3 brave souls john beasley, darryl jones, ndugu...

3 Brave SoulsJohn Beasley, Darryl Jones, NduguChancler Funky, soulful, interplay. These are just afew words that can be used to describe themeeting of John Beasley, Darryl Jones andNdugu Chancler on their new BFM Jazzrelease titled 3 Brave Souls. These musicalmasters forge a symbiotic sonic bondreminiscent of their individual efforts withthe incomparable Miles Davis bands whilecoining their own musical vocabulary on 11new compositions that each band member contributed to the recording. In addition toBeasley, Jones and Chancler, the trio invited such respected musicians as vocalists SySmith and Dwight Trible, saxophonist Bob Sheppard, Steve Tavaglione on EWI, LeonMobley on djembe, trombonist Francisco Torres, Gregoire Moret on harmonica andbacking vocalist Monet Owens to share their musical expertise. The set opens withChanclers Black Friday, a funky, soul/jazz piece with classic jazz flavorings thatrise to the top. The musical excellence continues with the John Beasley/Sy Smithcollaboration called Wanna Get Away? This song also features the killer multi-octave vocals of Sy Smith taking charge of a funky, boo-ga-loo kind of groove thatimmediately catches your ear. Its sudden stops and quick shifts in rhythm coupled withthe imaginative harmonization on the bridge make this song a winner. Next Sy Smithis paired with Dwight Trible on Nothing Left To Say, which she also co-wrote withJohn Beasley. Ayala is an exotic gem that really reveals Beasleys compositionalintegrity. This song is one of the more beautiful songs on the recording and really stayswith you long after the song is over. Stay featuring Darryl Jones on vocals andN2U which features Gregoire Maret, wrap up the program and will leave youwonderfully lost in the music the ensemble has made together. On 3 Brave Souls, itseasy to get lost in the fire and funk, the soul and the jazz but you can easily follow thelight that this music emanates. Check it out. Click on CD cover image to purchase.

TOTAL ECLIPSERalph Bowen With Total Eclipse, saxophonist Ralph

Sounds of Timeless Jazz http://www.soundsoftimelessjazz.com/reviews.html

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Bowen offers his fans a program that coversa broad spectrum of styles and sounds.Bowen wrote nine songs for the recordingwhich features accompanists Jared Gold onorgan, Mike Moreno on guitar and RudyRoyston on drums. Bowen masters thecomplexity of sustaining his listenersinterest with his top-to-bottom command ofthe tenor saxophone, important improvisations and great soloing from his bandmates.So that you can fully enjoy his version of jazz, Ralph Bowen mixes things up withseveral fascinating styles from straight ahead to bebop to swing. The title trackopens the set and from beginning to end, listeners are in for a real treat. The bandsupports Bowens dramatic composition and burnished sound with technical precisionthat only comes from years of experience and the study of their craft. Jared Goldsorgan solo is well-placed and as funky as he wants to be! This song is a winner. OnInto The City youll hear him at his best with solid hard, blowing that shows thedepths of his artistry. On The Dowsing Rod, his soprano saxophone depicts thetitles subject before Mike Moreno adds his guitar visions via a beautiful solo. Overall,the entire recording meets the standards set by Ralph Bowens previous releases andhe has definitely reached new heights with Total Eclipse. Buy the CD today.

Flip The ScriptOrrin Evans

Pianist Orrin Evans Flip the Scriptis a confident display of histrio's musical interplay that featuresbassist Ben Wolfe and drummerDonald Edwards on ten great tracks.This straight-ahead session offerssome daring swing, audacioushard-bop, and forward-thinkingavant-garde improvisations in anevocative program. The recordingincludes six of Evans originalcompositions and four uniquecovers including Question, by theGRAMMYAward-winning bassist/composer Eric Revis, Luther Vandross BrandNew Day, (from the Broadway musical The Wiz), Someday My Prince Will Come,and Gamble/Huffs The Sound of Philadelphia.

The set opens with Eric Revis' Question, a composition that references severalelements of Thelonious Monks work but is a priceless vehicle for Evans creativepiano chops. This set really burns and sets the tone for the entire recording. Next thetrio finds more creativity in Evans own Clean House in which they mine their soulsfor more stunning straight-ahead success. Flip The Script is a daring work of geniusthat reveals Evans' self-assured piano playing and compositional integrity. It is an


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example of what todays jazz pianists should strive for when attempting to connectwith their audiences. This piece is brilliant. By contrast, the quiet simplicity ofWhen shows Evans introspective side and is a thing of pure beauty.

The transcription of Brand New Day has a free-spirited, joyful arrangement forpiano while Evans unique and refreshing cover of Someday My Prince Will Comehas an abundance of exploratory highlights that help to redefine his version. Overall,this recording is among Orrin Evans best work and should be in your jazz collectionright alongside other great piano trios. Buy Flip The Script today.

