Tuesday, March 31, 2020

USA: Chris Standring-Real Life (2020)


Real Life

One of contemporary urban jazz s most prolific hitmakers since the late 90 s with 13 Billboard Top 10 singles and 6 #1 s, Chris Standring takes the opportunity on his 13th solo album to acknowledge the sometimes-harsh twists and turns of Real Life. Yet rather than give into circumstances beyond his control, the British born, L.A. based guitarist offers a truly uplifting way forward on this joyful soul-jazz infused retro-flavoured set.

Monday, March 30, 2020

UK/POLAND: Błoto-Erozje (Astigmatic Records 2020)

 

Latarnik - pianino, syntezatory, perkusjonalia Wuja HZG - gitara basowa, janczary Cancer G - perkusja Książę Saxonii - saksofon tenorowy, perkusjonalia

Sunday, March 29, 2020

UK: AuB - AuB (Edition Records 2020)


AUB is the London based quartet, masterminded by two young saxophonists, Tom Barford and Alex Hitchcock, musicians who are making huge waves as part of the next generation of virtuosic instrumentalists intent on doing things their way. AUB (pronounced ORB) refers to the meeting and unity of two musical minds and instrumental sounds melded into one group sound. Twin tenors tradition has had a long history but with AUB, it's the collaborative writing process and blending of sounds that drives their group sound. Together with bassist Fergus Ireland and drummer James Maddren, AUB melds contemporary Jazz sounds, an adventurous and risk-taking spirit with a degree of unpredictability, nuance and intense improvisation. credits releases May 29, 2020 Alex Hitchcock – tenor saxophone/synthesisers Tom Barford – tenor saxophone/synthesisers Fergus Ireland – double bass/synthesisers James Maddren – drums

Saturday, March 28, 2020

SWITZERLAND: Montreux Jazz: concerts gratuits en ligne

Pour faire patienter ses fans, le festival montreusien a décidé de proposer plus de 50 concerts gratuits de ses précédentes éditions. Cette offre, valable pour 30 jours, est disponible via le distributeur de services musicaux Stingray.
Des concerts de Ray Charles, Wu-Tang Clan, Johnny Cash, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, Deep Purple ou encore Carlos Santana font notamment partie de l'offre.

Friday, March 27, 2020

GERMANY: Henning Sieverts Symmethree ‎– Triple B (NWOG Records 2020)

Triple B
Credits
Bass, Composed By, Liner Notes – Henning Sieverts
Guitar [7-string] – Ronny Graupe
Trombone – Nils Wogram

Thursday, March 26, 2020

UK: STEPHANIE MCCOURT NEW SINGLE: ‘SAVE ME’


STEPHANIE MCCOURT

A person looking at the camera

Description automatically generated

NEW SINGLE: ‘SAVE ME’
RELEASE DATE: 3rd APRIL 2020

Stephanie McCourt is a London-born retro soul singer with a passion for music like no other. With influences including Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Christina Aguilera and Amy Winehouse, Stephanie's unique blend of retro soul, gospel and jazz with modern-edged production is a breath of fresh air to the current 2020 musical climate.

Over the years, Stephanie has caught the attention of many within the industry and national TV, including the likes of Simon Cowell and Rita Ora. Stephanie also caught the interest of Hank Hughes, CEO of F/H Block who has huge success with the likes of Sam Smith, Emeli Sandé and Naughty Boy. Hugh invited Stephanie to join his star-studded roster for her newest release coming out this Spring.

Having spent months in the studio, writing original material with many of F/H Block's finest writers and producers and having already peaked interest from the likes of Eamonn Holmes and TalkRADIO's James Whale, Stephanie is ready to take 2020 by storm with the release of her debut original material. Expect to hear a delivery of soul, combined with powerful vocals and an abundance of emotion, projected through her captivating voice and expertly crafted music.

‘Save Me’ is the first single from Stephanie’s upcoming EP and is an up-tempo, foot-stomping, hand-clapping song with a catchy hook that is set to make a big statement about Stephanie’s story so far.

Stephanie’s EP – ‘Wings’ – is due to be released on 3rd April 2020. The 6 track EP will showcase
Stephanie’s powerhouse vocals as well as her unique style; combining contemporary production with her retro style and will also feature a collaboration with U.K. rapper Scrufizzer.

