Saturday, November 29, 2014

GREECE: Alekos Vretos releases “K on Top” (www.alekosvretos.gr)

Alekos Vretos' new CD "K on Top" to be released 11th December 2014

Alekos Vretos releases “K on Top”
(www.alekosvretos.gr)

11th December 2014, 21.00 @ Booze Upstairs

Kolokotroni 57 (Monastiraki Station)
Athens T.K. 105 60, Greece
Tel. +30 210 3240944

Jadeo Music & Ankh Jazz presents the new CD by Alekos Vretos “K on
Top”.


After his personal debut album “Mergin’” in 2009, oud soloist  and composer Alekos Vretos embarked on a new journey through music he  loves. Mixing and matching over the years with his various ensembles  (trios, quartets, quintets), he found the musical balance he needed to
record this intriguing new work. Arabic, Greek and Latin music  elements served on a powerful jazz platter by a strong and colorful band.

Alekos based the music on a quintet comprised by Eleni Vasseiliadi on  the qanun, Dimitris Sevdalis on the piano, Dimitris Christopoulos on  the double bass and Dimitris Klonis on the drums. Then, he invited  Charis Lambrakis (nay), Vaggelis Paraskevaidis (vibes) and Kostas  Meretakis (percussion) as guests, to be featured in some tracks in  order to bring a more music roots color that Alekos wanted.
“K on Top” is a statement of what musicians can do when they love  playing music. The music is played with no blinders on and it explodes  every time the improvisations and interactions are brought to a  boiling point. Lyrical melodies and sharp harmonic paths deliver  different feelings in every piece of the CD.

Press info:

Birdland | Promo & Communications:
64 Maizonos str., Metaxourgeio, Athens
Chrysa Matsagani Deutero PR & Communications
email: chrysa@birdland.gr website: www.birdland.gr
Cel.: (+30) 6970 992262 Tel: (+30) 2110180481

napoleon murphy brock tribute to frank zappa 2015 Tour


CANADA: Flute Bits - November 2014 - Bill McBirnie

(1) “IMITATING BILL MCBIRNIE” - SLAVA FIKS

This is REMARKABLE! I don’t know how Slava Fiks (who is from New York City) managed to capture my solo with such absolute precision (because I could never have done this again myself).  This is a duo track (with Robi Botos on piano) from the album, Mercy, and I dedicated this particular track to Jeremy Steig.  It is about 2.5 minutes in length.  (Of course, as well as being impressed,…I’m flattered!… :-)



(2)  AN UPDATE & SAMPLE FROM THE FORTHCOMING ALBUM, GRAIN OF SAND (WITH BILL MCBIRNIE & BRUCE JONES)

Bruce and I are in the final strokes of this recording project and we really hope to release it soon (…once the mastering and manufacturing are completed…) In any case, I am very pleased with the results so far.  Here is an (unfinalized) teaser which is a vocal track entitled,  “Izabel” (“Isabel”).  It is unmastered so it still needs some trimming, but here is a rush of the track.  (It is about 4 minutes in length.)



(3)  TWO ARTICLES IN THE FALL EDITION OF “THE FLUTIST QUARTERLY”

Two (…yes, TWO!…) articles that I contributed are currently appearing in the fall edition of the “The Flutist Quarterly”, published by National Flute Association in the USA.  Both articles pertain to subjects that are of considerable interest to me personally (…and hopefully to others as well…)  The articles are as follows:

(i)  “Reflections of a Canadian on Paul Horn” which is a essentially a tribute to the flutist who has been - and remains - my strongest and most longstanding influence on the instrument.  (This item appears on page 49 of the journal.) 

(ii)  A book review of Cary Ginell’s biography, “The Evolution of Mann: Herbie Mann and the Flute in Jazz”.  (This item appears on page 64 of the journal.)
(4)  GIG LISTING

[NOTE:  The following gig listing is in DESCENDING order and that you can obtain a current/updated gig listing at the following link:  http://www.extremeflute.com/contact.html ]

Tues., Dec. 9, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
The Salty Dog
1980 Queen St. E. (in the Beach)
Toronto, Ontario
With the GREG PILO Quartet

Sun., Nov. 30, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
Musideum
401 Richmond St. W., Suite 133
Toronto, Ontario
With DON NADURIAK'S Jambanda - "Party Music"

Antonio Flinta Quartet: "ART IS AN INSURGENT POEM"

I am pleased to announce the release of our new, sixth CD, published by the well-known label Splasc (h) Records: 

"ART IS AN INSURGENT POEM"
The Quartet is available for 2015 Concerts and worldwide Tours, also in order to promote our new CD!
To listen  to a short  Excerpt  of our Cd, please follow the link:
http://www.reverbnation.com/antonioflintaquartet/song/18001517-como-en-sueo
Best Regards.
Claudio Gioannini
Drummer/Manager- Antonio Flinta Quartet
Rome, Italy




CROWDFUNDING: Jazz and Bossa Radio Funding Campaign

 Jazz and Bossa Radio 2015 Funding.
Toa Baja, Puerto Rico Music
Jazz and Bossa Radio 2015 Funding Campaign


Since 2010 Jazz and Bossa Radio www.jazzandbossaradio.com has been bringing you the best Jazz, Latin Jazz and Brazilian Music. For our 2015 projects we need your support. Here's how you can help.

