Recording News

Staying the Course of Creativity: Esperanza Spalding

Source: The Independent Ear by Willard Jenkins
July 29, 2010

Bassist Esperanza Spalding has led a bit of a whirlwind artistic life for one so young and fresh off their second release as a leader. Esperanza, the singing bassist's sophomore release on Heads Up was rather promising, if a bit all over the map--as freshman label releases often are. It proved to be a good calling card, landing the young woman on all manner of stages and festivals. I witnessed on at least three occasions how Spalding, generally opening for ...

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Chicago Jazz Vocalist Milton Suggs Releases "Things to Come," New CD on His Skiptone Label, Sept. 28

Source: Terri Hinte Publicity
July 29, 2010

Simply put, Milton Suggs's new CD, Things to Come, marks the arrival of a major jazz vocal talent. Blessed with a sumptuous baritone, the 27-year-old Chicago native also displays his prodigious skills as arranger and composer on the disc, which his Skiptone Music label will release on September 28. Things to Come was recorded in November and December of 2009 with some of Chicago's finest young instrumentalists, including trumpeter Marquis Hill, trombonist Vincent Gardner, and pianist Willerm Delisfort. The album's ...

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Ryan Montbleau Band's Martin Sexton-Produced Album out September 21

Source: conqueroo
July 28, 2010

New album by Boston band produced by Martin Sexton, with whom they toured for much of the year

BOSTON, Mass.--"Time hangs heavy on the vine/Let's make wine," Ryan Montbleau sings in the lulling, sensual verse that gives his group's new album its title. Ryan Montbleau Band has been tending its own musical vineyard for a few years, on the patient cusp of a breakthrough. Their distinctive, long-fermenting blend of neo-folk, classic soul, and kick- out-the-jams Americana finally comes to full ...

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Review of the Dave Anderson Quartet's "Clarity": Making Modern Jazz Accessible

Source: Notes on Jazz by Ralph A. Miriello
July 28, 2010

Artist: Dave Anderson CD: “Clarity" (Pony Boy PB 50163-2) Seattle based saxophonist Dave Anderson's debut album “Clarity" offers an example of well-played, accessible modern jazz. It is infused with a sense of joy and confidence that allows for musical richness and melodic complexity without abrasiveness or extended, self-indulgent musical detours. Anderson's arrangement of Joe Henderson's “Y Ya La Quiero", the opening track, is a case in point. Anderson's lyrical soprano and the band's deft ...

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Debbie Miller - Fake Love

Source: Something Else!
July 28, 2010

By Mark SaleskiMusic obsessives and “regular" folks alike know of the song/memory retrieval phenomenon--you hear a song and instantly remember where you were the first time you heard it. The speed and clarity of detail associated with the song can be quite amazing. There have been claims that odors produce even stronger connections. This is almost true for me, but not quite.Whenever I hear Supertramp's “Give A Little Bit," I'm right back in my buddy's parents' ...

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USONIC's "Evolution" Released July 31st 2010

Source: G4DZ
July 28, 2010

The dynamic and vibrant sounds of modern Jazz fused with African groove and influences from around the world. THIS ALBUM IS SET TO TAKE THE JAZZ FUSION WORLD BY STORM. Miles Bould and Scott Firth have worked alongside and toured with many diverse talents including Sting, Robert Palmer, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Beyonce, Joan Armatrading, Level 42, Billy Ocean, Melanie C, Morcheeba, Steve Winwood amongst others. Earlier compositions by Miles and Scott have been covered by Mike Mainieri's 'Steps Ahead' ...

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Preview: Incognito Releases Transatlantic RPM Today

Source: Something Else!
July 28, 2010

By PicoLike Jamiroquai, Icognito is one of those British bands that's faithfully carrying the torch for good ol' American seventies-styled jazz-funk & soul better than anybody in the USA is doing these days. And Incognito, formed 31 years ago, is arguably the first of these so-called acid jazz outfits that emerged from the London scene in earnest during the 90s.Today brings the release of their 14th official studio release, Transatlantic RPM, and this one's got a ...

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Billy Bang - Prayer for Peace (2010)

Source: Something Else!
July 28, 2010

By PicoIt's not that hard to discern the message behind the title of Billy Bang's brand new album Prayer For Peace. And just in case you're not sure, Bang clarifies beyond all doubt in the liner notes:We do not need war, any kind of war, especially within our homes, our families, our loved ones. Our own unfortunate acts lead to petty arguments, bickering, ugly squabbles and nasty, unnecessary fights. We should search for true harmony and ...

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