Here are the tunes we are adding to the Jazz 88 New section and library AND I will be featuring on The New Jazz Thing with Vince Outlaw this Monday, September 12, 2011 between 6 and 8 PM PT (in addition to interviewing Josh Nelson and Tierney Sutton who we added last week).
RAHSAAN BARBER (FB, @rjbsax)– “EVERYDAY MAGIC” (Young saxophonist,
leading a group of young musicians, doing all original material).
Blogcritics (The Dirty Lowdown): This is a great debut for the label and a more than fine sophomore
effort from Rahsaan and Everyday Magic. It may not be elevator music,
but it is going nowhere but up.
SHARON DuBOIS (FB)– “HERE I AM” (Local vocalist, backed by local
musicians, doing all original tunes.Lots of overdubs of her voice).
San Diego Reader (Robert Bush): In its strongest moments, Here I Am floats along with a jazz-funk groove reminiscent of the 70s Crusaders, or, on some tracks, the sophisticated feel of 80s era Steely Dan. It takes a tight band to pull that off.
ECHOES OF SWING – “MESSAGE FROM MARS” (New takes on early
swing classics.Neo-swing, if you will).
The Jazz Society of Pensacola (Norman Vickers): This group combines the styles of small-group combos of the ‘20s and
‘30s with modern techniques with wonderful toe-tapping result. There is
a mix of jazz standards with their own compositions. I’m also a fan of
classics which are “swung.” Three examples of this style are
“Butterfly Chase” based on a Chopin Etude, Fritz Kreisler’s “Liebesleid:
and Shostakovich’s “Gavotte.”
"Message from
Mars"
wins
PRIX DE L'ACADÉMIE
DU JAZZ
in Paris
and is
awarded the
GERMAN RECORD CRITICS' AWARD
BILL FRISELL (FB, @BillFrisell) – “ALL WE ARE SAYING…” (Edgy guitarist, paying
tribute to John Lennon, with interesting and faithful takes, on familiar
tunes).
AllAboutJazz.com (Music and More by Tim Niland): In guitarist Bill Frisell’s liner notes to his most recent LP, he writes
about being contacted to perform a special concert of John Lennon
compositions. He and the band enjoyed it so much that they continued to
tour, playing mostly of the music heard here to an excellent response,
and then entered to studio to record. Overall this album works pretty well and could serve as an excellent
gateway or conduit to fans of pop music that are interested in exploring
jazz. The band understands that Lennon’s music speaks for itself, and with a
few modifications they allow it to do so quite beautifully
YARON GERSHOVSKY - “STATE OF MIND” (Manhattan Transfer’s
pianist, leading a trio, doing mostly standards, with the group guesting on one
track, and Janis Siegel on another).
Earthworks Audio: A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Berklee College of Music, Yaron has
launched his musical career touring with Pharoah Sanders, and recording
with Wayne Shorter on his album “Atlantis”. Since 1979, Yaron has been
the Musical Director and Pianist/Keyboardist for the world-renowned
vocal group The Manhattan Transfer. Yaron’s work was featured on the Broadway stage as well.
ALLAN HARRIS (FB,@AllanHarris) – “OPEN UP YOUR MIND” (Male vocalist, backing
himself on guitar, doing mosty originals.Some track border on smooth jazz).
Powerderfinger Promotions: Always known as a singer’s singer, in Open Up Your Mind Harris also gets
the opportunity to show off his deep songwriting talent while letting
the music world know that he can hold his own on guitar. Harris has a
rich history in the jazz world, CNN referred to him as one of the “three
best male jazz vocalists in the country.”
PAMELA HINES – “LUCKY’S BOY” (Pianist, leading a trio, with
vocalist April Hall, singing all Pamela’s originals).
CDBaby: Jazz pianist/ composer Pamela
Hines presents nine new vocal jazz originals that are sure to be part
of the contemporary American Songbook. Soulful and Blues- oriented
April Hall puts her vocal stamp on these clever, fun and inspiring
tunes. John Lockwood is on bass with Les Harris, Jr. on drums. The
result is and outstanding selection of jazz music that is sure to make
an impact with jazz fans. Hines has made a solid contribution to
the history of jazz piano with her seventh CD on the Spice Rack label
and more works on other labels. She was a guest on Piano Jazz with
Marian McPartland in 2000, thanks to a critically acclaimed debut CD in
1998 with Bob Moses, Rick McLaughlin, Darren Barrett and Jaque
Swarz-Bart.
