SUN RA - THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE

A great run of 80s work from Sun Ra – and some of his best-known records from the time! First up is Reflections In Blue – a later classic from Sun Ra – a record that bears one of his most beautiful cover shots ever! The record's got a wonderfully tight feel – a sound that's often not as out as Saturn sides, and which shows Ra's ability to lead a larger ensemble with a very complex sound – drawing on Ellingtonish roots, but inflecting them with his own space-tuned sensibilities! Players include Tyrone Hill on trombone, Pat Patrick on alto and clarinet, Marshall Allen on alto and flute, John Gilmore on tenor and clarinet, and James Jacson on bassoon and african drums – and Ra himself plays synth as well as piano. Titles include "Yesterdays", "Say It Isn't So", and the originals "State Street Chicago" and "Reflections In Blue". 

Hours After is a strange little late record from Sun Ra – late night, soulful and bluesy, with a sound that's in keeping with the traditionalism of the late Arkestra! The group's an all-star one – Pat Patrick, Danny Thompson, Marshall Allen, and John Gilmore – and Ra sings a bit on the session. Side B of the session steps out a bit more from the first side – which is the more traditional one – and Ra plays a bit of synthesizer, in a 70s avant kind of mode. Titles include "Dance Of The Extra Terrestrians", "Love On A Far Away Planet", "Hours After", and "Beautiful Love". 

Mayan Temples is a studio set recorded in Italy in 1990, and one that draws strongly from the tightening of tradition the Arkestra experienced in the 80s – working at a time of some of their greatest acceptance by jazz audiences worldwide, and able to express themselves fully in a range of different modes! The sense of tone and timing here is beautiful – almost Ellington-like at points, but still with a decidedly Sun Ra-like quality – and players on the date include Michael Ray and Ahmed Abdullah on trumpets, John Gilmore on tenor, Noel Scott and Marshall Allen on alto sax, and Tyrone Hill on trombone – and June Tyson also sings just a bit on the set. Ra plays both piano and synth, and titles include "Alone Together", "Discipline 1", "Sunset On The River Nile", "El Is The Sound Of Joy", "I'll Never Be The Same", "Theme On The Stargazers", and "Opus In Springtime". A double-length set too – nearly 80 minutes of music! 

Last up is A Tribute To Stuff Smith – an unusual session that features Billy Bang on violin, Andrew Cyrille on drums, and Sun Ra on piano – all in tribute to legendary violinist Stuff Smith.  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: TONY ALLEN – FILM OF LIFE; SPIKE WILNER – LIVE AT SMALLS; JIM HARBECK QUARTET WITH WALTER SMITH III – VARIATIONS IN BLUE

TONY ALLEN – FILM OF LIFE

Maybe the best album we've heard from Tony Allen in years – a really compelling set that still holds onto all the elements we love in his music, but which also introduces all these great other bits as well! The sound's never unfocused or confused – and instead, it kind of allows Allen to leap off in even more expressive styles – still grounded in rhythms that run back to his roots – but filled with creative instrumentation from an array of guests, and some spacey, electric touches that recall the fire in Tony's music when he first sprang back on the scene about a decade ago! Allen adds a few pointed lyrics at points – furthering the "life" presented in the title and great cover image – and titles include "Go Back", "Ire Omo", "Ewa", "Afro Kungfu Beat", "Moving On", "Boat Journey", and "African Man".  ~ Dusty Groove

SPIKE WILNER – LIVE AT SMALLS

Beautiful work from pianist Spike Wilner – an artist we already respect for his tireless work running the Live At Smalls series – and one that we've grown to love even more for the fresh new sound of this wonderful record! Spike's always had a way of linking styles and generations with his piano – sometimes very traditional, sometimes very personal – yet here, he finds this really wonderful groove that's somewhere in between, but very unique as well – a trio format that has the guitar of Yotam Silberstein and bass of Paul Gill often dancing alongside his own lines on piano – so that all three instruments resonate out strongly in the melody, and find new ways to spiral out together! The approach is very individual, and especially well-tuned to the wide range of material here – which includes Wilner compositions, and some other surprising choices. Titles include "Blues For The Common Man", "Pathetique", "Variations On A Popular Theme #1", "Magnetic Rag", and "Hopscotch".  ~ Dusty Groove

JIM HARBECK QUARTET WITH WALTER SMITH III – VARIATIONS IN BLUE

Twin tenors, used in a really wonderful way – one in the left channel, one in the right – trading back and forth with a soulfully sublime sound! Both Jan Harbeck and Walter Smith III have individually distinct sounds, and both players find a way to resonate strongly together, while occupying a separate space on the record – both from the perspective of their individual channels, and their differing sensibilities! The overall approach is nicely laidback and mellow – like a great late nite tenor album of years back, times two – and the well-crafted rhythms are from Henrik Gunde on piano, Anders Holm on drums, and Eske Norrelykke on some especially great bass. Titles include "Salvation", "May Each Day", "Third Time To Tango", "Nordic Echoes", and "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: JONAS KULLHAMMAR – GENTLEMEN ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK; ANTHONY NICHOLSON - FOUR; LORD RAJA - CONSTANT MOTH

JONAS KULLHAMMAR – GENTLEMEN ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE

SOUNDTRACK

A hell of a record from saxophonist Jonas Kullhammar – a batch of work that was originally done for the film Gentlemen, but a set that you'll be listening to long after the film has faded from the screens! The set may well be one of Jonas' most traditional jazz records – a set that really gets to show off his tremendous talents in a straight jazz setting – with a richness of tone, and overall sense of presentation that makes us feel like Kullhammar would have been a great addition to the Blue Note catalog in the 60s. Yet the music also has a very contemporary sense of vibrancy too – as Jonas works here with key modern partners Tobjorn Zetterberg on bass, Carl Bagge on piano, and Johan Holmegard on drums – plus tremendous work on half the record from musicians who include Swedish jazz giant Bernt Rosengren on tenor, as well as Goran Kajfes on cornet and Mattias Stahl on vibes. Kulhammar plays tenor, baritone, stritch, and saxello – and titles include "Le Boulevardier", "Montmartre", "Paris Art Ensemble", "The Bear Quartet", "So Long Henry", "Danish Blow", and "Gazell".  ~ Dusty Groove

ANTHONY NICHOLSON – FOUR

Maybe the best work we've ever heard from Anthony Nicholson – and that's saying a lot, given how much we've supported his music over the years! Anthony's a Chicago legend – an artist who's never gotten the fame he deserves on this side of the Atlantic, but a tireless force in the studio – and one of the few folks to really find new territory for the roots of Chicago house over the years! This album's got a wonderfully spiritual vibe – one that's delivered in a very simple, but effective way – as Nicholson banks his keyboards in just the right way to unlock their cosmic potential, but without ever trying sounding forced or too overdone. The album's got some guest work by Imani and Jaidene Veda, but most tracks are instrumental – and titles include "Genio", which is a great tribute to Jose Roberto Bertrami – plus "Return To Black Fusion", "Messages & Aliens", "Mother & Earth", "The Essence Say Hey", "Star", and "Chicago".  ~ Dusty Groove

