USA/BRAZIL: Duduka Da Fonseca & Helio Alves featuring Maucha Adnet-Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim (Sunnyside Records 2019)

Tom Jobim and João Gilberto’s partnership provided one of the most incredible musical contributions to the musical world. In 1958, the first Bossa Nova album, Chega de Saudade, was recorded by Gilberto, featuring arrangements by Jobim. American Jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Byrd, Keter Betts and Herbie Mann, went to Brasil around that time and fell in love with Brazilian music. They brought several Bossa Nova albums to the United States. Charlie Byrd was the one who introduced Stan Getz to the music of Jobim and Gilberto. Bossa Nova was a great influence to American Jazz from then on.

Jobim’s legacy has lived on through his admirers, followers and apprentices. Bossa Nova and the Brazilian jazz tradition continue to flourish, led by the likes of drummer Duduka Da Fonseca and pianist Helio Alves. With the addition of the great vocalist Maucha Adnet, the friends have assembled a program of music highlighting the beauty of the Brazilian Jazz music that they have performed all over the world. Their new recording, Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim, was recorded to spread their passion even further.

Though Da Fonseca and Alves come from different parts of Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, respectively), they both grew up with the sounds of popular Brazilian music and Bossa Nova in their ears. It was upon hearing jazz as teenagers that they decided to pursue the American born genre as their passion. Both would eventually land in New York City to become enmeshed in Gotham’s jazz world.

Beginning in 2007 at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York, they began to perform a program of music called “Samba Jazz and the Music of Jobim” with the singer Maucha Adnet, who was a member of Jobim’s ensemble during the last ten years of his life. The trio has toured the world with the program and has developed an incredible empathy.

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Adnet began her musical career as a member of vocal group Céu da Boca before joining Jobim’s last ensemble, Banda Nova, from 1984 to 1994. She has maintained a busy career as a solo artist and expert on Brazilian song, playing with legends like Dorival Caymmi, Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso, Charlie Byrd, Gil Goldstein and Randy Brecker.

For their recording, Da Fonseca, Alves and Adnet enlisted a stellar cast of musical greats, including woodwind master Billy Drewes, guitarist Romero Lubambo, and bassist Hans Glawischnig. There are also special appearances by luminary trumpeters Wynton Marsalis and Claudio Roditi.

The recording begins with Claudio Roditi’s dancing “Gemini Man,” featuring lovely turns from Lubambo and the composer himself as a special guest. Da Fonseca’s seductive “Alana” is an intriguing mid-tempo piece with a feel that throws in some off-kilter percussion segments. Alves’s “Untitled” slows down the pace with a lovely piano led ballad which builds and builds, while Jobim’s “Pato Preto” is done with a delicate but steady baião rhythm drive with Adnet introducing herself in a most pleasing fashion.

Led in by wistful guitar, Jobim and Aloysio de Oliveira’s classic “Dindi” is beautifully rendered in an enticing Bossa Nova groove. Swirling soprano sax and piano introduce Jobim and Luiz Bonfá’s mellifluous “A Correnteza” and there is a stirring darkness in the group’s take on Mario Adnet’s moving “Pedra Bonita Da Gavea. Alves’s insistent “Helium” is played only by the piano trio and shows the rhythm section’s real dynamism.

Adnet returns for Jobim’s gorgeously lyrical “Você Vai Ver,” her voice carrying the piece’s memorable melody before Drewes’s fabulous saxophone solo. Jobim’s driving “Polo Pony” is a rhythmically inviting piece that dances to voice, saxophone, Rhodes and guitar. Wynton Marsalis’s deft trumpet playing graces the snappy take on Raul de Souza’s “A Vontade Mesmo,” while a wonderfully restrained take of the Gershwin classic “I Loves You Porgy” closes out the set.

Duduka Da Fonseca and Helio Alves have been leaders in the development and promotion of Brazilian musical forms where they intersect with jazz music. Their recording, Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim, showcases these brilliant musicians along with their extremely talented friends, most notably vocalist Maucha Adnet, on an incredibly moving journey through Brazilian song tinted by a jazz lens.

USA/JAPAN: Hiroe Sekine- Hiroe's Spirit (Blue Canoe Records 2019)

Las Vegas, NV (July 19th, 2019) - Blue Canoe artist, Hiroe Sekine, is back in the spotlight with her fourth release, "Hiroe's Spirit". With this bold effort, Ms. Sekine brings fresh, unique arrangements to jazz and classical songs in a very original way.

A native of Japan, pianist Hiroe Sekine has been living in the Los Angeles area since 1993, performing at many venues, festivals, and others, including the Jazz Concert Series at Los Angeles County Museum of Arts (LACMA) in 2014 and 2016. Ms. Hiroe studied jazz at University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. In 2010, Ms. Sekine's debut album, "a-mé", was named by "All About Jazz" as one of the 25 best albums of the year. Ms. Sekine's long-time musical relationship with Russell Ferrante of the YellowJackets continues on "Hiroe's Spirit" and the result is a classical crossover stunner. Over the years, she has worked with musical greats such as Bob Sheppard (Chick Corea, Steely Dan, Michael Brecker, Joni Mitchell), Tony Dumas (The Manhattan Transfer, Chick Corea, Etta James, Mariah Carey), Peter Erskine (Weather Report, Pat Metheny, John Scofield,) and Abraham Laboriel (Al Jarreau, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles) to name a few.

"Hiroe's Spirit" opens with a dramatic rendition of “Pavane pour une infante défunte” by French composer Maurice Ravel. It begins with Ms. Sekine hinting at the melody with her strong piano phrasing against a simple drum beat. Bob Sheppard floats to the front with his sax and takes over melodic duties before the listener is drawn in by spirited accompaniment with Michael Valerio (bass), James Tate (drums) and Akira Jimbo (shaker). Together they reach the summit with dramatically soaring sax ringing triumphantly in the end.

