Rafal Sarnecki - Cat's Dream

"Like Rosenwinkel, Sarnecki ventures far beyond the bebop and post-bop idioms of the past and into a freer - though still chordal - musical language. Sarnecki's original compositions merge the high-flown lyricism of Polish culture with an idiosyncratic, thoroughly disarming way of building long and winding musical phrases. He's clearly at the start of forming an improvisational syntax for himself, but it already shows originality and daring . . ." - Howard Reich, The Chicago Tribune 

  

Cat's Dream is the third album from guitarist/composer Rafal Sarnecki, born and raised in Warsaw, Poland, and now based in Brooklyn, NY. The album was recorded in Brooklyn by Michael Perez-Cisneros (known for recording such albums as Kurt Rosenwinkel's Heartcore and Gilad Hekselman's This Just In). The mix was done by Dave Darlington at Bass Hit Recording (Darlington is known for mixing such famous albums as If On a Winter Night... by Sting, Alegria by Wayne Shorter, for which Darlington received a Grammy Award, and Gershwin's World by Herbie Hancock). 

Cat's Dream features eight new compositions from Sarnecki, arranged for a sextet comprised of some of the best and brightest young musicians on the NYC Scene, Lucas Pino (tenor sax, bass clarinet, flute), Glenn Zaleski (piano), Rick Rosato (bass), Colin Stranahan (drums) and Bogna Kicinska (voice). Cat's Dream also marks Sarnecki's first album recorded with American musicians, and the first time he composed for voice. Sarnecki elaborated; "I wrote the music specifically for these musicians, and during the composition process I imagined every musician in the group performing the music and tried to hear how the parts would sound. We have all known each other for many years so I was able to feature their unique abilities and strengths within this music. I definitely felt very privileged to be able to record with such incredible musicians."

  

Each composition on Cat's Dream represents a different period in Sarnecki's life, and also a different stage of his development as a composer. On the album you can find extended forms ("For Anastazja" or "Plane Crashes and Conspiracy Theories"), typical short form jazz songs ("Ordovician Extinction", "Piazza Verdi"), as well as the first song with lyrics the composer has ever written (the title track, albeit in Spanish, "Sueño de Gatos"). Sarnecki's music is a result of being influenced by both traditional Polish songs, and American music he was exposed to on radio and in American films. Sarnecki explains further, "many American musicians consider my compositions very European in style, while in Poland and in the rest of Europe, my music is often described as very American. I like my music to have an American rhythmic character, and feel that introducing European melodic elements doesn't necessarily have to make the music groove less."

  

Sarnecki's music is fascinating in that many musicians perceive his compositions as being complex and challenging to perform (perhaps due to Sarnecki having a degree in Physics). However, the composer actually strives to make his music as user-friendly as possible, only using odd-meters if he is absolutely certain that it is necessary, for example. "Nevertheless the music on Cat's Dream is challenging to perform even for myself. I am really amazed by the ability of my bandmates to improvise with incredible freedom and expression over the complex metric structures of these songs," said Sarnecki.

 

 

Noah Garabedian - Big Butter And The Eggmen

In demand sideman, bassist/composer Noah Garabedian, who has worked with the likes of Ravi Coltrane, Josh Roseman, Ralph Alessi, Andrew D'Angelo, Myron Walden, Nir Felder, Julian Waterfall Pollack and The Amigos Band, is happy to announce his debut recording as a leader, Big Butter And The Egg Men, featuring his sextet of the same name.

The instrumentation of Garabedian's band was inspired by a prolonged Louis Armstrong phase, coupled with the bassist listening extensively to Henry Threadgill's bands Zooid, and Very Very Circus (several of the tracks on the album also reveal Garabedian's love for Bach, and Baroque music in general). He elaborated, "I wanted to create a band where the musicians could all comp for each other, without a traditional chordal instrument, and having a band that can potentially go from being an entire sextet improvising together, to a small duo or trio, was a very exciting prospect for me." Garabedian aimed to compose music that provide a spring board for the improvisers, and that would have a more natural transition between the composed passages and the improvised sections. He explains, "rather than writing in a conventional jazz structures (such as the blues, or AABA forms, etc), I wanted to experiment with several different melodies in a piece, different improvising sections throughout the composition, and a variety of textures within each song."

The Big Butter And the Egg Men Sextet, featuring Garabedian on bass with Kyle Wilson (tenor sax), Anna Webber (tenor sax), Curtis MacDonald (alto sax), Kenny Warren (trumpet) and Evan Hughes (drums), is made up of musicians who are also friends who have been making music together for a long time. Just to cite one example, Garabedian, now based in Brooklyn, and drummer Evan Hughes (both from Berkeley, CA) have known each other since they were teenagers. "Having that band quality is very important to me, especially in an age where so few steady working bands exist. The trust I have in the musicians is something that I value greatly; not only can I rely on them to perform my music at a high level, but I also welcome their input while we are work-shopping new compositions," said Garabedian.

 

Brooklyn Jazz Underground Releases - Seven By Seven

In 2011 the members of the BJU (formed in 2006) composed new music for their first collaborative effort, the recording, A Portrait of Brooklyn. These performances marked the first time that the BJU members came together as an ensemble, and the result was praised unanimously, with Hank Shteamer of Time Out New York calling the BJU Ensemble, "a valuable collective that spotlights underrated local bandleaders", and Chris Smith adding in The Winnipeg Free Press that, "Brooklyn has a thriving jazz community, and an association of artists committed to building a greater awareness of original music coming from there - the Brooklyn Jazz Underground."

From its inception the BJU, a highly influential group that inspired the formation of other artist collectives around the world, including The Paris Jazz Underground, The Queens Jazz Overground and The LA Jazz Collective, has always placed a premium on original composition. The band's much-anticipated second recording, 7 X 7, offers a collection of seven compelling works conceived by each member of the septet, featuring David Smith (trumpet), Adam Kolker (tenor sax, bass clarinet), Anne Mette Iversen (bass), Rob Garcia (drums), and also featuring the addition of vocalist Tammy Scheffer, who plays a shifting role here as a vocalist and as a third "horn", pianist David Cook & drummer Owen Howard, empowering the ensemble alongside Rob Garcia with a dual drummer thrust.