LORD RAJA – CONSTANT MOTH

Cosmic sounds from Lord Raja – with tripped out electronic atmosphere, though compelling and beat driven, without ever traveling into predictability – one of the finer releases on Ghostly International in a while! Covers a lot of territory, from mellow, spacey soundscapes to frenzied footwork-inspired beats – with lots of space between. Includes "Yelleo E", "Van Go" feat Jeremiah Jae, "Pistol Refix", "Darwin", "Gottfried Semper", "Throw Them Out", "De Lia Lu Lu", "Red Sun", "Black Top", "Golden Gravity Birds" and more.  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: DJ DOLORES – BANDA SONORA MUSICA PARA FILMES; ULTIMATE FREE SOUL MOTOWN; THE BLUEBEATERS - I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS

DJ DOLORES – BANDA SONORA MUSICA PARA FILMES

DJ Dolores is one of the leading champions of traditional rural music from Brazil's Northeast. He began DJing in 1989 in his hometown of Recife - 'the Venice Of Brazil' - and soon made a name for himself on the local 'mangue beat' scene, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lenine and Mundo Livre. By 1997 he was making his own music, grateful of the new technology which made this possible for a 'non-musician'. His stage name (he's not a woman) is something of a provocation of Brazil's culture of machismo and this sense of playfulness and humour has always been embedded in his music. Dolores's latest album Banda Sonora Musica para Filmes is an earnest insight into the magical mind of one Brazil's brightest, most inspired producers and acts as a collection of his musical memories of time spent making music for Brazilian cinema.

ULTIMATE FREE SOUL MOTOWN (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

A really fresh take on music from Motown – served up here in a massive 3CD set done in the best style of the Free Soul series! Like other favorites to fly the Free Soul flag, this collection brings together both hits and overlooked gems – all in a blend of cuts that have a joyous, upbeat sort of groove – the most positive, forward-thinking side of Motown – especially during the label's great late 60s/early 70s prime! The 3CD package is overflowing with greatness – over four hours of music, with 75 titles that include "Battended Ships" by Odyssey, "It's A Shame" by The Spinners, "Bless You" by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, "Love The One You're With" by Supremes & Four Tops, "All The Way Around" by Marvin Gaye, "Stay" by Severin browne, "Running Back & Forth" by Edwin STarr, "Journey Into You" by Leon Ware, "The Day Will Come Between Sunday & Monday" by Kiki Dee, "Girl You Need A Change Of Mind" by Eddie Kendricks, "Harmour Love" by Syreeta, "Family Song" by Smokey Robinson, "Give Me Your Love" by Sisters Love, "Do Somethng About It" by Thelma Houston, "In The Middle Of The Feeling" by Three Ounces Of Love, "IF I Could Give You The World" by Hearts Of Stone, "My Eyes Only" by Rare Earth – and lots lots more!  ~ Dusty Groove

THE BLUEBEATERS - I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS

Blue Beat & Rock Steady combo The BlueBeaters, kick off the Holiday Season with their brand new Christmas single "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus".  The track has been originally released by the Ronettes in 1963 for The Phil Spector's "A Christmas Gift for You" album. Curious how the album was a flop upon its initial release and only became a classic in 1972 when it was rereleased by Apple.

JANE BIRKIN & SERGE GAINSBOURG - 1973

A really great package – one that sums up this key year in the careers of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin – with two full albums, lots of bonus tracks, and a whole film too! First up is Birkin's excellent album Di Doo Dah – sweet sweet work from Jane – an early solo set that steps strongly off of her classic duets with Serge Gainsbourg! In a way, this album's as much a record by Serge as it is by Jane – since Serge wrote almost all the tracks, and since the arrangements are handled by the legendary Jean-Claude Vannier – who worked famously with Gainsbourg on Melody Nelson and other funky recordings! 

The set's got a slow, sexy, funky vibe – very similar to the Gainsbourg/Vannier collaborations – and maybe even sexier, given the way that Jane Birkin handles her breathy vocals. There's some sweet guitar bits that go great with Jane's delivery of the material – and the whole thing's an essential part of the Gainsbourg/Birkin canon. Tracks include "Help Camionneur!", "Banana Boat", "Kawasaki", "Leur Plaisir Sans Moi", and "Les Capotes Anglaises". CD features 2 bonus tracks – "La Decadanse" and "Les Langues De Chat". Next is Vu De L'Exterieur – a great Serge Gainsbourg album from 1973 – one that we'd rank right up there with his best work! 

The record's got a slinky funky groove that's right in a perfect post-Melody Nelson mode – music written by Serge, and played by a hip small combo that includes lots of great guitar from Alan Parker and sweet electric keyboards and organ from the great Alan Hawkshaw – both of whom really help keep the sound great! Many tracks have that mellow funk groove that's become the best-remembered Gainsbourg sound over the years – and as with many of his other albums of the time, this one's brimming over with potential samples and riffs to steal. 

Titles include "Panpan Cucul", "Sensuelle Et Sans Suite", "Pamela Popo", "Titicaca", and "Par Hasard Et Pas Rase". CD features loads of bonus tracks – 10 whole more tunes added to the album – including "Les Papiers Qui Collent Aux Bonbons", "Titicaca (inst)", "L'Hippodrome (inst)", "Panpan Cucul (working version with different lyrics)", "Pamela Popo (inst)", "Je Suis Venu Te Dire Que Je M'En Vais (complete)", and "Tout Mou Tout Doux (2014 rmx)". Comes in a great book-style cover – with notes and loads of gorgeous photos – and a DVD that features the film A Bout Portant – a 51 minute film, black and white, shot in 1973! (DVD is PAL.)  ~ Dusty Groove

Montreal Jazz Fest 2015 Lineup Announced: Jesse Cook, Snarky Puppy, The Stanley Clarke Band, Steven Wilson, The Bad Plus with Joshua Redman, Bebel Gilberto, Eliane Elias, Dee Dee Bridgewater and a Tribute to Piaf by Richard Galliano and Sylvain Luc

We’re delighted to announce the very first artists of the 36th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, presented by TD in collaboration with Rio Tinto Alcan—just in time to add them to everyone’s Christmas wish lists! Tickets for these concerts go on sale this Friday, December 5 at noon… although Spectra Newsletter subscribers (subscription is free at infolettrespectra.ca), can purchase them Thursday, December 4, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Steven Wilson — June 27, 8:30 p.m., Métropolis — Twenty years into his career, the versatile and prolific Steven Wilson ranks among the most fascinating artists on the British rock scene. While multitasking as leader of a series of equally cutting-edge groups—Porcupine Tree, No-Man, Blackfield and Bass Communion—the many-headed musician makes his Festival entrance with his new album, Hand. Cannot. Erase., a gem of progressive rock delivering mind-blowing rhythms and soaring melodies in the Pink Floyd tradition.

