ALICE RUSSELL - TO DUST

Alice Russell is natural, pure natural talent, a natural presence, a force of nature. Whether on a big stage with her 16 piece band, charming a crowd of 4000 into staying out dancing in the rain (as she did at Montreal Jazz Festival) or rocking out an intimate club set with a stripped down 6 piece band, she’s a singer who demands attention. Unfazed by taking to the spotlight after a sober Amy Winehouse or joining Roy Ayers live for “Everybody Loves The Sunshine”, there’s no wonder her powerful soul voice has attracted rave reviews from numerous national and international publications and praise from fans as diverse as Gilles Peterson, David Byrne, Dennis Coffey, Massive Attack’s Daddy G, and Groove Armada.


Alice has also won over a whole brace of producers – lending her strong, emotional tones to releases by Mr Scruff, Quantic and Nostalgia 77, the latter pairing producing the “Seven Nation Army” cover that demolished clubs for years. But following her first release “Under The Munka Moon” it’s her records with longtime producer and bandleader TM Juke that she’s best known for. From their debut album “My Favourite Letters” through to 2008′s live-tinged “Pot Of Gold”, they have made some of the most arresting blues soul since the glory days of Aretha.

“We’ve both got a very open approach to writing songs,” she explains of the prolific relationship. “And we both like so many different types of music whereas some people are more purist. Our influences run from Sarah Vaughan to Bach, Kate Bush to Arvo Part, and J Dilla to Alice Coltrane. We love everything from dirty, squelchy dubstep to old school soul. We nudge each other in the right directions.”

As much as she loves being in the studio there’s something special about Alice let loose on an audience. From performing with a full band and horn section, to pared down and more intimate sets, Alice Rusell takes no prisoners!

"Being on stage is more instant,” she admits. “I like things when they’re quite free. In the studio it can be like when you know someone’s taking your photo. Writing in the studio is amazing but when you’re doing takes it can be a bit daunting, but also really exciting. Live you can’t take it back – you’ve got to go all out there.”

It has led to some great experiences, like when she stayed on in Japan to visit the village where the promoter was from: almost like a 50s teen movie, a deal was struck where Alice would have free reign of the hotel for her stay if she did a gig.

“Of course we said yes,” Alice says with delight. “Babies and grandmas all turned up and there we were with a makeshift sound system thrown together out of amps and speakers. It was one of the most heart warming gigs I’ve ever done.”

Other live highlights include singing with The Roots in Philadelphia, while recording has seen her sing on Talking Heads leader David Byrne’s recent LP. Surely belting out the intensely emotional songs must get a bit tiring. Apparently not.

“It’s a great emotional release,” Alice smiles. “And sometimes makes you feel really high, especially when you’re singing the high notes. If you’re feeling rubbish and everything else feels like it’s going wrong you feel better if you have a good singsong. I’ve sung my way through panic attacks before – singing through the whole of Stevie Wonder’s “Songs In The Key Of Life”. They should put singing on the NHS.”

2012′s joint release with Quantic, “Look Around The Corner” was greeted with much enthusiasm around the world. The sound of this intoxicating record mixes sweet soul and blues with overtones of folk and gospel, and the inimitable swing of Quantic’s world-renowned outfit the Combo Bárbaro, who form the core band. Recorded at Quantic’s Sonido del Valle studio in his adopted home city of Cali, Colombia, the album shows Alice’s versatility and adventurousness as well as her amazing vocals and songwriting. The resulting tour was met with a rapturous reception from sell-out crowds.

So to the next stage of Alice Russell’s remarkable career. Back again with long time production partner TM Juke, there is a brand new album entitled “To Dust” in the can and ready for early 2013 release. First single from the forthcoming album is entitled “Heartbreaker” and sees Alice Russell back to her soulful best. “It is a broken hearted love song about the end of a relationship” explains Alice. “its about that time when your just emotionally exhausted by it all and you are at the stage where you know you just have to let it go and you are resigned to it all being over.” The video to “Heartbreaker” features Hollywood actor Harry Shearer, known for his many acting roles but also as one of the main voices in The Simpsons and for his long running radio show on cult LA station KCRW.

Tracklisting: 01. A to Z //  02. Heartbreaker Pt 2 // 03. For a while // 04. Heartbreaker // 05. I loved You Interlude // 06. Hard and Strong // 07. To Dust // 08. I loved You // 09. Twin Peaks // 10. Heartbreaker
Interlude // 11. Let Go (Breakdown) // 12. Drinking Song Interlude // 13. Citizens // 14. Different (Bonus Track)

The album Alice Russell “To Dust” (Differ-Ant) is going to be released February 22, 2013.

www.alicerussell.com
www.grooveattack.com

NEW RELEASES - BARRY ALTSCHUL, TED CURSON, KEITH TIPPETT

BARRY ALTSCHUL - THE 3DOM FACTOR

The 3dom Factor features Barry Altschul's new trio with saxophonist Jon Irabagon and bassist Joe Fonda in a program of Altschul compositions. The 3dom Factor features compositions that span almost the entirety of Barry Altschul's career. Carla Bley's "Ictus" is the only borrowed tune and was performed by Altschul with Paul Bley already in the 1960s whereas "Natal Chart" was included in Altschul's first recording as a leader.  "Martin's Stew," "Be Out S'Cool," "Papa's Funkish Dance" and "Irina" were on his subsequent recordings as a leader in the late 1970s and the 1980s, and "Just A Simple Song" was composed for the FAB Trio in 2008.  "The 3dom Factor," "Oops" and " A Drummer's Song" are introduced for the first time with this recording and bring the whole to the current day.

TED CURSON - POP WINE

Ted Curson at his finest – an incredible album that has him blowing hard, and with a wonderfully soulful style on the Paris scene of the early 70s! Curson's always been a hell of a trumpeter – but he's all-out, over-the-top on this amazing session from 1971 – working alongside the legendary trio of pianist George Arvanitas – who themselves really seem to hit a special sort of sound for the record! The tracks have a long, open-ended quality that offers a mix of modal grooving and hard spiritual soloing – perfect territory for Curson to show his stuff, over a groove that you'd hardly expect from Georges' group. Arvanitas' bassist Jacky Samson has this warm, round, wonderful tone that's a perfect foil for Curson's spirited blowing – and titles include "Quartier Latin", "Pop Wine", "LSD Takes A Holiday", and "Flip Top". ~ Dusty Groove

KEITH TIPPETT - YOU ARE HER I AM THERE

An early stunner from keyboardist Keith Tippett – served up with a punch and power that's missing from a lot of his later work! The music's a perfect blend of free-thinking jazz and some of the more progressive rock ideas of the time – not exactly jazz rock, not exactly avant jazz – but a really unique blend that flourished briefly in the UK for a handful years, under the guidance of Tippett and some of his key contemporaries! Deeper ideas are given a great sense of shape on the set – as Keith plays both acoustic and electric piano – in a cool combo that also includes Elton Dean on alto, Nick Evans on trombone, Mark Charig on cornet, and Alan Jackson on drums. The tracks have a nice little groove at the best moments – not really funky, but not that far off too – almost an echo of some of the MPS or other European styles. Titles include "This Evening Was Like Last Year", "I Wish There Was A Nowhere", "Violence", "Three Minutes From An Afternoon In July", and "Stately Dance For Miss Primm". ~ Dusty Groove

JOE BONAMASSA - AN ACOUSTIC EVENING AT THE VIENNA OPERA HOUSE

Hailed worldwide as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, Joe Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. He continues this role with his first-ever entirely acoustic concert, recorded at the venerable Vienna Opera House with a global ensemble put together by longtime creative partner Kevin Shirley . The 2CD/2DVD/Blu-ray, An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House, comes out March 26, 2013 on Bonamassa's label J&R Adventures.

