September, 2011

“America's Finest Jazz & Blues from America's Finest City”

On The Air
Loading
Now Playing
Loading
All Blogs → Jazz 88.3 Library Blog - New This Week → → 2011-09-26 Adds To The Jazz 88 Music Library

2011-09-26 Adds To The Jazz 88 Music Library

Blog Name:Jazz 88.3 Library Blog - New This Week

Blog Author:

Posted on:September 24, 2011

Here's the New adds to the Jazz 88 library to be debuted on The New Jazz Thing on Monday, September 26, 2011 between 6 and 8 PM PT.

SYLVIA BENNETT (@SylbiaBennett)– “SONRIE” (Female vocalist, singing the Great Latin Songbook in
Spanish).

AllAboutJazz.com (about 2010 English version?): Within the genre of gentle jazzy love songs, Bennett's treatment of this music delivers a musical experience sure to draw a well-deserved Smile.

CHICK COREA (@ChickCorea) / STEFANO BOLLANI (FB, YouTube) – “ORVIETO” (Pianists, performing live, doing
a mix of originals, standards and improvisations).

AllaboutJazz.com (John Kelman): Unlike most duo recordings, Bollani and Corea are not split into left and right channels; instead, the two instruments converge towards the center of the mix from lower register to upper, giving Orvieto an even greater "you are there" feeling—but "there" isn't in the audience, it's right up there with the pianists. Those familiar with either player will have no difficulty in identifying them here; for those who aren't, does it really matter? Instead, it makes Orvieto all the more appreciable for its remarkably empathy, telepathy and synchronicity—symmetry, even, at times—less a duo, and more the remarkable melding of musical minds for a most singular purpose.

CARLO DE ROSA’S CROSS-FADE – “BRAIN DANCE” (Bassist, leading a quartet,
doing progressive originals).

AllAboutJazz.com (Mark F. Turner, March, 2011): There are "musician-for-hire" gunslingers—professionals employed at a moment's notice to bring their skills to a gig or recording. But the mercenary analogy is only a small part of their repertoire, as many of these invaluable side musicians are leaders and composers just awaiting the opportunity to release their own material. Such is the case with Brain Dance, by bassist Carlo De Rosa, who has performed with The Chico O'Farrill Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra, Yo-Yo Ma, Rudresh Mahanthappa, and many others.  Of the seven tracks, "Terrane / A Phrase" is the most revealing of De Rosa's abilities: a contemporary opus of expansive writing and improvisation, filled with extensive individual spots, aerial flight patterns, and harmony and dissonance. Its conclusion prompts the question of why it's taken De Rosa so long to record this music. More, please.

ESP (@ESPJazz, FB) – “REACH” (Not the San Diego band, doing all originals with a mix of straight-
ahead and contemporary).



TIM HORNER – “THE PLACES WE FEEL FREE” (Very nice straight-ahead session,
with a variety of band configurations, doing all originals).

Mark Sherman's Blog (the vibest on the date): Horner not only writes in an assortment of time feels, he plays each style with the up-most capability. He is one of our modern masters when it comes knowing what the music needs from the rhythm section. His contributions are played with passion and conviction! His time feels so good. It makes you want to play if you’re a musician. It makes you want to move if you’re a listener. He is a superb musician!

CLAY JENKINS QUARTET – “GOOD SIGNS” (Trumpeter, leading a quartet, doing
mostly straight-ahead originals).


DAVID LINX / RHODA SCOTT / ANDRE CECCARELLI – “ROCK MY BOAT” (Male
vocalist, with an unpretentious style, doing mostly straight-ahead originals).


TISH ONEY (@TishSings)– “SWEET YOUTH” (Female vocalist, with guitar accompaniment, doing
a mix of standards and originals).

TED ROSENTHAL TRIO – “OUT OF THIS WORLD” (Piano trio, doing all straight-
ahead standards).
AllAboutJazz.com: On Out Of This World (Playscape Recordings), the new collection featuring Rosenthal on piano, bassist Noriko Ueda and Quincy Davis on drums, 10 timeless classics from the golden era of American song craft are rendered in an impeccably lyrical, colorful manner that compels the listener to rethink them. Rosenthal and crew embrace the familiar tunes—reliable standards like “Embraceable You," “People Will Say We're In Love" and “Cry Me a River"—and, without ever losing sight of the melody at the heart, reimagine them from the ground up. Rosenthal thrives on re-creating these cultural cornerstones in his own image.

