INTRUMENTS is full of groove – without any beats: Henrik Schwarz‘s music in an acoustic arrangement for chamber orchestra

"What's left of my music if I have it played by Classical musicians and omit the most important element, the beats?" This question was the starting point for INSTRUMENTS, the new Henrik Schwarz album. Four years have passed now since the Berlin musician and producer was first invited to have a selection of his House tracks played by an orchestra. Now the Tokyo Secret Orchestra has recorded seven pieces arranged for chamber orchestra that are reminiscent of the minimalism of Steve Reich and Michael Nyman not least in their poetry and magnetic pull. In between times, a piece like "In Björndal" with its shimmering instrumental colours even takes us back to the fin de siècle and the music of Schönberg.

The last ten years have seen quite a few Classical performances of electronic club music. But many of these were in the "classic rock" tradition of the 1970's, when symphony orchestras played the big pop hits of the day. "In most cases, electronic beats were then mixed into the orchestral arrangements, but I always found that a bit half-hearted", says Schwarz. He wasn't interested in so-called Crossover; what interested him was what happens when club music is transferred to a body of Classical instruments. "I wanted to see whether this music still means anything when you take away all the synthetic sounds and the beats." This prompted Henrik Schwarz to experiment with the scores, working together with arranger Johannes Brecht and various ensembles, without any computer sounds or acoustic percussion instruments that supply a rhythm in 4/4 time.

For more than a decade now Henrik Schwarz, 42, has been one of the best-respected House producers and a sought-after remixer, e.g. for Mary J. Blige, Ane Brun and Coldplay, with his music appearing on labels like Innervisions, !K7 and Sunday Music. In recent years, he has worked on an increasing number of cross-genre projects: Schwarz wrote the music for a silent film and worked together with the Berlin State Ballet and painter Norbert Bisky; he makes music together with leading jazzmen Bugge Wesseltoft and Dan Berglund, and gives concerts with pianist Nik Bärtsch. The arrangements on INSTRUMENTS have been performed in the last few years by different orchestras in some of Europe's best-known concert venues, such as Berlin's Kammermusiksaal, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw or the Tonhalle in Zurich. And the audience was delighted in every case. "An elegant, dynamic, unprecedented combination of Classical instruments and an Afro-American groove that doesn't seem superimposed, but is actually in the molecules of this music" – thus critic Florian Sievers in "Groove Magazin".

The breakthough came for Henrik Schwarz personally with a performance given by 27 young Japanese musicians under conductor Emi Akiyama: they appeared in a Buddhist temple in 2013 under the name Tokyo Secret Orchestra. "Suddenly I heard my own music with different ears. Classical music makes completely different demands on the players from a House track. In House music it's the precision timing that creates the groove, but an orchestra is not used to playing like a machine. In Tokyo, though, I had the feeling that the musicians managed to penetrate to the music's core."

The recordings made in Japan supplied the source material for the album INSTRUMENTS. Seven pieces are rearranged here for Classical instruments, from Henrik Schwarz's club hit "Walk Music" (which he used in the new arrangement as an opener for his live sets for a long time) through "Wamims", the version of a 2006 remix, to the only piece on the record that is new and previously unreleased: "In Björndal".

All the pieces have been arranged for the obligatory body of strings (violins, violas, cellos and double bass, and the strings are joined by low woodwind (bass flute, bass clarinet and bassoon) that not only supply individual timbres. In addition, similar to the percussion instruments (the vibraphone among them), they are also a source of rhythm. In this context, the focus is on the magic and the magnetic power of minimalism, something that American composer Steve Reich used to influence the pop and techno scene with his cleverly interlocking rhythmic chains.

Right at the outset of "Walk Music", we are offered a magical combination of single, lyrical notes from the strings and mysterious vibraphone figures in the background. And the following track, "Marvin", literally sprouts from a single note that is constantly repeated. Here, the bass flute, the viola and the cello evolve a rhythmic energy whose slightly burlesque tone is initially reminiscent of the Neo-Classicism of Stravinsky – at least until the orchestra strikes up a groove in several parts.

Nor is this by any means the only reference to the great Classical masters: inconspicuous reminiscences of this kind are cunningly sprinkled in at liberty. The piece "In Björndal" radiates a curious and seductive melancholy magic that could almost be a tribute to Arnold Schönberg and his prismatic style. Another example: arranger Johannes Brecht added to the ensemble for "Leave My Head Alone Brain" a bassett horn, a member of the clarinet family that Mozart was particularly fond of. And in "I Exist Because Of You" the cello sometimes plays the so-called 'Bartók pizzicati' that go back to the Hungarian composer: the cellist twangs the string and then lets it spring back against the fingerboard.

The harmonies and sounds of the original tracks are played here by the strings and also a number of woodwind instruments, among which the bass clarinet has the starring role. Time and time again, production techniques from electronic music such as loops or low-cuts are transformed into orchestral arrangements, with frequencies being muffled over the space of several bars (e.g. in "Leave My Head Alone Brain Seven"). The result is a new kind of music played on Classical instruments. a music that doesn't deny its roots in the club world and could only be created on the computer; a music that manages to transport the energy of electronic dance music to the Classical concert hall – with the bass drum only present in the listener's head.

DAVE STRYKER'S tribute to Stanley Turrentine, MESSIN' WITH MISTER T, feature 10 world-class saxophone players

Now here’s a winning hand: Dave Stryker’s organ trio, 10 of the world’s finest tenor saxophone players, and the legacy of Stanley Turrentine.  You could call it a tribute to the late great tenor, but given Stryker’s audacious title, Mister T looms here more like an enduring challenge that an icon of past glories.  The Pittsburgh native died 15 years ago, but he remains synonymous with soulfulness.

Messin’ with Mister T is Dave Styker’s personal homage to Turrentine, whom he toured with for over a decade and recorded twice.  Dave says that being hired by Stanley was a “real validation” of his playing, and he’s had it in mind,”ever since he passed to do something like this tribute.”  One sure sign that the time was right is that everyone he asked to appear on that date came “immediately on board.  Stanley meant so much to all of us.”  Deciding who would play which tune fell into place without a hitch, too, as did the material, which basically reflects Turrentine’s set lists from over the years Stryker toured with him. 