Viacom Media Networks' high-definition music channel Palladia HD will premiere it on Saturday, March 23 and Public Television will begin airing it as part of its special programming in March.

Bonamassa – a predominantly electric guitar player – was ready for a complete departure from his usual projects. For years, he had been wowing audiences with his flagship acoustic song "Woke Up Dreaming," which has become an iconic staple of his world tour and a fan favorite. Building on the popularity of this song, Bonamassa and producer Shirley set out to design an entirely new and intimate "unplugged" concert experience that they would then bring to seven lucky cities in Europe during summer 2012. They recorded the performance in Vienna— the "City of Music" — at the Vienna Opera House, a culturally iconic venue steeped in history and heritage, making it the perfect backdrop for this unprecedented show.

"To say this was a challenge is an understatement," said Bonamassa. "To say this was a departure from anything I had ever done before is an even bigger understatement. I can say with full certainty that it was the most enjoyable tour I have ever done. On this tour I really learned the virtues of my singing lessons over the years. Take away those long guitar solos, all that sustain and that big Gibson sound and what is left leaves you no option but to dig deep and sing until you can't sing anymore."

An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House features gorgeously textured music – 20 songs, filmed in HD and recorded in Dolby 5.1 – made with a wealth of rare, vintage, organic and "oddball" instruments. The DVD and Blu-ray will feature 90 minutes of extra footage, interviews and a making-of documentary. Highlights among the 20 songs include favorites that span Bonamassa's career—"The Ballad of John Henry ," "Woke Up Dreaming," "Ball Peen Hammer," "Sloe Gin," and "Mountain Time"—including many he doesn't normally perform live, such as "Athens to Athens," "Black Lung Heartache," "Jelly Roll," "Around The Bend," "Jockey Full of Bourbon," "Seagull," and "Richmond." Accompanying Bonamassa on the same stage once graced by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Mahler, and Haydn are: traditional Irish fiddler Gerry O'Connor, who also plays mandolin and banjo; Swedish multi-instrumentalist Mats Wester on the nyckelharpa, a keyed fiddle; Los Angeles-based keyboardist Arlan Schierbaum texturing the mix with celeste, accordions, toy pianos, and assorted "organic" instruments; and renowned Puerto Rican percussionist Lenny Castro , whose works spans genres and reads like a who's who of artists, including the Rolling Stones, Sir Elton John , Eric Clapton , Boz Scaggs , Toto, Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Stevie Wonder , David Sanborn , Avenged Sevenfold, Little Feat, Tom Petty , the Red Hot Chili Peppers and many more.

Bonamassa and Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Black Crowes, Iron Maiden, John Hiatt , Journey, Aerosmith) have collaborated on thirteen projects in the last seven years, including Bonamassa's previous two live CD/DVD/Blu-ray projects, Live From The Royal Albert Hall (2010) and Beacon Theatre: Live From New York (2012), his last six studio albums and albums with Beth Hart and Black Country Communion.

Guitar Center recently partnered with Bonamassa to launch Guitar Center's Blues Masters Featuring Joe Bonamassa. Together they will offer ten musicians the chance to win the grand prize which includes an opening slot at Joe Bonamassa's headlining show in Los Angeles this fall, $10,000 cash, gear from Gibson, Ernie Ball , Marshall Amplification Shure and Dunlop as well as a mentor session in studio with Joe Bonamassa and producer Kevin Shirley .

Bonamassa is driving sales for the guitar industry and keeping the guitar alive, helping great companies like Guitar Center, Gibson, Epiphone, Ernie Ball , Dunlop, Seymour Duncan , Clear Sonic and Klotz Cables , all of whom have signature products with the guitar phenom. Bonamassa's style of guitar has breathed new life and excitement back into the instrument as legions of new fans are becoming familiar again with the great sound of guitar-based rock music.

Joe will kick off his North American Spring Tour on April 10 in Vancouver, BC and will finish with three nights at New York's Beacon Theatre on May 16, 17 and 18. He'll open each show with a short acoustic set before diving into his signature electric show.

MEGAN HILTY - IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME

Megan Hilty's debut album, It Happens All The Time will be available March 12, 2013 from Portrait, Sony Masterworks' new adult contemporary imprint, in partnership with Columbia Records. The album is produced by Grammy-winners Andy Zulla and Jimmy Hogarth and showcases a different side of Hilty, the beloved star of the hit musical TV drama series Smash.

Songs featured on It Happens All The Time include Hilty's fresh interpretations of compositions by stellar contemporary songwriters as Aimee Mann , Sara Bareilles , Bruno Mars and Damien Rice . Also noteworthy are new songs by writers such as Hogarth (Amy Winehouse, Duffy), Wayne Hector ( James Morrison , One Direction), Glen Ballard ( Alanis Morissette , Wilson Phillips ), Ne-Yo and Carrie Underwood .

The repertoire is a significant step outside of both the musical theater world in which Hilty initially found fame - via Broadway roles as Glinda in Wicked and Doralee Rhodes in 9 To 5: The Musical - as well as her TV character Ivy Lynn in Smash, in which she's sung such noteworthy songs as the Grammy-nominated "Let Me Be Your Star," Carrie Underwood 's "Crazy Dreams" and the Rose Royce (and Mary J. Blige ) soul hit "I'm Going Down."

With It Happens All The Time, Hilty was determined to display a side of herself that even her fans have yet to see. "I want to show a different side of me because it's the first thing I've ever done that's just me and not attached to any character or story line," says Hilty. "Coming from a musical theater background, everyone expects that I'd do a Broadway album or pop standards. Smash changed all that. We did a completely different arrangement of 'Crazy Dreams,' and it resonated with a lot of people."

For Hilty, the key to her debut album was finding songs that she could identify with. "Stylistically these aren't the type of songs that I'm used to singing. It was exciting and challenging, for example, to take a song written by Ne-Yo and make it my own," says Hilty.

"I was looking for lyrics I could connect with," she explains, "which comes from another part of my theatrical background: I always feel that there has to be a point to what I'm singing, instead of it just being a pretty sound. The lyrics reflect the year I've had in breaking up and finding new love, whereas the music shows my eclectic tastes. Andy [Zulla] tied it all together with his arrangements." While it wasn't intentional, the album took on a break-up theme, "not a sad one so much as the end of a chapter and wondering what comes next," she says.

Of the original songs on It Happens All The Time, Hilty cites "Be A Man" as "one of the ultimate breakup songs. It begs someone to tell you how they really feel and that the relationship is over." She also points to "Walk Away" (co-written by Ne-Yo, Carrie Underwood and Luke Laird ) for its message of empowerment in the face of a painful breakup. Keeping with the theme of new beginnings, "No Cure" is unique to the rest of the album in that co-writer Hogarth joined her on vocals, giving it the feel of a duet, which Hilty loved.

The title track on the album drew Hilty in the first time she heard it. "'It Happens All The Time' is about the frustration of trying to find true love. If it happens all the time then why hasn't it happened to me?"

When taken together, the songs on It Happens All The Time instill great pride in Hilty as "the first recording that's just me. It's really thrilling to hear and I can't wait to share it with my fans."

Tracklisting: 1.It Happens All the Time // 2.Be a Man // 3.No Cure // 4.Walk Away // 5.Safe and Sound // 6.The Blower's Daughter // 7.Hopin'// 8.Wise Up // 9.The Heart of the Matter // 10.Dare You To Move

~ Sony Masterworks

SPIRIT IN THE ROOM, THE LATEST FROM TOM JONES GET U.S. RELEASE

Tom Jones has signed with Rounder Records and on April 23, the label will release Spirit In The Room, Tom’s latest recording.