While each piece exemplifies the character of the individual composer, the ensemble devised a cohesive element to lend unity to the entire recording: "The Shorty," a brief composition derived from each of the seven original works. The creative twist was that these variations were to be composed by a fellow BJU artist. "We literally drew names from a hat to pick which composition was to be our 'assignment.' Whether inspired by a melodic phrase, a harmonic structure or simply the vibe of the initial work, each 'Shorty' in turn, found its own character," explained Owen Howard (from the liner notes).

New Releases: The Fat Babies - 18th & Racine; Jared Gold - Intuition; Kalaparush and the Light - Morning Song

THE FAT BABIES - 18TH & RACINE

One of the coolest combos working in Chicago these days – a trad jazz group with a really wonderful sound – one of the few modern groups who can really illustrate the improvisational excitement of jazz back in the Windy City scene of the 20s and 30s! These guys have a freshness that you'd never find with other trad combos – maybe an energy that's generated by their youth, or the fact that in the 21st Century we're now so removed from the cliches of the trad revival, folks can start over again and really get things right. Whatever the case, their sound is great – an electrifying revival of modes we never thought we'd like this much from contemporary players. The lineup includes string bass, cornet, clarinet, alto sax, trombone, piano, drums, and banjo – and titles include "The Stampede", "18th & Racine", "I Can't Dance", "Stardust", "Oh Baby", "The Chant", and "Blueberry Rhyme". ~ Dusty Groove

JARED GOLD – INTUITION

Jared Gold's one of the few up-and-comers who really knows his way around a Hammond – not in a stock funk mode, but in the far-reaching, freewheeling style of great jazz organists like Larry Young or Lonnie Smith! This set's just the kind of cooker we've come to love from Gold – a trio date that has the keyboardist moving madly up and down his instrument – pulling notes out with effortless ease, and bringing them together in ways that few other players might dare! The group's got guitar from David Stryker and drums from McClenty Hunter – and like most of the best of the classic Hammond players, Jared lets his own feet handle all the work on bass. Titles include "Right Nowish", "As It Were", "Bedo's Blues", "Hoopin On Sundays", "The Crusher", and "Pro Zeca". ~ Dusty Groove

KALAPARUSH AND THE LIGHT - MORNING SONG

A beautiful later Delmark album from Kalaparush Maurice McIntyre – one that has all the vivid creative energy of his classic sessions for the label from the 60s! The setting continues McIntyre's work with The Light – a duo of tuba and drums, which makes for some mighty unusual sounds – an odd variant on the bass and drums you might normally hear in an avant trio like this – with lots of complex interplay at the core, and these soaring, searing solos from Kalaparush on tenor sax! His tone is wonderful – as deeply heartfelt all these many years later as it was right back at the start – a rare sound we'd rank right up there with Pharoah Sanders' voice on tenor. Titles include "Noon", "Let Us All Relax", "Here Comes The Light", "Mobo", "Against All Odds", "Evening", and "I Don't Have An Answer Unless It's God". ~ Dusty Groove

New Releases - Yusef Lateef - The Gentle Giant; Joe Magnarelli - Lookin' Up; Jason McGuiness - A Whitfield/Strong Tribute

YUSEF LATEEF - THE GENTLE GIANT

One of the greatest Yusef Lateef albums on Atlantic Records – and that's saying a lot, given the high level of quality he was hitting at the label! The album's a perfect blend of the newly-funky Lateef style with some hipper, more sophisticated touches – a mode that hints at his bigger-concept recordings to come, but which is still pretty lean and clean overall – and damn funky on most of the best tracks! Yusef plays a host of hip flutes here, plus tenor and oboe – and an almost equal star on the record is Kenny Barron, whose electric piano lines really make the album something special. The album begins with a long take on Barron's "Nubian Lady" which begins the record – and Kenny also contributed the tighter grooving "Jungle Plum". Other tracks include "African Song", "Queen Of The Night", "Poor Fishermen", "Below Yellow Bell", and a strange version of "Hey Jude" that goes on for a long time, and really messes with the volume – listed on the cover with the note "Do not adjust the playback level on your audio equipment – readjust your mind!"  ~ Dusty Groove

JOE MAGNARELLI - LOOKIN' UP

A storming set from trumpeter Joe Magnarelli – working here in an excellent quintet that also features equally great trombone from Steve Davis – a perfect partner from Joe in the front line! Davis has sharp phrasing that really matches Magnarelli's deft trumpet lines – and the pair get a soulful swing from a tight rhythm trio that features Anthony Wonsey on piano, Mike Karn on bass, and Jason Brown on drums – a group that brings in bold, strong tones right from the start – and still finds a resonant depth even on mellower numgers. Many tunes are originals from Joe, mixed with a few well-chosen classics – and titles include "44", "Third Set", "Inner Beauty", "Miles Mode", "In Walked Lila", "Blue Key", and "Easy Transition". ~ Dusty Groove

JASON MCGUINESS – A WHITFIELD / STRONG TRIBUTE

A sweet little 3-track EP spearheaded by producer/synth programmer Jason McGuiness – who enlists some of the leading players in the LA funk scene to pay tribute to Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and the psych soul era of Motown Records! Includes freshly-arranged, straight up incredible takes on "Smiling Faces Sometimes", "Cloud Nine", and "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" – with vocals by Mix Master Wolf (Breakestra) and Stephanie Karr, Dexter Story on Rhodes and Hammond, Todd Simon on turmpet, Kamasi Washington on sax, T'Amir Sweeney on drums and more.  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - WALT WEISKOPF - OVERDRIVE; ECCENTRIC SOUL; BAGAR AKA TRICKY D - EQUANIMITY

WALT WEISKOPF - OVERDRIVE

Bold, soulful sounds from tenorist Walt Weiskopf – a player who not only really knows his place as a soloist, but who also comes across as a great leader on a date like this! The whole group's got a focus that comes through right away – Walt's bold horn in the lead, but fused with these strong piano lines from Peter Zak, guitar from Yotam Silberstein, and vibes from Behn Gillece – instruments that really pull together a lot of sound and tones when used this well, creating a sense of force that really drives the album along. All tunes are originals by Weiskopf, save one – and the whole thing's got this unified vision from the start to the finish – a really great step forward for Walt. Titles include "Like Mike", "The Path Is Narrow", "Night Vision", "Waltz For Dad", "Four Horsemen", "Midwinter Night's Dream", and "No Biz". ~ Dusty Groove, Inc.

