Nicolas Meier's latest solo album "Infinity" featuring Jimmy Haslip and Vinnie Colaiuta

In just a few short years, UK-based guitarist Nicolas Meier has carved a reputation out as one of the UK’s most original and uniquely talented guitarists. Drawing from a love of Turkish, Eastern & Middle Eastern music, Flamenco, Tango and more -- all mixed with jazz -- Meier is one of the rising stars in a vibrant British jazz scene, but his versatility and musical fluency extends well beyond that ... so much so, that his considerable talents drew the attention of rock guitar legend, Jeff Beck, who has since made Nicolas a mainstay in The Jeff Beck Group, carrying him on two world tours during the course of the last several years.

Meier originally hails from Switzerland; born in 1973 to parents who are great lovers of the arts, with wide-ranging musical tastes extending to the Classical, Jazz, Latin, Flamenco, Rock and (even) Pop genres. After picking up guitar at the age of 12, it was his father's gift of Joe Satriani’s legendary "Surfing with the Alien" and Tony MacAlpine’s "Maximum Security" (both, major intelligent rock "guitar-god" albums), shortly thereafter, that served as Nicolas' earliest motivation. Attending the Montreux Jazz Festival while still a young teen would further expand Nicolas' vision for guitar, with John McLaughlin, in particular, being of particular interest and inspiration.

A true gypsy spirit with a disciplined maestro's touch, Nicolas has embraced a number of different cultures and studied their music forms, nuances and idiosyncrasies. (It was during his Eurasia travels, early in the new millennium, that Nicolas met his Turkish wife, Songul.) Meier’s sound is rooted in his love of playing jazz on acoustic guitar, especially his Godin nylon-string guitar. It’s a sound that lends itself especially well to flamenco and middle-eastern music, also -- conveniently -- as these influences, and more, are brilliantly fused in his unique multi-lingual style. He also plays fretless acoustic guitar, the Saz (a traditional Turkish stringed instrument), electric guitar, steel-string acoustic guitar, glissentar (an 11-stringed fretless insturment) and a baglama.

During the course of his six-string baptism and global sojourns, Nicolas has been the recipient of numerous awards. A truly dedicated student of the instrument, he has pursued advanced studies at Switzerland's prestigious Conservatoire de Fribourg, and studied arranging, prior to earning a scholarship to Boston's illustrious Berklee College of Music. His burning passion for both rock and jazz persists to this day, something he partly credits to his teacher, Francis Coletta (at the Conservatoire de Fribourg), who, while inspiring a profound love of jazz and world music, encouraged the young man to transcribe rock solos, as well!

In fact, Meier is one of the rare musicians who plays both metal and jazz fluently, and has written books on both: "Heavy Metal, Part I: Rhythm Guitar," and; "Jazz, Part I: Chord Tones." When asked about his two seemingly divergent loves, Nicolas had this to say: “I deeply love both styles. There is magic in each style that the other one doesn’t have. I just love metal’s power and energy, and at the same time I love jazz’s deep emotion. Both styles can give high energy, but in different directions or different worlds."

During his time at Berklee, Nicolas immersed himself in classic American jazz (Parker; Coltrane; Miles; etc.), while performing primarily acoustic jazz and fusion. After graduation, he returned to Switzerland in 1998 and formed the Meier Group, a band that would quickly become popular European festival regulars. Naturally, he gravitated to Montreux, finding himself performing with the likes of Rachelle Ferrel, George Duke, Macy Gray and Will Calhoun, among others.

It wasn't long, though, before Meier found himself missing the vibrance and vitality of Boston. After considering possible relocations, he settled on London as the perfect destination for combining the energy of the US with a happening European music scene. Shortly after arriving in London, Nicolas met drummer Asaf Sirkis, whom he credits with helping open his ears to middle eastern music, as well as helping him find his feet in London. “He (Asaf) is such a passionate player that I just had to keep playing with him whenever I could. I met Gilad Atzmon through him, and many other great players."

Never short on ambition, Meier founded his own record label, MGP Records, in 2009. To date, he has produced a dozen of albums: as a solo artist; in various group formats (The Meier Group; Nicolas Meier Trio; Eclectica!); with his heavy metal band, Seven7, and; in a duo format, with UK jazz maestro guitarist, Pete Oxley.

Having made a lasting impression on gentlemen the likes of Jeff Beck, Bill Bruford and Steve Vai -- just to name a few! -- Nicolas Meier is unquestionably one of today's most well-rounded, ambitious, masterful up-and-coming talents on guitar. In October of 2016, Vai's Favored Nations Records has released Nicolas' brilliant new solo album, "Infinity," featuring fellow virtuosos, veteran Jimmy Haslip, on bass, and one of the world's great timekeepers, Vinnie Colaiuta.

 

Featured this week on The Jazz Network Worldwide is multi-platinum producer/multi-instrumentalist Jaee Logan with his new CD “Sun Rider” that sets the mood for Jazz, Funk and Love

Jaee Logan describes his new musical masterpiece ‘Sun Rider’, as a  spiritual expression amassing a host of innovative, talented and creative musicians lending their artistry to this true trifecta of jazz, funk and love.

Jaee is the proud son of legendary avant-garde jazz pioneer Giuseppi Logan, who is known for integrating multiple styles and inspirations.  Its no wonder that Jaee's writing style speaks volumes when it comes to the wellspring of his originality and inspiration extracting from his roots and influences across provocative music platforms.

Having crossed many bridges in his career Jaee has supported and produced some of the best aspiring and successful musicians all over the world lending his unique artistry and special touch taking them to a a higher place in their goals.  It’s his turn now to take center stage offering a strong heartbeat to the music in his soul.

His latest single ‘Morning’ speaks to a quote he’s often known for saying "Always start your day off by saying good morning to someone and make a brighter day!” Jaee continues to pursue his true spiritual expression through his music and ‘Sun Rider’ shows his uncanny ability to touch mass markets with his spiritually-grounded melodies and rhythms offering his love for all of humanity. 

‘Sun Rider’ is a conduit to healing and is a soulful backdrop that creates a truth of self that Jaee strongly believes will invoke peace within.  His background is driven by a grounded determination to bring a bright light into the the lives that he touches.  That type of energy creates a healing conciseness that can span nations through music of the soul.  Logan believes in his country and stretches his musical imagination as a universal language of unity of the heart, mind and soul globally.  He is currently looking for bookings on worldwide jazz stages for the 2018/19 calendar.

Having composed, recorded, and produced this ground-breaking smooth jazz album he decided to turn up the heat by inviting his close friend Verdine White of Earth Wind and Fire to compliment its originality. 

As a dedicated music producer, songwriter, vocal coach, musical director, session musician, and performer Jaee shared stages and in the recording studio with Sheila E, Pebbles, Timex Social Club, Club Nouveau, The Spinners, The Whispers, Rosie Gaines, Michael Jeffries, MC Hammer, Bobby Brown just to name a few. In addition to his accomplishments, he has sold over 30 million records worldwide.

