NEW RELEASES: CHRIS WALDEN BIG BAND - FULL-ON!; MICHAEL MUSILLAMI TRIO - PRIDE; GARY MCFARLAND - THIS IS GARY MCFARLAND:

CHRIS WALDEN BIG BAND - FULL-ON!

Five-time Grammy-nominated composer and arranger Chris Walden returns with another vibrant and swinging big band recording. Along with his group of topflight Los Angeles session players, Full-On features vocalists Courtney Fortune, Siedah Garrett, Dorian Holley, Tierney Sutton, Melanie Taylor, Carol Welsman, and special guest soloist, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. German-born & L.A.- based since 1999, Walden has scored more than 40 feature & TV films, and has written more than a thousand orchestral and big band arrangements for artists including Christina Aguilera, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, and orchestras such as Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Boston Pops. He has worked closely with producers David Foster, Tommy LiPuma, and Phil Ramone. ~ Amazon

MICHAEL MUSILLAMI TRIO - PRIDE

Playscape Recordings is proud to release;Pride, a new two-disc set from veteran guitarist/composer Michael Musillami with his flagship trio, featuring bassist Joe Fonda and drummer George Schuller. Pride is the Michael Musillami Trio's seventh release in the group's 11-year history. On Disc I, Musillami's core trio, which has worked domestically and abroad since 2003, presents new material such as the Monkish Uncle Fino's Garden and blues inflected Courageous David B., along with trio staples Bald Yet Hip and Old Tea. This set captures the trio in a recent 2013 studio session, joined by pianist Kris Davis and tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene. - I am especially proud of the addition of Kris and Jimmy to our 'thing', writes Musillami in his liner notes. - They both speak naturally in this environment with grit, intelligence and passion. The patience displayed in this music is a comment on the maturity and life experience from all musicians involved. The session concludes with four movements from a recent Musillami commissioned work based on the children's book, Where The Wild Things Are. Disc II documents the first live CD released by the Michael Musillami Trio. This set, recorded at New Haven's Firehouse 12 with violinist Mark Feldman, was recorded while on tour in support of the trio's 2007 Playscape release The Treatment, which was honored in The Penguin Jazz Guide's 1000 Best Jazz Recordings. ~ Amazon

GARY MCFARLAND - THIS IS GARY MCFARLAND: THE JAZZ LEGEND WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN A POP STAR

Combo CD + DVD package! The DVD contains a feature-length (72 minute) documentary about legendary 1960's jazz arranger & composer Gary McFarland, who died much to young at the age of 38, under mysterious circumstances. It features interviews with Clark Terry, Bob Brookmeyer, Steve Kuhn, Airto Moreira, and many more, as well as rare music performances by Bill Evans, Stan Getz, and the Gary McFarland Orchestra. It also includes a photo gallery featuring the photography of Chuck Stewart, as well as an unedited video clip of Stan Getz performing with the Gary McFarland Orchestra.

Besides the DVD, this package also contains a previously unreleased audio CD of the Gary McFarland Quintet recorded live in 1965, featuring Gabor Szabo. ~ Amazon

NEW RELEASES: GREGG KARUKAS - SOUL SECRETS; MAYSA - A VERY MAYSA CHRISTMAS; JON MAYER – LIVE: THE ART OF THE BALLAD

GREGG KARUKAS - SOUL SECRETS

2013 Grammy winner Gregg Karukas is back with a new collection of all-original songs featuring his signature piano touch, pristine production, and melodies that are both soulful and sophisticated. Organic, funky, and melodic is how Gregg describes his latest, long awaited 12th solo project, Soul Secrets. Gregg's elegant grand piano and deep grooves are everywhere, and this time around he digs into his roots and also features the classic Fender Rhodes, Wurlie, Minimoog and Hammond B3 keyboards he grew up with quite a bit. With guest appearances along the way by friends Rick Braun, Euge Groove, Ricardo Silveira, Eric Valentine, Nate Phillips, Michael O'Neill, James Harrah, Adam Hawley, violinist Charlie Bisharat, Luis Conte, Shelby Flint, Ron Boustead and 21 year old rising sax star Vincent Ingala. Along with the privilege of being a musical artist and composer comes the realization that music is a mysterious and powerful force that can reach deep into our Souls and bring happiness. We all have unspoken Secrets there, and every song I write is my attempt to make that connection. The whole process, the journey, the wonderful feedback I get from listeners is what keeps me coming back to the piano.Karukas has been so consistently acclaimed for his melodic keyboard magic for so long that it might be superfluous to call Soul Secrets his best album ever but there s no doubt it s one of contemporary jazz's best albums of 2014. ~ Amazon

MAYSA - A VERY MAYSA CHRISTMAS

Grammy nominated and Soultrain Centric Award winner Maysa holds a unique status in the world of R&B/Jazz. Her incomparably lush, sensuous vocals have garnered her legions of fans. As featured lead vocalist for the UK super group Incognito, core member of Stevie Wonder s Wonderlove and, of course, through her own albums and concerts, Maysa has been thrilling R&B and Jazz audiences for decades. Featuring special guests Will Downing and Gerald Albright, A Very Maysa Christmas presents the Christmas classics as you ve never heard them before. Produced by Chris Big Dog Davis (Kim Burrell, Chantè Moore, Will Downing), these renditions retain the classic holiday warmth, while taking the listener on a spirited, creative, soulful journey that only Maysa can deliver. Highlights include the Maysa/Will Downing duet of the Donny Hathaway classic, This Christmas , a joyful, hip-hop infused mash up of The Night Before Christmas/Santa Claus is Coming To Town , Maysa s soulful reimagining of Joy to the World and much, much more. ~ Amazon