What We Need & What You Get

We need your financial support to keep on bringing you the best music programming on the web:

    For your financial support you will receive Jazz recordings and other gifts courtesy of Jazz and Bossa Radio www.jazzandbossaradio.com

Other Ways You Can Help

If you can't contribute, that doesn't mean you can't help:

    Get the word out and make some noise about Jazz and Bossa Radio campaign.
    Remember to use the Indiegogo share tools!


https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jazz-and-bossa-radio-funding-campaign

FRANCE: Allumés du Jazz : Le Journal No 32

LE JOURNAL N°32

Le Journal n°32
• N°32 (4ème trimestre 2013)
* Sommaire en disques = p. 2 - 3
* Histoire de la musique  : Le petit instrumentaire d'Alain Gibert = p. 4
* Humanité : Des Roms et de la vocation =p. 5
* intervue : Interview de Marcel Kanche par Bruno Tocanne  =p.6 - 7
* Cours du temps : Hélène Labarrière = p. 8 - 9 - 10 - 11
* Penser la musique aujourd'hui : Olivier Benoit = p. 12
* Sortie scolaire : Bruno et ses collégiens = p. 13
* Salut Jef Lee =p. 14
* Etrennes : Carnets d'hiver =p. 15
* Rond point : Mornes mobilisations = p. 16
* Echoppe à galettes : Le chant du monde des disques =p. 17
* Machinatube : Ecoutes prolétaires = p. 18
* La vie à la boutique - le journal des allumettes = p. 19
* Vertues virtuelles - Echelon Pub Pub =  p. 20
* Encyclopédie = p. 21
* Countdown + Mulgrew Miller solo = P.22
* What's new:  =p. 23 -24 - 25 - 26 -27
* GLQ par : C'est la quille (Julien Desprez) =p.28

http://www.allumesdujazz.com

France: Action Jazz Newsletter Nov 2014

Nl22 miles davis

Jazz Connect Conference to Honor SFJAZZ's Randall Kline with the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award



Randall Kline of SFJAZZ Named First Recipient
of the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award


Founder of SFJAZZ Organization to Receive Award
at the 2015 Jazz Connect Conference in New York City

The Jazz Connect Conference is pleased to announce that Randall Kline, founder and executive artistic director of SFJAZZ, is the first recipient of the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award, presented by Jazz Connect. He will receive the award on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at the Jazz Connect Conference in New York City. Held at Saint Peter's Church, the two-day conference brings together members of the international jazz community for a series of panels, workshops and events, all dedicated to expanding the audience for jazz.

The formation of the award was announced at the 2014 Jazz Connect Conference at the culmination of a panel (sponsored by NARAS) saluting Lundvall's legacy and featuring Michael Cuscuna, Robert Glasper and Jason Moran. The Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award, presented by Jazz Connect, was created in honor of the longtime jazz record executive who was a champion and advocate for so many jazz artists over the last four decades. The annual award recognizes someone who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and vision in expanding the audience for jazz and who has made a real difference for the artists, the music and the audience.

Commenting on the Visionary Award being named for him, Lundvall said, "I am truly humbled and honored by this award and was amazed to first learn of it. I have always approached my job with passion and honesty. I love jazz so much. It's provided me with my life's work, filled with rich experiences through relationships with many special artists and talented executives."

Peter Gordon, of the Jazz Forward Coalition and one of the organizers of the conference, said that, "Empowered by Bruce's gracious grandeur, we wanted his legacy memorialized with a new standard of excellence, to drive us to places we never thought achievable." He added, "Though we are all soldiers on the battlefield, this award is Jazz Connect's recognition of an against-all-odds effort that an individual has had to shoulder to make the impossible possible and challenge the rest of us to do the same."

