These Blues Alive – With Van Morrison

5. Five Long Years – With Joe Cocker

6. The Healer – With Carlos Santana

7. I’m In The Mood – With Bonnie Raitt

8. Sally Mae – With George Thorogood

9. Mr. Lucky – With Robert Cray

10. Up And Down – With Warren Haynes

11. Boom Boom – With Jimmie Vaughan

12. You Shook Me – With B.B. King

13. Don’t Look Back – With Van Morrison

14. Dimples – With Los Lobos

15. Boogie Chillen’ – With Eric Clapton

*previously unreleased

Jazz Artist Bob Holz To Release Album featuring bassist Stanley Clarke

Jazz fusion composer and drummer Bob Holz will begin recording with bassist Stanley Clarke in September for his next album due out Spring of 2018. "This collaboration with the jazz star and Return to Forever bassist and composer, Stanley Clarke will involve the recording of new compositions I wrote that will take from my roots in jazz, classical, blues and rock music," says Holz. Joining Holz and Clarke will be former Mahavishnu Orchestra bassist Ralphe Armstrong who currently plays in Holz's touring band, Bob Holz and A Vision Forward featuring Chet Catallo and Ralphe Armstrong. "My compositions have plenty of room for interplay between electric bass and acoustic bass," adds Holz. Bob Holz is presently managed by Roy Holland Productions and is signed to MVD Entertainment Group. 

"I'm really honored to record with Stanley Clarke as his music has been a strong influence on me," added Holz. Clarke has written the music for over 70 major motion pictures in addition to his successful solo career and long tenure as a member of Return To Forever with Chick Corea, Al Di Meola and Lenny White.

The recording will take place in Los Angeles with famed sound engineer, Dennis Moody recording, mixing and mastering the performances. "Dennis mixed my last album and really knows how to create a world class record," continued Holz. Moody also helped out with mixing Holz's band live last May at Catalina Bar and Grill Jazz Club in Hollywood, California. Stanley Clarke also attended that concert which led to the upcoming recording session for Holz's next album. Additionally, Executive Producer Rob Stathis will once again contribute his production skills to the making of the record. Rob Stathis has been involved with producing Holz's past collaborations with guitarist/composer the late Larry Coryell. "The loss of Larry Coryell last February was really rough. Bob and I want to continue in the tradition which Larry excelled in," says Stathis.

Since the February 2017 release of Holz's second album, Visions and Friends, Holz's touring band, Bob Holz and A Vision Forward featuring Chet Catallo and Ralphe Armstrong has played numerous live concerts from New York to California. The band features guitar guru Chet Catallo (Spyro Gyra, Chet Catallo and the Cats) and bass virtuoso Ralphe Armstrong (Frank Zappa, Mahavishnu Orchestra). Los Angeles based keyboardist Billy Steinway has been an integral contributor to Holz's efforts playing both live shows and recording sessions. Steinway will join Holz, Clarke and Armstrong at the upcoming recording session in September.

Additionally, Bob Holz and A Vision Forward featuring Chet Catallo and Ralphe Armstrong are getting ready to perform a show in New York City in early November 2017.

http://www.bobholzband.com

Guitarist H Allan rocks “Stiletto Heels”

He struts with confidence on his debut release that reimagines the Richard Elliot sax classic as a searing guitar jam. The single goes for radio adds on Monday.

Like most guitar players who came of age in the 80s, H Allan was an Eddie Van Halen disciple and he loved to shred. The wannabe rocker never would have imagined that one day he would release a cover version of a tune by smooth jazz sax star Richard Elliot as his debut single, but that’s what will happen on Monday when his version of “Stiletto Heels” goes for radio adds.

Allan’s first job out of college was with the LA Sax Company, the maker of color-coated saxes used by an array of artists in all genres of music, including Elliot. His duties required that he attend shows whenever the musicians played Chicago thus Allan attended all of Elliot’s local gigs in the early 90s. A dynamic, high-energy performer, Elliot plays sax aggressively with power, passion and pyrotechnics much like the way Van Halen plays guitar, which quickly impressed Allan and won his respect and admiration. One song in Elliot’s set, the funky “Stiletto Heels” from the 1991 album “On The Town,” never fails to whip audiences into a boisterous frenzy. The tune and the way Elliot attacks it - well, simply put, it’s got balls - the kind that would make a lasting impression on Allan, who had the privilege of working with the saxman for nearly a decade.