Snarky Puppy — June 30, 8:30 p.m., Métropolis — A massive big band with fluid membership, Snarky Puppy dresses up a stylin’ instrumental jazz brimming with guitar, brass, strings, woodwinds, keyboards and percussion. Led by the versatile Michael League, the group sets itself apart with its stunning musical mastery and creative maturity, building an international reputation with a border-smashing fusion of compositional excellence and improvisation, from melodic funk to harmonic soul, inspired as much by Herbie Hancock as by Björk, James Brown or Radiohead. A true YouTube phenomenon, the group lands with a new album due in April 2015.

Jesse Cook — July 2, 7 p.m., Maison symphonique de Montréal — With over 1.5 million albums sold in a 20-year career, and a Juno and three Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards among the prestigious awards on his mantel, acoustic guitar virtuoso Jesse Cook ranks among the most beloved regulars at this Festival. Playing with an eclectic stylistic palette that blends gypsy, Spanish, jazz and rumba influences, he returns with songs from a new album due in April.

The Stanley Clarke Band — June 27, 8 p.m., Théâtre Maisonneuve, PdA — He floored audiences with his memorable participation in the 2012 Invitation series, and now virtuoso bassist Stanley Clarke returns with a new highly ambitious album, aptly entitled Up. Unveiling a high-voltage jazz fusion with a profusion of funky melodies, the rhythmic opus turns out to be his most energetic and playful to date. He’s a master renowned for taking the bass anywhere he wants to, landing here with a pair of brilliant companions, Beka Gochiashvili and Mike Mitchell.

The Bad Plus with Joshua Redman — June 28, 8 p.m., Théâtre Maisonneuve, PdA — When a group renowned for its versatility and innovative brilliance meets a star saxophonist at the height of his artistic abilities, buckle up: jazzy sparks will fly. It’s an elite rendezvous between The Bad Plus, the rock fan’s favourite jazz trio (and vice versa), who’ve been burning up our stages for over 10 years, and the dazzling Joshua Redman, a friend of this Festival for over two decades. This combo is guaranteed to blow us away with collective improvisation and unmatched creative chemistry.

Dee Dee Bridgewater with Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra — July 3, 8 p.m., Théâtre Maisonneuve, PdA — Take the fabulous Dee Dee Bridgewater, a jazz singer equally accomplished in all styles and repertoires, from Malian music to Billie Holiday, Édith Piaf to Latin; add famed trumpeter Irvin Mayfield, founder and artistic director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and the brilliant orchestra in question, dedicated to the development and heritage of New Orleans jazz. That astonishing assemblage of talent led to a recording this year, which they’ll re-live in an evening of top-flight jazz.

Bebel Gilberto — June 26, 6 p.m., Club Soda — Almost 15 years after her last visit to the Festival, songbird Bebel is back with the bossa nova sounds that run in her veins. Daughter of the legendary João Gilberto, the lovely singer with the purring voice offers a trademark style of Brazilian music tinged with electronica, seasoned with contemporary sounds and modern musical spices. Her new album, Tudo, unveils original songs in Portuguese, English and French, along with a few covers including her irresistible version of Harvest Moon by Neil Young.

Richard Galliano, duo with Sylvain Luc. Tribute to Édith Piaf — June 30, 10:30 p.m., Gesù — Richard Galliano, one of the greatest accordionists of the modern era, and unimpeachable jazz guitarist Sylvain Luc collaborated in the ’90s before going their separate musical ways. The two musicians now reunite their talents for this duo project dedicated to the grande dame of French chanson. The result is a virtuoso jewel, showcasing and reawakening the freshness of the Piaf repertoire in this, the 100th anniversary of her birth.

Eliane Elias, Made in Brazil with Marc Johnson, Rubens De La Corte and Rafael Barata — July 3, 8 p.m., Monument-National — Recognized for her warm, sensual voice and ability to transport us to the languorous, idyllic beaches of Brazil, singer-pianist Eliane Elias returns with pieces from a new album, Made in Brazil. Plunge into Brazilian music from the ’30s to today, grooving through bossa nova by Antonio Carlos Jobim and her own compositions. She’ll be accompanied by her husband Marc Johnson (bass), Rubens De La Corte (guitar) and Rafael Barata (percussion).

First Lady of Brazilian Song - Joyce Moreno, Releases "Raiz"

The first lady of Brazilian song Joyce Moreno, is one of Brazil's leading lights, both musically and as a cultural icon. She was one of the very first in Brazil to speak from the feminist perspective and has worked with a host of fellow musical legends including Elis Regina, Toninho Horta, Madlib, and Yoko Kanno. Joyce's new album Raiz (Portuguese for 'Roots') marks an incredible fifty years since she first stepped foot in a recording studio at the very tender age of 15. Paying tribute to her personal musical roots, the album is made up entirely of Joyce's stunning new versions of some beautiful Brazilian standards, originally penned by the likes of Tom Jobim, Vinicius de Moares, Carlos Lyra, Baden Powell, Ze do Norte and Roberto Menescal (the very person to first capture Joyce's talent on record fifty years ago). Fifty years on, Joyce has decided to reciprocate Menescal's invitation, appointing him as special guest on Raiz which will be released on the 12th January 2015 on Far Out Recordings.

European Tour - January 2015 

Joyce will be touring Europe in January 2015 to coincide with the release (12/01/15). So if you're nearby any of these venues, grab a ticket from one of the links below:

10/01: Le Volcan - Le Havre (France) 

12/01: Ronnie Scotts Club - London (England) 

13/01: Ronnie Scotts Club - London (England) 

14/01: Jazzhus Montmartre - Copenhagen (Denmark) 

15/01: Jazzhus Montmartre - Copenhagen (Denmark) 

16/01: Jazzclub Hannover - Hannover (Germany) 

17/01: North Sea Jazz Club - Amsterdam (Netherlands) 

19/01: Porgy & Bess Jazz & Music Club - Wien (Austria) 

21/01: New Morning - Paris (France) 

22/01: Blue Note Milano - Milan (Italy) 

23/03: Kulturwerkstatt Kammgarn - Hard (Austria) 

~ Far Out

Featured This Week On The Jazz Network Worldwide: Songstress Sharon Marie Cline Revels In The Success Of Her Latest Release “This Is Where I Wanna Be"

“This Is Where I Wanna Be” has opened many portals for distribution as the year comes to a close.  Sharon Marie Cline is excited about the continued success domestically and abroad that she's receiving through print media, targeted publications, noted radio shows and video presentations. 

