THE DEBUT RELEASE FROM THE MARK GUILIANA JAZZ QUARTET - FAMILY FIRST

Painters paint, writers write, explorers explore, but jazz musicians do all three as they create sonic landscapes that delight us, that provoke thought and emotion, and that ultimately enrich our lives. Drummer/composer/bandleader Mark Guiliana brilliantly accomplished just that with the 2014 launch of his new record label, Beat Music Productions, releasing My Life Starts Now, and Beat Music: The Los Angeles Improvisations on the same day. 

Guiliana, a modern-day, boiling-over, creative tour-de-force, now offers his first statement as a leader in the acoustic jazz realm with the debut recording from the Mark Guiliana Jazz Quartet - Family First, available on Beat Music Productions on June 4, 2015 (iTunes pre-order date is May 8). The album, which presents eight new Guiliana compositions and a stunning version Bob Marley's "Johnny Was", was conceived around, and composed for, the drummer's new band, featuring long-time musical partners and dear friends, Shai Maestro (piano), Jason Rigby (saxophones) and Chris Morrissey (bass). "This music really highlights the strong bonds and sense of brotherhood and family that I share with these guys," explained Guiliana. 

The group's chemistry, commitment and cohesiveness provides for nine breathtaking, fervent episodes of acoustic jazz, beginning with the engaging and exciting rhythmic intro of "One Month", and concluding with the emotional pull and subtleness of the title track. In between, "ABED" swings like mad, "2014" shows the group's ability to play a ballad with a searing intensity, "Long Branch" stirs it up with Guiliana percolating underneath a soaring melody, and Bob Marley's "Johnny Was" receiving the most gorgeous treatment one could imagine.      

Guiliana's singular drumset and compositional artistry, once again setting the bar quite high, is on glorious display on Family First, as is the playing of his collaborators. The album encapsulates all the best that these musicians have to offer - abundant beauty, ardent propulsion and sheer love of improvisation. 

Although this is a new band, Guiliana shares a deep musical history with each musician. "These guys are some of my favorite musicians and I've been lucky to be building a musical bond with each of them over the past decade," he explains. "I've been playing with Chris in my electronic project Beat Music, with Jason in my first band Heernt, and I spent a handful of great years on the road with Shai in bassist Avishai Cohen's trio." 

The sonic landscape presented on Family First is quite different from Guiliana's 2014 releases. This purely acoustic music is presented without edits or isolation, as captured in pristine detail by engineer John Davis at the Bunker Studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. While not a tribute recording in any way, this recording is Guiliana's nod to the jazz drummers that have inspired and informed his completely unique approach to the instrument. Guiliana elaborates, "this album embodies the deep inspiration I have taken over the years from my earliest drumming heroes, including Tony Williams, Roy Haynes, Elvin Jones, and Art Blakey, to name a few."   

Guiliana is an acclaimed drummer, composer, educator, and founder of Beat Music Productions. He has earned international acclaim for his innovative and creative style, recognized by The New York Times as "a drummer around whom a cult of admiration has formed." Over the past decade, he has appeared on over 40 recordings and has toured extensively around the world, performing in 45 countries across 6 continents with artists such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Gretchen Parlato, bassist Avishai Cohen and many more, including his own bands Beat Music and Heernt. 

In 2014, Guiliana launched Beat Music Productions, his independent record label, as an outlet for his diverse musical vision. In that same year, he was featured on the Grammy-nominated album Mehliana: Taming the Dragon, his duo project with jazz icon Brad Mehldau on keyboards and synthesizers, as well as David Bowie's latest single, "Sue (Or In A Season Of Crime)". 

Family First, the debut recording from the Mark Guiliana Jazz Quartet, will be released on June 4, 2015 on Beat Music Productions, and there are already projects slated for 2016 releases - a solo electronic recording (an exploration of experimental beats and ambient textures); and a long overdue second album from Heernt, Guiliana's experimental-garage-jazz outfit.

www.MarkGuiliana.com

NEW RELEASES: NICOLE - RAIZES / ROOTS; LIAM NOBLE - A ROOM SOMEWHERE; FULVIO SIGURTA - THE OLDEST LIVING THING

NICOLE - RAIZES / ROOTS

Raizes / Roots from singer and songwriter Nicole is a collection of 13 songs where she reinterprets vintage and contemporary songs from the Jewish songbook, re-imagined in a variety of Brazilian styles and rhythms and with lyrics in Yiddish and Portuguese Musician include: Pablo Aslan (acoustic bass); Cyro Baptista (percussion); Rob Curto (accordion); Paul Meyers (nylon string guitar); Brandon Seabrook (mandolin & electric guitars); Lorin Sklamberg (vocals); Renato Thoms (percussion); Michael Winograd (clarinet); Jake Shulman-Ment (violin); Frank London (trumpet, piano); and Danny Blume (electric bass). Tracklist: Com Saúde (Abi Gezunt); Passarinho; Quem Que Sobra (Ver Vet Blaybn); Batatas (Bulbes); No Escuro; Ave Dourada; Chuva (Der Regn Zipt in Droysn); Dois Músicos; Tal vez;. Ontem (S Iz Nito Kein Nekhtn); Cantando Por Um Mundo Melhor (Singing For a Better World/Sholem Lid); Nova Dança (Der Nayer Sher); and Bulbes (Remix).

LIAM NOBLE - A ROOM SOMEWHERE

Liam Noble returns with his first solo recording in 20 years. Liam has worked in a vast range of contexts, including as a sideman in award winning projects with Julian Siegel, Christine Tobin and Mark Lockheart and in a transatlantic ensemble with Zhenya Strigalev (which has included Eric Harland, Ambrose Akinmusire, Greg Hutchinson and Larry Grenadier). He has also collaborated in free improvisation projects such as Sleepthief (with Tom Rainey and Ingrid Laubrock), and performed in ensembles with Peter Evans, Mary Halverson, Mat Manieri and Okkyung Lee. It now feels like the right time to strike out alone again. The album features idiosyncratic interpretations of the standard repertoire, contemporary songs, jazz compositions and some original improvisations inspired by the scenario. ~ Amazon