JazzReview.com: Reprise Records captures the magic of these unprecedented shows from
earlier this year on CD and as a CD/DVD combo that both feature
selections taken from the two public concerts (April 8-9), as well a
special performance for Jazz at Lincoln Center's annual gala (April 7). Marsalis says the group combined the sound of an early blues jump-band
with the sound of New Orleans jazz to accommodate the integration of
guitar/trumpet lead, a combination that gave the musicians the latitude
to play different grooves, from the Delta to the Caribbean and beyond.
RENOLDS JAZZ ORCHESTRA (FB) – “THREE PENNY OPERA-LIVE IN AARAU”
(All-star big band, playing Kurt Weill’s music from his most famous work).
FAME (Mark S. Tucker): As before, the band here includes honored vets Randy Brecker and
Miroslav Vitous, though every member is a superior musician. Many are
the solos and just as numerous the influences and stylings—catch the
Brubeckian take on Instead of Song, f'rinstance. One is also as likely to encounter a ululatingly enthralling Pharaoh Sanders cum Anthony Braxton voicing (Wedding Song for the Poor)
as the aforementioned Dave, with Freddie Hubbardisms, Steve Coleman
inflections, and of course the personalities and mindsets of the players
themselves tossed in for a constantly morphing landscape. Everything is
a kaleidoscope of surpassing skill and coloration.
JOAN STILES – “THREE MUSICIANS” (Joel Frahm and Matt Wilson
join her, in mostly progressive versions of familiar tunes).
Amazon.com: Three Musicians is NY-based pianist/composer, Joan Stiles' 3rd
CD, a joyful, interactive outing with Joel Frahm (sax) and Matt Wilson
(drums). The trio glides and grooves through various jazz styles in
brilliant but accessible explorations of standards, show tunes, Monk,
Strayhorn, Mary Lou Williams, and even some Beatles and Clapton.
Highlights include collages on LOVE - My Funny Valentine meets Sunshine of Your Love and MONEY - Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? meets Can't Buy Me Love. Stiles' compositions - West End Boogie, a soulful, rhythmic blues, and the Gillespie/Dameron inspired Bebopicity add to the eclectic mix. Hurly-Burly (Stiles' last CD) garnered a 4-star Downbeat review and topped Jazz Week Radio charts.
SUSANNAH (Martin) & PABLO – “TROPICOS SUR” (Female vocalist,
doing the great Brazilian songbook).
CUONG VU (FB)– “LEAPS OF FAITH” (Pat Metheny’s trumpeter, in a
very progressive outing).
AllAboutJazz.com (C. Michael Bailey): The stark juxtaposition of the familiar with the chaotic deepens
understanding of the melody. Vu introduces what he is trying to do with
the familiar before venturing into the unfamiliar, to provide a better
understanding of his vision. This music is the collision between the secure and consonant with the
disruptive and dissonant: meaning it reflects real life, where there are
no white picket fences, only chain-link ones protecting paradise.
ANDREA WOLPER (FB, @AndreaWolper) – “PARALLEL LIVES” (Female vocalist, singing a
mix of standards and originals).
Critical Jazz: "Parallel Lives" is an evocative sound scape collection ranging from
Broadway to jazz beatnik to bebop and it is this very proud collection
of music that defies standard categorization that makes it so
captivating to enjoy. "Parallel Lives" is a celebration of musical diversity at its very
finest. A vocal master class for where jazz vocalists should be heading
today!
A few notes for the show, Monday, September 5, 2011 6-8 PM PT...
The great bassist Ron Carter will be chatting about his new release "Great Big Band" in Hour 2 of The New! What an honor! We added the disc last week, August 29, 2011. Over 2,000 albums, 45 years recording, Miles Davis, Eric Dolphy, Lena Horne, James Brown, Bill Evans, Tribe Called Quest...and now his first big band album!
Here's the new batch of music being added to the Jazz 88 Music library and playlist, debuting on The New Jazz Thing with Vince Outlaw on Monday, September 5, 2011 6-8 PM PT!
ROY ASSAF / Ronen Itzik / Jorge Roeder / Augmented Reality (FB, Reverbnation) – “AUGMENTED REALITY” (Pianist first session leading a trio. Mostly orginals). About.com (Jacob Teichroew): Augmented Reality is lush and yet subtle, and with a range of
stylistic influences, it achieves a sophisticated, understated presence.
It is exciting to imagine how the music will sound as the band grows
more seasoned around it, begins to take bigger risks while continuing to
use melody as its inspiration.