JON MAYER – LIVE: THE ART OF THE BALLAD

Mayer is a native New Yorker who has played with jazz greats like saxophonist Jackie McLean and the vocal group Manhattan Transfer. He has lived in Southern California since 1991, and appears infrequently in the East, making this one-night performance decidedly welcome. Life has rebounded quite nicely for pianist Jon Mayer, thank you, now that he has relocated to the West Coast and slowly but surely built up his performing and recording activity to the delight of his listeners there. Not quite falling into the "what ever happened to?" category, Mayer nonetheless dropped from public consciousness for, oh, a couple of decades. And now he's back, Rip Van Winkle-like. Having been infused with the spirit and style of jazz in the 1950's when New York City was abuzz with young legends-in-the-making like John Coltrane or Jackie McLean, Jon Mayer was there. And recording. And touring. And learning. And inspiring. And making a living. And surviving. In the 1960's and 1970's, Mayer worked with the likes of Sarah Vaughan, Les McCann, Nancy Wilson and Barry White. Every performance generates heat, including ballads like "But Beautiful." Mayer is a thoroughly mainstream pianist, yet his way of embedding a song's melody within his own elaborations and displacements creates continuous subtle surprises. The most memorable piece is the title track, taken solo. "My Romance" is slower and perhaps sadder than most versions, and the recorded sound renders every pensive nuance.  ~ CD Universe

NEW RELEASES: RONNNIE FOSTER - TWO HEADED FREAP; RAY LUGO & THE BOOGALOO DESTROYERS - QUE CHEVERE; 25 YEARS OF MR BONGO

RONNIE FOSTER - TWO HEADED FREAP 

Amazing stuff by Ronnie Foster – a sweet little album of slow funky keyboard tones, much more loosely arranged than his later work, with a dope groove that was years ahead of its time! The album's in some ways a blueprint for some of our favorite jazz-based hip hop – and although Ronnie's playing organ, on most of the cuts, he handles the instrument more like it's a Fender Rhodes! Funky jazz with a sinister, soulful groove – with players including Gene Bianco on harp, Arthur Jenkins on congas, George Duvivier and Gordon Edwards on bass, Jimmy Johnson on drums, Gerorge Dvens on vibes and Gene Gertoncini on guitar. Includes the massive cut "Mystic Brew", which is a tasty Tribe sample, plus lots of other goodies like "Chunky", "Summer Song", and "Don't Knock My Love". (SHMCD pressing.)  ~ Dusty Groove

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RAY LUGO & THE BOOGALOO DESTROYERS – QUE CHEVERE! (MY BABY’S GOT LATIN SOUL)

Ray Lugo & The Boogaloo Destroyers are the premier contemporary boogaloo and latin soul outfit working today. Their sound is inspired by the warmth and youthful spirit of classic New York Latin Boogaloo of the late 1960s. That became even more evident when the band were invited to appear at the Fania Recordings recent anniversary celebrations in New York - a fine and fitting endorsement from the crucible of boogaloo music. Que Chevere! (My Babys Got Latin Soul) is the title track from the band's most recent album, and it's released here in a pairing with a fantastic reworking of another album track La Tumba De Fu Manchu by Athens based producer and DJ, Mr Batterey (Stamy Papadomanolakis), who explains that "the atmospheric sound of cumbia, combined with the organ keys and the woodwind instruments sounded so fresh and transported me into a exotic paradise of sounds".

25 YEARS OF MR BONGO 1989-2014 (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Mr Bongo started life in 1989 as a small record shop underneath Daddy Kool’s Reggae Store on Berwick Street in London. They were the first shop to sell vinyl releases from independent hip-hop labels such as Def Jam, Rawkus, Nervous and Big Beat outside of the USA. They also became the established bearer for hard-to-find, classic Latin music, particularly Brazilian, outside of the Americas. Such characters as Gilles Peterson and clubs such as Dingwalls championed this music and in the following years Mr Bongo established itself as the leader and provider for whole scene. The label and publishing operation moved to Brighton in 2001. From their seaside base Mr Bongo have been responsible for discovering and breaking some of the world’s most exciting new talent, as well as reissuing sought after classics and rarities that have gone on to become collectors items in their own right. Looking through the label discography is like digging into a treasure trove. Mr Bongo’s eclecticism married with their unshifting focus on quality has resulted in celebrated releases from artists such as Terry Callier, Joyce, Marcos Valle, Seu Jorge, Labi Siffre, Hollie Cook, Karol Conka, Prince Fatty, Ebo Taylor, and The Incredible Bongo Band.This compilation is a celebration of the label’s work from 1989 - 2014; Mr Bongo classics on disc one and the future of Mr Bongo on disc two.

NEW RELEASES: ENNIO MORRICONE - LE FOTO PROIBITE DI UNA SIGNORA PER BENE; SERGE GAINSBOURG - TENUE DE SOIREE; NICO FIDENCO - CANDIDO EROTICO

ENNIO MORRICONE - LE FOTO PROIBITE DI UNA SIGNORA PER BENE (FILM SOUNDTRACK)

One of the greatest soundtracks ever from the legendary Ennio Morricone – a real standard-setting record that's one of the top choices we go to again and again to illustrate the genius of his music! The score is a fantastic mix of the two best sides of Morricone's work – the kind of light, lilting melodies that are schooled in bossa, but turned loose on their own devices – and the darker, more atonal passages that would come to play more strongly during the 70s. The light wins over the darkness in most of the record – especially the tracks that feature the sublime wordless vocals of Edda Dell'Orso, which swell and fall with the movement of the strings and keyboards. The whole thing's wonderful – and titles include "Le Foto Proibite", "Nel Vuoto", "Intermezzino Pop", "Amor Come Dolore", and "Quelle Foto". (Limited to 500 copies.) ~ Dusty Groove, Inc.

