Sunday, October 16, 2011

Five Corners Quintet :: The Helsinki Sessions



During the past six years, Finnish jazz band, The Five Corners Quintet has become known as a dazzling live unit, which has notched some 200 performances worldwide to great acclaim. Now Ricky-Tick Records finally captures the magic on tape, releasing The Helsinki Sessions, recorded in the band’s hometown in February 2010.

The Five Corners Quintet (Teppo Mäkynen, Timo Lassy, Jukka Eskola, Mikael Jakobsson and Antti Lötjönen) initially began in 2003 as a project led by producer Tuomas Kallio and DJ Antti Eerikäinen, who wanted to make an attempt at creating a new kind of imaginary jazz ensemble drawing inspiration from the heyday of modern jazz. Partly sampled, partly played by live instrumentalists, the first 10″ vinyl singles soon caught the ears of tastemakers and DJs around the globe and also gave a brisk start to the label Ricky-Tick Records.

The concerts recorded for the live album at Helsinki’s Kapsäkki venue are the quintet’s last remaining home soil appearances to date. Included is a fine collection of tracks spanning the bands career thus far, consisting of the recorded body of work of several singles and two albums. The debut release “Trading Eights” features here as the opening theme, “Unsquare Bossa” from the first album “Chasin’ The Jazz By” (2005) receives a treatment highlighting the bands knack at altering the mood of its music remarkably well within a single track, and the closing tune “Shake It” finally pushes the jazz enthusiasts present at the recording over the edge into exhilaration. Selections such as “Midnight In Trieste” and “Three Corners” display the ensembles ability to cool things down should the need arise.

A noteworthy feature in The Five Corners Quintet’s live interpretations is its soloistic flight and freedom when compared to the compact versions heard on the studio albums. Indeed, four of the seven tracks included here punch out at over 10 minutes of duration, yet it hardly seems that the quintet would be giving its audience anything that could’ve been left out.

Tracklisting:

01. Trading Eights (live)
02. Hot Rod (live)
03. Unsquare Bossa (live)
04. Midnight in Trieste (live)
05. Skinny Dipping (live)
06. Three Corners (live)
07. Shake It (live)

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Miguel Migs :: Outside The Skyline



The mighty Miguel Migs returns with his third artist album, Outside The Skyline, a genre-crossing creation featuring guests ranging from Bebel Gilberto to Capleton to Meshell Ndegeocello.

When it came to recording his new album, Miguel Migs was able to pull together an impressive line-up of collaborators; original disco diva Evelyn “Champagne” King, reggae legends Half Pint and Freddie McGregor, first lady of musicianship Meshell Ndegeocello, Berlin based singer Georg Levin and bossa nova phenomenon Bebel Gilberto all make an appearance on the album, alongside two vocalists who’ve been regular coconspirators, Aya and Lisa Shaw.

The result is an album that’s trademark Migs. Informed by house but no slave to metronomic dancefloor rhythms and tempos, it takes influences from jazz, reggae, soul and more, with a heavy emphasis on high-quality songwriting and equally high production values.

Despite achieving levels of success – both critical and commercial – Migs remains a genuinely humble, self-effacing individual. A globe-trotting A-list DJ, nominated on a Beatport poll as Best Deep House Producer who, rather than constantly bigging himself up, prefers to let his music to the talking. Thankfully, Migs’ music more than does the talking – it speaks to people. Just listen.