CHRISTIAN FABIAN – “WEST COAST SESSION” (Bassist, leading a core trio, with all-star guests, doing straight-ahead originals and jazz tunes). NICOLE HENRY (FB, @nicholehenryjazz, YouTube) – “EMBRACEABLE” (Female vocalist, doing a mix of standards, blues and new tunes). AllAboutJazz.com (Larry Taylor): With the release of her fifth album, Embraceable, vocalist Nicole Henry pleasingly brings together a range of styles—smooth and mainstream jazz, along with pop and gospel. Henry's stated mission with this record is to take large steps in new
directions, and she accomplishes this with a sweet, accessible voice
that serves up lyrical ballads, as well as dishing out large helpings of
soulful blues and gospel.
JAKE HERTZOG (FB, YouTube) – “EVOLUTION” (Extreme electric guitar). The Jazz Word: Jake Hertzog, now with a handful of recordings under his belt, is one of
the very few prolific young guitarists to convincingly embrace the
potential of blending a jazz and rock style of performing. What stands
out in Hertzog's playing, aside from a comprehensive knowledge of his
instrument, is a willingness, regardless of style, to put it all on the
line.
TIM MAYER – “RESILIENCE” (Saxophonist, with many all-star guests, doing a collection of straight-ahead jazz tunes). Mitch's Muse: Mayer's platter swings from the get-go. A few tracks have additional players
for a richer sound-a bit plush, a hair away from lush, with thoughtful
yet vigorous arrangements in the vein of Tadd Dameron, Don Sebesky, and
pre-1965 Gil Evans.
JOSH NELSON (FB)– “DISCOVERIES” (Pianist, leading a variety of configurations, doing all but one straight-ahead originals). Critical Jazz: Cerebral
jazz? In an incredibly unique if not personal release, Nelson takes his
appreciation for the writings of Jules Verne among others and
transforms this literature into a conceptualized presentation of sonic
imagery that lives and breathes on its own. An incredibly thoughtful
organic pulse drives the forward motion of this sonic adventure with
great care and artistic touch. Nelson's
music is (for me) not Ipod friendly, no good jazz worth listening to
is. "Discoveries" contains intricate and involved interplay between
Nelson and his musical companions that is exciting, fresh and alive to
the point where mere headphones could not possibly transfer the musical
experience adequately.
BOB SHIMIZU (YouTube, – “FIRST & MONROE” (Guitar-led contemporary jazz session). CDBaby: On this outing, Bob Shimizu
has shown real bravery by not allowing the influence of the Smooth Jazz
broadcast idiom's whimsical rules or, the tradition and "commandments"
of the Jazz Police to alter the musical vision. Bob Shimizu has simply
recorded a true contemporary jazz record in the most honest sense and,
most importantly, he's simply made great music!
TIERNEY SUTTON – “AMERICAN ROAD” (Female vocalist, doing a mix of show tunes, gospel and Americana). Critical Jazz: Organic but deep rooted in tradition this exquisite release is perfect from start to finish."...take on her own unique, slightly eclectic but incredibly accessible spin
on the Great American Songbook thus releasing an almost instant
classic." Challenge Records: “We first started looking at an ‘America’-themed CD three or four years
ago,” says Sutton, whose vocal style has been described as “soft as silk
and smooth as fine bourbon” by the Chicago Sun Times. Circumstances led
the group in a different direction at the time, the result being 2009’s
Desire, which earned the group its third consecutive Grammy nomination
for Best Vocal Jazz Album.
But the concept that gave ultimately
gave rise to American Road stayed with Sutton and the band—Christian
Jacob (piano), Kevin Axt (acoustic and electric bass), Trey Henry
(acoustic and electric bass) and Ray Brinker (drums and
percussion)—until, having spent countless days and nights traveling
America’s roads and playing in her towns and cities, they were able to
finally bring it to fruition. All of the arrangements on American Road
were conceived by the entire band, which, said The New York Times, has
“refined the kind of rapport that could only be achieved over
time…providing a continuous flow of support, strength and inspiration.”
BILLY WHITE – “FIRST THINGS FIRST” (Straight-ahead octet, doing all originals). AllAboutJazz.com (Dan Bilawsky): First Things First is as apt a name for a debut album as
anybody could come up with. While this marks pianist Billy White's first
leader date, he already has plenty of impressive musical experience
under his belt: spending his college years earning a degree in
ethnomusicology from UCLA; working with a jazz/hip-hop hybrid group
Heezbus, while living in Paris; studying Gnawa trance music in Morocco;
and writing some music for films. Eventually, the San Francisco native
landed in Brooklyn, NY and began focusing his attention on writing and
playing piano. This album is the fruit of that labor and it's rife with
exciting compositions and strong group interplay.
