USA, Austin, TX OLIVER RAJAMANI CONCERTS

OLIVER RAJAMANI CONCERTS

Greetings! Oliver Rajamani was an invited Austin celebrity amongst many to honor Kris Kristofferson at Turk Pipkin's "Nobelity Project" gala.  He also had the honor of sharing the stage musically with Grammy producer and musician KC Porter last month.   Below are two videos for your viewing Treat yourself to an elegant evening at the OneWorld Theatre, Austin, Texas on May 19th with Oliver Rajamani and his    Mondsee Orchestra  Click to Purchase Tickets              Rajamani New Music Video                          "Austin, Tx" from his album "Texas Gypsy Fire' with Texas legends and Romani (Gypsy) artists If you love Austin and Rajamani music,  forward this video to someone else! We would appreciate it.       Thanks to Mars for creating this video   Oliver Rajamani got the honor to share the stage musically with the grammy producer and musician KC Porter this past month KC Porter is a grammy producer and musician.  In addition to his chart-topping work with superstars including Carlos Santana and Ricky Martin, GRAMMY-winning music producer KC Porter has long been widely renowned for crossing over many of the biggest stars in the Latin music firmament to English-speaking audiences.  His artistry as a producer, arranger, and composer has helped make icons like Luis Miguel, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Ana Gabriel, the late Selena and Ricky Martin-who Porter has collaborated with since the early days-- household names in the U.S. and Europe as much as they are throughout Latin America.  Conversely, Porter has worked his magic with an ever-growing mix of English-language stars including Lara Fabian, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson, Chaka Khan, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight, Toni Braxton, and Boyz II Men, crossing their hits over to Spanish-speaking and international audiences.         Turk And Christy Pipkin's Nobelity Honoring Kris Kristofferson Oliver Rajamani was one of  the many Austin's celebrities invited to the "Nobelity Project" gala to honor Kris Kristofferson.  Watch a short video from the final moments of the evening. The Nobelity Project works to create positive change in communities around the world. Click for more info on Nobelity Project   Thank You For Your Support  Rajamani production thanks the City Of Austin - Cultural Arts for their support

"Uppity," by Composer/Bandleader Anthony Branker, Due 3/19 from Origin

Origin Records to Release "Uppity,"
by Composer/Bandleader Anthony Branker
& His Sextet Word Play,
March 19

Word Play Features Tenor Saxophonist Ralph Bowen,
Trumpeter Eli Asher,
Trombonist/Keyboardist Andy Hunter,
Pianist Jim Ridl, Bassist Kenny Davis, &
Donald Edwards on Drums

March 5, 2013

 

On the provocatively titled Uppity, Anthony Branker's second CD with his all-star sextetWord Play, the prolific composer and bandleader harnesses his vibrant jazz originals and his band's dynamic interplay to deliver a bracing social and spiritual message. Uppity will be released by Origin Records March 19.

His "Ballad for Trayvon Martin," one of the album's emotional centerpieces, honors not only the 17-year-old who was slain in 2012 because of "what he looked like," but victims of racial violence who came before.

"While the music on Uppity addresses, out of necessity, such themes as intolerance, hate, and prejudice," writes Branker in his booklet notes, "it also serves to remind us of the power and resiliency of the human spirit when we keep the notions of 'hope' and 'healing' at the center of our lives."

Branker, the founder and director of the Program in Jazz Studies and associate director of the Program in Musical Performance, both at Princeton University, has in recent years been composing for and recording with two different although similar handpicked ensembles. With Ascent, he's recorded four albums, most recently Together (Origin, 2012). Prior to Uppity, he made the 2011 Origin CD Dialogic with Word Play.

Tenor saxophonist Ralph Bowen and bassist Kenny Davis, whom Branker first heard when they were with OTB (Out of the Blue) in the late 1980s, are members of both groups. Completing the Word Play lineup are trumpeter and flugelhornist Eli Asher (of the Respect Sextet); trombonist and keyboardist Andy Hunter, who also performs with Germany's WDR Big Band; "monster pianist" Jim Ridl; and Mingus big band drummer Donald Edwards, who "plays with such incredible commitment to groove."