“You get the sense that there is a direct line to a Supreme Being when you listen to Jaee Logan’s music, for you sense not only the joy he brings to the music but a convicted knowing that what is coming through his spirit is going to land at the perfect time in one’s heart for one’s spiritual evolution” says Jaijai Jackson of The Jazz Network Worldwide.

Visit THE JAZZ NETWORK WORLDWIDE "A GREAT PLACE TO HANG" at: 

http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

SINGER AND TWO-TIME GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEE STOKLEY ANNOUNCES DEBUT SOLO ALBUM

After over two decades as the lead vocalist for the incomparable hit-making R&B band Mint Condition, singer and two-time GRAMMY Award nominee Stokley charters a new course with his breathtaking debut solo album Introducing Stokley, set for release on June 23, 2017 via Concord Records. Featuring guest appearances by the likes of GRAMMY-winning jazz pianist Robert Glasper and Estelle as well as some production from multi-platinum duo Carvin Haggins & Ivan Barias, Introducing Stokley is a refreshing artistic statement rooted in the soul music tradition from one of R&B’s most remarkable voices.

Hailing from the Minnesota twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Stokley was reared in a family that fostered a deep devotion to musical and cultural expression. Showing an affinity for the drums early on, he began seeking out opportunities in the fertile musical landscape of his environment. Coming of age at the peak of Minneapolis’ intense affair with the pop and R&B charts, the city was a virtual hotbed of talent in which Stokley would be groomed for imminent, monumental success. Surrounded by acts like the Time, the Jets and the omnipresent Prince and the Revolution, he began earning his stripes as a drummer and vocalist.

In the mid-1980s, Stokley became a founding member of what was the genesis of Mint Condition. After several years of gigs and paid dues, a stroke of serendipity saw the band cross paths with that of lauded multiplatinum producers and hometown heroes Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Fresh off the success of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814, the two former members of the Time had just inked a deal with A&M Records to distribute their own label, Perspective Records. Jam & Lewis recruited Mint Condition to their label’s roster and released their debut album Meant to Be Mint in 1991.

The group soon found success in their now-classic single “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes).” The song broke through on the pop and R&B charts, reaching #6 on the Billboard 100 and #3 on the Billboard R&B chart and was eventually certified gold. In 1993, the band released its sophomore effort From the Mint Factory. The lead single “U Send Me Swingin’” hit #2 on the Billboard R&B chart and was a testament to the group’s intrinsic ability to craft sublime songs that crystalized contemporary R&B sensibilities with a live band aesthetic.

Continuing their winning streak, Mint Condition released Definition of a Band three years later. The album contained the Billboard Top 40 hit “What Kind of Man Would I Be,” which was also certified gold. Definition of a Band would also become the group’s first gold-certified album. Mint Condition signed with Elektra Records and released their fourth effort, Life’s Aquarium. The album produced yet another Billboard Top 40 hit for the group in the form of “If You Love Me.”

Following Life’s Aquarium, Mint Condition made the collective decision to continue on their journey by taking the reins of their career and young legacy by independently releasing subsequent efforts, the first of which being Livin’ the Luxury Brown, unveiled in 2005. As the group’s first self-released foray, the album reached #54 on the Billboard 200, #11 on the Billboard R&B chart, was #1 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums chart and was nominated for a Soul Train Music Award. Building on their newfound independent success, the group followed up with E-Life (2008), 7 (2011) and Music at the Speed of Life (2012). In 2017, Healing Season (2016) was GRAMMY-nominated for Best R&B Album.

Apart from his band dynamic, Stokley has been an in-demand session drummer and vocalist in the industry for quite some time, performing on recordings by artists such as Elton John, New Edition, Usher and the late Prince. Over the years, Stokley also began to expand his repertoire as a producer and featured vocalist. In 2011, Stokley co-produced and dueted with R&B recording artist Kelly Price on the hit “Not My Daddy.” The song reached #22 on the Billboard R&B chart and received two GRAMMY nominations in the categories of Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song. The following year, Stokley lent his vocals to a cover of the 2008 Mint Condition song “Why Do We Try” featured on Robert Glasper Experiment’s GRAMMY-winning Black Radio album.

Stokley also built bridges within the hip-hop community, appearing on projects by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest founding member Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Tech N9ne and Brother Ali. Fortifying his relationship with that community, he also co-produced several tracks on Maybach Music Group recording artist Wale’s critically acclaimed 2013 album The Gifted as well as his 2015 album The Album About Nothing—both of which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Stokley also fortified his ties to the jazz community with guest features on albums such as Brian Culbertson’s 2012 Verve Records release Dreams and the Billboard #1 best-selling Contemporary Jazz Record of 2015 by saxophonist Boney James entitled futuresoul.

And while Stokley was content with his band of brothers in Mint Condition as well as his outside collaborative endeavors, he realized that the time had come for him to embark on a musical voyage in a vessel meant for him to steer alone. Introducing Stokley finds the singer stepping into the spotlight, a vibrant portrait of an artist on a quest to cultivate a creative statement as an individual. The album offers listeners a fresh perspective of a dynamic voice that has resonated with core fans around the world for over two decades. “I’ve been gearing up for a minute,” he says. “My thirst has been building. And I’ve been moving at a great pace with Mint Condition. But I just want to take some time to move differently right now. I think one should experience everything life has to offer. And if you have a gift, and most of all the ambition, you should do it.”

Though he’d amassed several albums worth of material over the years, he knew his debut had to be special and was steadfast in pursuit of the goal to ensure the project was founded on a clean slate. “I got tired of just hearing my own voice,” says Stokley. “I didn’t want to feel too isolated. I wanted different textures. So I invited people to come in.” To that effect, he enlisted the efforts of Carvin Haggins & Ivan Barias. Responsible for the success and hits behind such multi-platinum acts as Musiq, Jill Scott, Ledesi and Faith Evans, the Philadelphia-based duo contribute to the fabric of Introducing Stokley in a way that superbly compliments Stokley’s mellifluous vocal style. “They’re like a young, East Coast Jimmy & Terry,” says Stokley. “They know the industry pretty well and also have kept their finger on the pulse of what’s happening musically over the years.”

Introducing Stokley also includes co-writing contributions from Sam Dew and Los Angeles-based songwriting group the A Team. “Putting all these different energies,” he reflects. “Collaboration is a great thing. It’s how you make the world work. I’m a musician at heart, so I wanted to pick people that are just incredible.”

The album’s groove-laden lead single “Level” finds Stokley wielding his mighty pen as a songwriter, weaving lyrics of affirmation over a propulsive rhythm guitar-driven track produced by Stokley. “We all seek to find someone or something that fits just right for us,” he says. “Everybody wants something that fits with them comfortably. Something on their level.”