BOHEMIAN SUNSunnie Paxson Pianist Sunnie Paxson gives a stellarperformance on her latest CD titledBohemian Sun. The recording features herperforming in a variety of formats (fromsolo to septet) accompanied by an array ofhighly talented musicians. Among them isthe multiple GRAMMY Award-winningexecutive producer/bassist/composerStanley Clarke who also signed Ms. Paxsonto his Roxboro Entertainment label. RonaldBruner, Jr. plays drums, while such respected musicians as percussionist MunyungoJackson, drummer Michael White, vocalist Rod Maurice and a four-member stringquartet make guest appearances on selected tracks. Ms. Paxson wrote 7 of the 13compositions on the recording. Two originals by Herbie Hancock and Stanley Clarke(Dolphin Dance, and Three Wrong Notes respectively), plus 4 traditional jazzcompositions round out the program.

Sunnie Paxsons modern jazz sound is upbeat and intriguing. The songs sound as ifthey were recorded live because of the spontaneity and invigorating quality of thesound. On Duke Ellingtons Sound of Love, Ms. Paxson plays solo andcommunicates this rarely heard Charlie Mingus classic with a very personal andintimate feeling. This solo discovery is one of the best performances on the recording.By contrast, Ms. Paxsons performance in a trio setting with Stanley Clarke on bassand Ron Bruner, Jr. on drums is quite assessable. Together their interplay on suchsongs as Seabound, Dolphin Dance, and Three Wrong Notes, gives the listener acomplete listening challenge and sentimental appeal.

Stella By Starlight, Something for Nothing and One Step Beyond all lendthemselves to classical music and love themes. The movements and phenomenalbowed bass solo by Clarke in Stella By Starlight and the addition of a string quartet(whose music was arranged by Sunnie Paxson) to the latter two songs featurecommendable performances by Ms. Paxson. Each of these songs provides a glimpseinto the borderless creativity of Ms. Paxson who makes the challenge of creating


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Click on CD cover to purchase this recording.

dozens of songs for Bohemian Sun seem easy. Her winking nod to Javad Maroufi onKhabhaye Talaei is a further expression of Paxsons ingenuity which spans from themodern sounds of contemporary jazz to this dynamic interpretation of Maroufisbeautiful music. Overall, Bohemian Sun puts the woman behind the music directly inthe spotlight and there you will find a diverse musical personality whose interestingperspectives and renditions will make you an instant fan. Buy Bohemian Sun today.Click on the CD cover.

Heart FirstHalie Loren Heart First is Halie Lorens national album debut. Itshowcases her original compositions and reinterpretedstandards in the vein of Norah Jones or Diana Krall.Loren takes a jazz-pop approach on the title track, aballad that is sung in a seductive voice that reels inany fans who are still unsure of Lorens reach.Several other originals present a fresh perspective onthe mysteries of love while the classics and standardswhich range from "Taking a Chance on Love" and"My One and Only Love" to Bob Marley and NeilYoung hits. Top picks: Heart First, My One andOnly Love, and Feeling Good. Give her a listenand then add Heart First to your collection.

To The Ladies of CoolKathy Kosins To The Ladies of Cool is Kathy Kosinswonderful toast to Julie London, AnitaODay, Chris Connor and June Christy.These legacies of these iconic vocalists arevery well-known but much of the musicassociated with them remains unknown to anew generation of jazz enthusiasts. EnterKathy Kosins who has based this recordingon her multi-media concert show, TheLadies of Cool. The program consists of

10 songs some obscure, others quite famous. Listeners are treated to Kathy Kosinssmoky alto on such ballads as Dont Wait Up For Me, November Twilight, andWhere Are You all with new arrangements by Ms. Kosins musical director TamirHendelman. By contrast, she offers her listeners a cool swinging sound on All I NeedIs You, and Lullaby in Rhythm both of which confirm her versatility and ability totell the story behind the song. Joined by Hendelman on piano, Graham Dechter onguitar, Steve Wilkerson on reeds, and Bob Leatherbarrow on percussion, Kosins


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interplay with her band is superlative. This is Kathy Kosins debut for ResonanceRecords and its one that should be in your collection. Check it out. Click on the CDcover to purchase To The Ladies of Cool.

SoloLynne Arriale Lynne Arriales award-winning piano chops havefilled radio airwaves, music festivals and concerthalls for many years but with Solo, her fans nowhave the opportunity to hear her in her mostintimate setting. She is alone but very together asshe performs several of her original songs as wellas some by Thelonious Monk, Cole Porter, Bill Joeland Lerner and Lowe on her new release forMotema Records. The songs feature her delicate pianism on The Dove, hercommand of percussive block chords on Monks Evidence, and her quiet classicalartistry on Wouldnt It Be Loverly. She makes the range of each song wider andbrings new ideas to the melodies, rhythms and harmonies with just the right notes andnuance of expression. Overall, the 12 songs on Solo are masterworks by a masterpianist. Give a listen and then buy Solo.

