HERE COMES THE HURT - SOUL BALLADS FROM KING, FEDERAL, & DELUXE

Here Comes The Hurt is a successor to the two volumes of “King’s Serious Soul” that John Ridley compiled for us about 10 years ago. This time, by not sticking strictly to southern soul origins or influences, we’ve been able to include many excellent tracks that weren’t eligible for those previous releases, although the south is still well represented.

James Duncan, Thomas Bailey and Billy Soul have many followers; their tracks, like most on here, appear on CD for the first time. Charles Spurling’s ‘Don’t Let Him Hurt You Baby’ is a great ballad from a man who lived and worked well north of the Mason-Dixon line and usually wrote and sang uptempo numbers. His second offering, ‘Buddy Boy’, also displays his command of all styles within the soul genre.

Ricky Lyons, June Sims and Lee Holland were one-shot artists but cut the mustard on their lone singles. Ricky Lyons’ 45 came out on both the Federal and King labels and has the authority of a soul standard, yet it seems to be his only recording. Toni Williams’ ‘Precious Minutes’ is a little-known southern masterpiece, as is Bobby Wade’s lushly produced ‘Blind Over You’. Bigger acts such as Earl Gaines, Marva Whitney and Pat Lundy sing lesser-known but terrific soul tracks.

Vocal group collectors will enjoy the early soul of the Snapshots and the King Pins and dig the later harmony of Dee Dee, Joseph & David. Lee Holland’s ‘Give Me Back My Heart’ features fabulous backing vocals too. Tony & Carol ‘Let’s Not Wait’ is a harmonious duet that builds to quite a crescendo.

Acts from an earlier era show how they could adapt to the brave new soul era; Hank Ballard and the Bobbettes give virtuoso demonstrations of how to deliver a soulful ballad. Lynn Davis is backed by a female chorus on ‘My New Love’ which, like the Bobbettes, will impress lovers of the girl group sound.

A great deep soul Federal recording, ‘Fall In These Arms Of Mine’ by Johnny Soul is released here for the first time ever. For those with a gospel bent, Christine Kittrell’s ‘Ain’t Never Seen So Much Rain Before’ is a tour-de-force and T.C. Lee & the Bricklayers’ ‘Get Away From Here’ features a preaching lead with chorus straight out of the church.

The sound quality is immaculate; all tracks are taken from the original master tapes. US soul enthusiast Bob Abrahamian provides informative and fascinating notes and there are some great new photos from the King archives. The recordings stretch from 1960 to 1971 and feature a wide range of soul styles on slow burning ballads.

By Ady Croasdell / acerecords.co.uk

ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES - THE ALLEN TOUSSAINT SONGBOOK

It should surprise no-one that Allen Toussaint has been added to Ace’s songwriter series. In a career that’s in its seventh decade, this quietly spoken, modest son of New Orleans has written some of the greatest hits ever to grace the Great American Songbook. And on his own, too – there can be very few black American composers who have written so many successful songs without the aid of a collaborator. Between 1960 and 1980, barely a week went by without his compositions appearing on the R&B or Hot 100 charts. Some were subsequently revived, in multiple versions, and often with renewed success. Most of them are the kind of popular music standards of which any songwriter would be proud.

Rolling With The Punches is a compilation that celebrates Allen’s glittering career in a rounded and highly appropriate manner. Other anthologies of his work as a songwriter have tended to be built around the numbers he wrote during the first 10 years of his career – and we couldn’t omit titles such as ‘Ride Your Pony’, ‘Fortune Teller’ and ‘Working In The Coal Mine’ here. However, rather than massively duplicate what those other collections have to offer, this one focuses primarily on the later songs Allen penned in a period when he was looking beyond the constraints of the 3-minute single and moving his writing in new directions.

Many of the tracks featured here are sung by some of Allen’s biggest musical admirers. Robert Palmer, Boz Scaggs, Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat’s Lowell George all recorded multiple of his songs, so we were often spoiled for choice as to whose versions of which songs to include. We also couldn’t omit Irma Thomas, Aaron Neville, Lee Dorsey or Ernie K-Doe, all of whom have career-long associations with Allen. No tribute to him could be complete without at least one contribution from each.

Neither could we leave out the man himself. The compilation features pristine examples of Allen’s work as a vocalist (‘Soul Sister’) and instrumentalist (the Rhine Oaks’ ‘Tampin’’). More than anything, these show that Allen Toussaint should have been as big a star as those whose careers he helped as a writer, arranger and/or producer, had he not been content to remain behind the scenes.

It’s always nice to get the approval of someone whose work we seek to anthologise. When we sent the proposed track listing for this compilation to Allen, his reply read as follows: “Absolutely wonderful choices. I’m looking forward to hearing this myself! Thank you very much.” Of course, it’s we who should be thanking him.

By Tony Rounce /  acerecords.co.uk

DAN PENN - THE FAME RECORDINGS

Dan Penn is recognised as one of the great songsmiths of the past 50 years. Music historian Peter Guralnick once described him as the “secret hero” of 60s R&B. For many, Penn’s material defines the essence of southern soul writing, but his catalogue also retains the ability to transcend musical barriers; classics such as ‘I’m Your Puppet’ and ‘Do Right Woman’ have scaled the pop and country charts in equal measure. With his principal collaborator Spooner Oldham, Penn lent R&B songwriting a class and eloquence that has rarely been bettered.

This much-anticipated collection, however, reveals the flowering of Dan Penn as an artist in his own right. It’s collated from the hard evidence of three amazing and educational years spent at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals as a staff writer – an apprenticeship that was as important in helping him find a voice as it was in forging the songcraft that made his name. Studio honcho Rick Hall issued a quartet of singles on Penn during the time the singer was in his employ but, while decent, these did not play to the strengths he displayed in the multitude of relaxed late-night sessions undertaken in this remarkably prolific period. The best moments are brought together on “The Fame Recordings”. With the enviable ambiance of the golden era FAME studio throughout, the combined performances approximate a great lost 60s soul album.

Penn was the real deal, an R&B-obsessed white teenager from rural Alabama who readily identified with the raw emotion of the black musical experience. Over several years of raucous fraternity gigs with the Nomads, Mark V and Pallbearers, Penn had sandblasted his vocal cords into an approximation of idols Ray Charles and Bobby Bland. He continued the treatment at FAME with a strict regimen of Kools and Marlboros, but the raspy, frosty cigarette touch in itself did not guarantee authenticity. Rather, it added a remarkable melisma to Penn’s developing technique, which perfectly matched the earnestness of delivery and performance. Soulful expression was easily and undeniably within his grasp.

For connoisseurs of southern soul, the finely tuned tracklisting will be a revelation, in that several future standards of the genre are presented in their original incarnation – often cut just hours after each song’s composition. ‘Uptight Good Woman’, ‘It Tears Me Up’ and ‘Feed The Flame’, along with tunes recorded by Fame stablemates such as Jimmy Hughes and James Barnett, all bear the agreeable glow of a familiar arrangement combined with an exciting, alternative interpretation. On the other hand, Penn’s templates for ‘Rainbow Road’ and ‘You Left The Water Running’ are considerably different from better-known versions by other artists. The personal brand of soul he delivers on cuts such ‘Long Ago’ and ‘Don’t Lose Your Good Thing’ is irresistible.

Most tracks date from 1964 and 1965 and all feature one or other of the renowned session crews Rick Hall employed at FAME during that time.Oldham, Hall and their associates Marlin Greene, Junior Lowe and Donnie Fritts all wax lyrical in the liner notes about Penn’s artistry and the man himself provides a lengthy and revelatory reminiscence of a signal time in his life and career. “The Fame Recordings” offers a fascinating peek at the emergence of a popular music great.