ECCENTRIC SOUL – THE WAY OUT RECORDING CO (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Great work from a label that was way out in the Cleveland scene of the 60s – but which bristles with some of the best energy of Detroit and Chicago at the time! The tiny imprint never cracked the big time, but not for lack of quality – as the cuts here have a sharp blend of deep soul vocals and tight arrangements – of the sort that we've always loved in the best smaller Chicago indies of the late 60s – particularly the kind of labels that were operating in the shadows of Chess and Brunswick. A core group of artists recorded most of this music – and make for a very unified feel throughout – especially given that even some of the numbers with solo singers still really maintain a group soul sort of vibe. And the overall quality of the package takes us back to the earliest days of projects like this from the Numero Group – right down to the very detailed story of the label's unique place in 60s soul music. Titles include "There's No You" by The Occasions, "Demanding Man" and "Two Can Make It" by The Sensations, "She Didn't Know" by Sammy Jones, "Ain't That A Heartache" and "Baby Don't Go" by Norman Scott, "You're Not Loving A Beginner" by Jesse Fisher, "How long Will It Last" by The Soul Notes, "Why" by The Springers, and "Party At Lester's" by Lou Ragland & His Bandmasters. 2CD set – with 40 tracks and a great booklet!  ~ Dusty Groove

BAGAR AKA TRICKY D - EQUANIMITY

Dean Bagar aka Tricky D was born and raised in Croatia where he trod the boards as a visual artist as well as playing a leading role in The Punk / New-wave scene of the early eighties. By late eighties moves to London where he discovered the power of Reggae Sound systems. The worsening political troubles and escalation of violence in Croatia left him a refugee in Berlin, but he still found the spirit to immerse himself in the blossoming “Daisy Age” and this is where he began his DJ / production journey. There he got involved in cult underground club “Eimer” and became an underground break-beat activist, and spearheaded one of the first German Drum´n´Bass live bands, Elektronauten, and still found time to open "Tricky Tunes" record shop and after spending some time in Jamaica where together with his friend Mez he did a recording session with local vocalists, decided to start his own “Tricky Tunes” label as well. In 2000 he released together with General Electrick and Dj Deckart a couple of singles and an album under the name “Fab Factory” where they explored and pushed the limits of 2step garage. All the while he honed his craft as a DJ and producer. He became a member of a visual-audio project “Digital Tattoo”. Since 2006 he has travelled often to Colombia, where after regular collaborations with local talents, he went on to produce and manage the Los Transatlanticos project, released on BBE in 2012. On his debut as Tricky D the artist, he presents us with "Equanimity" introducing a different side of his musical productions, a fusion of downbeats, soul, dub, deep dubstepy / future garage beats and cinematic ambient layers, with a twist of Balkan Funk here… and there of tango … and cumbia. A beautiful adventure in music, mirroring those of his life. On the album Bagar features vocal talents from both sides of The Atlantic hemispheres … European and South American.

New Releases: Zara McFarlane - Move (Atjazz Remix); Nathan Woodward; Fire! Orchestra - Enter

ZARA MCFARLANE - MOVE (ATJAZZ REMIX)

‘Move’ was released digitally on the July 14th and is the third single from Zara McFarlane’s highly acclaimed second album ‘If You Knew Her’. Her instantly recognisable voice is truly on show as her vocal acrobatics stretch across both her melodies and her accomplished improvisations, accompanied by a sparse groove rife with tension and release. Zara weaves a tale of finding strength at a moment of uncertainty on which coasts over both Afro-Carribbean rhythms and a solid swing. The B-side is another track from the album, ‘You’ll Get Me In Trouble’. A playful take on temptation – completely captivating yet deceptively simple. the delivery is heartfelt - it is no surprise it went down such a storm on her recent Jools Holland performance. To complete the summery package a suitably deep remix from Atjazz with full toned subs and a laid back beat sure to make even the most stubborn of heads start to nod. Atjazz  brings something new to the table, serving up 8-bit flavours to compliment the jazzy concoction.

Listen to Zara McFarlana Move (Atjazz Remix)

NATHAN WOODWARD

A young, newcomer to the scene, Nathan is an artist that doesn’t waste a single note. His concerts pack an emotional punch and technical precision that continually dazzles. Traveling on average 51 weekends a year, Nathan has already become a name in some circles as a crossover Gospel, Smooth Jazz, and R&B artist. His career has already included work with clients such as the American Red Cross, The American Heart Association, MGM Resorts, Chick-fil-A, and numerous others. “Versatility” is what many have come to appreciate about Nathan. Whether in a small theater or large church, he continues to shine. With over a decade of traveling across the United States and around the world, Nathan’s improvisational jazz style and passionate melodies will encourage the heart and stir the soul. Tracks include: Soho Twilight, Sea Breeze, Presence, Tuesday Rain, Tell Me Why, 2 O’Clock, The Promise, Schipol, Main Street, Sunrise, and  Time Lapse (Bonus Track).

FIRE! ORCHESTRA - ENTER

One of the coolest, wildest performances we've ever heard from the Fire Orchestra – an expanded version of a core jazz combo that includes Mats Gustafsson on tenor – but which here has grown to a very bold lineup of musicians with a trio of voices as well! The album features one long piece – the mighty "Enter" – a strongly spiritual number that mixes soulful jazz expressions with freer improvisations, and some psych elements from time to time – a really amazing blend that holds up tremendously well, even throughout the double-length space of the recording. In addition to Gustafsson on tenor – and also conducting the group – the lineup features Jonas Kullhammar on baritone sax, Fredrik Ljungkvist on baritone and clarinet, Anna Hogberg on alto, Magnus Broo and Emil Strandberg on trumpet, Goran Kajfes on cornet, Sten Sandell on keyboards, Raymond Strid on drums, and the trio of Mariam Wallentin, Sofia Jernberg, and Simon Ohlsson on voices. ~ Dusty Groove

Jazz and Soul Classics Re-Imagined by Vocalist Ranee Lee on 'What's Going On"

Brooklyn-born, Montreal-based vocalist and songwriter Ranee Lee, one of Canada's most treasured jazz vocalists, an award-winning actress, author and jazz educator, releases her 13th recording on Justin-Time Records, entitled What's Going On. Following A Celebration in Time, with piano giant Oliver Jones and receiving a Juno award for Ranee Lee Lives Upstairs, Lee returns with a set of re-imagined jazz, soul and reggae classics, as well as several original compositions. She is accompanied by Richard Ring on guitar, Taurey Butler and Chad Linsley on piano, Morgan Moore and Dave Watts on acoustic bass, Dave Laing on drums and Chet Doxas on tenor saxophone.