Tom Jones possesses one of the most memorable and distinctive voices in pop music, and has one of the most storied careers in entertainment. We’re
thrilled that he’s chosen to make his home with us at Rounder, and we look forward to working with him on this wonderful project,” said John Virant, President of Rounder.

The album is a “potent collection” (Mojo) of songs by an eclectic group of composers that includes Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Blind Willie Johnson, Paul McCartney, Odetta, Paul Simon, Richard Thompson, and Tom Waits, as well an original composition penned by Jones and producer Ethan Johns.

Spirit in the Room has drawn raves from critics: Mojo proclaimed “The grain and gravitas of Jones’ voice is perfectly suited to the diverse material,” while the Sunday Times called it “simply stunning.” The Telegraph praised the “beautiful album of great songs performed with taste and sung with tender resonance by one of the most distinctive voices of British popular music,” and the Daily Mail enthused “Jones raises his game and lowers his guard…magnificent.”

For those of you who don’t know, the album reunites Jones with producer Ethan Johns, who was at the helm for Jones’ acclaimed Praise & Blame. The album was recorded live at Real World Studios in Bath, and beautifully captures the intimacy and immediacy of the live performances. In addition to producer/multi-instrumentalist Johns, the band features Richard Causon on piano and vintage keyboards, Ian Jennings and Sam Dixon on bass, and drummer Stella Mozgawa.

Tom is planning to tour the United States in April and May. Dates will be announced shortly.

Spirit In The Room Track Listing:
1. Tower of Song (Leonard Cohen)
2. Bad As Me (Kathleen Brennan/Tom Waits)
3. Travelling Blues (Ethan Johns/Tom Jones)
4. All Blues Hail Mary (Joe Henry)
5. Lone Pilgrim (Adger M. Pace/B.F. White)
6. Hit Or Miss (Odetta Felious Gordon)
7. Dimming Of The Day (Richard Thompson)
8. (I Want To) Come Home (Paul McCartney)
9. Love And Blessings (Paul Simon)
10. Soul Of A Man (Blind Willie Johnson)
11. Just Dropped In (Mickey Newbury)
12. Charlie Darwin (The Low Anthem)
13. When The Deal Goes Down (Bob Dylan)

www.rounder.com

LOVE SUPREME JAZZ FESTIVAL CONFIRMS MORE ACTS

This past week the UK's Jazz FM announced three new acts for the Love Supreme Jazz Festival festival - Gregory Porter, Courtney Pine and Portico Quartet - and now we have new of more acts to reveal even more artists for July's bill. The big news is that the legendary Bryan Ferry, disco originals Chic feat. Nile Rodgers and the critically acclaimed, Mercury Prize nominated Michael Kiwanuka will all be heading to Love Supreme this summer. And that's not all. We've also have confiirmation of the cutting edge sounds of thrash-jazzers Roller Trio, young Mancunians GoGo Penguin and stunning acapella group Naturally 7.

As part of their set, Bryan Ferry & The Bryan Ferry Orchestra will treat the lucky Love Supreme audience to the UK premiere of their recently released 'The Jazz Age' album, a collection that features swinging re-works of songs made famous by Bryan in Roxy Music and throughout his glittering solo career. 'Virginia Plain', 'Love Is The Drug' and more get the 1920s big band treatment on this revelatory record. Ferry will follow this with a full band set of classic hits. So whether you're a fan of Ferry's music or a cotton club aficionado this is one set you don't want to miss.

The Love Supreme Jazz Festival is scheduled for July 5 to 7 and will also feature Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Marcus Miller, Robert Glasper Experiment, and the Branford Marsalis Quintet.

JEANETTE HARRIS - SUMMER RAIN

The way Jeanette Harris sees it, summer rain is sensual, an ideal backdrop for love at first sight. Oozing saxuality, she wrote and produced her fourth album, Summer Rain, as the soul-jazz soundtrack for romance. To enhance the experience, she created a Summer Rain perfume that will be available soon after the record is released April 2nd on J&M Records. A mid-tempo R&B sax and guitar groove, “Just Keep Holding On” will arrive at radio ahead of the storm forecasters expect to generate steadily growing showers of airplay accompanied by warm winds of critical praise.

Summer Rain features Harris, who was classically trained on both saxophone and piano, playing alto sax, flute, keyboards and drum programming. She wrote or co-wrote eleven new songs and recorded a moving rendition of Luther Vandross’ classic “Here & Now.” Her rainmakers are producer-songwriter-keyboardist Chuck Cymone, guitarist Darrell Crooks, keyboardists and drum programmers George Freeman and Andrew Dorsette, saxophonist Marcus Anderson, soul crooner Joel Bowers, and Harris’ brother, Michael, who contributed as a producer and songwriting partner. Harris has an amiable relationship with melodies and is capable of crafting compelling cosmopolitan grooves, instantly appealing hooks, sultry, cuddle-up close urban ballads, funky rhythm tracks, throbbing electronic dance floor fillers, and gospel-tinged inspirationals. She sagely lets her sax emote in the service of the song with the horn moving the narrative along free from grandstand theatrics.

“The music of Summer Rain is all about a positive vibe. It’s about staying in love - never falling out of love, feeling good, being faithful and always following a positive route. Great things have happened for me in the last year. I’ve learned what’s really important in life – my family and my music,” shared Harris, who already has a dozen concert dates booked this spring to support the album release with more to be added.

As for the “Summer Rain” fragrance, she said, “I've been working on this project for a few months and finally came up with a scent that I'm digging. I love perfume and I think people of all ages will enjoy my smooth, sensual perfume, which adds another dimension to the love story."

Harris spent a year playing in Teena Marie’s band in the final year before the legendary R&B vocalist passed away. She credits her stint with Marie for teaching her how to be “a strong, professional female leader.” The Fresno, CA-born and based musician earned a scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Harris landed on the Billboard charts with her version of Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do,” which appeared on her third album, Saxified (2010). Last year, she co-penned a track, “The Best Is Yet To Come,” with Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown for his Grammy-nominated collection of duets, “24/7,” with saxophonist Gerald Albright. On stage, Harris has impressed on U.S. shores and at festivals in Europe and Japan - whether she was backing R&B vocalists Howard Hewett and Deniece Williams or playing her own set opening for Babyface, KEM, Phil Perry, Kirk Whalum, Najee and The Rippingtons.

www.jeanetteharrisband.com.

RYAN TRUESDELL PRESENTS CENTENNIAL: NEWLY DISCOVERED WORKS OF GIL EVANS WINS GRAMMY AWARD

Renowned composer, producer, and conductor Ryan Truesdell's highly acclaimed CD Centennial: Newly Discovered Works of Gil Evans (ArtistShare) has won a posthumous Grammy Award for Gil Evans in the category of Best Instrumental Arrangement (How About You) in the 55th annual GRAMMY Awards. This arrangement of How About You was written in 1947 for the Claude Thornhill Orchestra and is Gil Evans' first GRAMMY win for arranging. Evans had 11 prior nominations and two wins.

Truesdell, who accepted the award on behalf of Evans, says: "I'm so thrilled for Gil's music to receive this great honor. Thanks to everyone who made it possible to bring this never-before recorded music into the spotlight: the Evans family - Anita, Miles and Noah - who gave me access to his archives, the amazing musicians, engineer James Farber, and of course the many ArtistShare participants who helped to make this project a reality. Mainly, I'd like to thank Gil for creating this unique sound and voice that he had in his music."