The Haggins & Barias-produced “Organic” is a take on the human compulsion for acceptance and how individuality can be compromised in the pursuit. “I hear a lot of women particularly speaking about the concept of fitting in, with regard to styles, personalities,” he muses. “A lot of women think that’s what makes them more appealing, when it was actually better when they were just being themselves.” The singer notes that the title “Organic” is also a nod to his newly vegan lifestyle.

Partially inspired by current sociopolitical events and the deliberateness and critical commentary of Marvin Gaye’s landmark 1971 hit “What’s Going On,” “We/Me” finds Stokley reverberating with the times in an earnest yet piercing take on various sociopolitical state of affairs buoyed by undertones of the Motown sound. “It’s a social statement that takes a look at what’s going on around the world,” he says of the song. “I didn’t want to be preachy, but I knew I had to say something. When you’re taking in all this energy, you have to let it out somehow.”

“Art in Motion” (featuring Robert Glasper) is a wondrous, sonic hybrid of eras and production techniques. “I came up during a time when it was just about analog,” he says. “But I also love digital. I love new technology and new sounds. So here, I’m bridging a gap between these two worlds. The song has electronic elements as well as analog.”

Shifting gears, the dancehall-flavored, Stokley-produced “Wheels Up” exudes maximum island vibes and features Jamaican singer Omi (of the 2011 triple-platinum hit “Cheerleader”). “I grew up playing steel pan drums in a lot of reggae bands,” Stokley mentions. “So this is my ode to West Indian culture.” Apart from its festive flare, the song also extols the virtues of holding fast to one’s passion in life. “It’s about going for it,” he says. “Your dreams; your goals. We’ve only got one life. So do whatever it is that you were put here to do.”

It has been said that good things come to those who wait. Fans have been patiently biding their time in hopes of a solo project from the lead vocalist of one of the most important R&B bands of the past several decades. With the bowing of Introducing Stokley it’s safe to say the wait is over. “Artistically, I wanted to say something different and take it a few degrees away from what I’ve done in the past,” contemplates Stokley. “Obviously some of it is going to be familiar, because of my voice. I’ve just expanded my sensibilities a bit more. Introducing Stokley is a look at the past and the future. The fresh and the familiar.”

JONNY LANG ANNOUNCES FIRST NEW ALBUM IN FOUR YEARS SIGNS TO BE RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 8th

Jonny Lang is pleased to announce a brand new studio album, Signs, which will be released in North America on September 8th via Concord Records.  The album (his sixth major label release) is his first in four years.  A pre-order for physical goes live today, with digital to follow on June 9.  The European release for Signs will be on August 25 via Provogue Records / Mascot Label Group.

Starting off the record with a juke joint stomp, “Make It Move” is Lang’s story about going to the mountain rather than waiting for it to come to you. “There have been times in my life where I thought something would take care of itself, when I should have put some effort forth to help it happen,” says Lang. “Being proactive has been a weak spot for me, and the song is about doing your part to get things moving.”

Anyone who originally discovered Jonny Lang through his searing instrumental work will revel in the huge guitar tones and go for broke solos on Signs, while those who have appreciated his growth as an honest and passionate songwriter will find that honesty and passion unabated. Though he long ago left blues purism behind, Lang has never abandoned its spirit of universal catharsis through the relating of personal trials. Signs reaffirms his commitment to the blues and the guitar without sacrificing the modern approach that has made him such a singular artist.

It is hard to believe that at only 36 years old Jonny Lang has already had a successful career for two decades. Easier to believe when you learn he released his first platinum record at 15—an age when many young people are just beginning to play music. Lie to Me revealed a talent that transcended the crop of blues prodigies floating around in the late Nineties. No flashy re-hasher of classic blues licks, even at that early age Lang was a full-blown artist with a style of his own. Also, setting Lang apart from the wunderkind crowd was a 15-year-old voice that sounded like a weathered soul shouter. Actual life experience was yet to come, and has been subsequently chronicled in a series of five uniformly excellent recordings.

What began as a bluesy sound, influenced by electric pioneers like Albert Collins, B. B. King, and Buddy Guy, evolved over those recordings into a modern R&B style closer to Stevie Wonder and contemporary gospel music. Lang’s distinctive, blues-inflected licks appeared on every album, but became one element in a sea of passionately sung and tightly arranged songs.

Signs is not merely a return the artist’s guitar-based beginnings, but an embodiment of an even more elemental sound. Beyond focusing attention on his soloing prowess, it is about recapturing the spirit of the early blues, where the guitar was front and center, fairly leaping out of the speakers. “A lot of my earlier influences have been coming to the surface, like Robert Johnson, and Howlin’ Wolf,” he reports. “I have been appreciating how raw and unrefined that stuff is. I had an itch to emulate some of that and I think it shows in the songs. Still, I let the writing be what it was and that was sometimes not necessarily the blues.”

The record, which features funk, rock, and blues elements, is held together by Lang’s distinctive playing and singing, and the lyrics, which center on themes of embattlement and self-empowerment. “Some of the songs are autobiographical, but not usually in a literal way,” Lang explains. “The main goal is for folks to be able to relate to what I went through. If I can’t make it work using just my personal experience, I use my imagination to fill in blanks.”

Signs was produced by Lang, Drew Ramsey, and Shannon Sanders. Josh Kelly helmed “Bring Me Back Home.” Lang offers, “Josh and I cut six or seven songs together and had a blast doing it.  I am saving the other ones for who knows what, but I definitely wanted that one to be on this record.”

Since the release of his debut album, GRAMMY Award winning Jonny Lang has built a reputation as one of the best live performers and guitarists of his generation. The path Lang has been on has brought him the opportunity to support or perform with some of the most respected legends in music.  He has shared the stage with everyone from The Rolling Stones and B.B. King to Aerosmith and Buddy Guy, who he continues to tour with today.

VOCALIST & SONGWRITER LIZZ WRIGHT RECORDS GRACE, HER LATEST STUDIO ALBUM PRODUCED BY AMERICANA ICON JOE HENRY

Concord Records Releases Grace on September 15, 2017

Lauded American singer Lizz Wright’s latest project, Grace, reveals the web of deep-running roots of story and song that bind together the vastly diverse traditions that are the soul of the American South. Wright summons her Southern heritage and the spirit of the earth to usher us into a nurturing space that pulses and hums with the unspoken suggestion that grace is a cornerstone of our original state of being.

Produced by acclaimed singer and songwriter Joe Henry, Grace is a stark reflection of Wright’s sense of place and belonging that’s deeply woven into the cultural fabric of America. Grace is set for release on Concord Records on Friday, September 15, 2017.