Dr. George Butler, McCoy Tyner, Bruce Lundvall
The organizers of the Jazz Connect Conference chose Kline as the first recipient, based on not only a long career as a jazz presenter and champion, but also based on the herculean task of establishing the SFJAZZ Center in 2013. The Center comprises 35,000 square feet in a transparent and open structure features the state-of-the-art Robert N. Miner Auditorium with seating adjustable from 350 to 700, the 100-seat multi-purpose Joe Henderson Lab, rehearsal spaces, digital learning lab, South at SFJAZZ (bar/café from renowned chef Charles Phan), ground floor lobby, retail shop/box office, and SFJAZZ administrative offices. The SFJAZZ Center is the result of a $64 million capital campaign that was completed in September of 2014.

Lundvall reinforced Kline's unique contributions to the jazz community. "Randall is a true visionary, working in the most important jazz city in America after New York City," said Lundvall. "The new SFJAZZ Center has attracted great artists and he's put the city on the map which has reinforced his venue and the city as the west coast center for jazz."

SFJAZZ -- originally titled Jazz in the City -- was founded in 1983 with a seed grant from Grants for the Arts of the San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund. Seventeen years later in December of 1999 Kline announced the establishment of SFJAZZ, the San Francisco Jazz Organization, a much-expanded organization with year-round concert and educational programs. The SFJAZZ Collective -- now the resident ensemble of the SFJAZZ Center -- was established in 2004 and its eight members are commissioned to write a new composition and new arrangement of jazz' modern masters. The Collective has produced over 71 original compositions and 75 new arrangements in its 10 years - all recorded and produced by SFJAZZ.

Kline currently serves on the board of directors of Chamber Music America, the Western Jazz Presenters Network, and is member of the Board of Governors of the University of California Humanities Research Institute. This is such an honor," said Kline. "Bruce is one of the true beacons of the jazz and music business and it is humbling to be considered for an award that is named in his honor."

Pre-registration is only $125 until December 15, with additional discounts offered to members of various partner organizations, including APAP, Jazz Journalists Association, Chamber Music America, AFM - Local 802, JazzWeek and others.

 
For more information on the Jazz Connect Conference, please visit: Jazz-Connect.com


For media information, please contact:
DL Media  ·  610-667-0501
Maureen McFadden  ·  maureen@dlmediamusic.com
 
Information and press materials (including album covers, promotional photos
and bios) on all DL Media artists can be found at our website: dlmediamusic.com
Serving the finest in jazz since 1988

###

USA: Cellist Akua Dixon to Release Her 2nd CD, "Akua Dixon," Jan. 13, 2015

Cellist/Composer/Arranger Akua Dixon
To Release Her Second CD as a Leader,
"Akua Dixon,"
On Her Akua's Music Imprint,
January 13, 2015
 
Follow-Up to 2011's "Moving On"
Features Dixon's String Quartet
Plus Guests Regina Carter, John Blake Jr., Kenny Davis

CD Release Shows Scheduled for
1/18 Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church, NYC;
1/30 Trumpets, Montclair, NJ;
4/18 Sistas' Place Coffee House, Brooklyn;
4/24 Leonard Nimoy Thalia
at Peter Norton Symphony Space, NYC


November 18, 2014



Akua Dixon
Jazz string pioneer Akua Dixon entered a new creative phase with the sleek 2011 quartet session Moving On, her first album under her own name. Her new album, Akua Dixon, is a dazzling string conclave that surveys the cellist/composer/ arranger's expansive stylistic reach. Dixon's label, Akua's Music, will release the disc on January 13, 2015.

The project showcases Dixon as a powerfully emotive improviser and dauntingly creative arranger exploring sumptuous American Songbook ballads, a suave Afro-Cuban standard, erotically charged nuevo tango, and a rootsy Ellingtonian opus. "When I look back at my history I've written for all different sizes of string ensembles, from duos and trios to orchestras," Dixon says. "But the string quartet is the easiest unit to keep together and keep working, and it's the situation I've written for the most."

The eponymous CD features Dixon's working string quartet (Patrisa Tomassini, first violin; Gwen Laster or Chala Yancy, second violin; and Ina Paris, viola) plus special guests like bassist Kenny Davis, violin star Regina Carter, and violin master John Blake Jr. (in one of his final recordings before his passing last August).

Also featured, on one track apiece, are Dixon's children -- drummer Orion Turre, heard on the album opener "Haitian Fight Song," and vocalist Andromeda Turre, who contributes a swooning version of "Lush Life." "They got exposed to a lot of different music growing up and both became wonderful musicians," says their proud mother. "Making music for me has always been a family affair."

Akua Dixon

Born and raised in New York City, Akua Dixon grew up in a family suffused with music. She started playing with her sister, the late violinist Gayle Dixon, shortly after the cello came into her life in the 4th grade.