FULVIO SIGURTA / STEVE SWALLOW / FEDERICO CASAGRANDE - THE OLDEST LIVING THING

Back from the intriguing experience of 'SPL' (in trio with Andrea Lombardini on bass guitar and Alessandro Paternesi on drums), a modern record with surprising turns, Fulvio Sigurtà is back with a more classically jazz album. Supported by Steve Swallow s stunning bass guitar and Federico Casagrande s refined acoustic guitar, Sigurtà s trumpet and flugelhorn weave soft, enchanting melodies. You may let yourself be lulled by the first song and title track on this album, written by the band leader, and Casagrande s 'Sorrows And Joy of A Lamb'. The two regularly alternate as writers of the nine original tracks on 'The Oldest Living Thing', composed by one or the other in more or less equal measure. The only virtual guest here is Ennio Morricone, who is involved thanks to an appealing reinterpretation of the theme from 'Nuovo Cinema Paradiso'. Although the temperament and uniqueness of Steve Swallow is no surprise, one can rightly be a little amazed by the continuous growth of Sigurtà and Casagrande: the former has mastered a variety of timbres that would make many players envious (the intro to 'Sunday Snow Flakes' is a case in point), while the latter invents sounds and harmonies that perfectly combine with the band leader s ideas ('Travel Back'). Two of the talents among the new generation of Italian jazzmen who are worthy of being listened to most attentively. ~ Amazon

NEW RELEASES: THE CHI-LITES - THE BRUNSWICK COMPLETE SINGLES COLLECTION; THE CITY BOYS ALLSTARS – PERSONAL THING; MATT LAVELLE / JACK DESALVO / TOM CABRERA - SUMARI

THE CHI-LITES - THE BRUNSWICK COMPLETE SINGLES COLLECTION

The complete early Brunswick singles of one of our favorite vocal groups ever – the sublimely sophisticated Chi-Lites – a group who brought harmony soul to a whole new level with records like these! The Chi-Lites could be heartbreaking on their ballads and mellow cuts – then soar out with a new sort of righteous power at other, more upbeat moments – always holding onto not just their wonderful sense of group phrasing, but also the special sort of lyrics that were penned for the group by leader Eugene Record! And while the Chi-Lites had a huge run of full albums for Brunswick, their singles are really something special – and are collected here in a massive package of 56 tracks on 3CDs. Titles include "My Baby Loves Me", "Love Is Gone", "Price Of Love", "Being In Love", "Homely Girl", "Toby", "Here I Am", "Marriage License", "I Found Sunshine", "Stoned Out Of My Mind", "I Want To Pay You Back", "We Are Neighbors", "Trouble's A Comin", "I Like Your Lovin", "24 Hours Of Sadness", "Let Me Be The Man My Daddy Was", "Give It Away", and lots more!  ~ Dusty Groove

THE CITY BOYS ALLSTARS – PERSONAL THING

Sounding like no other band, the City Boys Allstars, are three exemplary singers and ten world-class musicians based in New York Cit.  The group showcases their crack-of-dawn fresh mixture of jazz and rock, along with touches of funk, soul. Blues, and gospel on Personal Thing, their new studio album.  The sheer force of the band’s musical personality reinforces the appeal of strong, intelligent songs written by four band members, and one updated cover song, the late great Joe Zawinul’s “Birdland.” Personal Thing is every bit as stellar as the Allstars’ previous album, Blinded By The Night, a concert recording selected by DownBeat as one of the “Best Albums of 2014” and highly praised by Blues In Britain Magazine.

MATT LAVELLE / JACK DESALVO / TOM CABRERA - SUMARI

Other world art music and improvisations through space and time, and the soundtrack of twilight.  Theses phrases have all been used to attempt to describe this trio known as Sumari.  Guitarist Jack DeSalvo, hailed in The Wire magazine as “masterful”, joined Ronald Shannon Jackson’s Decoding Society in the 1980s, and has toured the world with many artists in his own musical-spirited journey. Tom Cabrera is a percussionist of striking depth.  As in-demand jazz drummer who made a specialty of the percussion family known as frame drums, Cabrera constructed a drum set which sports riq, tar, dumbeq, bodhran and various percussives about a small bass drum and hi-hat. With a sonic oeuvre that ranges from the quaking to the sublime, Tom carries the band’s rhythmicity in the best harmolodic fashion. Matt Lavelle’s haunting trumpet sound is reminiscent of Don Cherry’s and makes extreme use of the alto’s natural range, fusing it with the cry of Dolphy’s bass clarinet sound, and then into the imaginary realm of Eastern double-reeds painted New Orleans blue.  

Saxophonist Harry Allen salutes the genius of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Duke Ellington on For George, Cole and Duke

For today's most creative jazz musicians, the work of composers George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Duke Ellington remains an inexhaustible wellspring of inspiration. On For George, Cole and Duke Harry Allen, a mainstream master of the tenor saxophone, salutes choice songs that have become mainstays of the jazz tradition. Along with his bandmates - the pianist Ehud Asherie, the bassist and vocalist Nicki Parrott and the drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd, as well as special guest percussionist "Little Johnny" Rivero - Allen unearths new riches from such cherished compositions as "Love for Sale," " How Long Has This Been Going On?" and "Mood Indigo." The result is a classic showpiece of mainstream swing that honors the composers while simultaneously highlighting the interpretive and improvisational skills of the performers. For George, Cole and Duke, out April 7, 2015, is the debut release of Blue Heron Records.

Allen, long a paragon of mainstream saxophone styling, is at the top of his form here, employing his creamy tone, endless creative ideas and rhythmic assurance on swinging performances and thoughtful ballads alike. With his talent for spontaneous arrangement, Allen was able to fashion the work of Gershwin, Porter and Ellington within imaginative settings that provided him and his bandmates with plenty of room for personal expression. Ehud Asherie, a style-shifting talent who has thoroughly absorbed pre-swing, swing and bop piano idioms, exhibits his ease as a fluid soloist and astute accompanist. Chuck Redd, the celebrated drummer and vibraphonist, contributes masterly performances on both instruments, penned the hip Afro-Cuban arrangement of Porter's "Love for Sale" and added his savvy as a producer. The bassist and singer Nicki Parrott, contributes rock solid bass performances and croons sweet vocals on "In a Mellow Tone," "How Long Has This Been Going On?" and "Mood Indigo," once again proves herself a mainstream jazz marvel.