Sharon Marie Cline has a lot to smile about these days.  The momentum of her current CD “This Is Where I Wanna Be” has a pulse of its own.   Its already spanned the globe and she couldn’t be prouder, for it keeps bringing her to where “she wants to be”. 

It’s important to Cline to stay connected to her fans, not only does she have a door at every portal of social media, she works the technology in her favor.  From radio shows, to CD release parties, magazine reviews and interviews, her own social network, to producing a music video complimenting one of the key tunes from her release entitled “Laughter In The Rain.”   Through these efforts, Sharon seeks opportunities to perform on worldwide jazz festivals and concert stages.

“Originally lighthearted song about lovers in the rain, Cline turns it into a moody and seductive slow dance that leads to some optimistic improvised lyric and vocalizations at the end ~ almost as if the sun is just about to peek out from the clouds.  That’s a perfect metaphor for Cline’s emergence.  This is where jazz vocal fans are going to want to be too! ~ Jonathan Widran (Jazz montly.com ~ Standing Ovations Music Reviews.

“This Is Where I Wanna Be” has been taking me where I wanna go and is continually taking me to new horizons” says Cline jokingly.

“Sharon doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to her marketing efforts.  She’s everywhere” says Jaijai Jackson of The Jazz Network Worldwide.  “No wonder she is seeing results spring-boarding her forward to her goals.  ‘This Is Where I Wanna Be” has put her finger on the button that’s been garnering domestic and international acclaim.”

Cline's ensemble consists of: Rich Eames on Piano/Keyboard, sharing the bass chair on various tracks are Adam Cohen, Luther Hughes, Trevor Ware, Ryan Cross and John Belzeguy, Jon Stuart, Peter Buck on Drums, Jon Stuart and Victor Orlando on percussion, Lee Thornberg on Trumpet, Rich Eames on organ, Ryan Cross on cello, Reinhold Schwarzwald and Bram Glik on Saxophone, Jacques Lesure and Derek Bombeck on guitar, Rob Hardt on flute. Sound Mixing & mastering by Les Brockmann and recorded at Palm Mountain studio.   All arrangements by Rich Eames, Sharon Marie Cline and Jon Stuart. Sharon took the leap of penning two original songs on this project one being “Sugar On My Lips” with co-writer Mark Winkler and Rich Eames as well as “This Is Where I Wanna Be” co-written by Rich Eames. “If Dreams Come True” was arranged by internationally acclaimed Pianist and Arranger Tamir Hendelman.

“This Is Where I Wanna Be” leaves me with some hope that my standards for jazz vocal technique have not been totally abandoned “ ~ AXS Entertainment by Stephen Smoliar, Music Examiner. 

 This holiday season, Sharon is offering a gift of a free download of  “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ from her Christmas CD “By the fireside.“  Click here to get your free download

Sharon remains committed to her plan to stay connected and encouraging to her fans by keeping in tune with her social network  MyHeartsongcommunity.com built to share one’s ‘heartsong’ by creating a symphony of heartfelt expressions worldwide.  A social place where fans and festivals can keep up with her upcoming engagements, radio interviews, reviews as well as purchase downloads from her music catalogue and more. 

Upcoming engagements are on Friday, Dec. 5th, 2014 at the Jonathan Club Downtown LA from 6:00PM - 10:00PM and Friday, December 12th, 2014 at The Simi Valley Town Center from 7:00PM - 8:30 PM.  Click here for upcoming concert schedule

Visit THE JAZZ NETWORK WORLDWIDE "A GREAT PLACE TO HANG" at: http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

Trumpeter Eddie Henderson Releases Creative and Adventurous Collection of Works on New Release, Collective Portrait

Collective Portrait is much more than just the title of Eddie Henderson's new album for Smoke Sessions Records. For Henderson, it's the heart and soul of the remarkable trumpet/flugelhorn master's entire approach to musical expression. Taking a cue from Miles Davis statement that "a collective portrait is better than a self-portrait," Henderson has assembled a stellar cast of musicians to create music forged with the classic qualities of synergy and empathy essential for jazz at its highest level. Re-uniting with pianist George Cables and alto saxophonist Gary Bartz -- musical collaborators for nearly 40 years -- along with the perfectly simpatico bass and drums tandem of Doug Weiss and Carl Allen, Collective Portrait embodies the creative spirit and adventurousness that is always the primary goal of all of Henderson's musical endeavors. "I've known all of these guys for a long time but when we got together as a quintet for the first time in front of a live audience at Smoke to prepare for this date, I knew we had something," explains Henderson. "It had that special chemistry."

  

The 10-composition collection that Henderson has chosen for Collective Portrait is considerably more than a selection of fine songs. Each piece has a special meaning to him, including three pieces directly connected to trumpet masters who were personally influential to Henderson's development. Freddie Hubbard's "First Light", Woody Shaw's "Zoltan" and Jimmy Heath's "Ginger Bread Boy", immortalized by Miles Davis, are all powerfully delivered with virtuosity that never gets in the way of the vibrant lyricism, relentless rhythmic drive and palpable excitement. Two Cables' pieces -- the fractured funk rhythm-driven "Morning Song" and the punchy syncopated driver "Beyond Forever" -- both originally recorded by the two men on an earlier Henderson album in 1977, are marvelously re-imagined for this recording. Two Henderson originals (both featuring Cables on electric piano) are included, the surging but wistful Spanish-influenced "Sunburst" and the highly atmospheric, aptly titled "Dreams."

And what would a Henderson album be without the exquisite balladry for which he is an acknowledged master. Duke Pearson's captivating "You Know I Care" is given a tender and serene rendition; Leszek Kulakowski's "Spring" takes a more sprightly, but no less sensitive approach; and "Together," by Henderson's wife Natsuko, celebrates their 20 years together in a most lovely manner.

The musicianship is -- as one would expect from these gentlemen -- simply spectacular. Bartz (absent on the ballads and "Beyond Forever") is typically scintillating -- fiery, full-bodied and fluently virile. Cables brings his mastery of time, space and lyricism to every piece; and Weiss and Allen are impeccable in their tastefulness and drive, always bringing exactly what is needed and more. While the music is clearly a shared endeavor, Henderson's extraordinary artistry is front and center. His powerfully glowing sound, flawless intonation and willingness to take chances without ever missing his mark is, as always, breathtaking.

Often compared to Miles Davis for his deep lyricism and modal mastery, Henderson has contributed mightily to the music of many of the modern giants, including Herbie Hancock (including three years with Hancock's Mwandishi group), McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Sanders, among many others; including that foremost University of Jazz -- Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He also attended some more widely recognized universities in pursuit of his medical degree, and in addition to his busy musical career, Henderson also practiced psychiatry for more than 10 years. Although he is widely recognized by musicians and knowledgeable fans as one of the finest musicians of the past 40 years, he has not yet achieved the popular recognition he deserves. Collective Portrait should help bring about a cure to that.