Track Listing:

01. Intro - Life feat. Half Pint
02. Tonight feat. Meshell Ndegeocello
03. Breakdown feat. Lisa Shaw
04. Everybody feat. Evelyn "Champagne" King
05. The Distance feat. Aya
06. Life feat. Half Pint
07. Close Your Eyes feat. Meshell Ndegeocello
08. They Don't Know feat. Freddie McGregor
09. The System feat. Capleton
10. Zuzu feat. Bebel Gilberto
11. Changin' feat. Sonny J Mason
12. Don't Stop feat. Aya
13. Lose Control feat. Lisa Shaw
14. Getaway feat. Georg Levin

Miguel Migs - Outside The Skyline (Om Records/Salted Music) (Preview Clips) by Kahua Music

Monday, September 19, 2011

Miles Davis Quintet :: LIVE in Europe 1967: The Bootleg Series Vol. 1 - 3CD/DVD



In the 1960s Miles Davis toured Europe several times with some of the greatest bands he ever led. As the first title in a projected series of boxed sets Sony/Legacy introduces MILES DAVIS QUINTET - Live In Europe 1967 - The Bootleg Series Vol.1 featuring Miles Davis Second Great Quintet featuring WAYNE SHORTER, HERBIE HANCOCK, RON CARTER and TONY WILLIAMS -- arguably the single greatest small group ensemble in jazz history.

The recordings from their 1967 European tour are some of the only existing documentation of the band performing compositions from the extraordinary series of studio albums they made between 1965-1967 -- E.S.P., Miles Smiles, Sorcerer and Nefertiti. Now fans can hear live versions of Agitation (from E.S.P.), Footprints" and "Gingerbread Boy ( from Miles Smiles), Masquelero" (from Sorcerer ) and Riot" (from Nefertiti); PLUS, Miles revisits some of the earlier classics he had been performing for years -- Round Midnight , On Green Dolphin Street , I Fall In Love Too Easily and No Blues -- all in strikingly different interpretations from the original studio versions. Seeing this band in action only further emphasizes their near supernatural rapport.

DVD Track listing:1. Agitation, 2. Footprints, 3. I Fall In Love Too Easily, 4. Walkin , 5. Gingerbread Boy, 6. The Theme, 7. Agitation, 8. Footprints
9. Round Midnight, 10. Gingerbread Boy, 11. The Theme

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Natalie Cole :: Thankful - set for reissue October 25, 2011



Finally, the much sought after Natalie Cole Thankful CD will be reissued on October 25, 2011. This will be the second go round for this Natalie Cole title with bonus tracks added. The first reissue was back in the 90s and was pressed in very limited quantities. So if you need a copy of this rare gem of a CD don't wait too long because gems like this seem to come and go rather quickly leaving you hunting around for it for years.

From Dusty Groove:

Great stuff from Natalie, recorded way before she started singing with the ghost of her father! This one has her sweet voice being produced by Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy of the Independents, and they give her a nice jazzy sound that made the record one of her best of the 70s. Richard Evans and Gene Barge arranged, which probably had something to do with it, and the album includes the great groovers "La Costa" and "Annie Mae". © 1996-2011, Dusty Groove America, Inc.

Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa) 40th Anniversary Limited Edition 2CD and DVD Set



On August 26th, 1971 New York City gave birth to a sound that would change the face of Latin music forever. That evening at the renowned Cheetah Nightclub, The Fania All-Stars hit the stage with a unique sound that would echo across borders. The music that was played that night would forever change Latin music. This is the film that started the salsa craze in America and across Europe. This fully restored film offers footage from a veritable who's-who of the New York salsa world.

In addition to the DVD, which was released in time for the documentary's 40th anniversary, Fania has included a double CD of the music performed that night, creating a solid documentary of the concert. The CDs include the albums Live at the Cheetah Volumes One and Two (with extra bonus tracks). Among those who participated were Ray Barretto, Willie Colón, Larry Harlow, Johnny Pacheco, Bobby Valentín, and Roberto Roena, as well as singers Santos Colon, Héctor Lavoe, Ismael Miranda, Pete Rodriguez, and Adalberto Santiago, along with special guests Bobby Cruz, Jose "Cheo" Feliciano, and Ricardo Ray. Masters of Ceremonies: Symphony Sid & Dizzy Izzy Sanabria.

In the 70s, the Cheetah Club was home to some of the now legends of salsa. This recording captures the feel of these live shows where almost anything could have happened.