"The recording session was a delight," says Blue Heron President and CD Executive Producer Michael Francis.  "The chemistry between musicians, producers and engineer was beyond exceptional.  The artists shared leadership responsibilities and collaborated equally, each contributing arrangements and ideas. A sense of high creative energy filled the air and the group took care of business - most tracks being keepers on the first take."

Francis, a passionate aficionado of Latin jazz, called in special guest "Little Johnny" Rivero, conguero with Eddie Palmieri's orchestra, to add some exciting Latin percussion on "Love for Sale," "Mood Indigo" and the delightful, if little heard, "Purple Gazelle," originally recorded on the 1963 Ellington album, Afro-Bossa.  Though Rivero had never met any of the other band members, he fit into the mix perfectly.  Little surprise, since the combination of exceptional musicians and timeless songs, could only bring out the best in any gifted player.

For George, Cole and Duke is the debut recording from Blue Heron Records LLC, headquartered in Hondo, New Mexico. Upholding the company mantra of "Artistic Integrity First," Blue Heron plans a catalogue devoted to high quality mainstream jazz, blues and Latin music.

 

THE DAVID SMITH QUINTET - IMPETUS

Impetus is the third album from the David Smith Quintet, featuring Smith's working band for the past several years, Dan Pratt on saxophones, Nate Radley on guitar, Gary Wang on bass and Anthony Pinciotti on drums.  On Impetus Smith offers six original compositions that explore subtle tensions that drive the music forward.  

The trumpeter/composer explains, "in several tunes I was looking for a tempo that was laid back enough that it created a subtle tension to move forward, like a spring that is pulled just a bit causing it to pull back." While Smith considers his compositions the foundation of his records, he is intent on finding the point of balance whereby the tune communicates a musical idea but remains open enough to allow creative space for the band to explore. 

The first three tunes of Impetus make a continuous "suite". "Moments" is an understated, lyrical melody that sets the tone for the album. "Bond" was built upon the last two chords of "Moments" with the intention of them being continuous. Smith elaborates, "as a pair of tunes they sort of needed a foil to balance them out and segueing into "The Toaster" was working on gigs so I kept it. "The Toaster" was written in tribute to a tragically unfortunate mouse." "Seven" borrows its harmony from the Allegretto second movement of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, resulting in something very different. "Starr St" is about a rough and tumble part of Bushwick, Brooklyn. "Intersection" was another attempt to capture the energy Smith was describing earlier, with the tempo sitting back and the "F" that exists throughout the entire tune creating a subtle but building tension until the last four measures of the recording when it is finally released. 

Impetus was recorded live in a one-room studio to two-track analog tape, and also mastered directly from the tape; the mixing was completed before the band started playing. Smith wanted to capture the organic nature of the tunes and band dynamic and felt this was the best way to accomplish that. 

At times Impetus betrays a rock influence, both musically and emotionally. Smith explains, "I feel this is acknowledging a part of where I came from musically, earlier in life. It wasn't a conscious decision, but rather what came out when I tried to write honest music." From the twenty-four minute suite that opens the recording, to the resolution in the last four measures, this is an album in the truest sense.

PIANIST DAVID COOK RELEASES SCENIC DESIGN

Pianist and composer David Cook possesses the ability to compose music that allows his massive talent to shine through unimpeded, creating a bond with the listener with every note.  On May 26, Cook follows up his debut recording, Pathway (produced by Bruce Barth and released on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records) with the release of Scenic Design, a compelling set of original music, and a brilliant duo version of Taylor Swift's "Safe and Sound" (with trumpeter David Smith), produced by Ben Wendel, and featuring his quintet of David Smith - trumpet, Ben Wendel - sax, Matt Clohesy - bass, Kendrick Scott - drums, and special guest Shayna Steele on vocals (on "I Know You Know").  In addition to leading his own bands, Cook is a first-call artist in multiple genres, working as the long time music director/pianist for seven-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor Swift, and with such notable musicians as Lizz Wright, Donny McCaslin, the late Lew Soloff, John Ellis, Nir Felder, Sunny Jain (of Red Baraat), Alan Ferber, Michael Blanco, Greg Howe, and pop artists N-Sync (during the heyday of their career), Justin Timberlake, Natasha Bedingfield, and many more.

"I'm really fortunate to have been able to record Scenic Design with Ben, Dave, Matt and Kendrick. These are 4 of my favorite musicians, all total pros that have strong and clear voices on their respective instruments . . . really all I had to do was write the music and get out of the way. The goal was for a true collective sound, and I hope this album has achieved it," said Cook. 

About the music on Scenic Design: The idea of doing a quintet recording was both daunting and exciting for Cook. He explains, "I knew that I wanted to spread the melodies out past the piano on this record, but in which direction? Is it possible to say something unique and true to the history of this music at the same time? As a starting point, I picked three of my favorite quintets - Woody Shaw with Dexter Gordon, Fred Hersch and Kneebody - and tried to write music that might exist in the middle of a triangular plain with those three points." Producer/saxophonist Ben Wendel (Kneebody) was instrumental in making this happen, as he "had so many great arrangement and orchestrational ideas; the tunes really came together once he put his ears on them," said Cook. 

Highlights on Scenic Design include, "Flower + Hope", written for a dear friend of Cook's who is facing an uphill battle with his health. "He told me what he was up against (with his typical Viking strength and wit) while standing on a street corner in Los Angeles, and looking in both directions was Flower Street and Hope Street. The juxtaposition of fighting for life in this world but spiritually being fine with any outcome was a powerful moment," explained Cook. "80s TV theme song": "I wanted to write a Keith Jarrett tune circa, 'Somewhere Before' or 'Life Between the Exit Signs', and what came out sounded more like an 80s TV theme song, so there you go," said Cook. "I Know You Know" is for Cook's daughter Caia, written by the pianist and his wife, vocalist Shayna Steele. Cook describes the inspiration behind this beautiful composition, "every parent out there knows the feeling of stepping back, taking a look at your child and being overcome with emotion that you're responsible for someone this beautiful and precious. We wanted to put music and lyrics to that moment." "'Scenic Design' is my favorite tune on the record, mostly because it allows everyone to 'paint' however they'd like. Kendrick Scott ate this one up, although that goes for every tune on the session." 