FriendsStanley Jordan Guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordanconnects and reflects with severalof his Friends on his latest recordingfor Mack Avenue Records.Alongside such jazz greats asviolinist Regina Carter, trumpeterNicholas Payton, saxophonistsKenny GarreG, Ronnie Laws,guitarists Charlie Hunter, RussellMalone, Bucky Pizzarelli and MikeStern as well as his longKme

rhythm secKon of bassist CharneG MoffeG and drummer Kenwood Dennard, theguitarist performs bold array of songs from several genres. Their set opens withCapital J a straight-ahead burner featuring Kenny GarreG on soprano saxophoneand Nicholas Payton on trumpet while Stanley comps behind their blazingimprovisaKons. Walkin The Dog and Lil Darlin both reveal Jordans excellence asa guitarist who is capable of doubling with like-minded guitarist. He and Charlie


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Hunter give this B.B. King hit an edge that youre sure to enjoy while his collaboraKonwith jazz guitar great Bucky Pizzarelli creates a dreamy romanKc feel. I Kissed A Girlis one of the best songs on the CD and once again features Stanley with CharlieHunter in an all-out romp through this chart-topping Katy Perry hit on which Stanleyplays piano and guitar. This song rocks! Regina Carter is featured with Ronnie Laws onSamba Delight and puts one in the mind of a night in Brazil while her return withStanley on RomanKc Intermezzo which is based on Bartoks Concerto for Orchestrashows their versaKlity as violinist and pianist respecKvely. Overall, this is one of thebest recordings from Stanley Jordan in a while and it should be in your collecKon.Click on the CD cover image to purchase FRIENDS.

Revolu3onJon Regen

Jon Regen presents his newestrelease, pairing 10 new works withsuch special guests as AndySummer of The Police andBenmont Tench of TheHeartbreakers. Revolu:on (JRM,2011) also features three songsRegen co-wrote with MatchboxTwenty front man Rob Thomas (Just WaiKng For You) and UKsoul phenom David McAlmont (Spirits of the Soul, Run Away). Regen providesvocals and plays an assortment of instruments including piano, Wurlitzer, melodia anddrum programming. The songs are an ar`ul mix of the Jazz, Pop, and Rock genres thathighlight humor and heartbreak. Regen and his accompanists recorded in seven ciKeson two different conKnents, but despite the globe trekking, Jon Regen sings withconsistency and believability. The ensemble really delivers on RevoluKon, Shes NotYou, (But Tonight Shell Have To Do) and FighKng For Your Love, a crowd-pleasingduet that he sings with Dana Fuchs. On the laGer, Regen breaks loose with ahigh-energy piano solo that is sure to have any audience on their feet. One PartBroken, Two Parts Blue, and Spirits of the Soul reflect the sensiKve side of RegenscreaKvity and are the kind of songs that are desKned to become pop standards thatyou can enjoy for years to come. All of the songs are prisKnely recorded and with theaddiKon of such special guests as George Marinelli on guitar on two songs and MaGRollings, who plays organ, accordion, mellotron and glockenspiel on four songs, JonRegen offers a splendid program that he has carefully conceived with a winning team


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of very creaKve musicians. Please enjoy it that way. Click on the CD image cover topurchase Revolu:on.

Something SpecialJimmy Amadie Pianist Jimmie Amadie performs many ofyour favorite songs on his first trio sessionrecording Ktled Something Special.Amadie, who is baGling lung cancer, isjoined by drummer Bill Goodwin andbassist Tony Marino on two of Amadiesown composiKons as well as 8 reveredsongs from the Great AmericanSongbook. Jimmy Amadie swings his waythrough All The Things You Are, ConAlma, and Autumn Leaves, with thekind of finesse and individuality reservedfor pianists of his generaKon who are sKllfleet-fingered but sensiKve to the songsoriginal meaning. His playing shows nosigns of his well-documented strugglewith tendoniKs and one listen to thebeauty and romance in theseinterpretaKons will have you enamoredwith his resonaKng tones that swing inseveral different tempi which his trio hasno problem exemplifying. The recording isdefinitely Something Special and shouldbe in your music library under great pianojazz! Check it out.


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Round MidnightKarrin Allyson

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Round MidnightKarrin Allyson Round Midnight is Karrin Allysons latest offering on theConcord Music Group label. She sings songs culled from thevaults of the Great American Songbook, jazz standards andother great songs that hold special meanings for her and herfans. Joined by such stellar musicians as Bob Sheppard onwinds, MaG Wilson on drums, Rod Fleeman on guitars, EdHoward on bass, and Randy Weinstein on harmonica, KarinAllysons set is both sensual and dramaKc due to the versaKlityof her way with lyrics and storytelling. Opening with the rarelyheard Bill Evans gem Turn Out the Stars Karrin immediatelycapKvates the listener with her elongated phrasing and nuance.Gentle piano accompaniment makes this song very interesKng.Goodbye is absolutely mesmerizing as Karrin tells an absentlover farewell in the type of seducKve voice that would causeany other person to reconsider. Her voice is cool yet simmeringwith desire as Bob Sheppards bass clarinet punctuates theconversaKon. She conKnues to capKvate with Im AlwaysChasing Rainbows, Smile and SophisKcated Lady, beforeshe launches into unforgeGable rendiKons of The Shadow ofYour Smile and Send In The Clowns. Her dramaKc yet lovelyinterpretaKons of these songs will have you keeping score andmarking hers at the top of your best of lists. Karrin andbassist Ed Howard end the program in a duet performance ofThelonious Monk/CooKe William/Bernard Hanighens RoundMidnight. The pair add a mysterious nocturnal ambience byusing the sparseness of sound and silence that accompanies themidnight hour. This is one of Karrins best ballad recordings anda wonderful addiKonal to her award-winning repertoire. Shetops herself again! Check it out and then buy it from the SOTJstore.