The greater challenge that Stryker faced on Messin’ with Mister T was to pay proper respects to his mentor while still managing to make a “Dave Stryker record.”  I’d say he’s succeeded from start to finish, and Chris Potter, who joins him here for a phenomenal take on “Impressions,” knows why.  “There’s no better person to pay tribute to Stanley than Dave because the musical values Stanley always stood for – swing, soulfulness, taste, melody, and beautiful sound – are carried forward in everything that Dave plays.”

Messin’ with Mister T is the latest in the brilliant series of recordings that Stryker has led over the past 25 years, and a follow-up to his hugely successful Eight Track.  The guitarist seems never at a loss for inspiration and the array of styles he commands and the flow of ideas he executes is truly impressive.  Dave says that Turrentine’s influence was especially strong in showing him how important it was to establish a sound of his own, and to “communicate to people.  Stanley had an audience, and he never left them behind.”

Tracklisting:    

1.  La Place Street w/Houston Person

2.  Pieces Of Dreams w/Mike Le

3.  Don’t Mess With Mister T w/Don Braden

4.  In A Sentimental Mood w/Jimmy Heath

5.  Impressions w/Chris Potter

6.  Gibraltar w/Bob Mintzer

7.  Salt Song w/Eric Alexander

8.  Sugar w/Javon Jackson

9.  Sidesteppin’ w/Steve Stagle

10.Let It Go w/Tivon Pennicott

Bassist LORENZO FELICIATI To Release KOI; concept album, blending ambient music and prog-rock, features Japan drummer STEVE JANSEN & King Crimson drummer PAT MASTELOTTO

For his sixth recording for RareNoiseRecords, following his 2011 solo album Frequent Flyer and subsequent collaborations with vocalist-multi-instrumentalist Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari (Berserk!) and Porcupine Tree bassist Colin Edwin (Twinscapes) as well as two albums with the adventurous jazz-rock outfit Naked Truth (Shizaru, Ouroboros), the restlessly creative bassist-composer-producer Lorenzo Feliciati has realized his most ambitious and personal project to date in Koi.

A concept album based on the life of the renowned river carp fish, Koi features former Japan drummer Steve Jansen and current King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto along with pianist Alessandro Gwis, trumpeter Angelo Olivieri, saxophonist Nicola Alesini and a horn section consisting of trombonist Stan Adams, bass trombonist Pierluigi Bastioli and baritone saxophonist Duilio Ingrosso. A suite-like offering that intersperses mesmerizing ambient interludes with full-blown prog-rock type anthems, Koi brilliantly showcases Feliciati's composerly vision while highlighting his considerable chops on fretted and fretless electric basses.

Traditional Chinese folktales tell the story of Koi fish that swam up the Yellow River, and though taunted by demons, would not relent in their quest to jump over waterfalls; the gods noticed and celebrated their perseverance and endurance by transforming them into golden dragons, a symbol of strength and power. The Japanese recognized these fish not just for their beauty but for their ability to induce otherworldly states of perception in the observer. These altered states of perception ultimately lead to the attraction of high energy, which manifests itself in the form of prosperity of all kinds in our lives.

The musical journey of Koi begins with the spacious, echo-laden piano soundscape "Kohaku" and is followed by the hard-hitting "New House," a Feliciati composition with Steve Jansen on drums and Alessandro Gwis on keyboards, that is brimming with kinetic momentum and based on a repetitive riff augmented by punchy horns. Lorenzo's fretless bass melody is doubled here by muted trumpet while baritone sax deepens the groove. The icy and hypnotic interlude "Kumonryu" is followed by the moody, slow-grooving requiem "Oxbow."

Following another ambient interlude, "Black Kumonryu" Feliciati is reunited with his Naked Truth band mate Mastelotto, who provides the rhythmic pulse on "Noir Alley Verdigris", a potent number which falls somewhere between King Crimson and Weather Report."Ogon" provides a breath before Feliciati and crew launch into the dynamic, odd-metered "Narada", featuring a strong 7/8 groove by Jansen, nearly a dance beat, where distorted bass and horn section mesh to unison. 

Feliciati turns in his most expressive fretless playing on "Margata", a homage to Jaco Pastorius; following another mesmerizing interlude in "Kuchibeni," Feliciati unleashes his fuzz bass chops on the powerhouse "Fish Bowl", which incorporates trombones and bass in a low-end unison motif before yielding to a throbbing vamp. This piece originally started as a Frank Zappa-influenced bass/horn section unison riff, but morphed during the final arrangement into something quite different altogether - Feliciati's bass line moving around Steve Jansen's drums and electronics giving the impression that it is Jansen moving around Feliciati.

The collection closes with the title track "Koi", which travels from minimalist intro to cinematic crescendo - the Koi has now become a Golden Dragon.

TRACKS

1. Kohaku 

2. New House

3. Kumonryu

4. Oxbow

5. Black Kumonryu

6. Noir Alley Verdigris

7. Ogon

8. Narada

9. Margata

10.Kuchibeni

11. Fish Bowl

12. Koi

 

Brooklyn Gypsies Announce Debut Album Sin Fronteras is out May 5, 2015 on Wonderwheel Recordings

The Brooklyn Gypsies are a group of NYC based musicians/producers whose creative influences draw from the constant shifting of an ever changing urban sociopolitical landscape while retaining their unique cultural backgrounds through what has come to be recognized as “Gypsy” music.

Sin Fronteras is the groups debut album which translates to “Without Borders.”  This theme can be heard in the seamless fusion of genres taking the listener on a sci-fi desert journey through the Middle East and North African Sahara with The Spy From Cairo’s Oud stylings navigating the caravan.  Lyrics in Spanish, English and even Russian are featured from the group’s two vocalists Carmen Estevez, who showcases her flamenco freestyle textures on “Supercore,” & Tina Kristina’s, whose reggae blues & Russian folk inspired melodies in “Desert Moon” create a unique BK Gypsy sound.  Rhythmic trances are induced via drummer Brandon Lewis & Estevez’s Arabic percussion breakbeats as heard on “Marfa,” while producer Takuya Nakamura's seductive trumpet lines & deep bass synth pads along with co producer Troy "Mobius" Simms summon Gypsy Dub sax riffs & solos reminiscent of street musicians on Istanbul’s Istikal thoroughfare and dancehalls in Kingston Jamaica.  The roots reach as far east as Japan on “BK Gypsy Dancehall” Feat. Bajah of Dry Eye Crew, fusing a Japanese Koto melody with the Sierra Leonean MC’s signature reggae dancehall cadence.  “Sin Fronteras” is a tribute to the nomadic Gypsy spirit worldwide.