After graduating from the prestigious "Fame" High School of the Performing Arts, Dixon studied at the Manhattan School of Music at a time when the only track available focused on European classical music. She describes her post-graduation gig in the pit band at the Apollo Theater as an essential proving ground. Backing a disparate array of stars from Rev. James Cleveland and Barry White to James Brown and Dionne Warwick, she developed a vast idiomatic repertoire.

With the doors of most symphony orchestras closed to African-American musicians (to say nothing of women), Dixon found a home in the Symphony of the New World, which is where she experienced the Ellingtonian epiphany that led her to jazz. "I started immersing myself in jazz and spirituals, and became determined to learn the secrets of improvising," she says.

Akua Dixon
It's hard to overstate the centrality of Dixon's contribution to the rise of visibility of bowed strings in jazz. In the early 1970s the New York scene was exploding with creatively ambitious and talented string players, many of whom gathered in the String Reunion, a 30-piece orchestra founded by Noel Pointer. Dixon served as the ensemble's director of new music, supplying the group with a steady stream of original compositions and arrangements. At the same time, she launched her own string quartet, Quartette Indigo, which made its big-league debut at the Village Gate with her sister Gayle Dixon, Maxine Roach, and John Blake Jr.

Dixon collaborated closely with another jazz giant in the early 1980s as a founding member of the Max Roach Double Quartet. She had honed her rhythmic drive backing the likes of James Brown, but learning to phrase bebop with one of the idiom's founding fathers was an invaluable experience.

After years of lending her skills to recordings by masters such as Archie Shepp, Don Cherry, Buster Williams, Carmen McRae, Dizzy Gillespie, Abbey Lincoln, Tom Harrell, and her former husband Steve Turre, Dixon made a bold statement of her own with 1994's Quartette Indigo (Landmark), a classic album featuring violist Ron Lawrence and violinists Gayle Dixon and John Blake Jr. (reissued by 32 Jazz). Supported by a grant from the NEA to compose the music, she delivered a brilliant second album in 1997 with Afrika! Afrika! (Savant) with Lawrence, and violinists Regina Carter and Marlene Rice.

She spent much of the next decade immersed in education, teaching at various institutions and conducting dozens of performances through the Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert Series. With the release of Akua Dixon, however, Dixon has refocused her priorities and put her own music on the front burner.

In support of the new CD, Dixon will be appearing with her string quartet 1/18 at the Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church, 122nd Street and Fifth Avenue, NYC (the church she attended growing up was in this facility). Other CD release shows include: 1/30 Trumpets, Montclair, NJ; 4/18 Sistas' Place Coffee House, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn; 4/30 Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, NYC.



Photography: Jose Iorio


 
Web Site: akuadixon.com
Follow: Follow us on Twitter
Like: Like us on Facebook


Media Contact:
Terri Hinte
hudba@sbcglobal.net
510/234-8781
Follow us on Twitter

The JazzWorldQuest Free Mp3 List & Web player Update: G’s Way, Alekos Vretos and The North Eastern All-Stars

Musician: G’s Way
Track: Jam Session
Album Name: Patchwork
Year of release: 2014
Composer: Gérald Bonnegrace
Musician: The North Eastern All-Stars
Track: Funk #3
Year of release: 2015
Composer: K.C. Jones
Musician: Alekos Vretos
Track:K. on top of the piano
Title track of the new CD “K. on top” by Alekos Vretos
Album Name: K. on top
Year of release: 2014
Composer: Alekos Vretos
Musician/Label Website: Jadeo Music & Ankh Jazz


MORE FINE MUSIC TO DOWNLOAD


Promote your music through the Free Mp3 List on JazzWorldQuest
Submission Form for Labels and Musicians

Saturday, November 15, 2014

JazzWorldQuest Proposals Section Update: Dino Massa – Italian pianist

Dino Massa – Italian pianist

 I am Dino Massa and I am an italian jazz pianist, i want propose you, as agency, my projects.
You can listen and watched something about my playing to this links:


D.Massa trio ft John
Abercrombie AUTUMN LEAVES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwU39mPjQb4
D. Massa piano solo VENTO
DI MARE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtJHbu4bsIE
D.Massa ft John abercrombie
SOLAR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI9wmdA7Aig
D.Massa with piero
Leveratto DONT’ ASK WHY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvA_eLoo8z8
3D Trio

I am available with my bands, and with local musicians.