Four of the tunes on What's Going On feature the Birds On A Wire String Quartet, with masterful arrangements by Andy Ballantyne. "Working with strings has always been an otherworldly experience for me," says Lee.  The addition of the strings imbues the music with "a brilliant and ethereal presence, an elegant sensuousness that lifts me even further and transports me," she reflects, noting how the strings inspire her to phrase differently, enveloping herself in their currents.

The choice of material for the album stems from Lee's love of interpreting lyrics. "I feel differently about the mood of a particular song and perform it differently based on the arrangement." Chosen for its resonant, still-relevant social commentary, Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" opens the album with a fresh arrangement. "In 1970, when this song was brought to the world's attention, it caught mine on many levels," recalls Lee. "It was important to me then, as it is now. Communicating the moving lyrics of this beautifully crafted song to my audience confirms the need to be continually vigilant, and support the positive and authentic relationships we should have with one another."

Lee connected with "Where Do You Start?" as a love song that "tells the entire story." Her soulful, heartfelt vocals enhance Alan and Marilyn Bergman's lyrics and Johnny Mandel's tender melody, while Chad Linsley and the string quartet add layered poignancy.  The Coleman Hawkins / Thelonious Monk standard "I Mean You" is treated with verve and infused with a Latin groove as Lee delivers Jon Hendricks' lyrics with a sense of playfulness. Emotionally stimulating, "A Lazy Afternoon" creates a cinematic effect, tapping all the senses. Bob Marley's beloved anthem "One Love" draws on Lee's own heritage; her mother, Inez Monica Johnson, was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Lee performs the song with three of her grandchildren, embracing the message of universal love and respect by all people for all people, regardless of race, creed or color.

   

Lee contributes three originals to the recording. "Writing originals helps me to further my journey of interpretation," she reveals. "I often choose or write a song from a personal perspective, likely the influence of an event in my life, or the association of a story with a message, or because it is challenging to perform." Arranged by Taurey Butler, "Echoes of the Heart" is an up-tempo swing featuring vigorous interplay. "It Will Be What It Will Be" offers words of encouragement for our youth, reflecting the complexity of erroneous decisions and their potentially devastating outcome, and the empowerment that comes with taking positive control and receiving supportive advice. "Silent Tears" was inspired by the difficulties experienced by those suffering from clinical depression, underscoring the importance of recognizing the signs and assisting a loved one.

  

"White Gardenia," a poetic reflection on finding, then losing love, with lyrics by Roger Peace (author of a musical play of the same title starring Lee as Billie Holiday, to be staged in March 2015) coupled with Butler's elegant melody, is enhanced by the strings and, of course, by Lee's haunting delivery. Closing the album is Leon Russell's timeless "A Song For You," which Lee dedicates to her family. Beautifully arranged for strings and featuring longtime collaborator and husband Richard Ring on guitar, the tune showcases her depth and sincerity, her powerful and dynamic vocals. Having drawn comparisons to Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington, Lee clearly has a sound all her own -- evidenced, once again, on this new recording.

  

Ranee Lee's What's Going On is scheduled for release on Justin Time Records on: September 9, 2014

STREAM TRACKS FROM "WHATS GOING ON"

www.RaneeLee.ca

New Releases: Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens - Cold World; Ambient Jazz Ensemble - Suite Shop; El Michaels Affair - Sounding Out The City

NAOMI SHELTON & THE GOSPEL QUEENS – COLD WORLD

With Gabriel (Bosco Mann) Roth at the helm, Naomi and company went into the studio Summer 2013, and cut onto tape what can only be described as bonafide Soul Excitement of the highest order!  At the heart of it, Cold World is a Soul record but the cross section of sub-genres the album weaves through makes it difficult to label it plainly as such.  There are tracks like ‘Sinner’, ‘Heaven Is Mine’, and ‘Humble Me’ that capture the group’s penchant for Soul grooves, seasoned with Naomi’s tough vocal delivery, and the Queens melodic interplay, which captures perhaps better than any of the other tracks, NSGQ’s live show.  Then there’s some hard funk by way of ‘Bound for the Promised Land’, ‘Cold World’, and ‘Thank You Lord’ - the percolating church rave-up of ‘Get Up, Child’, the country heavy ‘One Day’, and ‘I Earned Mine’, and the bouncing rumba of ‘Everybody Knows.'  This album is a menagerie of Soul music at its finest, untied by the strong message-laden lyrics. Trust us, the wait was worth it. ~ Daptone Records

AMBIENT JAZZ ENSEMBLE – SUITE SHOP

Ambient Jazz Ensemble’s sound is inspired by a mix of Brian Eno, Gil Evans and Weather Report. From the offset “Eyes Wide Open” takes us on an glorious orchestral, slightly jazzy direction. Think Pat Metheny Group meets David Axelrod with a modern electronic twist. The horns, brass, strings and synths play off each other to create beautiful soundscapes. “The Journey”, showing the funkier side of Suite Shop, flirts with chorale music at its peak. The aptly titled “Quiet Hero” does exactly what it says on the tin: gorgeous tranquility in a Massive Attack “Teardrop” kind of way which then builds in booth mood and intensity climaxing in electronic orchestral heaven, definitely one for festivals, sunsets and rises, epic moments personified. And then we confidently exit the Suite Shop “Never In Doubt” and roll the credits. Writer, Colin Baldry, is not short of Genius ! Neil Cowley (Brand New Heavies, Jamiroquai, Neil Cowley Trio) plays keys on all 10 tracks alongside strings and a brass section featuring Finn Peters who’s played with Bill Frisell, Sam Rivers and DJ Spinna. ~ Here And Now Recordings

EL MICHAEL AFFAIR - SOUNDING OUT THE CITY

As the work of DJ Spooky and other turntablists indicates, there's a seemingly limitless supply of rare and obscure deep funk grooves out there. However, attempts to replicate the sound have mostly been botched by inappropriate use of "updated" instruments and technology, creating a mutant half-breed that never quite works. Not so with the debut album by Brooklyn's el Michels Affair. Led by organist/drummer Leon Michels, this instrumental group has created a near-perfect simulacrum of late-'60s/early-'70s deep funk, jazz-funk, and soul-jazz, right down to the dub-like lo-fi quality of the sound, as if it were recorded quickly in a cheap studio. If that were all Sounding out the City was, however, it would be an impressive technical achievement but not a particularly interesting album. As it happens, however, Michels and crew have created an album that has as much melodic content (check out the simply gorgeous ballad "Behind the Blue Curtains") and soul as any of the albums it's an homage to. Leading off with the group's prized 2002 debut single "Detroit Twice," Sounding out the City is a canny blend of hard funk and gentler tunes like the Latin-influenced "This Song's for You." All 11 songs (ending with an excellent cover of Isaac Hayes' "Hung Up on My Baby") are between two and four minutes long, which avoids the unfortunate tendency some similar bands have to run a good groove into the ground through static repetition. That's what the repeat button is for, folks, and it should get quite a workout on this hugely enjoyable album. ~ Stewart Mason