Originating from Spain, Japan, Russia, Italy & U.S.A. BK Gypsies truly represents Brooklyn’s diverse ethnic heritage and style.  The gypsies came to be in 2012 within Williamsburg Brooklyn’s  Studio BPM music scene.   Members include: Carmen Estevez, Takuya Nakamura, Tina Kristina, Brandon Lewis, Troy "Mobius" Simms & Zeb "The Spy From Cairo.”  After a number of collaborative projects between the artist were explored the opportunity to form a band that incorporated elements from each project arose. The groups sound is an infusion of Mediterranean, North African, Arabic Themes with Electronic, Dancehall and Dub Reggae. The term "Gypsy" was incorporated into the band name representing the nomadic spirit & way of life within this musical journey.

NEW RELEASES: THE VERY BEST OF IDRIS MUHAMMAD: BOOGIE TO THE TOP; PAUL WILLIAMS – A LITTLE ON THE WINDY SIDE (EXPANDED EDITION); NICOLE WILLIS & THE SOUL INVESTIGATORS - PAINT ME IN A CORNER

IDRIS MUHAMMAD - THE VERY BEST OF IDRIS MUHAMMAD: BOOGIE TO THE TOP

This collection includes the Jazz Funk Classics Could Heaven Ever Be Like This, Boogie To The Top and Turn This Mutha Out, and the 7 versions of these three tracks are also added as bonus tracks. Some amazing Jazz musicians play on tracks featured on this compilation, including Grover Washington Jr, Eric Gale, Bob James, Ralph MacDonald, Fred Wesley, Hiram Bullock & The Brecker Brothers. The CTI / Kudu albums were recorded between 1974 & 1978 a real purple patch for Idris with the release of four albums in that period namely Power Of Soul, House Of The Rising Sun, Turn This Mutha Out & Boogie To The Top Tracks on these albums were produced by Creed Taylor & Dave Matthews. The track Lorans Dance was sampled by both The Beastie Boys (For All The Girls) and Fatboy Slim (The Weekend Starts Here), Could Heaven Ever Be Like This has also been sampled notably by Jamiroquai (Alright). ~ Amazon

PAUL WILLIAMS – A LITTLE ON THE WINDY SIDE (EXPANDED EDITION)

In a Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe-winning career that’s taken him from Tiny Tim to Daft Punk, Paul Williams has seen his songs recorded by Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, The Carpenters, and of course, Kermit the Frog. During his reign as perhaps the Seventies’ most in-demand songwriter, Williams also kept busy as an actor, television personality and recording artist. He came into his own as a vocalist at Reprise and A&M Records on albums such as Someday Man and Just an Old-Fashioned Love Song before moving to Epic Records’ sister label, Portrait. At Portrait – also the home of Heart and, briefly, Ringo Starr – Williams recorded what he later described as “one of the most listenable and good-feeling records I’ve ever been associated with.”  That record was A Little on the Windy Side. The album was recorded in Nashville with Paul’s brother Mentor Williams—the songwriter of Dobie Gray’s Top 5 hit “Drift Away” and Paul’s onetime bandmate in The Holy Mackerel—and featured Music City’s top session cats including David Briggs, Reggie Young and Troy Seals (a talented songwriter in his own right.)  Despite a wealth of strong material including movie tunes “Here’s Another Fine Mess” and “My Fair Share,” fan favorite “For Goodness Sake,” and a collaboration with Brill Building legend Jeff Barry, A Little on the Windy Side all but disappeared when the Portrait label was briefly shuttered.  Years later, a limited edition Japanese CD release came and went, too.  Real Gone Music and Second Disc Records have come to the rescue with this freshly-remastered first-ever American reissue.  Even better, four bonus tracks have been added to this Expanded Edition!  Three never-before-heard outtakes (including Paul’s own rendition of “When the River Meets the Sea” from the beloved holiday special Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas and “Love Conquers All,” originally performed by Seals & Crofts) and a rare mono single round out this package, which features new liner notes from The Second Disc’s Joe Marchese and remastering by Sean Brennan at Battery Studios in New York.  

NICOLE WILLIS & THE SOUL INVESTIGATORS - PAINT ME IN A CORNER

Now and then you might find yourself painted in a corner. It is usually the case that you can only blame yourself for ending up there. The painter of shapes and words, Nicole Willis has painted herself for the past ten years into the periphery of Helsinki, Finland, only to sing her soul out. Now she's back at grinding her vocal axe with The Soul Investigators. Approaching the release of their third joint album in late 2015, it's time to test the waters with Paint Me in a Corner b/w Where Are You Now. Neither of the tracks carries much of a humour element. The first one points its pounding existential finger towards us all, urging us to break the chains of normality, while the beautiful melancholia of the second track rocks the listener in a mid-tempo groove paradise. These two tracks might be just the thing to kick you in the chest with enough soul in order to get out of the house. Maybe even dance by yourself in a desolate corner of the bar.

Things are already heating up for the throwback R&B vocal group DW3 on the heels of a new album "VINTAGE TRUTH" plus a hot radio single featuring Brian Culbertson

A twelve-song set of smooth old school soul strewn with modern day sensibilities, retro R&B vocal group DW3’s just released sophomore disc, “Vintage Truth,” is letting the music be its guide to the top of Billboard’s Most Added and New & Active singles charts thanks to their spirited harmony, rhythm & groove outing with contemporary jazz keyboards kingpin Brian Culbertson titled “Let The Music.” The GRAMMY®-nominated vocalists will celebrate the Woodward Avenue Records release at a pair of Los Angeles-area launch parties beginning with Thursday’s (April 16) gig at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California prior to playing a string of summer jazz festival dates from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. 

“Vintage Truth,” which was Amazon’s No. 1 classic R&B album during the week of release, is dedicated to DW3’s late drummer, producer and mentor Ricky Lawson (Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, Steely Dan), who passed away prior to the album’s completion. Hit producer-mixer Paul Brown stepped in to help finish the record and DW3 – brothers Billy & Eric Mondragon and Damon Reel - assumed the production helm on half the tracks, a mix of soul-powered originals and classic covers by a pair of the outfit’s seminal influences, Stevie Wonder (“Overjoyed”) and Luther Vandross (“So Amazing”),  in addition to a scorching soul-singed remake of The Pasadenas’ “Tribute (Right On)” and seductive, caressing versions of The Eagles’ “I Can’t Tell You Why” and The Mamas & The Papas’ “California Dreamin’.” Horn men Dave Koz, Greg Adams and Elan Trotman make guest appearances on “Vintage Truth” to animate by adding hues of sax and trumpet.      

