Recording News

A Miles Davis Original Signed 1958 Recording Contract

Source: Miles Davis Online
July 3, 2010

Miles Davis Original Recording Contract: a two-page agreement on Columbia Records letterhead, dated June 24 1958--signed by the great jazz trumpeter in blue ink at the second page.

The document engages Miles Davis to record the songs “Django, “The Jitterbug Waltz,"" 'Round Midnight" and “Wild Man Blues" for Columbia 's European affiliate, Phillips, with renowned French composer, Michel Legrand for what would become an acclaimed album, Legrand Jazz. Best known as a ...

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Randy Simon Jazz Project Releases "Light It Up"

Source: Michael Ricci
July 2, 2010

Light It Up is the fourth recording by the Randy Simon Jazz Project showcasing the compositions and instrumental arrangements of Randy Simon. It features an outstanding ensemble of musicians including two newcomers to the series: John Menegon, the renowned bass player who has played with many of the giants of contemporary jazz, and Paul Borrello, a versatile percussionist who adds the exciting sound of vibes to the mix. Joining the two newcomers are the superb pianist Adrian Cohen, the remarkable ...

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Brian Wilson Reimagines George Gershwin out 8/17

Source: JamBase
July 2, 2010

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE TWO NEW SONGS WILSON CRAFTED FROM PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED GEORGE GERSHWIN MUSIC

Brian Wilson It's an unprecedented meeting of two legendary musical minds, separated by 70 years. Pioneering musical genius Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys, has teamed up with George Gershwin, in Wilson's Disney Pearl debut CD, Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin. Featuring timeless classics like “Rhapsody in Blue," “I've Got Rhythm" and “Summertime," the album makes history with “The Like in I Love You" and “Nothing ...

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Midtones Returns! Plus Shin Kawasaki CD Release! July 7th!

Source: SoCal Creative Music
July 1, 2010

The Midtones makes a mighty return!From Shin Kawasaki:well folks, here it is; after much experimentation, pursuit of perfection (and procrastination) - I am releasing my 1st solo effort. honestly, yet there's still much room to improve, I believe that I managed to enclose a lot of different aspects of my musical interests in these tracks; some borrowed, some twisted and some improvised. it also showcases the amazing talents that I had the privilege of knowing over the course ...

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Jeanie Barton's "The Magical Mirror" Album out Now!

Source: Michael Ricci
July 2, 2010

Jeanie's most recent release The Magical Mirror album includes 10 of her original compositions; a collection of observations of family, friends, lovers and nemeses, reflecting different musical styles and eras - it is nostalgic yet fresh.

New vocal jazz; bebop vocalese, ballads and Latin numbers.

“It's GREAT!! It's catchy as Hell!!!" --Shane MacGowan of The Pogues

“Jeanie's vocals are a touch of class with a sound that is both stylish and personal and characterized by a refreshingly English delivery..." --John ...

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Jazzwax Mindblowers (Vol. 10)

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
July 2, 2010

At the end of each quarter, I round up my favorite quotes from my interviews over the last three months. This feature is meant to give you a taste of what you might have missed in one convenient post. For others, it's a reminder of how great these musicians are or were. For the full interviews, please scroll down the right-hand column to “JazzWax Interviews." Artists are alphabetized by first names:

Nancy Wilson on her rapid rise in 1959: “Within ...

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Recent Listening: Geri Allen

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey
July 2, 2010

Geri Allen & Timeline, Live (Motema). Allen's considerable strengths are on display in the pianist's recording with her trio and a percussive guest. She integrates dancer Maurice Chestnut's steely tapping with the time-keeping and soloing of her gifted young sidemen, drummer Kassa Overall and bassist Kenny Davis. Chestnut expands on the tradition established by Savon Glover and—long before—dancers like Baby Lawrence who accommodated themselves to bebop. The crowds at the Oberlin Conservatory and Reed College concerts go wild at the ...

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Organist Pat Bianchi Releases New CD "Back Home"

Source: Michael Ricci
July 1, 2010

New York City based jazz organist Pat Bianchi will be releasing his sophomore recording entitled Back Home on the Doodlin' Records label. It will be available nationwide on July 13, 2010.

Following the success of his first CD, East Coast Roots, released on Jazz Media, Bianchi's Back Home continues to showcase a different repertoire than that usually associated with the Hammond B3. On this recording, he performs compositions of Chick Corea, Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane among others.

This CD ...

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