New Releases: Mingo Fishtrap - On Time; Fred Hersch Trio - Floating; Ted Rosenthal Trio - Rhapsody In Gershwin

MINGO FISHTRAP - ON TIME

While attending the University of North Texas' College of Music, Roger Blevins, Jr. casually asked a few dorm mates to jam on some old soul & funk tunes. Missing that sound that he had grown up hearing, the Mississippi-native quickly found himself surrounded by an eight-pieceband, complete with a percussion and horn section. Recent support dates for the likes of contemporaries Robert Randolph, Trombone Shorty, MOFRO & Galactic, along with legends such as Parliament, Sting, Little Feat and Earth, Wind & Fire, have raised the rofile of the band. Now the ciritically-acclaimed soul collective plans to release their new record ''On Time'' June 3, 2014 on Blue Corn Music. // ''...the space where melodic pop meets gritty Memphis soul, with a twist of N'awlins funk. That space is growing like Kudzoo vine on the Mississippi Delta, crisscrossing the country with a deep, tenacious groove and a sanctified mission to shake your soul.'' --Texas Music Magazine //  ''If what James Brown supposedly said was true - ''the one thing that can solve most of our problems is dancing''- then Mingo Fistrap has plenty of business to take care of in our nation's capital.'' --Washington City Paper, Zoe Polluck // ''..tight 'n' punchy horns, deep rhythms, restless melodies, and emotive singing has garnered Mingo justified respect as a live powerhouse.'' --Austin Chronicle, David Lynch. ~ Amazon.com

FRED HERSCH TRIO

Floating, the remarkable new album by the Fred Hersch Trio, brings the pianist back into forbidding territory. After a run of lightning-in-a-bottle live albums, he returned to the studio to document the ongoing evolution of his primary ensemble featuring bassist John Hébert and drummer Eric McPherson. Slated for release by Palmetto on July 8, 2014, the album captures the trio in exceptional form, playing with nonpareil rhythmic resourcefulness, ravishing lyricism, and telepathic interplay. The trio's last release, 2012's Fred Hersch Trio - Alive at the Vanguard (Palmetto) was a critically hailed double album that earned the Grand Prix du Disque, France's top jazz award. With five years and numerous national and international tours under their belts, the group has continued to hone its rarified communion, a creative frission evident on Floating. Unfolding with much the same rhapsodic coherence of a trio concert, the new album ranks amongst Hersch's very best work, which is to say that it's one of the era's definitive trio recordings. While the album focuses on Hersch's original compositions, two American Songbook standards serve as lyrical touchstones. Propelled by McPherson's clattering sticks, the trio opens the session with an intricately patterned sojourn through 'You and the Night and the Music' that builds to a two-handed montuno. The trio closes with a sensuous caress of 'If Ever I Would Leave You' and a measured but exacting investigation of 'Let's Cool One,' continuing Hersch s longstanding tradition of closing most performances with a Monk masterpiece. ~ Amazon.com

closing most performances with a Monk masterpiece. ~ Amazon.com

TED  ROSENTHAL TRIO – RHAPSODY IN GERSHWIN

Playscape Recordings is proud to release - Rhapsody in Gershwin, lead by veteran pianist Ted Rosenthal, along with his flagship trio, featuring bassist Martin Wind and Tim Horner on drums. On Rhapsody in Gershwin, his 6th release with Playscape Recordings, Rosenthal pays tribute to eight of George Gershwin's most popular compositions beginning with an extended trio arrangement of - Rhapsody in Blue-. I like to add some of my own jazz improvisations in the cadenza sections, - Rosenthal writes in his liner notes. -Since Gershwin himself did not have the time to write down his solo cadenzas at the premiere, it's a natural way for me to expand and personalize the piece. Additional arrangements include Gershwin's witty -Let's Call the Whole Thing Off - and -Someone to Watch Over Me,- among others. ~ Amazon.com

New Releases: Miles Davis - Take Off: The Complete Blue Note Albums; Diane Schuur - I Remember You: With Love To Stan & Frank; Jacob Young - Forever Young

MILES DAVIS - TAKE OFF: THE COMPLETE BLUE NOTE ALBUMS

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

DIANE SCHUUR - I REMEMBER YOU: WITH LOVE TO STAN AND FRANK

Two-time GRAMMY winner for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Diane Schuur, for the first time pays tribute to her two main mentors, Stan Getz and Frank Sinatra. All the songs on I Remember You..with Love to Stan and Frank are compositions and tunes that were previously recorded by her two mentors. This release on Jazzheads Records celebrates Schuur s 35 year career since being discovered by Stan Getz in 1979 at The Monterey Jazz Festival,and her 60th Birthday. Stellar All-Star Band with Alan Broadbent, Ben Wolfe, Ulysses Owens, Jr., Romero Lubambo, Roni Ben-Hur, and Joel Frahm. Featuring radiant new arrangements by Alan Broadbent. ~ Amazon.com

JACOB YOUNG - FOREVER YOUNG

Forever Young features melodically inventive, harmonically sophisticated and rhythmically alert jazz, composed by Norwegian-American guitarist Jacob Young and played by a spirited team of contemporaries. Young and saxophonist Trygve Seim are friends since school days, and have been heard on the Norwegian jazz scene in numerous combinations and contexts over the years. They are joined on this album by the Polish pianist, bassist and drummer widely known as the Marcin Wasilewski Trio, a group with its own 20 years playing history. This recording marks Jacob Young s first alliance with the Poles, although Trygve Seim has worked extensively with Wasilewski and bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz while all three were members of Manu Katché s touring band. Drawing both on rich, shared histories and in-the-moment creativity, Forever Young was recorded in Oslo s Rainbow Studio in August 2013, and produced by Manfred Eicher. ~ Amazon.com