Grace was tracked live on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles alongside a standout cast of musicians at United Recording Studios – the sessions feature her nearly 20-year collaboration with Atlanta-based pianist and choir director Kenny Banks Sr., special guest guitarist Marc Ribot, bassist David Piltch, guitarists Chris Bruce and Marvin Sewell, drummer Jay Bellerose, and keyboardist Patrick Warren. An expansive collection of 10 songs and an original co-write with Maia Sharp (“All the Way Here”), Grace is Wright’s testament of devotion to speaking and embodying the fullness of her humanity through music. Her most clear statement to date, Grace finds Wright standing center stage in the complex dialogues of coexistence and interdependence between all walks of life.

On Grace, the warm and weathered colors of her voice speak with assurance that she is a tireless steward of freedom and change. Leaning into curated classics and contemporary covers, Wright pierces form with gentle and unfettered individuality. By virtue of the bold arrangements, Wright and the musicians depict an unencumbered enclave where grace sparks a feeling of exploration and leads to the discovery of an umbilical place of trust that must be uncovered.

The vast landscapes portrayed on Grace are brimming with Wright’s singular translations of music by Ray Charles, Allen Toussaint, Nina Simone, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, k.d. lang, Bob Dylan, Frank Perkins and Mitchell Parish, as well as emerging artists Rose Cousins and Birds of Chicago. From a body of about 70 covers collected primarily by Joe Henry, 10 works were selected that mirror Wright’s rural upbringing and the trail of stories and songs that have brought her to the world stage. Having a strong sense of intention to speak of grace from the inception of the project, Wright forwent writing the title track after hearing “Grace” by Rose Cousins – the first title track Wright didn’t compose from her catalogue of six studio recordings. 



Grace opens with “Barley,” a song penned by Birds of Chicago based on the traditional blues format of word repetition. With its sweeping march and repeating phrases, “Barley” has Wright churning an ancestral force of affirmation and encouragement.

Spanning the entire album, Wright culls inspiration from the 2015 documentary, What Happened, Miss Simone?, where Simone states in an interview segment, “It’s the duty of an artist to respond to the times.” With her rendition of “Seems I’m Never Tired Lovin’ You,” Wright renders a patient and affectionate statement to reflect her life as an American in 2017.

For the Sister Rosetta Tharpe song, “Singing in My Soul,” she channels Tharpe’s conviction that there’s an outpouring of song that can be voiced in the world at any time and despite the times. Joe Henry’s years of friendship and collaboration with Allen Toussaint brought “Southern Nights” to the pre-studio listening session. Allen’s spirited trail of rural imagery made “Southern Nights” the song that felt like home.

Ray Charles’ “What Would I Do” brings a swinging Georgia gospel feel to Grace with Kenny Banks’ southern church piano work and bold choir arrangements bolstering Lizz’s swelling vocals. “Stars Fell on Alabama” is a romantic account of the spectacular Leonid meteor shower of 1833 and has since been covered by over 100 artists. Wright uses the standard to relish in the sentiment that it’s good to take your time when you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

Dylan’s “Every Grain of Sand” found Wright singing through stacked frames of poetry where bliss and misery overlap to reveal the human experience in a tender light. Wright’s interpretation of k.d. lang’s “Wash Me Clean” is a portrayal of intimate communion, mixing the two worlds of sensuality and prayer. Grace concludes with “All the Way Here,” Wright’s co-write with Maia Sharp depicting how our names carry both the meaning of who we’ve been and the story of what we have become.

“Lizz Wright and I have been friends for nearly fifteen years; I’ve hungered for the chance to stand in service to her as she sang, so powerful do I find the expression of her humanity,” says Joe Henry. “It was and remains an honor to have been Lizz’s scout along the journey of Grace. And in such dark times, we are all as musicians called to answer brutality with wild and inclusive beauty. When Lizz now sings, I am allowed to feel by extension that I am doing something of my part. What a gift that has been to me; what a gift she offers all.”

Grace is a homecoming for Wright; a rite of passage that traces the landscape between her Blue Ridge Mountains home and the storied lands of her family in central and South Georgia and along the Georgia Sea Islands.

For her return, Wright and photographer Jesse Kitt set out on a seminal road trip. The two women course down rural pathways to chronicle a myriad of the kinds of places and faces that encompass the album Grace. Kitt beautifully documented Wright’s reunions with family members, neighbors, mentors and encounters with strangers. In an effort to “hear the true voice of the south at this moment” for themselves, they rambled along farmlands, back porches, sandy beaches, and the bustling Atlanta streets as Wright conversed with the people. She and Kenny Banks Sr. also recorded with a choir featuring powerful singers from Atlanta’s local churches for three songs on Grace (“Grace,” “What Would I Do,” “Seems I’m Never Tired Lovin’ You”).

Grace is a proclamation to unearth our fundamental kindness and generosity. It sets forth a real invitation to openly contemplate our humanity. In her commitment to foster a more courageous, equal and tolerant society, Wright is plugged into several programs and endeavors that call for her engagement as a song and essay writer, a board member and a storyteller. From the experience of the humble country dinner with her friends and neighbors in the mountains, Wright is reminded of the impact of simple acts of sharing each other’s presence, without agenda. She realizes the meaningful and effective work of just being a good neighbor. Within these small and common gestures is a model of effectiveness for every large endeavor and project for social change. 


“In this day it’s nearly a revolutionary act to stand deep in unconditional love, to abide in fearless belonging and to embrace our inescapable tenderness,” says Lizz Wright.

Lizz Wright and her band will tour in select North American and international markets in the autumn of 2017, presenting a full multimedia production of photographs captured by Jesse Kitt as a backdrop to the live performance of Grace.

NEW RELEASES: JOEY NEGRO – PRODUCED WITH LOVE; JUNIE MORRISON – THE COMPLETE WESTBOUND RECORDINGS; DORE NORTHERN SOUL - L.A. BLACK MUSIC MAGIC

JOEY NEGRO – PRODUCED WITH LOVE

Joey Negro's got a decades-long love of disco – one that began at a time when so many other artists were going for colder, easier ways of serving up a groove – and Joey was a rare talent who could really take things back to the glory days of the clubs! That talent has only gotten greater and greater over the years – through projects done under Negro's own name, his work with the Sunburst Band, and even his unstoppable efforts to work as a dancefloor historian through his Z Records label! All that energy, and more, seems to come to play here – on a set that soars to the skies with the very first note – reminding us that, alongside Bluey from Incognito, Joey's one of the few cats who can get a classic sound completely right, right from the start – but also have a way of sending the music forward for a new generation too! The album's a dream right from the start – with great work from Kaidi Tatham on keyboards on some tracks – and an array of great guest singers young and old, who include Angela Johnson, Donna Gardier, Lifford, Alex Mills, Diane Charlemagne, Melba Moore, and Linda Clifford. Titles include "Must Be The Music (orig disco version)", "Everything", "Into The Blue", "Overnight Sensation", "Won't Let Go", "Anyway", "Prove That You're Feeling Me", "It's More Fun To Compute", "In Search Of The Dream", and "Stomp Your Feet". (Limited edition – with bonus 12" that includes "Message In Our Music (Joey Negro rmx)" by The O'Jays and "Spanish Hustle (Joey Negro rmx)" by Fatback Band.) ~ Dusty Groove