Another very original take on Spirit is Ms. Hiroe's version of Ave Maria. She chooses a very upbeat approach with riveting drum and bass intro. The great Abraham Laboriel contributes both electric bass and vocals in this unique approach to the standard. The changes in rhythmic patterns throughout the interpretation keep the listener engaged as Ms. Hiroe falls in with a breathtaking piano solo that will leave an audience wanting for more. At the end, all come together in a force of rocket-paced bass groove along with subdued vocals that magically just works. Creatively divine, indeed!

"Hiroe's Spirit" is an intelligent, stand-out creation that will not be matched this year. Take a ride
with Hiroe Sekine's "Hiroe's Spirit" today....this one is not to be missed.


Links:

Blue Canoe Records
Hiroe Sekine's Official Website: SekaiMusic.com

DENMARK: Holum Balle Quartet – Drømmelys (Gateway Music 2019)

Tracklist: 01. Drømmer 02. Vinter uden sne 03. Sommer Samba 04. Til deg 05. T’ho Voluto Bene 06. De grønne lunde 07. Vintergatan 08. Far vel 09. Vals fra Småland

GERMANY: Ulrich Kritzner – The Virtual Reality Band Project: Feel Free (Kritzner Records 2019)

Tracklist: 01. Funny Funky Fuzzy 02. Pure Funk 03. Funny Groove 04. Come On 05. Jump on My Bed 06. Not Realy a Blues 07. Take It, Mr. Bassman 08. Take It Easy 09. Somehow Crazy 10. Work It out for Band 11. Take It Easy, Horror Man 12. Laid-Back in a Stressfull Time 13. Easy Moove 14. Something Like Latin 15. Early Morning Nightmare 16. Abracadabra 17. Sunny Boys Song 18. Funky Blues (Remastered)

FINLAND: Max Zenger Globus – Max Zenger Globus (Helsinki Jazz Underground 2019)

Saxophonist and woodwinds specialist Max Zenger's Globus-quintet creates wide soundscapes and abundant compositions, which leave room for improvisation and own expression. Compositions chase after breathtaking scenery through music with nature’s beauty and diversity as the fountainhead of the improvisation.

The album consists of five exquisite compositions which combine to one big kokonaisuus, which is the aim of the album - to present music as it is without any presumptions (ennakkoluuloja). This is also the stage of Max Zenger's artisry at this very moment. Enjoy!

credits

released July 9, 2019

Max Zenger - alto saxophone, bass clarinet
Kasperi Sarikoski - trombone
Mikael Myrskog - keys
Anssi Tirkkonen - drums
Heikko Remmel - bass

USA:Christopher J- Bluesy Bach & Friends .(2019)

Bluesy Bach & Friends takes great compositions from the masters Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig Beethoven and Amadeus Mozart and reinterprets them with a bluesy groove with jazz and classic rock influences.

Extensive notes can be found for this CD on the artist's web site. Produced, recorded and mixed at Pamaku Music Studios, Seattle WA. Recorded on a MacBook Pro using Logic Pro X. Mix and arrangement consultant Michael Powers. Composition consultant William Maxwell. Photography Pamela Hartzog. Graphic design and layout with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Thank you to everyone who supports my music. Bluesy Bach and Friends was recorded on Ibanez Artcore Expressionist and Fender Modern Player Marauder electric guitars, a Schecter Stargazer bass, an Eastman double bass and a Big Island tenor ukulele.

ITALY: Francesco Sotgiu – Via Del Sestante (DDE Records 2019)

Paolo Birro - Pianoforte Marco Micheli - Contrabasso Francesco Sotgiu - Batteria

USA: Inner Visions by saxophonist Lawrence Clark featuring Jeremy Pelt & Duane Eubanks

A native of Camden, NJ, Lawrence Clark was introduced to the saxophone at an early age and later played in his middle and high school concert and jazz ensembles before attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where he studied with Fred Lipsius, Andy McGee, and Bill Pierce. Clark remained in Boston for several years before moving to New York City in pursuit of a higher level of musicianship. There, he became actively involved within the local music scene and eventually began leading several groups of his own.

Clark has performed in venues and festivals throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa, playing alongside many world-renowned musicians including Norman Simmons, Winard Harper,David Bryant, Jeremy Pelt, Orrin Evans, Azar Lawrence, Tyshawn Sorey, Eric McPherson, David Weiss, Billy Hart, Anthony Wonsey, Gene Jackson, Reggie Workman, Babatunde Lea, Dwayne Burno, Billy Drummond, and Rashied Ali, to name a few.


In 2017, Clark self-released his first album as a leader entitled Forward Motion. His forthcoming recording, INNER VISIONS, showcases a stellar line-up that includes Jeremy Pelt, trumpet; David Bryant, piano and Rhodes; Duane Eubanks, trumpet; Darrell Green, drums; and Joris Teepe, bass. The album represents Clark’s journey both musically and spiritually and pays homage to one of his biggest inspirations with whom he played for many years, Rashied Ali. Of Ali, Clark states, “Rashied was not only my mentor but also my good friend, like family. This album is a dedication to him and all my heroes.” Another significant influence of Clark’s is John Coltrane, and the selections “Blew” and “Freedom” were written with the jazz master’s open and free artistic philosophy in mind. INNER VISIONS was recorded at Tedesco Studios in New Jersey in 2018 and is scheduled for release via the JAZZ TRIBES label in Summer 2019.