The release of “Vintage Truth” will be feted a second time on May 24 at Spaghettini’s new buzz spot location in Beverly Hills. Earlier that same day, DW3 will bring their combustible party band live show to the San Diego Jazz Festival. Other upcoming high-profile festival dates include the Newport Beach Jazz Festival (May 30), Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway (June 13 & 14) and the Cancun Jazz Festival (September 2-6). DW3 is slated to open for R&B-jazz great George Benson on September 25 at Thornton Winery in Temecula, California. 

www.DW3music.com   

“Remembering Joe Sample” at the Berks Jazz Festival

One of the featured attractions at this year’s Berks Jazz Festival (its 25th anniversary show) will be a special performance on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Reading, PA called “Remembering Joe Sample.” This special tribute to the world renowned pianist and composer who passed away last September was organized by musical director Bobby Lyle and festival promoter John Ernesto; and will feature a stellar lineup of artists—many of whom performed and/or recorded with Sample.

It was a sad day for jazz fans as they lost their ambassador last fall (September 12, 2014) when Joe Sample died of mesothelioma, leaving a void in the smooth jazz/contemporary piano world. Gaining his fame in the early 1960s, and then topping charts with the award-winning Jazz Crusaders, the keyboard player who was comfortable in all musical settings, ranging from zydeco to playing blues with Eric Clapton to playing straight-ahead jazz. Sample also played a tremendous role in branding the sound of the Houston-based Jazz Crusaders.

The horn section will consist of saxophonist Wilton Felder, who along with Sample, trombonist Wayne Henderson, and drummer Stix Hooper founded the famous Houston-based group called the Jazz Crusaders. Felder will be joined by trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonist Everette Harp, and trombonist Jeff Bradshaw. The rhythm section will consist of Nick Sample (Joe’s son) on bass; J.J. Williams on drums; Randy Jacobs on guitar; Doc Gibbs on percussion; and musical director Bobby Lyle on piano. Vocalist Lizz Hogue will recreate some of the tunes made famous by the Sample/ Randy Crawford collaboration, including “Street Life.”

Joe Sample, who was a pioneer of contemporary jazz piano always reached back to the primary sources of jazz and soul music to create his personal interpretations of many composers. For nearly five decades Sample was an integral innovative, and best-selling part of jazz history; and the world lost one of its legends last year with his passing.

“Joe Sample and I became very close in the last few years. He was like a big brother to me and there was always tremendous musical respect between the two of us, thus, his loss hit all of us very hard. But putting this tribute together for the festival will allow us to celebrate the man and his illustrious musical life. For me it has truly been a labor of love, an honor, and a privilege. Showcasing some of his brilliant compositions for the audience will be a wonderful way to salute a musical icon whose legacy spanned decades and will live on forever.” –Bobby Lyle

In the history of the Berks Jazz Festival, and starting from its launch in 1991, Jazz Crusaders Joe Sample has been a featured performer four times (2000, 2002, 2006, and 2011). Berks Jazz Festival has always been about cultivating, promoting, and supporting the arts in the community of Pennsylvania through collaboration, education, and presentation. It continues that mission and propels excellence in jazz by featuring the cream of the crop in the jazz world. Joe Sample has been among the world’s jazz royalty throughout the years and has graced Berks Festival’s stage alongside Lalah Hathaway, Boney James, Spyro Gyra. Kirk Whalum, Yellow Jackets, Kurt Elling quartet, Betty Carter, Jeff Lorber, Najee, etc., throughout his years of his attendance there.

Longtime friend, neighbor, and fellow pianist Bobby Lyle is paying homage to Joe Sample during the Berks Jazz Festival with this special concert. Throughout his musical career, Lyle has developed an international reputation not only for his incredible piano technique, but also for his versatility and ability to constantly reinvent himself, both as a leader, sideman, and even as music director for superstars Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, and Anita Baker.

NEW RELEASES: FREE SOUL MEETS P-VINE JAZZ (VARIOUS ARTISTS); RHONDA THOMAS - VINYL DAZE; HYSEAR DON WALKER - COMPLETE EXPRESSIONS

FREE SOUL MEETS P-VINE JAZZ (VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Rare jazz gems from the 60s and 70s – all tracks from albums that have been reissued on the P-Vine label in recent years, but pulled together with an especially groovy focus for the Free Soul series! Most of these tunes are upbeat and very lively, and the strong presence of jazz vocals really links the style of the collection to the more familiar soul-based Free Soul titles – although a number of these tracks really stretch out into more spiritual jazz territory too! The CD features over 80 minutes of music – all of them great – and titles include "You've Got To Have Freedom" by Pharoah Sanders, "On A Clear Day" by Fred Johnson, "The One Who Needs You" by Vince Andrews, "Moves" by Doug Hammond, "Attica" by The Descendents Of Mike & Phoebe, "Sack Full Of Dreams" by Paul Humphrey, "He Loves You" by Janice Borla, "Feel Like Making Love" by Meta Roos, "Common Ground" by Judy Roberts, and "Dancing & Singing" by Billy Wooten. ~ Dusty Groove.

RHONDA THOMAS - VINYL DAZE

The title's a great one, given the old school vibe of the record – a quality that's enforced by the back cover's image of Rhonda kicking back with headphones, doing some deep listening on her collection of vintage vinyl! The set's got all the great elements we've always loved in Rhonda's previous records – that warm, rich vocal style that's rooted in jazz, and which makes Thomas one of the strongest soul singers in the contemporary underground – and production this time around is by Daz-I-Kue of Bugz In The Attic – who's nicely restrained, and really respectful of Rhonda's lead – yet still finds a way to make the whole thing bristle with the kind of energy we've come to expect form his own music. The result may well be the strongest album we've ever heard from Thomas – and titles include "Reach", "Castles Made Of Sand", "I Won't Tell", "Let's Go", "Show Me How To Love You", and "When You Know You Know". ~ Dusty Groove