Live Shows
18th March - Dublin Castile, London
7th April – The Bedford, London
For press enquiries and interview requests please contact rosa@landerpr.com / judd@landerpr.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

USA/ITALY: Silvio Amato- Variations of Relevance (Blue Canoe Records 2020)


BLUE CANOE RECORDS - News Composer & Piano Master Silvio Amato Pianist/Composer Silvio Amato delivers a remarkable beautiful album titled, "Variations of Relevance" produced by Grammy Award Winner Jimmy Haslip. Featuring guest appearances by The Budapest Symphony Orchestra, trumpeter Randy Brecker and many other talented musicians on this Jazz Crossover release. Picture After an intensive career as a young pianist working for important pop Italian singers in Catania, his birth town, Amato moved to Milan in the mid-’80s, where he continued his work as a composer and an arranger.


 During this time, Amato began to collaborate with a variety of pop artists; his musical productions extended to a wide range of sectors, but the television-cinematographic one received the most focus. Among his productions, the most significant ones are his compositions for children’s TV shows of the Italian network, Mediaset. Just as remarkable are his productions of all genres for the main national networks: theme songs for prime time shows and newscasts, TV shows and soap operas, sit-coms and TV movies. Amato’s productions also include numerous movie soundtracks, such as for the movies “I Mitici” (“The Heroes”) by Carlo Vanzina, “Svitati” (“Screw Loose”) with Mel Brooks, “Ti voglio bene Eugenio” (“Eugenio, I love you”) with Giuliana De Sio and Giancarlo Giannini, and the soundtrack for Jerry Calà’s “Torno a vivere da solo” in 2008 and “Operazione Vacanze”, in 2011.

Amato frequently collaborated with spotlighted artists in the Italian music scene, who have appeared at various points in time at the Sanremo Music Festival: “Ti penso” composed for Massimo Ranieri for the 42nd edition of the Sanremo Festival and “Amoreunicoamore” sung by Mina in her 2010 album “Caramelle”, among others. Silvio Amato In 2005 Amato began his collaboration with the Wild Rose Company in London, and was commissioned to compose music for their dance shows on ice. His compositions for Snow White on ice (2005), Peter Pan on ice (2006) and Beauty and the Beast on ice (2007) were sensationally successful for both critics and audience. In the last few years, Amato’s creative activity has taken various paths: on one side, his cinematographic compositions; on the other, his productions for orchestras and musical ensembles.


The latter category includes his Religious Cantata for voice, chorus and symphonic orchestra, his Ricercare in re minore for the sax, soprano, and organ, composed for the duo Tagliaferri-Sciddurlo, and his The Happy Prince, a musical tale for instrumental ensemble and voice over. This last work, created in March 2006, was published by Feltrinelli-Curci within the project “arte solidale” in collaboration with ACLI. This opera was performed by the Instrumental Ensemble Scaligero (directed by Flavio Emilio Scogna and by Gabriele Lavia, voice over), who, in the summer of 2007 performed, The Happy Prince in Japan. In 2009 the opera was performed in various Italian theatres. Also in 2007, in collaboration with the Ambrogino d’Oro, a children show founded in 1964, Amato participates with the song “Dino and Tino”, that was awarded the first prize. In 2009,


 Amato moved to the USA where he began various collaborations in the cinematographic, theatrical, and TV sectors. The opera “Religious Cantata” that was initially developed in Italy towards the end of 2008, was finally produced, and much acclaimed, in 2011 in Boston, with the title “Illuminessence, prayers for peace”. This piece marked the closing of the events in memory of the victims of 9/11 in New York. The opera was performed by the orchestra and choir “The NEC Youth Philharmonic”, directed by Benjamin Zander. The concert was broadcast on air by WGBH nation-wide and was streamed world-wide Silvio Amato

Listen

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

USA: Listen Now: Black, Brown and Beige



         
Listen to Black, Brown and Beige now!

Listen Now: Black, Brown and Beige

Duke Ellington's sweeping masterpiece Black, Brown and Beige is now a digital album from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, who recorded their definitive, live take of the suite in 2018. 
Black, Brown and Beige is Marsalis’s first recording of the work and adds another important chapter to the enduring legacy of one of Ellington's most brilliant pieces. Listen now on all digital platforms!