By Alec Palao / acerecords.co.uk

VERVE RECORDS SET TO RELEASE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SECOND ALBUM FROM THE TENORS - LEAD WITH YOUR HEART - JANUARY 15TH

Multi-platinum-selling vocal group The Tenors (formerly known as The Canadian Tenors), featuring Clifton Murray, Fraser Walters, Remigio Pereira and Victor Micallef, will release their highly anticipated second studio album, Lead With Your Heart, on January 15, 2013, via a U.S. deal with multi-Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster, Chairman of Verve Music Group, it was announced today.

"I'm thrilled to welcome The Tenors as members of the Verve family. These amazing performers have established themselves here and abroad, and are a true international success story," said Foster. "I am extremely proud to be associated with such great Canadian talent."

The group has already garnered a brilliant response in their native Canada, where Lead With Your Heart  powered to Top 3 on the Top Current Album Chart (behind Taylor Swift and Rod Stewart), #1 Classics/Crossover and #1 on Amazon.com following its October 30th debut. The Tenors will soon announce a 70-city North American tour -- to include 45 U.S. cities -- for Spring 2013. A PBS special on the group begins airing in December of this year.

Lead With Your Heart is a 12-track journey that stretches the boundaries of classical crossover music by combining classic songs, modern tunes, and Spanish and French world music. From much-loved covers such as Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" and Elton John's "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word," to the inspirational anthem "Amazing Grace," and one of the most recognizable and heroic Tenor arias, "Nessun Dorma," the diverse track list features an eclectic mix of pop favorites and classical staples, along with new compositions written and co-written by The Tenors.

"We are so proud of this album and of the response we are getting from audiences in Canada; we are excited to share this music with so many friends, new and old, on our upcoming tour in America," said The Tenors.

Collaborating on this exciting new album with The Tenors are world-renowned producers and co-writers including Walter Afanasieff (Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Jackson), Bob Ezrin (Rod Stewart, Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd) and Marco Marinangeli (Josh Groban, Il Divo, Placido Domingo).

Lead With Your Heart is The Tenors' first album in over two years, following the international release of their debut album and an extensive touring schedule. Over the past few years, The Tenors have performed worldwide, sharing the stage with legendary artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion (on The Oprah Show), Sting and Paul McCartney. More recently, The Tenors were featured performers on two primetime international broadcasts: THE EMMY Awards live from Los Angeles and The Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations from Windsor Castle in the UK, where The Tenors performed for Her Majesty.

TRACK LISTING: LEAD WITH YOUR HEART
1. You and I (Vinceremo)
2. Lead With Your Heart
3. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
4. Me He Enamorado (Woman in Love)
5. World Stand Still
6. Journees d'innocence
7. Manana
8. Anchor Me
9. Viento
10. Amazing Grace featuring Natalie Grant
11. Forever Young
12. Lullaby (The Smile Upon Your Face) featuring Chris Botti
Bonus Track: Nessun Dorma

www.tenorsmusic.com

BOBBY MATOS AFRO LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE - MAMBO JAZZ DANCE

Mambo Jazz Dance is the latest from Bobby Matos Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble that features Theo Saunders -piano, John B. Williams-bass, Pablo Calogero-tenor sax & flute , Dan Weinsteintrombone & violin, Robertito Melendez-congas, Jud Matos-percussion, Bobby Matos -timbales & vocals, plus Special Guest Artists: Dr. Bobby Rodriguez-trumpet, Gabriel Rosati-trumpet & trombone, Harry Scorzo-violin, and Ismael Carlo- chorus.

Mambo Jazz Dance released on LifeForce Jazz Records was recorded live at two different Southern California concert venues, this recording also features strong contributions from some very special guest artists, in addition to the regular members of the ensemble. Well known jazz trumpeter Dr. Bobby Rodriguez is heard on all but one track, and three tracks also feature contributions from Italian/Brazilian trumpeter/trombonist Gabriel Rosati, chorus singer Ismael Carlo, and Jazz & Latin Jazz violinist Harry Scorzo (well known as an L.A. session regular and past member of cult Latin Jazz group Bongo Logic).

Charter members of the ensemble include arranger-multi instrumentalist Daniel Weinstein (trombone & violin). Dan's violin stretches out on the Charanga number Oiganlo, and he contributes two sparkling arrangements of two classic Latin tunes first heard in movies, Bahia & Anna (here recast as a Puerto Rican Bomba Sica).

Pianist Theo Saunders contributes two strong original Mambo Jazz tunes, Mambo Chris & Huevos Rancheros. Bassist John B. Williams stretches out on Mas Bajo part 2, a Tito Puente composition. Conguero Robertito Melendez lays down a fat tumbao throughout and explodes on the Charanga/Descarga No Me Diga' Na'. Weinstein, tenor & flute player Pablo Calogero, and Dr. Rodriguez demonstrate well honed jazz chops as well as a thorough knowledge of Afro Cuban and Afro Rican music.

Jud Matos lays down strong guiro and cowbell patterns, locking in well with Bobby's timbale grooves. Bobby Matos, the leader also contributes two originals; the "Mongo-esque" Mama Coolbeans and the modal spoken word mood piece The New Woman, where he blends English, Spanish, and Spanglish with the muted trumpet of Rodriguez.

This group easily transitions between a Latin Jazz horn oriented sound and a typical Cuban Charanga flute/violin/rhythm/ dance band sound, demonstrated so well on two examples of the sexy Cuban Guajira. Recuerdos, a Lalo Schiffrin tune first heard in the 1970's Hollywood film "Che", and Amanecer, a staple of Mongo Santamaria's book from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Recuerdos haunting beautiful melody is led through Theo Saunder's thoughtful and dynamic piano solo, while Pablo Calogero totally deconstructs the Cuban flute solo, introducing the very avant garde solo styling of this century.

Throughout this recording, you get the impression that Bobby Matos feels Mambo is one of the highest forms of musical expression, and that it is both true Jazz and true Afro Latin dance music (commonly known today as Salsa).

There is an art to producing a great studio recording but Jazz aficionados know full well that type of recording is not an accurate reflection of what a band really sounds like. Beyond the well assembled, edited, and manicured recordings, only a live session can give you the feel and excitement that you get from experiencing a group of talented and dedicated musicians deal with the creative risks that produce great performances.

On Mambo Jazz Dance, you can feel the joy and passion of musicians playing music that they clearly love. And you can hear that they have a great love, knowledge and respect for tradition but are not imprisoned by it. They are definitely unafraid of innovation and dare to mix elements of progressive and "avant garde" Jazz with traditional Latin dance elements to produce their unique and personal statements. Their virtuosity and experience come forth as the real sound of performance beyond a record producer's personal vision.

This is the real deal--seasoned Jazz and Latin Jazz musicians, great art, passionate rhythms and beautiful melodies resulting in music that is the real Mambo Jazz Dance!. The new CD is available now!!

GIL SCOTT-HERON - THE REVOLUTION BEGINS: THE FLYING DUTCHMAN MASTERS

The three albums Gil Scott-Heron recorded for Bob Thiele’s Flying Dutchman label are some of the most important in the history of black music. They show a multi-talented artist reaching maturity with his first recorded efforts. ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised’ transcended its place as an album track to become an aphorism, a slogan on a T-shirt, omnipresent shorthand for alternative culture. Over the years these recordings have been treated in a haphazard way, reissued in cheaply packaged collections that used edited versions of some of the most important tracks. “The Revolution Begins” gathers together every piece of music released by Gil on Flying Dutchman, including a track recorded with Bernard “Pretty” Purdie which has never been previously reissued. We have gone back to the original master tapes, bringing you sound that’s better than you’ll ever have heard and new clarity to Gil’s words and the musical performances. Access to those tapes has also enabled us to assemble an alternate version of Gil’s third album, “Free Will”.