A few years ago, long after he moved on from the LA Sax Company, Allan’s own dream of being a recording artist was rekindled. He recorded a few original demos and decided to convert “Stiletto Heels” from a powerhouse sax joint into a raucous guitar-led number.

“I was always blown away by Richard’s playing skills, musicality and ability to connect with his audience. I thought it would be cool to hear a guitar version of this saxophone classic (“Stiletto Heels”),” said Allan, who was named H at birth when his parents couldn’t agree on what name beginning with the letter h to give him.

He began recording demos on which he played all the lead sax, rhythm guitar and keyboard parts on guitar. Allan decided to send the tracks to Elliot’s longtime keyboardist Ron Reinhardt who was so impressed that he offered to record the keyboard parts for the reboot. Then, after seeing a Facebook post from Elliot’s drummer, Eric Valentine Jr., offering his services as a session player, he landed a drum track from a second core member of Elliot’s band. Another prominent role on the “Stiletto Heels” rhythm track is the elastic basslines for which he recruited fellow Chicago native Mike “Funktastic” Zabrin to handle.

Piece by piece, it was coming together, but Allan struggled to find his unique guitar voice. He tried out a number of guitars and different approaches – some pure rock with lots of distortion that were true to his roots and some purposely smooth jazz. Eventually he settled on a vintage 1980s Gibson ES-175 guitar with Benedetto pickups and flat wound strings that has the type of clean electric jazz guitar sound that “Wes Montgomery himself would be proud of,” Allan said about the missing link.  

A longtime Frank Zappa acolyte, Allan tapped Zappa band member Robert Martin to mix and master the single. When Elliot heard Allan’s reimagined rendition, he said, “I freaking love it!”

Allan’s hopes for “Stiletto Heels” are clear. “The goal of this project is to get the single onto the charts and try to open some doors to playing shows as a solo artist as well as gigging with other artists.” He’s begun plotting his next recording project, but is keeping the details close to the vest for now.

www.HAllan.info.

ISAAC HAYES TO BE HONORED WITH NEW RETROSPECTIVE - THE SPIRIT OF MEMPHIS (1962-1976) CELEBRATES THE ARTIST’S ENDURING LEGACY AS A PRODUCER, SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN, ARTIST, AND CULTURAL ICON

Craft Recordings is proud to announce the forthcoming release of The Spirit of Memphis (1962-1976), chronicling the ascension of one of the most influential creative talents in music history, Isaac Hayes, who would have turned 75 this year. Due out September 22nd, the four-cd collection examines the various avenues of Hayes’ prolific career; each disc offering an in-depth look at his distinct musical contributions to both Memphis-based Stax Records and to the world at large: from his foundational presence as a songwriter and producer at Stax, to his artistic metamorphosis and subsequent rise to stardom. The set also includes a wide range of previously-unreleased material, as well as a replica 7” vinyl single of the artist’s first commercially-released recordings. Housed in a 60-page hardcover book, the retrospective incorporates a wealth of archival photos and ephemera, as well as an essay by author Robert Gordon (Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion) which includes new interviews with Stax luminaries Deanie Parker and Jim Stewart. Contributions from Floyd Newman, Mickey Gregory, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), and compilation producer Joe McEwen round out the package. 

From his humble beginnings as an orphaned sharecropper to his rise as a session musician, house songwriter, and producer for Stax Records, to his arrival as a star in his own right, Isaac Hayes (1942-2008) became a symbol of what was possible for Black America. Dubbed “Black Moses” during the height of his popularity, Hayes revolutionized soul music, leading it out of the era of the three-minute single and into new territory: that of the fully-orchestrated concept album, complete with extended cuts that, in some cases, spanned nearly the entire side of an LP. The artist also broke barriers in the film industry, scoring the 1971 film Shaft. The soundtrack became Hayes’ fourth consecutive platinum LP, and also earned him an Academy Award® for Best Original Song (“Theme From Shaft”). The musician became the first African American to win the Oscar in a non-acting category, and was also the first recipient of the Best Original Song category to both write and perform the winning track. Hayes’ success opened the door for other artists and composers, like Curtis Mayfield and Norman Whitfield, to score music for the screen. 

Each disc of The Spirit of Memphis (1962-1976) examines a different facet of Hayes’ career. Disc one covers his early work as a songwriter and producer at Stax, including many of his legendary collaborations with David Porter, such as Carla Thomas’ “B-A-B-Y” recently featured in the hit film Baby Driver, and Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year.