JUNIE MORRISON – THE COMPLETE WESTBOUND RECORDINGS

A trio of albums from Junie Morrison, plus bonus tracks too – all to document the genius of the guy who really helped the Ohio Players find their groove! First up is When We Do – the solo debut of Junie – a crazy little album recorded for Westbound in the time after he split company with The Ohio Players – and a set that's definitely got the weirdly wonderful mix of music that group was known for in their pre-Mercury years! Junie effortlessly moves between a number of styles, all with a great degree of wit – still keeping things funky in all the best ways, but also really experimenting with larger sounds and unusual arrangements – which come into play here in a really wonderful way! The album's an overlooked funk treasure from the 70s – far too sophisticated for its own time – and titles include "Walt's Third Trip", "Tight Rope", "Johnny Carson Samba", "Anna", "Loving Arms", "Married Him", and "The Place". Freeze is a wonderful set from Junie – a record that has all the offbeat funk he was crafting with the Ohio Players during their Westbound years – and the same sort of heady sound that would make Morrison a perfect match with the P-Funk empire! The record contains the legendary track "Granny's Funky Rolls Royce", which features a meeting between the Funky Granny (a near folklorish character from the early 70s, who'd appeared on records by Kool & The Gang and Ohio Players) and an alien, who tells urges to "buy this record, buy this record, buy this record" in a very silly voice! The funky comedy of this track is nicely matched by a range of other odd numbers and straighter soul cuts – and titles include "Freeze", "Super J", "Musical Son", "Junie II", "World of Woe", and "Cookies Will Get You". Suzie Super Groupie is a funky tribute to all the "Super Groupies" who were helping out the 70s music scene – maybe the closest thing that Junie Morrisson every came to a tribute album – and a set that's got all the same wonderful complexity of his other solo albums on Westbound! As with those records, there's a pre-Prince approach to funk that draws heavily from Ohio Players and P-Funk elements – but which really gets a sharper, more sinister focus with Junie in the lead – at a level of soulful stardom that could have made him another Bootsy Collins, if folks were ever smart enough to figure out what he was doing at the time! Titles include the funky classic "Suzie Thundertussy" – plus "Super Groupie", "Surrender", "Junie III", "What Am I Gonna Do", "Stone Face Joe", "Suzie", and "If You Love Him". Set also features rare Junie cuts – including "Junie's Ultimate Departure", "Walt's Second Trip", "Tight Rope (single)", "Loving Arms (mono)", "If You Love Him (single)", "Super J (single)", and "Granny's Funky Rolls Royce (mono)".  ~ Dusty Groove

DORE NORTHERN SOUL - L.A. BLACK MUSIC MAGIC

A treasure trove of soul from the legendary LA indie label Dore Records – home to some of the finest 60s sides on the west coast – a top-shelf lineup that's never been represented this well! Dore had a few key groups at the time – a young Whispers, and the excellent Superbs – but also cut work by some other great artists too – all with a level of care and class to match the best soul sides coming from New York or Detroit at the time! The Dore approach manages to have a sparkle without losing any sort of edge – careful production and instrumentation, but a real respect for the voices in the lead, too. This means that the label can come up with an upbeat groove that rivals the Detroit sound on the dancefloor – yet also really let the singers and groups do their thing, too. LP-only collection features 14 tracks in all – most rare singles from the label – and titles include "Gone With The Wind" by Rita & The Tiaras, "I'm Givin You Notice Baby" by The Fidels, "What Did You Gain By That" by Kenard, "Your Ship Of Fools" by Ray Marchand, "My Lonely Feeling" by Milton James, "I Only Cry Once A Day Now" by The Puffs, "Nitty Gritty City" by The Swans, "Why Does It Feel So Right" by Shades Of Jade, "Keep On Movin" by Little Johnny Hamilton, "Gettin Back Into Circulation" by The Entertainers IV, and "I Wanna Do It With You Baby" by The Superbs. ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: LABELLE – THE ANTHOLOGY; SPYDER TURNER - IS IT LOVE YOU'RE AFTER; MONDAY MICHIRU - NAKED BREATH 2

LABELLE – THE ANTHOLOGY

A wonderfully-done look at the legendary soul trio Labelle – plus solo work as well! The collection doesn't feature the full range of Labelle's music – you might need a box set for that – but it does pick up the group when they really hit their stride on RCA in the early 70s – when the trio of Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx, and Sarah Dash were serving up a completely righteous blend of funk and soul! Gone are the more fragile harmonies of their 60s work – and in their place is a confident, badass approach that really let the vocals of the three women soar in a wonderful way. The set features ten tracks from these years – a good number of which were produced by Allen Toussaint – plus 26 more from the solo albums by the group members from the same time. Labelle titles include "Nightbird", "Lady Marmalade", "Are You Lonely", "What Can I Do For You (single)", "Isn't It A Shame", "Who's Watching The Watcher", "Messin With My Mind (single)", and "Something In The Air/The Revolution Will Not Be Televised". Sarah Dash sings "Sinner Man", "Leaving Again", "Oo La La too Soon", "Candy From Your Baby", and "I Can't Believe". Nona Hendryx sings "Casanova", "King Of Hearts", "You're The Only One I Ever Needed", "B-Boys (single)", "To The Bone", "I Sweat (single)", "Keep It Confidential (single)", and "Transformation (single)". Patti Labelle sings "Music Is My Way Of Life", "Teach Me Tonight", "Joy To Have Your Love (single)", "Love & Learn", "My Best Was Good Enough", "Release", "It's Alright With Me (single)", "Little Girls (single)", and "I Don't Go Shopping". ~ Dusty Groove

SPYDER TURNER - IS IT LOVE YOU'RE AFTER: THE WHITFIELD RECORDS YEARS 1978-1980

The overlooked second chapter of Spyder Turner's career – two albums back to back on a single CD! First up is the Music Web album – a fantastic revival in sound for Spyder Turner – a Detroit singer who cut some material for MGM earlier in his career, but never at a level that fully took advantage of his range! This time around, he's back in action in the late 70s, and working with producer Norman Whitfield – who creates this rich, soaring sound for some of Turner's tracks – allowing the singer to move his deep soul style into even more sophisticated territory. Other tunes are warm mellow numbers that show a maturing mode, too – and Gene Page handled the arrangements with a nice sort of Cali 70s vibe. Titles include "Stop", "I've Changed", "Get Down", "I've Been Waiting", "Reincarnation", and "Is It Love You're After". On Only Love, Spyder Turner is again working with producer Norman Whitfield – whose moved on from his Detroit roots to Cali – and works with the sort of soaring sound that he brought to his other late 70s albums on his own label – such as work by Undisputed Truth or Rose Royce! As with both of those groups, Whitfield allows the arrangements to get big, but never in a way that interferes with the quality of the vocals – an approach that really seems to help Turner find the direction he might have otherwise been lacking. Gene Page helps on arrangements – which furthers the sound of the set – and titles include "God Bless The Lady On The Radio", "Only Love", "Let's Rock", "You Can Always Count On Me", "You're So Fine", and "Sunshine". ~ Dusty Groove