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Abstract Logix Live! TheNew Univers...

John McLaughlin & ...Best Price $12.50

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Abstract Logix Live 2010Various Ar3stsThis recording documents performances at the first NewUniverse Music FesKval in Raleigh, North Carolina on November

20-21, 2010 by John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension featuringZakir Hussain, Jimmy Herring Band, Wayne Krantz, LennyWhites Anomaly, Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Ranjit Barot,and the Human Element. Among the top performances on thislive recording are McLaughlins Recovery, and MotherTongues, Door #3 by Lenny Whites band, and JimmyHerrings rendiKon of Rainbow. Cheers coming from theaudiences authenKcate the great Kmes experienced over thosetwo days and assist in reviving the enthusiasm felt when youlisten to this excepKonal double disc live recording. Whitesworld-famous drumming ignites his band to give excellentperformances that were highlighted by great guitar work fromJimmy Herring and Tom Guarna, Richie Goods on bass andVince Evans on keys. Gazelle is a tour-de-force for theguitarists and with Whites power drumming, this song takes offlike fleet-footed gazelles being chased across the African plains.John McLaughlins legendary electric guitar chops fuelRecovery and Mother Tongues to new heights and from thesound of things, the electricity didnt end at the stage. TheGRAMMY Award winner added another Grammy winning tablamaster Maestro Zakir Hussain as special guest and together,they are literally speaking in the mother tongues. This recording

is all any 21st century jazz/rock fan could want from worldmusic masters, jazz/rock fusion arKsts and new universemusicians. Check it out.

Gonzalo Rubalcaba linkFeFaithGonzalo Rubalcaba FeFaith is the premier release from Gonzalo Rubalcaba on hisnewly founded independent 5Passion record label. It marks animportant milestone in his career because it boasts 15 tracks 8 of which Rubalcaba wrote that manifest his growth as asongwriter and pianist. This solo ouKng features a 3-part suiteKtled Derivado as well as readings of several important jazz


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Fe faithGonzalo RubalcabaBest Price $11.64

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standards wriGen by Miles Davis/Bill Evans (Blue In Green 1and Blue In Green 2), Dizzy Gillespie (Con Alma 1 and ConAlma 3) and two improvisaKons wriGen by Rubalcaba thatwere based on Coltrane (Improvi,saKon 1 and ImprovisaKon2.) Rubalcaba opens his set with Derivado 1 which serves asa sKrring prelude to the music that stems from his MafererfunIya Lodde Me. The spiritual character of the piece is evident inthe meditaKve mood. In the two ImprovisaKons Rubalcabapays tribute to John Coltrane by uKlizing the chord changes ofGiant Steps as he plays a gamut of rhythmic, harmonic andmelodic variaKons. Dizzy Gillespies Con Alma also gets newprops as Rubalcaba performs this classic with soulful feelings.The foremost tribute goes to the Miles Davis/Bill Evans gemBlue In Green as Rubalcaba mines the beauty of the songsmelody with impeccable style. Influences abound is thiswonderful record label debut for one of jazzs most admiredpianists on the scene today. Check it out at the SOTJ store.

Common GroundNew Gary Burton Quartet Common Ground is the New Gary BurtonQuartets debut release for Mack AvenueRecords. The Quartet is comprised of theGrammy Award winning vibraphonemaster, guitarist Julian Lage, bassist ScoGColley and drummer Antonio Sanchez. Among the ten composiKons on therecording are six original songs wriGen byquartet members as well as two songs by pianist Vadim Neselovskyi, Keith JarreGs InYour Quiet Place, and a re-imagined My Funny ValenKne, the Rogers & Hart gem.Their program opens with Neselovskyis Late Night Sunrise, a melodic piece thatfeatures Burtons staKng the first theme on the vibraphone at the head followed byLages genuine guitar prowess on the melody line. Burtons virtuosity as a soloistfollows as the band swings gently before a brief solo by Colley engages the listener.Lage enters with an improvised solo that intrigues the listener with brilliant chordchoices before returning to the melody line. Common Ground wriGen by AntonioSanchez, is a voluptuous minor-key composiKon that reflects the Burton sound ofprevious years, while ScoG Colleys tune, Never The Same Way is the opposite ofwhat listeners have come to associate with the Burton sound because it features


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Burtons mighty chops and phrasing wriGen in 7/4 Kme. The only Burton original,Was It So Long Ago is a ballad that captures the vibist in full interplay with theensemble. Lage contributes an exquisite solo that maintains listeners interest beforeBurton re-enters and re-connects the listener to his voice. This is a very preGy song.Overall, the enKre album is one that Burton and his bandmates can be proud of and iscertainly a worthy addiKon to your jazz collecKon. Buy Common Ground today. Simplyclick on the CD cover.