Disc two spotlights Isaac Hayes as a solo artist, featuring his singles recorded for the Volt and Enterprise imprints; from his breakthrough track “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” off Hot Buttered Soul, to his subsequent chartbusters, including “Never Can Say Goodbye,” “Do Your Thing” and the iconic, ubiquitous chart-topping hit, “Theme from Shaft.”

The third disc, aptly titled “Cover Man,” examines Isaac’s uncanny ability to transform tunes by songwriting greats such as Burt Bacharach and Hal David and make them entirely his own. This disc also includes previously unreleased material, including a studio version of “Windows of the World” and live covers of “Stormy Monday,” “I Stand Accused,” and “The Ten Commandments of Love,” all recorded at a 1972 concert in Chicago.

The final disc, entitled “Jam Master,” offers fans a seat in the studio with Isaac Hayes, showcasing extended jams from his classic LPs, including a full, 33-minute freeform psychedelic Bar-Kays jam on “Do Your Thing.” This disc also includes unreleased work-in-progress versions of “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” the Bill Withers-penned classic “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and a never-before-heard composition from the Shaft soundtrack entitled “Black Militant’s Place.” 

This collection marks a cornerstone in a year-long initiative celebrating Stax Records’ 60th anniversary and comes on the heels of a recent digital release of Hayes’ Enterprise albums re-mastered from the original analog tapes by renowned engineer Dave Cooley at Elysian Masters earlier this year. LP reissues cut from these new masters, including the best-selling Hot Buttered Soul, Black Moses, and Shaft will be available later this year. 

The cross-label collaboration between Concord Music Group and Rhino Entertainment has highlighted the hits, deep cuts and rare tracks from the Memphis label’s heyday of the '60s and ‘70s. Indeed, Isaac Hayes was an integral part of “The Memphis Sound,” and helped to not only shape the sound of a genre, but also helped it explode into mainstream pop culture. 75 years after Hayes’ birth, and nearly a decade after his passing, his music, style and influence still live on today. Many of the most recognizable Hip-Hop beats and drops have been born from Hayes’ original tracks and a collaboration with WhoSampled.com launching in connection with the release of the box set will showcase his lasting effect on popular music.

The Spirit of Memphis (1962-1976) “is an attempt to frame a career that doesn’t always fit neatly together. This box set is a little idiosyncratic, like its subject and the desire is to tell a story, put together in chapters,” writes box set producer Joe McEwen in his Producer’s Note, “hopefully to give context to a visionary talent who came of age in Memphis, Tennessee among a generational eruption of musicians that moved mountains…” 

TRACK LISTING:

 *Denotes previously unreleased material

  