Centennial, which brings to light new music from jazz luminary Gil Evans, has been widely heralded as one of the most important CDs of the year. It earned one of France's highest honors: LES COUPS DE COEUR from the Académie Charles Cros, and accolades as "one of the most significant releases of 2012." - JazzTimes. "An extraordinary album." - Nate Chinen, New York Times. "Truesdell deserves our gratitude for throwing light on scores unearthed from the archivesŠ One of the jazz releases of the year." - Clive Davis, Sunday Times of London. "Editor's Pick: Recording of the Month: 5-stars." - Tom Conrad, Stereophile. "As majestic and richly textured as you would expect." - Patrick Jarenwattananon, NPR A Blog Supreme. "Record of the Month" - Jazz Magazine (France). "10 out of 10 stars. If you don't like this, you don't like music." - Liam McManus, PopMatters.

Released by ArtistShare® on May 13, 2012 (www.GilEvansProject.com) and recorded by the Grammy award-winning engineer James Farber, Centennial features thirty-five top musicians, including Lewis Nash, Donny McCaslin, Steve Wilson, Frank Kimbrough, Greg Gisbert, and Marshall Gilkes performing previously unheard works written by Evans throughout his decades-long career.

Prior to Centennial, Truesdell was best known for co-producing Maria Schneider's Sky Blue in 2007 and her 2004 Grammy award-winning Concert in the Garden. He is the first person outside of the Evans family to be granted full access to the musical archives. "I saw thousands of pages of manuscript, and each new box offered up a score or sketch of one of Gil's pieces that I've admired for years."

Truesdell, one of the foremost Evans scholars, began to grasp the significance of the material he was uncovering when he realized many of the manuscripts were unfamiliar to him. Schneider, former assistant and protégé of Evans', says of Truesdell's discovery, "It's like finding the impossible: imagine you buy an old house and discover a box of lost Beethoven manuscripts in the attic-scores that have never been heard before. That's exactly what's happened here. It's been something that I've wished for, for decades now-something that so many of us have wanted and it's here, it's incredible; it's an amazing opportunity to hear this music uncovered."

www.RyanTruesdell.com

MATT HOLMAN - WHEN FLOODED

The title track of Matt Holman's debut recording, When Flooded, is a nod to Holman's home state of Arizona, and a common road sign there that warns, "Do Not Enter When Flooded". He explains, "it refers to the summer flash floods so common in the area. The first three words had faded on this particular sign, leaving open a world of interpretive possibility. I thought of what a flood can mean in a desert landscape like Arizona, and how much this idea is reflective of the creative process. I also thought about how the effects of a flood can be felt for so long after the waters have receded, something which became painfully affirmed in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. For this piece, I had a great flowing of counterpoint ideas. It is highly organized with short bursts of intense improvisation that reflects the desire we all have at times to break out from systemization into a world of free expression."

The Brooklyn, New York based trumpeter/composer/educator Matt Holman is an artist that has found his world of free expression and creativity, and has been recognized by his peers by being a prized sideman for the likes of Fred Hersch, Kurt Elling, Darcy James Argue (featured on Argue's most recent recording, Brooklyn Babylon), Jon Gordon, Kate McGarry, Matt Ulery, Bob Newhart, Los Amigos Invisibles and The Gregory Brothers. He has also earned national and international performance awards from DownBeat Magazine, the International Trumpet Guild's Jazz Improvisation Competition, the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition and the National Trumpet Competition. As a member of The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, Holman most recently won the 13th annual BMI Foundation's Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize, and will compose a new work for the Manny Albam Commission in June 2013. Taking inspiration from such diverse influences as Wayne Shorter, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Sigur Ros, Holman has composed works for Marvin Stamm, Ed Soph, David Baker, Marie Speziale, and The National Conservatory of Costa Rica, and was a 2009 ASCAP Young Jazz Composer's Competition winner.

In addition to Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, Holman is an integral part of many of NYC's finest large ensembles/big bands, a genre that is seeing a strong resurgence of late. He is featured on composer Asuka Kakitani's new recording, Bloom (19/8 Records), and also performs with Andrew Rathburn's Large Ensemble, JC Sanford Orchestra, Nathan Parker Smith Large Ensemble and the Noriko Ueda Jazz Orchestra (coincidentally, Darcy, Asuka, Nathan, and Noriko are all previous winners of the BMI Composer's Award). Holman is the artistic director of the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Band.

While Holman performs and records with plenty of small groups, his new album, When Flooded (available on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records on March 19), showcases the trumpeter/composer utilizing the compositional influence and instrumental colors from his large ensemble experience, tailor-made and fine-tuned for his spry and nimble chamber-jazz group, featuring Mike McGinnis on clarinet & bass clarinet (The Four Bags, Anthony Braxton, Steve Coleman, Lonnie Plaxico), Christopher Hoffman on cello (Marc Ribot,Henry Threadgill, John Ellis, Harry Eisenstadt, Devotchka), Nate Radley on guitar (Loren Stillman, Alan Ferber, Ted Poor, Adam Nussbaum) and Ziv Ravitz on drums and percussion (Lee Konitz, Shai Maestro, Omer Avital, Avishai Cohen). One may take notice that each of the instrument families is represented on this recording: brass, strings, percussion, woodwinds and electronics.

When Flooded opens with "Kindred Spirits", a tune that "came to me shortly after I re-met an old acquaintance after many years of no communication (she is now my wife!)," said Holman. He explains the tune further; "the form and development of musical material throughout came to me during a compositional meditation. What gets achieved is a musical experience that feels much like a relationship with a like-minded friend - honest, balanced and free, yet supported. The two improvisations (trumpet and clarinet) signify individuality within the context of the greater whole of a connected relationship." "Tutti" is up next, an original composition inspired by the master, Ornette Coleman, and his, "harmolodic musical philosophy where harmony, melody, speed, and rhythm are equal to each other yet ultimately dependent on the musician's range of expression," explained Holman. The robust "Chain of Command" was inspired by the TV show, The Wire, and reflects the farce that often comes of authority and power in a hierarchical organization. This is expressed with a section of collective improvisation that blurs the line of who is in charge and it is up to the listener to decide who is at the top and who at the bottom of the musical food chain." "Tandem" is an intimate song that connects two-part music in a way that is highly organized but also allows for a loose creativity to shine through. "The instruments are often coupled throughout and rely on each other to determine the direction of when and how the music is played," said Holman.

Other highlights on When Flooded are: "Earworm", "a mysterious tune that evokes real creeping, crawling life forms, (try turning out the lights and listening!), and uses a twelve tone pitch row in all of the written material that still penetrates the ear in a memorable way. While composing this piece I was inspired by the Dave Douglas composition "Bardot" from a live recording of his Tiny Bell Trio"; "Between" is about being in limbo, vulnerable, and contrastingly, pushing towards the next thing in life and being content in the moment; "Where the Tracks End" is inspired by a re-occurring dream that Holman has. "I have a hazy black-and white image of an abandoned railroad track out in the lush countryside and I wonder where it comes from and where it might be going. This piece uses only two melodic ideas in counterpoint to reflect the two rails of a track. In my dream, since there is no beginning and no end to the tracks, the melodic parts of the piece just stand as a musical image, bookshelved by a cajón groove"; and the album's closer, "Syndrome", "which was the final piece written for this recording. I was interested in having a short, through-composed piece that uses only one melodic phrase as the entire basis for the composition - harmonically, melodically, and rhythmically. There is a familiar formal narrative in art of starting small, developing and reaching a climax, and coming back home again. I imitate this typical formal structure, the composer's 'syndrome,' - but hopefully in my own unique way".