Gil emerged in 1970 as the author of a novel, The Vulture, and a small book of poetry titled Small Talk at 125th and Lenox. Through a contact at his publishing company, he was introduced to producer Bob Thiele, who couldn’t afford to make an album of music, but agreed to make a spoken word record. Titled after his book of poems, and recorded with just Gil and three percussionists, the album opened with the coruscating ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised’. Still enthralling over 40 years on, it’s often forgotten how good this version is in comparison to the recording Gil made with a full band for his second album. His performance is perfectly judged, bringing emphasis where it was needed, without ever resorting to histrionics. By the time he reaches the final “The revolution will be no rerun, brothers, the revolution will be live”, the listener is hooked as surely as if he was watching a weekly soap opera.

The rest of the album covered topics as diverse as the harsh conditions in the housing projects, music and a subway poster for a horror movie. Most of the work still stands up today, with Gil always retaining a sense of humour and humanity, however angry he is. “Small Talk at 125th and Lenox” did well enough for Thiele to commission a follow-up, to be recorded with a full band. Gil had been working up a number of songs with Brian Jackson, a fellow student at Lincoln University. It was Jackson who lifted Gil’s music out of the rudimentary – something Gil was always keen to point out: “Brian was integral.”

Pieces Of A Man is an astounding album. Recorded with a band of top session musicians, with Jacksonon piano, there isn’t a bad track. The title track is a beautiful and moving tale of the destruction of a man’s worth told from the viewpoint of his son, while ‘Home Is Where The Hatred Is’ captures the hellish nature of drug addiction and the hypocrisy of those who criticise rather than help addicts. ‘Lady Day and John Coltrane’ is not just a tribute to the titular heroes but to the uplifting power of music itself.

The album sold well enough and Esther Phillips’ cover of ‘Home Is Where The Hatred Is’ brought further attention to Gil. Thiele was keen to get a third album together and the resultant “Free Will” was Gil’s most political yet. The wondrous ‘Did You Hear What They Said?’ skewers the Vietnam War more effectively than any thousand-word polemic. The title track takes aim at those who talk about themselves rather than getting involved in helping the community. The second side is a return to the spoken-word style of the first album and in ‘No Knock’ and ‘The King Alfred Plan’ gives us vibrant attacks on the Nixon administration. The album was the final release on the label. The alternate version contained here gives us a wonderful insight into Gil’s way of working.

At the time of their release, these albums did OK, but didn’t sell a whole lot of copies. Today they are the basis for the laudatory essays that appeared at the time of his 2011 comeback album “I’m New Here” and on his death a few months later. This 3CD set contains the best from a career that was full of great records.

~ By Dean Rudland / acerecords.co.uk

JACKIE DESHANNON - KEEP ME IN MIND: THE COMPLETE IMPERIAL AND LIBERTY SINGLES VOLUME 3

Over the last couple of years Ace Records have been taking a long and leisurely look at the recording career of the exciting and unpredictable singer-songwriter Jackie DeShannon. Their previous two compilations of her 1960s singles from the Liberty and Imperial labels, “You Won’t Forget Me” and “Come And Get Me”, have been replete with firm favourites and unexpected treats. Their new release, “Keep Me In Mind”, continues the story from 1967 through to 1970.
Jackie’s songwriting talents continued to bloom. Whether on her own or with collaborators, including top West Coast man-about-the-studio Jack Nitzsche and fellow singer Jimmy Holiday, Jackie came up with a string of commercial, tuneful and thoughtful songs which are a delight to listen to. Try for size the tender ‘Holly Would’, the breezy ‘Brighton Hill’ and the complex ‘Mediterranean Sky’.

Jackie also retained her unfailing ability to find the best works of other songwriters and adapt them to her own impressive vocal and emotional range. This album includes early works by Leonard Cohen, Robbie Robertson, Carole Bayer, Toni Wine and John Sebastian, as well as songs by Hal David, John Barry and Holland-Dozier-Holland.

Halfway through this joyful collection comes Jackie’s own version – the original and best – of her song ‘Put A Little Love In Your Heart’, a million-seller which encapsulates the views of a generation and has been covered by hundreds of other performers. Listening to the simple but perfectly expressed message still brings a lump to the throat and tears to the eyes of any thinking person.

Other highlights are her personal ode to ‘Laurel Canyon’ (several years before the place was rediscovered by Joni Mitchell) and the emotional and raw medley of ‘You Keep Me Hangin’ On’ and ‘Hurt So Bad’. Jackie’s interpretation of ‘The Weight’ may not be as well remembered as the Band’s, but it actually achieved a higher rating in the US charts.

For those who like to delve beyond the hits, there are some nice surprises. The two sides Jackie recorded in partnership with Bobby Womack demonstrate her real affinity with soul music, while her Christmas single is a true collector’s item. ‘Didn’t Want To Have To Do It’ is a very rare 45, as it was cancelled to make way for ‘The Weight’. And the title track, ‘Keep Me In Mind’, was only released on a single in the UK. The final track is Jackie’s stunning interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Bird On The Wire’, another cancelled single.

Jackie DeShannon’s recording career continued to blossom into the 1970s and beyond, on Capitol, Atlantic and Columbia Records. And she has continued to write top quality songs through the decades, her most recent hitting the downloads in 2012. Thanks, ACE, for giving us this complete and rewarding insight into the early days of Jackie’s brilliant career.

~ By Peter Lerner / acerecords.co.uk

NEW RELEASES - STAN GETZ QUARTET, DON COVAY & THE GOODTIMERS, THE DYNAMICS

STAN GETZ QUARTET - SWISS RADIO DAYS JAZZ SERIES

A wonderful live performance from Stan Getz – and a special set that seems to combine both of his best modes of the late 50s – as it features piano from Swedish genius Jan Johansson, plus rhythm from the Oscar Peterson team of Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums! The set's got an unusual balance that sets it apart from even other Getz albums of the time – a vibe that might have made it a special Verve album, had it gotten released at the time – recorded beautifully with a clarity that matches any of Stan's studio albums too! Tracks are nice and long, with wonderfully fluid tenor lines from Getz – and titles include "Land's End", "Pernod", "Woody N You", "Gone With The Wind", and "I Remember Clifford". ~ Dusty Groove

DON COVAY & THE GOODTIMERS - MERCY!

The killer first album from Don Covay – working here with his classic Goodtimers combo in a nicely gritty groove! The record really stands out from other Atlantic soul of the time – as Covay keeps things tight, and fresh – providing most of the tunes himself, and working in a style that has echoes of southern soul, but which comes off with a bit more of an east coast sort of groove! Lots of tracks are upbeat, party soul type numbers – and the backings by the Goodtimers are totally great – just the sort of rollicking backdrops you'd expect to hear Don singing with on any of his well-traveled live dates of the time. Titles include the hit "Mercy Mercy" – plus "Daddy Loves Baby", "Take This Hurt Off Me", "I'll Be Satisfied", "Can't Stay Away", and "Come On In". ~ Dusty Groove

THE DYNAMICS - FIRST LANDING

An overlooked treasure from the Atlantic vaults – the first album by The Dynamics, and arguably a much greater record than the group's better-known set from the 70s! The Dynamics were a Detroit group from the late 60s, with that heavy harmony sound that was becoming a standard for the city's soul scene – and they were managed by Aretha Franklin's husband Ted White, who was probably responsible for getting them to record at Atlantic. Oddly, this session was recorded in Memphis, not Detroit – with production by Tommy Cogbill and Chips Moman – who give the group a deep soul bottom that adds a lot to their still-rough vocal style. There's a great mix of deep and smooth going on here – a style that reminds us a bit of the few great Memphis vocal groups of the period, but which also has a Detroit tightness at times too. The tracks are a great mix of originals by Don Mancha, Fred Baker, Ronnie Shannon, and others – and titles include "Ain't No Love At All", "I Don't Want Nobody To Lead Me On", "What Would I Do", "Fair Love", and "Murder In the First Degree". A killer, and the kind of record you started collecting soul for! ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - HAN BENNICK, MICKEY BAKER, GEORGE A. SANTINO

HAN BENNICK - BENNICK & CO.