MONDAY MICHIRU - NAKED BREATH 2

Beautiful work from Monday Michiru – an artist we've loved for over 20 years, and who just keeps on rewarding our faith in her work with records like this! Years back, Monday was a soul singer, then she grew into a very talented jazz singer too – and here, she's in a very special space of her own – beautifully set up with just the guitar of Yoshihisa Suzuki for accompaniment, plus a bit of her own work on flute – but mostly in a mode that just features her singing alongside the guitar! Monday's always had an expressive voice, but she really knocks it out of the park here – working so many different inflections, twists, and turns into her lyrics – so much so, we don't even miss the other instrumentation at all. Few folks could make an album this vivid with so little – but then again, Monday's always been a rare breed! Titles include the originals "One Thing's For Sure", "Seize The Day", "Brasilified", "Hidden Elements", "Disillusioned", and "Lone Wolf" – plus versions of "One Note Samba", and the Prince classic "Wanna Be Your Lover".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: ANGELA BOFILL - I TRY: THE ANTHOLOGY 1978-1993; RIVERSIDE – THE NEW NATIONAL ANTHEM; WILLIE CLAYTON – CROSSROAD OF THE BLUES

ANGELA BOFILL - I TRY: THE ANTHOLOGY 1978-1993

Angela Bofill's not just a hell of a singer – she's also got a great record for collaboration too, which is as well-documented on this collection as her own classic work from the time! The package focuses strongly on the late 70s/early 80s stretch when Bofill's music was soaring on a series of albums and singles for Arista – but it also extends past those tracks to include contemporary and later collaborations – with artists who include Narada Michael Walden, Carl Anderson, Johnny Mathis, Stanley Clark, Marion Meadows, Boz Scaggs, and Kirk Whalum – tracks that are every bit as important to Angela's career as her own catalog. We love this series of collections from Soulmusic.com for the way they bring together all the right moments from an artist's career – as you'll hear on this set of 34 tracks that includes "Is This A Dream", "Never Wanna Be Without Your Love", "Too Tough (long version)", "Can't Slow Down (ext rmx)", "Holdin Out For Love", Baby I Need Your Love", "Love Was Never", "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing", "Tonight I Give In", "I Wanna Love Somebody (single edit)", "Let Me Be The One", "A Woman In Love", "You're A Special Part Of Me", "Break It To Me Gently", "Where Do We Go", "Always A Part Of Me", "Heavenly Love", "Song For A Rainy Day", "No Love In Sight", "Tonight I Give In", "Love & Marriage", "Love Light", and "All The Reasons Why".  ~ Dusty Groove

RIVERSIDE – THE NEW NATIONAL ANTHEM

Dave Douglas has always been a hell of a trumpeter, but he's also always been smart enough to realize that he sometimes hits some of his greatest strengths in collaboration – as he does working here with the excellent Riverside quartet! The group's first record was inspired by the music of Jimmy Giuffre – but this time around, they seem to have expanded their vision – working with some tracks by Carla Bley, but also some great work of Dave's, too – in a style that really finds a new space for the trumpet of Douglas, alongside the saxes and clarinet of Chet Doxas, drums of Jim Doxas, and electric bass of Steve Swallow! The legendary Swallow works here in a way that's sometimes subtle, but extremely effective – often creating this gentle pulse around which the horns are free to circulate in space – soaring together, shaping new sounds, and really pulling an amazing performance out of both players. Jim Doxas' drums are equally understated, in a really great way – and titles include "King Korn", "View From A Bird", "Old Country", "Never Mind", "New National Anthem", and "Enormous Tots". ~ Dusty Groove

WILLIE CLAYTON – CROSSROAD OF THE BLUES

Always-great work from Willie Clayton – a blues singer in scene, but one who often works with a sound that's equal part southern soul – especially that late 70s moment when some of the older southern soul singers moved onto the Malaco Records blues scene! Willie's recorded with Otis Clay in the past, and you can definitely hear a level of vocal phrasing that lives up to Clay's legacy – set to instrumentation that's a bit more Chicago electric blues overall, but well-crafted, without any sense of cliche. Titles include "We Had A Good Thang", "Keep On Loving Me", "Two Wrongs Don't Make It Right", "Backside Of Fifty", "Bartender Blues", and "Sneaking & Creeping".  ~ Dusty Groove

Binker and Moses' new release, Journey To The Mountain Of Forever

The story begins in the "realm of the now," a high-fantasy location set in a fictional universe with an epic stature of characters, themes and discoveries for the listener to interpret literally but most importantly metaphorically. With each unfolding and ethereal track, the subjects make their way through the secondary world on a hero's journey, meant to be up to the listener to determine the ultimate goal, to by all means necessary make it to the Mountain of Forever.

Finally, after a six "chapter" voyage, the listener discovers the "realms of the infinite," a location where anything from your wildest dreams can occur, a place of self-discovery and universal mystery. The Mountain of Forever is obtainable, but its path is dangerous and the journeymen are met with seemingly impossible tasks and challenges along its course while making new companions essential to completing the journey.

This is a universe meant to challenge the very fabric of our meaning, the very nature of our existence, and the opening of the mind in the purest sense.

This Tolkien-esque adventure is described by the saxophone and drums duo of Binker and Moses as "traveling with us from the 'realm of the now' to the 'realms of the infinite' meeting along the way Shamans, the great Besbunu, the Ultra Blacks and various other tribes, monsters & characters while immersing yourself in their strange rituals, potions, music, and a world which has no end."

Binker and Moses' new release, Journey To The Mountain Of Forever is a 15-track, two-record set concept album available now on Gearbox Records: the first disc features the duo on their own while for the second they are joined throughout by saxophonist Evan Parker, trumpeter Byron Wallen, harpist Tori Handsley, tabla player Sarathy Korwar and drummer Yussef Dayes. Tenor saxophonist Binker Golding and drummer Moses Boyd's creation is as surrounded in mystery as much as grounded in the experimental resurgence of spiritual jazz, weaving in-and-out of tradition while pushing the boundaries of instrumental music to it's fullest potential.

Binker and Moses started playing together through the Tomorrow's Warriors jazz development program and the late American trumpeter Abram Wilson. They are both full members of Zara McFarlane's band where they started developing their duo improvisations during sound checks, and also perform in Moses' expanded Exodus lineup. Their debut album Dem Ones was recorded in October 2014 from the live room at Mark Ronson's Zelig Studio to the 1/4" tape machine at Gearbox Studio next door, with no edits, overdubs or mixing.