Essen3alJean-Michel PilcEssen:al is Jean Michel Pilcs first Live inconcert solo album and it couldnt havecome at a beGer Kme. Recorded at theFazioli Piano Loq at Union CountyPerforming Arts Center in Rahway, NewJersey, this debut release on MotemaMusic is an enhanced CD with videocontent with an audio porKon thatcaptures the amazing pianist performing 18songs from a variety of genres all purely improvised! Sixteen of the composiKonsare originals wriGen by Pilc including six Etudes-Tableaus that are posiKonedbetween such great songs as his Ktle track EssenKal and the Schertzinger/Mercerclassic I Remember You. These striking tableaus provide an array of musical imagesthat arise as suddenly as they disappear as Pilc changes musical direcKons. The videoshows Pilc in all his grandeur performing the fourth of the six Etudes Tableaus. Jean-Michel Pilc employs the enKre range of the piano and skillfully applies hisversaKle technique to Take The A Train, with wry contrast between low boogie-woogie-Knged leq hand and devious flourishes in the right. Someday My Prince WillCome is played as a blues but also takes flight into the upper registers. ChopinsWaltz No. 3 in A Minor is given several atonal passages with no hint of Pilcs classicalinfluences while the Scarborough Fair melody is instantly recognizable among theimprovised jazz riffs. Miles Davis Blue In Green is brooding and complex and theBobby Darin hit, Mack The Knife is the exact opposite bouncy and playful. Forthose listeners who havent become accustomed to the greatness of Jean-MichelPilcs piano magic, Essen:al is an appropriate introducKon to his arKstry and finesse.Buy it today. Simply click on the CD cover.


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MilestoneAdam CruzMilestone is the Sunnyside Records labeldebut of drummer Adam Cruz. Therecording features a stellar lineup of jazzarKsts including Chris PoGer on tenorsaxophone, Miguel Zenon on altosaxophone, Steve Wilson on sopranosaxophone, Steve Cardenas on guitar,Edward Simon on piano & Fender Rhodes,

and Ben Street on bass. Secret Life opens with Cruz offering a gentle taste of hisrhythm logic before pianist Ed Simon enters to state the first theme. Chris PoGer andMiguel Zenon restate the theme aqer which PoGer heats things up with a scorchingtop-to-boGom torrent of improvised notes that command your aGenKon. Its nosecret that PoGer can really blow and he turns in a great performance on SecretLife. Steve Wilsons soprano saxophone has its own opinions that he states in daringfree improvisaKons on the next two tracks Crepuscular and The Gadfly- the laGerbeing more vamp based and groove oriented. Cruzs rhythmic roots have growndeep and with this debut recording as a leader, his fans will recognize that he is anarKst and creaKve force who is deserving of your aGenKon. So listen up! BuyMilestone today.

CircularLaura KahleThese days, its rare to hear the pockettrumpet played by a member of a jazzensemble. So when you hear theresonance of Laura Kahles in conjuncKonwith the players she has invited to performon Circular, your appreciaKon of her arKsKcendeavors is sure to surface. Joined by acoterie of admired jazz musicians (many ofwhom are bandleaders), Kahle gets the

prime support she needs to make her original composiKons listenable. VocalistClaudia Acuna does a fine job on Blackberry Garden and frankly, the producersshould have invited her to sing on several more tracks given the remarkable beauty ofher voice. J.D. Allen delivers a great solo on the Ktle track and really saves this song.However, much of the atonal ambience heard on such songs as 20/20 Vision,Sweets, and a few others seems to interfere with the melodic beauty that many


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listeners visualize and inner-hear while receiving the personal interpretaKons of asong. When Passing the Time the CD may appeal to fans of Kahles.