HYSEAR DON WALKER - COMPLETE EXPRESSIONS

A landmark album of electric piano grooves from Hysear Don Walker – the keyboardist on some of Young-Holt Unlimited's best albums! This album's much more in a jazz vein than some of the Young-Holt titles – with Walker playing electric keys on slower funky numbers that burn along at a sweet Kudu or CTI-styled pace – kicking back and letting the keys really open up as the tunes progress – putting equal emphasis on rhythm and solo space as Walker goes for the groove in an amazing way! All tracks are originals, save for one nicely placed Beatles cover – and titles include "Hydel", "Fat Flower, Skinny Stalk", "Durham Queen", "Inner Face", and "Jade Silhouettes". ~ Dusty Groove

ALBUMS YOU NEED TO HEAR: CHINA MOSES & RAPHAEL LEMONNIER - THIS ONE'S FOR DINAH; KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET – MISSION; DOUG WEBB - TRIPLE 3 PLAY

CHINA MOSES & RAPHAEL LEMONNIER - THIS ONE'S FOR DINAH

It could never be said that China Moses and Raphaël Lemonnier were fated to join forces on a project, given their rather different career paths and the seeming absence of any compelling reason for the two artists to meet. It was Dinah Washington, their mutual idol. So why not put together a show devoted to Dinah Washington? Known as The Queen of The Blues, Dinah Washington was one of the most important female singers during the 1950s and 1960s. The disc was recorded in the old style: all the musicians performed together and the best take was used in its entirety for the actual release. So the bar was set quite high for China, who had the artistic intelligence and good taste to pay tribute to Dinah by emphasizing spirit over form—in other words, by relying on her own talent. Thoroughly immersed in Dinah’s world, she sings the blues with a lovely authority highlighted in Dinah’s Blues, one of China’s own compositions. And it’s a good thing too, because with songs like “Evil Gal Blues”, “Fat Daddy” and “Fine Fine Daddy“, a close approximation won’t do. China is also a remarkable interpreter of standards, as seen in her clever handling of “Cry Me A River” and “Goodbye“, whose arrangements show off her voice to such impressive effect, and in the authentic emotion that emerges from “Mad About The Boy” and “Teach Me Tonight“, performed with great sensitivity and restraint. It’s the beautiful tribute that Dinah deserved. ~ chinamoses.com

KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET – MISSION

Kyoto Jazz Massive is on a soulful mission this time around – stepping out on Blue Note with a wonderful tribute to the rich legacy of the label! The music is directed by Shuya Okino, and played by a super-sharp quintet who really recall the genius of Blue Note in the 60s – especially that time when the label was perfectly balanced between modern and hardbop modes, as evidenced by the selection of compositions here by Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Joe Henderson! None of the tracks are straight remakes, and there's definitely a fresh, acoustic spin on the rhythms – played by a lineup that includes trumpet, tenor, piano, bass, and drums – plus some guest instrumentation as well. Tracks include the group's own "Eclipse" – plus "Search For The New Land", "Succotash", "The Melting Pot", "Mr Jin", "Jinrikisha", "Up A Step", and "Speak No Evil".  ~ Dusty Groove

DOUG WEBB - TRIPLE 3 PLAY

A triple-tenor powerhouse – as Doug Webb invites Walt Weiskopf and Joel Frahm in for the sessions – and things really begin to cook! The trio get this raw, spare accompaniment from Brian Charette on Hammond and Rudy Royston on drums – which leaves the tenors plenty of room to open up, stretch out, and really do their thing – coming together as unified voices on the heads, then breaking out into really well-crafted, well-defined individual solos. The feel is a bit like some of those great Don Patterson albums of the 60s, but even more modern – and titles include "Jazz Car", ~ , Dusty Groove

HU VIBRATIONAL'S The Epic Botanical Beat Suite is a mix of deep African rhyths and Afro-jazz elements

Hu Vibrational's new album mixes deep percussive African rhythms and Afro-jazz with elements of hip-hop and electronica. Recorded and mixed at Bill Laswell's state of the art studio, this is the fourth album by Hu Vibrational and for those who bought the previous 3 releases this will not disappoint! 

Produced and mixed by Adam Rudolph together with longtime Laswell engineer James Dellatacoma, the album features 7 world music percussionists along several special guests including Bill Laswell hitting the deep pockets on bass plus Norwegian guitar whiz Eivind Aarset creating ethereal electronic palettes. Joining Rudolph in the groove department are the percussionists from his Go: Organic Orchestra project, Brahim Fribgane, James Hurt, Matt Kilmer, Tim Kieper, Keita Ogawa and Tripp Dudley. Each of these great drummers has performed extensively worldwide; here they perform Rudolph's rhythm compositions on a wide variety of world percussion. 

Adam Rudolph is known for his work with Don Cherry, Pharoah Sanders and other great jazz artists, as well as his 25-year partnership with the legendary Yusef Lateef. He currently leads his Moving Pictures Octet and the 36-piece Go: Organic Orchestra. Almost 10 years after the last Hu Vibrational release, Boonghee Music, Rudolph turns his creative energies back to HU by creating a deep groove masterpiece - indeed; a vision of future dance music.  As Tommy Chong so aptly puts it,  "When you hit a groove, it's not you; it's the spirit world."

The tracks were electronically processed and transformed in the mixes into a true ancient to future expression; a dance music style Hu calls "Boonghee Music." With 2 acclaimed releases on Soul Jazz Records (Beautiful and Universal Mother) and Scott Heren's (Prefuse 73), Eastern developments label, Hu Vibrational's deep spiritual music draws on the links between Africa, jazz music and avant-garde hip-hop. 

TRACKS

1. Akete 6:08

2. Charas 4:14

3. Soma 5:21

4. Hikuli 4:36

5. Kwa-Shi 5:00

6. Agobi 5:08

7. Ya-Jey 4:38

8. Akete (Remix) 9:22

Jazz / Fusion Guitarist RON BOSSE Releases AFTERBURNER

Jazz/fusion guitarist Ron Bosse has released his brand new music video for “Afterburner”, the first single from his upcoming solo album. To view the video, visit his YouTube channel.

The original track was written in September, 2014 by Bosse & features many of his diverse musical influences which include Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Led Zeppelin, Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Mike Stern, Gov’t Mule, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. The song has a weighty, grunge/metal vibe while maintaining a distinct jazz structure that begins with a brief melody evolving into an extended solo section.

The video is set amidst a dramatic, sparsely lit background that slowly reveals Bosse’s full-throttle guitar playing. Filmed at Ron’s production studio, Bosse Studios, the video features dynamic video footage through the use of cranes, ladders and glide-cams.