SERGE GAINSBOURG - TENUE DE SOIREE (FILM SOUNDTRACK)

An overlooked Serge Gainsbourg soundtrack from the 80s – surprisingly well-done, and at a level that both reflects Serge's earlier styles and a much deeper ear for film scoring! There's a main theme that's delivered with this beautifully echoey piano line – sometimes playful, sometimes somber – almost like a melody from a Francis Lai film score – and balanced with some more stylized 80s elements that reflect the instrumental sounds in Gainsbourg's own records of the time – almost a reworking of older 70s trash modes, but towards more comedic ends for the film. The piano passages are especially wonderful – and a real revelation, as they show an emotive quality we don't normally associate with Serge – and titles include "Travelo", "Traverse", "Traveste", "Trave", "Travaux", "Traviolta One", "Travelling", and "Travers". CD also features 6 rare bonus cuts too!  ~ Dusty Groove

NICO FIDENCO - CANDIDO EROTICO

Few folks could do a sexy soundtrack better than Nico Fidenco in the 70s – and this rare gem features the maestro opening up in some slightly different styles than you'll hear in his famous film scores for the Emannuelle films! The movie's got a few key themes, which are often done in variations – so that there might be a jazz take, an orchestral one, or a mellower cut with a solo instrument in the lead – all tunes that work together to create a nicely unified version of the soundtrack – one that almost works more as a suite of themes than some of Nico's usual material. Mircha Carven sings the lead track in English – and the CD features 16 tracks from the film.  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: AFRO LATIN VINTAGE ORCHESTRA - PULSION; THE DAVE BRUBECK TRIO FEATURING GERRY MULLIGAN - BLUES ROOTS; YOSHIYAKI MASUO - WINDS OF BARCELONA

A darker groove than usual from this hip European combo – a record that still has their commitment to global sounds at its core, but which also comes across with these great 70s electric modes too – almost echoes of Dark Magus Miles Davis and Sextant Herbie Hancock – thanks to loads of cool keyboards and fuzzed-out production! The acoustic elements resonate wonderfully with the electric ones – so that percussion, bass, horns, and strings add a rich organic level next to the guitar, Fender Rhodes, and Wurlitzer – blending beautifully with a musical vision that really surprises us, given the earlier work from this group – a much richer sound, and one that's got us loving them way more than before. Titles include "Kagemusha", "Rituel", "Pulsion", "Complot", "Shaman", "Drama", "En Sursis", "Code Panthera", "French Connexion", "Homo Analog", and "Resurrection".  ~ Dusty Groove

THE DAVE BRUBECK TRIO FEATURING GERRY MULLIGAN - BLUES ROOTS

An overlooked Dave Brubeck from the 60s – and one of his most striking sessions at the time! The album steps a bit into the Blues Roots promised in the title – but overall, it's more of a unique meeting between Brubeck's piano and the baritone sax of Gerry Mulligan – coming together here in warm, open quartet company – with a sound that's quite different than some of the Brubeck/Paul Desmond sessions of the time! Dave really sets the tone on piano – and is maybe a bit less concerned with overall jazz concepts than just laying down some expressive solo passages – and the group also features Jack Six on both acoustic and electric bass, and Alan Dawson on drums. Mulligan is as fluid as ever – and has that great sound he was bringing to his own small group sessions of the time – a mode that burns a gentle fire on titles that include "Broke Blues", "Journey", "Cross Ties", "Blues Roots", and "Moving Out". ~ Dusty Groove

YOSHIYAKI MASUO - WINDS OF BARCELONA

Groovy guitar work from Yoshiaki Masuo – working here in a sweetly chromatic style with hip small combo backing! Yoshiaki's got echoes of 60s work from George Benson or Wes Montgomery – a sound that's clean, but which has great colors billowing out nicely from the edges – a slight rasp at times, in a way that creates a warmly soulful undercurrent. Other instrumentation includes vibes, organ, flute, and additional guitar – used sparingly, but wonderfully alongside Yoshi's great lead. Titles include "One For Wes", "Winds Of Barcelona", "What The World Needs Now Is Love", "I Say A Little Prayer", and "Gary's Tune".  ~ Dusty Groove

CREAM 1966-1972 — Vinyl Boxed Set of British Rock Trio’s Studio and Live Recordings Set for Release

Universal Music Enterprises is proud to present Cream: 1966 – 1972, Cream’s six studio and live LPs brought together in a boxed set for the first time. Set for November 24, 2014 release, each LP will have exact reproductions of original artwork to retain authenticity, and will be pressed in 180-gram heavyweight audiophile vinyl and contained in a rigid slipcase box.

The British rock supergroup was formed in 1966, and consisted of bassist/singer Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker, and guitarist/singer Eric Clapton. Their sound was characterized by a hybrid of blues rock, hard rock and burgeoning psychedelic rock, combining imaginative lyrics, often written by poet Pete Brown, Eric Clapton’s innovative blues guitar playing, Jack Bruce’s operatic voice and fluid bass playing, and Ginger Baker’s jazz-influenced drumming.

The group soon evolved further creating a trademark approach built around each musician’s virtuoso playing. Their live performances soon became renowned for lengthy improvisational pieces based on traditional blues structures such as ‘Crossroads’ and ‘Spoonful,’ modern blues such as ‘Born Under A Bad Sign,’ and their own songs such as ‘White Room’ and Ginger Baker’s powerhouse showcase ‘Toad.’