UpliOMonty AlexanderJazz Legacy ProducKons released MontyAlexanders label debut in March and its areal winner. UpliF, the rightly Ktledpremise of Monty Alexanders program,features 10 great tracks 7 swingin jazzstandards and 3 originals penned by MontyAlexander that are certain to give you thatliq you get when one of your favoritearKsts releases a new recording. Recorded

live at various concert halls around the world between 2007 and 2010 UpliF openswith the Sammy Cahn favorite Come Fly With Me. Alexanders acousKc alchemymelds immediately with the listener and is nothing short of amazing. The audienceshows their graKtude with a roaring ovaKon that sets the tone for the next track,One Mint Julep. Monty seems to mix fine single malt in with his One Mint Julep asthis rendiKon is equally mesmerizing and sweet with intoxicaKng arpeggios and freshstop on a dime changes. The people who aGended Montys show when he playedRenewal got a real treat. Not only did they hear his original composiKon but heused this serng and the space to really play in the pocket with bassist Hassan Shakur,drummer Herlin Riley and (possibly Frits Landesbergen since the tracks dont labelwho is playing). His detailed dires and gravity defying finger pyrotechnics on the keyson Sweet Georgia Brown aGest to his outstanding technique. Drummer Herlin Rileyturns in a great solo. Overall, the ensembles seamless interplay on these songs makesupliq a truly inspired musical experience. This collecKon of Alexanders live recordingsmakes you feel as if you were actually in aGendance and is definitely the next bestthing to having been there. Check it out.

Campo BeloAnthony WilsonOn Campo Belo, the acclaimed guitaristAnthony Wilson plays his MonteleoneRadio Flyer and 1968 Les Paul Deluxe


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guitars through a Redplate Blackverbamplifier on 10 great songs. The soundsemanaKng from his brilliant chord choicesare absolutely gorgeous. Wilson isaccompanied by such respected Brazilianmusicians as Andre Mehmari on piano & accordion, Edu Ribeiro on drums, GutoWirr on bass Joana Queiroz on clarinet and Vitor Goncalves playing accordion onFlor de Sumare. This recording is quiet, sensiKve and is permeated with manyBrazilian rhythms. Listen to the soq flow of breezy Bossa rhythms on March toMarch, or to Valsacatu which is a hybrid of maracatu rhythm and waltz Kme. But italso features Wilsons soulful feelings on such songs as Elyria, a Nashville shufflethat he plays with a country/bluegrass fingerpicking style. Wilson is one of the mostdeserving guitarists on the music scene today and with this excellent recordingdisplays his creaKvity as an arKst who does not rest on his early work alone. Hismusical pendulum has swung from sideman to leader on this recording where heconvincingly plays his musical mind on 10 expressive songs. Overall, Wilson andcompany have given you an imaginaKve program that demands your aGenKon. Checkit out. Learn more about Anthony Wilson at www.anthonywilsonmusic.com. BuyCampo Belo by clicking on the image.

Contagious WordsJohn Vanore andAbstract Truth Contagious Words is the third release fromJohn Vanore and Abstract Truth. It marksthe conKnued development of one of themost disKncKve jazz ensembles on thescene today. The 12-piece ensemble,named in honor of Oliver Nelson, wasfounded by John Vanore in the early 1980s

and right off, the listener is transported by their imaginaKve music. Their impressivesounds on Envy sKrs the imaginaKon and immediately brings to mind thesophisKcated sounds of Ellingtons, Thad Jones and Gil Evans orchestras. The musicimmediately touches the listener with its emoKonal Kmbre and the sensiKve playingby the ensemble. This song is followed by Substructure, a piece designed for theacousKc bass player which Craig Thomas plays to perfecKon. Recess features Vanoreout front on trumpet fully exploring the first playful theme. The enKre ensemble joins


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in for the transiKon to the second theme played by pianist Ron Thomas. His solo isatonal and filled with playful surprises which lead to trombonist Larry Taq adding hisopinions. The song ends with a mild cacophonous free for all indicaKve of any recesswhen the bell rings! Overall, the full orchestral sound and the solo improvisaKonsmake this recording worth several listens. Check it out. It contains several ContagiousWords!

Bossa, Jazz n SambaPaUy AscherVocalist PaGy Ascher and her expertensemble of Brazilian musicians led bymusic director Marco Ponte and producKonsupervisor Marco Menescal navigate thesensuous territory of Bossa, Jazz n Samba.The recording is comprised of tencomposiKons either wriGen or co-wriGenby PaGy Ascher and the beauKful gem

wriGen by Marilyn & Alan Bergman Ktled The Summer Knows. GRAMMY-Awardwinner Dori Caymmi arranged The Summer Knows and Ascher delivers thisgorgeous song on a silver plaGer adorned with her savory vocals that are sure toplease. Accompanied by Marco Pontes on piano, Ronald Rayol on acousKc guitar,Roberto Mescal on guitar, Ubaldo Versolate o saxophone & flute, Eric Budney on bassand Nahame Casseb on drums, PaGy sings the songs in English and Portuguese withequal flair and sensibiliKes. Highlights include the ballad How Much I Care atribute to Jerry Lewis; Saudade a soq and warm Bossa Nova that Ascher sings inPortuguese about homesickness. PaGy Aschers voice is preGy and these songs are awonderful vehicle for her sterling talents. Check it out. Buy Bossa, Jazz n Sambatoday.