If you are interested , I can send you one of my disks.
thanks for the attention
Best Regards
Dino Massa

Email:
maria.omero@libero.it

http://jazzworldquest.com/proposals

Musicians & Labels:
Publish your proposals for shows, tours, collaborations, and services to be publicly posted on
JazzWorldQuest Proposals Section
(click here to post your announcement)

Blue Note Entertainment Group To Open SUBROSA New/Intimate Latin & World Music Venue in New York's Meatpacking District

 

 Blue Note Entertainment Group To Open 
SUBROSA
New/Intimate Latin & World Music Venue 
in New York's Meatpacking District

Opening Preview Event With The Pedrito Martínez Group 
on Wednesday, November 12 -
Grand Opening To Follow This December

Venue To Host On-Going Residency 
by The Pedrito Martínez Group

Initial Lineup To Feature 
Juanito Pascual, Jose 'Pepito' Gomez & Francisco Mela

New York, NY - November 10, 2014 - Blue Note Entertainment Group (BNEG) will open Subrosa - a new Latin & World Music venue located in New York City's Meatpacking District - with an opening preview event on Wednesday, November 12, featuring performances by The Pedrito Martínez Group (shows at 7:00PM & 9:00PM). The venue's grand opening will follow in December. 

Owned and operated by BNEG, Subrosa, Latin for "under the rose," is an intimate, eclectic listening room dedicated to showcasing music, art, and culture. The 120 capacity basement space located on 63 Gansevoort St. intends to present live music nightly (shows at 7:00PM & 9:00PM) and serve food. Additional confirmed artists include guitarist Juanito Pascual, Cuban vocalist Jose 'Pepito' Gomez and drummer Francisco MelaTickets for all currently announced shows are $20 and can be purchased at www.subrosanyc.com.

"We are opening Subrosa to provide a new creative hub for eclectic music, with an emphasis on Latin and World music disciplines," says Steven Bensusan, President of Blue Note Entertainment Group. "This space will ultimately serve as a destination for listeners to discover new globally-influenced music in an accessible setting." 

After a nine-year monthly residency at New York's Guantanamera, The Pedrito Martínez Group will move its residency to Subrosa, with performances multiple nights each month. The daringly inventive Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martínez has become a ubiquitous presence on the New York scene. "I am honored to be part of the launch of Subrosa," says Martínez. "I am excited to be starting a residency with the Blue Note family, who are known for their passion and service to music." Following the soft launch on November 12The Pedrito Martínez Group is scheduled to perform at Subrosa on the following dates: November 131920December 216-171823January 12-1421-2229-30.

"Perdito has clearly become a staple on New York's Latin and creative music scenes," adds Bensusan. "We are absolutely thrilled to kick off our latest New York City venue with Pedrito's group and host his new residency." 

In addition to Martínez, Subrosa has confirmed the following shows: Juanito Pascual New Flamenco Trio - November 14"Direct from Cuba Presents: Jose 'Pepito' Gomez - Special Tribute to Buena Vista Social Club" - November 212728 December 11; and the Francisco Mela Son Quartet - December 1219 & 26. Additional headliners will be announced in the coming days.

Location, Tickets & Additional Information:
Subrosa
63 Gansevoort St.
New York, NY 10014
212-997-4555
Shows at 7:00PM & 9:00PM

About Blue Note Entertainment Group:
Blue Note Entertainment Group, founded in 1981 by Danny Bensusan, is a multi-faceted entertainment company that owns and operates New York's Blue Note Jazz Club, B.B. King Blues Club, Highline Ballroom, and Subrosa; The Howard Theatre (Washington D.C.); and Blue Note Jazz Clubs Worldwide (Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan and Milan, Italy). The company also programs the Regattabar Jazz Club (Cambridge, MA). Blue Note Entertainment Group presents shows outside of its club network. The annual Blue Note Jazz Festival was established in 2011 and has since grown to feature over 150 concerts in more than 15 venues throughout New York City each June. Subsidiaries of Blue Note Entertainment Group include the GRAMMY®-nominated record label Half Note Records, whose catalogue includes over fifty titles recorded live at New York's Blue Note Jazz Club, as well as Blue Note Management Group and Blue Note Media Group. 

Booking/Programming Contact:
Alex Kurland, Talent Buyer
Blue Note Entertainment Group

For all media inquiries, please contact:
Jordy Freed, Director of Marketing & Publicity
Blue Note Jazz Club, Blue Note Media Group
Blue Note Jazz Festival, Half Note Records, Subrosa
Blue Note Entertainment Group

 ###

Friday, November 14, 2014

Available Now: Jeff Coffin & The Mu'tet Releases "Side Up"

 
Available Now on Ear Up Records:
Jeff Coffin & The Mu'tet Releases Side Up


"Jeff is one of the most incredible musicians I've ever heard.
His deliberate and spontaneous sound can only come from a deep well of
musical understanding. With the Mu'tet he has also proven himself as a composer. I can listen to this music anytime and all the time.
It will not disappoint." - Dave Matthews

"Jeff Coffin is a ridiculously talented dude who has made incredible
contributions to Béla Fleck and the Flecktones over a 14-year period.
Jeff is making remarkable music of his own with the Mu'tet, and has found some really great musicians to collaborate with to achieve his vision." - Béla Fleck


Mutation is defined as the changing of a structure, resulting in a variant form. That is a clear reflection of saxophonist and 3-time Grammy® Award-winner Jeff Coffin's philosophy that music must continue to change and mutate in order to grow. Side Up (available November 4 on Ear Up Records), the 6th release with his critically acclaimed band Jeff Coffin & The Mu'tet, showcases the astounding range of influences Coffin has absorbed as an in-demand sideman to a "who's who" of musicians.