Grammy nominated guitarist and journalist Jim Ferguson of Jazz Times Magazine calls Bosse “A Berklee College alum with considerable guitar chops”. Lee Prosser of the Jazz Review says “Bosse is the definition of jazz guitar genius.” Seth Rogovoy of Berkshires Week says “Bosse uses his axe as an atmospheric paintbrush”.

A resident of Weymouth, MA., guitarist and composer Ron Bosse has performed throughout the United States and Canada with jazz greats Dave Liebman, George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi and Bob Mintzer. Ron has been praised for his work in Jazz Times, Downbeat, Jazz Now, Guitar Player, the Boston Globe and the New York Times; and has performed at top venues and festivals including, the Litchfield Jazz Festival, Symphony Hall, Regattabar, the Knitting Factory, Chris's Jazz Cafe, Zanzibar Blue, Upstairs and Cheney Hall. Ron is the owner and founder of Bosse School of Music and Bosse Studios in Weymouth, MA.

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE—LIVE AT THE FILLMORE EAST OCTOBER 4th & 5th 1968, a four-disc set of previously unreleased live shows set for release on July 17

Epic/Legacy has announced the debut release of SLY & THE FAMILY STONE—LIVE AT THE FILLMORE EAST OCTOBER 4th & 5th 1968, a four-disc set of previously unreleased live shows recorded during the band's rise at New York City's legendary venue. The set is scheduled to be released on Friday, July 17.

Sly & The Family Stone's reputation as one of the most influential bands of the 1960s has rarely been in denial. The group effortlessly combined upbeat, funky melodies with socially conscious lyrics, which would paint a vivid picture of the sociopolitical landscape of the '60s while also creating a road map for pop music in the decades to come. This four-disc anthology presents a lesser-known side of the band: not the dominant soul-funk-pop juggernaut of the late 1960s, but an up-and-coming ensemble whose onstage energy could not be contained.

On October 4th and 5th, 1968, shortly after the release of the band's third album Life, Sly & The Family Stone took the stage at Bill Graham's legendary Fillmore East in New York City. Along with the success of Dance To The Music, which was released earlier that year and spun off the Top 10 hit of the same name, Sly & The Family Stone were making a name for themselves on the concert circuit, with their dynamic, high energy live performances.

Epic Records, the group's record company, recorded all four of these concerts (two shows per night) with plans to release a live album that would consist of selections from these performances. But the release was shelved after the release of the single "Everyday People," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969 and anticipated the band's breakthrough year, with the acclaimed album Stand! and an increasing spotlight in the public eye culminating in an appearance at Woodstock that summer.

Sly & The Family Stone—Live At The Fillmore East October 4th & 5th 1968 features all four of these energetic shows, which mark not only the first release of these sets but the first official release primarily highlighting live material from the group. The collection will be preceded by a double-vinyl 'best-of' featuring highlights from all four shows compiled by "Captain" Kirk Douglas, guitarist for The Roots. This special package will be exclusively available at participating independent record retailers on Record Store Day (April 18, 2015).

"Captain" Kirk Douglas, guitarist for The Roots states, "This performance is living breathing evidence of how much of a force of nature Sly & the Family Stone were at this point of their career. Every member of the group shines in a way that I can only describe as a revelation. It was enjoyable listening to the band break free from the studio arrangements of the songs we know and love to find new interpretations. And to think they did this twice in one evening! The heaviest of rock and the funkiest of soul jumps out of the speakers combined with a message just as relevant today as the day it was recorded. This deserves to be played LOUD!"

The complete SLY & THE FAMILY STONE—LIVE AT THE FILLMORE EAST OCTOBER 4th & 5th 1968 track listing is below:

CD 1 (Recorded Live at the Fillmore East, NYC, October 4, 1968-Early Show)

1. Are You Ready

2. Color Me True

3. Won't Be Long

4. We Love All (Freedom)

5. MEDLEY: Turn Me Loose / I Can't Turn You Loose

6. Chicken

7. Love City

CD 2 (Recorded Live at the Fillmore East, NYC, October 4, 1968 -Late Show)

1. M' Lady

2. Don't Burn Baby

3. Color Me True 

4. Won't Be Long

5. St. James Infirmary|

6. MEDLEY: Turn Me Loose / I Can't Turn You Loose

7. Are You Ready

8. Dance To The Music

9. Music Lover

10. MEDLEY: Life / Music Lover

CD 3 (Recorded Live at the Fillmore East, NYC, October 5, 1968-Early Show)

1. Life 

2. Color Me True  

3. Won't Be Long 

4. Are You Ready 

5. Dance To The Music

6. Music Lover 

7. M' Lady

CD 4 (Recorded Live at the Fillmore East, NYC, October 5, 1968-Late Show)

1. M' Lady

2. Life 

3. Are You Ready 

4. Won't Be Long 

5. Color Me True  

6. Dance To The Music 

7. Music Lover 

8. Love City MEDLEY: 

9. Turn Me Loose / I Can't Turn You Loose

10. The Riffs 

The SLY & THE FAMILY STONE—LIVE AT THE FILLMORE EAST 2LP track listing is below:

SIDE ONE: M' Lady ;  Life ;  Are You Ready SIDE TWO: Won't Be Long ; Color Me True ; We Love All (Freedom) SIDE THREE: Dance To The Music ; Music Lover SIDE FOUR: Love City ; MEDLEY: Turn Me Loose / I Can't Turn You Loose ; The Riffs

NEW RELEASES: APOLLO 5 – WITH A SONG IN MY HEART; ELINA DUNI QUARTET - DALLENDYSHE; WES MONTGOMERY – IN THE BEGINNING

APOLLO 5 – WITH A SONG IN MY HEART

'With A Song In My Heart' is the debut album from the dynamic British a cappella quintet, Apollo5. The group performs a repertoire ranging from retro jazz, pop and classical arrangements to Christmas a cappella and has been praised for its engaging and entertaining performances. Performances in London have included St Martin-in-the-Fields, the Royal Albert Hall, the Troxy, Café de Paris, the Houses of Parliament, Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, The Crazy Coqs and Kings Place. Recent UK festivals include The City of London Festival, The London A Cappella Festival and the Petworth Festival. Apollo5 is part of the VCM Foundation, and is involved in its innovative education programme aiming to inspire creativity through music. The programme, led by VOCES8, reaches 20,000 young people annually, working in over 200 schools in the UK, France, Sweden, the USA and Asia. The foundation has its home at the Gresham Centre, at St Anne and St Agnes Church in the heart of the City of London. In partnership with the Diocese of London, VCM is establishing a hub for excellence in education, outreach and the performance of vocal music. The album brings together some of Apollo5's favourite songs, arrangements of favourites ranging from spirituals, folk, jazz, soul and pop. Most are arranged by Matt Greenwood, who has written for the group for several years. ~ Amazon