In addition to his original compositions, Cook and Wendel also arranged Cook's favorite Taylor Swift song, "Safe & Sound," Cook has been working with Taylor for the last five years and has witnessed up close how serious she is about writing, recording and performing music, while simultaneously living her life in the public eye. Scenic Design closes with the contemplative tunes, "Midwestern" and "Still", one looking back and another dealing with the present and future. "'Midwestern' is a tribute to the beauty of the part of the country where I grew up, trying to carry some of that vibe with me wherever I go," David Cook.

BONEY JAMES BRINGS IT BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH HIS NEW CD FUTURESOUL

Four-time GRAMMY nominee and multi-platinum selling sax-man Boney James continues his artistic evolution with the dynamic futuresoul. Fusing his love for vintage soul music with his mastery of modern production, Boney has created another genre-bending work following on the heels of his 2014 GRAMMY-nominated album The Beat.

“The forms I’m working with are rooted in my early influences,” says James, dropping names like King Curtis, the Stylistics and Earth, Wind & Fire. “But recently I’ve been listening to contemporary artists like Tinashé, Sam Smith and Ellie Goulding, and I’m inspired by the sound of their recordings. The production is so cool and evocative. As I started the new record, I was in my backyard studio messing around with this “gearhead” stuff I’ve collected. Ideas started flowing and it sounded like modern soul music to me. I thought to myself, ‘What is this?’… And then it hit me: ‘futuresoul.’”

His 15th CD, futuresoul contains 10 original songs produced and written or co-written by James. Released by Concord Records May 4, 2015, futuresoul features vocalist and Mint Condition frontman Stokley on “Either Way,” a collaboration enabled by Twitter. Says James, “Like my recent duet with Raheem DeVaughn, I was able to meet Stokley on Twitter and send him the music for this track. He wrote the brilliant lyric and sent me a finished vocal all via email!”

Also featured is rising-star trumpet player Marquis Hill (2014 winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition) on the plaintive “Far From Home.”

Other notable collabs on the record are title-cut “futuresoul,” co-written and co-produced by neo-soul mainstay Dwele, and “Drumline” and “Watchu Gon’ Do About It?” with co-writer/co-producer Jairus Mozee (Anthony Hamilton, Robin Thicke).

futuresoul is the follow-up to The Beat (2013), nominated for the GRAMMY for Best Pop Instrumental Album, which prompted The New York Times to praise “The relaxed charisma of Mr. James’ tone…”

The ‘analog’ tone of the sax combined with the ‘digital’ sounds of modern production contribute to the sonic tension that fuels futuresoul.

Born in Lowell, Mass. and raised in New Rochelle, NY, Boney became seriously interested in music in the mid ‘70s, a very vibrant and freewheeling period for popular music. “You could hear different genres all over the radio. It was a great time to be a young musician.”

Following early pro gigs, (including sideman stints with Morris Day, the Isley Brothers, Randy Crawford and Teena Marie) James released his debut album as a leader, Trust, in 1992.

Over the following 23 years James has racked up sales of more than 3 million records, four RIAA gold albums, four GRAMMY nominations, a Soul Train Award, nominations for two NAACP Image Awards and 10 CD’s atop Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. In 2009 Billboard magazine named him the #3 Contemporary Jazz Artist Of The Decade (trailing just Kenny G and Norah Jones).

What’s in the future for futuresoul? Already making inroads at radio with the funky “Drumline” and the sultry “Either Way,” Boney will hit the road mid 2015 and continue touring throughout 2016.

Known for blurring the lines between genres, with futuresoul, Boney is doing the same between eras.

Let’s just call it “retro music for a modern age.”

NEW RELEASES: JOE LOCKE - LOVE IS A PENDULEM; JAY W. MCGEE- GOOD FEELING; LOTTE ANKER / FRED FIRTH – THE EDGE OF THE LIGHT

JOE LOCKE - LOVE IS A PENDULUM

Love Is A Pendulem considered by the artist as his greatest recording to date, is bold and refreshing in its musical audacity. One of a handful of brilliant jazz musicians to have mastered the vibraphone, Locke flies here from heartbreaking lyrical delicacy to full blown hard-swinging ensemble work, using his instrument as an extension of his deep compositional skill and formidable technical prowess. Sit back and let Locke and his brilliant crew take you on a heartfelt and thrilling musical joyride. Tracklisting: Variation On Wisdom, Love Is The Tide, Love Is A Planchette, Love Is A Pendulem, Love Is Perpetual Motion, For Jessie Mountain, Last Ditch Wisdon, and Embrace. ~ Motema

JAY W. MCGEE- GOOD FEELING

"Good Feeling" marks the return of Jay W. McGee, one of the most interesting voices from the disco and boogie era of the mid and late Eighties. This album is Jay W. McGee’s first new recording since his last release more than 25 years ago, covering a selection from boogie to soul and from disco to gospel. The vocals for "Good Feeling" were recorded in Jay W. McGee’s hometown of Flint/Michigan, while the music was recorded and mixed in Hamburg by up and coming production team The Unbelievable Two. Releasing on various independent labels, Jay W. McGee came up with two albums  ("Over & Over" in 1981 and "Survivor" in 1988), accompanied by a couple of cult 12inch singles which still feature on genre radio and DJ playlists around the world. "Turn Me On" was officially re-issued by Légère Recordings in 2013, while "When We Party" is still a firm favorite among connaisseur DJs. Jay W. McGee started singing gospel music when he was four years old. He toured with a number of funk & soul bands through the USA and Canada during the Seventies and made some great recordings that still have a fresh impact. With "Good Feeling" he goes for an up-to-date production with true respect of his roots, aiming on the dancefloor and the mind. All ten tracks are new and original compositions by Mr. McGee himself and the production team of Julian 'Mzuzu' Romeike and Matthias 'Mucka' Morgenroth, also known as The Unbelievable Two. The styles range from the colorful disco-soul of "Whole Lotta Talk", the lo-down sexy groove of "Make Time For Love", the crazy jazz-funk of "Look Here In My Heart" to the sweet gospel soul of "Do It Right Now".