A great setting for the creative percussion of drummer Han Bennink – a really well-balanced trio that features piano from Simon Toldam and a range of reeds from Joachim Badenhorst – a player with a nice sense of warmth amidst his freedom, and an artist who seems to bring out the same in Bennink as well! The set's still got some of the bold energy you'd expect from Han's classic work on the European free jazz scene – but there's also an inherent tunefulness at most spots too, and a personal mix of melody and lyricism that really humanizes the record – and makes it one of the best things we've heard from Bennink in years! The shift is almost the same as when Lol Coxhill and a few of his contemporaries recorded for the Nato label in the 80s – a performance that still holds strong to all the territory that Han has gained over the years, but which also has a soulful personality that really stands out. Titles include "Klein Gebrek Geen Bezwaar", "Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland", "Dog", "Lauren", "Inside Inside", "Ganz", and "Kiefer". ~ Dusty Groove

MICKEY BAKER - WILDEST GUITAR

A lost album of raw twangy guitar from Mickey Baker – best known as the noisier half of the Mickey & Sylvia team – and even more let loose here on his own! The record is pretty rocking all around – with lots of loud, complex guitar soloing from Mickey – in a manner that would later emerge more in surf recordings, but which is here set in nice jazz-based studio arrangements – of the sort that really lets Baker step out as a bold solo talent on his own, instead of lurking in the background of the countless other sides he cut with other artists. Mickey really wails, and the album's a great lost treasure in the Atlantic catalog – with grooves that include "Midnight Midnight", "Gloomy Sunday", "Baia", "Whistle Stop", "Milk Train", "Baker's Dozen", and "Chloe". ~ Dusty Groove

GEORGE A. SANTINO - THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

George A. Santino’s The Magic of Christmas includes Christmas classics “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “The Christmas Song,” as well as the new original song “The Magic of Christmas,” which was written by George A. Santino and Larry R. Bridges and includes a violin solo from local artist Geoffrey Castle and was produced, mixed and mastered by Erich Benedict of With an H Media. “Christmas is my favorite time of year. I hope that my fans enjoy this album as much as I enjoyed the experience of recording it,” says George A. Santino. George is known for his Frank Sinatra-inspired recordings in his own style. His debut album “Come Fly With Me,” released this summer was a collection of crooner hits and the first single, “That’s Life” debuted as #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Swing Jazz. His music video for “Come Fly With Me,” with over 12,000 views, was well received by jazz music fans and the media. The Jazz Times said, “George A. Santino has launched yet another fulfilling career—that of smooth crooner of the Great American Songbook.”

NEW RELEASES - THE MODULATIONS, KASHIF, THE FLOACIST

THE MODULATIONS - IT'S ROUGH OUT THERE

A righteous group soul classic from the 70s – the one and only album from The Modulations, and a lasting classic that almost beats the multiple album runs of some of their contemporaries! The group's a southern harmony quartet at their core, but they also get some really great backings on the set – a Philly vibe that really matches the best work from the Gamble & Huff stable, but with more of an indie vibe too – fitting for the Buddah Records placement of the set. The record features studio help from Norman Harris, Vince Montana, and Bobby Eli – whose work on the record helps link the style to the righteous grooves of groups like Soul Generation or True Reflection – both a good comparison to The Modulations too! Titles include "It's Rough Out Here", "I Found Love At Last", "Those Were The Best Days Of My Life", and "I'll Always Love You".  ~ Dusty Groove

KASHIF - LOVE CHANGES

Exactly the kind of record that shows why Kashif was one of the leading mainstream talents of the 80s – a set that not only ahs the artist really maturing as a singer, songwriter, and producer – but one that also has him reaching out to bring in a host of other talents from the time as well! The move is no surprise, given that Kashif had lent his talents to so many other artists' records in the past – and the favor seems to be returned by the album's work from Expose, Meli'sa Morgan, Doug E Fresh, Kenny G, Greg Phillinganes, and Whitney Houston – all of whom come across with a really organic feel that only seems to deepen the main sounds from Kashif. Titles include "Vacant Heart", "Fifty Ways", "Somebody", "Love Changes", "Loving You Only", "Love Me All Over", "Midnight Mood", "It All Begins Again", and "Who's Getting Serious". CD features lots of bonus tracks too – including "Love Changes (full version)", "Loving You Only (ext rmx)", "Love Me All Over (ext version)", "Love Changes (acapella)", "Kathryn (inst)", and "Love Changes (inst)". ~ Dusty Groove

THE FLOACIST - FLOATRY REBIRTH

The Floacist, sounding better than ever – in a record that may well top any of her previous work – and maybe even music by Floetry too! The set begins with a wonderful duet with Raheem Devaughn on the cut "Start Again" – a cut that feels like some lost treasure from the 70s, maybe a Marvin Gaye duet from the I Want You period – which then sets the stage for some perfect Floacist numbers that have a wonderfully righteous feel! Her solo identity is really coming together here – bold and proud, and never too smoothed out for commercial ends – on tracks that include "Children Of The Sun", "Slow Down", "Could It Be You", "Speechless", "Roots Of Love", "This Love", and "Start Again". ~ Dusty Groove

TIM GREEN - SONGS FROM THIS SEASON

Saxophonist/Composer Tim Green to Release Debut Album, Songs From This Season, Available February 12, Featuring Orrin Evans, Warren Wolf, Gilad Hekselman, Rodney Green and Obed Calvaire, Among Others

First Runner-Up in the 2008 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition

"Tim Green is a dynamic musician. If you make a checklist of everything you'd want in a musician, Tim has it all." - Christian McBride

"Green's a player to watch...fully capable of emerging as yet another of the artists who have used a second or third place finish in the Monk competition as a springboard to outstanding careers." - JazzTimes

"Tim Green is one of the brightest saxophonists on the scene. He combines the tradition with forward-thinking sensibility and makes a substantial statement. Keep your eye/ear on Tim!" - Bob Mintzer


Whether your source is the Bible or the Byrds, the notion is the same: "To everything there is a season." On his debut as a leader, Songs From This Season, alto saxophonist and composer Tim Green recounts the many seasons of his own life on a stylistically diverse set featuring a host of established and rising jazz stars.

Released via Green's own True Melody Music label, Songs From This Season surveys a broad swath of the jazz landscape, from deftly swinging hard bop to fluid modernity to soulful gospel. The impressive list of sidemen on the session includes pianist Orrin Evans, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, guitarist Gilad Hekselman, drummers Rodney Green and Obed Calvaire, and several of Green's collaborators in the thriving Baltimore/Washington D.C. jazz scene.

The disc marks not only the emergence of a strong new voice on the saxophone, already established by Green's second-place showing in the 2008 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, but of a confident and versatile composer. Each piece on the album, Green says, reflects a certain period in his life and the emotion attached to it.
"I can never force a piece of music," he explains. "It has to be inspired by a mood or emotion I'm feeling at that moment."