  

"Collective Portrait" was recorded live in New York at Sear Sound's Studio A on a Rupert Neve 8038 custom console and mixed to ½" analog tape using a Studer mastering deck.

  

Eddie Henderson · Collective Portrait / Smoke Sessons Records ·Release Date: February 10, 2015

Bassist and Bandleader Recently Named Host of New Show from NPR - Jazz Night in America

The organizers of the Jazz Connect Conference announced that bassist, composer, bandleader, and radio host Christian McBride will give the keynote presentation at the Conference on Thursday, January 8 at 12:15 pm. Presented by JazzTimes and the Jazz Forward Coalition, the Jazz Connect Conference takes place on January 8-9, 2015 at Saint Peter's Church in New York City.  The conference brings together members of the jazz community from all over the globe in a series of panels, workshops and events. With a theme of "Strength Through Community," Jazz Connect leads into both the APAP | NYC conference, which begins on that Friday, and Winter Jazzfest, which takes place on Friday and Saturday nights. You can find more information about the event at www.jazz-connect.com. Pre-registration is only $125 until December 15 (after which regular registration increases to $175), with additional discounts offered to members of various partner organizations, including APAP, Jazz Journalists Association, Chamber Music America, AFM - Local 802, JazzWeek and others.

Since the early 1990s Christian McBride has recorded on over 300 dates as a sideman. However, he's been a leader from his debut recording in 1995. Aside from relatively recent travels with Pat Metheny as well as Chick Corea, Roy Haynes, John McLaughlin and Kenny Garrett, and the Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour - 55th Anniversary, McBride has been artist-in-residence and artistic director with organizations such as Jazz Aspen, LA Philharmonic, New York's 92nd St. Y, Jazz House Kids and NJPAC. McBride manages to tour consistently with his trio (with Christian Sands and Ulysses Owens Jr.) and his quintet, Inside Straight. He also fronts the Christian McBride Big Band, whose Mack Avenue recording, The Good Feeling, won the GRAMMY® Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album in 2012-his third GRAMMY® win overall. In addition, McBride hosts a show on Sirius/XM and DJs at clubs as DJ Brother Mister.

McBride was recently named the host of "Jazz Night in America," a new program from NPR Music, WBGO, and Jazz at Lincoln Center that showcases today's thriving jazz scene across all public radio platforms. A weekly national radio program, Wednesday Night Video Webcasts from venues around the country, features in national news coverage, videos and more, "Jazz Night in America" is a hub for connecting audiences with the most inspiring performances, artists and stories in jazz.

Previous keynote speakers at Jazz Connect include Ben Cameron of the Doris Duke Foundation, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, and Bill Strickland of the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild.   McBride's keynote speech will follow five short TEDTalk-like presentations from speakers such as Somi, Francisco Mela and Michael Lazaroff (The Jazz Cruise), as well as the presentation of the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award to SFJAZZ founder Randall Kline.

MILES DAVIS’ EARLY PRESTIGE RECORDS SESSIONS: LIMITED-EDITION 10” VINYL LP BOX SETS, EXCLUSIVELY FOR RECORD STORE DAY EVENTS

THE PRESTIGE 10-INCH LP COLLECTION, VOLS. 1 AND 2. DUE OUT NOVEMBER 28, 2014 AND APRIL 18, 2015

Concord Music Group hasto announced the release of The Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection, Vols. 1 and 2, which, in total, comprise all ten of the 10” LPs on which Miles Davis appeared as a leader for Prestige Records in the early ’50s. Miles Davis is one of the most musically influential and most popular artists in the history of jazz, and his legendary Prestige recordings are amongst the all-time classics in the genre. Painstakingly reproduced on 10-inch vinyl, with the original LP cover artwork and liner notes included, these box sets will be sold in very limited quantities, available only at participating Record Store Day retailers. The Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection, Vol. 1 [5-LP set] streets November 28th, exclusively for Record Store Day Black Friday, while Vol. 2 [5-LP set] will be released exclusively for Record Store Day 2015, in April. Says Nick Phillips, Concord Music Group’s VP of Catalog Development and the collections’ compilation/reissue producer,  “Here’s a rare opportunity to time-travel back to the early ’50s and experience these iconic recordings in the historical context of their original LP album releases—on 10” vinyl, in their original 10” LP sequences, with the details and nuances of the original 10” LP artwork faithfully reproduced right down to the original typographical errors.”

The Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection, Vol. 1 presents the first five 10-inch albums on which Miles Davis appeared as a leader for Prestige Records (1951 – 1954). Included are Modern Jazz Trumpets, which also features tracks by fellow jazz trumpet giants Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro, and Kenny Dorham; The New Sounds, about which Ira Gitler wrote in the original LP liner notes, “This album gives Miles more freedom than he has ever had on record for time limits were not strictly enforced. There is opportunity to build ideas into a definite cumulative effect…Upon the wonderful rhythmic foundation of Art Blakey’s drums, Tommy Potter’s bass, and Walter Bishop’s piano, tenorman Sonny Rollins and altoman Jackie McLean are able to enjoy some of the unlimited time for their solo efforts.”

Following in the box is Blue Period. In his liner notes for this second LP, Gitler exclaimed, “BLUING, the high spot of this set, is over nine minutes of freedom of expression on modern blues chord changes. At the very end, Art Blakey continues playing after everyone else has stopped. If you listen closely, you will hear Miles say something like, ‘You know that ending man, let’s do it again,’ but why do it again when you've captured the feeling in the solos of Walter Bishop, Miles, Sonny Rollins, Jack McLean, and the inventive drumming of Art Blakey.” Miles Davis Plays the Compositions of Al Cohn follows in the collection, and finally, Miles Davis Quartet, where Davis is joined by the likes of Horace Silver, Max Roach and Art Blakey.

The Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection, Vol. 2, which will be released on April 18, 2015, presents the final five 10-inch vinyl LP albums on which Miles Davis appeared as a leader for Prestige, all recorded during 1954. Included in the box are Miles Davis All Star Sextet; Miles Davis Quintet; Miles Davis with Sonny Rollins; as well as Miles Davis All Stars, Vol. 1 and Miles Davis All Stars, Vol. 2, about which Gitler wrote, “With Thelonious Monk adding his wry witticisms and rhythmic fillips and the All-American rhythm team of Kenny Clarke and Percy Heath supplying the power, Miles and Milt create an atmosphere rich in idea and warmth.”

  

For a list of participating Record Store Day vendors, please go to www.recordstoreday.com.

Keyboardist Dan Siegel returns with a lush collection of astute jazz etched in melodically rich "Indigo"

Having recorded a catalogue of Top 10 albums in a vivid spectrum of jazz hues with topflight musicians for 35 years, Dan Siegel only emerges when he has something engaging to say with his poetic piano and crafty keyboards. Back with his first new statement in five years, Siegel’s DSM record label will release “Indigo” on October 14, a set comprised of ten new compositions that he wrote, arranged and shared production chores with Grammy-nominated bassist Brian Bromberg.  

