Recording News

"Songs from the Heart: Ramsey Plays Ramsey" on Concord Jazz - September 29

Source: DL Media
July 28, 2009

Ramsey Lewis to Release Concord Jazz Debut, Songs From the Heart: Ramsey Plays Ramsey, Available September 29 On September 29, Concord Jazz will release Songs From the Heart: Ramsey Plays Ramsey, the debut Concord Jazz CD from iconic pianist/bandleader Ramsey Lewis. At the age of 74, Ramsey Lewis has not only continued to be active in the jazz world, but he's also forging ahead with a newly inspired creative instinct as a composer. This re-envisioned artistic sensibility is showcased on ...

Continue Reading...

Earl R. Johnson Jr. Named "2009 Jazz Artist of the Year" at South Bay Music Awards

Source: Michael Ricci
July 27, 2009

Bursting out on the Jazz landscape in a big way, Los Angeles-based pianist/composer Earl R. Johnson, Jr. won '2009 Jazz Artist of the Year' at the recent 5th Annual South Bay (Los Angeles) Music Awards in Southern California. Additionally, the talented musician was selected as one of only six Finalists to compete in the '6th Annual Capital Jazz Challenge in Columbia, MD this past Spring. Johnson is also a Nominee in the 'Jazz Artist of the Year' category for the ...

Continue Reading...

Manhattan Transfer Make Long-Awaited Returns to the Studio

Source: Michael Ricci
July 27, 2009

Award winning jazz vocal group, Manhattan Transfer, are currently in the studio finalizing their new release - The Chick Corea Songbook, a record inspired by the classic work of jazz great Chick Corea. The CD features fresh and exciting vocal interpretations of many popular and brilliant Chick Corea compositions, and also includes a new Corea original entitled 'Free Samba' which was written specially for this album. The forthcoming release also features special guest appearances by some of the finest musicians ...

Continue Reading...

Lisa Hilton to Release "Twilight & Blues" on August 17th

Source: Muse Media
July 27, 2009

Can jazz be green and blue, and still sunny? “I hope so,” responds critically-acclaimed composer, pianist and producer Lisa Hilton of her newest release, twilight & blues (1012 Ruby Slippers Productions). “As an artist I think it’s possible to play your passion as well as your conscious. There are so many concerns about our planet now that I wanted to include some iconic songs that have been able to touch hearts of all ages for decades, while still addressing important ...

Continue Reading...

The Latin Jazz Corner Reviews Samuel Quinto Trio's "Salsa N Jazz"

Source: Michael Ricci
July 27, 2009

Samuel Quinto Trio Salsa N Jazz (2009, Self Produced)

When a pianist leads a trio, they inherit an enormous musical responsibility; for the most part, the core foundation of the ensembles sound lies in their musical personality. Their repertoire choices make strong statements about their background and aesthetic preferences while original compositions open the door to their artistic identity. Each detail of the arrangements need to be structured around the pianist--their strengths, weaknesses, and their fundamental ...

Continue Reading...

The Band of Heathens Readies New CD, "One Foot in the Ether," for September 15 Release

Source: conqueroo
July 27, 2009

Previous album No. 1 on both U.S. and Euro Americana radio; only the second self-released record to reach the top spot.

AUSTIN, Texas — The Band of Heathens’ self-titled studio debut album brought the band from relative obscurity to playing 250-plus shows a year for their rabid fan base, as well as a coveted taping for this year’s 35th Anniversary season of Austin City Limits. The album hit No. 1 on the Americana Music Association Radio chart, spending two weeks ...

Continue Reading...

New Mark Levine CD, Due 9/15, Features the Music of Moacir Santos

Source: Terri Hinte Publicity
July 27, 2009

Grammy-nominated pianist Mark Levine was introduced to the music of Moacir Santos in the late 1960s, when he had the good fortune to work with the Brazilian composer. Now Levine is preparing to release a tribute album in Santos’s memory on his own Left Coast Clave label. The new CD, Off & On: The Music of Moacir Santos, made with Levine’s Afro-Caribbean ensemble The Latin Tinge, is scheduled for release on September 15. “This is something I’ve wanted to do ...

Continue Reading...

Megafaun:Gather, Form and Fly

Source: JamBase
July 27, 2009

By: Dennis Cook

This is magic, pure and not-so-simple. Megafaun creates exuberant, never-predictable music that makes one's brain expand and crackle like Jiffy Pop on a fire hot stovetop. That they accomplish this feat largely without the sturm und drang of punk or machine clatter (think TV on the Radio or The Mars Volta) is doubly impressive. While Megafaun can bring da' noize (as the kids say) it's their aptitude and finesse with quieter sonics and gentler emotions that generates ...

Continue Reading...