LOTTE ANKER / FRED FIRTH – THE EDGE OF THE LIGHT

Lotte Anker plays a host of different saxophones here – used in a free flurry of tones and timings next to the wonderfully creative guitar work of Fred Frith – still amazing after all these years! The set's one of those records that reminds us how wonderful improvisation can be when it's really done well – when both players are sensitive and imaginative enough to keep finding new sounds and spaces, really working in a way that's respectful of the other, yet still very individual – that rare sense of collaboration that makes the whole way more than just the sum of the parts. Titles include "Anchor Point", "Non Precision Approach Procedure", "Hallucinating Angels", "The Same Dirt", "Run Don't Hide", and "Thief Breaks Into An Empty House".  ~ Dusty Groove

Legendary soul and funk singles from Atlanta’s Richard Marks

Seven years in the making, Never Satisfied is our collection of legendary soul and funk singles by Atlanta Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter Richard Marks. This 21 track anthology follows Marks’ stylistic development, from his earliest work for the legendary Tuska label, from 1968 until approximately 1972, through his more mature releases on the Shout label and smaller regional labels like Note, Free Spirit and RSC. It also includes two tracks never released in any form, found on reels Marks had maintained in his Atlanta home.

Marks’ story is that on an unsung soul and funk hero; a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter whose number was in Al Green’s, Barry White’s and Eddie Kendricks’ rolodexes, but whose talents have only been heard in sporadic bursts since his 45s were released and disappeared into Atlanta’s urban expanse.

This is the story of a father and husband who managed to keep his family together as he gigged the third shift six nights a week. The story of a man who wished for more and whose talent is overdue for reassessment. He and his music are unknown to the majority, but to an obsessive minority, he is a lightning rod, that singular point at which numerous Southern soul and funk musicians converged and exploded, spreading wondrous music in all directions. Marks’ impeccable run of 7″ singles, released largely on tiny, local labels, are the stuff of legend, and are hen’s-teeth-rare. 

Marks died of cancer in May of 2006, never having issued an album, either in the ’60s and ’70s, when many of his peers were able to find a way to issue an LP, or in anthology form in his later years. He never granted an interview. Given the caliber of his recordings and the near complete lack of information available about him before the issue of this anthology, Marks stands out as the most mysterious talent to originate from Atlanta, a city that birthed no shortage of genius, from acclaimed worldwide (the Mighty Hannibal), obscure yet celebrated (Lee Moses) and local, but well documented (Tommy Stewart).

The release comes as a 56 page, 8.5 x 5.5″ saddle stitched book with the CD inserted into back sleeve. The book contains extensive essays on Marks’ career and is full of never-before-seen photos and ephemera from this crucial Southern soul and funk epoch.

www.nowagainrecords.com

NEW RELEASES: BRAZILIKA 20TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY DOUBLE CD CELEBRATING THE BEST OF FAR OUT: BRAZIL & BEYOND; MATTHEW SHIPP / MAT WALERIAN DUO – THE UPPERCUT LIVE AT OKUDEN; OLIVER LAKE / WILLIAM PARKER – TO ROY

BRAZILIKA 20TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY DOUBLE CD CELEBRATING THE BEST OF FAR OUT: BRAZIL & BEYOND

Previous editions in the Brazilika series have seen globally celebrated compilations from Kenny Dope, Giles Peterson, 4hero and Andy Votel, all marking milestone years in the Far Out story. Celebrating the label's twentieth year, label boss Joe Davis has lovingly brought together his own retrospective. Featuring the likes of Marcos Valle, Azymuth, Joyce Moreno, Sabrina Malheiros, and many more. CD2 is a forward thinking, twenty-seven-track mix, featuring new, exclusive and unreleased material, among timeless Far Out dance floor classics, mixed by Spiritual South, who has a number of his own unreleased remixes throughout the mix. Other gems within are Theo Parrish's remix of Marcos Valle '1985', which was released last month as part of our new Brazilika Vinyl 12" series as well as productions and remixes from the likes of Mark Pritchard, Jazzanova, Paul White, 4hero, Ashley Beedle and many many more. Tracklist: Azymuth - Brazymuth; Marcos Valle - Escape; Sabrina Malheiros - Brisa Mar (Nicola Conte Rework); Joyce & Elza Soars - Samba Da Silvia; The Ipanemas - Imperial; Clara Morena - Meu Samba Torto; Nina Miranda and Chris Franck - Agua; Democustico - Vagalume; Mauricio Maestro & Nana Vasconcelos - Jungle Bells; Nana Vasconcelos - Clemintina; Kirk Degiorgio's Offworld - Ups And Downs;

Azymuth - In My Treehouse; Arthur Verocai - Abertura; Banda Black Rio & Caetano Veloso - Aos Pes do Redentor; Jose Roberto Bertrami - Brilliante; and Spiritual South - Brazilika Bonus Mix (Continuous 27 track DJ Mix).

MATTHEW SHIPP / MAT WALERIAN DUO – THE UPPERCUT LIVE AT OKUDEN

The reed work of Mat Walerian really warms up the piano of Matthew Shipp here – as Mat provides these beautiful lines on alto, bass clarinet, flute, and soprano clarinet – which have a resonant quality that really seems to open up Shipp's music too! We've really moved back towards enjoying Shipp in recent years – and the sense of persona in records like this is a good reason why – almost a renewed soul that we haven't heard in years, unlocked in the right setting like this. Titles include "Black Rain", "It's Sick Out There", "Blues For Acid Cold", "Free Bop Statement One", and "Love & The Other Species".  ~ Dusty Groove

OLIVER LAKE / WILLIAM PARKER – TO ROY

Beautiful duets between Oliver Lake and William Parker – dedicated to the late Roy Campbell, and a wonderful tribute to his genius! This may well be one of the best performances we've heard from Lake in years – a clear, clean, unfettered way to really return to his strengths on alto sax – next to these warm, round basslines from Parker that are always a treat – but which again, seem to have even more power here than on other recent albums. Most tunes are originals, written by either of the pair – and the match of souls and spirits is tremendous throughout. Titles include "Check", "Victor Jara", "Variation On A Theme Of Marvin Gaye", "To Roy", "Light Over Still Water Paints A Portrait Of God", and "Bonu".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: THOMAS CLAUSEN – BLUE RAIN; MATANA ROBERTS - COIN COIN CHAPTER THREE – RIVER RUN THEE; THE COOKERS QUINTET – VOL. 2