Following their first pop hit single ‘I Feel Free’ in January 1967, Cream’s debut, Fresh Cream, set the tone for group’s inventive mix of blues standards and more eccentric original material and reached No. 6 in the UK album charts. It offered a unique blend of blues — Robert Johnson’s ‘Four Until Late’ and Skip James’ ‘I’m So Glad’ — inventive originals such as ‘Dreaming’ and the showcase, near-instrumental ‘Cat’s Squirrel.’

Before the end of the year, Cream released the follow-up Disraeli Gears, its distinctive Day-Glo psychedelic cover designed by underground illustrator Martin Sharp. Recorded in May in New York during their first American tour, it includes landmark songs such as ‘Strange Brew,’ the melodic but heavy-riffing ‘Sunshine Of Your Love’ and more surrealistic, wah-wah drenched ‘Tales Of Brave Ulysses’; in all a brilliant, textured, multi-dubbed sound that went beyond blues.

Non-stop touring soon saw Cream break through in America where Wheels of Fire, released in August 1968, topped the US charts for a month and was the world’s first platinum-selling double album. It comprised one album ‘in the studio’ — including the Jack Bruce and Pete Brown penned classics ‘White Room’ and ‘Politician’ — while the other side was recorded at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, highlighted by expansive readings of ‘Crossroads’ and ‘Spoonful.’

By the end of 1968, however, Cream had disbanded after less than two and a half years during which time they set new standards in rock musicianship and generally raised the bar for rock music as a credible and critical form. Cream bowed out with dates at Madison Square Gardens in New York and at the Royal Albert Hall in London in November 1968.

The group’s post-breakup farewell album, Goodbye, released the following March, again mixed live and studio recordings including the single ‘Badge’ written by Clapton and George Harrison, who played rhythm guitar under the name L’Angelo Misterioso.

Two further live albums Live Cream and Live Cream Volume 2 followed in 1970 and 1972, both recorded on tour in America during 1967 and 1968. Live Cream also included the unreleased studio cut ‘Lawdy Mama’ recorded in May 1967 during the Disraeli Gears sessions.

In 2006, they received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their contribution to, and influence, on, modern music, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Their worldwide album sales are estimated at 17 million.

LP1: Fresh Cream (1966)

A1 N.S.U.

A2 Sleepy Time Time

A3 Dreaming

A4 Sweet Wine

A5 Spoonful

B1 Cat’s Squirrel

B2 Four Until Late

B3 Rollin’ And Tumblin’

B4 I’m So Glad

B5 Toad

LP2: Disraeli Gears (1967)

A1 Strange Brew

A2 Sunshine Of Your Love

A3 World Of Pain

A4 Dance The Night Away

A5 Blue Condition

B1 Tales Of Brave Ulysses

B2 SWLABR

B3 We’re Going Wrong

B4 Outside Woman Blues

B5 Take It Back

B6 Mother’s Lament

LP3: Wheels Of Fire (1968)

A1 White Room

A2 Sitting On Top Of The World

A3 Passing The Time

A4 As You Said

B1 Pressed Rat And Warthog

B2 Politician

B3 Those Were The Days

B4 Born Under A Bad Sign

B5 Deserted Cities Of The Heart

C1 Crossroads – Live At The Fillmore

C2 Spoonful – Live At The Fillmore

D1 Traintime – Live At The Fillmore

D2 Toad – Live At The Fillmore

LP4: Goodbye (1969)

A1 I’m So Glad

A2 Politician

B1 Sitting On Top Of The World

B2 Badge

B3 Doing That Scrapyard Thing

B4 What A Bringdown

  

LP5: Live Cream (1970)

A1 N.S.U.

A2 Sleepy Time Time

A3 Lawdy Mama

B1 Sweet Wine

B2 Rollin’ And Tumblin’

LP6: Live Cream Volume II (1972)

A1 Deserted Cities Of The Heart

A2 White Room

A3 Politician

A4 Tales Of Brave Ulysses

B1 Sunshine Of Your Love

B2 Steppin’ Out

 

MORE THAN A HANDFUL OF SOUL… James Brown Classics Now Available Worldwide for Digital Purchase and Streaming

Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) has fans of the Godfather of Soul covered for digital audio immersion. Seventeen remastered James Brown albums and a digital box set, James Brown Live At The Apollo, Vols. I-IV, featuring the previously unreleased fourth volume, are now available for the first time for digital download purchase from all major digital service providers worldwide. In addition, a playlist of James Brown songs featured in ‘Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown,’ a new documentary about the soul superstar directed by Oscar® winner Alex Gibney, has launched exclusively on Spotify ahead of the film’s October 27 premiere on HBO.

The previously out-of-print James Brown titles, including rare, influential instrumental albums long sought after by fans, have never before been available for download purchase and streaming. These vaulted treasures from Soul Brother No. 1 include the 1962 timepiece Good, Good Twistin' with James Brown (later re-released as Shout and Shimmy); his 1964 releases for Smash Records, Showtime and Grits and Soul, experiments in big-band and soul-jazz sounds that James Brown favored; additional rare Smash albums Handful of Soul and James Brown Plays James Brown Today and Yesterday; and the 1960s King sets Mighty Instrumentals, Plays Nothing But Soul, the tribute album Thinking About Little Willie John and A Few Nice Things and the sample-friendly Sho Is Funky Down Here. James Brown’s latter-day albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s are also now available digitally, including Hot, Everybody’s Doin’ The Hustle and Dead on the Double Bump, Take A Look At Those Cakes, The Original Disco Man, Jam 1980s, People and Nonstop!