CHIP WHITE – “More DEDICATIONS” (Drummer, leading an all-star band, doing his originals, with a disc of poetry included). CDBaby: This recording is Chip’s
fourth as a leader and composer. The others are "Harlem Sunset"
(Postcards, 1994), "Music and Lyrics" (Dark Colors, 2005), and "Double
Dedication" (Dark Colors, 2008). The poems on Chip’s CDs come from his
book of more than 100 poems for famous jazz musicians, "I’m Just the
Drummer in the Band."
8-29-2011 Adds To The Jazz 88 Music Library including NEW Ron Carter Great Big Band (his first ever big band leader date), Claudia Roditi, University of North Texas Lab Band 2011, Ernie Watts, Kenny Werner w/Orch, and more!
Norman David of the Eleventet (great new disc added last week) interview in Hour 2
Cheryl Pyle, Jazz / Metal Flutist (give that a chance to roll around in your head) will be releasing her second disc of 2011 "Soul Dust" soon, so we'll chat with her about that and her earlier 2011 release Inside Dialogue
RON CARTER – “RON CARTER’S GREAT BIG BAND” (Bassist, leading a big band, and swinging straight-ahead on many familiar tunes). Critical Jazz: This is the first ever big band recording for the 74 year old Carter and
he pulls this off as though this was his primary if not favorite means
of musical expression. A smoking hot ensemble that swings with the kind
of pop that would give the listener the impression this was a working
ensemble years in the making. Recent interview with Ron. A photo of the band with arranger Bob Freedman.
ARMEN DONELIAN – “LEAPFROG” (Pianist, leading a quintet, doing all originals, very edgy). AllAboutJazz.com (Dan Bilawski): While cohesion and individuality, by their very definitions, may seem to be at odds with one another, the music on Leapfrog
reconciles these two opposing ideals without a problem. For his ninth
date on the Sunnyside label, pianist Armen Donelian has together a
program of strikingly modern originals that showcase the cutting edge
talent and simpatico sensibilities of his band. Leapfrog proves to be light years beyond many other albums that
wear the modern jazz label, because the individual contributions and
the confluence of the group are of equal value, and Donelian deserves
plaudits for balancing that equation and producing such a work.
KYLE EASTWOOD – “SCENES FROM THE CHATEAU” (Bassist, leading a straight-ahead session, with funky undertones). AllAboutJazz.com (Bruce Lindsay): yle Eastwood's career encompasses the writing of film soundtracks, as
well as the life of a jazz composer, bandleader and bassist. On those
seemingly rare occasions when he isn't working, Eastwood spends much of
his time in France. Songs From The Chateau is his fifth album since 1998's debut, From There To Here
(Sony), and his fourth for British Candid label. It finds Eastwood
recording in the country he loves, at the 15th century Chateau
Couronneau in the Bordeaux region. The range of styles is wide, demonstrating the influences from across
the world that Eastwood has absorbed into his writing and playing. It's full of strong compositions from Eastwood, and virtuoso playing
from every musician, but never feels forced, or competitive: no
showboating, no unnecessary technical complexity.
FLUTEUS MAXIMUMS – “ONE SESSION-ONE TAKE” (Funky versions of many familiar songs). CDBaby: 16 songs were recorded in 4 hours, live, in a tiny, one room studio in northern California. All songs were done in one take including Hammond B3 (dubbed in the same session).
BIELLO/WEYAND – “FOURTHOUGHT’ (A quartet, doing mostly originals. Way out sax solos deem it appropriate for nights only).
DAN JACOBS QUINTET – “PLAYSONG” (Trumpet-led ensemble, doing a mix of tunes, straight-ahead).
JAZZ LINKS ENSEMBLE – “THE DRIVE” (Ensemble of the Jazz Institute of Chicago, doing a collection of jazz tunes). CDBaby: This two year labor of love
features an ensemble of the next generation of jazz performers whose
debut on this CD project is just the beginning. "The Drive" aptly titled
after one of the original compositions on the CD, signifies what it
takes to be a young jazz performer. The selected tunes exemplify the
passion of these young musicians for this ageless music. Accompanied by
Producer and Mentor for the project, Robert (Baabe) Irving, III; with
Ari Brown and Corey Wilkes on some numbers, the performers not only had
an opportunity to "shine" but to do so along-side world renowned Jazz
artists.