Love and SaxElan Trotman

Elan Trotman creates an atmosphere ofsensuality and romanKcism on his fiqhoffering Ktled Love and Sax. The Berklee


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College of Music alumni and formersideman for Roberta Flack is joined by R&Bvocalist Tony Terry, keyboardist BrianSimpson, Cindy Bradley on flugelhorn,bassist Webster Roach and guitaristJeremiah McConico. The program features 12 originals penned by Trotman and abeauKful cover of When I Fall In Love, the Great American Songbook standard. Aqer opening with a seducKve intro that prepares you for the inKmate songs that willrefresh your thoughts about love, Trotman eases into the sexy rhythms of LastDance. His tenor saxo- sonics are somewhat reminiscent of Boney James howeverthe variaKons within his musical dialogue are enhanced by the underlying currents ofFabiano Silvas guitar and Evan Brices programming. Trotmans paeans to loveconKnues with When I Fall In Love, Rain, a really beauKful ballad, and the Ktletrack. Each song is punctuated with strong R&B beats and their engulfing moodsreally establish the declaraKons of love emanaKng from Trotmans soprano and tenorsaxophone sonoriKes. Trotman has a beauKfully fluid way with his music, moving it inand out among his guest musicians. The melodies that express the gladness of loveand Trotmans romanKc nature are in themselves worth remembering as this youngtalent has the kind of musicality that ranks right up there with the smooth saxmusicians of his generaKon.

VIVIDLYPierre Bensusan

VIVIDLY is the most recent release by theworld-renowned and beloved guitaristPierre Bensusan. The melodic instrumentaland vocal recording is comprised of 14songs that feature Bensusans exemplaryguitar finesse (he invented the techniqueknown as DADGAD and is known globallyas the Mozart of Guitar) as well as thevocals of several revered singers including Malian vocalist Mah Damba on Les PlacesDe Liberte. The songs are a mix of tradiKonal songs, as well as original songs pennedby Bensusan, his wife Doatea Cornu Bensusan and Nina Swan. All are beauKfullyperformed and reflect their emoKonal, deeply intuiKve and mulK-faceted musicalpersonaliKes. Bensusans pays homage to several people including Chet Baker, TomKearney, Hermeto Pasquoal and his wife via songs dedicaKons. Kiss Landingfeatures the virtuosity of Bensusan as he strums, picks, plucks and doubles his soundin such a way as to imply that there are more musicians playing with him. This is oneof the best arrangements on the recording. One of the most beauKful songs is LaBlanche Biche a tradiKonal song that features the vocals of Guo Gan in harmony with


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the stellar playing of Pierre Bensusan. Overall, the album is best for its relaxingmoods, its pure harmony and the fusion of respected singers into the BensusanSound. Buy VIVIDLY from the SOTJ store today.

Live atPragueCastlePavel J. Ryba &The Fish MenPavel J. Ryba & The Fish Men performed a live concert at the Prague Castle in honorof Czechoslovakian president Vaclav Klaus. While each member of this excepKonal7-piece band played extended solos from select songs heard on Rybas breakthroughrelease, the variaKons of these songs show maturity and command of harmoniclanguage. The performances show both the composers ability to write songs thatsound bigger and richer than their four or five individual parts iniKally heard in Ryba'sprevious bands. Rybas vibrant sonics on bass guitar are equally masterful as might beexpected from a disKnguished arKst who has performed before audiences around theworld. Joined by Mikolas Nop on drums, Fredy BiGner on guitar, Jiri Kollman onpercussion, Milan Krajic on saxophone, Tomas Kremenak on saxophone andaccordian, and Petr Valasek on bass clarinet and vocals, the ensemble played severalof Ryba's well-known hits including "Morally Topless," "What's Her Poisson," "SmallerWounds," "Tomorrow Will Be BeGer," and "SaltaKon." A cover of Thelonius Monk's"Straight No Chaser," is quite memorable because of Ryba's flair on bass guitar.

Of parKcular note is the bass clarinet playing os Petr Valasek throughoutthe recording but especially on "Haven't Got You," and "Smaller Wounds." A gentlemelancholy is apparent in the expressive songs, the textures clear, the colors disKnct.Several of the songs have an exoKc modal cast and the dancing rhythmic urgency ofgreat jazz. In this ediKon of the Fish Men band, Pavel J. Ryba conKnues to be bold andwrite great solos for his band members. Lead guitarist Fredy BiGner's eloquentrock-laced soloing transforms the solemn sound of the bass clarinet into a dramaKcworld of jazz/rock fusion that is full of soaring lines. Overall, Ryba, has extended his


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musical skills to include several more musicians and the inspired playing anddedicaKon from each member should make the Pavel J. Ryba Big Band one worthy ofwider public aGenKon.

ImpressionsChris BottiNew $9.99

Giant StepsJohnColtraneNew $5.99

Recombina3onTaylor Haskins This is an excellent recording of improvisedmusic by trumpeter Taylor Haskins. He isjoined by Ben Monder on guitar, ToddSickafoose on bass and Nate Smith ondrums on 12, all wriGen by Haskins withthe excepKon of Alberto Balsam. Their

sound on Here Is The Big Sky, and Clouds From Below Us is especially reminiscentof Miles Davis electric period with the intricate grooves, textural romps andelectronic moody ambience. Although the influence of such bands as Boards ofCanada and Amon Tobin are quite apparent, the Davis influence cannot be denied.The reblending of syncopated funk and riffy melodies, electronic energy is done veryskillfully and ignites the listeners respect for Haskins clarion trumpet tones. Needlessto say, this creaKve side of Taylor Haskins is fully altered and Recombina:on should bein your jazz collecKon. Click on CD cover to purchase Recombina:on.