Also available is a digital box set, James Brown Live At The Apollo Vols. 1-IV. The newly-compiled digital set features Brown’s three best-selling live albums – Live At The Apollo 1962, Live At The Apollo Vol. II, Revolution Of The Mind: Live At The Apollo Vol. III – as well as a previously unreleased fourth Apollo recording, Get Down With James Brown Live at the Apollo Vol. IV, featuring two performances from Brown plus unreleased tracks by his band The J.B.’s and Revue members Lyn Collins and Bobby Byrd. Vol. IV makes its worldwide debut within the set.

UMe has also released several James Brown albums on vinyl: GET ON UP: The James Brown Story (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), featuring songs heard in the Universal Pictures feature film, including two previously unreleased, scorching live performances, and the best-seller 20 All-Time Greatest Hits!, each making their vinyl debuts as newly mastered 2-LP sets. The Payback, a classic double-LP from 1974 featuring the No. 1 hit title song; In The Jungle Groove, the original 2-LP compilation from 1986 featuring extended versions of the foundations of hip-hop, including “Soul Power,” “Talkin’ Loud And Sayin’ Nothing,” “Funky Drummer” and more; and Motherlode, a 1988 collection of rarities and unreleased sides, have been newly reissued on vinyl.

www.jamesbrown.com

SOUL SINGER DAWN PEMBERTON RELEASES 'SAY SOMETHIN''

Vancouver soul dynamo Dawn Pemberton has a deep musical foundation rooted in tradition. Spending her formative years surrounded by a family of multi-instrumentalists she developed a true love of music from the very beginning. A staple of the West Coast music scene, she can be found tearing it up as a vocalist, arranger, and go-to for live performances and studio sessions.

The secret weapon of funk and soul groups all over Western Canada, she has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Linda Tillery, John Lee Sanders, The Sojourners, John Boutte, and Dutch Robinson. Her gifts have been featured in the music of future jazz group 1Luv (Sonar Kollektiv) and the blues duo The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer.

Heavily influenced by rhythm, she is drawn to the percolating under current of soul-jazz and funk which is infused in everything that she does. "I've got a rhythmic stream running through me at all times," says Pemberton. "It's all about the groove for me." Joining her in studio for the recording of the album are Johnny Andrews on Drums, Scott Tucker on Bass, Gavin Youngash on Guitar, Max Zipursky playing Keys, Raphael Geronimo with Percussion, Colin Maskell on Saxophone, and Kristian Naso on Trumpet. On leadoff single "Deeper" soulful grooves meet swirling organs, punchy horns, and tight drum breaks that pay homage to Pemberton's roots in gospel but update the sound with a feel all her own. Her creative voice has been bubbling to the surface for the better part of a decade. With a proven track record as a singer and performer it is undeniably the time for her to come forward and express her own vision. "I enjoyed helping others bring their projects to life and after a while I wanted to experience the process for myself, from beginning to end. It was important to be in full control of the musical choices so that they truly reflected my personality and vibe."

New Releases: KAT EDONSON - The Big Picture; ALICE COLTRANE - A Monastic Trio; DARIUS JONES - The Oversoul Manual

KAT EDMONSON - THE BIG PICTURE

Kat Edmonson announces October tour dates in support of her third album, The Big Picture out September 30 via Sony Music Masterworks. A full tour will follow in early 2015.  The album is her label debut and was recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Mitchell Froom (Paul McCartney) in his Los Angeles studio. Of the album, Edmonson states, "There's no particular theme, but there are some commonalities, one of which is my ever-underlying influence from motion pictures and film scores. I have always felt that music and film go hand in hand, because that was how I was first exposed to music-from old movies and musicals-and to me there wasn't a separation between an actor acting, dancing and singing." See full tour dates below. This album follows her 2012 release, Way Down Low, her first collection that included original material. The New York Times hailed the album as "fresh as a spring bouquet," and The Boston Globe called it "one of the greatest vocal albums I've ever heard." Edmonson performed on Austin City Limits made her Prairie Home Companion debut, and was featured on NPR an impressive five times that same year. The songstress also found herself touring with several well-established acts such as Chris Isaak, Gary Clark Jr. and Michael Kiwanuka.

ALICE COLTRANE – A MONASTIC TRIO

Early work by Alice Coltrane – somewhat under the shadow of her late husband, as you'd guess from the use of his name on the front cover – but really stepping out here with a voice of her own! The Monastic Trio of the set features Alice on harp and piano – alongside bass from Jimmy Garrison and drums by either Ben Riley or Rashied Ali – both really fluid players who open up nicely in this way that's never to far out, at least in the way that John Coltrane was using rhythms at the time – but which allow Alice to really take the lead as a bold musical visionary of her own! Perhaps most exciting, Pharoah Sanders sits in on one of the album's longest tracks – blowing tenor with a force that's enough to bring back The Great One – but the real charm of the set is Alice's piano work, bubbling out here with a sensitivity that we never would have expected from the harder-edge sessions cut with Coltrane – that new level of spirituality she instantly brought to her own solo sessions. Titles include "Ohnedaruth", "Lovely Sky Boat", and "Atomic Peace".  ~ Dusty Groove

DARIUS JONES – THE OVERSOUL MANUAL

One of the most unusual projects we've ever heard from Darius Jones – so much so that the record doesn't feature the instrumentalist at all – just his own ideas and compositions performed by a very unique vocal quartet! The album is dedicated to all the singers who've influenced Jones over the years – from Nina Simone to Leontyne Price, Andy Bey, and Betty Carter – but the compositions are way different than any of those references might make you expect, and are based around a created language for spiritual rituals from the planet Or'gen – with word shapes instead of actual lyrics, performed by a quartet of female singers with a very enigmatic sound! The work is far more experimental than straight jazz vocals, but still has a very haunting, captivating feel – and the 15 tracks on the album are all listed with a variety of different symbols in the notes.  ~ Dusty Groove