When Dem Ones was released in the summer of 2015, it kick-started a sensational year for the young duo. They won a string of awards including 2015 MOBO Awards: Best Jazz Act, Jazz FM Awards 2016: UK Jazz Act of the Year and Breakthrough Act of the Year and the 2016 Parliamentary Jazz Awards: Jazz Newcomer of the Year. Their festival and club performances received rave reviews and ever-growing audiences, culminating in the November 2016 UK tour with US trio The Bad Plus.

Sessions for Journey to the Mountain of Forever took place on July 21 and 22, 2016, resulting in 10 reels of tape filled with over five hours of music. Like it's predecessor Dem Ones, the new album was recorded completely live from Mark Ronson's Zelig studio' direct to a 1960's Studer C37 1/4" tape machine at Gearbox's studio in the building next door.

 Disc One: The Realm of Now

1.     The Departure

2.     Intoxication From The Jahvmonishi Leaves

3.     Fete By The River

4.     Trees On Fire

5.     The Shaman's Chant

6.     Leave The Now Behind

Disc Two: The Realms Of The Infinite

1.     The Valley of the Ultra Blacks

2.     Gifts From The Vibrations Of Light

3.     Mysteries and Revelations

4.     Ritual Of The Root

5.     The Voice Of Besbunu

6.     Echoes From The Other Side Of The Mountain

7.     Reverse Genesis

8.     Entering The Infinite

9.     At The Feet Of The Mountain Of Forever

NEW MUSIC: LIGHT MELLOW - ONE DAY (VARIOUS ARTISTS/3-CD SET); OMAR – LOVE IN BEATS; DE-LITE 45s: DJ’S CHOICE 1969-1976 – SELECTED BY DAISUKE KURODA

LIGHT MELLOW - ONE DAY (VARIOUS ARTISTS/3-CD SET)

Step on over to AOR City, and discover some great music you might have missed otherwise – in this fantastic 3CD collection of AOR gems from the 70s and 80s – one that mixes familiar tunes with some real overlooked gems! The collection was put together in conjunction with the fantastic AOR City series of reissues – and features key tracks from those titles and other smooth, sublime pop cuts from the same 70s stretch – the kind of work that might have hit the radio at the time, but which often got lost to the shifting sands of time. Some artists are ones you might know from other work in rock and soul – others are artists who only got a brief chance to reach for the brass ring – getting strong studio help and top-level production that makes them fit right in with the hits here. 57 tracks in all – including "Angel Heart" by Jimmy Webb, "So So Happy" by Valerie Carter, "Personally" by Karla Bonoff, "Nothin You Can Do About It" by Airplay, "I Go Crazy" by Paul Davis, "Only A Lonely Heart Sees" by Felix Cavaliere, "On & On" by Stephen Bishop, "Stephanie" by John Valenti, "I Need You" by Maurice White, "Nightwalker" by Gino Vanelli, "Waiting For A Star To Fall" by Boy Meets Girl, "Don't Talk" by Larry Lee, "Hearts On Fire" by Randy Meisner, "Seeing You" by Jimmy Messina, "Casablanca" by Dane Donohue, "Lazy Nina" by Greg Phillinganes, "Wait For Me" by Hall & Oates, "Next To You" by Dan Siegel with Kenny Rankin, "What Good Is Love" by Bill Champlin, "Runnin & Hidin" by Fools Gold, "You Are" by Niteflyte, "Lovin & Losin You" by Dwayne Ford, "Eldorado Escape" by Far Cry, and "Song For A Sucker Like You" by Ben Sidran. (Part of the great AOR City series from Japan!)  ~ Dusty Groove.

OMAR – LOVE IN BEATS

Omar's been blowing our minds for years now – turning out some of the freshest soul music on the global scene – from his tremendous debut at the start of the 90s, to a range of crucially-overlooked albums that should have made the singer huge! The man's a hell of a singer, and a really great songwriter – easily a modern-day Stevie Wonder, right down to his skills on the keyboards and cosmic sense of soul! This album's got Omar sounding especially wonderful – working with a few key guests, like Robert Glasper, Leon Ware, Natasha Watts, and The Floacist – but reminding us again that it's the man at the core who makes all the music so great – as the guests appear only as key added elements, but the Omar sound is more than enough to make the record great. Titles include "Vicky's Tune", "Feeds My Mind", "Insatiable", "Gave My Heart", "Girl Talk", "I Want It To Be", "Hold Me Closer", "This Way That Way", "Destiny", and "Doobie Doobie Doo". ~ Dusty Groove

DE-LITE 45s: DJ’S CHOICE 1969-1976 – SELECTED BY DAISUKE KURODA

A great collection of funky 45s from the De-Lite family of labels – most of which were never issued on any sort of full-length album! In addition to singles issued by De-Lite – best known as the key home of Kool & The Gang – the set also features tracks from the related Vigor and Red Coach labels – two excellent east coast imprints that were filled with funky combos who were just bursting with talent – very much tuned to the fast-funk styles that exploded in the years before disco! Titles include "Chick A Boom" by Pazant Brothers, "How Do You Feel" by The New Cymbals, "RRAWJ" by Reggie Sadler Revue, "Stand Up (part 2)" by Maskman & The Agents, "Funky Generation" by Everyday People, "Spread The Word" by Yvonne Daniels, "Hard To Handle" by Dennis Robinson, "I Smell Trouble" by Johnny De'Vigne, "Lady" by Shalong, "Far Out" by Crown Heights Affair, "Jackie" by Mebeus, "Party Music" by Pat Lundi, "Be Real" by Tomorrow's Edition, "I Wanna Give You Tomorrow" by Benny Troy, "It Really Hurts Me Girl" by The Carstairs, "LC Funk" by The New Cymbals, "Mboga Chakula" by Pazant Brothers, and "My Baby's Coming Home To Stay" by Janice Saddler. ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: JEFF TAIN WATTS – BLUE VOL. 2; EDU LOBO / ROMERO LUBAMBO / MAURO SENISE – DOS NAVEGANTES; MONIQUEA - BLACKWAVEFUNK

JEFF TAIN WATTS – BLUE VOL. 2

Drummer Jeff Tain Watts really takes the title here seriously – and maybe brings in more bluesy soulful currents to his music than ever before! Part of that quality comes from the guests – a wonderful lineup that includes vocals from Sy Smith, Kurt Elling, and Frank McComb – but even without those singers, the groove is wonderful – and Watts seems to hit a funkier sound than usual on his drums! Most of the album is instrumental – and other guests include Robert Hurst on bass, Kevin Eubanks on guitar, and Steve Coleman on alto sax – but whatever the instrumental lineup, Jeff's clearly the driving force of the record, in a really wonderful way. Titles include "Cleo", "Waltz For Marvin", "Chicken Ballet", "Lenalane", "Water", "Sons Of The Jitney Man", "You're Mine & I Want You", and "Uh Uh". ~ Dusty Groove