VINCENT LYN – “HEAVEN BOUND” (Pianist, leading a variety of ensembles, doing an eclectic mix of jazz, latin and classical). AllAboutJazz.com (Edward Blanco):
Heaven Bound: indeed, what an appropriate choice of words to
title pianist Vincent Lyn's project. The album is a wonderful
collection of jazz, bossa nova, samba, Afro-Cuban rhythms and delicate
classical interpretations. The fourteen-piece repertoire is an even
blend of melody-rich originals and well-chosen, uncommon jazz standards.
The music is engaging, sophisticated and highly pleasurable from start
to finish, with no fillers, as every tune is a keeper and deserving of
airplay consideration.
Lyn is an interesting professional,
whose love for music does not really define the person behind it. Lyn is
a martial arts expert—a Kung-Fu star and teacher with his own academy—a
kickboxing champion, model and Hong Kong film star, with nineteen
movies to his credit. But music has always been one of his first loves.
and to that end Lyn honed his skills through studies at the renowned
Boston Conservatory of Music, Yale University Music School and Manhattan
School of Music.
FRANCISCO MELA & CUBAN SAFARI – “TREE OF LIFE” (Progressive session, featuring a couple of vocals by Esperanza Spalding).
JazzTimes.com: Drummer Francisco Mela presents his second release on Half Note, a tour-de-force featuring 10 newly conceived compositions. With the help of his band, Cuban Safari, Mela offers a passionate fusion of Cuban polyrhythms and propulsive modernism. Renown for his play with Joe Lovanoʼs Us Five, Mela and the full scope of his musicianship take center stage with an unexpected turn as a vocalist, duetting with pianist Elio Villafranca, and trading improvs with Special Guest Esperanza Spalding. Tree Of Life is spirited evidence of Melaʼs distinguished place among young group leaders.
JASON RASO – “THE RED ARROW” (Guitarist/bassist, leading a variety of ensembles in a straight- ahead session).
EarShot (Shelley Gummeson): It has been said Jason Raso has a jazz head and a funk heart. The two have been introduced in The Red Arrow. Jay comments on the duality, “The head can sometimes play games and push you away from some things. I still want a groove and my hope is that those two sides continue to blend.”
GREG REITAN (FB)– “DAYBREAK” (Nice, straight-ahead, jazz piano trio).
Critical Jazz: "Daybreak" is the third release for Reitan on the Sunnyside label whose artistry may be best compared as a musical frame of refernce to a cross between Keith Jarrett and Dave Grusin. Subtle nuances on a grand scale. This small yet mighty trio gives us something new with each subsequent spin of the disc.
CLAUDIO RODITI – “BONS AMIGOS” (Nice straight-ahead release from this trumpeter, with brazilian undertones).
AllAboutJazz.com (Andrew J. Sammut): Roditi's high note displays and mixing board effects sound as though he's smiling from behind the horn. He's having fun and is not out to impress. Claudio Roditi and his amigos don't have to worry about showing off, unless warmth, melody and humor sound intimidating.
ERNIE WATTS – “ALIVE” (Saxophonist, recorded live in Europe, with his quartet, doing originals and couple of jazz standards).
ErnieWatts.com: (2004) Released on Watts' own Flying Dolphin label, ALIVE begins a new chapter for the artist. "This is my first recording where I had complete control," notes Watts, "All the creative decisions were mine, from the tunes to the final mix. That freedom produced this CD. It shows who I really am as a musician."
KENNY WERNER WITH THE BRUSSELS JAZZ ORCHESTRA – “INSTITUTE OF HIGHER LEARNING” (Pianist, leading a mostly swinging big band session).
JazzTimes: "The Brussels Jazz Orchestra (BJO), led by founder and Artistic Director Frank Vaganée, once again reinforces its reputation as one of Europe’s premier big bands, a group that “manifests love,” according to Grammy-winning arranger Maria Schneider. Kenny Werner and the BJO have joined forces to create the perfect canvas for Wernerʼs lush compositions and arrangements. TheInstitute of Higher Learning features 5 tracks, among them the opening “Cantabile,” a three-movement suite showcasing Wernerʼs progressive touch. It was inspired by and dedicated to Bob Brookmeyer. Liner notes by Maria Schneider."
JACK WILKINS – “THE BLUE & GREEN PROJECT” (Saxophonist, doing great straight-ahead interpretations of American roots music).
JazzLoft: This project involved researching Appalachian Mountain culture and environment as the inspiration for a series of new compositions, which combine the musical inspiration of American roots music—blues, gospel, jazz, mountain music, New Orleans traditions—with the subjective inspiration of Appalachian Mountains. Jack Wilkins is the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of South Florida in Tampa. An accomplished jazz saxophonist, he has released two CDs as a leader and appears as a sideman on a number of other jazz and commercial recordings.
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