DISC ONE

Soul Songwriter, Soul Producer

1. Floyd Newman – Sassy

2. David Porter – Can’t See You When I Want To

3. Carla Thomas – How Do You Quit (Someone You Love)

4. Booker T and the MGs – Boot-leg

5. The Astors – Candy

6. Danny White – Can’t Do Nothing Without You

7. Johnnie Taylor – I Had A Dream

8. Sam & Dave – Hold On! I’m A Comin’

9. Ruby Johnson – I’ll Run Your Hurt Away

10. Carla Thomas – Let Me Be Good To You

11. Mable John – Your Good Thing (Is About To End)

12. Homer Banks – Fighting To Win

13. Carla Thomas – B-A-B-Y

14. William Bell – Never Like This Before

15. The Mad Lads – Patch My Heart

16. Johnnie Taylor – Little Bluebird

17. Charlie Rich – When Something Is Wrong With My Baby

18. Charlie Rich – Love Is After Me

19. Judy Clay – You Can’t Run Away From Your Heart

20. Sam & Dave – Soul Man

21. The Charmels – As Long As I’ve Got You

22. Sam & Dave – I Thank You

23. The Soul Children – The Sweeter He Is (Parts I & II)

24. Billy Eckstine – Stormy

25. David Porter – Can’t See You When I Want To

26. The Emotions – Show Me How

DISC TWO

Volt & Enterprise Singles

1. Sir Isaac and The Do-Dads – The Big Dipper

2. Sir Isaac and The Do-Dads – Blue Groove

3. Isaac Hayes – Precious, Precious

4. Isaac Hayes – By The Time I Get To Phoenix

5. Isaac Hayes – The Mistletoe & Me

6. Isaac Hayes – Winter Snow

7. Isaac Hayes – I Stand Accused

8. Isaac Hayes – The Look Of Love

9. Isaac Hayes – Never Can Say Goodbye

10. Isaac Hayes – Theme From “Shaft”

11. Isaac Hayes – Do Your Thing

12. Isaac Hayes – Let’s Stay Together

13. Isaac Hayes and David Porter – Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)

14. Isaac Hayes and David Porter – Baby I’m-A Want You

15. Isaac Hayes – Theme From “The Men”

16. Isaac Hayes – Rolling Down A Mountainside

17. Isaac Hayes – Joy (Part 1)

18. Isaac Hayes – Wonderful

19. Isaac Hayes – Someone Made You For Me

20. Isaac Hayes – Title Theme (From “Three Tough Guys”)

21. Radio Spot – “You Gotta Have It To Really Be In”

22. Radio Spot – “The Rapper Is Back”

DISC THREE

Cover Man

1. Isaac Hayes – When I Fall In Love

2. Isaac Hayes – Walk On By

3. Isaac Hayes – I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself

4. Isaac Hayes – Man’s Temptation

5. Isaac Hayes – Never Gonna Give You Up

6. Isaac Hayes – Windows Of The World*

7. Isaac Hayes – The Ten Commandments of Love*

8. Isaac Hayes – Just Want To Make Love To You / Rock Me Baby*

9. Isaac Hayes – Stormy Monday*

10. Isaac Hayes – I Stand Accused*

11. Isaac Hayes – If Loving You Is Wrong

12. Isaac Hayes – His Eye Is On The Sparrow

DISC FOUR

Jam Master

1. Isaac Hayes – Ike’s Mood I

2. Isaac Hayes – You’ve Made Me So Very Happy*

3. Isaac Hayes – Black Militant’s Place*

4. Isaac Hayes – Ain’t No Sunshine*

5. Isaac Hayes – Hung Up On My Baby* (Extended Jam)

6. Isaac Hayes – Groove-A-Thon* (Extended Jam)

7. Isaac Hayes – Do Your Thing (Extended Jam)

7” Single

SIDE A

Laura, We’re On Our Last Go-Round

SIDE B

C.C. Rider

NEW RELEASES: CHRIS STANDRING - LIVE IN LONDON; BLACK IVORY - ANTHOLOGY; LARRY CARLTON / SWR BIG BAND - LIGHTS OUT

CHRIS STANDRING - LIVE IN LONDON

Chris Standring's new album is Live In London and was recorded earlier this year at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea. The album includes soul superstar Mica Paris along with an eight piece string orchestra and a world class London rhythm section. The album was recorded in one sitting. The official release is September 15th, but the album is now available to pre order. You can pre order it direct from Chris Standring here, where he will personally sign it for you. Also, when you order this album, you can stream the entire 90 minute concert in HD video. Look for a link in the CD jacket when it arrives.

BLACK IVORY - ANTHOLOGY

Amazing music from one of the coolest vocal groups of the 70s – a hip New York trio who never hit the heights of the Jackson 5 or Chi-Lites, but who are maybe even more important to our ears overall! Black Ivory started young – with a harmony style that was incredible for their age, and which was perfect for both funky numbers and late nite ballads, in a way that was similar to The Whatnauts – and as the 70s moved on, they also grew up and found a style that worked well for clubbier material – which they crafted in a way that was surprisingly strong, and far different from any of the disco cliches of the period. Even in the early 80s, they could hang around the farther reaches of the soul scene – keeping an indie harmony vibe strong when others were losing steam. All the best aspects of the group's sound are collected here – in an overstuffed, double-length package that includes the cuts "Walking Downtown", "Big Apple Rock", "Surrender", "I Keep Asking Questions", "Just Leave Me Some", "Wishful Thinking", "You & I", "Don't Turn Around", "Find The One Who Loves You", "I'll Find A Way", "Spinning Around", "We Made It", "Love Won't You Stay", "Mainline", "White Wind", and "You Are My Lover". CD also features "I Got My Eye On You (ext 12" version)", the 1984 version of "You & I", "Longer Ride", "No One Else", "What Goes Around", and "Our Future". ~ Dusty Groove

LARRY CARLTON / SWR BIG BAND - LIGHTS OUT

Combining his roots in blues and jazz with a crossover pop rock sensibility, Carlton's unmistakable sound is marked by his signature warm tone, bright melodies and soulful guitar solos. Four time Grammy winner, Titan of Tone award recipient and legendary guitar great, Larry Carlton is one of the most influential, prolific and original guitarists in the industry Carlton established himself from his first recording, A Little Help From My Friends. His studio credits include musicians and groups like Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr., Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, Bobby Bland, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and literally dozens of others. For the past 60 years the 17 members of the SWR Big Band have thrilled audiences throughout Europe with a hugely varied repertoire and consistently excellent quality of music. It is indisputable that they are one of the best big bands in the world. Since 2002, they have received four Grammy nominations, which is credited to the outstanding soloists of the band, the extraordinary interplay of the musicians and great arrangements of new and classic songs alike.