OUR LATIN THING (Nuestra Cosa) is released as a 3-disc set: the film DVD, packaged together with Live at the Cheetah, Vols. 1 and 2 featuring the music from the film across two CDs or 2LPs, including previously unreleased bonus tracks. Available as well on vinyl.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Thievery Corporation to release "Live At The 9:30 Club" on DVD



Renowned Washington, DC - based DJ duo Thievery Corporation will release a brand new live performance DVD titled Thievery Corporation: Live at the 9:30 Club on September 6. The concert documentary will be released through Fontana Distribution and available at retailers across the country. A digital version will be available at iTunes and Amazon soon.

In January of 2010, Thievery Corporation thrilled fans when they sold out 5 consecutive nights at local DC venue, 9:30 Club. The shows were filmed with vintage anamorphic lenses that created flaws and subtle characteristics (including creating flares as the light hits the lens), and have an otherworldly and abstract visual quality. The result is an intimate account of the band and a dazzling recording of one of the world’s most unique musical stage-shows.

Over the years, Thievery Corporation has become known for the carnival-esque atmosphere of their live shows, during which they bring out a 15-member live band of musicians and vocalists. The group has sold out shows at such famed venues as the Hollywood Bowl, London's 02 Shepherds Bush Empire, and the Theatro Vrahon Melina Merkouri in Athens, Greece, among many others.

Thievery Corporation continues to blend musical styles in their trademark fashion; space-rock jams lead to hip-
hop inspired grooves, airy down-temp trances and dub-reggae infused vibes throughout the journey.



Thursday, July 7, 2011

Terri Lyne Carrington :: The Mosaic Project



Drummer, Producer, Composer, Arranger Terri Lyne Carrington has recorded an ensemble CD with some of the world's top musicians, performing music that celebrates different aesthetics in music and in life. The Mosaic Project being released July 19 is a celebration of female artists with Terri Lyne being joined by some of today's most celebrated female instrumentalists and vocalists in the world, 'women with voices,' coming together to support and celebrate each other from a musical and social perspective.

Terri Lyne is joined by Dianne Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nona Hendryx, Cassandra Wilson, Esperanza Spalding, Helen Sung, Tineke Postma, Geri Allen, Patrice Rushen, Ingrid Jensen, Sheila E., and Gretchen Parlato. The CD includes music from several of the artists with instrumental and vocal tracks, commenting on historical and current themes/issues with the intent to offer an informative, enjoyable, listening experience, driven by creativity and consciousness. As with the mosaic art technique, the idea was for this project to vibrantly connect colorful pieces together to create something integral, using thoroughly composed song forms, some abstract improvising, and also the human voice - creating 'sharp shapes, with blurred edges.'

The Mosaic Project is a beautiful gathering of great female artists, yet the beauty is also in the fact that you don't hear gender. You hear many strong musical ideas based in jazz, performed on the highest of levels. For me there is magic in every piece because of the incredible line up of players and guest artists. Though it is my project, it is the personalities, the lives, and the talent of all of these women that make this project so special and indeed a group offering and unique statement we made together based on common, yet diverse, points of view.



Grab a free mp3 download from The Mosaic Project below











Click Here To Preview The Mosaic Project

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Nicola Conte :: Love and Revolution



Nicola Conte’s newest release, Love & Revolution represents a bold new chapter in the career of Nicola Conte – quite possibly his most collaborative record to date, and easily his most righteous as well! Different from his previous releases, Love & Revolution is being released by Impulse Records, which in essence is perfect when you consider that this album is infused with a sense of spiritual jazz.
This is actually the perfect vibe, especially in how Conte links together the best 60’s and 70’s aspects of the labels aesthetic. Collaborators on this project include vocals from Gregory Porter, Jose James, Alice Ricciardi, among others; plus Till Bronner, Fabrizio Boss, and Flavio Boltro on trumpet; Magnus Lindgren and Tim Warfield on tenor; as well as Timo Lassey on flute and baritone. Other musicians include Gaetano Partipilo, Pietro Lussu, Paolo Benedettini, Teppo Makynen, Bridgette Amofah, Nailah Porter, Fabrizio Bosso, and Pierpaolo Bisogno.