Jeremy Pelt, trumpet (tracks 4,7)
David Bryant, piano and Rhodes
Duane Eubanks, trumpet (tracks 2, 3, 5, 6, 8)
Darrell Green, drums
Joris Teepe, double bass
Lawrence Clark, tenor saxophone

Recorded at Tedesco Studios, Paramus, NJ 9/17/2018
Mixed and mastered by Aelx Geurink at Studio West
Hoogland, The Netherlands

audio:
web:

Track Listing:
1. Mr Ali-1
2. Blew
3. Judgment Day
4. Freedom
5. Time Traveler
6. Anit
7. Inner Visions
8. Nibiru
9. Mr Ali-2

USA: David Baker Trio-Minus Piano (2019)

"Minus Piano" attempts to bridge two seemingly separate worlds of jazz history in a modern context. One of the beautiful things about modern jazz is that it breaks down barriers more than the music ever did prior— one of these divisions is the piano trio tradition and the chord-less trio tradition. David Baker (bass) forms a trio with Joel Harris (tenor) and Sarute Wijitwechakarn (drums) to honor the seat they leave empty: piano. Attempting to capture or reinvent characteristics of each honored pianist, the trio cleverly designs arrangements that feel fresh and modern, personal, and even daring, but at the same time, they feel connected to the music's rich history. "Minus Piano" offers a tip of the hat to some of the greatest: Red Garland, Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Ray Charles, McCoy Tyner, Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans, and Thelonious Monk. The debut album for the David Baker Trio promises to inspire just as the sources did for its members.

ISRAEL: Jazz 'n Roll - Everybody wants to rule the world(VIDEO)

The new video by Jazz 'n Roll making a tribute to the 80s legendary "Tears for Fears". "Everybody wants to rule the world" is a song that is relevant today, Jazz 'n Roll gives a new and refreshing outfit with an acoustic sound in a new point of view.

USA: Markus Howell "Get Right!" catalog: PR8198 release date: June 27, 2019

Markus Howell "Get Right!" catalog: PR8198 release date: June 27, 2019 Alto saxophonist Markus Howell unleashes a big sound on his strong debut, "Get Right!" The album features a well-balanced program of Howell's exciting compositions along with a few tasty covers thrown in for good measure. Howell is joined on the date by front line special guests trombonist Michael Dease and trumpet player Joe Magnarelli, and receives solid support from his rhythm section of pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and drummer Luther Allison. This hard-hitting session really swings solidly from beginning to end, and will certainly delight straight forward jazz fans everywhere. We feel confident our ardent and dedicated listeners will elicit an engaging response when Markus Howell's dynamic performances suggest an earful of good reasons for them to "Get Right!" 1. Get Right (M. Howell)    4:57 2. One For Craig (M. Howell)     6:22 3. Warfare (M. Howell)    5:05 4. Dear Sir (W. Shorter)    5:41 5. Out Of The Night (J. Henderson)    4:16 6. Glory Days (M. Howell)    5:14 7. Bruh Slim (J. Heath)    5:00 8. Inner Being (M. Howell)    7:28 9. Faithful (M. Howell)    5:17 10. Blues For WJ (M. Howell)    5:00 Markus Howell - alto sax (flute on 4) Joe Magnarelli - trumpet Michael Dease - trombone Art Hirahara - piano Rodney Whitaker - bass Luther Allison - drums produced by Marc Free

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USA: "High Hopes" for six-year-old jazz singer Sophie Fatu's recording debut

“High Hopes” for six-year-old jazz singer Sophie Fatu’s recording debut

The youngest “America’s Got Talent” star is in the studio working on “Love is…,” an EP slated for September release.

LOS ANGELES (9 July 2019): Six-year-old jazz singer Sophie Fatu charmed the nation singing Frank Sinatra classics on national television and her videos have amassed over 150 million views. She cheekily called “Mr. Simon” (Cowell) her favorite judge when she became the youngest contestant ever on “America’s Got Talent”; she told Ellen DeGeneres secrets on the host’s top-rated daytime show before crooning “Fly Me To The Moon”; and she teasingly asked Steve Harvey what happened to his hair on “Little Big Shots” prior to belting out “My Way.” Now the bubbly chanteuse is working on her debut recording, a six-song set of selections from the Great American Songbook sung by her biggest influences: Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nina Simone and Michael Bublé. Sophie’s “Love is…” EP is slated for September release. 

Sophie is an effervescent spark, a joyous entertainer with a bluesy jazz voice who exemplifies “born to sing” and “an old soul in a young body.” Even her mother, award-winning classical music pianist and vocalist Victoria Fatu, describes her middle child as “a male crooner in a little girl’s body. Her style and delivery are more patterned after male singers than any of the female vocal legends like Nina Simone or Ella Fitzgerald.”

On the surface, Sophie’s desire to sing is simple: “I want to sing to make people happy.” But the maturity of her underlying mission has meaning and significance far beyond her years. “I sing Sinatra because I don’t want people to forget him or this music. I want to travel the world to share this music, to sing these great songs and keep his legacy alive.”

Sophie excitedly elected to sing “(Love is) The Tender Trap” because it fits her sassy and brassy style. The lyrics are about love in a mocking way with a sense of humor, which is more apropos for someone so young. Culling a slow, romantic ballad from Sinatra’s catalogue, “All The Way” spoke to the Fatus the most because of its beauty. Representative of who Sophie is as a performer, “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head” is a statement song for her. She sings it to open her live performances because she literally blooms while singing it. A signature Simone tune, Sophie feels more drawn to Bublé’s version of “Feeling Good” and she dreams of singing it with him one day. “High Hopes” is being completely restyled into a big band number, resisting the obvious cutesy, adorable nature of the song. The jazzy-bluesy production will be strong, explosive, disjointed, creative and unique. Sung by Sinatra and Frankie Lymon, the impish and audacious “Goody Goody” is challenging vocally, requiring plenty of slow vibrato for which Sophie rises to the occasion.