Branker gets a remarkably fat sound from the six Word Play musicians through the way he voices the three horns and his use of layered repetition. "I'm always trying to give the impression that it is a bigger ensemble than the normal-sounding sextet," he says. "I like to give each voice a sense of independence, but there is still a real connection between each line."

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1958 of then-recent immigrants from Trinidad, Anthony Branker grew up listening to records by calypso greats such as the Mighty Sparrow and Lord Kitchener as well as pop and R&B on the radio and "a little jazz." Hearing a concert by trumpeterMaynard Ferguson's big band at age 14 turned his head around. "They were swinging back then," he recalls. "Their power and precision and spirit and hearing the soloists made me really want to pursue music."

Branker's own credits as a trumpet player include five years alongside Ted Curson, Eddie Henderson, and Valery Ponomarev in the trumpet section of the Spirit of Life Ensemble every Monday night at Sweet Basil in New York City's Greenwich Village. In 1999 he put the horn down after suffering a seizure and two brain aneurysms due to an Arteriovenous Malformation. After undergoing brain surgery in 2000, he now takes medication to control his condition.

"The three things I value more than anything else as a writer have to do with rhythm, a sense of lyricism, and trying to make a connection with the listener on some level," Branker states. "Sometimes we get into playing and writing all this complex stuff and things that we feel are hip and are gonna impress other musicians, but I don't necessarily think that that's the direction we should be thinking, especially if we want to have an audience and expand the audience. What's really important to me is trying to make a connection with the listener on an emotional level."

And on Uppity, the professor's philosophy is put brilliantly into practice.  


Web Site:

www.anthonybranker.com

Like: 


Media Contact:Terri Hinte
510-234-8781
hudba@sbcglobal.net
www.terrihinte.com
Follow: 

The Wolff & Clark Expedition Featuring Jazz Legends Michael Wolff and Mike Clark To Play Two Shows In New Orleans - March 9 & 10, 2013

Jazz legends Michael Wolff and Mike Clark, the Wolff & Clark Expedition, in support of their self-titled debut CD release on Random Act Records will be performing at Snug Harbor in New Orleans on March 9 & 10, 2013. Pianist Wolff and Drummer Clark will present an unparalleled musical odyssey at Snug Harbor. Joined by bass legend Jeff Berlin, the Expedition aims for uncharted, compelling musical territories while still entertaining all astute listeners. 

Join the Expedition.

Who: The Wolff & Clark Expedition Featuring Michael Wolff and Mike Clark with guest Jeff Berlin
Where: Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchmen St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PH: 504-949-0696
When: March 9 & 10, 2013 - two shows 8 & 10 PM
For more information: http://www.snugjazz.com/calendar/artist_display2.php?eid=1572&id=309
For more information:
Random Act Records: www.randomactrecords.com
Michael Wolff: www.michaelwolff.com/
Mike Clark: www.mikeclarkmusic.com/
Wolff & Clark Expedition Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Wolff-Clark-Expedition/256266051109019

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, 
PH: 828-350-8158
 glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Maine State Instrumental Jazz Festival Engages Community Online

Organizers of the high school Maine State Instrumental Jazz Festival have partnered with Northern Maine Media Inc. (NMM), the home of WHOU 100.1 FM, to video stream the entire two day festival to increase community engagement in music programs. The annual festival, which will be held in Houlton for the next two years, draws roughly 80 high school jazz ensembles from around 35 schools throughout the state and will be broadcast live online at http://www.whoufm.com on March 15 and 16, 2013.

Organizers of the high school Maine State Instrumental Jazz Festival have partnered with Northern Maine Media Inc. (NMM), the home of WHOU 100.1 FM, to video stream the entire two day festival to increase community engagement in music programs. The annual festival, which will be held in Houlton for the next two years, draws roughly 80 high school jazz ensembles from around 35 schools throughout the state and will be broadcast live online athttp://www.whoufm.com on March 15 and 16, 2013.