Love & Revolution contains the benefits of beautiful arrangements from Magnum Lindgren in an album where the human voice is the protagonist, while blending seamlessly with a sound carpet (if you will) of extraordinary effectiveness. It is within this context that Nicola Conte assembled these extraordinary musicians for a live recording – reserving only a few additions during post production.

The end result – absolutely amazing and wonderful to listen to! Over the years, Nicola Conte's continues to release the very best in jazz music and this release continues that tradition. Tracks include "Love From The Sun", "Here", "Black Spirits", "Quiet Dawn", "Shiva", "Ghana", "I'm The Air", "Ra In Egypt", and "All Praises To Allah". In addition, there is also a 2-CD version of Love & Revolution with 6 more cuts that include "Forest Flower", "Freedom Day", "The Black Apostles", and "Autumn In Our Town".

Click Each Track To Preview

01. Do You Feel Like I Feel
02. Love from the Sun
03. Here
04. Black Spirits
05. Mystery of You
06. Shiva
07. Ghana
08. Quiet Dawn
09. Scarborough Fair
10. Love and Revolution
11. Bantu
12. All Praises to Allah
13. Ra in Egypt
14. Temple of Far East
15. I'm the Air

Norman Jay MBE :: Good Times :: 30th Anniversary Edition



This Summer, Strut Records teams up with one of the most revered of all DJs, Norman Jay MBE, to celebrate 30 years of Good Times, the party that changed the face of the Notting Hill Carnival and which has become a Summertime fixture at festivals worldwide.

Jay set up his first sound system, Great Tribulation, in 1979 with his brother Joey which became Good Times Sound System in 1981, the start of a 30-year residency at Notting Hill Carnival. Norman changed the face of the music played there, introducing a range of gritty, soulful styles to complement the predominantly reggae-based sound systems. The move paved the way for the open-minded Carnival we know today, with Good Times still at its core.



From Good Times, Jay's career burgeoned. He became a key DJ during the '80s London rare groove scene, hosting a series of legendary clubs – Shake 'N' Fingerpop, High On Hope (inspired by New York's Paradise Garage) and famed sessions at London's Bass Clef (later the Blue Note), all of which built his reputation for open-minded soulful selections spanning soul, funk, disco, early house, reggae and hip hop. Through his club nights, he was one of the first to introduce legendary US DJs like Tony Humphries, Louie Vega and Blaze to the UK. Further success followed - he was one of the founders of London station Kiss FM and ran the seminal Talkin' Loud label alongside Gilles Peterson at Phonogram.

Jay's tireless work as a DJ has earned him many accolades – he has appeared on the BBC's Question Time, and received an MBE for his work in 2002, the first time any DJ had received such an accolade.



In the wake of his many achievements and the ongoing success of Good Times, Jay has enjoyed a series of essential compilation albums on React, Resist, Nuphonic and Azuli stretching back to 2000, as well as a recent spin-off album, 'Good Times Australia'. Now, the maestro returns with a special 30th Anniversary collection for Strut, another bumper set of genre-hopping classic and rare Good Times favourites. Tracks include boogie rarity 'Dreamin' by short-lived band Zalmac and Fries & Bridges' 'Forever This', a 4x4 belter featuring an early vocal by chart superstar Cee-Lo Green. Jay touches on independent hip hop with Basement Chemist, jazz grooves courtesy of Kira Neris and Attic Tree, skanking reggae from Jacob Miller and doo-wop soul courtesy of Little Anthony & The Imperials.

Norman Jay presents Good Times 30 is released on CD, LP and download. For the CD and LP formats, leading journalist and author Lloyd Bradley interviews Norman Jay for an extensive career-spanning sleeve note. The package also features rare and unseen photos from across Norman Jay's career as a DJ.