Monday, March 23, 2020

USA: Jocelyn Gould - Elegant Traveler (Posi-Tone Records 2020)



A new talent on guitar that sounds beyond her years. Everybody is riding along in style when guitarist Jocelyn Gould unpacks her axe to launch the opening salvo on her aptly entitled debut release “Elegant Traveler.” Indeed, Gould gracefully pushes her melodic message to the forefront with skillful leadership, while she ably demonstrates a total command of her own instrument along with a delightful depth of talent as a composer and arranger.


With an amazing combination of talents, some brilliant performances, and an evocative program of music, critical listeners should agree that “Elegant Traveler” successfully proclaims Jocelyn Gould as an important new musician to keep eyes and ears on for years to come.


 musicians: Jocelyn Gould - guitar Michael Dease - trombone Brandon Wright - tenor sax Anthony Stanco - trumpet Addison Frei - piano George DeLancey - bass Quincy Davis. - drums

BUY CD
LISTEN/STREAM

Sunday, March 22, 2020

NETHERLANDS: Tineke Postma-Freya (Edition Records 2020)


 Freya is the seventh album from Dutch saxophonist Tineke Postma. Her first since 2014, Freya is a come-back album as a leader. Following an acclaimed international career, including work with legends Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, Tineke’s Freya represents a fresh start with a new label, reinvigorated energy and an exciting band that is collectively inspired by the experiences she has gathered throughout her career. Together with trumpeter Ralph Alessi, bassist Matt Brewer, drummer Dan Weiss and featuring pianist Kris Davis, Tineke makes music that is adventurous, empowering and full of risk-taking.

Friday, March 20, 2020

FRANCE: Henri Texier ‎– Chance (Label Bleu 2020)

Chance
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Alto Clarinet – Sébastien Texier
Contrabass – Henri Texier Drums  Guitar – Manu Codjia Guy Le Querrec Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Vincent Lê Quang

Thursday, March 19, 2020

USA: Andy Milne and Unison-The reMISSION (Sunnyside 2020)

Esteemed pianist, bandleader and educator Andy Milne is excited to announce the release of his new album, The reMISSION, out April 10 on Sunnyside Records with his new trio Unison. Marking Milne’s first foray into piano trio performance, the album is a stunning shift in direction in the artist’s illustrious career. In late 2017, a life-changing cancer diagnosis forced Milne into a period of reflection over his fruitful career, a reevaluation of his direction as an artist, and finally, remission. Added to the mix was an unexpected offer (which he accepted), for a full-time professorship from The University of Michigan. After conquering his diagnosis, Milne seized the opportunity to tackle a musical venture that he has always found exciting, and at times daunting: the powerful intimacy of the piano trio format. Juno award winner Milne brings a bold, imaginative sound to this pared down context, presenting fresh, original material written for this hallmark collaboration between himself, drummer Clarence Penn and bassist John Hébert. Andy will be touring this project throughout the United States and Canada upon release; see below for full details.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

DENMARK/GERMANY: Cæcilie Norby ‎– Portraying (ACT 2020)

"A Musical Portrait of a Great Singer16 tracks, over one hour of music, six previously unreleased tracksCæcilie Norby is one of the leading singers in Scandinavia. Her music moves between the worlds of jazz, blues, soul, pop, rock and classical music. Norby masters everything, and always in a way that makes her instantly recognizable. She was the first Danish artist to be signed by Blue Note, and has worked with a panoply of international stars.With close to half a million album sales, Cæcilie Norby is one of the most successful jazz artists in Europe and one of the most important figures at the intersection of pop and jazz. "Portraying Caecilie Norby" shows the many different facets of her vocal craft, with recordings dating from the early stages of her career right up to six new and previously unreleased tracks." ACT


Cæcilie Norby with Lars Danielsson, Curtis Stigers, Leszek Możdżer, Bugge Wesseltoft, Ulf Wakenius, Marius Neset, Nguyên Lê, Randy Brecker, Rita Marcotulli, Hildegunn Øiseth, Jon Christensen, Robert Ikiz, and many more

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

RUSSIA: Kruglov - Sooäär Quartet ‎– Tchaikovsky ( ArtBeat Music 2020)


Alexey Kruglov — alto and soprano saxes, alto sax mouthpiece
Jaak Sooäär — electric guitar
Mihkel Mälgand — double bass
Tanel Ruben — drums