In addition to making the record this summer, Sophie is currently shooting her feature film debut, an action thriller scheduled to arrive in movie theaters in 2020.  

The “Love is…” EP contains the following songs:

“(Love is) The Tender Trap”

“All The Way”

“Ain’t That A Kick in the Head”

“Feeling Good”

“High Hopes”

“Goody Goody”

For additional information, please visit https://www.sophiefatumusic.com.

FRANCE: #jazz #piano @EricLegnini nouvel album Six Strings Under / 1er extrait Boda Boda

Eric Legnini Nouvel album Six Strings Under Sortie le 6 septembre chez Anteprima Productions

Avec Six Strings Under, le pianiste Eric Legnini, complice de Joe Lovano, Claude Nougaro, Stefano Di Battista, Aka Moon, des frères Belmondo ou encore d’Ibrahim Maalouf, décide de faire une déclaration d’amour à la guitare sous toute ses formes : jazz, manouche, rock, afrobeat, tous les genres qui ont bercé sa vie. En plus d’un petit clin d’œil à la fameuse série Six Feet Under dont il est fan, ce disque marque un retour aux formats acoustique et instrumental. On retrouve sur Six Strings Under le contrebassiste de deux de ces aventures chantées, Thomas Bramerie. Côté rupture, le voilà qui enregistre pour la première fois avec deux guitaristes qu’il affectionne tout particulièrement : Hugo Lippi d’un côté et Rocky Gresset de l’autre. Pièce maîtresse du jazz manouche, Rocky Gresset a – malgré lui – poussé le pianiste belge à modifier sa manière de travailler : « il ne lit pas la musique, il joue tout d’oreille, c’est presque mon opposé car moi, ma culture est très classique », explique Eric Legnini. Premier extrait, on se laisse emporter par Boda Boda qui ouvre l'album Six Strings Under de la plus belle des manières. Pour regarder et diffuser Boda Boda : https://youtu.be/lNFJ7oVSJcI Dans Six Strings Under, Eric Legnini, lauréat de la Victoire du Jazz 2011 du « Meilleur album de l’année » veut célébrer la guitare sous toutes ses formes. Pas simplement, l’art des standards chers à Thomas Bramerie ou à Hugo Lippi (comme sur le classique des années 30, « Stomping at the Savoy »). Pas seulement l’esprit manouche qu’incarne comme personne Rocky Gresset. On y retrouve ainsi des guitares afrobeat à la Fela (« Boda Boda »), des guitares pop à la Radiohead (« Daydreaming ») ou des guitares bossa à la Jobim (« La Mangueira » composition dédiée à son amie et complice brésilienne Marcia Maria disparue en 2018). Mieux : on trouve même une messe miniature dédiée aux guitares du rock anglais… mais sans guitare ! Sur la reprise du sommet de David Bowie « Space Oddity », Eric Legnini la joue quasi solo : « c’était le challenge : je voulais une version lente et dépouillée. Mais je voulais aussi coller au plus près de la mélodie et de son interprétation originale. » Avec ce nouvel album, Eric Legnini retrouve son contrebassiste fétiche Thomas Bramerie, et invite pour la première fois deux guitaristes exceptionnels : Hugo Lippi et Rocky Gresset. Six Strings Under, c’est aussi et surtout une vraie madeleine de Proust pour le Belge fan du « sentiment d’espace » que procure le format piano-contrebasse-guitare. « L’interplay est très différent car d’ordinaire c’est souvent la batterie qui prend la main dans un groupe. »  À ses débuts, les trois pianistes qu’il préférait, du moins les trois pianistes qu’il admirait le plus, ses véritables maîtres à penser, sont précisément ceux qui ont magnifié cette formule canonique : Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson et Ray Charles. Comme par hasard, deux chanteurs et un très grand escorteur de voix : comme quoi même quand il n’utilise pas la voix, Eric Legnini l’a toujours en point de mire. Facebook

USA: RBH Jazz Camp for Instrumentalists and Vocalists, 7/28-8/3 in Burlington, VT

Now in it’s 19th season, Roni Ben-Hur’s Jazz camps have been a wonderful way for jazz aficionados to learn from some of the top names in the jazz world, while spending time at beautiful places around the world. The next event takes place July 28-August 3 at UVM in Burlington, VT, and the faculty includes Roni Ben-Hur, Helio Alves, Alexis Cole, Ralph Lalama,
Harvie S and Sylvia Cuenca.

For more information about the camp, and on how to sign up, please contact Roni Ben-Hur at ronibenhur@gmail.com.



www.ronibenhur.com

USA: "Slide’s Blues" By TheCharles Ruggiero/Frank BasileOctet +1Featuring the Music and trombone ofSlide Hampton

PLANET ARTS
Creative Music Services
Supporting the release of

Slide’s Blues
By The Charles Ruggiero/Frank Basile
Octet +1
Featuring the Music and trombone of
Slide Hampton

Featuring Slide’s original octet music
transcribed by Frank Basile

Smalls Live SL0062
shem.gif
Trumpets: Nick Marchione, Bruce Harris
Trombones: James Burton III, Rob Edwards
Tenor Saxophone/clarinet: Sam Dillon
Baritone saxophone/bass clarinet: Frank Basile
Bass: Mike Karn
Drums: Charles Ruggiero
Special Guest: Slide Hampton
(on Slide's Blues and Mack the Knife)