“Many people aren't aware of the magnitude of how many students are impacted by music programs in the State of Maine,” stated Joe Fagnant, instrumental Director of Houlton High School and host coordinator for this year's jazz festival. “These specialty group ensembles highlight some of the best young musicians in the State. Our desire to stream the entire two day event will not only highlight those excellent students and programs, but also increase community engagement in music programs around Maine.”

“We've seen it in all events we've streamed over the past two years,” stated Fred Grant, President of NMM. “Interest in these music programs will increase by making them accessible online and we're excited to showcase, simultaneously, all three performance venues and the Saturday night finals at this year's jazz festival .”

NMM had the exclusive contract to video stream the 2013 Eastern Maine Basketball Quarterfinals which reached over 80 thousand viewers in all 50 states and 113 countries. In addition, NMM has streamed two complete seasons of high school basketball in Northern Maine and the entire 2012 summer season of McGill's Community Band, one of Maine's largest and oldest community bands.

“Events like the State Instrumental Jazz Festival are perfect for online streaming,” stated Grant. “Anytime you have large events with broad appeal like high school performance competitions, there will always be people who want to see the event, but just can't make the journey to the performance venue. Video streaming opens the event up to a much larger audience than would typically be possible.”

The Maine State Instrumental Jazz Festival is organized by the Maine Music Educators Association (MMEA) and is conducted annually in March. MMEA is a non-profit organization which exists for the welfare of music educators, to advance music education, and to improve instructional opportunities for all.

Northern Maine Media purchased WHOU in 2012 and in addition to radio and online streaming video; the company assists businesses and organizations with web development, hosting, social media and marketing.

Houlton, Maine (PRWEB) March 04, 2013

The Wayne Escoffery Quintet "The Only Son of One" April 16th & 17th @ The Jazz Standard

The Wayne Escoffery Quintet "The Only Son of One" (Sunnyside SSC 1320) April 16th & 17th @ The Jazz Standard Set Times: 7:30 & 9:30pm Featuring Wayne Escoffrey - tenor saxophone Rachel Z - keyboards Orrin Evans - piano Hans Glawischnig - bass  Jason Brown - drums Performing Music From His Latest CD The Jazz Standard 116 East 27th street b/t Park and Lex 212-576-2232 Purchase Ticket Direct Link

Wayne Escoffery’s The Only Son of One this is his first CD of all original music and is inspired by his childhood in London, England focusing on pivotal events of his life as a toddler and his teen years. Living in an abusive family environment and leaving with his mother to find a better life in the United States was a profound experience, and this music chronicles the emotional, psychological and spiritual journey of a young boy. Performing the music is Wayne’s new quintet featuring pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Hans Glawischnig, drummer Jason Brown and keyboardist and Miles Davis veteran Adam Holzman. To further add to the uniqueness of this project, Wayne has asked his friend and best selling author of “The Color of Water” James McBride to write the liner notes for the CD jacket. The photography is being provided by highly noted French Jazz photographer Philippe Levy-Stab.   Reviews:   Wayne Escoffery's "The Only Son of One" and Ben Riley's "Grown Folks Music" reviewed by Bill Milkowski @ JazzTimes!   Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes - July 2012    Read the full article here   Wayne Escoffery's "The Only Son of One" receives a four star review by Chris Robinson in DownBeat!Chris Robinson, DOWNBEAT - July 2012      Read the full article here

http://www.escofferymusic.com/

For Interviews and Promos Contact: Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services T: 845-986-1677 E-Mail: jim@jazzpromoservices.com http://www.jazzpromoservices.com/

Yochk'o SEFFER - From New York To Budapest (Great Winds/Musea 2013)