Monday, March 16, 2020

ITALY: Paolo Bacchetta ‎– The Storytellers (AUAND 2020)


It was during a visit with my wife at Mart in Rovereto that I discovered Schiele and Austrian expressionism. Although many of the Austrian expressionists were part of the exhibition (together with Klimt), I was deeply impressed by Schiele's work and finally decided that I had to write something inspired by his story and production. Since I had to start a new year under Stefano Battaglia's direction in Siena, I thought that I couldn't have a better chance to test my ideas. I started collecting every type of material I could find about Schiele, and in a few weeks I wrote some of the music you can listen to on this CD. Despite all of the effort I put in it, I only managed to finish the whole job a year later. The music in the meantime changed, as did the group: new musicians gave my music a new and different life and it was thanks to them that I could bring the “Egon project” to a (hopefully) joyful end.

Paolo Bacchetta guitar
Piero Bittolo Bon alto sax, clarinets
Giacomo Papetti electric bass
Nelide Bandello drums

Sunday, March 15, 2020

GERMANY: Ernst Vranckx Trio ‎– Things As They Are ( Eden River Records 2020)

Things as They Are
Double Bass – Paul G. Ulrich
Drums – Kris Duerinckx
Piano – Ernst Vranckx

Tracklist: 01. Things as They Are 02. Stay Away and Meet Me 03. In Love in Vain 04. Nymphony 05. Lullaby 06. Rousing 07. Song for Baba 08. Frail 09. Canciòn 10. Danny Boy

EDEN RIVER RECORDS

Saturday, March 14, 2020

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2020: Vibes Alive(USA)-Vibrasonic

Vibes Alive(USA)-Vibrasonic
Album: Vibrasonic
Label: Swingding Records
CD Store


FRANCE: Raphaël Imbert, Johan Farjot & Guests ‎– Les 1001 Nuits Du Jazz - Live Au Bal Blomet(MDC 2020)


Les 1001 Nuits du Jazz donnent l’occasion au saxophoniste Raphaël Imbert et au pianiste Johan Farjot de nous raconter une autre histoire du jazz. Entourés à chaque séance de nouveaux invités, musiciens prestigieux - Anne Paceo, Daniel Humair, Hugh Coltman … - Ils nous parlent d’une histoire qui n’est pas une affaire de spécialistes, d’initiés ou de puristes, mais plutôt un conte qui s’adresse à tous pour mieux apprécier les mystères d’une musique multiple et créolisée, qui n’arrête pas de se réinventer.

Suivez Raphaël Imbert ici:

https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelImber...

TEASER enregistré le 16/11/2017 à Paris au Bal Blomet (Soirée l’Afrique et le Jazz)  

Raphaël Imbert – Saxophone 

Johan Farjot – Piano 

Jean-Jacques Elangué – Saxophone

Felipe Cabrera – Contrebasse 

Anne Paceo – Batterie

Friday, March 13, 2020

NETHERLANDS: Maria Mendes-CLOSE TO ME (2019)



Maria Mendes: vocals, percussion and compositions John Beasley*: keyboards, orchestrations, percussion and conductor Karel Boehlee: piano Jasper Somsen: acoustic bass Jasper van Hulten: drums and percussion Metropole Orkest: chamber music line up on tracks nº 1, 5, 6 and 10 Vincent Houdijk: vibraphone on track nº 9

Thursday, March 12, 2020

GERMANY/FINLAND: Iiro Rantala, The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen- playing Gershwin (ACT 2020)

Playing Gershwin
Only very few musicians are as well versed in both, classical music and jazz as the Finnish pianist Iiro Rantala. With the acclaimed 'Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen', he now continues his classical journey. Following the album "Mozart, Bernstein, Lennon" which got nominated for the "International Classical Music Award", the new recording features repertoire by George Gershwin - for Rantala, with his strong melodies and great emotional warmth, a classical soulmate.
ACT
spotify

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

GERMANY/SWEDEN: Emil Brandqvist Trio ‎– Entering The Woods( Skip Records 2020)