FOR YOUR LOVESherry Winston

Sherry Winstons latest offering continues with thelove themes she shared on previous recordings.FOR YOUR LOVE is a splendid collection oforiginal songs and covers of such favorites asBeyonces Naughty Girl, (on which Sherry samples Donna Summers Love To Love YouBaby) and Stings Roxanne. The lovely flautists sixth recording dares her fans toimmerse themselves in the exciting and exotic sounds heard on Carribean NitesOverboard and the beautiful title track For Your Love. The soulful vocals of Lori


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Anne Williams and Timmy Maia make this song a true keeper and their vision ofSherrys title song is immaculate. FOR YOUR LOVE is by far one of Winstons bestrecordings and a tribute to the loving, creative spirit that inhabits all of her recordings.Jazz flute is simply one of the prettiest sounds youll ever hear when played by amaster and Sherry Winston is definitely a master. Joined by such luminaries as PhilHamilton on guitar, Tyger Macneal on drums, Nick Bariluk on keyboards, SteveClarke on bass, Dennis Hightower and Van Gibbs, among others, Sherry is in herelement one that is warm, inviting and stylish. Sherry dusts off My FunnyValentine and makes it shine with updated contemporary jazz flute voicings. This isone great rendition of this favorite American Songbook standard and youre sure toenjoy how Sherry and her band make it their own. As the record proceeds to a close,the reverent My Silent Prayer leaves you with a feeling of peace and serenity that isenhanced by the emotional tones of Winstons flute voicings. Sherry Love, theclosing track is an upbeat composition that will have you feeling real good andwondering when Sherry and her band are coming your way! Check it outfor moreinformation visit www.sherrywinston.com to buy FOR YOUR LOVE.

ANYTHING GOESHerb Alpert and Lani Hall

ANYTHING GOES is a rare offeringby two of musics most reveredmasters trumpeter Herb Alpert andvocalist Lani Hall. The recording is acollection of great songs which wererecorded live at venues throughout

America and is their first project together as well as their debut recording forConcord Records. Reinterpretations of such Great American Songbookstandards as Fascinating Rhythm That Old Black Magic Lets Face TheMusic and Dance, the title track Anything Goes and Ive Got YouUnder My Skin are sure to envelope you, dear listener, in the warm array ofemotions often associated with these songs. Halls vocals are versatile,inviting and earthy and have that special cabaret feeling that causes theaudience to respond often and with warm appreciation. Alpert is the perfectfoil for Halls voice, there in an instant to fill in the nuance and colors.ANYTHING GOES has something for everyone and is sure to invite theirdevoted fans back into a brand new musical lair. Buy it today. Simply clickon the CD cover.


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Click image to purchase CD

LOVE & LIGHTCount Basic featuring Kelli Sae Count Basic is one of the best bands on the international music scene today. On LOVE & LIGHT, the Vienna, Austria-based band shares their latestworldviews on such subjects as wayward lovers, inner beauty and light,believing in yourself, and letting go of a negative relationship. Kelli Saesvocals are rich and tell these stories with authority and from the point ofview of someones who been there. Peter Legat, on guitar adds a variety ofriffs that explain his popularity for the past two decades as one of Europes leading composers/educators/guitarists. Supa Dupa is funky as it wants tobe, and has the stop-on-a-dime changes on the refrain that makes your headbob and feet pat. Saes vocals match Legats riffs note for note and makesthis song a real keeper. Love Thang is yet another vehicle for Saesdynamic multi-range voice. She has that great phrasing ability that makesthis song worth hearing over and over. This is a sure hit. LOVE & LIGHT isdefinitely happening with its versatile show of songs ..from ballads, bop,R&B, soul, jazz and pop. Its all there. LOVE IT. Check it out at the SOTJstore. Then click on the image to buy the CD.

SONGS FROMTHE HEART:RAMSEY PLAYSRAMSEYRamsey Lewis The iconic pianist/songwriter RamseyLewis has released his debut recording forthe Concord Jazz label. The CD is a refinedcollection of 12 original compositions that


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Lewis composed over the course of two years. The recording includes music from twocommissioned works for the Ravinia Festival, eight songs from the score of TOKNOW HER, Lewis 2007 ballet written for the Joffrey Ballet Company and fourfrom his 2008 MUSES AND AMUSEMENTS suite that he performed with the TurtleIsland Quartet. All of the music is graceful, heartfelt and lyrical and is everythingRamsey Lewis fans will enjoy. Give it a listen at the SOTJ store and then click on theimage to buy the CD.

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