Although Matt Holman is well versed in the standard jazz repertoire, most of his creative endeavors revolve around his original music and music composed by his peers. When Flooded features nine of Holman's gems that are overflowing with harmonic/melodic sophistication and beauty, abundant rhythmic variety, collective improvisation, and a high level of imaginative extemporization from all of the musicians. When Flooded is an auspicious debut, it is an album of such depth that it warrants numerous listens, and it brings to our attention an artist that has all of the attributes of a musician destined for an illustrious career.

www.MattHolman.com

JOHN MEDESKI RELEASES FIRST SOLO PROJECT - A DIFFERENT TIME

Keyboard master John Medeski thrives on the unpredictable, a trait that has kept his work with the trailblazing trio Medeski Martin & Wood (MMW) fresh and surprising for more than twenty years. With A Different Time, his first solo piano project, Medeski once again takes his sound in a completely unexpected direction - unexpected even to him.

"I had a more eclectic record in mind," Medeski says. "I wanted to put out something that would be more representative of what my live solo concerts are like."

Instead, A Different Time (out April 9 - the first release on Sony Classical's newly-revived OKeh Records imprint) is a far more introspective, meditative collection than fans of MMW's lively, groove-driven music might expect. Consisting mostly of Medeski's own compositions and improvisations, with a familiar spiritual and a Willie Nelson song added into the mix, the album presents a different side of Medeski's prodigious artistry, one which he was initially reluctant to display.

"In all honesty, it was a little scary to put this out because it's so meditative and contemplative," Medeski admits. "I know it's not what anybody's expecting, but it's a side of me that exists. It's really raw and open, stripped of all hipness. But it's made me a little less afraid to just drop into the moment and play what's coming to me as opposed to something that I know will work, something that I know is cool, something that I know will have a certain effect. The whole point is to get lost in the music."

Not just a first for Medeski, A Different Time also marks the return of the historic OKeh label, once home for such jazz pioneers as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, King Oliver, and Sidney Bechet. Sony Classical has revived the label as an outlet for new jazz releases by artists like Medeski, Bill Frisell, David Sanborn & Bob James, and Craig Handy, among others to be announced. "At this point," Medeski says, "after everything that's gone on in the music business, it's exciting that Sony has come around to releasing new creative music again. I like the energy of being part of something new."

While he's become better known for a more buoyant, organ-centric approach that melds free-wheeling jazz with jam band eclecticism, Medeski says that sitting alone at a piano feels natural, returning him to his earliest experiences at the keyboard. "I grew up playing piano my whole life," he says, "so it feels like home to me." He began playing more solo concerts in recent years, and decided it was time to document that aspect of his playing.

The album was recorded at Waterfront Studios, producer Henry Hirsch's recording studio built within a 19th-century church in New York's scenic Hudson Valley. For his solo debut, Medeski wanted to aim for a sound quality that approached his personal "Holy Grail," the recordings that classical pianist Arthur Rubinstein made for RCA Records. Hirsch shared his admiration for those sessions, so Medeski spent several days recording on Waterfront's nine-foot Steinway piano.

But Hirsch also encouraged Medeski to try the studio's other piano, a 1924 Gaveau - a French piano made in a pre-modern style, akin to Chopin's preferred model, the Pleyel. The instrument, as it turned out, was a revelation and made a profound impact on the music that came to be A Different Time.

"The Gaveau required a very delicate, controlled touch," Medeski explains. "It is much harder to get a good sound out of it than it is on a regular piano. You have to use a lot of control; touch makes a huge difference and when you play delicately you can get a lot of nuance and really make this instrument sing. I tried a lot of things that had never worked for me before, and when I went back and listened to all of the recordings, that stuff stuck out as the most unique."

The entirety of A Different Time was recorded on the Gaveau, with minimal electronics in order to capture the instrument's full dynamic range. The sessions were undertaken late at night, when outside noise was at a minimum and a more crepuscular mood settled over the church. As Medeski writes in his liner notes, he hopes that listeners approach the album in the same atmosphere, at a time "when social responsibilities are over, when the political questions of the day have been dealt with, when all gossip has come to an end, when all needs and wants have been put to momentary rest, when all plans have been made, when you are tired of words, and you are ready to yield to the sounds of these simple contemplations for the Gaveau."

The album begins with the title track, a stark "spontaneous composition" improvised by Medeski at the Gaveau. The name has several connotations, evoking that night-time ambience but also harkening back to a time when records occupied a listener's full attention, before the multifarious distractions of the modern world. "There was a time when people used to sit down and listen to music, when it wasn't just the soundtrack to your life," Medeski says. "I remember sitting in a room with a group of people, experiencing music together, at a time when we as human beings really got lost in the sound."

A Different Time offers a sustained opportunity to become lost in Medeski's deeply personal sound, presenting an intensely focused experience of keen emotional virtuosity. The selection ranges from the tender Willie Nelson ballad "I'm Falling in Love Again," a piece which Medeski has long wanted to record and which finally found its best expression through the Gaveau; to "His Eye Is On the Sparrow," a traditional spiritual that Medeski approaches with a lush reverence.

"Ran" is another tune for which Medeski has long sought the proper context, the album's sole through-composed piece. The wistful "Otis," which closes the album, was originally recorded on Notes From the Underground, MMW's 1992 debut album. The sing-song "Waiting at the Gate" dates back even further, to a musical Medeski wrote in his teens. "It's just a little tune that I wrote when I was a kid and never played for anybody," Medeski laughs. "Ever."

The heart-breakingly gorgeous "Luz Marina" was written for Mama Kia, the founder of an orphanage in Peru who passed away in 2010. Luz Marina was the name of her first adopted child, who died at a tender age. Medeski sought to depict Mama Kia's inspirational and generous spirit through the piece. The final two pieces are both improvisations: "Graveyard Fields," which shares the deceptively morbid name of a bucolic area in North Carolina, and the darkly tinged "Lacrima," more aptly named for the Italian word for "tear."

The fact that he didn't try out the Gaveau until he thought he'd already gotten a full album in the can took a considerable amount of pressure off of Medeski's shoulders, opening him up to the more naked, vulnerable sound of the album.

"I was just playing music," he says. It was just about dealing with the instrument and the room and making the music that felt good. I just got lost in the sound, and that's really the ultimate goal anytime you sit down to play."