Having performed with Béla Fleck & the Flecktones from 1997-2010 and Dave Matthews Band since 2008, Coffin has been traveling the globe as a saxophonist, bandleader, composer and educator since the late 20th Century. He has shared the stage with musicians such as Branford Marsalis, Bob Mintzer, John Scofield, McCoy Tyner, Galactic, and Kirk Whalum, as well as a wide variety of esteemed groups such as Phish, My Morning Jacket, Van Morrison, The Dixie Chicks, Umphrey's McGee, Widespread Panic, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, among others. 

Featuring 5-time Grammy® Award-winning drummer Roy 'Futureman' Wooten, electric bassist Felix Pastorius, trumpeter Bill Fanning and pianist/keyboardist Chris Walters, Jeff Coffin & The Mu'tet strive to expand their horizons, as well as their fans, with music flavored by their eclectic interests on Side Up. The compositions blend sounds from the deep wells of New Orleans Second Line, African music, Indian Ragas, Brazilian music, folk, Gypsy, and straight ahead jazz.
 Photo Credit: Greg Kessler

Coffin has assembled a world-class lineup of guests for this outing - Zakir Hussain on tabla, Herlin Riley on tambourine, Radha Botofasina on harp, Rod McGaha and Mike Haynes on trumpet, Roy Agee and Barry Green on trombone, Denis Solee and Evan Cobb on tenor saxophone, Pat Bergeson on harmonica, James DaSilva on guitar, R. Scott Bryan on congas, and Ryoko Suzuki on harmonium. 

The Mu'tet's mission is to deliver music that sends shockwaves down people's spines with their fierce soloing and memorable compositions. Coffin and Fanning aim for that goal sometimes by using guitar effects on their horns, which they call 'electro-sax' and 'space trumpet.' 


Side Up marks the second consecutive recording which Coffin has extensively collaborated compositionally with The Mu'tet. Notes Coffin. "A great lesson I learned from Béla Fleck is to give the musicians freedom in finding their 'voices' in the music." Following that philosophy, Coffin only gave the sidemen a skeleton of sorts, which was then worked out in rehearsals to form an entire fleshed out body of work. Coffin continues, "These are some of the finest musicians I have ever had the opportunity to play with. What they bring to the musical table is astonishing."

The members of the band have the same admiration for Coffin as well. "I've been playing alongside Jeff Coffin now for well over a decade and I can easily say, without a doubt, that I would not be the person or musician I am today if it wasn't for that invitation to join The Mu'tet," reflects Pastorius who is also currently a member of the acclaimed Yellowjackets. "For years now, Jeff has been a constant reminder of dedication and hard work, and I believe it is no more apparent than in his sound and his music." 


Upcoming Jeff Coffin & The Mu'tet Performances:
 
November 19 - 22 / Jazz at the Bistro / St. Louis, MO
January 16, 2015 / Jazz Arts Group - Lincoln Theatre / Columbus, OH


Jeff Coffin & The Mu'tet · Side Up
Ear Up Records  ·  Release Date: November 4, 2014 
 
For more information on Jeff Coffin, please visit: JeffCoffin.com


"Like" Jeff Coffin on Facebook: 

Like us on Facebook 
 
"Follow" Jeff Coffin on Twitter:

Follow us on Twitter 

"Follow" Jeff Coffin on Instagram
 

For media information, please contact:
DL Media  ·  610-667-0501
Matthew Jurasek  ·  matthew@dlmediamusic.com 

Serving the Finest in Jazz Since 1988
 
Information and press materials (including album covers, promotional photos
and bios) on all DL Media artists can be found at our website: dlmediamusic.com

###

No Small Thing Is A Big Deal

Blue Canoe Records latest release from J-Mood slashes across genres  from pop to rock to heartwarming contemporary jazz and deliver rich,  mood lifting melody to every listener.