1. Our Waltz (D. Rose) 5:10
2. Slide's Blues (Hampton) 5:29
3. Exodus (E. Gold) 3:34
4. Mack The Knife (K. Weill) 4:07
5. The Barbarians (Hampton) 6:13
The Cloister Dance Suite (Hampton):
6. I: Impression 4:34
7. II: Obsession 4:56
8. III. Expression 4:00
9. IV Possession 5:26

Over 50 years ago, through a freak accident, Slide Hampton lost all of his original hand-written scores for his octet music. This recording features nine tracks of Slide’s octet music transcribed by Frank Basile                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

“I first had the privilege of working with and getting to know Slide Hampton in 2006 as a member of the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. At that time, Slide was the band's conductor and front-man. I had always known Slide's place as a member of jazz royalty had been cemented long ago, but being there with him first-hand brought into sharp focus what a true genius he is. His conducting, his trombone playing, and his arranging set the standard for countless musicians to strive for, however futile a task that may be.(Thank you, Slide!)”
– Frank Basile

CONTACT: Frank Basile frank@frankbasilemusic.com and/or Charles Ruggiero Charles@ruggierodrums.com

LISTEN:

USA/SERBIA: An Impressive Jazz Singer And Songwriter From Serbia, Jelena Jovović Makes Her Recording Debut As A Leader With Heartbeat.

An Impressive Jazz Singer And Songwriter From Serbia, Jelena Jovović Makes Her Recording Debut As A Leader With Heartbeat

Featuring Slide’s original octet music

transcribed by Frank Basile

Smalls Live SL0062

shem.gif

Trumpets: Nick Marchione, Bruce Harris

Trombones: James Burton III, Rob Edwards

Tenor Saxophone/clarinet: Sam Dillon

Baritone saxophone/bass clarinet: Frank Basile

Bass: Mike Karn

Drums: Charles Ruggiero

Special Guest: Slide Hampton

(on Slide's Blues and Mack the Knife)

1. Our Waltz (D. Rose) 5:10

2. Slide's Blues (Hampton) 5:29

3. Exodus (E. Gold) 3:34

4. Mack The Knife (K. Weill) 4:07

5. The Barbarians (Hampton) 6:13

The Cloister Dance Suite (Hampton):

6. I: Impression 4:34

7. II: Obsession 4:56

8. III. Expression 4:00

9. IV Possession 5:26

Over 50 years ago, through a freak accident, Slide Hampton lost all of his original hand-written scores for his octet music. This recording features nine tracks of Slide’s octet music transcribed by Frank Basile

“I first had the privilege of working with and getting to know Slide Hampton in 2006 as a member of the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. At that time, Slide was the band's conductor and front-man. I had always known Slide's place as a member of jazz royalty had been cemented long ago, but being there with him first-hand brought into sharp focus what a true genius he is. His conducting, his trombone playing, and his arranging set the standard for countless musicians to strive for, however futile a task that may be.(Thank you, Slide!)”

– Frank Basile

or Download or Promo  Contact Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services 272 State Route 94 South #1 Warwick, NY 10990 jim@jazzpromoservices.com www.jazzpromoservices.com "Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels, venues and events.”

Radio Promoter

USA: Celebrating 40 Years of World Fusion Ancient Future Summer Festival Dates Return Performances in the Central California Coast and Sierra Nevada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                             7/11/2019
Contact: Ancient-Future.Com Records
1-415-459-1892
info@ancient-future.com

View Press Release Online with Photos and Video: http://www.ancient-future.com/pr_7_28_19-9_1_19.html

Celebrating 40 Years of World Fusion
Ancient Future Summer Festival Dates 
Return Performances in the Central California Coast and Sierra Nevada

As part of the celebration of their 40th season of world fusion music, Ancient Future will return to perform at Festival Mozaic and Music at the Mine, two beloved outdoor music festivals, for the first time in over a decade.

Facebook Tour Page: https://www.facebook.com/tours/902045540155297

Sunday, July 28, 2019, 5 PM, Ancient Future Quartet with Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Doug McKeehan (keys), Jim Hurley (violin), and Vishal Nagar (tabla), Festival Mozaic, See Canyon Fruit Ranch, 2345 See Canyon Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. Tix: $45 grass, $60 table (sold out). Buy Tix: http://www.festivalmozaic.com/event/afb979d7b66aa34682c617ae0df601be

Sunday, September 1, 3 PM, Ancient Future Trio with Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Doug McKeehan (keys), and Abbos Kosimov (doyra, percussion), Music at the Mine, Kentucky Mine Amphitheater, 100 Kentucky Mine Rd., Sierra City, CA 96125. Tix: $22 adv., $25 door, $10 kids 7 to 17 years old. Kids 6 and under are FREE! Buy Tix: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ancient-future-tickets-58943375222 

Festival Mozaic, San Luis Obispo, July 28

Sepia for print (14.7" x 9.7" sepia jpg, 7.2 MB): http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture300dpi15x10sepia.jpg
Sepia for web (864 x 570 sepia jpg, 176 k): http://www.ancient-future.com/images/1990ancientfuture864x570sep.jpg
Ancient Future circa 1990. Photo by Irene Young. Pictured: Matthew Montfort (guitars), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keys), Ian Dogole (percussion). Ancient Future Featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keys), and Vishal Nagar (tabla) 

Sunday, July 28, 2019, 5 PM
Festival Mozaic
UnCLASSICAL SERIES
See Canyon Fruit Ranch
2345 See Canyon Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Tix: $45 grass, $60 table (sold out). Buy Tix.
Ticket URL: http://www.festivalmozaic.com/event/afb979d7b66aa34682c617ae0df601be
Venue Email: http://www.festivalmozaic.com
Facebook Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/523739858157688

Ancient Future returns to perform at Festival Mozaic for the first time since 2001. Their show features the historic 'World Without Walls' lineup of Matthew Montfort on scalloped fretboard guitar, Jim Hurley on violin, Doug McKeehan on keyboards, plus Indian tabla master Vishal Nagar filling in for tabla master Zakir Hussain, who played on their World Without Walls release. 