Entering The Woods (CD) album cover

The waiting is over: “Entering The Woods”, the 5th album by the Emil Brandqvist Trio, is finished. There’s no doubt that this formation is among the few piano trios worldwide that have played their way up to a continent-spanning listening audience in recent years by constantly developing the band’s very own, highly recognizable sound and advancing it further. More than 10 million streams for individual songs! have catapulted the trio to vanguard rankings. In North America they crop up on the playlists displaying major radio audience figures, in Japan they’re a must on countless compilations as a prime example of today’s Scandinavian Jazz, and in Germany their last album ranked No. 3 on the national jazz charts. ECHO award nominations and an appearance on the Longlist of German Record Critics have provided further proof of their large-scale acceptance.
Skip Records 


Tuesday, March 10, 2020

SWEDEN Emil Ingmar- Karlavagnen 2020

Karlavagnen
Swedish jazz pianist Emil Ingmar presents his newest release, Karlavagnen. Emil Ingmar is a pianist, composer, and freelance musician who lives in Uppsala, Sweden. A former piano student at KMH, he is the Chairman of the Uppsala Jazz Club and organizer of the Live Jazz Bar at Uplands Nation and the Jazz Corner at UKK. He is also active in Orphei Drangar as a singer and accompanist. Ingmar is joined for these twelve original tracks by an all-star lineup of musicians, including Fredrik Jonsson, Calle Rasmusson, Jonas Knutsson, and more.

Monday, March 9, 2020

USA: Idle Hands-Solid Moments ( Posi-Tone Records 2020)



band: Idle Hands
album: "Solid Moments"
catalog: PR8205
release date: February 21, 2020

Will Bernard - guitar
Behn Gillece - vibraphone
Sam Dillon - tenor saxophone
Art Hirahara - piano
Boris Kozlov - bass
Donald Edwards - drums

Listeners will definitely enjoy a wide variety of “Solid Moments” when our beloved producer Marc Free enlists the able assistance of a few trusted “Idle Hands” for the next release in a visionary series of demand building records. Highlighted by the handiwork of a carefully curated group of Posi-Tone artists, this engagingly entertaining album features front line performances from guitarist Will Bernard, vibraphonist Behn Gillece, and saxophonist Sam Dillon playing over the solid harmonic foundation of pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Donald Edwards. The album's musical program is comprised of a series of succinct performances that are deliberately intended to provide listeners with an accurate practical auditory insight and representation of the straight forward musical aesthetics and operational ethos of Posi-Tone Records. Jazz fans everywhere can relax and enjoy the beautiful sounds emanating from these “Idle Hands” as they work cooperatively to provide us with more "Solid Moments“ towards a delightful today and a brighter tomorrow.

1. Barreling Through (B. Gillece)    4:32
2. Silver Bullet (W. Bernard)     4:21
3. Over The Fence (B. Kozlov)    4:34
4. Snow Child (D. Edwards)    5:25
5. Event Horizon (A. Hirahara)    6:12
6. Maxwell Street (B. Gillece)    6:06
7. You And I (Stevie Wonder)    4:16
8. The Move (W. Bernard)    6:30
9. Ashes (B. Kozlov)    4:22
10. Dock’s House (D. Edwards)    6:10
11. Motion (S. Dillon)    4:22
12. Theme For Kareem (F. Hubbard)    3:53
 
produced by Marc Free
buy from Posi-Tone
LISTEN / ORDER

Sunday, March 8, 2020

USA: Andrea Brachfeld - Brazilian Whispers (Origin Records 2020)


Brazilian Whispers

'. . . one of the most magnificent flutists playing today. Ms. Brachfeld is like a rare bird soaring in a rarefied realm. If you think her music is memorable, it is because her very heart sings…' Raul da Gama. A staple of New York City's jazz and Afro-Cuban scenes over the last five decades, acclaimed flutist Andrea Brachfeld celebrates the sounds of Brazil with this spirited tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim. Along with arrangements of classics such as 'Waters of March,' 'Girl From Ipanema' and 'Ligia,' Brachfeld offers a look into her writing partnership with frequent collaborator Bill O'Connell through their Brazil-inspired compositions, 'Espao Aberto,' 'Sonhos e Cores,' and 'Triste e Solitaria. ' With bandmates: pianist McConnell, guitarist Roni Ben-Hur, bassists Harvie S & Lincoln Goines, and drummer/percussionists Jason Tiemann, T. Portinho, and Chembo Corniel, Brachfeld creates an inspired, deeply grooving collection of Brazilian gems. 'This band's balance of taut cohesion and adventurous improvisation is mighty impressive. ' DOWNBEAT