“No Small Thing” is the second release on Blue Canoe Records and  is a captivating compilation of covers and intelligent, home-grown  numbers that expose the brilliance of the Carrozza clan. Mrs. Jennifer  Carrozza is classically trained and has been singing professionally  for nearly 20 years. Keyboard/Producer/Engineer/Solo Artist John Carrozza has featured parts on the platinum selling Boyz II Men album “Evolution” and has worked with Grammy winning jazz superstar Earl
Klugh.

“No Small Thing” opens with the classic in the pop rock world,  Aqualung’s Brighter Then Sunshine. “…suddenly you’re mine”,  sings Jennifer Carrozza as the listener is drawn into the dynamic
odyssey. With the use of lush instrumentation, Mr. Carrozza sets up  the voyage perfectly. The Carrozza’s fall effortlessly into the  McCartney standard Blackbird. The Carrozza connection of piano and  vocals is haunting and memorable…adding a novel take on the classic.  From there, J-Mood travels effortlessly from Sting to Neil Young to  winning melodies of their own. Of note, John Carrozza’s own Hope  Restored composition is an emotional contemporary jazz number with
energizing give-and-take between Sam Skelton’s sax and John  Carrozza’s expressive piano stylings.

No Small Thing is a smart, diverse must-have that falls right into the  spiritual hip pocket of the audience’s subconscious. Classic and  contemporary at the same time, The Carrozza team leave an important  impression while using all the colors in the palette. It is, indeed,  No Small Thing.
 

Monday, November 10, 2014

VIDEOCLIP: Romanian pianist and composer Florin Raducanu live at the Romanian Broadcasting Concert Hall - October 2014





Excerpt from the live show at the Romanian Broadcasting Concert Hall - October 2014
Florin Raducanu & Romanian Radio Big Band (conductor Ionel Tudor)

Listen to the full streaming here




Florin Raducanu & Friends – Jazz Standard Mood from Vienna 2014

Florin-Raducanu_2014_cover Florin Raducanu & Friends – Jazz Standard Mood from Vienna 2014
(Art Factory 2014)

LIVE FROM PORGY & BESS JAZZ CLUB, Vienna, Austria  2014
Tracks:
1.  Someday My Prince Will Come – comp. F. Churchill/arr. F. Răducanu  13:20
2. `Round About Midnight – comp. T. Monk/ arr.F. Răducanu  10:05
3.  Blues dedicated to Little Giant Petrucciani – comp. & arr. F. Răducanu  13:42
4.  Donna Lee – comp. J. Coltrane/ arr. F. Răducanu  07:02
5.  Georgia on My Mind – comp. H. Carmichael/ arr. F. Răducanu  11:14
6. Summer Twenty Twelve (Rhythm Changes) – comp. F. Răducanu  05:25
Total Time : 60: 48

Musicians:

Florin Răducanu – piano & composition/arrangements
Sebastian Mihai – tenor saxophone
Adrian Flautistu – double bass
Laurențiu Zmau – drums
Special guest : Dalila Cernătescu – panflute(track2)

AVAILABLE NOW: Bass Virtuoso STANLEY CLARKE Rallies Friends, Old and New, to Revisit "School Days," Bass Folk Songs and More on "UP" - Available September 30 on Mack Avenue Records

Mack Avenue logo 

Available Now on Mack Avenue Records:
Bass Virtuoso STANLEY CLARKE Rallies Friends,
Old and New, to Revisit "School Days,"
Bass Folk Songs and More on UP

Features Performances from Stewart Copeland,
Chick Corea, and Joe Walsh, Among Others 


"When Stanley Clarke was only 25, the word 'legend' was
already being used to describe him. Now, he's a king of the
acoustic and electric jazz worlds..." - NPR

"On electric or acoustic bass, Mr. Clarke is a fleet-fingered marvel
with a particular gift for funk
 

Legendary bassist Stanley Clarke considers his upcoming Mack Avenue Records release, The Stanley Clarke Band's UP, to be the most energetic, rhythmic and upbeat album that he has ever done -- and with more than 40 solo albums under his belt, that's saying quite a lot. Clarke's signature bass virtuosity and technical acumen is present throughout, but the enjoyment he had in making this album is also apparent. Unlike his predominantly acoustic bass work on the last few albums, UP is almost equal parts electric and acoustic bass.

"My aim here was to make a record with my friends. Every single recording session was nothing but fun," says Clarke. "Surrounding myself with people I enjoy being with made the sessions effortless. Everyone came prepared and ready to play. All were great musicians and they came to the studio to give everything they had."

Much like his last Grammy® Award-winning album, Stanley Clarke Band, this new release features the inclusion of former bandmates pianist/keyboardist Ruslan Sirota and drummer Ronald Bruner, Jr., who toured with him for seven years and were Clarke's co-Grammy® Award-winners for the Best Contemporary Jazz Album of 2011. Two of Clarke's current touring band members, acoustic pianist Beka Gochiashvili and drummer Mike Mitchell, are also represented on the album. Both are quite young, in their teens, and talented way beyond their years.