Montfort, Hurley, and McKeehan played well over a hundred concerts together on tours from 1988 to 1995. In 2011, they reunited to perform at venues such as the famed Yoshi's Jazz Club. In honor of the reunion concerts, World Without Walls was released digitally by Capitol Records for the first time ever at major digital retailers such as iTunes. Twenty two years after its initial release in 1990, broadcasters worldwide voted the record as one of the top 5 world music releases of 2012. Their uptempo virtuoso world fusion music is an exhilarating mix of jazz improvisation with the exciting rhythms, exotic sounds, and enchanting melodies of world music. 

Kentucky Mine Amphitheater, Sierra City, September 1


Color for print (6" x 3" jpg, 1 MB):http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matt_abbos_doug300dpi6x3.jpg
Color for web (432 x 216 color jpg, 24 k): http://www.ancient-future.com/images/matt_abbos_doug432x216.jpg
Pictured: Matthew Montfort (guitar), Doug McKeehan (keys), Abbos Kosimov (percussion). Ancient Future Featuring Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Doug McKeehan (keys), and Abbos Kosimov (doyra, percussion)

Sunday, September 1, 3 PM
Music at the Mine
Kentucky Mine Amphitheater
100 Kentucky Mine Rd.
Sierra City, CA 96125
Tix: $22 adv., $25 door, $10 kids 7 to 17 years old. Kids 6 and under are FREE! Buy Tix.
Ticket URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ancient-future-tickets-58943375222
Venue Email: cstockrock@gmail.com
Venue Phone: 530-862-1076 (Chris Stockdale)
Facebook Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/584815992045635

Ancient Future returns to perform at the Music at the Mine series at the Kentucky Mine Amphitheater for the first time since 2000. This uptempo program features world guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort, virtuoso keyboardist Doug McKeehan, and international percussion phenomenon Abbos Kosimov, an ambassador of Uzbek culture who is known for throwing his drums in the air during his awe inspiring solos. Abbos Kosimov is a master of the doyra (frame drum with metal rings), which he has taken to unprecedented new heights through his work with Indian tabla master Zakir Hussain. When asked about doyra, Abbos said: "Uzbek culture and national identity is deeply rooted in its music and dance traditions. Dorya is my life and I cannot live without it." This dance of the doyra is augmented melodically and harmonically by Matthew Montfort and Doug McKeehan, producing energetic music that is exotic, and familiar all at the same time.


Video

'World Without Walls' Reunion Video


'Bookenka' YouTube Video URL: http://youtu.be/IlYfQ50MGDw. Shown: Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar), Jim Hurley (violin), Doug McKeehan (keyboards, piano), Ian Dogole (percussion), Kash Killion (bass), and Mariah Parker (santur) at 'World Without Walls' Reunion.

Yearning for the Wind from A.F.A.R.

'Yearning for the Wind' YouTube Video URL: http://youtu.be/zurMLOP68K0. Shown: Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar) and Vishal Nagar (tabla).

This evocative piece featuring scalloped fretboard guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort and Indian tabla virtuoso Vishal Nagar was produced for The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings, Ancient Future's ambitious ongoing fan-funded recording project featuring the many master musicians from around the world who perform with the band. On Earth Day during Ancient Future's 35th year performing, Yearning for the Wind was released through iTunes and other digital retailers and immediately rose to the top of the Ethnocloud World Music Charts, earning #1 spots in both the video and audio track categories, and propelling Ancient Future to the #1 rated artist spot in June, 2014.

A.F.A.R. Behind the Scenes

Recording 'A.F.A.R.' YouTube Video URL: http://youtu.be/J5ZzrVzrXWI. Shown: Abbos Kosimov (percussion).

Upon his return from a concert tour of India with Zakir Hussain, Uzbek master percussionist Abbos Kosimov absolutely rocked this overdub session. The video above is a quick little snippet of the unprocessed camera audio recorded from the back of the overdub room during a sound test. Supporters of The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings get access to more exclusive behind the scenes content covering the making of A.F.A.R.!

Drums in the Air!

'Drums in the Air' YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/Yp3SUZgWhwQ. Shown: Abbos Kosimov (percussion).

Everyone was brought to their feet for a standing ovation following this solo performance by Abbos Kosimov climaxing with his drums flying in the air.

Band Bio 

"Ancient Future is a rare kind of band that might simultaneously aggravate purists, confound New Age dilettantes, seduce skeptics, and dazzle just about everybody else. Delicious compositions, intricate arrangements, crisp playing and impeccable production put these ambitious voyagers in a league of their own." - Derk Richardson, SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN

Formed in late 1978, Ancient Future is the first and longest running musical organization dedicated exclusively to the mission of creating world fusion music. The term was coined by bandleader Matthew Montfort to describe Ancient Future’s unusual blend of musical traditions from around the world. BILLBOARD calls the group "trendsetters" for their early contributions to the movement, which seeks to show how people from different cultures can grow by learning from each other.

Ancient Future has released seven full length studio CDs selling over 150,000 units: Visions of a Peaceful Planet, Natural Rhythms, Quiet Fire, Dreamchaser, World Without Walls, Asian Fusion, and Planet Passion. Over one million legal mp3 files from three of these releases on Ancient-Future.Com Records have been distributed commercially. Ancient Future is also featured on samplers selling millions of units on labels such as Putumayo and Narada. They are currently working on recordings for their fan funded Archive of Future Ancient Recordings. Over an hour of music in the archive is already available exclusively to supporters, with more to come as funds are raised.