While his compositions display the influence of many different genres, the common thread among them is a direct emotionality, a vivid communication with the listener. This quality was inspired by some of Green's mentors, most prominently Dick Oatts, with whom he studied at the Manhattan School of Music, and Terence Blanchard, one of the guiding lights of the Monk Institute.

"Dick Oatts really introduced me to writing," Green says, "and Terence Blanchard encouraged me to not just write music but to write an actual song. So many jazz records are just about the solos, but I wanted mine to be more about the songs and the melodies."

That determination is evident from the outset, beginning with the lyrically spiritual opener "Psalm 1," which Green describes as "a prayer or a blessing over the whole album." The Biblical theme continues into "Siloam," a steely 12-bar blues in 10/4 featuring an inspired solo by Hekselman. Another reference to the Good Book can be found in "Philippians 4:13," a resolute ballad inspired by a particularly challenging period in Green's life, one in which the titular scripture provided solace.

While Green was raised in the church, gospel was not a significant aspect of his musical upbringing. He grew up in Baltimore surrounded by music; his father and uncle are singers and his older brother was a trumpet player who Green emulated. "My brother was one of my first influences because I just wanted to be around him and do whatever he was doing."

Still, a song like "Shift" shows a distinct gospel influence, albeit one that entered Green's vocabulary later in his career. Upon moving to New York to study at the Manhattan School, he was enlisted by fellow Baltimorean Marvin Thompson for his Mo'Horns brass section, which backed gospel stars like Fred Hammond and Richard Smallwood. "I never planned on playing gospel music," Green admits. "But all of a sudden I was playing with all of these gospel artists and it started having an influence on my music."

"Shift" takes the most traditional approach to that influence, with New York gospel organist Loren Dawson, Baltimore electric bassist Adam Jonson and vocalists Micah Smith and Iyana Wakefield joining in.

On "Dedication," Green pays homage to two more of his influences, pianists Mulgrew Miller (one of Green's mentors) and Kenny Kirkland. Miller has called Green "a talented, committed, and accomplished young artist. And most importantly to me, he has a song in his heart." The endorsement of such elders spotlights Green's role as a torchbearer for the modern jazz tradition.

Through Miller, Green has recently come under the wing of one of his idols, saxophonist Kenny Garrett. On the phone with Miller one day, Green was shocked when the pianist handed the phone over to Garrett out of the blue. "I was really blown away because he's a big hero of mine," Green recalls. "Since then he's been really supportive and just lets me know he's on my side. He wants me to go all the way, and that's really encouraging to me."

More recently, Green has also gotten bandstand endorsements with several heavy hitters who have called upon him as a sideman. The list includes Miller, but also bassist Christian McBride, pianist Eric Reed, and the Carl Allen/Rodney Whitaker group.

While his own compositions are the focus of the album, Green also revisits seasons connected to songs by his forebears. He tackles Wayne Shorter's burning "Pinocchio" in a trio format with Kris Funn and Rodney Green, and shows his more tender side on Billie Holiday's classic "Don't Explain." As Green explains, "I wanted to put one standard on the album, and that was one that I could really relate to in terms of the words and the melody at the time."

From the chilled-out haze of "ChiTown," dedicated to Green's wife, to the intense, rock-influenced "Time For Liberation," inspired by director Spike Lee, to the elegiac "Lost Souls," Songs From This Season explores the many moods and emotions of a lifetime, ending with the aptly-named "Hope." There couldn't be a more appropriate note on which to conclude this promising and artful debut.

Upcoming Tim Green Appearances:
February 16, 2013 / The Baltimore School for the Arts / Baltimore, MD
February 22, 2013 / The Blue Note / New York, NY
March 1 & 2, 2013 / Bohemian Caverns / Washington, D.C.
* March 24, 2013 / University of Minnesota - Duluth / Duluth, MN
* April 7, 2013 / Abyssinian Baptist Church / New York, NY
* April 20, 2013 / North Carolina Central University / Durham, NC
** May 10 & 11, 2013 / An die Musik / Baltimore, MD
* With the Carl Allen Quartet
** Featuring Mulgrew Miller

timgreenmusic.com

THE CORNELIA STREET CAFE FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

The Cornelia Steet Cafe in Greenwich Village, NY has scheduled a full slate of performances and we've got the full listing here for you.

Tuesday, November 13, 8:30 PM
VOXIFY: ROSANA ECKERT
Rosana Eckert, vocals; Peter Eldridge, piano/vocals; Matt Aronoff, bass; Ben Wittman, drums; Jay Rattman, sax/clarinet; Gary Eckert, percussion/vocal

Tuesday, November 13, 10:00 PM
VOXIFY: ALISON WEDDING
Alison Wedding, vocals; Matt Aranoff, bass; Pete McCann, guitar; Ben Wittman, drums

Wednesday, November 14, 8:30 PM
JEROME SABBAGH QUARTET FEATURING BEN MONDER Jerome Sabbagh, saxophone, compositions; Ben Monder, guitar; Joe Martin, bass; Colin Stranahan, drums

Thursday, November 15, 8:30 PM
PETER EVANS QUARTET
Peter Evans, trumpet, piccolo trumpet, comp.; Ron Stabinsky, piano; Tom Blancarte, bass; Jim Black, drums

Friday, November 16, 9:00 PM
NASHEET WAITS-ABRAHAM BURTON 3
Abraham Burton, tenor sax; Nasheet Waits, drums

Saturday, November 17, 9:00 PM
BOBBY AVEY GROUP
Miguel Zenón, alto sax; Ben Monder, guitar; Bobby Avey, piano; Thomson Kneeland, bass; Jordan Person, drums

Sunday, November 18, 8:30 PM
NEW BRAZILIAN PERSPECTIVES: PAUL MEYERS, DEANNA WITKOWSKI
Paul Meyers, guitar; Deanna Witkowski, piano

Tuesday, November 20, 8:30 PM
RAPHAEL BRUNN FLAMENCO SEXTET
Ismael DeLaRosa, vocals; Sonia Olla, dance; Maria Toro, flute; Jose Moreno, percussion; Raphael Brunn, guitar

Tuesday, November 20, 10:00PM
LA BELLA ROMA: A SPEAKEASY BURLESQUE
THANKFUL TO BE THANKFUL
Sparks Grassly; Tiff Roma; Janine Rainteau; Eunice Wobble Wong; Erin Poland; Claire Sargenti; Chrissi Jackson

Wednesday, November 21, 8:30 PM
JACAM MANRICKS 'CLOUD NINE' CD LAUNCH
Jacam Manricks; Des White; Obed Calvaire

Thursday, November 22 - THANKSGIVING
Friday, November 23, 9:00 PM
HUSH MONEY W. JOHN MCNEIL & JEREMY UDDEN
John McNeil, trumpet; Jeremy Udden, alto, c melody sax; Aryeh Kobrinski, bass; Vinnie Sperrazza, drums

Saturday, November 24, 9:00 PM
DAVID LIEBMAN QUINTET
David Liebman, soprano saxophone; Sam Newsome, soprano saxophone; Ellery Eskelin, tenor sax; Chris Tordini, bass; Jim Black, drums

Monday, November 26, 6:00 PM
ALTERMAN/CAMMACK/RADERMAN TRIO FEAT. RALPH LALAMA
Joe Alterman, piano; James Cammack, bass; Ralph Lalama, tenor saxophone; Alex Raderman, drums