 

Quincy Jones' Jazz Foundation of America to Honor Herbie Hancock at the 13th Annual 'A Great Night in Harlem' on Friday, October 24, at the Apollo Theater

The Jazz Foundation of America presents the 13th annual 'A Great Night in Harlem' gala concert to benefit their Jazz Musicians Emergency Fund. Scheduled performers and presenters include Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Bruce Willis, Chaka Khan, Jorge Luis Pacheco, The Heath Brothers (Jimmy & Tootie Heath), Matthew Whitaker, Charles Bradley, Verdine White, Questlove, Paul Shaffer, Buster Williams, Wallace Roney, Steve Jordan, Billy Hart, Ray Parker Jr., Susan Tedeschi, Joey Alexander and more.

'A Great Night in Harlem' will raise funds to assist countless elder jazz and blues musicians in crisis across the country, artists who have spent their lives making ours richer with their music. Held at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, the concert is the Foundation's way of reminding everyone, through this historical shared experience, how rich these musicians have made us feel with their music.

This year, The Jazz Foundation will honor Herbie Hancock with their Lifetime Achievement Award from Quincy Jones. Hancock will lead an all-star tribute to beloved trumpeter Clark Terry. Ten-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan will pay homage to Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire with help from special guests.

The event is at the Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th Street, New York, NY (between 7th & 8th Ave.), on Friday, October 24. 5:00 p.m. Media Check-in / 6:00 p.m. Red Carpet Arrivals / 8:30 p.m. Concert / 10:30 p.m. VIP After-Party.

For 25 years the JAZZ FOUNDATION OF AMERICA has been dedicated to saving the homes and lives of elder jazz and blues musicians in crisis. We now assist in over 5,000 cases a year, including hundreds of musicians and their families affected by Hurricane Sandy in the New York region as well as those still recovering from Katrina in New Orleans.

https://twitter.com/jazzfoundation

https://www.facebook.com/jazzfoundationofamerica

 

NEW RELEASES - HOUSTON PERSON -The Melody Lingers On; ERIC ALEXANDER QUARTET - Recado Bossa Nova; TRU THOUGHTS -15th Anniversary

HOUSTON PERSON – THE MELODY LINGERS ON

Soulful sounds from legendary tenorist Houston Person – working here with a hip group that makes the album way more than just another batch of late nite ballads! Houston's tenor is well-rounded and laidback, but it's got some fresh company in a quintet that includes the vibes of Steve Nelson, piano of Lafayette Harris, bass of Ray Drummond, and drums of Lewis Nash – none of whom are newcomers to jazz, but who definitely represent a more youthful approach that makes itself especially known in the rhythms – which breathe new life into tunes that include "Only Trust Your Heart", "Bewitched", "You're Nearer", "Gone Again", "Try A Little Tenderness", and "They All Laughed".  ~ Dusty Groove

ERIC ALEXANDER QUARTET – RECADO BOSSA NOVA

A whole new setting for tenorist Eric Alexander – and a great one too! The album's got Alexander in a bossa-styled mode – but less like the facile bossa jazz projects of the 60s than some of the harder-edged ones you'd get from players like Ike Quebec or Charlie Rouse! The sharpness of the rhythms have a good deal to do with the strength of the record – played by familiar Alexander associates Harold Mabern on piano, Nat Reeves on bass, and Joe Farnsworth on drums – but at a level that's very different than their usual accompaniment, which really shows their diversity. Titles include "Recado Bossa Nova", "Corcovado", "Manteca", "Journey", "So In Love", and "Mambo Inn". (Expensive – but super-heavy vinyl and cover – very beautifully pressed!)  ~ Dusty Groove

TRU THROUGHTS 15^TH ANNIVERSARY (COMPILATION)

Great sounds from a great label – a company we've trusted for groundbreaking music for many years – celebrating their 15th anniversary with this specially-priced 2CD set! The package offers up loads of key musical moments from the history of Tru Thoughts – and shows a great evolution in styles, towards a point where the company is even more deeply soulful now than at their start – quite a change from other imprints who usually head in a much more commercial direction over the years. The package features 30 tracks in all – and titles include "Dust" by Hidden Orchestra, "Look Around The Corner" by Quantic & Alice Russell, "Lapwing" by Werkha, "Pushin On (situation edit)" by Quantic Soul Orchestra with Alice Russell, "Money Mad (Drumagick jungle rmx)" by London Posse, "Knock Knock" by Ty, "Badungdeng" by Sleepin Giants, "Dinosaurs" by Bonobo, "I Don't Wanna Stop (Marc Mac grown soul mix)" by The Bamboos, "Wasted Time" by Belleruche, "Steamin Blues" by Hot 8 Brass Band, "For A While" by Alice Russell, "Dancing" by Omar & Zed Bias, and "The Why" by Mark De Clive Lowe. ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: SADAO WATANABE – ROUND TRIP; BRIAN CHARETTE – GOOD TIPPER; KENNY SHANKER – ACTION CITY

SADAO WATANABE – ROUND TRIP

A pivotal record in the career of this brilliant Japanese saxophonist – a set recorded in New York with a trio players from the American scene – done in a style that's even more freewheeling than most of Sadao Watanabe's previous work! Watanabe had always worked with unusual tones and phrasing from the start – but this album has him really stretching out on long long tracks – working on both soprano sax and flute, with Chick Corea on acoustic and electric piano, Miroslav Vitous on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums! The title track is an open-ended jam that takes up all of side one – and Watanabe balances things out with a bit of lyricism from time to time, showing him to be as rich in conception as the regular sort of reed players who might have worked with a trio like this. Titles include "Round Trip – Going & Coming", "Sao Paolo", and "Pastoral".  ~ Dusty Groove