Over the years, Ancient Future has expanded its musical vision through collaborations with master musicians from more than two dozen countries, cultures, and musical traditions who are now an integral part of what is today more than just a band. Ancient Future has grown to become a large multinational music ensemble with many smaller ensembles within it, enabling Ancient Future to realize its core mission of creating world fusion music. Through cross cultural exchange, Ancient Future has created a musical world without borders.

Matthew Montfort (band leader, scalloped fretboard guitar)
Hi-Res Photo (300 dpi, 5" x 3") of Matthew Montfort: http://www.ancient-future.com/images/yearningmatt300dpi5x3.jpg

Matthew Montfort is the leader of the world fusion music ensemble Ancient Future. He is a pioneer of the scalloped fretboard guitar (an instrument combining qualities of the South Indian vina and the steel string guitar). Montfort spent three months in intensive study with vina master K.S. Subramanian in order to fully apply the South Indian gamaka (note-bending) techniques to the guitar. In 2009, he released his first solo guitar recording, Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar, which debuted at #8 on Zone Music Reporter's Top 100 February 2009 World Radio Chart, and held the #34 spot on the Top 100 of 2009. He has performed concerts worldwide, including at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain near Barcelona and the Mumbai Festival at the Gateway of India in Bombay. He has performed live on national radio and TV shows such as the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. Montfort wrote the book Ancient Traditions - Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India, which has been used by many musicians to improve their rhythm skills.

Vishal Nagar (Indian tabla)
Hi-Res Photo (300 dpi, 5" x 3") of Vishal Nagar: http://www.ancient-future.com/images/yearningvishal300dpi5x3.jpg

Considered one of the most gifted tabla players of his generation, Vishal Nagar wasn't yet born when Ancient Future performed their first concert in 1979. But he was being introduced to rhythm and melody while still in the womb, as his mother is the renowned Kathak dancer and vocalist, Urmila Nagar. He began to play tabla as a toddler as soon as he was tall enough to reach the drums. He had intense rhythmic training for a brief period with the late Ustad Latif Ahmed Khan of the Delhi Gharana, and after his Ustad's untimely demise, continued under the guidance of Ustad Shamim Ahmed Khan. Vishal has had the privilege of performing with many renowned Indian classical artists including Ustad Shujaat Khan, Vidhwan Trichur Ramachandran, Pandit Ramesh Misra, and Kala Ramnath, and has also collaborated with musicians from around the world such as the Ghanaian Guitarist Koo Nimo with whom he appeared in WOMAD USA (a world music festival started by Peter Gabriel). He began performing and recording with Ancient Future in 2013, and has since performed seven tours with the band. He is prominently featured on Ancient Future's Yearning for the Wind, which was the highest rated recording on Ethnocloud for April 2014, holding #1 spots in both the video and audio categories.

Abbos Kosimov (Uzbek percussion)
Hi-Res Photo (300 dpi, 6.2" x 10") of Abbos Kosimov: http://www.ancient-future.com/images/abbos300dpi6.2x10.jpg

International phenomenon Abbos Kosimov is a master of the doyra (a frame drum with metal rings) and an ambassador of Uzbek culture. Abbos is known for taking the doyra to unprecedented new heights. He developed finger tapping techniques inspired by North Indian tabla masters, adding new dimensions to the instrument's sonic capabilities. Abbos also plays qayroqs, darbuka, dof, and riqq. In honor of the 10th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence, Abbos was awarded with a medal and given the illustrious title of Honored Artists of Uzbekistan by the president of Uzbekistan in 2001. In 2005, Abbos moved to the United States, leading to performances with artists such as Randy Gloss, Austin Wrinkle, Houman Pourmehdi, Andrew Grueschow, Adam Rudolph, Zakir Hussain, Giovanni Hidalgo, Terry Bozzio, Swapan Chaudhuri, Alim Qasimov, Kronos Quartet, Homayun Sakhi Trio, Voices of Afghanistan, and Omar Sosa. He recorded with R&B singer Steve Wonder for his 2006 CD Time to Love. In 2008, Abbos was a guest performer on one of Ustad Zakir Hussain’s Masters of Percussion tours in the US, later becoming a full member of the project. Abbos released his solo album, Infinite Rhythm, in 2012. That same year, Abbos met Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort when they were both hired to perform with renowned Indian singer Pandit Binay Pathak. Abbos has since recorded tracks for Ancient Future's fan funded recording project, The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings.

Doug McKeehan (keys)

Doug McKeehan started his piano studies at age five, and began his first professional work at the age of twelve. He studied music at the Oberlin Conservatory, Kent State University, and the University of Otago (New Zealand). He has toured Europe twice and spent considerable time in India studying with notable Indian music teachers such as Pandit Ram Narayan, Ustad Kursheed Khan and Pandit A.G. Bhattacharya. He has composed original music for stage and T.V. productions in San Francisco and Los Angeles and has been musical director of two original musical comedy productions. He cofounded Air Craft with violinist Bruce Bowers, which released a highly acclaimed progressive jazz album, So Near, So Far (Crafted Air CA 30100). Since joining Ancient Future in 1985, he has performed hundreds of concerts with the band.

Jim Hurley (violin)

Jim Hurley has been playing violin since 1969. He holds a B.A. in Music from Humboldt State University. Influenced profoundly by South Indian violinist L. Shankar, he incorporates styles from bebop to zydeco, European classical to Zairean soukous. He is well known for his performances with Ritchie Blackmore and Blackmore's Night (rock legend turned Celtic and Renaissance musician), American roots music leaders such as Grammy winners Queen Ida and Al Rapone, and swing legend Dan Hicks' Acoustic Warriors. He has toured Europe and Japan and performed at numerous major music festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and the Monterey Jazz Festival. Jim Hurley has released two solo recordings, Primary Colors, and Finger Painting. 