Saturday, March 7, 2020

FRANCE: Asylon Terra ‎– Big Birds Flying( King Tao 2020)

Big Birds Flying

1 Iceland Crossing
2 Big Birds Flying 
3 Xie Xie 
4 You're Sleeping Little Baby 
5 The Revenge Of Adonis 
6 Brain Shaking 
7 Ringing The Bells For The End Of Everything 
8 Sofia 
9 Falling In Love


Friday, March 6, 2020

USA Evan Parker and Paul Lytton-Collective Calls Intakt Records 2020

Collective Calls

A big anniversary is celebrated on this recording: Evan Parker and Paul Lytton got to know each other in 1969 and after months of rehearsals their first performance followed in 1970. It was the time of the jazz avant-garde, which renewed and expanded the traditional ways of playing and the Parker-Lytton Duo was an active part of this process. Over the past fifty years, they have each minutely sorted through aesthetics, methods, and protocols, maintaining an ongoing dialogue. The years have yielded a rich diversity of music, complemented by the current recording, the first to feature only tenor saxophone and a jazz kit, writes the American jazz journalist Bill Shoemaker in the liner notes. Shoemaker, who supervised the recordings in Chicago, goes on to say: The dynamic of free improvisation and a long personal history documented on this Chicago studio session bears out what Parker told Bailey forty years ago: In practice, the closest I would get to a laboratory situation is working with the people I know best the people Ive played with the longest actually offer me the freest situation to work in. On the basis of this unprecedented music, that assessment has stood the test of time.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

USA/SWITZERLAND:Tim Berne's Snakeoil -The Fantastic Mrs. 10 (INTAKT 2020)


Tim Berne recorded for Intakt Records for the first time in 2019 as the saxophonist in Michael Formanek’s Very Practical Trio with Mary Halvorson. Now the New York saxophonist, composer and bandleader presents a new CD with his ensemble Snakeoil. After five albums this is the first Snakeoil record to be released on Intakt. The band balances the possibilities of composition, improvisation and the tonal possibilities of an acoustic and electric playing jazz band in an unmistakable way. The Fantastic Mrs.10 is one of Snakeoil's most mature and at the same time most edgy CDs.
Guitarist Marc Ducret joins the core quartet of Tim Berne, Matt
Mitchell, Oscar Noriega and Ches Smith. The band’s sound is also influenced by Berne's musician cohort David Torn.
Tim Berne says in the liner notes “I think this is the best one yet. That’s a stupid thing to say, but it’s kind of a culmination. Ches, Matt, Oscar – it’s almost like we always forget what we did the last time out, and that’s a really healthy amnesia. There’s a dedication to moving ahead. They’re truly into it, and it motivates me.”
credits
released February 14, 2020

Tim Berne: Alte Saxophone
Marc Ducret: Guitars
Matt Mitchell: Piano, Tack Piano, Modular Synths
Oscar Noriega: Bass Clarinet, BB Clarinet
Ches Smith: Drums, Vibes, Glockenspiel, Haitian Tanbou

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

USA: Tony Adamo's Song Did Mark Murphy Believe In UFOS? Is At #1 On Allaboutjazz

Tony Adamo's Song Did Mark Murphy Believe In UFOS? Is At #1 On Allaboutjazz


A MOST HIP THANK YOU TO THE JAZZ AND MUSIC FANS OF THE WORLD..
TO ALLABOUTJAZZ/LOUIS MARKS OF ROPEADOPE RECORDS...Tony Adamo.



USA: Jeremy Cunningham-The Weather Up There (2020)


Chicago drummer and composer Jeremy Cunningham wrote The Weather Up There in response to the loss of his brother Andrew, who died in a home invasion robbery in 2008. Co-produced by Jeff Parker and Paul Bryan, and engineered by Paul Bryan and John McEntire, this new work confronts the tragedy of violence and examines the acute ripple effect on several people's lives through the lens of memory, response, and collage. Further deepening the textural and emotive impact, Cunningham formed a “drum choir” for these recordings, comprised of close mentors and colleagues Mike Reed, Makaya McCraven, and Mikel Patrick Avery. Cunningham also taps regular collaborators Ben LaMar Gay, Jaimie Branch, Tomeka Reid, Dustin Laurenzi, Matt Ulery, and Josh Johnson.