Click here to receive a free MP3 of "Ted Taylor - Ghetto Disco"

Tracklist
1. MARK CAPANNI – I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
2. AVERY SUNSHINE – I GOT SUNSHINE
3. TED TAYLOR – GHETTO DISCO (Edit)
4. ZALMAC – DREAMIN’
5. TERRI WELLS – WHO’S THAT STRANGER
6. LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS – I DON’T HAVE TIME TO WORRY
7. MARIO BIONDI – MY GIRL
8. JACOB MILLER & INNER CIRCLE – TIRED FE LICK WEED IN A BUSH
9. THE BASEMENT KHEMIST – EVERYBODY (L I F E)
10. J BOOGIE’S DUBTRONIC SCIENCE feat. GOAPELE and CAPITOL A – TRY ME (People Under The Stairs Remix)
11. ATTIC TREE – VOAR
12. CURTIS MAYFIELD – VICTORY
13. DANTE – FREAK IN ME
14. FRIES & BRIDGES – FOREVER THIS
15. THE DETROIT EXPERIMENT – THINK TWICE (Henrik Schwarz Remix)
16. ASHLEY SLATER – PRIVATE SUNSHINE

Norman Jay MBE :: Good Times :: 30th Anniversary Edition Available Worldwide July 19

Rahsaan Patterson :: bleuphoria



LOS ANGELES – Mack Avenue recording artist and soul innovator Rahsaan Patterson continues to push the boundaries of soul music with the release of his latest project, bleuphoria (July 19). His latest effort, bleuphoria, takes listeners on a sonic ride showcasing Rahsaan’s diversity in music genres from gospel to classic R&B soul to new age funk but also dissects the transcendence of an artist who conquers personal fears and artistic growth unfolding-beautifully through every song. Filled with signature Rahsaan infinite octave-ranging ballads (Goodbye and Miss You), hypnotic mid-tempo tracks (Stay With Me, 6 AM and first single Easier Said Than Done), funk-drenched club grooves (Ghost featuring Jody Watley) and genre-bending studio experiments (Crazy [Baby] and Mountain Top), bleuphoria is yet another testament of why Rahsaan decided to move in front of the microphone after years of being a successful songwriter.

“This album is a summation of my worldly experiences and really offers musical insight into my journey and what has influenced and inspired me over the years,” says Rahsaan. “Of course I’m rooted in classic R&B soul but I’m so much more than one category and this album is the proof.”

An array of renowned recording artists lend their talents on bleuphoria including Jody Watley, the legendary Tata Vega, gospel great Andrae Crouch and his choir, Shanice Wilson, Lalah Hathaway and Faith Evans, further solidifying its importance in the ever evolving genre of soul music.

Listen to the first single 6 AM

Rahsaan Patterson - 6 AM by ThinkTank Digital



Visit Rahsaan Patterson's Mack Avenue Artist Page to preview bleuphoria


Image by Raj Naik

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Roy Ayers Documentary Coming Soon!



The Roy Ayers Project is first and foremost a documentary, produced by digital media professionals, telling the life, music, and philosophy of the great Roy Ayers. It is also art, talented artists who use their gifts to express themselves through canvas, murals, and other mediums capturing the spirit of Roy Ayers. It is also performance, bringing together Roy Ayers himself with talented musicians to perform live at venues across the country. The Roy Ayers Project is about sharing the essence and legacy of one of the greatest musicians ever to live. The trailers below are the first and second installments of the documentary, which features the legendary drummer from The Roots, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Hip Hop DJ, writer and entrepreneur Bobbito Garcia. Look for the full documentary to debut in the Spring of 2012. For current information about the Roy Ayers Project be sure to follow on Twitter, join on Facebook and visit the Website.





Sunday, June 19, 2011

Hi-Fi :: Animated Tribute To Blue Note Album Covers



Because On The Verge Music is a huge fan of Blue Note records and a collector of classic Blue Note recordings, we really dig this totally swingin' animated reenactment of some of Blue Note's most iconic album covers. The video was created to promote an Italian pub (Buena Vista Socical Pub) in Italy and directed by Italian video designer Bante. Enjoy!