Upcoming John Medeski Appearances:
+ February 22 / The Blockley / Philadelphia, PA
+ February 26 - March 3 / Blue Note / New York, NY
++ April 6 / Walker Art Center / Minneapolis, MN
*April 7 / Old Town School of Folk / Chicago, IL
*April 8 / Shank Hall / Milwaukee, WI
*April 10 / Le Poisson Rouge / New York, NY
*April 12 / The Kleinert Center / Woodstock, NY
**April 17 / Kirkland Performance Center / Kirkland, WA
**April 18 / Roseland Theatre / Portland, OR
**April 19 / Napa Valley Opera House / Napa, CA
**April 20 / Jackson Hall / Davis, CA
**April 21 / Knitting Factory / Reno, NV
**April 22 - 23 / Great American Music Hall / San Francisco, CA
**April 25 / Sunset Center / Carmel, CA
**April 26 / Royce Hall - UCLA / Los Angeles, CA
**April 27 / Belly Up / San Diego, CA
++ May 17 / Moers Festival / Moers, Germany
++ May 19 / FIMAV / Victoriaville, Canada
++ June 11 / TBA / Quito, Ecuador
++ June 12 / TBA / Santiago, Chile
++ June 13 / TBA / Concepción, Chile
++ June 14 / TBA / Buenos Aires, Argentina
++ June 15 - 16 / TBA / Sao Paulo, Brazil

* Solo Piano
** Medeski Martin & Wood
+ Bill Evans
++ John Zorn

John Medeski · A Different Time / / OKeh · Release Date: April 9, 2013

NEW RELEASES - DAVID P. STEVENS, PHIL DENNY, TAKUYA KURODA SEXTET

DAVID P. STEVENS - EPIPHANY

Multi-talented contemporary jazz, neo~fusion, R&B, nu~soul guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and recording studio engineer David P. Stevens is putting the finishing touches on his latest release entitled Epophany.  Due out this March, Epiphany includes 11 tracks of contemporary jazz, fusion, and soul flavors featuring Jamie Knight, Carl Cox, Frank McComb, Nothende, Carol Riddick, Tesa Williams, Elan Trotman, and Gerald Veasley​. Raised in the City of Brotherly Love when Philadelphia International Records dominated the pop and R&B charts, In 2005, David released his debut studio album, entitled Timeless. The buzz generated from that project demanded David record his 2008 sophomore album, entitled The Shedd, which garnered the interest of 111 East Jazz Records. The label felt so strongly about the diamond in the rough project overlooked by the larger market that in 2011 David recorded additional songs, and 111 East Jazz Records repacked the CD as Uptown which was released to global indie acclaim, and admirable bulleted positions across various music charts globally. ​~ davidstevensmusic.com

PHIL DENNY - CROSSOVER

Phil Denny's blazing sax, infectious melodies and in-the-pocket grooves on "Crossover" create an exuberant album sure to make him a major new force on the contemporary urban jazz scene. Smooth, tantalizing horn textures rich with emotion and feel, are what is offered up on this ten-track debut produced and co-written by Nate Harasim. Denny also welcomes to the party guitar heavy hitters Nils, Gerey Johnson, Matt Godina and Frank Selman as well as appearances by bassist Terrance Palmer and vocalist Anna Stevenson. This tasty and dynamic debut release not only offers a blend of energy and soul, but the kind of sexy Quiet Storm flavored ballads that will be a revelation to those listeners always hungry for the best new talent the contemporary jazz scene has to offer. Although no stranger to the stage, Phil Denny's work on "Crossover" will be branded as the new identity of this passionate and soulful talent. Inspired by a variety of musical influences, "Crossover" is sure to resonate with a diverse listener base appreciative of the strong playing and production the CD showcases. ~ CD Baby

TAKUYA KURODA SEXTET - SIX ACES

With his brilliant tone and soulful, passionate delivery, it’s no wonder that young Japanese trumpeter Takuya Kuroda continues to thrive in New York City, the world’s most competitive arena for live performance. Originally from Kobe, Takuya came to the U.S. in 2003 to study at the New School Jazz and Contemporary Music Program. Since arriving to New York, he has become a fixture on the working musician scene, performing alongside living legends (Junior Mance, Terumasa Hino), acknowledged masters (Greg Tardy, Francisco Mela, Pino Palladino) and the rising stars of his generation (Jose James, Ben Williams, Kris Bowers, Jamire Williams). Takuya can be seen and heard performing at music festivals worldwide (Java Jazz, Rio Das Ostras, River to River, Vitoria Jazz) and at some of the most important venues for live performance in the country (The Blue Note, The Jazz Standard, Radio City Music Hall, The Village Underground). As a recording artist, Takuya can be heard most recently on Jose Jame’s “Blackmagic”, and Jiro Yoshia’s “Made in New York” and “Cut Back”. Takuya has released two albums as a leader, “Bitter and High”(2010) and “Edge”(2011), both to critical acclaim. “Bitter and High” was selected by Jazz Hihyou Magazine for their article “The Top 6 Best Albums of The Year of 2010” and by Jazzweek.com for “The Top 50 Jazz Albums of 2010”. Since its release, “Edge” has ranked as high as #3 in the national airplay charts for jazz radio programming, a featured album on radio shows across the U.S.  In addition to his own projects, Takuya performs as a member of Jose Jame’s band, Akoya Afrobeat, the MK Groove Orchestra, Chicken Gravy, and Main Space. ~ CD Baby

NEW RELEASES - LUIZ BONFA, CASWELL SISTERS, HORACE SILVER

LUIZ BONFA - AMOR! THE FABULOUS GUITAR OF LUIZ BONFA

A rare early album by the legend Brazilian guitar genius – still bossa, but also recorded in the US – which gives the album a stronger jazz feel at times! The core focus here is still on Bonfa's lively guitar solos – but the presence of added jazz musicians make for a set that's a bit fuller and richer than some of the more solo-styled album from Luiz – not exactly Verve bossa, but somewhere close – and a wonderful record that manages to capture the best side of Bonfa's lyrical genius – thanks to a mix of original sambas and bossa tunes, plus Bonfa-ized versions of some American standards. Titles include  "Island Of Trinidade", "Blue Madrid", "Old Times", "Indian Dance", "Marajo", "Brasilia", and "Arabesque". ~ Dusty Groove

CASWELL SISTERS FEATURING FRED HERSCH - ALIVE IN THE SINGING AIR   After thriving careers under Establishing Their Own names over the last ten years, sisters Rachel and Sara Caswell Have Their focus increasingly turned to the musical bond they'd shared since childhood. Vocalist and violinist Sara Rachel first Approached Fred Hersch back in 2008 about working with 'em was attached project as pianist and co-producer. The results of Their cooperation may be Heard on Singing Alive in the Air , a breathtaking collection of songs featuring Hersch, one of jazz 's most Celebrated pianists, with backing by bassist Jeremy Allen and drummer Bryson Kern . The CD will be released on March 5 by the sisters' Turtle Ridge Records. Surprises abound in the sisters' repertoire choices. Two Hersch compositions with lyrics by British jazz singer Norma Winstone - " Song of Life "and" A Wish "- Especially fine are fits. In a nod to Their Bloomington, Indiana roots, the Caswells include Hoagy Carmichael's " I Get Along Without You Very Well "and Their version of Nancy King's samba" I Sing for You "goes out to King, one of Rachel's favorite singers.  

HORACE SILVER - SILVER 'N HORSES

A beautiful, beautiful record from Horace Silver – one of his great 70s experiments for Blue Note – and a set that has him working in the same "jazz with voices" mode explored by Max Roach and Donald Byrd in earlier years! The core of the set is focused around the great work of Silver's combo – with Tom Harrell on trumpet, Bob Berg on tenor, Ron Carter on bass, and Al Foster on drums – a wonderfully cohesive unit that arcs and turns with all these sweet little shifts – keeping up with the creative rhythms directed from Silver, while cascading through a beautiful range of tones and colors as well! The vocals follow suit beautifully – directed by Alan Copeland, but with a much more soulful approach than his 60s material – bursting forth with this warmth and sense of tone that really matches the instrumentation. Titles include "I Will Always Love You", "Out Of The Night", "Incentive", "New York Lament", "Mood For Maude", and "All In Time". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - MARCOS VALLE, RONNIE FOSTER, CHARLES BELL AND THE CONTEMPORARY JAZZ QUARTET