“Jeremy is a rare drummer who possesses both insane skills and immaculate taste.
His tunes have that same sensibility— they are layered and sophisticated while
remaining visceral and hummable.” -Yoni Wolf (Why?)

“Jeremy Cunningham’s upcoming record is a testament to his commitment to sound,
feel and creativity that sets him apart from other drummers. I am inspired by his
vulnerable and honest approach to music both as a drummer and composer.” -Makaya McCraven

"I've had the pleasure of watching Jeremy grow into one of the most visionary
composer/bandleaders on the scene today. It was truly an honor for me to work with
him on 'The Weather Up There'." –Jeff Parker
credits
released February 28, 2020

Produced by Paul Bryan and Jeff Parker

Jeremy Cunningham - drums, percussion, Wurlitzer (track 2)
Josh Johnson - alto saxophone, keys, bass clarinet
Jeff Parker - electric guitar
Paul Bryan - electric bass guitar (tracks 2,4,5,8) synthesizer
Matt Ulery - electric bass guitar (tracks 6,9,10)

With special guests
Jaimie Branch - trumpet
Ben LaMar Gay - vocals, electronics
Dustin Laurenzi - tenor saxophone, OP-1
Tomeka Reid - cello
Chicago Drum Choir - Mikel Patrick Avery, Jeremy Cunningham, Makaya McCraven, Mike Reed

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

UK: Kamaal Williams-LIVE AT DEKMANTEL FESTIVAL 2020)





Kamaal Williams (keys/ vocals)
Rick James (bass)
Greg Paul (drums)
Quinn Mason (tenor sax)

Monday, March 2, 2020

USA, NY; New York Style Latin Jazz ~ Grooving at Orange Hall w/ Willie Martinez and La Familia Sextet Saturday, March 7th at 7:30pm Middletown, NY


Willie Martinez has deep-seeded roots in Latin Jazz. The music was handed down to him through his family.  When he speaks about it and shares his feelings and knowledge through his music, he demonstrates not only enthusiasm but genuine love for what he learned from his grandfather and father, and thereby his heritage.
 
Come to the William and Helen Richards Theatre at Orange Hall at SUNY Orange for an evening of great New York Style Latin Jazz that will be thoughtful, yet lots of fun that will have the audience dancing in the aisles!  
 
Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 7:30pm is the day/date and time for the performance of 
Willie Martinez and La Familia Sextet.
 
All tickets are $10 except all students are admitted free at the door.
The box office opens at 6:30pm the evening of the performance.
Online purchase with a $2.50 service charge per ticket is available at
www.sunyorange.edu/arts_comm/ticketing.html
 
For over thirty years, Martinez has been a familiar face as a musician as well as a gifted composer in New York City's eclectic music scene. He and his ensemble play together so well that they know each other’s moves and nuances and share each other’s excitement for the music. “La Familia has given me the honor of breathing life into all the music I have written for them, over and over again. It’s just a very humbling and gratifying experience,” says Martinez.
 
The instrumentation of the group is engaging and varied. Martinez leads as drummer/vocalist. His rhythm section is comprised of Renato Thoms – percussion, Bernie Miñoso – bass, Enrique Heneine – piano. In addition, Maximilian Schweiger plays baritone and curved soprano saxophones while J. Walter Hawkes rounds out the sound on his trombone.  La Familia Sextet’s music is the marriage of Afro-Caribbean rhythm and the harmonic structure and improvisational nature of American jazz.
 
In addition to the concert, Willie Martinez and the rhythm section will give a music master class ~ Rhythm is the center of Latin Jazz on Friday, March 6  at 11am in Orange Hall room 23 that is free and open to the public. The four musicians will demonstrate the pounding, pulsing and grooving of Latin jazz and answer questions in this up-close-and-personal session.
 
Orange Hall is located at the corner of Wawayanda & Grandview Avenues
(GPS: 24 Grandview Avenue), Middletown, NY. Questions may be directed to Cultural Affairs at (845)341-4891 and cultural@sunyorange.edu. Also, visit the Cultural Affairs website at www.sunyorange.edu/culturalaffairs
 

USA: CROWDFUNDING: Jazz-Funk Fusion is being redefined!