Bradd Marquis :: Authentic



AUTHENTIC Album Review by Angela Lester

Bradd Marquis’ sophomore album AUTHENTIC is all about starting over. Marquis’ Debut Album, Finding My Way (2007 Bradd INC/Elam Records) was a concept album, not just an album full of singles as so many are these days. The same can be said of AUTHENTIC. Marquis goes from breaking up to finding a new love. He takes the listener on a journey that is intimate and definitely AUTHENTIC. I want to take the listener through the journey.

Starting with 'Don’t Belong Together,' Marquis immediately reminded me of Teddy Pendergrass. For those of you too young to remember Pendergrass, that is a definite compliment. The track features strong vocals including a surprising falsetto and a full sounding brass section.

'Slow Down' moves the listener along to meeting a new love but he isn’t quite ready to move on. The track features strong drums and a rich harmony.

On 'Trust Your Heart' Marquis seems to be truly sharing his experience at how hard it is to find true love

'I Want to Be In Love,' the first single off of his new album, starts with a sigh. That single sound drew me in. He is still in search of love and it is a truly heartfelt ballad. The track sounds “full” unlike many of today’s R&B singles. The song sounds as if it is backed by a full orchestra.



I must admit 'Good Man' is my favorite track. The song makes me want to set Marquis up with a good woman. As the refrain says, "No good man’s supposed to sleep alone.” This track not only speaks to the listener emotionally, but provides a background of music that compliments Marquis’ baritone and is also great to listen to alone.
'Gameface' provides a short interlude. Marquis gives us a break from a very personal and emotional album.

The rest of the album reflects so much of the current environment. 'Here We Go' is a hooking up song as is 'Hott Body' which is a straight dance song. Marquis lets us know that he has finally found love in 'You Got Me' which features a wide variety of instruments.

Marquis continues the album with 'All of Me,' a tightly arranged track with a soft, mellow feel that showcases his fine baritone, and 'Still Got Love' a reflective, uplifting song about life’s choices.

Marquis finishes the album with a re-mastered version of 'Radio' a song that originally brought him to the notice of New York listeners.

Bradd Marquis is a fine new voice in the soul music genre. AUTHENTIC debuted on April 12 and is available on iTunes and CDBaby. Learn more about Bradd Marquis at http://braddmarquis.com and view the video above for his first single 'I Want To Be In Love.'

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Ben Williams :: State Of Art



Bassist Ben Williams, Winner of 2009 Thelonious Monk International Bass Competition,Releases His Debut Album, State of Art (Concord Jazz). Album Draws From Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B & Classical Music With Covers of Michael Jackson’s “Little Susie,” Stevie Wonder’s “Part-Time Lover,” Goapele’s “Things Don’t Exist” and The Bold Jazz/Hip-Hop Meeting, “The Lee Morgan Story” feat. John Robinson & Christian Scott. read more





Friday, June 3, 2011

Thelonious Monk Documentary (Full) :: Straight, No Chaser



One of jazz's most brilliant composers and influential musicians takes center stage in a docomeentary that shows Monk in performance and behind the scenes. Documentary about legendary jazz pianist/composer Thelonious Monk. Much of the film is centered around the six months of footage cinematographer Christian Blackwood shot of Monk in 1967-68. The footage reveals a lot about Monk's personality, including his dramatic mood swings, his eccentric behavior, as well as his sense of humor. The footage also shows Monk "behind the scenes" in the studio and on tour in Europe. Interviews, photos and many of Monk's songs round out this biography. Enjoy the full documentary above. Thanx to http://jazzpages.tumblr.com/ for posting this documentary on youtube and thanx to Donna M. over at http://twitter.com/elementsofjazz for the tweets.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Revolution Will Not Be Televised A Film About Gil Scott-Heron (Full Length Documentary)