New Releases: John Coltrane & Friends - Sideman: Trane's Blue Note Sessions; Wolfgang Muthspiel - Driftwood; Matt Marshak - Lifestyle

JOHN COLTRANE & FRIENDS - SIDEMAN: TRANE'S BLUE NOTE SESSIONS

Blue Note Records, the world's most respected and longest-running Jazz label, is being commemorated for its 75th Anniversary throughout 2014 and beyond with a broad range of special releases and events. Blue Note is pleased to announce a new Blue Note Select collection entitled Sideman: Trane's Blue Note Sessions. A collection of the legendary saxophonist's sideman sessions for Blue Note Records from 1956-1957, when Coltrane was a regular member of the Miles Davis Quintet and played with pianist Thelonious Monk. This set, conceived by former Blue Note Records president Bruce Lundvall, marks the first time Coltrane's sideman sessions for Blue Note have been collected in one place; albums include recordings led by Paul Chambers (Chambers' Music, a.k.a. High Step, and Whims of Chambers), Johnny Griffin (A Blowing Session) and Sonny Clark (Sonny's Crib). The entire set will be in original Blue Note mono, with the mono version of Clark's album on CD for the first time. The book-style package includes a 34-page booklet with an essay by author and educator Ashley Kahn, and other elements as noted. ~ Amazon.com

WOLFGANG MUTHSPIEL / LARRY GRENADIER / BRIAN BLADE - DRIFTWOOD

Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel makes his ECM leader debut with Driftwood, a trio album of subtlety and depth featuring renowned US jazz players Larry Grenadier and Brian Blade. Muthspiel who recently made his first ECM appearance on Travel Guide as a member of a cooperative trio with fellow guitarists Ralph Towner and Slava Grigoryan has enjoyed long, productive musical friendships live and on record with both Grenadier and Blade, leading to a sense of telepathic interplay on Driftwood. The trio creates a ravishing sound, captured with fidelity at Rainbow Studio in Oslo. Muthspiel has been praised by The Times of London for his restless musical imagination. Lyrical, grooving, and atmospheric by turns, the guitarist s compositions on Driftwood include tributes to his heroes Joe Zawinul and Michael Brecker. ~ Amazon.com

MATT MARSHAK - LIFESTYLE

Lifestyle brings forth Matt Marshak's most honest writing to date. Funky, soulful, and organic live production make this cd truly stand out. Gerald Veasley is on bass, Benjie Porecki on keys, and Carl Anderson on drums. The urban groove of Lifestyle will have your head bopping, Dreamin' in Dubai brings a hypnotic jazzy groove, Mandela captures a rare acoustic performance, and One Happy Guy delivers an unforgettable melody. This is the true musical lifestyle of guitarist Matt Marshak. ~ Amazon.com

Singer, Songwriter, Drummer, and Producer Steve Arrington to Appear at (le) poisson rouge

Steve Arrington is a singer, songwriter, drummer, record producer, engineer, and minister. While he was away from the game for a while, he’s back and once again, pushing the envelope. Known for his innovative vocals on such classics as “Watching You” and “Just A Touch of Love,” with Slave, as well as his solo work like “Weak at the Knees”, “Way Out”, “Feel So Real” and “Nobody Can Be You”, his songs have been sampled by the likes of Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Snoop, LL Cool J, Mariah Carey, and N.W.A. His music also helped create the blueprint of 90’s west coast g-funk music along with Zapp and George Clinton.

Music has always been part of Steve Arrington’s life. Born in 1956, to Dan and Lillian Arrington, in Great Lakes, Illinois, the family soon returned to their hometown of Dayton, Ohio; where Steve grew up listening to the music his family played on the radio and record player. (Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye were in heavy rotation back in the day.) Before he could read, he could identify the requested record by the colors on the label and operate the record player. By age, five he was playing drums on pots and pans. When he was about seven years old, his grandparents bought him his first drum set, a blue sparkle set of Slingerlands.

By age thirteen, Steve regularly played in the Dayton Battle of the Bands which led to gigging regularly in the Dayton area. One band, the Soul Illusions and Eluders, opened for major acts such as, The Five Stair Steps, Rufus Thomas, and Jerry Butler. By his senior year in high school, he played with a band called the Young Mystics, from which came several original members of Slave.

In 1975, Steve began touring the states with a lounge band called The Murphy’s. In 1977, Steve moved to California and studied Latin percussion and drumming with the Escovedo family (Coke, Pete, and Sheila) which led to a tour that featured Carlos Santana on guitar.

He returned to Dayton in 1978, to join Slave, as drummer and eventual lead singer for four albums (“The Concept,” “Just A Touch Of Love,” “Stone Jam,” and “Showtime”). Steve witnessed the birth of hip hop first hand, as artists like The Sugarhill Gang and Grandmaster Flash opened for Slave on the “Just A Touch Of Love” tour in 1979.

In 1982, Steve formed the innovative funk band, Steve Arrington’s Hall of Fame for two albums, “Hall Of Fame I” and “Positive Power”, released on Atlantic Records. After his conversion to Christ in 1984, during the making of Positive Power, Steve did three solo albums for Atlantic: Dancin In The Key Of Life (1985), The Jammin National Anthem (1986) and Jam Packed (1987). “Dancin In The Key”, spent three weeks at #2 on the dance charts , while, “Feel So Real’’ reached #6 on the UK Singles Chart.

Steve was nominated for the 1986 NAACP Image Award for Male Artist of the Year. According to music editor Scott Galloway, Steve paved the road for groups such as Sounds of Blackness and The Winans to walk the line between gospel and secular soul. In 2000, Steve won a Grammy via participation for the Hit Single, “Money Ain’t A Thang”, performed by Jay Z and Jermaine Dupri (utilizing a sample of Steve’s hit “Weak At The Knees’’.)

In 1991, Steve stepped away from the recording industry altogether, devoting his life to spirituality. He continued to study music, from gospel to jazz, classical to blues, electronic to world music, and Latin to hip hop.

Steve was keynote speaker at the People of His Presence International Praise and Worship Conference, with Rev. Derwin Ward, Martha Munizzi and Vicki Yohe. He was keynote speaker and taught at several Tri-State Praise and Worship Conferences in Cincinnati, Oh. He also played drums on “Let’s Have Church” and “I Give You Jesus”, from the Evangelist Network Video Series, with executive producer Don Gessner. In December 2005, Steve played drums for the Hope For The Nations Tour to Cardiff, Wales, London, England and Amsterdam, Holland. In 2007, Steve traveled to Matagalpa, Nicaragua, and some surrounding villages, where he was able to minister and spend time with the band, Esperonza.