MARCOS VALLE - VENTO SUL

A holy grail! This is one of Marcos Valle's best-ever albums – and it's certainly the one to best realize the larger scope he was heading for in the years after the bossa – that sublime mix of jazz and more expansive arrangements – a perfect fit for the growing sophistication of Valle's songwriting. The record is fantastic – done with a sweeping sound that still leaves us breathless after all these years – and put together with an approach to composition that is virtually indescribable. There's a huge amount of influences running through here, and the album is proof that Valle was one of Brazil's richest talents, never ceasing to perfect and transform his craft – even long after he could have rested on the laurels of his success! Tracks include "Democustico",
"Revolucao Organica", "Vento Sul", "Paisagem De Mariana", and "Pista O2". (Heavy gatefold pressing – with notes, lyrics, and a great cover that's even better than the original!) ~ Dusty Groove

RONNIE FOSTER - ON THE AVENUE

Massive keyboard work from Ronnie Foster – one of his sweet funky 70s sets for Blue Note – and a killer all the way through! Ronnie plays a host of cool keys – Hammond, clavinet, and moog – and he's working here with tight production from George Benson, who really helps find a new soulful edge for Foster's music – plus great horns from Alfred Ellis, who helps bring a bit of his James Brown influence into the mix! Some of the best cuts feel like blacksploitation funk – with Foster taking long solos over some great instrumental grooves – often with the same offbeat twists and turns, and cool colors he brought to his Two Headed Freap album. Titles include "On The Avenue", "To See A Smile", "First Light", "Serenade To A Rock", and a nice version of Stevie Wonder's "Golden Lady". ~ Dusty Groove

CHARLES BELL AND THE CONTEMPORARY JAZZ QUARTET - ANOTHER DIMENSION

A wonderful set by the enigmatic Charles Bell – a 60s modernist, but one with a great sense of soul! The album definitely lives up to its title, and has a fresh approach to the medium – a style that has some of the Modern Jazz Quartet influence in its structure, yet which also shares some more complex rhythmic ideas from the Ornette Coleman camp – mixed with a straighter hardbop vibe as well! The blend is quite compelling – and in addition to Bell's work on piano, the set also features Bill Smith on guitar, Ron Carter on bass, and Allan Blairman on drums. Titles include "Django", "Satan Said", "Portrait Of Aunt Mary", "Theme", and "Bass Line". ~ Dusty Groove

SHAWN JONES - STRUGGLE MAKES YOU STRONGER

This morning I popped Shawn Jones' new album, Struggle Makes You Stronger, into my car CD player and halfway into the first song I knew that this was going to be a terrific album. The lead song, "Life Is For The Living" essentially sets the vibe for the entire rest of the album - it's upbeat with a definite hook melody and lyrics that capture your attention.

Struggle Makes You Stronger finds Jones ruminating on our need for relationships (Day Without Rain; As Long As I've Got You); fortitude (Struggle Makes You Stronger; Running Water); and age-old topics of love (Sweet Victoria; Bittersweet Love; Yours To Lose).

This album has a little bit of everything - sexy rockin' vibes, southern rock, laid-back west coast vibe, a groovy R&B acoustic feel, and some serious guitar playing throughout.

Attention radio programmers - this album is chock full of hits, it's radio-friendly, and I would be surprised if it does not become a huge seller!

Shawn Jones is the epitome of American Roots/Rock music. He has proven over time that he has an international appeal. He is true to form of his influences, spanning from the greats in Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Jazz & Country. With four studio albums and one live album under his belt, Shawn's skills as a seasoned songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist have put him on the same bill with the likes of BB King, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, Jimmie Vaughan, Willie Nelson, Eric Johnson, Leon Russell, Robben Ford, Derek Trucks, Little Feat, Joe Bonamassa, Taj Mahal, and David Hindley. Waylon Jennings was so impressed with Shawn's live performances that he took Jones under his wing, offering him the grand opportunity to play on his 1996 release 'Right For The Time."

This album's release comes in the wake of extensively touring the UK and Ireland, as well as appearing at major music festivals where Shawn has created buzz on the blues rock scene, collecting rave reviews and radio airlplay along the way. Shawn has been working away, at times in excess of 200 dates a year, creating new fans and followers literally everywhere he performs.   www.shawnjonesmusic.com www.facebook.com/shawnjonesmusic www.twitter.com/shawnjonesmusic www.reverbnationmusic.com/shawnjonesmusic

KIRK WHALUM - NEW ALBUM ANNOUNCEMENT & TOUR DATES

Kirk Whalum has announced that he will soon be touring with B.W.B (i.e Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum, Rick Braun). The group is finishing up a Michael Jackson Tribute record that'll be out late spring. Whalum is also working on two gospel projects, including The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter 4! In the meantime, Kirk is on tour and you can catch him on the road.

• February 13 - Portland, OR - Quartet w/ John Stoddart, Lalah Hathaway, Norman Brown & Rick Braun
• February 15 - Washington, DC - Lincoln Theatre w/Chante Moore
• February 23 - Los Angeles, CA - Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE 94.7 The WAVE's Smooth Night Out
• March 8 - Nashville, TN - Nashville Jazz Workshop
• April 5 - Cape Town, South Africa - Cape Town Jazz Festival / B.W.B
• April 6 - Cape Town, South Africa - Cape Town Jazz Festival / Romance Language
• April 13 - Reading, PA - Crowne Plaza Reading Ballroom / Berks Jazz Fest
• April 14 - Reading, PA - Scottish Rite Cathedral Performing Arts / Berks Jazz Fest: Gospel Show
• April 20 - Panama City, FL - Pier Park Amphitheater, Seabreeze Jazz Festival / B.W.B
• April 28 - Memphis, TN - GPAC w/John Stoddart and Orchestra
• May 24 - Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park / B.W.B
• May 25 - Jacksonville, FL - Downtown, Jacksonville Jazz Festival / B.W.B
• May 26 - San Diego, CA - Hilton San Diego Bayfront / B.W.B
• June 1 - Newport Beach, CA - Hyatt Newporter Jazz Festival / B.W.B
• June 22 - Charlotte, NC - Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre Charlotte /B.W.B - Uptown Charlotte Jazz Fest
• July 19 - Norfolk, VA - Town Point Park, Norfolk Jazz Festival / B.W.B
• July 20 - San Dimas, CA - Bonelli Park / B.W.B
• August 10 - Kettering, OH - Fraze Pavilion / B.W.B
• September 13 - Newport Beach, CA - Hyatt Newporter Jazz Series / B.W.B
• September 22 - Italy, Greece , Sicily - Dave Koz and Friends Cruise
• January 11 - 18, 2014 - Smooth Jazz Cruise 2014 - Holland America ms Westerdam

RECORD KICKS 10TH - 21 CUTS OF TODAY'S EXPLOSIVE RAW FUNK AND DEEP SOUL SCENE

After 109 releases (of which 90 have been on vinyl), 51 international artists released, and over 43,000 7" vinyl records pressed, it's time for us to celebrate our 10th anniversary!

From deep funk to (northern) soul, afrobeat, dancefloor jazz and rocksteady, what you hold in your hands is a collection of Record Kicks hits filled up with many exclusive contributions that will give you the full spectrum of the sounds that we love.

Amongst the exclusive tracks, you'll find new jazzy instrumental stormers by Detroit deep funk outfit Third Coast Kings, UK funk titans The Baker Brothers and Sydney premier afrobeat combo The Liberators. Nick Pride & The Pimptones are back with a brand new soul single that anticipates their forthcoming LP expected on Record Kicks for the end of the year and last but not least, recorded in Kingston and produced in Buenos Aires by Mario Siperman (Los Fabulous Cadilllac); the first brand new single in years from Lee Scratch Perry's soulful queen Susan Cadogan, together with mod reggae kings The Crabs Corporation. On the compilation there are also new singles by Hannah Williams & the Tastemakers and Dojo Cuts, plus label evergreens like Nostalgia 77/The New Mastersounds, Gizelle Smith/TM Juke, Lack Of Afro/Kokolo, Baby Charles, and plenty more.