THOMAS CLAUSEN – BLUE RAIN

An album that's hitting strong on just about every level – not just the well-crafted piano work of Thomas Clausen, but also the full, rich bass of Jesper Lundgaard – who seems to match every moment of Clausen's inspiration, and fill things in with these tones that are completely captivating! Drummer Billy Hart makes a strong contribution too – that new sense of space and swing that we've heard on some of his own great records of late – and the group also gets wonderful tenor from Tomas Franck, who brings an edge that we don't always hear on Clausen's trio dates – a really wonderful addition to the group. Titles include "Leaves", "Blue Rain", "Punk Monk", "Prelude To A Kiss", "Prism", and "Things You Are".  ~ Dusty Groove

MATANA ROBERTS - COIN COIN CHAPTER THREE – RIVER RUN THEE

Maybe the most dense, most complex work we've heard from Matana Roberts to date – a unusual effort that blends together her own instrumental passages with sound samples recorded during a wintertime ramble through the states of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana! Roberts moves away from her previous group efforts, to hit even more experimental sounds here – which include her own alto saxophone lines, plus work on a Korg Monotron, an early 1900s upright piano, and even a bit of vocalizations too – all taken at a level that's way beyond jazz, and which has elements of found sound mixing with processed instrumental passages, and even some odd snippets of classic American songs. The effort comes off sounding as if an avant jazz album were recorded with an older 4AD aesthetic – with all the dense sonic structures that might imply – and the whole thing's definitely one more reason to keep your eyes focused on Roberts' genius in years to come!  ~ Dusty Groove

THE COOKERS QUINTET – VOL. 2

The Cookers Quintet definitely earn their name this time around – serving up an old school hardbop groove that would have been right at home on 60s Blue Note or Prestige – but which is maybe even more compelling here in a contemporary setting! As before, these guys have a very strong sense of rhythm – similar to some of our favorite artists on the Ricky Tick label – which means an acoustic, live approach to jazz, but one that's also really focused on a soulful groove as well – the sort that's sure to make some of these numbers perfect for the jazz dance underground. There's great vocals on a few cuts too – a number each sung by Johnny O'Neal, Leron Thomas, and Dawn Pemberton – and titles include "Hot For Preacher", "Sheriff", "The New Deal", "The Crumpler", "This Is The Thing", and "Blindside".  ~ Dusty Groove

Guitar Legend DAVID TORN To Tour US In Support Of New Album ONLY SKY

Ever-intrepid guitarist, producer, improviser, film composer and soundscape artist David Torn will embark on his first solo tour of the US since the mid-nineties (see itinerary below). The 22-city tour is in support of “only sky” - an album that explores the far sonic edges of what one man and a guitar can create, a solo recording of almost orchestral atmosphere.

“only sky” is Torn’s first ECM release since 2007’s acclaimed “prezens”, a full-band project, with Tim Berne, Craig Taborn and Tom Rainey, that Jazzwise described as “a vibrating collage full of shimmering sonic shapes, a dark, urban electronic soundscape – a potent mix of jazz, free-form rock and technology that is both demanding and rewarding.” Many of those same descriptors apply to “only sky”, with its hovering ambient shadows and vaulting flashes of light, its channeling of deep country/blues memories and Burroughsian dreams of North Africa. Recorded in the acoustically apt hall of the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center in upstate New York (and then sorted and mixed in Torn’s own mad-scientist lair), “only sky” is an album to get lost in, over and again.

Says David, “For the 'only' sky tour, I'll be performing as I did for the recording: playing the electric guitar, bending its effect to how I might hear it fit these early days of the 21st Century; maybe I'll even convince it to kick some ass, too! Stranger things have happened.”

Across his career, Torn has worked with jazz improvisers (Jan Garbarek, Tim Berne, Don Cherry), film composers (Ryuichi Sakamoto, Carter Burwell) and art-pop singers (David Bowie, David Sylvian). He has also composed music for several films including “Friday Night Lights”, “Lars and the Real Girl”, “Everything Must Go”.

“Torn has a knack for creating music that is at once ethereal and gestural…Torn’s integration of ephemeral realism and celestial surrealism is palpable, providing the true ebb and flow of only sky’s dramatic arc.” - Wilbur MacKenzie – The New York City Jazz Record

“To call him a hero of the electric avant-garde would be accurate but incomplete.” - Nate Chinen, The New York Times

“Go ahead and call the wily guitarist a master of chopped 'n' screwed jazz schema. Onstage the mad scientist and his new pals find a way to balance the aggression with the reflection. Wildly tantalizing textures.” - Village Voice New York

David Torn tour dates:

May 08 - New York, NY at Subculture

May 10 - Hamden, CT at The Ballroom at The Outer Space

May 11 - Marlboro, NY at The Falcon

May 12 - Dunellen, NJ at NJ Proghouse @ Roxy & Dukes

May 13 - Cambridge, MA at Regattabar

May 14 - Philadelphia, PA at Philadelphia Art Alliance

May 16 - Portland, OR at Holocene

May 17-18 - Seattle, WA at Storyville (Pike Place)

May 19 - San Francisco, CA at Slim’s

May 20 - Sacramento, CA at Gold Lion Arts

May 21 - Los Angeles, CA at Blue Whale

May 22 - Denver, CO at Walnut Room

May 26 - Minneapolis, MN at Cedar Cultural Center

May 27 - Milwaukee, WI at The Jazz Estate

May 29 - Chicago, IL at Constellation

May 30 - Cincinnati, OH at The Monastery

May 31 - Pittsburgh, PA at Club Café

June 1 - Washington DC at Union Arts

June 3 - Baltimore, MD at The Windup Space

June 4 - Carrboro, NC at Cat’s Cradle

June 6 - Asheville, NC at Streamside Concerts

June 7 - Atlanta, GA at Red Light Café

Ivo Perelman Returns to Recording with Release of Three New Albums: Callas, Counterpoint and Tenorhood

It's been almost a year since Ivo Perelman has issued a new recording. For most artists, that would represent a normal release schedule; for Perelman, who had produced 20 or so albums in the previous four years, it marks a significant gap in his creative output. Now come three new albums (Callas as a double-CD, Tenorhood and Counterpoint) at once, which for most artists would signify an attempt to catch up after the year's inactivity. For Perelman, however, it merely returns him to his regular schedule. 

Perelman's latest collection of simultaneous releases, all on Leo Records, celebrate artistic heroes new and old, and musical relationships that fall somewhere in the middle. Taken together, they capture much of this remarkable artist's range of technique, emotion, and imagination; any one of them, taken separately, stands as a significant addition to his by now overwhelming discography. They also announce to the listening public that, after a significant physical crisis, Perelman is back in full force. 