Tuesday, November 27, 8:30 PM
PETER BRENDLER QUARTET
Peter Brendler, bass; Peter Evans, trumpet; Rich Perry, tenor sax; Vinnie Sperrazza, drums
Wednesday, November 28, 8:30 PM
SURFACE TO AIR
Jonathan Goldberger, guitar; Jonti Siman, bass; Rohin Khemani, tabla, percussion

Thursday, November 29, 8:30 PM
TOM CHANG QUARTET
Tom Chang, guitar & compositions; Jason Rigby, tenor saxophone; Sam Trapchak, bass; Jeff Davis, drums

Friday, November 30, 9:00 PM
LOREN STILLMAN AND FRIENDS
Loren Stillman, alto saxophone, compositions; Russ Lossing, piano; John Hebert, bass; Eric McPherson, drums

Saturday, December 1, 9:00 PM
AMANDA BAISINGER
Amanda Baisinger, voice; Ben Monder, guitar; Pete Rende, piano; Matt Brewer, bass; Tommy Crane, drums

Sunday, December 2, 8:30 PM
PETER EPSTEIN QUARTET
Peter Epstein, saxophones; Ralph Alessi, trumpet; Scott Colley, bass; Mark Ferber, drums

Wednesday, December 5, 8:30 PM
VOXIFY: MARIA NECKAM
Maria Neckam, vocals; Mike Moreno, guitar; Fabian Almazan, piano; Joe Martin, bass; Colin Stranahan, drums

Wednesday, December 5, 10:00 PM
VOXIFY: SARA SERPA: CROSSING OCEANS
Sara Serpa, voice; Samuel Blaser, trombone; Bill McHenry, tenor sax; André Matos, guitar; Linda Oh, bass

Thursday, December 6, 9:00 PM
IRABBAGAST RECORDS FESTIVAL
Jon Irabagon, saxophones; Mark Helias, bass; Barry Altschul, drums

Thursday, December 6, 10:30 PM
IRABBAGAST RECORDS FESTIVAL
Jon Irabagon, saxophones; Mick Barr, guitar; Mike Pride, drums

Friday, December 7, 9:00 PM
IRABBAGAST RECORDS FESTIVAL
Jon Irabagon, saxophones; Ralph Alessi, trumpet; Jacob Sacks, piano; Eivand Opsvik, bass; Tom Rainey, drums

Saturday, December 8, 9:00 PM
BEN ALLISON BAND
Ben Allison, bass; Steve Cardenas, guitar; Brandon Seabrook, guitar, banjo; Allison Miller, drums

Sunday, December 9, 8:30 PM
SEUNG-HEE QUINTET, CD RELEASE OF SKETCHES ON THE SKY
Seung-Hee, voice, comp.; Adam Kolker, sax, bass clarinet; Toru Dodo, piano; Ike Sturn, bass; Mark Ferber, drums

Tuesday, December 11, 8:30 PM
NÓS NOVO
James Shipp:, vibraphone, percussion, singing; Becca Stevens, singing, shrutis; Jean Rohe, singing, mandolin; Gilad Hekselman:, guitar; Rogério Boccato, drums, percussion

Wednesday, December 12, 8:30 PM
SHAI MAESTRO TRIO
Shai Maestro, piano; Scott Colley, bass; Henry Cole, drums

Thursday, December 13, 8:30 PM
NICKY SCHRIRE
Nicky Schrire, voice; Fabian Almazan, piano; Desmond White, bass; Otis Brown III, drums

Friday, December 14, 9:00 PM
LORA-FAYE AND THE STRAIGHT MAN BAND
Lora-Faye, vocals, guitar, banjo; Sasha Hirsch, piano; Andrew Sheron, bass; Brett Chalfin, drums

Saturday, December 15, 9:00 PM
MERGER
Andrew D'Angelo, alto sax; Josh Roseman, trombone; Ben Street, bass; Nasheet Waits, drums

TONY BENNETT - THE ZEN OF BENNETT

RPM/Columbia Records announce the release of the DVD version of THE ZEN OF BENNETT, an intimate portrait of legendary singer Tony Bennett, on November 19. The film, which premiered to strong critical and audience reactions at the Tribeca Film Festival in April, also debuted in theaters in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco among others this fall. The DVD version includes exclusive bonus footage of deleted scenes, including clips of Tony with Michael Buble and Lady Gaga as well as interviews with the filmmakers. THE ZEN OF BENNETT DVD is available at retail outlets nationwide as well as on Amazon and iTunes. The documentary film version is also currently available on Netflix.

"THE ZEN OF BENNETT is many things – it's an intimate portrait of the man as he turned 85, as he is now and as I know him," said the film's creator and producer Danny Bennett. "It's also a meditation of contradictions. I wanted to share my unique perspective of the man and his creative process while at the same time explore the apparent isolation he experiences in the midst of the whirlwind of activity that invariably surrounds him during the creative process. I have always been amazed by his uncanny ability to stay focused and remain true to his art in his quest for perfection."

In the documentary, on the eve of singer Tony Bennett's 85th birthday, the artist reflects back over his 60 year career while looking ahead within the context of a recording project. Using a first person narrative, Bennett discusses his philosophies of life, lessons learned, and his passion for art and music. THE ZEN OF BENNETT is a study of the artistic process and how an artist can endure and still be at the top of his game, true to his art and social conscience, while remaining relevant to a multitude of generations.

THE ZEN OF BENNETT is an intimate perspective on Tony's life and personal philosophy. Filmed by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Dion Beebe, the documentary employs a voyeuristic approach while illustrating the isolation experienced by the artist in the midst of the recording sessions for his #1 album Duets II. Illustrating Bennett's creative process are appearances by John Mayer, Lady Gaga, Michael Buble and most poignantly, the late Amy Winehouse, all of whom recorded duets with the singer. THE ZEN OF BENNETT takes the viewer to a variety of locales including Los Angeles, Nashville, London, Italy – including a visit to Bennett's ancestral home in Padagoni, Italy, as well as his home and art studio in New York City, allowing the viewer know this legendary singer in new ways.

The award-winning filmmakers behind THE ZEN OF BENNETT are Danny Bennett, who created and produced the film, director Unjoo Moon, producer Jennifer Lebeau, and Director of Photography Dion Beebe.

http://www.zenofbennett.com
http://www.tonybennett.com

NEW RELEASES - JEANNIE REYNOLDS, CUBA GOODING, BOBBY WOMACK

JEANNIE REYNOLDS - ONE WISH

A solid smoker from the lesser-known Jeannie Reynolds – a hell of a 70s soul singer, and one who should have been huge – especially given the rich vocals on this set! Jeannie's brother LJ Reynolds handles production this time around, and he brings in a nice sharper edge to the set – touches of funk at points, which echo a Dramatics sort of groove – and which really seem to unleash some sharper sounds in Jeannie's vocals at all the right moments. A few other tunes are warmer, and remind us of the soulful charm we discovered on Reynolds' debut – creating a great sense of balance that gives the album a lot more depth than most other Casablanca sets like this from the time! LJ and Jeannie wrote all the tracks save one – and titles include "Guide Me Well", "I Know I'll Always Be In Love With You", "Sexy Man", "I Don't Want To Be Second Best", "I'm Hooked On You", "Come My Way", and "Don't Make A Fool Of Me". CD also features four bonus tracks – "Love Don't Come Easy For Me", "Unwanted Company", "The Phone's Been Jumping All Day", and "Lay Some Lovin On Me". ~ Dusty Groove