Craig Charles, the famous BBC 6 Music Funk & Soul DJ, says that "If you are wondering why there has been a renewed interest in soul and funk over the past few years then Record Kicks has to take some of the credit". 10 years ago we could not have anticipated such a high level of appreciation, so we would like to thank you all for all these fabulous 10 years together.

NEW RELEASES - JONI MITCHELL, JORGE BEN, TYLER MITCHELL

JONI MITCHELL - THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1968-1979

A beautiful way to dive right into the some of best work ever by Joni Mitchell – a 10CD set that brings together her first 10 albums in a single set – including her great couple of early efforts for Reprise and her incredible Asylum work from throughout the 70s! These albums travel from gentle folk pop and rock, to an ambitious blend of jazzy experimental instrumental touches as a backdrop – and feature some of very best songcraft of the era by anyone! The titles include Songs For A Seagull, Clouds, Ladies Of The Canyon, Blue, For The Rose, Court And Spark, The Hissing Of Summer Lawns, Hejira, Don Juan's Reckless Daughter and Mingus – and nearly every one is essential! (Limited edition. CDs come in mini-LP replica gatefold sleeves.)  ~ Dusty Groove

JORGE BEN - AFRICA BRASIL

A landmark recording that is one of Jorge Ben's best albums ever! The album is a perfect realization of the way that Jorge mixes Brazilian rhythms with choppy Afro grooves – and the result is a masterpiece that yeilded some of his biggest tracks ever. Included here is the great choppy funk track "Ponta De Lanca", plus loads of other goodies like "O Filosofo", "Xica Da Silva", "A Historia De Jorge", and a great remake of "Taj Mahal" – probably his greatest cut ever. Great all the way through – and is a perfect introduction to Jorge Ben if you don't know his work, and an essential addition to your collection if you do! (Sorry this is so expensive! The album's a very limited pressing which came to us at a very high price – and although high, it's still most likely less than you'd pay for a mint original pressing.) ~ Dusty Groove

TYLER MITCHELL - LIVE AT SMALLS

An ultra-hip set from bassist Tyler Mitchell – a player who doesn't often record as a leader, but really makes his mark with this live performance from Smalls! Mitchell's group here is a great one – a really cohesive quintet with Josh Evans on trumpet, Abraham Burton on tenor, Spike Wilner on piano, and Eric McPherson on drums – all players who come together on the album's original compositions, and who have the inventiveness to keep things spontaneous and flowing on the very long tracks – all tunes that go well past a dozen or more minutes in length. Wilner's especially nice – bold, yet sensitive – and a great bridge between the leader and hornmen. Titles include "A Time Called Now", "La Tendresse", "Caton", "Taking It With Me", and "Taj's Theme". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - GREATER DAVIS, DAVID SCHNITTER, GRANT STEWART

GREATER DAVIS - LOST SOUL

An incredible collection of work from the vastly-overlooked Geater Davis – and a set that definitely lives up to its title! Geater Davis is a tremendous singer from the south – but one who barely ever got his due back in the 70s – even though these recordings for the tiny House Of Orange label are every bit as amazing as work coming out for bigger labels like Stax or Hi Records! Although Davis didn't record nearly as much as his contemporaries, he's got a sound that matches or beats them – a raw, raspy quality that's a bit like Bobby Blue Bland, touched with the depth of feeling we love in James Carr, peppered with elements of other Memphis singers – all produced to perfection with a sound that's got a deep-burning soul that never lets up. This excellent collection features all tracks from Geater's rare album Sweet Woman's Love, plus additional singles from the time – all produced by Allen Orange, an overlooked genius in the southern studio scene of the 70s. Titles include "Don't Marry A Fool", "Cry Cry Cry", "I Love You", "I Know My Baby Loves Me", "I Can Hold My Own", "Cold Love (long version)", "I'll Get By", "I'll Play The Blues For You", "Breath Taking Girl", and a killer long take on "For Your Precious Love". (Limited edition.) ~ Dusty Groove

DAVID SCHNITTER - LIVE AT SMALLS

A brilliant set from tenorist David Schnitter – maybe the best we've heard from him in years – and that's saying a lot, given the strength of his work! The album's got that special spark and crackle we love in the Live At Smalls series – a magic way of really letting the leader open up and fly, but also giving him plenty of great group support too – in this case a rock-solid rhythm section of Spile Wilner on piano, Ugonna Okegwo on bass, and Anthony Pinciotti on drums – able to soar when Schnitter wants to, and hang back with darker notes on some of the more contemplative numbers. Many numbers are great originals from David – including "Squeamish", "Drone Tone", "Freeway", and "Portrait" – and Marti Mabin provides some great guest vocals on versions of "Soul Eyes" and "Peace". ~ Dusty Groove

GRANT STEWART - LIVE AT SMALLS   A great tenorist, heard here in a wonderfully rich setting – a set of long, open tracks that really let Grant Stewart solo strongly – all with the special sort of energy that seems to take place in these Smalls Live recordings! Most numbers push up towards the 10 minute mark, leaving lots of room for Grant's deep, soulful lines on tenor – served up with perfectly matched rhythmic support from the trio of Tardo Hammer on piano, David Wong on bass, and Phil Stewart on drums. As on other label releases, the presentation is wonderful – very basic, in ways that really let the magic of the performance come through brilliantly – a quality that's made Smalls Live one of our favorite jazz labels of the 21st Century. Titles include "Reflections", "Make Someone Happy", "Mr Lucky", "Get Out Of Town", "Somewhere In The Night", and "Meaning Of The Blues". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - DANIEL DOMENGE, SQUEEZE-BOT, THE WONDERTONES

DANIEL DOMENGE - LOST IN MY THOUGHTS

Smooth Jazz is a universal language around the world. Take guitarist Daniel Domenge as an example, who resides in Languedoc-Roussillon! the large vineyard region is one of the 26 regions that make up France. The world-class guitarist has played professionally for some 20 years! his passion for Smooth Jazz finally drove him to record his second album . This flawless recording features a tantalizing return to retro influences, yet the beats and rhythms are cutting edge contemporary. Daniel's guitar work is buoyed by Fender Rhodes and Hammond B3 accents as he funkifies the audio environment . Three years after his first album " Patchwork" ," Lost In My Thoughts" features exceptional performances from all contributing musicians and polished off by engineer Reynald Evrard. All of the songs are stunning!This album is smooth jazz at its best ! This French guitarist speaks fluent Smooth Jazz! ~ CD Universe

SQUEEZE-BOT - SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF SQUEEZE

Before the electric guitar ruined rock and roll, accordions, banjos and tubas had their rightful place in music. Driven underground by their oppressors, the great accordion/banjo/tuba bands have kept largely quiet, playing late night, speakeasy style concerts in underground clubs deep in the country, far from the ever vigilant ears of oppressive electric guitarist. But now one such underground band would run no more, and have emerged from the underground with bold new stylings, not afraid to show how music should have been played all along. ~ CD Universe


THE WONDERTONES - OLD SCHOOL

The Wondertones core group is comprised of a four piece rhythm section and a single solo guitar, rather than the usual sax, trumpet or vocalist. Accessible jazz with be-bop underpinnings, the Smooth Jazz of it's time. Great when you are driveing ,relaxing with friends or alone in contemplation. Really music that's great any time. 47 minute of the music that IS the Coolest Daddy-O. ~ CD Universe