ELINA DUNI QUARTET - DALLENDYSHE

On 'Dallendyshe' ("The Swallow"), her second ECM album, Elina Duni sings songs of love and exile. The troubled history of the Balkan regions has inspired many such songs and the pieces here, primarily from Albanian traditional sources, are interpreted with intensity and insight by Elina and her band. The Tirana-born and Swiss-raised singer has become an exceptional musical storyteller embodying the songs' narratives, in a way that transcends genre definitions and language limitations. "This time there is a sense of lightness to the feeling and energy of the album," says Duni. "Even though we are dealing with tragic themes of exile it is not as dark as 'Matane Malit' [her ECM debut]. One of the fascinating things about music of the Balkans, in a lot of the folk music, is the idea that the pain has to be sung. And in singing you go beyond it. That's what the blues is about, of course, and you find a similar sensibility in these Albanian songs about exile and lost love." Duni's journey to the emotional centre of Albanian song began a decade ago, when she and pianist Colin Vallon were students at Berne's Hochschule der Kunste. Looking at Albanian folk music rather than jazz standards as an improvisational resource led them to a whole range of discoveries. Elina found her own voice in the old songs, and in reclaiming them could also free them: the quartet's experimental yet pure acoustic versions have been received with gratitude in Albania where folk themes were once harnessed for propaganda purposes. ~ Amazon

WES MONTGOMERY – IN THE BEGINNING

'In the Beginning' features rare previously unreleased recordings by jazz guitar icon Wes Montgomery spanning the years 1949 to 1958. This deluxe 2-CD set includes 26 newly discovered live and studio recordings. The set includes a complete 1955 Epic Records session produced by Quincy Jones, newly discovered 78 RPM sides with Wes as a sideman recorded for Spire Records (1949), a live recording from the home of Ervena Montgomery, Indianapolis (1956), live recordings from the Turf Club (1956), the Missile Lounge (1958) in Indianapolis, and the C&C Music Lounge in Chicago (1957). 'In the Beginning' features extensive liner notes, and meticulously designed artwork that have become Resonance Records' trademarks. The 2-CD version includes a 55-page booklet of liner notes by journalist and noted jazz historian and biographer Ashley Kahn, legendary producer Quincy Jones, guitarist Pete Townshend of The Who, alongside rare never-before-published photos from The Montgomery Estate and friends in Montgomery's native Indianapolis. Since Wes Montgomery's passing in 1968, only two other albums of predominantly unreleased material have been released - 'Willow Weep for Me' (Verve, 1968) and 'Echoes of Indiana Avenue' (Resonance, 2012). Resonance Records is pleased to introduce the third such archival offering with 'In the Beginning'. ~ Amazon

NEW RELEASES: FRANK SINATRA – ULTIMATE SINATRA; PORTICO – LIVIING FIELDS; STEVE GADD BAND – 70 STRONG

FRANK SINATRA – ULTIMATE SINATRA

The defining voice of the 20th century, Frank Sinatra enjoyed a legendary recording career that spanned six decades, beginning with his earliest session in 1939 and culminating with his last in 1993, for his world-renowned, multi-platinum Duets and Duets II albums. Ultimate Sinatra presents key recordings spanning the Chairman of the Board s recordings for Columbia, Capitol and Reprise, together for the first time. Ultimate Sinatra opens with 'All Or Nothing At All,' recorded with Harry James and his Orchestra on August 31, 1939 during Sinatra's first studio session. Ultimate Sinatra's 4CD edition boasts 100 tracks celebrating 100 years (plus a never before released bonus track), including many more luminous recordings that reinforce Sinatra's well-deserved moniker, The Voice. The chronological collection dives deeper into Sinatra's musical world of iconic recordings, before closing with a previously unreleased rehearsal version of 'The Surrey With The Fringe On Top' recorded in 1979. The deluxe edition also features an 80-page booklet with a new essay by Sinatra historian and author Charles Pignone, as well as rare photos and quotes from Frank Sinatra and his children, Nancy, Tina and Frank Jr., as well as Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Quincy Jones, and others. ~ Amazon

PORTICO – LIVIING FIELDS

Where do you start talking about a suite of recordings so concerned with the commonalities between beginnings and ends? You could start by saying that 'Living Fields' is an album of catharsis and  redefinition, born of a desire to create newness out of loss and change. You could also say that the band Portico themselves have undergone a process of ending and re-beginning, but none of this quite captures what you will hear. The best thing you can do is listen. Portico make music which moves forward towards distant places while offering rare intimacy as well, arriving somewhere between structured pop songs and a disintegrating ambience, a unique blend of the sublunary and the celestial. Reverb drenched piano meshes with swathes of studio noise while vocals float high above a world of textural atmosphere. Drum machines crisply puncture the air around shimmering arpeggios of synth and electric bass.You can be untethered, detached in space only for a moment of detail to rush into focus. Melancholia and euphoria sunk into each other. The effect is profoundly emotional without ever needing to emote. Portico are Duncan Bellamy, Milo Fitzpatrick and Jack Wyllie. Previously they were three-quarters of the highly successful and critically-acclaimed Portico Quartet. But 'Living Fields' is no continuation under a shortened name. As far as the band are concerned this is a debut. There are three remarkable singers on this record: Jono McCleery, Joe Newman (Alt-J) and Jamie Woon. These are not just guest performances and it shows. Woon shared a house with Portico in East London when they were writing and recording the album that would become Isla and he was working on "Mirrorwriting." Joe Newman is a childhood friend of Wyllie's and Jono McCleery was introduced to Portico by Jamie Woon and has opened for them in the past. These existing relationships allowed for a consistency of thought and expression which makes this a truly remarkable record. ~ Amazon