Among these other friends Clarke invites to shine on UP are: guitarists Joe Walsh, Jimmy Herring and Paul Jackson, Jr.; drummers Stewart Copeland, Gerry Brown and John Robinson; keyboardist Greg Phillinganes; Phil Davis on synthesizer and keyboards; Chick Corea on acoustic piano; saxophonists Kamasi Washington, Doug Webb and Dan Higgins; vocalists Jessica Vautor, Natasha Agrama and Patrice Quinn; trumpeter Gary Grant and trombonist Andy Martin on horns; percussionist Lenny Castro; Nick Mancini on marimba; and the Harlem String Quartet with violinists Ilmar Gavilán and Melissa White, Jaime Amador on viola and cellist Matthew Zalkind.

The first track on the album, a song with a warm, funky and bluesy feel that reminds Clarke of his grandfather, is "Pop Virgil," featuring Michael Jackson's session rhythm section: Robinson, Jackson, Jr. and Phillinganes. Clarke considers "Last Train To Sanity" one of the best pieces he has ever written and it is the only track on the album that deals with the music as a film composition. "I'm so glad that the Harlem String Quartet, who I've toured with a bit over the last year, was willing to be part of this recording," says Clarke.

The title track "UP," is the essence of the album's sensibilities. "Drummer Stewart Copeland was on my mind with this song," says Clarke. "His vibe is one of the most upbeat and positive that I know, and that consciousness carries throughout the song." The bassist also pays homage to George Duke with "Brazilian Love Affair - Dedicated To George Duke," one of his favorite compositions. A tremendous arrangement augmented by robust rhythms and a vigorous samba predominate the song.

As in previous recordings, Clarke unveils more bass compositions in UP that he has dubbed "Bass Folk Songs." Clarke says, "They're very specific compositions. I started writing them when I was much younger and have about 20 now. They are specifically written for a solo bass." "Bass Folk Song #13: Mingus" is a homage to Charles Mingus done on acoustic bass. "Bass Folk Song #7: Tradition" evolved from thoughts on musicians Clarke played with early in his career including Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Joe Henderson and Stan Getz; ironically it's an Alembic electric tenor bass solo. And "Bass Folk Song #14: Dance Of The Giant Hummingbird/Bass Song #15: Eleuthera Island" are two Bass Folk Songs put together for solo acoustic bass.

The collaboration is intuitive with former bandmates Sirota and Bruner, Jr. on "I Have Something To Tell You Tonight," with Washington on sax creating a dreamy improvisational jam. "Trust - Dedicated To Nana" is a straight ahead jazz piece dedicated to Clarke's daughter Nana (Natasha). It arose from a family discussion one evening, and though lyrics would seem appropriate to convey the conversation, here Clarke captures the feel and emotion of the exchange instrumentally. Ramping up the album's ambiance again, Clarke and the musicians have fun with "Gotham City." A fan of superheroes in films and comics since childhood, this is Clarke's homage to the genre.

"I knew the idea of re-recording 'School Days' was potentially dangerous, but just because a song is good and deemed to be a classic doesn't mean you can't record it again," Clarke states. The legendary Jimmy Herring does the dynamic guitar lead on this version and is joined by Gerry Brown, who was the original "School Days" drummer in 1975.

The album concludes with "La Canción de Sofia." Written for Clarke's wife Sofia, who is from Chile, this track is a live performance of an acoustic duet with Chick Corea recorded in 2013 at the Kitara Hall in Sapporo, Japan.

 
Stanley Clarke -
Stanley Clarke - "UP" EPK


Upcoming Stanley Clarke Performances:
 
October 10 - 12 / Yoshi's / San Francisco, CA
October 13 / Kuumbwa / Santa Cruz, CA
October 14 / The Pageant / St. Louis, MO
October 16 / Promontory / Chicago, IL
October 17 / Traift Music Hall / Buffalo, NY
October 22 - 24 / Iridium / New York, NY


The Stanley Clarke Band · UP
Mack Avenue Records  ·  Release Date: September 30, 2014 
 
For more information on STANLEY CLARKE, please visit: StanleyClarke.com

MACK AVENUE  ·  the road to great music  ·  mackavenue.com


For media information, please contact:
DL Media  ·  610-667-0501
Maureen McFadden  ·  maureen@dlmediamusic.com

For more information, please contact:

 Serving the Finest in Jazz Since 1988

Information and press materials (including album covers, promotional photos
and bios) on all DL Media artists can be found at our website: dlmediamusic.com
###