Yochk'o SEFFER always created varied and interesting works during his long of career, be it with MAGMA, ZAO, NEFFESH MUSIC, his teammate François "FATON" CAHEN or all alone. In each of his records, the French saxophone-player tries to pay tribute to his Hungarian roots, with jazz-rock music close to ZAO, but with free tendencies. "Chromophonie" compiles two volumes, originally released in 1981 and 1982, with the notable support of Hungarian violinist Lajos HORVATH and the QUATUOR MARGAND. "Magyar Etno" unites popular music from Hungary with free and dissonant jazz. "Yog I - Pitchipoy" (1997) keeps on carrying NEFFESH MUSIC's spirit, as flaming as ever. The development of complex and structured themes are linked with frenetic saxophone parts, blended with other instruments. It can be described as the crossing point between works like "Ghigoul" or "Chromophonie". "Yog II - Sefira" (1998) follows the same path with an equal talent: Thierry MAILLARD, Dominique BERTRAM and Sylvain MILLER are here as well. "My Old Roots" is a collection of pieces recorded between 1976 and 1980. Some of them should have been included in the Musea reissue of "Chromophonie", but were dropped because of technical problems. So, here they are today ! Some others had been composed in the year 1976 with NEFFESH MUSIC. Let's also note that many of the compositions were never released on CD, especially an unreleased track recorded in 2005 with violin player Lajos HORVATH. So, here's an excellent introduction to the lively, inventive and colourful music of Yochk'o SEFFER. Just brilliant ! The "Chromophonie" DVD was the documentary we were waiting for, to illustrate the career of this exceptional musician, refugee in France since the dramatic events suffered by Hungary in the year 1956. Directed by Jean-Pierre ZIRN, this movie presents the work of the artist as a musician, but also as an improviser, a painter and a sculptor. Musicians from the MAGMA galaxy are featured here, such as Christian VANDER, Didier LOCKWOOD or François "FATON" CAHEN. Some other fellows appear as well: Alain BOUHEY, Sylvain MILLER, Laurent MATHERON, François CAUSSE, Denis CONSTANT-MARTIN, L'ENSEMBLE DE CORDES CAMERATA DE L'ISLE, LE SEPTUOR DE SAXOPHONES, Gérard PREVOST and Cynthia SAINT-VILLE. Five bonus-tracks complete the show, new interpretations from the repertoire of ETHNIC DUO, NEFFESH MUSIC and ZAO. Said to be Yochk'o SEFFER's musical testimony, "Condor" (Musea Parallèle, 2010) is no less than a triple-album, worthy of the event ! It showcases several duets recorded with Joëlle LEANDRE, Jean-Pascal MOLINA, Sylvain MILLER and François CAUSSE. Made of original tracks, this major opus is decomposed into three different parts, named "Puma", "Anaconda" and "Condor". The latter features the ambitious "Trabla n°12", a 30 minute-long work for fifteen saxophones (!), and a present performance of the classic "Ima" as a video bonus-track. "Acèl Toll" (Great Winds, 2011) has been recorded as a quartet with Didier LEVALLET (Double-bass), Sébastien LOVATO (Piano) and Jean-Pascal MOLINA (Drums). Not to be missed !
http://yochko-seffer.com

USA, NYC: LIONS Trio featuring Yelena Eckemoff, Arild Andersen and Billy Hart, at Birdland, NY

On March 26, Birdland Jazz club will be hosting a performance by the newly formed Lions Trio, featuring the venerated Russian-American pianist Yelena Eckemoff, Norwegian bassist and ECM Records Icon, Arild Andersen, and the charismatic American drummer, Billy Hart. The Lions Trio will be performing new songs from Yelena's upcoming release, Glass Song, offering a chance for jazz fans to experience an evening of dazzling music and relaxation. The Lions Trio seamlessly joins three incredible voices into one, transforming the spirit of the original compositions to a rarely heard level of intimacy and beauty.

Concert Information:
Birdland Jazz Club
315 W. 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
There will be two sets: 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm
Doors - 7:00pm and 10:30 pm

Tickets - $30.00 all seats.
There is a $10.00 food or beverage minimum per person, per show.
Dinner is served between 5:00pm-1:00am.