BRIAN CHARETTE – GOOD TIPPER

Great Hammond work from Brian Charette – served up in a style that's a bit different than most contemporary organ jazz sessions! The tracks here are sometimes short – like the old soul jazz organ singles back in the 60s – and Charette mixes things up nicely with a few great covers of soundtrack and pop moments – a bit like some Jimmy McGriff album on Sue Records! Yet Charette's also got a much wider range of sounds than McGriff ever did – a knowledge of the Hammond that embraces all the changes from Larry Young forward – worked out with a sweet trio that includes either Avi Rothbard or Yotam Silberstein on guitar, and Mark Ferber or Jordan Young on drums. Joe Sucato guests on tenor on the album's one long track – and titles include "The Kicker", "Good Tipper", "Another Quarter", "Standing Still", "You Only Live Twice", "Up Up & Away", and "Time Of The Season".  ~ Dusty Groove

KENNY SHANKER – ACTION CITY

Only the second album as a leader from altoist Kenny Shanker – and already a great leap forward! The record features all original material penned by Shanker – really wonderful tunes that bring a freshness to the album right from the get-go, and which hold up strongly throughout! Instrumentation is from a core quintet – with Mike Eckroth on piano and Daisuke Abe on guitar – but some numbers have added percussion, which helps create a rhythmic complexity that really matches Kenny's fluid colors and tones on the alto! The leadoff track features Peyman Samghabadi on trombone – and titles include "Times Square", "Another Morning", "Action City", "Punch", "Shadow Dance", "Midnight", "Marble Hill", and "Riverbank At Dawn".  ~ Dusty Groove

 

NEW RELEASES: SARA LUGO - HIT ME WITH MUSIC; ETANA - I RISE; JACKIE MITTOO - RIDES ON

SARA LUGO - HIT ME WITH MUSIC

The second studio album by Sara Lugo appears on Oneness Records / Soulfire Artists. As Featured guests this time are the Jamaican artists of the day, Protoje and Kabaka Pyramid, as well as Ras Muhamad from Indonesia with it. The album was produced by Jamaican producer Altafaan, Umberto Echo, who also mixed the album, Giuseppe Coppola (Gentleman, Evolution), Lionel Wharton Jamaram and Onedropband. Stylistically, Sara continues to move between reggae and soul, while in "Soldier Of Love" and "I Wish" much more pop accents than before. However, the roots lovers just their money and are likely to titles like "Learn & Grow" and the Combi partying with Protoje "I Really Like You". Who Sara's debut album, "What About Love" has fallen, is of "Hit Me With Music" not be disappointed. ~ Groove Attack

ETANA - I RISE

The beautifully-orchestrated set is helmed by the legendary Jamaican multi-instrumentalist and producer Clive Hunt, whose credits include Byron Lee & The Dragonaires, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Peter Tosh, Rolling Stones, The Wailers, Grace Jones, Jimmy Cliff and many more. Clive arranged an all-star team of the island’s musicians to contribute to the set – including himself, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Grub Cooper, Handel Tucker, and Dean Fraser. The Jamaican singer-songwriter’s melodic power blended with Clive’s rich arrangements sets this album apart as one of the best throughout her stellar career. Etana carries the torch as reggae’s leading lady with this classic collection of love ballads and roots anthems. With her poised assurance and newfound strength, she evolves spiritually, mentally, emotionally and musically. Whether she is shedding light on the harsh ghetto realities on “Trigger,” “Ward 21 (Stenna’s Song)” and “How Long,” conveying romantic longings on “Richest Girl,” “Love Song,” and “By Your Side” or expressing her deep-rooted spirituality on the exquisite Bob Marley remake of “Selassie Is The Chapel,” the Marcia Griffith’s cover of “Stepping Out Of Babylon,” “Emancipation,” and “On My Way” – each of the album’s tracks is delivered with her soulful conviction. ~ Groove Attack

JACKIE MITTOO - RIDES ON

A nice selection of 70s recordings that feature legendary Skatalite and ska music pioneer Jackie Mittoo on keys – playing his soulful organ lines over some stellar rhythms! Mittoo can embellish or otherwise add dimensions to some steady rhythms or fully make a tune his own, and he does both on this sweet little set! Includes "Jah Hah Harmony", "Natty Congo Rides On", "Jumping Up", "Pray To Play", "Too Bad Bull", "No Get Dub Over", "Nanny Skank", "Freedom Smile", "Taking You Somewhere", "Look At Life" and more.  ~ Dusty Groove

THE FIVE STAIRSTEPS: Our Family Portrait/Stairsteps (Expanded Twofer Edition)

Formed in Chicago in 1965 and known initially as “The First Family Of Soul,” The Five Stairsteps consisted of Alohe Jean, Clarence Jr., James, Dennis and Kenneth (‘Keni’) Burke, and were managed by their father Clarence Sr., who also played bass behind them and co-wrote some of their material.   After winning a talent contest at the famed Regal Theater, the group was introduced to the legendary Curtis Mayfield by Fred Cash of The Impressions, which led to their first recording contract with Mayfield’s Windy C label.  Between 1966 and 1968, The Five Stairsteps had six pop and R&B charted singles, the most successful of which was “World of Fantasy.” 