This fusion of spirituality and musical study resulted in the 2009 self released “Pure Thang”, In it, you hear the discovery of new ideas mixed with the musical legacy of those that came before him.

This lead to Steve signing to Stones Throw Records and the 2011 release of the Maxi Single, “Goin Hard”, on vinyl and the 2013 collaboration album “Higher”, as well as a collaboration with Snoop Dogg and Dam Funk on the song “1Question”.

Steve is touring with a new band, as well as, doing dates with artists like DJ Quik and Q Tip, who are more than up for the idea of sharing the stage with someone who influenced and inspired their careers. Currently, Steve is finishing some unreleased songs from the Hall of Fame years, for release in 2014, as well as brand new album. A new chapter is upon us.

Steve Arrington is appearing at (le) poisson rouge on August 19 with King Mono and special guests /  Advance $15 / Day of Show $20

Steve Arrington w/King Mono + special guests / Tue., August 19, 2014 at 8:00 PM

(le) poisson rouge | 158 Bleecker Street | 212.505.FISH | info@lprnyc.com

CAFE NOCTAMBULO AT PANGEA BRINGS THE COOL, CLASSIC NYC NIGHTLIFE VIBE BACK TO THE EAST VILLAGE WITH DYNAMIC VOCALISTS AND JAZZ ARTISTS AND AN INFORMAL, INTIMATE SUPPER CLUB FLAIR

Exotically and appropriately named after the Spanish word for “Night Owl,” Cafe Noctambulo at Pangea – a dynamic new live music supper club, opened in June – brings to New York City’s East Village a taste of the cool, classic heyday of NYC nightlife in the 60’s and 70’s, when it seemed like there was a hip club on every corner where people could wander in and hear a wide variety of great music.

Occupying what was previously a popular party space at the back of Pangea, a casual Mediterranean-Italian restaurant and mainstay in the East Village with a colorful 30 year history in this location, Cafe Noctambulo is the vision of its Artistic Director Christopher Gines, who has spent more than two decades as a crooner of classic American Songbook and jazz standards and has toured the U.S. and internationally for many years.

“I wanted to create a special place that was affordable and fun and not pretentious and stuffy, a great spot to hang out with friends and enjoy sensational food and a wide array of music and entertainment by world class performers in a fun, relaxed and informal setting,” he says. “I had put on many parties in the room over the past year and saw great potential to develop it into a hip club that could help create a real Downtown vibe. It’s my first venture on the other side of the stage, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

With an eye towards fostering great musical versatility, Cafe Noctambulo has a newly built stage and a rebuilt and reconditioned 1960s era Baldwin Grand Piano (that Gines says they got “for a song”).

Cafe Noctambulo recently booked renowned baritone jazz singer and pianist Andy Bey as its first headliner, performing Fridays and Saturdays, September 12-13 and 19-20. As the club develops, Gines promises to invite a variety of jazz acts, pianists and vocalists – including regular revolving acts on weekend nights. He will also host jazz brunches and offer classical high tea events on weekends.

The cozy, 50-60 seat club’s still growing entertainment element currently features singer/pianist Eric Comstock every Tuesday night and will begin hosting renowned jazz singer Hilary Kole on Wednesday nights starting in September. Kole, who has performed in NYC everywhere from Birdland, The Blue Note, Iridium and Jazz at Lincoln Center, has recorded and/or performed with numerous icons, including Oscar Peterson, Michel Legrand, John Pizzarelli, Monty Alexander, Michael Feinstein and Dave Brubeck. 

The special Noctambulo cuisine is fashioned and supervised by Teresa Barrenechea, a world renowned chef and menu consultant who has a long history with Pangea and is the world’s #1 go-to person for authentic Basque cuisine from Spain. She was among the first chefs to bring that authenticity to America with her first restaurant Marichu in Bronxville in 1991. An author of two books on Basque and Spanish cuisine, she and her husband opened their second Marichu restaurant in Manhattan in 1994.

Barrenechea is the recipient of the Premio Nacional de Gastronomia (National Prize of Gastronomy), the highest culinary award given by the Spanish Administration – a distinction also given to Noctambulo’s Food & Wine consultant Gerry Dawes. The club’s creative team includes Set Design Consultant Donald Eastman, an OBIE award winner who has worked extensively Off Broadway, and Lighting Consultant James F. Ingalls, whose vast history as a lighting designer includes work on Broadway, in London and at many regional theatres, including Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera, La Jolla Playhouse and Steppenwolf.

Aesthetically, the feel of Noctambulo is, according to Gines, “like you’re coming into someone’s very cool, hip downtown living room. There are candles and flowers, great lighting and great music, just like a dinner party at the home of a friend. There are tables and chairs on the main floor but along the walls there is banquette seating upholstered in a rich red and gold fabric. And we love our hardwood floors, which help create excellent acoustics. There are also two windows that look out into a courtyard with trees, and a little light from outside filters in, adding to the romantic setting.

“For me,” Gines adds, “Cafe Noctambulo is the realization of an idea I have wanted to do for a long time – and it’s a true joy to have the opportunity to give this kind of home to artists I enjoy while helping create a spot that people from all over the city and beyond can call home as well.” — Jonathan Widran 

The Bob James Remastered Releases: The Genie, 12, Foxie

BOB JAMES - THE GENIE

On The Genie, Bob James features his great compositions that were used as incidental and theme music for the long-running television series, Taxi. James is joined here by a tremendous cast of musicians. In addition to "Angela," Taxi's mellow and very recognizable main theme and also a highlight of James' Touchdown, James and his comrades jam on several great tracks. Since so many of the tunes were only used as snippets on the television series, only the most diehard Taxi fans would recognize them from the show. Familiar or not, however, these cuts carry with them the feeling of background music, as opposed to being a typical James recording. Most noteworthy are "Brooklyn Heights Boogie," "The Genie" and "Groove for Julie." Perfect driving music. All tracks have been digitally remastered. ~ CD Universe

BOB JAMES - 12

12 is of historic value because it introduced saxophonist Kirk Whalum, who was still a year away from debuting as a leader with 1985's Floppy Disk. One of the more noteworthy albums that Bob James came out with in the '80s, 12 finds him featuring the up-and-coming Whalum on three selections: the funky "No Pay, No Play," the pensive "Midnight" and Whalum's own "Ruby, Ruby, Ruby" (a slightly Spyro Gyra-ish number). While those selections are enjoyable, the strongest tune on the CD is James' haunting, Chick Corea-influenced "Legacy." Like most of James' projects, 12 suffers from excessive producing and arranging. But despite that shortcoming, it's certainly more creative than knee-jerk, by-the-book releases like Heads, Lucky Seven, Sign of the Times and Touchdown. ~ Alex Henderson All tracks have been digitally remastered.