Jazz-Funk Fusion is being redefined!


This is bass player Oytun Ersan. My latest album Fusiolicious (ft. Dave Weckl, Eric Marienthal, Gary Husband, Dean Brown) has been a great success, thanks to the incredible support of Jazz Fusion lovers from all around the world. As promised, I will soon be entering the studio to recordFusiolicious 2 together with my All Stars band ft. Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea Elektric Band, Jeff Lorber), Simon Phillips (Toto, Protokol), Mitchel Forman (John McLaughlin, Mike Stern) and Mike Miller (Chick Corea Elektric Band, Quincy Jones). Would you like to become a part of this album and help us make it happen?

As you may have heard, we have launched a crowdfunding campaign and would really appreciate your support. We are offering a limited number of exclusive rewards to our backers. By contributing, you will not only receive continued updates from the band, but will also get to hear the album first (even before its released), have your name printed in the liner notes of the CD and much more. Drummers and bass players will also get to jam with the masters via our Play-Along Tracks, which will not be available anywhere else.

As majority of the rewards are very limited in number and the campaign will run for a short time, pleasejoin us now. You can also help us spread the word by sharing the campaign link. Please use the hashtag #Fusiolicious2 and tag me so I can see your posts more easily.

If you have any questions or would like to contact me directly, please do not hesitate to reply to this e-mail. Thank you so much for your support and generosity. I cannot stress enough how important this is to me!
Best wishes and much love,
Oytun Ersan
Go to Campaign Page

USA: Ken Fowser - Morning Light ( Posi-Tone 2020)



Ken Fowser
"Morning Light"
catalog: PR8204
release date: February 7, 2020

Ken Fowser - tenor sax
Josh Bruneau - trumpet
Tadataka Unno - piano
Vince Dupont - bass
Joe Strasser - drums

Saxophonist Ken Fowser reflects upon the ephemeral aspects of nature to uncover a series of inspirations hidden in the broken fragments of our cultural existence on his latest release “Morning Light.” Prepare to be intrigued and delighted, as Fowser unveils a captivating program of new compositions featuring the suitably swinging assistance of his working band featuring Tadataka Unno on piano, Vince Dupont on bass, Joe Strasser on drums and Josh Bruneau on trumpet. Fowser continues to demonstrate a strong and well refined vision for his own music as a leader and composer that is both emotionally engaging and entertaining. With a delicate balance of modernity and classic aesthetics, “Morning Light” is insightfully straight forward, refreshingly melodic and full of bright moments for the ears of jazz fans everywhere.

1. Moving Forward    5:19
2. Three For Leathers     4:48
3. In The Blue     5:00
4. Seventy Sixers    4:09
5. This That & The Other Thing    5:42
6. Morning Light     6:26
7. That Was Then    4:35
8. The Instigator    5:27
9. Without Saying     5:03
10. Firefly     5:35
11. Vitamin E    2:59
all compositions by Ken Fowser

produced by Marc Free
buy from Posi-Tone
LISTEN / ORDER

Sunday, March 1, 2020

USA: Parkinson’s Global Project - “Dream” (Blue Canoe Records 2020)

"Dream" is a CD album with 90% of album proceeds going to fund much needed Parkinson's education and research. Led by Karl Sterling (creator of the Parkinson's Global Project & Regeneration Training) this album will be used to influence and draw awareness to Parkinson's disease at large. It is produced by Jimmy Haslip, Scott Kinsey, Jeff Richman and features many notable musicians.


“Dream”

A personal message from Karl Sterling

AFTER THREE DECADES of working as a musician (drummer) as my primary job, I decided to enter the health and wellness industry in an effort to help people live an improved quality of life. This has led to an extremely rewarding career that I could never have imagined. For the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with and educate people living with Parkinson’s disease all over the world. While there are many good programs to help people with Parkinson’s, much more research needs to be conducted.

The Parkinson’s Global Project ® is a non-profit corporation dedicated to funding education and research and helping to change lives for those living with Parkinson’s. Your purchase of this music helps us to help people around the world. In fact, 90% of your purchase goes to funding much needed education and research.


The musicians on this project are dear friends and amazingly talented. I am beyond grateful for their friendship and support. The songs on this project were chosen with great care and with the intention of sending a message of positivity and hope.