CUBA GOODING - THE 1ST CUBA GOODING ALBUM / LOVE DANCER

A pair of late 70s Motown gems from Cuba Gooding – back to back on a single CD! The well-titled 1st Cuba Gooding Album is his first project on his own, done after a classic stretch in the Main Ingredient! Gooding's working here with help from Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter – the hit 70s soul team who really help him find a great new groove on his own – a sound that's rooted in the sweeter vocal modes of The Main Ingredient, but which has a sparklingly sophisticated quality of its own! The music is mature and upbeat – a bit like some of David Ruffin or Eddie Kendricks' solo work of the 70s – and nearly all tunes here are originals by Potter and Lambert. Titles include "Fool Of The Year", "Mind Pleaser", "Hold On To What You Got", "All I Can Give You Is Love", and "As Long As There's You". Love Dancer is a tremendous solo outing from Cuba Gooding – a record that not only shows his strength as a lead singer away from The Main Ingredient – but one that also shows that he really knows how to groove as well! The album's produced by Michael Smith, and has a vibe that's a bit different than Gooding's previous Motown record – with some tunes that have a wonderfully rich clubby sort of sparkle – and some even nicer mellow moments that really unlock that mature potential Gooding always had in his vocals – that smooth-stepping sound he'd really bring to the forefront when returning to The Main Ingredient in the 80s. Titles include the great mellow groover "I'm Yours Now" – plus "Hey The Party's In Here", "Disco Royale", "Trust Me", "Tell Me How Long It's Been", and "Running Man". ~ Dusty Groove

BOBBY WOMACK - PIECES

A great set from Bobby Womack's late 70s years at Columbia Records – one of our favorite records of this chapter in his career! Bobby's move to Columbia in the late 70s did a heck of a lot of good things to his music! At the label, he forged a strong mellow soul sound that still incorporated a lot of his roots and his strengths, but which was also a lot more forward-looking, and which helped Womack escape from some of the cliches of his later UA albums. In a way, his shift was similar to that of Johnnie Taylor at the label, and it's no surprise that the great Don Davis was at the helm – producing the record with a great blend of modern and deep soul modes. There's plenty of great guests, too, like Candi Staton, David Ruffin, and The Horny Horns – all of whom really help enrich the sound. Titles include "Trust Your Heart", "It's Party Time", "When Love Begins, Friendship Ends", "Caught Up In The Middle", "Never Let Nothing Get The Best Of You", and "Wind It Up". CD features 4 bonus tracks – "Wind It Up (single)", "Trust Your Heart (single)", "When Love Begins Friendship Ends (single)", and "Trust Your Heart (12" ext mix)". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - EIVIND AARSET, JESSE BOYKINS III & MELO-X, LEWIS NASH QUINTET

EIVIND AARSET - DREAM LOGIC

Spare sonic textures and mellow musical moments from Eivind Aarset – a great session for ECM, and maybe one of his most compelling records in years! This ECM album has a feel that's a bit warmer than some of Aarset's previous work for the Jazzland – not in a way that's commercial at all, given that the music is still pretty darn abstract – but just somehow more organic – in ways that almost feel acoustic at points, even though most of the instrumentation is electric – possibly because of these bass-heavy shapes that often move at the back and bottom of the mix. Eivind plays guitars, electronics, samples, and percussion – with help from Jan Bang on dictaphone and additional samples – on titles that icnlude "The Beauty Of Decay", "Homage To Greene", "Black Silence", "Close", "Reactive", and "The Whispering Forest". ~ Dusty Groove

JESSE BOYKINS III & MELO-X - ZULU GURU

Jesse Boykins on Nina Tune – a surprisingly great combination, and one that seems to give Jesse an even bolder sound than usual! The feel of the record is very much like before – a loose, homegrown set of grooves – sometimes funky, sometimes spacey – definitely aware of hip hop, but not hip hop at all – and instead a very personal blend of lyrics, rhymes, and cosmic jazzy instrumentation! Of course, the contributions of MeLo X are also a key part of the new energy too – but there's also a core vibe to the record that's definitely Boykins continuing on his path from before. The set features guest work by Trae Harris, Mara Hruby, Ango, Christ Turner, Kesed, and Joe Kenneth – and titles include "I'm New Here", "Black Orpheus", "Broken Wings", "Schwaza", "The Perfect Blues", "Searching Her Ways", "Zulu Guru", "Tribe Of Stafa", and "Better For You". (Includes download code.) ~ Dusty Groove

LEWIS NASH QUINTET - THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN

Lewis Nash isn't just a hell of a drummer, he's a hell of a leader too – although one who hardly ever gets to cut sessions up front like this – which makes every one of them a treasure! Nash has really picked some top-shelf talent for this date – a quintet lineup that features Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, Jimmy Greene on tenor and soprano sax, Renee Rosnes on piano, and Peter Washington on bass – all soulfully swinging with Nash in a way that grabs us right from the start – an energy that seems to only be sharpened by the live setting of the record, and which is carried out to perfection on the album's many long tracks. Nash continues to be very inventive on the drum kit – never too playful, but always adding in a level of complexity to his rhythms – and titles include "Blues Connotation", "Arioso", "Eronel", "Ain't Nothin Nu", "Y Todavia La Quiero", and "From Here To A Star". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - BOBBY CALDWELL, ANTHONY DAVID, NENEH CHERRY & THE THING

BOBBY  CALDWELL - HOUSE OF CARDS

Bobby Caldwell's live performances are always electrifying! Drawing from his vast repertoire of rousing R&B, intimate smooth jazz stylings, and big band songs, Bobby has the ability to entertain at any venue, for fans of all ages. In Japan and throughout Asia, he enjoys a feverish popularity, selling out shows and achieving gold and platinum status for his releases in those countries. Bobby's timeless classic, "What You Won't Do For Love" has been recorded and sampled by more than 100 artists, including rendition by Boys II Men. A sample of Bobby's song "Open Your Eyes" appeared in the Grammy nominated platinum rap hit "The Light" by Common. All combined, Bobby's songs and samples have contributed to over 40 million sales. Bobby's brand new CD, "House of Cards". It has all new original songs, and features Dave Koz, Andrew Neu and David Horgan.~ bobbycaldwell.com

ANTHONY DAVID - LOVE OUT LOUD

Anthony David's one of those cats that just keeps getting better and better – taking an already-great sound, and finding a way to dig deeper to the core with each new record – and serve things up with a freshness that always keeps us wanting more! This time around, Anthony's working with a core combo called The Do Gooders – a lineup that almost brings more of an old school soul feel than before – one that has David's vocals coming across with a proud, vibrant feel that only gets stronger as the album moves on – as if he knows he's coming up with a contemporary classic in the process! Titles include "Love Out Loud", "Can't Look Down", "So Jaded", "Livin It Up", "Official", "Sweet Pain", and "A Way For Me". ~ Dusty Groove

NENEH CHERRY & THE THING - THE CHERRY THING REMIXES

A remixed version of the collaboration between Neneh Cherry and The Thing – but a set with a sound so different, it may as well be an additional record from project! The remixes here really take a lot of liberties with the original music – so that the resulting tracks aren't just jazzy numbers with a bit of flourish, and instead sparkle with this really new creative energy – core elements pulled from their roots and relayered in very different ways – with almost more of a focus on Cherry's wonderful vocals overall. Titles include "Accordion" remixed by Hortlax Cobra, "Dream Baby Dream" remixed by Four Tet, "What Reason Could I Give" remixed by Kim Hiorthoy, "Cashback" remixed by Lindstrom & Prins Thomas, "Sudden Moment" remixed by Merzbow, "Dirt" remixed by Kurzman, and "Golden Heart" remixed by Nymph. ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - AFROBEAT MAKERS, AFRICAN BROTHERS BAND, JOE MCPHEE