On his 20th album, Siegel creates right up the spine of the jazz dichotomy allowing the melodies, improvisational soloing and grooves to unfold and flourish unencumbered by restrictive genre borders and polarizing labels. His cerebral compositions traverse the expansive jazz terrain, but do so with heart rendering them instantly accessible. The keyboardist has a gift for writing inviting, emotionally-evocative material that connects soulfully.  

"My tendency is it to overwrite, which can make it challenging for the listener.  I believe the emotional allure of the music on this album (“Indigo”) transcends its compositional complexity," said the Irvine, California-based artist who was born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Eugene, Oregon.

The beating heart and soul heard on “Indigo” in part comes from the live production tracked in the cozy confines of Bromberg’s home studio in the valley just over the hill from Los Angeles. Siegel and Bromberg have an easy rapport and level of trust that dates back several decades from playing and recording together. Bromberg’s 300-year-old acoustic bass provides the rhythmic bottom end on tracks anchored by the deft drum beats from Yellowjackets veteran Will Kennedy. Bob Sheppard plays a prominent role using a variety of saxophones and impassioned play to echo Siegel’s piano and keyboards leads as well as emote his own scholarly theses. 

Allen Hinds and Mike Miller are afforded ample room to dispense thoughtful guitar riffs and do so with finesse. Lenny Castro’s percussion and Craig Fundyga’s vibraphone embellishments add texture, color and shadow in all the right places while two different horn sections appear on a total of six tracks providing power and depth. The cumulative result of such masterful players animating Siegel’s poignant piano pieces is a warm and plush album that will be serviced for airplay at straight-ahead jazz (full album) and contemporary/smooth jazz outlets (title cut).     

Siegel inked his first record deal in 1979 with Inner City Records, which issued his debut disc,

“Nite Ride,” featuring guitar great Lee Ritenour. Siegel’s sophomore session, “The Hot Shot,” went No. 1 on the Radio & Records chart and spent ten weeks in the Top 10 on the Billboard jazz chart. A couple years later, Siegel moved to Los Angeles to focus on composing film and television scores.

Subsequently, he signed with Epic Records and altered his sound from fusion to collections that spanned contemporary jazz, electronic, worldbeat and R&B. Over the years, he has played and recorded with Herbie Hancock, Boney James, Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, Ernie Watts, John Patitucci, Bela Fleck and Ottmar Liebert in instrumental settings; Glenn Frey, Chaka Khan, Berlin and Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire) in the pop world; and amassed an array of television and film credits that boasts Oscar-winner “The Usual Suspects.” For more information, please visit www.DanSiegelMusic.com.

The songs contained on “Indigo” are:
“To Be Continued”
“By Chance”
“Indigo”
“Beyond”
“Far and Away”
“If Ever”
“Spur of the Moment”
“First Light”
“Consider This”
“Endless”

NEW MUSIC: THE GREG FOAT GROUP - LIVE AT THE PLAYBOY CLUB, LONDON; SOUL, FUNK AND AFRO RARITIES: AN INTRODUCTION TO ATA RECORDS (COMPILATION); JIMMY GREENE - A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

THE GREG FOAT GROUP - LIVE AT THE PLAYBOY CLUB, LONDON

The coolest record so far from this totally great combo – a live recording done on the home turf of the Greg Foat Group – the Playboy Club in London! The retro venue really fits the slinky, sexy vibe of the group's music – and although we already loved these guys before, this album has a really special sort of feel – with loads of wonderful keyboard lines from Greg on Hohner Electra piano, Elka Rhapsody, Hammond L 100, and Mutron Phaser – almost always distorted with a nice degree of fuzz, but still a straight ahead approach, and some great undercurrents of fuzz too! The group also features tenor and trumpet – which sometimes sound distorted, ala Varitone modes – and the overall sound feels like some lost jazzy club combo from the late 60s, really tripping out in a very comfortable space. We'd easily stack this one next to our favorite funky Fender Rhodes records from back in the day – and titles include "By The Grace Of God I Am", "Ingen Reklam", "Funky Fanfare", "Madrid", and "Mr Minor". CD features two bonus tracks – "Finky Minky" and "Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag".  ~ Dusty Groove

SOUL, FUNK AND AFRO RARITIES: AN INTRODUCTION TO ATA RECORDS (COMPILATION)

A funky compilation of sorts – but one that features almost all contemporary recordings done in the best styles of older UK sound library funk! ATA are actually a current studio, put together by the guys behind the Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra – a group we normally know for more Afro Funk-styled sounds, but who here recall the glory days of Alan Hawkshaw, Keith Mansfield, and Brian Bennett – in a host of grooves that are heavy on vintage instruments, and equally old school production! The work feels a lot like lost funk tracks from labels like KPM or DeWolfe – and these guys really change their previous group to get the sound just right – on cuts that include "The Flip", "London Station", "The Terror", "Cookie Jar", "Moscow Central", "Sucker Punch", and "Hawkshaw Philly" – all credited to different groups, but we think played by the Ariya guys themselves!  ~ Dusty Groove

JIMMY GREENE - A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

A heartbreaking project from saxophonist Jimmy Greene – dedicated to his daughter, who was caught in the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school. Instead of focusing on the tragedy that struck his family, Greene instead chooses to celebrate the wonderful, but too-short life of his daughter Ana – through a beautiful record that may well be his most ambitious to date! The scope of the sound here is wonderful – very soulful, thoughtful tracks performed by a shifting lineup that includes some famous names who were only happy to help out on the project – like Kenny Barron and Cyrus Chestnut on piano, Pat Metheny on guitar, and Kurt Elling on vocals. But the core group alone is wonderful –w ith Renee Rosnes on piano, Christian McBride on bass, and Lewis Nash on drums – who set things up in this wonderfully soulful style that seems to evoke some of Greene's most personal moments on record. Titles include "Last Summer", "Ana's Way", "Maybe", "Little Voices", "Where Is Love", and "Seventh Candle".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES - FRANK SINATRA - LONDON; JOHN COLTRANE - LUSH LIFE; HOUSTON PERSON '75 / GET OUT'A MY WAY

FRANK SINATRA – LONDON (3-CD/DVD BOXSET)