In 2014, Perelman began to experience pain and bleeding from his mouth. Thinking this signified dental problems, he arranged to visit his native Brazil for oral surgery. But before his trip, he learned that the problem actually originated in his larynx, which had suffered damage from Perelman's preternatural reliance on, and mastery of, the tenor saxophone's altissimo register - the extremely high notes above the instrument's written range. Perelman has made the use of these notes an integral part of his hyper-expressive, enormously flexible saxophone style; indeed, he has brought a previously unimagined command and control to these timbral frontiers. Perelman discovered that his methodology had stressed the larynx; moreover, the stress bore a distinct similarity to that experienced by vocalists, and specifically operatic singers. 

Temporarily putting aside the saxophone, Perelman began to contact singers who had suffered the same condition. "I started to take voice lessons, and lessons in breathing technique - and I started to heal," he explains. "If I hadn't done this, I would not be able to play the way I want, and to continue to grow. Now I breathe as if I were a singer; I think as if I am a singer." By incorporating these changes, and by reconstructing his embouchure, Perelman soon healed (and without the services of a dentist). During this time, he began listening intently to opera, and eventually to the recordings of Maria Callas, the "new hero" that inspired his double-CD Callas, featuring Perelman's longtime collaborator Matthew Shipp on piano. 

Each of the utterly spontaneous duo performances in this set bears the name of a character portrayed by Callas, the Greek-American diva whose meteoric and tumultuous career in the 1950s remains the stuff of artistic legend. Among the title protagonists brought to mind by these improvised arias are Medea, Lucia di Lammermoor, Norma, and Aida, as well as Mimi from La Bohéme and Rosina from Barber of Seville. Perelman's music has always displayed an almost operatic nature, in its grand emotions and in the epic proportions of his improvisations. But now, as he points out, the influence of Callas has given his sound "a subtle new vocal quality. 

"We saxophonists have this thing with reeds: 'You're only as good as your reed.' The free-flowing perfection of a perfect reed is like nirvana for us. And Callas is like the perfect reed, the perfect vibration, because of the perfect use of her vocal apparatus, brought about by her superhuman dedication. This has deeply affected my approach." For Ivo Perelman, Maria Callas is more than a "new hero," and her music more than a helpmate in his recovery; she has become a soulmate across centuries. "I fell in love with her," he says, "It's as if know her. I know what she felt; the feelings she had, I have felt." 

Whether because of Callas or due to his joy in the resumption of performing, Perelman's saxophone creations have perhaps never had more emotional resonance. What's more, on this album his collaboration with Shipp has achieved a new high point in what was already a stunning example of musical clairvoyance. Shipp's relationship to Perelman has previously been described as "the Lewis to his Clark" on a "shared expedition of discovery." On Callas, it goes even further, in the words of Leo Records founder Leo Feigin, who writes: "Nobody sounded like this before. These are not just free improvisations; it is a kind of new genre. It is not two people playing but one. It is more than telepathy - so organic, so natural."

Upcoming Ivo Perelman Performances:

July 17 / Michiko Rehearsal Studios / New York, NY

Ivo Perelman · Callas,Counterpoint,Tenorhood

Leo Records  ·  Release Date: May 26, 2014 

www.IvoPerelman.com

NEW WEST GUITAR GROUP Releases SEND ONE YOUR LOVE, Featuring Five Jazz Vocalists

Over the last ten years, the New West Guitar Group (NWGG) has emerged as one of the premier guitar ensembles in the world. Their signature sound comes from an innovative style that highlights rhythm, beauty and virtuosity through combining acoustic and electric guitars. 

With five studio albums to their credit, this new release Send One Your Love features an incredible cast of guest jazz vocalists. Teaming up with Gretchen Parlato, Tierney Sutton, Sara Gazarek, Becca Stevens and Peter Eldridge, the album tells a story about the highs and lows of love. Each vocalist is featured on a traditional and contemporary standard with lyrics that portray themes of vulnerability, hope, pain and happiness. Seattle Times hails NWGG as "sharp and refined" while All Music Guide says the trio's expert arrangements "sometimes verge on the orchestral." The band lives up to their reputation on Send One Your Love showcasing their thoughtful arrangements specifically done for the sound and style of each vocalist. The project brings together timeless compositions from Cole Porter, Joni Mitchell, Kurt Weill, Randy Newman and others through the sophisticated New West style of arranging. The result is a beautifully crafted and cohesive album that expands the notion of what is a "standard" to tell a story about of love. 

For New West Guitar Group, this album was a unique chance for the members to collaborate with different vocalists in a reimagined setting rather than a sideman situation. Founding members Perry Smith and John Storie have had years of experience working as sidemen for jazz vocalists. Smith toured extensively with Canada's Sophie Milman and also worked for many years with LA vocalist Kathleen Grace. Storie has performed and recorded for many years with contemporary jazz vocalist Spencer Day and performs regularly with Hollywood's Jeff Goldblum. Drawing from their years of experience, they set forth to combine their signature style in New West Guitar Group with five of today's leading jazz vocalists. "This project was a great opportunity for us to focus around a concept driven by the lyrics" says Smith, "something we rarely get to do in an instrumental guitar group." 

Gretchen Parlato opens the first track "Send One Your Love" and is certainly no stranger to New West Guitar Group. Smith and Storie founded NWGG at USC in 2005 and knew Parlato when she was a student there in Thelonious Monk Institute. In 2009, Parlato collaborated with NWGG on their all-acoustic album called Sleeping Lady produced by Traugott Guitars. In addition to the groovin' title track by Stevie Wonder, Parlato is also featured on the dreamy ballad "Like Someone in Love." Her subtle and innovative way of singing is a perfect fit with the sophisticated and genre-blending style of NWGG. 

The second track "Detour Ahead" showcases the amazing Becca Stevens (who also sings later in the album on an Elliott Smith composition "Waltz No. 1"). Stevens first heard about New West Guitar Group back in 2008 when she booked NWGG at the forward sounding New York club, Bella Sugardo. On this album she sings songs about the unpredictable nature of life and love. Stevens captures this emotion with her evocative voice and truly unique style combining jazz with folk inspired phrasing. 