AFROBEAT MAKERS - AFROBEAT MAKERS - TONY ALLEN RHYTHMS REVISITED

A reworked version of rhythms from Tony Allen – put together by a trio of European percussionist/producers with a very sharp sound! The core energy of Allen is definitely heard throughout – that style of being funky, yet offbeat too – which Tony's definitely explored even more strongly in recent years. Yet the contributions of the trio also really focus the groove too – almost creating tracks that are tighter and more rhythm heavy than before – without as much instrumental interplay over the top, almost as if they're break tracks, but from an Afro Funk perspective! Titles include "Demon Nights", "Deeper", "Africa Walk", "Mister Cool T", "After Hours Jump", "Long Ride", "African Heat", "Bag Of Breaks", and "Ikeja Roads". ~ Dusty Groove

AFRICAN BROTHERS BAND - TRIBUTE TO DK

A rare treasure from 70s Ghana – a record that's incredibly hypnotic right from the start – and a set that may well be the best album ever from the African Brothers Band! The rhythms intertwine with the guitar lines in this really beautiful way – flowing and bubbling, with a pulsing quality throughout – yet a groove that's also gentler than some other African work you may know of this vintage. The vocals provide another layer of magic – themselves dipping, turning, and changing with the rhythms in really complicated ways – yet coming off with this incredibly "right" feel that makes this modern music feel extremely organic! Tremendous stuff throughout – with tracks that include "Kyeremirekuku", "Ma Me Nsu Ma Wo", "DK Nyarko", and "Owuo Nye". ~ Dusty Groove

JOE MCPHEE - LONLIEST WOMAN

A previously-unissued performance from Joe McPhee – recorded in the early 80s, and a searing ensemble take on Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman"! The arrangements are beautiful – as the track retains some of the haunting melody of the original composition, yet has a loose, creative approach that also allows for lots of improvisation in the middle – stunning performances from Joe McPhee on pocket cornet, Andre Jaume on tenor, Daniel Bourquin on baritone, Michael Overhage on cello, Radu Malfatti on trombone, Raymond Boni on guitar, Irene Schweizer on piano, Francois Mechali on bass, and Pierre Favre on percussion – plus a bit of vocals from Tamia at one spot. The track only runs for 13 minutes, making this a mini-album of sorts – but it's a true treasure, finally unearthed! ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - 100 ANOS DE MUSICA POPULAR BRASILEIRA, ANDRE SOLOMKO, UPPERGROUND ORCHESTRA

100 ANOS DE MUSICA POPULAR BRASILEIRA (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

A pretty amazing little package – one that traces the evolution of 100 years of Brazilian music – with an especially strong focus on the best styles of the 20th Century! The performance is a live one – and features a host of talents, both famous and lesser-known – all very well suited to the genres they've chosen to tackle here – which includes a wide range of music from choro through bossa and samba – and even some of the more popular lyrical modes of the postwar years. Most numbers have a relatively earthy feel – almost like some of the Discos Marcos Pereira projects of the time – and artists include Luiza Gonzaga, Johnny Alf, As Gatas, Cauby Piexoto, Jackson Do Pandeiro, Alaide Costa, Doris Monteiro, Pery Ribeiro, Lucio Alves, Beth Carvalho, Cartola, Elza Soares, Paulina Da Viola, Roberto Silva, and many others. Box set features all of the 8 original albums – packaged together in one sweet collection! ~ Dusty Groove

ANDRE SOLOMKO - OU ES-TU MAINTENEMANT? - ORIGINAL SCANDINAVIAN GROOVE SERIES VOLUME 1

A contemporary album, but one that feels like some lost Euro fusion gem from the end of the 70s – a wonderfully old school session from Finnish reedman Andre Solomko – cut in a real back to basics style! The group here is super-tight, but never slick at all – balanced wonderfully between their own sharp instrumental skills and the need to come together in a groove – all in a style that's somewhere between the American fusion underground of the late 70s, and some of the funky electric work from Germany and Scandinavia in the early 80s. Instrumentation includes loads of great keyboards next to Andre's alto, flute, and soprano sax – and although there's a bit of vocals on the record, there's also an equal focus on strong instrumental solos too. Titles include "Summer 77", "Grooving With Grover In Paradise", "I Recall", "We Had Some Good Years Together", and "Ou Es Tu Maintenant". ~ Dusty Groove

UPPERGROUND ORCHESTRA - THE EUPEN TAKES

Sublime spacey jazz from the Upperground Orchestra – a record that has some of the spiritual undertones of the 70s generation, but also moves into some of the freer elements of a more contemporary scene as well! The instrumentation here is totally great – lots of moogy electronics, yet used with a strong sense of focus to match the compelling percussion that drives most of the tunes along into cosmic territory – with a vibe that's almost Sun Ra space-like at times! The group also features electric bass, plus alto and flute – both of which are usually used in ways that take second place to the rhythms. Titles include "We Travel The Lands Of Stars & Dust", "Born Again", "Memory Shark", "Distorted Spread", and "Kamanja". ~ Dusty Groove

WARD DARBY - OLD GOSPEL GUITAR

Guitarist Ward Darby has spent six decades immersed in a range of styles that touch virtually every corner of the American roots musical landscape. Since his teenage years in the 1950s, he has demonstrated a high level of songwriting and instrumental talent in country and western, rock and roll, jazz, rhythm and blues and beyond.  But even before Darby's teenage years, it was the stirring gospel sounds of the church in his hometown of War, West Virginia that made the first – and perhaps most enduring – imprint on his musical sensibilities. It was here that he discovered the emotional and spiritual power of music for the first time.

Darby revisits the traditional songs of those early days on Old Gospel Guitar, a collection of 16 instrumental electric guitar tracks – pure and unaccompanied, simple and direct – set for release on November 27th, 2012, and available at www.warddarby.com. "These are the songs that I remember from my youth," says Darby, who currently works in and around Branson, Missouri, his home for more than a decade. "I've had many requests over the years from friends and fans to play guitar on some of these songs. It was suggested that I record them, so I did. I have a small recording system in my home. I did it, and people received it very well, so we decided to go ahead and do it with a more polished production."

The 16 tracks on Old Gospel Guitar include several titles that are familiar to all – even those with only a casual acquaintance with the gospel tradition. The songs are deceptive in their arrangements – seemingly simple, but actually built on complex but carefully balanced combinations of melody, harmony and bass lines.
From the opening notes of the hushed "The Old Rugged Cross," his quiet but earnest sense of spirituality shines through. The slightly more upbeat follow up track, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," is built on a steady backbeat that gives it a decidedly country flavor.

The melancholy "Mansion Over the Hilltop" is slightly more elastic in tempo, while the children's classic, "Jesus Loves Me," is delivered in harmonic intervals that resemble those of an old but trusty church organ.
Further into the set, the tunes grow even more universal and familiar, with a steady and consistent rendition of "Shall We Gather at the River," a stirring reading of "Amazing Grace," and a rousing delivery of "When the Saints Go Marching In" that starts out with minimal fingerwork but evolves into something more intricate and orchestrated.

In the home stretch, "Precious Memories" is quiet and contemplative – just as the title suggests – but the closing track, "Farther Along," brings the set to an end with a smoldering undercurrent that promises joy and redemption somewhere in the distance.  "The songs on this album are very well known, not just here in the United States, but in churches all over the world," says Darby. "They've been around for a long, long time, and they've brought a lot of joy and spiritual uplifting to a lot of people. I made this record as a way of giving praise to the Lord and to pay tribute to the great tradition of this kind of music."

www.warddarby.com