After Windy C folded, the group continued their association with Curtom Records, distributed at the time by Buddah Records; in total, The Five Stairsteps cut two albums under Mayfield’s wing before switching to Buddah in 1968 for their first LP for the label, Our Family Portrait, with lead singer/primary composer Clarence Jr. and his father as co-producers.  The album included two charted singles, “Something’s Missing” (R&B #17, Pop #88) and a cover of the doo-wop classic, “A Million to One” (R&B #28, Pop #68), a song written by Righteous Brother Bill Medley.  Each member of the group took turns singing lead on various tunes, including the Burkes’ youngest son, Cubie (then just five years old).  Released as “The 5 Stairsteps & Cubie,” the LP reached No. 20 on the R&B Albums chart and No. 195 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart.

In 1970, the group (minus Cubie) began working with producer/arranger Stan Vincent on the album Stairsteps. In addition to further Burke originals, there were two Beatles covers, “It’s Getting Better” and “Dear Prudence,” but it was the song originally issued as the flipside of the latter’s release as a single that would ensure the group’s place in music history.  The bright and upbeat anthem “O-o-h Child” sold over a million copies, was certified gold and reached No. 8 on the Hot 100 and No. 14 on the R&B charts.  The LP became a best-seller, No. 12 on the R&B Albums chart and No. 83 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart

Now reissued for the first time in their original form, these two classic soul albums appear together on this great release from Real Gone Music in association with SoulMusic Records along with three non-album singles: “Madame Mary” (a 1968 track produced and written by Curtis Mayfield and arranged by Donny Hathaway), “The Shadow of Your Love” from the Family Portrait sessions, and “America/Standing,” a Hot 100 charting single (#83) in 1970.  Liner notes by renowned writer and soul music expert Kevin Goins include quotes from Keni Burke, producer Vincent and music industry veterans Cecil Holmes of Buddah Records and Curtom label co-founder Eddie Thomas. Remastered at Sony’s own Battery Studios in NYC.

Songs:

Our Family Portrait

1. A Million to One

2. You Make Me So Mad

3. Something’s Missing

4. The Look of Love

5. New Dance Craze

6. Windows of the World

7. Bad News

8. Tell Me Who

9. Under the Spell

10. Find Me

11. I Remember You

Stairsteps

12. Getting Better

13. Dear Prudence

14. Sweet as a Peach

15. Vice the Lights

16. O-o-h Child

17. Because I Love You

18. What About Your Wife

19. Up & Down

20. Who Do You Belong To

Bonus Tracks

21. Madame Mary

22. The Shadow of Your Love

23. America Standing

~ Real Gone Music

LINDA JONES: The Complete Atco-Loma-Warner Brothers Recordings

Although her recording career only spanned just eight years, Newark, New Jersey-born Linda Jones left an indelible mark on the world of soul music thanks to her distinctive melismatic vocal style.  Her phrasing and approach were so unique that, 42 years after her untimely passing in March 1972 (the result of a diabetes-induced coma), Linda is still hailed by soul music aficionados and other recording artists (such as the late Teena Marie, who considered her a prime musical influence) as one of the genre’s greatest singers.

Starting out as a member of a family gospel group, Linda made her first secular recording in 1963 (under the name “Linda Lane”); however, it was after she was introduced to producer/songwriter George Kerr (briefly a member of Little Anthony & The Imperials) that her recording career took off.  With Kerr, she recorded two singles – one for Atco and one for Blue Cat – before she cut the song “Hypnotized,” a song written by the Poindexter Brothers, in April 1967.

Kerr found a home for the now-classic and timeless track at Loma Records, the R&B arm of Warner Brothers Records at the time, and within two months of its release, “Hypnotized” had reached No. 4 on Billboard’s R&B chart and No. 21 on the Hot 100.  An entire album named after Linda’s biggest hit was cut in the summer of 1967 with renowned keyboardist Richard Tee providing the arrangements.  From those sessions came “What’ve I Done (To Make You Mad),” issued in October ’67 and another Top 10 R&B hit.  The LP also included a third single, “Give My Love a Try,” and a version of The Soul Sisters’ “I Can’t Stand It.” On the strength of the success of the hit title track, the Hypnotized album made it to the R&B Top 30.

Subsequent recordings included  “My Heart Needs a Break,” issued as a single in the spring of ’68 and peaking at No. 50 on the R&B, and a version of The Beatles’ “Yesterday,” both making their CD debut with this superb compilation from Real Gone Music in association with SoulMusic Records.

Also included are tracks from Linda’s final sessions for Warner Brothers including a brilliant version of “I Who Have Nothing,” 1969’s “It Won’t Take Much (to Bring Me Back)” and the single, “I Just Can’t Live My Life” b/w  “My Heart (Will Understand),” with the latter three songs appearing for the first time on CD and rounding out this wonderful tribute to a one-of-a-kind soul singer.  Liner notes by SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan include quotes from producer George Kerr.  Remastered by Mike Milchner at SonicVision. 

TRACKS:

1. Take the Boy Out of the Country

2. I’m Taking Back My Love

3. Hypnotized

4. I Can’t Stop Lovin’ My Baby

5. What’ve I Done (to Make You Mad)

6. Make Me Surrender (Baby, Baby, Please)

7. Give My Love a Try

8. You Can’t Take It

9. A Last Minute Miracle

10. If Only (We Had Met Sooner)

11. The Things I’ve Been Through (Loving You)

12. Seeing Is Believing

13. I Can’t Stand It

14. Fugitive from Love

15. My Heart Needs a Break

16. What Can I Do (Without You)

17. Yesterday

18. My Heart (Will Understand)

 19. It Won’t Take Much (to Bring Me Back)

 20. I Who Have Nothing

 21. I Just Can’t Live My Life

~ Real Gone Music