Relevant Recordings by Ancient Future

'World Without Walls'
World Without Walls by Ancient Future (Sona Gaia/MCA 163): CD - $24.98 (collectable signed copy): http://www.ancient-future.com/world.html

As its name suggests, World Without Walls depicts a musical world without borders. Released in 1990, it features performances by such world music luminaries as Zakir Hussain, the master of the North Indian tabla. The inviting melodies and ingenious use of ethnic textures make this recording one of Ancient Future's most accessible and broadly appealing releases ever. 

"World Without Walls speaks to a cultural enrichment, a melding of world culture with Ancient Future's own lush sense of melody and rhythmic drive." - John Diliberto, JAZZIZ

'Asian Fusion'
Asian Fusion by Ancient Future (Narada Equinox ND-63023): CD - $24.98 (collectable signed copy): http://www.ancient-future.com/asian.html

Asian Fusion is a musical travelogue spanning the vast geographic and cultural expanse of Asia showcasing some of the top performers in the Asian music field, including Zhao Hui, China's preeminent master of the gu zheng (Chinese zither) and Bui Huu Nhut, a leading performer of the Vietnamese dan bau (a one-string Vietnamese instrument with an indigenous version of a whammy bar). Asian Fusion received much critical acclaim. It made the Tower Pulse! Top 10 Best Contemporary Instrumental Releases of 1993 List (#4) and was Guitar Player magazine's "Pick" for April 1994. 

"This compilation of 12 songs influenced by the Far East has all the sweeping impact of epic movies such as 'The Last Emperor.'" - CHICAGO TRIBUNE 

'Planet Passion'
Planet Passion by Ancient Future (Ancient-Future.Com AF 2010): CD - $17.98: http://www.ancient-future.com/planetpassion.html

The classic lineup of Ancient Future performing these special reunion concerts also was featured on one cut on the Planet Passion CD: the song Socha Socha on which they accompanied sitar master Pandit Habib Khan. Originally released in 2002, it was remastered and re-issued in 2009 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first Ancient Future concert. 

"If the members of the United Nations formed a world-fusion band, it might look and sound a little something like Ancient Future’s re-issue of their seventh recording. At its best, Planet Passion strives to preserve the world's vast musical heritage via international collaboration: the idea that one protects the old by creating something new. This is at the heart of fusion music and the heart of Ancient Future's global aesthetics, too: a diverse, unified world without borders, a multicultural community, a new, reconstituted sonic reality." - Ryan Allen, LEO WEEKLY, Louisville, Kentucky

'The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings'
The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings by Ancient Future. (Ancient-Future.Com AF-2030). Recording Newsletter Package (128 kbps MP3): $15. Download Supporter Package (320 kbps MP3): $25. Limited to 300 packages. Limited Edition CD Sponsor Package (CD quality .wav): $50. Limited to 200 packages. Honorary A & R Representative Package (Hi-res 24 bit .wav): $75. Limited to 100 packages. http://www.ancient-future.com/afar.html

During Ancient Future's 30th anniversary year, work started on the next project of the band: the Archive of Future Ancient Recordings (A.F.A.R.). To finance the project, a subscription system model is being employed to fund the recording through fans of world fusion music. There are already eight tracks in the archive available right now to subscribers, with more coming as money is raised for production.

'Yearning for the Wind' 
Yearning for the Wind by Ancient Future. Signed Audio/Video E-CD-R. List $17.98: http://www.ancient-future.com/yearning.html

"Matthew Montfort has been sending us wonderful music for many years now… this newest EP is (without question) the best music I've ever heard him play! The 9:37 'Yearning For The Wind' is 'the' piece… Matthew is joined by Vishal Nagar on tabla, and they clearly show (sonically) the joy than can be achieved by well-placed and strictly focused music. The tabla percussion makes it far more than 'just another raga'… I'm very strongly impressed and moved by this single piece of music…. you'll find yourself spinning it over and over again." - Dick Metcalf, ZZAJ PRODUCTIONS 

Radio Announcements

104 Word Radio Announcement for Festival Mozaic, July 28

In celebration of their 40th season of world fusion music, Ancient Future returns to perform at Festival Mozaic on Sunday, July 28 at 5 PM at See Canyon Fruit Ranch, located at 2345 See Canyon Road in San Luis Obispo, California. The show features the historic 'World Without Walls' lineup of Matthew Montfort on scalloped fretboard guitar, Jim Hurley on violin, Doug McKeehan on keyboards, plus Indian tabla master Vishal Nagar filling in for tabla master Zakir Hussain, who played on their World Without Walls release. For more information, visit festivalmozaic.com. Tickets are $45 on the grass. The $60 table seats are sold out.

114 Word Radio Announcement for Kentucky Mine Concert, September 1

In celebration of their 40th season of world fusion music, Ancient Future returns to perform at Music at the Mine on Sunday, September 1 at 3 PM at the Kentucky Mine Amphitheater, located at 100 Kentucky Mine Rd. in Sierra City, California. This uptempo program features world guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort, virtuoso keyboardist Doug McKeehan, and international percussion phenomenon Abbos Kosimov, an ambassador of Uzbek culture who is known for throwing his drums in the air during his awe inspiring solos. For more information, call 530-862-1076 or visit sierracountyhistory.org/music-at-the-mine. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets for ages 7 to 17 are $10, while those 6 and under are free.