R.I.P. Gil Scott-Heron (April 1, 1949-May 27, 2011)

As the sad news travels around the globe on this Memorial Day Weekend, about the passing of legendary poet, singer, musician, social commentator and truth-teller, Gil Scott-Heron, OTV would like to honor, celebrate, share and reflect on the artistic legacy that Gil Scott-Heron leaves behind. As a music community and as a society we are grateful and appreciative of Gil Scott-Heron's passionate, relevant and provacative discography and his fight for change and equality in America. Rest In Peace Gilbert "Gil" Scott-Heron and rest in knowing that your legacy and your voice will forever change lives and uplift the people.

Celebrating the legacy of Gil Scott-Heron






Click Here To View The Full Length Gil Scott-Heron Documentary courtesy of 13th Floor Growing Old Wordpress

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Kim Burrell :: The Love Album



The highly anticipated release of Kim Burrell's latest CD is finally here! With this new record, Kim points us to the true source of happiness and joy with a very special album commemorating the greatest gift to mankind. Simply titled, The Love Album will feature Burrell at her best with a body of work that celebrates God's love to us and His love that we share one to another. She has positioned the album as a colletor's item for her loyal fans, but with such highly creative and diverse tracks, The Love Album is bound to attract a new following. Kim credits producer Cory Henry for being the main ingredient in her ever-evolving creative process in making this record, and also collaborated with long time friend and producer Asaph Ward. Krishnar Lewis is Excutive Producer of The Love Album being released via Shanachie Entertainment.

Kim cover's Earth, Wind & Fire's Love's Holiday and El Debarge's Love Me In A Special Way with mind-blowing arrangements. Further, Kim particularly showcases her talents as a writer on The Love Album with original songs that offer a sincere and fresh worship experience. The Woman, The Activist, The Pastor and The Humanitarian...You'll LOVE this new Kim Burrell! See her heart, share her spirit, and connect with the LOVE!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Ninety Miles :: Stefon Harris, Christian Scott & David Sanchez



On their forthcoming release, Ninety Miles, critically acclaimed jazz musicians vibist Stefon Harris, saxophonist David Sánchez and trumpeter Christian Scott have collaborated to create one of the most exciting jazz releases of 2011. Ninety Miles will feature a distinctly unique collection of songs recorded over the span of a week in Havana, Cuba. The US based trio recruited local Cuban musicians including pianists Rember Duharte and Harold López-Nussa to create the 9 song collection. The result is a true Cuban American musical collaboration that defies political borders. Ninety Miles was released by Concord Jazz on June 21st as a CD/DVD set. The DVD is a documentary that chronicles the making of the CD and is directed by Devin Dehaven. read more



Wednesday, April 27, 2011

A Tribe Called Quest Documentary To Hit Theaters Starting In July



Michael Rapaport will be hitting the road this summer with his documentary on hip-hop legends A Tribe Called Quest, Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest. The roll out across the country starts July 8 in New York City and Los Angeles.



Click Here read more and check for a release date in your city

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Ambrose Akinmusire :: When The Heart Emerges Glistening



By the time the lone standard "What's New?" arrives with a wink, 11 tracks into trumpeter-composer Ambrose Akinmusire's tour de force Blue Note debut, When The Heart Emerges Glistening, the song's title has become a rhetorical question. Co-produced by Akinmusire and his label mate and mentor Jason Moran, the album's 12 songs (10 of which were composed by Akinmusire) feature the 28-year-old trumpeter's young quintet (tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist Harish Raghavan, and drummer Justin Brown), a close-knit group of longtime friends and frequent collaborators that breathes a remarkable collective identity. The New York Times wrote that the quintet "seems destined for much wider recognition," and described their unique sound as "limber, straight-ahead jazz with mystery and pop instincts that gets around most of the old, pervasive mainstream influences, both of trumpet playing and bandleading."



