Recording News

Playscape to Release the Fonda/Stevens Group's "Memphis" September 29th

Source: All About Jazz
July 30, 2009

Playscape Recordings will officially welcome The Fonda/Stevens Group to its roster with the September 29th release of Memphis (PSR#033108), the eminent ensemble's 11th recording. Only the fourth studio release in the band's two-decade existence, Memphis was recorded at the end of a week-long March 2008 U.S. tour. The Fonda/Stevens Group is co-led by bassist/composer Joe Fonda and pianist/composer Michael Jefry Stevens and features trumpeter Herb Robertson and drummer Harvey Sorgen. Memphis takes its name from Stevens' composition, “Memphis Ramble," one ...

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Roy Hargrove New Album "Emergence" out August 25

Source: Special Ops Media
July 30, 2009

ROY HARGROVE RELEASES “EMERGENCE" - HIS FIRST BIG BAND ALBUM - ON AUGUST 25TH Acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Roy Hargrove realizes a lifelong dream with the August 25th release of Emergence (Groovin' High/Emarcy), his first big band album. Nineteen pieces strong, Hargrove's ensemble is a vibrant and versatile group, tackling a wide range of material and styles with equal doses of precision and passion. “Financially speaking, this is probably the worst thing I could ever do," says Hargrove, “but ...

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STS9:Make It Right Remixes

Source: JamBase
July 30, 2009

By: Chris Clark

It's a little past due but we finally got around to the newest remix compilation from Sound Tribe Sector 9. As was the case with their previous studio LP, Artifact and the ensuing Artifact: Perspectives, the five-piece jamband-meets-live-electronica act returns with Peaceblaster's aptly titled Peaceblaster: The New Orleans Make It Right Remixes. Centered upon STS9's resume of recent charity work, the colossal collection features 30 DJs, bands and producers placing their own touches, thumps, samples and stickiness ...

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Guitar Maverick Wayne Krantz to Release First Studio Album in Fifteen Years

Source: Abstract Logix
July 29, 2009

NEW YORK, NY – The boldly inventive improvisations of guitarist Wayne Krantz have long held a fascination for fans of dynamic, uncompromised music. Ex-Sideman with Steely Dan, Michael Brecker and many others, Krantz has focused on live performance for nearly two decades, holding down a residency at New York City’s 55 Bar and documenting the shows via a series of CDs and downloads available exclusively on his website. Now, with Krantz Carlock Lefebvre, his first album for Abstract Logix, he ...

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Michael Olatuja's 'Speak' on Backdrop/Obliqsound

Source: Michael Ricci
July 29, 2009

Speak, the title of bassist Michael Olatuja's debut album, holds deep personal meaning for its creator, exemplifying in a single word the album's underlying themes of hope, encouragement, inspiration and positivity. The album, which will be released on July 28 on Backdrop, ObliqSound's sub-label focusing on modern electronic and groove-based music, tells the story of the British/Nigerian artist's musical and personal journey. “The language of music is one that we all speak," Olatuja explains. “It unites diverse cultures." The ten ...

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Visionary Percussionist Babatunde Lea's "Umbo Weti" - A Musical Tribute to Leon Thomas

Source: DL Media
July 29, 2009

Visionary Drummer/Percussionist Babatunde Lea Releases UMBO WETI - A Musical Tribute to Legendary Jazz Vocalist & Songwriter Leon Thomas Percussion virtuoso Babatunde Lea first envisioned a tribute to legendary jazz vocalist and composer Leon Thomas shortly after the singer passed in 1999. The efforts reach fruition on Lea's latest release for the Motma label, UMBO WETI. Featuring a stellar band of improvisers: Dwight Trible (vocals), Ernie Watts (tenor sax), Gary Brown (bass), Patrice Rushen (piano), and Lea on drums and ...

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David Gray Tour and Album

Source: JamBase
July 29, 2009

David Gray Announces Details OF U.S. Tour In Support Of His New Studio Album Draw The Line Due Out September 22

David Gray British songwriter David Gray has announced the U.S. leg of his world tour. No doubt the crowds at these shows will be comprised of faux music aficionados who think what Gray does behind a microphone and guitar is amazing. The U.S. tour dates will be in support of Gray's new studio album, Draw The Line ...

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MAXJAZZ to Release New CDs from Pianists Manuel Valera and Jeb Patton

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
July 29, 2009

The latest email newsletter from MAXJAZZ brings word that the St. Louis-based indie label will release CDs this fall from pianists Manuel Valera and Jeb Patton.Valera is a native of Cuba and the son of saxophonist Manuel Valera, who has played with Paquito D'Rivera, Chucho Valdes, Gonzalo Rubacalba and Tito Puente. The younger Valera has performed and recorded with well-known musicians in both jazz and Latin music, including D'Rivera, Vincent Herring, Donny McCaslin, Claudio Roditi, Louis Hayes, Bobby ...

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