For several weeks during the spring of 1962, London's music scene buzzed with the rumor that Frank Sinatra was to record a new album there. Indeed, in June that year, the iconic star traveled to the U.K. to record Sinatra Sings Great Songs From Great Britain. Recorded over three consecutive nights at London's CTS Studios, Great Songs From Great Britain would be the only album Sinatra would ever record outside of the United States. On November 25, Universal Music Enterprises & Frank Sinatra Enterprises will release Sinatra: LONDON, a deluxe 3-CD/DVD and digital audio collection presenting the remastered original studio album with a treasure trove of other London highlights from Sinatra's career. The expansive set's more than 50 previously unreleased recordings include session material from the album, a 1962 BBC 'Light Programme' radio special with introductions to each song by Sinatra himself, a 1953 live session for BBC Radio's 'The Show Band Show,' and a Royal Albert Hall concert from 1984. The collection's DVD features a previously unreleased filmed 1962 concert from Royal Festival Hall, plus a 1970 concert appearance from the same venue with a never before released performance of the classic song 'A Foggy Day.' The sleek book-style set includes a 60-page booklet with a new essay by producer, filmmaker, songwriter, music publisher and author, Ken Barnes, who attended the Great Songs From Great Britain sessions, the album's original liner notes, newly-written track notes, details about Sinatra's many visits to the U.K., and several photos of Sinatra in London: onstage, in the studio, and about town. The new collection also includes two exclusive art print reproductions of original London concert posters, and a unique studio panorama from the 1962 recording sessions for Great Songs From Great Britain. ~ Amazon

JOHN COLTRANE - LUSH LIFE

Hybrid Mono SACD for sale individually and as part of Analogue Productions' Prestige Mono Series Mini "old style" gatefold jacket packaging These SACD jackets feature printed wraps mounted to chipboard shells, producing an authentic, "old school" look and feel. Some people call these "mini LP" jackets. Here is one of the musical giants of the 20th century, poised on the precipice of greatness. Between the spring of 1957 and the winter of 1958, during which time Lush Life was recorded, the music of tenor saxophonist John Coltrane (1926-1967) was developing in giant steps, thanks in great part to a six-month 1957 stint with Thelonious Monk that had much to do with sharpening Coltrane's harmonic conception and torrential attack. Lush Life contains Coltrane's first recordings as sole leader, his initial date fronting a pianoless trio, and one of his first extended readings of a ballad, Billy Strayhorn's resplendent title track. We also hear him at the helm of a quartet and quintet, featuring pianist Red Garland, with trumpeter Donald Byrd, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Louis Hayes added to "Lush Life." Coltrane handles the tune's delicate complexities with infinite style and finesse. Coltrane and jazz would never be the same. Originally released in 1958. The sleek book-style set includes a 60-page booklet with a new essay by producer, filmmaker, songwriter, music publisher and author, Ken Barnes, who attended the Great Songs From Great Britain sessions, the album's original liner notes, newly-written track notes, details about Sinatra's many visits to the U.K., and several photos of Sinatra in London: onstage, in the studio, and about town. The new collection also includes two exclusive art print reproductions of original London concert posters, and a unique studio panorama from the 1962 recording sessions for Great Songs From Great Britain. ~ Amazon

HOUSTON PERSON - HOUSTON PERSON '75 / GET OUT'A MY WAY

Carolina-born Houston Person is a towering figure in the world of soulful jazz. His albums for Prestige, Muse, Westbound and beyond have always been joyous affairs, filled with soul and aimed at those who like their jazz with a beat. Until now the three albums which he recorded for the Detroit-based Westbound label and its subsidiary Eastbound have never been reissued. This release pairs his second and third albums for them.Person made his name in Johnny 'Hammond' Smith's group between 1963 and 1966; in 1967 he signed as a band leader to Prestige, where his album Goodness was a hit. He moved to Eastbound in 1973 and when it closed moved to its parent for the release of Houston Person '75, the first album he produced himself. It is a raucous party with Person's sax lines playing over some tight funky arrangements; one track features Etta Jones. Get Out'a My Way follows in the same vein, an excellent soulful jazz album which suits Person's style. It also includes a version of the Isley Brothers' For The Love Of You. Featuring musical backing from the Westbound Gang and backing vocals by Honey, it is a fine addition to Person's catalogue. 60-page booklet with a new essay by producer, filmmaker, songwriter, music publisher and author, Ken Barnes, who attended the Great Songs From Great Britain sessions, the album's original liner notes, newly-written track notes, details about Sinatra's many visits to the U.K., and several photos of Sinatra in London: onstage, in the studio, and about town. The new collection also includes two exclusive art print reproductions of original London concert posters, and a unique studio panorama from the 1962 recording sessions for Great Songs From Great Britain. ~ Amazon

NEW RELEASES: JAMIE CULLUM – INTERLUDE; ORNETTE COLEMAN - TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION!; FUNKEE BOY - SOUL PURPOSE

JAMIE CULLUM – INTERLUDE

The intent behind Jamie Cullum's seventh album, Interlude -- released in the U.K. in 2014, with a U.S. release in 2015 -- is to strongly reconnect the singer/pianist with his jazz roots. Gone are the flirtations with electronics, along with original material: Cullum is playing live with a jazz orchestra, singing standards that are familiar but not shopworn. He expands the songbook so there's room for Hank Williams' "Lovesick Blues" and the Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," but his playbook is straight out of Ray Charles. He's growling and crooning as he alternately pounds and tinkles his piano, giving plenty of space for the orchestra to surge but not allowing a lot of room for improvisation. Most of the songs here clock in somewhere between three and four minutes, which is a strong indication that this album lies toward the pop end of the jazz spectrum. This is by no means a bad thing. By devoting himself to a strong book of standards and recording with a live big band, Cullum seems reinvigorated. He's enjoying tearing into these old tunes and that excitement isn't merely palpable, it's contagious. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

ORNETTE COLEMAN - TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION!

Digitally remastered by Joe Tarantino (Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California). With his second album as a leader, 1959's TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION!, Ornette Coleman had not quite made all the necessary adjustments that would introduce his classic period. However, enough changes had been made to make it clear that the alto saxophonist -- contrary to his detractors' sneers--had a specific sound he was aiming toward, and a clear idea of how to get there. The biggest change between this album and Coleman's 1958 debut is the lack of a pianist, which puts the melodic emphasis solely on Coleman's sax and Don Cherry's trumpet. Coleman and Cherry are in remarkable sync throughout; indeed, "Rejoicing" features several passages of the pair playing in unison, and two of the album's most harmonically fearless and rhythmically loose solos are Cherry's spotlights in "Giggin'" and "Endless." Only the somewhat ordinary post-bop rhythm section of bassist Percy Heath (spelled by Red Mitchell on the last three tracks) and drummer Shelly Manne keeps TOMORROW IS THE QUESTION! from reaching the ecstatic free-jazz heights of Coleman's classic Atlantic albums. Recorded at Contemporary's Studio, Los Angeles, California on January 16, February 23 and March 9 & 10, 1959. Originally released on Contemporary (7569). Includes original liner notes by Nat Hentoff. Personnel: Ornette Coleman (alto saxophone); Don Cherry (trumpet); Percy Heath, Red Mitchell (bass); Shelly Manne (drums).  ~ CD Universe