EDU LOBO / ROMERO LUBAMBO / MAURO SENISE – DOS NAVEGANTES

Beautiful sounds throughout – and exactly the kind of record that shows why the right sort of Brazilian music can be so different than anything else on this planet – not really jazz, not really folk, nor straightforward pop – but the kind of special sounds that define a genre unto themselves! The record's a warmly collaborative effort from the trio of Romero Lubambo on guitar, Mauro Senise on saxes and flute, and the great Edu Lobo on voice and compositions – songs pulled from his decades-long contribution to Brazilian music, given a very special, very personal performance by the group! Lobo always had a way of balancing up-close performance with loftier arrangements – and here, that latter side of his music is pulled away, to bring the singer even more strongly into the limelight – as he gets very warm accompaniment from both of the other lead players. The set also features some guest work from Cristovao Bastos on piano, Bruno Aguilar on bass, and Mingo Araujo on percussion – and titles include "Toada", "A Morte De Zambi", "Gingado Dobrado", "Considerando", "Dos Navegantes", and "O Circo Mistico".  ~ Dusty Groove

MONIQUEA - BLACKWAVEFUNK

Sweet bassy soul from Moniquea – a record that's got as many basslines and keyboard riffs as some of our favorite early 80s underground work – but which also has a nicely lean, contemporary vibe too! Moniquea's vocals have a great way of fitting into this setting, too – almost electric at times, as if she's a natural vocoder – but at a level that also gives her a deeper sense of soul than just another processed voice – a really unique approach that makes the record sound quite different than anything else we can think of! Hardly just another 80s retro soul effort – and instead something really unique – on titles that include "Checkin Out", "I Just Don't Know", "Make You Feel My Love", "Check Your Sources", "Famous", and "Knew It".  ~ Dusty Groove

NEW RELEASES: MARVIN PARKS; OLLIE HOWELL – SELF-IDENTITY; AL SUNNY – TIME TO DECIDE

MARVIN PARKS – MARVIN PARKS

A dream of a record from Marvin Parks – a hell of a jazz singer, and one that we'd place in an elite legacy that runs from Oscar Brown up through Jose James! The work here is wonderful – as Nicola Conte produced the record, and gives it the same sort of jazzy sparkle as his own sublime records of the past decade – a groove that's never too overstated, but is also a reworking of an older 60s soul jazz mode – but refitted with all the right sort of sophistication to match Marvin's wonderful voice! There's no programmed rhythms at all – all the instrumentation is live jazz – and titles include a great new take on the Conte tunes "Sea & Sand" and "Awakening" – plus the original "African Other Blues", and versions of "Charade", "How Insensitive", "The Very Thought Of You", "Brother Where Are You", "Nature Boy", "If I Should Lose You", and "Swingin Shepherd Blues".  ~ Dusty Groove

OLLIE HOWELL – SELF-IDENTITY

A beautiful voyage of self-discovery from drummer Ollie Howell – but a set that also clearly gets its strength his collaboration with the other members of the session too! Ollie adds in a bit of electronics with his drums, but the core energy here mostly comes from the acoustic exchange between the tenor of Duncan Eagles, trumpet of Henry Spencer, piano of Matt Robinson, and bass of Max Luthert – players who often create these building blocks of sound that soar to the sky with sort of an understated spiritual vibe – very contemporary in approach, yet also with much deeper roots of inspiration. The group also features Ant Law on guitar, and Robinson plays a bit of Fender Rhodes – but the most haunting elements, to us, come from that acoustic core that really drives the sound. Titles include "Almost Tomorrow", "Rise & Fall", "Shadows", "Knew", "Balancing Stones", "In Truth", and "The Unknown". ~ Dusty Groove

AL SUNNY – TIME TO DECIDE

Guest what? They DO make 'em like they used to – at least in terms of 70s AOR – which seems to be having a wonderful comeback in the hands of singers like Al Sunny! The record's contemporary, but could have easily been crafted in the LA studios of the mid 70s – as Al's got a wonderful ear for easygoing grooves, top-shelf instrumentation, and just the right sort of production polish to put the whole thing together without ever making things sound too slick! The great Florian Pellissier is on board to help out on all the tracks – playing some excellent Fender Rhodes, clavinet, and other keyboards – and showing us yet another side of his surprisingly wide talents. Titles include a great remake of the Ned Doheny track "Get It Up For Love" – plus "Open Up Your Eyes", "Supervision", "Time To Decide", "Beautiful Lady", and "Since I've Been Loving You". ~ Dusty Groove

NEW MUSIC: GERARDO FRISINA – BLUE LATIN; ADAM BEN EZRA – PIN DROP; LUCA MANNUTZA QUINTET - REMEMBERING

GERARDO FRISINA – BLUE LATIN

A great small combo set from percussionist Gerardo Frisina – a set that feels as if it's got some programming in the rhythms, a bit like some of his earlier singles – but which also features a fair bit of live jazz instrumentation too! The album's got a sound that really fits the color of the title – tunes that are upbeat, but nicely chromatic too – thanks to some excellent piano lines, balanced alongside trumpet, tenor, and flute – plus some warm acoustic basslines, and a bit of Fender Rhodes as well! As always with Frisina, even when the rhythms are programmed, they're never too stiff – as the man draws more inspiration from classic Latin sounds than most of his producer contemporaries, and really knows how to make things sound great. Titles include "Mulata", "Blue Latin", "Incanto", "Baracoa", "Naquela Base", and "Olympia (part 2)".~ Dusty Groove 

ADAM BEN EZRA – PIN DROP

Pretty wonderful sounds from Adam Ben Ezra – an artist who works here completely solo, but with a flowing range of sounds that's completely hypnotizing overall! Ezra's a bassist at heart, but also plays piano and clarinet on the record – and also vocalizes a bit, and adds in some foot stomps too – all with this earthy, organic approach to his instruments that really opens up their sonic possibilities, while still also keeping things in a forward-moving, always-swinging style! The work on bass is especially wonderful – as Adam's strong, deep notes are extremely powerful – and often offset by more unusual touches on the strings – not in a gimmicky way, but just fresh sonic expressions. Titles include "Prayer", "Silk Road", "Balagusto", "Can't Stop Running", "Brown Piano", and "India Time".  ~ Dusty Groove

LUCA MANNUTZA QUINTET - REMEMBERING

Great work from a jazz quintet who really knows how to make things soar – a group that's led by pianist Luca Mannutza, who we've really loved on previous records – and who seems to hit new heights with this album! The group have a very round, rolling sound – one that fuses Mannutza's piano with the alto of Paolo Recchia and guitar of Enrico Bracco, in these swirling lines that are pushed along by tremendous work on bass by Luca Bulgarelli, whose warmth really makes the music shine. The elements are familiar, but the way they fuse together is very unique – on titles that include "Blake Runner", "Dedalo", "Circles", "Silent Prayer", "Solar", "Vortex", and "Gira Mondo Gira".  ~ Dusty Groove