PONCHO SANCHEZ AND TERENCE BLANCHARD – “CHANO Y DIZZY!” (Two
modern day icons, paying tribute to the progenitors of Latin Jazz).
Latin Jazz Network: While the album includes songs originally written and performed by the two legends, it also showcases compositions crafted by other writers that capture the flavor of traditional Latin jazz. “To me, Latin jazz is the world’s greatest music,” says Sanchez. “It has the melodic and harmonic sophistication of jazz and American standards, and the flavor and energy of Latin American music. What I’m most proud of is that this music – while it may sound exotic at times – is from America. It was born in New York City, when Chano Pozo met Dizzy Gillespie for the first time in the mid-1940s. They created something that didn’t exist before in this country. I’m very proud to take this music all over the world all the time.”



STARLICKER – “DOUBLE DEMON” (Rob Mazurek, leading a trio, doing all
progressive originals).

PopMatters (John Garratt): If you are able to keep up with Chicago trumpeter Rob Mazurek’s various side projects, you will know that his new band Starlicker is comprised of three members from his Exploding Star Orchestra. So if you take a 14-piece supernova group and reduce it to a trio, you have something that licks stars. Do with that what you will.

JOHN STOWELL & MICHAEL ZILBER – “SHOT THROUGH WITH BEAUTY”
(Guitarist and saxophonist, leading a quartet, with an edgy mix of originals and
standards).
The Urban Flux: Master musicians guitarist John Stowell and saxophonistMichael Zilber team with the Bay Area’s first-call rhythm team of bassist John Shifflet and drummer Jason Lewis, crafting a unique and dynamic recording of modern jazz that transcends the whole. Telepathic exchanges are in abundance as the group tackles a compelling mix of originals and compositions from Kenny Wheeler & John Scofield.

CORY WEEDS – “JUST LIKE THAT” (Typical straight-ahead grooves from this
saxophonist, doing mostly originals).

CDBaby: Cory Weeds is at it again this time featured on the alto saxophone with the stellar piano trio led by pianit Tilden Webb backing him up. It features award winning bassist Jodi Proznick and drummer Jesse Cahill. An eclectic mix of originals, a swinging standard and a reworking of a classic John Hiatt tune.

Plus...coming up 10/3....

George Benson - "Guitar Man"
Chico Hamilton - "Euphoric"
Reuben Wilson Trio - "Revisited"
Cecilia Coleman Big Band - "Oh Boy!"
Ali Ryerson - "Con Brio!"
Kevin Kizer Quartet - "Aspects"
All Blogs → The New Jazz Thing with Vince Outlaw → → Session Notes for Monday September 12 2011

Session Notes for Monday September 12 2011

Blog Name:The New Jazz Thing with Vince Outlaw

Blog Author:

Posted on:September 12, 2011

Tonight on the show...
  • Josh Nelson joins us by phone in Hour 1 to chat about his New "Discoveries", added last week. He also played with Allison Adams Tucker @Jazz88 OBMusicFest this past weekend and was wowing us all!
    • 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.
  • Tierney Sutton chats with us in Hour 2 of The New about her latest "American Road", also added last week 9/5/11.
    • 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.”
  • Playing as much of the 2011-09-12 Adds to the Jazz 88 Music Library...digging seeing Bill Frisell doing John Lennon, Joan Stiles new one, San Diego vocalist Sharon DuBois, and more!
  • We'll also be following any news about San Diego's Joshua White who is one of 3 finalists for the Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition being performed, judged, and awarded TONIGHT in Washington DC. Go Joshua!!
All Blogs → Jazz 88.3 Library Blog - New This Week → → 2011-09-12 Adds To The Jazz 88 Music Library

2011-09-12 Adds To The Jazz 88 Music Library

Blog Name:Jazz 88.3 Library Blog - New This Week

Blog Author:

Posted on:September 8, 2011

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.

“WYNTON MARSALIS (FB, @WyntonMarsalis), & ERIC CLAPTON (FB, @EricClaptonNews) PLAY THE BLUES” (More of an early-
swing style recording, with a old swing version of “Layla”).

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!

All Blogs → The New Jazz Thing with Vince Outlaw → → Session Notes for Monday 9-5-2011

Session Notes for Monday 9-5-2011

Blog Name:The New Jazz Thing with Vince Outlaw

Blog Author:

Posted on:September 5, 2011

A few notes for the show, Monday, September 5, 2011 6-8 PM PT...
All Blogs → Jazz 88.3 Library Blog - New This Week → → 2011-09-05 Adds To The Jazz 88 Music Library

2011-09-05 Adds To The Jazz 88 Music Library

Blog Name:Jazz 88.3 Library Blog - New This Week

Blog Author:

Posted on:September 2, 2011

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."