STEVE GADD BAND – 70 STRONG

The follow-up to the same group’s Gadditude , this release celebrates drums master Steve Gadd s 70th birthday. The other members of this phenomenal instrumental dream quintet, with enviable CVs, are trumpeter Walt Fowler (Frank Zappa, Buddy Rich, George Duke, Billy Cobham), guitarist Michael Landau (Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, Pink Floyd), keyboardist Larry Goldings (Michael Brecker, Jack DeJohnette, Maceo Parker, Jim Hall) and pioneering 5 string bassist Jimmy Johnson (Allan Holdsworth, Billy Childs, Stan Getz). A richly satisfying panoramic sound palette of groove and grace. Tracks include: Foam Home, Freedom Jazz Dance, Written in Stone, The Long Way Home, Sly Boots, Duke's Anthem, Elegant Squares, Desu, De Volta Ao Samba, Oh, Yeah?, and Blues For... ~ Amazon

NEW RELEASES: JANKO NILOVIC - SOUL IMPRESSIONS; DAVID AKE – LAKE EFFECT; ANDY SHEPPARD – SURROUNDED BY SEA

JANKO NILOVIC - SOUL IMPRESSIONS

One of the funkiest records ever cut by studio jazz genius Janko Nilovic! This set definitely earns the "soul" in the title – as Janko blends his usual mad mix of studio sounds with some heavier 70s elements – including a fair bit of fuzzy guitar, funky beats, and some nice horn fills. About half the tracks on the album benefit from this sort of approach – kind of a cross between blacksploitation soundtrack scoring and the tighter instrumental moods of work by The Duke of Burlington. The other half is more in Janko's usual bag – nicely groovy jazz numbers, some with a slinky 70s edge! Titles include "Hippocampus", "Open Country", "Crazy Enterprise", "Drug Song", "Soul Impressions", "Man Of Genius", "Push Push", and "Family Tree". ~ Dusty Groove

DAVID AKE – LAKE EFFECT

The lake effect here is a powerful one – a way of building up songs in these blocks of sound that relies heavily on the piano of David Ake, but also draws a lot from the well-crafted saxophone lines of Peter Epstein! Ake's approach is somewhat in the more contemporary school of jazz piano – that way of moving boldly with very carefully-chosen chords – but his work also has a darkness that's very unique, and a balanced sense of pacing that really makes the work of Epstein even more powerful than it might be in a more freewheeling setting. The group's completed by equally-thoughtful work on bass by Sam Minaie and drums by Mark Ferber – and titles include "Lone Pine", "The Cubs", "Tricycle", "Two Stones", "Silver Thaw", and "Palhaco".  ~ Dusty Groove

ANDY SHEPPARD – SURROUNDED BY SEA

Extending the range of his widely-praised Trio Libero project with French bassist Michel Benita and Scottish drummer Seb Rochford, Andy Sheppard adds the Norwegian guitarist and electronics wizard Eivind Aarset to his band for 'Surrounded by Sea'. With Aarset's ambient drones and electronic textures as a backdrop, Sheppard and co seem to have even more space to explore than on the saxophonist's acclaimed Trio Libero recording. The music embraced here includes new compositions by Sheppard, Benita and Rochford, open improvisations, the Elvis Costello tune "I Want To Vanish", and the Gaelic traditional ballad "Aoidh, Na Dean Cadal Idir" which appears in three variations, a thematic thread through the album. 'Surrounded by Sea' was recorded at Lugano in August-September 2014 with Manfred Eicher producing. The prodigiously gifted Andy Sheppard famously took up the saxophone at 19, inspired by Coltrane, and played his first gig with it three weeks later. After a period in Paris, he returned to the UK in the mid-80s, recording the album 'Andy Sheppard' with Steve Swallow as producer, the beginning of a long musical association. Since then he's recorded extensively and written trans-idiomatic music for ensembles of every size (his Saxophone Massive project has included 200 sax players) as well as for theatre, film, dance and mixed media. ~ Amazon

NEW RELEASES: CHRIS POTTER UNDERGROUND ORCHESTRA – IMAGINARY CITIES; CHARLES LLOYD – WILD MAN DANCE; BEN WOLFE – THE WHISPERER

CHRIS POTTER UNDERGROUND ORCHESTRA – IMAGINARY CITIES

Beautiful sounds from reedman Chris Potter – working here with an expanded string lineup, although one that's more of a string quartet added to the core combo – and maybe not the full orchestra you'd guess from the cover! Still, those subtle strings really add a lot to the record – creating this sonic balance that's really sublime, even before Potter comes into the mix on either tenor, soprano, or bass clarinet, depending on the track – and the quartet often shades in the tunes with a gentle introduction, before more familiar Potter associates come in and deepen the sound – including Craig Taborn on piano, Steve Nelson on vibes and marimba, and Adam Rogers on guitar. Titles include "Firefly", "Sky", "Shadow Self", "Lament", and the extended "Imaginary Cities" suite.  ~ Dusty Groove

CHARLES LLOYD – WILD MAN DANCE

Charles Lloyd makes a step over to Blue Note Records – and the result is one of his richest, most organic albums in years! The whole thing's a live performance from Poland – done as a suite of longer tracks that feature a core acoustic quartet with Lloyd on tenor, plus added cymbalom and lyra – both used very heavily, with these open, sonic properties that are especially great – almost a way of bringing in some of the exoticism of Lloyd's earlier recordings, but with less focus on the reeds. The group also features Gerald Clayton on piano – and both he and Lloyd can be airy one minute, powerful the next – as the tunes build up slowly, and form this wonderful painting in sound. Titles include "Gardner", "Lark", "River", "Wild Man Dance", "Invitation", and "Flying Over The Odra Valley".  ~ Dusty Groove

BEN WOLFE – THE WHISPERER

Bassist Ben Wolfe's first record for Posi-Tone is as strong as any headline sets we've heard from him to date! Wolfe is leading an excellent quartet session here for the most part – with the always great Orrin Evans on piano, Donald Edwards on drums and Stacy Dillard on saxes – plus a sharp guest appearance by trumpeter Josh Evans on one track. With the exception nice, nocturnal reading Jerome Kern's "All The Things You Are", it's all Wolfe originals – led strongly by Wolfe's prominent, but never overbearing bass and brilliant rhythmic interplay with Evans and Edwards, with plenty of room for Dillard to shine. Includes "Heroist", "Hat In Hand", "Community", "Love Is Near", "Chronos", "All The Things Yo Are","STFU" with Josh Evans, "The Whisperer", "Becoming Brothers", "The Balcony", "Camelot's Lean'", "Hat In Hand"" and "If Only".  ~ Dusty Groove