City Parks Foundation announces 25th Anniversary Charlie Parker Jazz Festival Presented by Capital One Bank August 23 - August 27

City Parks Foundation is proud to announce the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. The festival is New York City's annual salute to the legendary late saxophonist, featuring storied veteran players as well as young jazz musicians who continue to shape and drive the art form. This year's festival runs August 23 through August 27 at parks and venues around Manhattan and will include free concerts, artist discussions, a film screening, and for the first time in the festival's history, a dedicated evening of dance.

"We are thrilled to celebrate 25 years of the beloved Charlie Parker Jazz Festival," said Heather Lubov, Executive Director of City Parks Foundation. "In honor of this milestone we have expanded the program to 5 days, partnered with local institutions on family jazz events and open jam sessions, and are presenting a full evening of dance on the lineup for the first time. We hope all New Yorkers, young and old, jazz aficionados and new fans alike will join us in honoring the legacy of Charlie Parker and jazz in New York City."

The festival kicks off on Wednesday, August 23 at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music with "Bird With Strings," a tribute performance featuring an ensemble of students and veteran jazz players honoring Parker's 1950 recording, Charlie Parker With Strings.

On Thursday, August 24, the festival heads uptown to Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem for Jason Samuels Smith's Chasin' The Bird Remixed, an added evening of programming in honor of the 25th Anniversary, and the first full evening of dance in the festival's history. Emmy award-winning tap dance virtuoso, Jason Samuels Smith, and Broadway veterans, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards and Derick K. Grant, bring Parker's music to life through dance in this special performance featuring live music.

The festival continues in Marcus Garvey Park on Friday, August 25 with world-renowned clarinet player & saxophonist Anat Cohen, who will lead a consortium of strings, horns, percussion, and keyboards with her jazz-folk troupe, and Camille Thurman, a multi-talented saxophonist, flutist and vocalist.

On Saturday afternoon, veteran alto-saxophonist player Lee Konitz, a contemporary of Charlie Parker when bebop came on the scene, will perform with his quartet in Marcus Garvey Park joined by drumming prodigy and pioneering female percussionist Terri Lyne Carrington, one of the most recorded jazz drummers of all time Louis Hayes (who has played with the likes of John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and Cannonball Adderley), and rising vocalist Charenee Wade, a brave new voice on the modern jazz frontier intent on using her gift to address social change.

On Sunday, August 27, the festival travels back downtown to the place where it all began, Tompkins Square Park, home to the inaugural Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in 1993, and located just blocks away from Charlie Parker's home in the East Village. Joshua Redman, one of the most important contemporary horn players and widely considered to be the top sax man of his generation, will make his Charlie Parker Jazz Festival debut. NEA Jazz Master Lou Donaldson, revered by many as one the greatest alto saxophonists of all time; saxophone virtuosa Tia Fuller, one of the world's best jazz multi-instrumentalists, full-time professor and one-time member of the all-female band that toured with Beyoncé; and vocalist Alicia Olatuja, who performed with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir at President Obama's second inauguration and has been in high demand ever since, will also perform to close out the final day of the festival.

In honor of the 25th Anniversary, City Parks Foundation has also partnered with local institutions to present free and open-to-the-public jazz events around the city. Events include an all ages Family Jazz Party with Festival performer Charenee Wade and a "Harlem Speaks" interview with Lee Konitz at The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, a screening at The New School of the 2016 film, I Called Him Morgan, about the life and tragic death of jazz musician Lee Morgan, live jazz in the gardens at The Harlem Rose Garden and 6BC Botanical Garden, and jam sessions at Gin Fizz Harlem and Ginny's Supper Club.

The complete Charlie Parker Jazz Festival schedule follows or can be found on the City Parks Foundation website here: Charlie Parker Jazz Festival

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City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer programs in public parks throughout the five boroughs of New York City. At CPF, we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community development and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs and community building initiatives — located in more than 350 parks, recreation centers and public schools across New York City — reach 425,000 people each year. Our ethos is simple: we believe thriving parks mean thriving communities.