BOB JAMES - FOXIE

Because so many of Bob James' albums have been devoid of integrity and epitomized musical prostitution at its most shameless, quite a few people in the jazz world (both fusionists and hard boppers) dismiss everything he's done since 1974. But it's best to judge the keyboardist on an album-by-album basis and not lump all of his releases together. Not a gem but certainly superior to Touchdown or Sign of the Times, Foxie has its moments. Some of the pop-jazz material is decent, including the delicate "Miranda," the reggae-influenced "Calaban," and the relaxed "Fireball." The playful "Zebra Man" employs David Sanborn on soprano sax; regrettably, he simply meanders and doesn't get a chance to stretch. None of the songs are brilliant, but with the exception of "Marco Polo," none of them are schlocky either. ~ Alex Henderson.  All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Herbie Hancock - The Warner Bros.Years 1969-1972

Herbie Hancock's three albums for Warner Bros have been compiled before, most notably in Mwandishi: The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings in 1994. The individual titles have been reissued in various editions and formats since that time. There are several things that separate this volume (issued by Rhino) from its predecessor. The first is the package. The clamshell case contains each disc in its own cardboard sleeve with original artwork. It also contains a lengthy essay by Bob Gluck, author of You'll Know When You Get There: Herbie Hancock & the Mwandishi Band. 

This set compiles not only the recordings proper, but also alternate takes, promo edits -- both Mwandishi and Crossings contained three long tracks each -- and a bonus track. Fat Albert Rotunda -- developed from a handful of tracks cut for Bill Cosby's Fat Albert cartoon show -- contains alternates of "Wiggle Waggle" and "Fat Mama." Issued in 1969, this funky soul-jazz session featured saxophonist Joe Henderson, trumpeter Johnny Coles, trombonist Garnett Brown, bassist Buster Williams, and Albert "Tootie" Heath on drums in the main group, with trumpeter Joe Newman, saxophonist Joe Farrell, guitarist Eric Gale, and drummer Bernard Purdie guesting on several cuts. 

Disc two is the Mwandishi Band proper on its self-titled debut from 1970: only Williams and Hancock return from the previous date, joined by Bennie Maupin on reeds and winds, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, trombonist Julian Priester, and drummer Billy Hart. Various guitarists -- including Ronnie Montrose and Leon "Ndugu" Chancler -- also guest. This disc includes promo edits for "Ostinato (Suite for Angela)" and "You'll Know When You Get There" as bonus cuts. Crossings, issued in 1972, added a further bandmember in synth player Dr. Patrick Gleeson -- originally intended as a sideman, Hancock was so impressed with his contributions he asked him to join, though he only remained for this recording. 

The bonus material features the heavily edited (though no less hip) single version of "Water Torture" and the set's treasure piece: the rare, non-album promo single "Crossings," a spacy, funky groover that revealed the future direction of the band which would record Sextant for Columbia a year later. This is the first time the bonus material from Mwandishi and Crossings has been made available. While Fat Albert Rotunda is a blast in terms of its groove quotient, the final two recordings, with their more complex, dissonant, and open explorations, are essential not only for any Hancock fan, but for lovers of '70s electric jazz. The recordings are still the most under-celebrated classics in the artist's catalog. ~ Thom Jurek. 

New Releases: Jimmy Cobb - The Original Mob; Bob James - H / Sign Of The Times; Cyrus Chestnut - Midnight Melodies

JIMMY COBB – THE ORIGINAL MOB

Drummer Jimmy Cobb works here with his Original Mob – a quartet that's been together for over 20 years, and which features a well-matched lineup of Peter Bernstein on guitar, Brad Mehldau on piano, and John Webber on bass! Bernstein's sharp, tight guitar lines are really appreciated in a setting like this – as he plays with a vibe that recalls 60s Grant Green at his best, and which soars strongly in a role that somehow seems to encompass a bit of both rhythm and melody at once. The recording quality really puts Bernstein's guitar up front – at a level that sometimes doesn't happen on other records – and Mehldau, as always, has more then enough bold energy of his own – especially when given rock-solid direction from John Webber's bass. Titles include the Jimmy Cobb originals "Composition 101" and "Remembering You" – plus Bernstein's "Minor Blues", Webber's "Lickety Split", and the titles "Sunday In New York" and "Amsterdam After Dark". ~ Dusty Groove

BOB JAMES - H / SIGN OF THE TIMES

James joins forces with the hot early '80s composer Rod Temperton, and the results are surprisingly enjoyable. The two composers contribute equally to SIGN OF THE TIMES, each bringing three songs to the finished product. Temperton mainly adds a disco flavor, while James' contributions mellow things out in his distinctive fashion. The opposing styles complement one another and create a well-balanced recording. James, who also produced TIMES, continues to hone his fine conducting skills here. On each track, he's backed by his usual orchestral counterpoint of strings, brass, and percussive instrumentation. Patti Austin, Val Simpson, and Luther Vandross contribute great background vocals, lending a nice R&B element to the appropriately titled album. TIMES is a splendid mixture of jazz fusion and '80s pop. All tracks have been digitally remastered. ~ CD Universe

CYRUS CHESTNUT – MIDNIGHT MELODIES

The warm sound of Cyrus Chestnut's piano balances beautifully with the bass of Curtis Lundy and drums of Victor Lewis – very familiar musical partners who really make the session sparkle! Chestnut's got a great sense of melody throughout, but also finds a way to make the left side of the keyboard pulsate strongly – resonating with Lundy's bass in a beautiful way, and reminding us that Curtis is always a great player on a trio date like this. There's a resonance to the bass and piano that really showcases the strong sound of these Smoke Sessions albums – and titles include "To Be Determined", "Giant Steps", "The Theme", "Naima's Love Song", "Two Heartbeats", "Pocket Full Of Blues", and "Hey It's Me You're Talkin To".  ~ Dusty Groove