FUNKEE BOY - SOUL PURPOSE

Chart Topping/Award Winning Smooth Jazz recording artist Funkee Boy follows up his award winning/#1 selling CD "Philosoulphy" with his 3rd CD "Soul Purpose". This stellar CD blends Funkee Boy's signature keyboard playing/songwriting/music production w/ A-List artists Warren Hill, Najee, Bob Baldwin, Cindy Bradley, Nick Colionne, LEILA, Surface, Lamone, Timmy Maia, Tevin Michael and more!!! "Soul Purpose" wins the prestigious SESAC 2014 Smooth Jazz Award for top 5 Billboard and radio play. These stellar artists come together on my new CD that features 9 original songs along with hot smooth jazz coverversions of Bruno Mars smash hits "Treasure" & "Just The Way You Are". Funkee Boy also grooves to R.Kelly's"Step In The Name Of Love", and then slow it down with the Eagles classic ballad "I Can't Tell You Why". Soul Purpose takes the listener on a journey starting off with the Uptempo tracks "Bonafide" & "Let It Flow". Then it embraces your smooth & soulful side with tracks "Deja Vu", "Karma", & "Keystroke. There are also brilliantly written lyrics on the RnB vibes "Bring Back The Days" and "Satisfied". Funkee Boy then plays with your senses and invokes a certain type of mood by drawing on the 50 Shades Of Grey inspiration with the solo piano piece "Escala". The 1st single "Let It Flow" featuring Warren Hill achieved Top 10 on all 4 Major (non pay for play) Charts - #4 Billboard, #8 Groove Jazz, #9 American Music/USA TODAY, #10 Smooth Jazz Network. The CD also achieved the #1 best selling worldwide CD in Soul Jazz! Once again, Funkee Boy stays true to his "philosoulphy" of blending his roots Jazz + Funk + RnB = SOUL. If you like Smooth Jazz, RnB, Soul, Piano, Saxophone, Tasteful Vocals with meaningful lyrics then this CD is for you!! ~ CD Universe

New Releases: Ken Thomson and Slow/Fast - Settle; Joe Morris - Mess Hall; David Holmes - 71 Original Soundtrack

KEN THOMSON AND SLOW/FAST - SETTLE

New from alto saxophonist, bass clarinetist and composer Ken Thomson and his quicksilver quintet Slow/Fast is their new release Settle. The album exhibits the kind of stylistic breadth and alert experimentation that one would expect from a leader famed for his work in both the worlds of new jazz and contemporary classical music. Thomson is joined by guitar phenomenon Nir Felder, trumpeter Russ Johnson, bassist Adam Armstrong and drummer Fred Kennedy.

JOE MORRIS – MESS HALL

Striking improvisations from the trio of Joe Morris on guitar, Steve Lantner on keyboards, and Jerome Dupree on bass – working here on material that's composed on the spot during performance, but which has a surprising sense of structure at times! Both Morris and Lantner use cycles of sound to their best advantage – spinning out elements that are noisy, but which really warm with familiarity – especially as they find a way to resonate strongly together. The drums can be intense one minute, looser the next – which provides a good sense of tension in the record – and titles include "Dirt Reverence", "Response Arena", "Advanced Animal", "Hymn Zone", and "Magnet Move".  ~ Dusty Groove

DAVID HOLMES – 71 ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK

One of the darkest soundtracks we've ever heard from David Holmes – presented here as one single long piece of music, put together almost as an audio collage that evokes all the tension and black mood of the film 71! Holmes really stretches himself strongly here – and goes for these subtle, often lower-end sounds that kind of bubble together in the darkness, then emerge in different ways as the piece goes on – and if you only know the work of David Holmes from his funky or more retro-styled film scores, you'll be pretty stunned here! Individual passages include "The Hunt", "Where's The Soldier", "Escape From Divis", and "Aftermath" – but the whole thing runs together as one long work. ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: GILBERTO GIL & GAL COSTA - LIVE IN LONDON NOVEMBER 1971; TOM ZE - VURA LATA NA VIA LACTEA; JAQUES MORELENBAUM CELLO SAMBA TRIO - SAUDADE DO FUTURO / FUTURO DA SAUDADE

GILBERTO GIL & GAL COSTA - LIVE IN LONDON NOVEMBER 1971

Really stunning stuff – a never-heard live performance from early 70s London – one that features Gilberto Gil in exile, working alongside the great Gal Costa! The album's got a lean, stripped-down feel – similar acoustic instrumentation to both Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso's London recordings – a mode that's an especially great change from some of Costa's more produced albums of the period – at a level that really lets us hear how warmly collaborative and high spirited she could be! Both Gal and Gilberto play guitar – and backing is by a group of bass, percussion, and drums – the last of which are played by Tutty Moreno – and the performance has the singers working solo and in duet – the latter of which is especially great! The set includes a few English language numbers – "Brand New Dream" and "One O'Clock Last Morning 20th April 1970" – plus versions of "Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Up From The Skies". And other titles include "Sai Do Sereno", "Coracao Vagabundo", "Procissao", "Acaua", "Chuva Suor E Cerveja", "Viramundo", "Como Dois E Dois", and "Maria Bethania/Bota A Mao Nas Cadeiras".  ~ Dusty Groove

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TOM ZE - VURA LATA NA VIA LACTEA

A mighty record from the great Tom Ze – every bit as creative and experimental as ever, and maybe sounding better here than he has on the past few studio albums – even though we liked those releases an awful lot too! The record is heavy on vocal interplay – both Ze with himself, but also alongside contributions from Caetano Veloso, Milton Nascimento, and others – voices that are often set to relatively spare instrumentation that's quite rhythmic, but without any sort of obvious beats or drum parts either – usually more unusual grooves that are matched with creative elements on guitar, both acoustic and electric, and some sweet reed parts too – which almost have a bit of a Hermeto Pascoal quality. The whole thing's a great reminder that the passage of years has done nothing to dim the vitality of Tom Ze – and titles include "Mamon", "Banca De Jornal", "A Quantas Anda Voce", "Geracao Y", "Irara Ira La", "Papa Perdoa Tom Ze", and "A Boca Da Cabeca". ~ Dusty Groove

JAQUES MORELENBAUM CELLO SAMBA TRIO - SAUDADE DO FUTURO / FUTURO DA SAUDADE

A beautiful record that's exactly what's promised in the group's name – a samba trio that's heavy on cello – played by the great Jaques Morelenbaum, who we know from so many other great records! The style's a bit bossa jazz, but has a very different feel – as the use of the cello really brings out the bluer, more melancholy moments in the tunes – as Jacques bows his instrument with a great sense of expressiveness alongside acoustic guitar and percussion. Titles include "Eu Vim Da Bahia", "Coracoa Vagabundo", "Outra Vez", "Ar Livre", "Voce E Eu", "Maracatuesday", and "Tim Tim Por Tim Tim". ~ Dusty Groove