Following Stevens is the incomparable Peter Eldridge who was new to working with NWGG. However, Smith and Eldridge had many mutual friends and NWGG thought his delicate and sophisticated style would fit perfectly on this album. "His contributions are an incredible lift to this album," says John Storie, who arranged "Black Crow" for Eldridge. Later in the album he puts forth a beautiful rendition of the timeless Kurt Weill composition "My Ship." 

The rising west coast star Sara Gazarek follows Eldridge with a hauntingly gorgeous performance on the classic standard "I Fall in Love Too Easily." Gazarek attended USC with Perry and John and the three of them have worked together in various formats over the last 10 years. "I remember Sara singing 'I Fall in Love' when we were all freshman," says Smith. "No one does it better, it's so natural for her." Gazarek also sings the final track on the album, a moving rendition of James Taylor's "Secret o' Life."

Featured on the fifth and ninth track is the renowned Tierney Sutton. Sutton was introduced to NWGG at USC when she used to be on the vocal faculty. Smith used to work with her students and Sutton was always very complimentary of his arrangements. Together with Storie, they both performed with Sutton at various school events and 10 years later she was more than happy to record with them. Featured on "You Be So Nice to Come Home To" NWGG takes advantage of Sutton's expansive vocal technique. "She's so good at up-tempos" says Storie, "her time and phrasing is impeccable." In the second half of the album Sutton is featured on the poignant Randy Newman ballad "When She Loved Me" from Toy Story 2. 

As the next chapter in their already 10 year recording career, Send One Your Love gives New West Guitar Group a concept album for the ages. This collaborative effort tells a story about the highs and lows of love through the timeless tradition of guitar and voice.

Upcoming New West Guitar Group Performances:

June 11 / Descanso Gardens / La Cañada, CA

* June 12 / The Blue Whale (w/ special guest Tierney Sutton) / Los Angeles, CA

June 13 / Folly Bowl / Altadena, CA

June 14 / Minard House Concert / Los Angeles, CA

* June 18 / SubCulture (w/ Peter Eldridge and Gretchen Parlato) / New York, NY

* June 19 / Regattabar / Cambridge, MA

* June 20 / Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center / Stowe, VT

* June 21 / Rochester Jazz Festival / Rochester, NY

* June 22 / Iron Horse Music Hall / Northampton, MA

July 26 / Firehouse Arts Center / Pleasanton, CA

August 13 / Music on the Beach / South Lake Tahoe, CA

August 14 / Carson City Jazz and Beyond / Carson City, NV

August 15 / Occidental Center for the Arts / Occidental, CA

* August 16 / Old Saint Hilary's / Tiburon, CA

August 19 / Aquarium of the Pacific / Long Beach, CA

* August 20 / Martinis Above 4th / San Diego, CA

* August 22 / Lotusland / Santa Barbara, CA

* October 25 / Morris Museum / Morristown, NJ

* November 6 & 7 / Cuesta Vocal Jazz Festival / San Luis Obispo, CA

* November 11 / Jimmy Mak's / Portland, OR

* November 21 / Lakeshore Jazz Series / Tempe, AZ

* indicates special guest Sara Gazarek 

New West Guitar Group · Send One Your Love 

Summit Records · Release Dates: June 8 (iTunes), August 7 (physical), 2015

NewWestGuitarGroup.com

NEW RELEASES: DELANEY & BONNIE WITH THE ALLMAN BROTHERS & KING CURTIS - A&R STUDIOS 1971; THE SOUL MOTIVATORS - FREE TO BELIEVE; ASA - BED OF STONE

DELANEY & BONNIE WITH THE ALLMAN BROTHERS & KING CURTIS - A&R STUDIOS 1971

An outstanding 1971 studio concert broadcast, featuring Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, hot off the road with Eric Clapton and George Harrison, live at A&R Recording Studios in New York City - this time with friends Duane & Gregg Allman and King Curtis. The show begins acoustically (listen to D&B & Duane on Come on in My Kitchen ) then gets rowdy and electric for the second half. There’s a lot of chatter too which is endlessly fascinating and while the electric set has some minor sonic issues, the historic significance of this recording is rich the 18 minute Only You Know And I Know, featuring smokin’ leads by King Curtis & Gregg Allman is a pure joy to behold. Speaking of historic significance, it should be remembered that both Clapton & Harrison escaped the restrictions of their respective bands to hit the road with the Bramletts, and Clapton raided D&B s Friends to form Derek & The Dominos (while the Stones snagged Bobby Keys and Jim Price who debuted on D&B s Accept No Substitute). Delaney Bramlett, who passed away in 2008 at 69, also produced and co-wrote one of Clapton s best solo albums, 1970s Eric Clapton. ~ Amazon

THE SOUL MOTIVATORS - FREE TO BELIEVE

Psych-tinged funk from Toronto's Soul Motivators – with a gritty, soul reverent sound you can believe in! The promising couple of 45 cuts we heard in the lead-up to this strong full length debut were a solid indicator that this 9-piece group could deliver the goods, and sure enough, it's a genuine win! The core elements of horns, drums & percussion, snapping bass grooves, guitar and keyboards walk the line between hard funk grit and precision interplay – feeling more like the work of a veteran unit than a debut album. Lead singer Lydia Persaud brings in a deeper soul integrity, and there's lots of room in their songs for standout solo opportunities for the excellent band. Strong stuff! Includes "Free To Believe", "Love Thing", "Street Level", "Baby I'm Gone", "La Garonne", "Dr Know It All", "Hang On In There", "Working It Out", "Until The Sun Goes Down" and more – plus the bonus tracks "Throw The Bones" and "Walk Away".  ~ Dusty Groove

ASA - BED OF STONE

With her two first albums "Asa" and "Beautiful Imperfection", the Nigerian female singer Asa revealed a jubilant soul-pop supported by the titles "Jailers", "Fire On The Mountain" or "Be My Man". After 400 000 albums sold and more than 300 sold out dates, Asa comes back with a third album that has been written between Lagos, Berlin, Nashville, Los Angeles, London, Paris…. The album has been recorded in East Sussex, England, at Blair MacKichan's house who cosigned Will Young and Lilly Allen hits. Bed of Stone” contains huge tracks such as the hit singles “Eyo” and “Dead Again.” ~ Amazon