"Akinmusire's forceful outing is as noteworthy for the strength of the overall concept as for the individual accomplishments of its leader, head-turning as they are. 4 stars."
-- DownBeat

"Limber, straight-ahead jazz with mystery and pop instincts that gets around most of the old, pervasive mainstream influences, both of trumpet playing and bandleading."
-- The New York Times

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Gretchen Parlato :: The Lost and Found



Gretchen Parlato's 2009 breakthrough, In a Dream, signaled the arrival of one of this generation's most inventive modern jazz singers. The recording garnered international acclaim being voted onto year-end, "best-of" polls for Jazz Times,The Boston Globe, The Village Voice and NPR among others. Billboard Magazine hailed it as "the most alluring jazz vocal album of 2009" while The New York Times declared, "Ms. Parlato, a jazz singer of deep musical instincts and an appealingly effervescent style." To this day, In A Dream charts among the 200 topselling jazz albums at retail and digital service providers around the world. Now with the release of her 2011 follow-up, The Lost and Found, Parlato demonstrates that she has staying power. Co-produced by Parlato and her longtime musical collaborator Robert Glasper, the 15-track collection arrives with immediate weight and intensity, exposing a vast dynamic range in the young singer's repertoire. Original compositions, including "Winter Wind", "Circling" and the title track,prove Parlato to be a flourishing lyricist and composer. When paired alongside interpretations of material ranging from Simply Red's classic "Holding Back The Years" to Mary J. Blige's quiet storm gem "All That I Can Say" to the `60s Wayne Shorter jazz standard "Juju" (refitted with her own lyrics), it's easy to anticipate Parlato's continued upward trajectory. The Lost And Found shows all the signs of becoming the first breakout jazz album of 2011.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

BBE :: The Beat Generation 10th Anniversary Collection



Over the course of nine albums in the 2000s for their producer-led Beat Generation series, BBE adopted an unusual stance. “Do what you want,” their artists were told for probably the first time in their careers. The label’s enormously liberal approach was the antithesis of stiff major record label A&R practices, their forward thinking rewarded handsomely by a truly diverse set of albums from some of the world’s most capable hip-hop architects. Among those picked to contribute were Golden Era greats (Marley Marl; Jazzy Jeff); acclaimed DJ/producers whose work habitually blurred genre lines (King Britt; DJ Spinna; Madlib); and those whose regular gigs didn’t afford them the creative freedom they craved (Will.i.am).

No-one made better use of the brief than Jay Dee, whose inspired Welcome 2 Detroit showed that despite all the techno and soul that seeped into and out of the Motor City there was still room to be influenced by the Carpenters and Sergio Mendes. Pete Rock, the hip-hop producer’s producer, filled his rapturously received PeteStrumentals disc with classic sample-led tracks packed with drama and finesse. DJ Jazzy Jeff’s The Magnificent celebrated the slew of Philly talent at his A Touch Of Jazz studios, Jill Scott guesting on an exalted Roy Ayers cover in finale. Then there was veteran cellist and arranger Larry Gold, on hiatus from adding strings to hits like Brandy and Monica’s ‘The Boy Is Mine’, who called upon fellow seasoned pros McFadden and Whitehead and Bunny Sigler for his piece of the puzzle.

This fine anniversary collection was compiled and mixed by DJ Spinna & Mr Thing.



Tuesday, March 29, 2011

John Morales :: M&M Mixes Vol. 2



This compilation is the second volume of the John Morales M&M Mixes released by BBE . Few can match John Morales contribution to the world of the enthusiast turned remixer come producer. John Morales is considered one of true legends of the mix. And his work some thirty years later continues to be cutting wedge and inspiring. Although familiar with John’s work – his epic mix of Universal Robot Bands boogie anthem is the source from which BBE Records got its name – No attempt had been made to summarise the pinnacle of Johns work. This second release is continued history lesson in dance music. He formed with the late Sergio Munzibai, M+M productions whose output of over 650 mixes will be unmatched by many celebrity big name remixers of today. From the Rolling Stones to Gloria Estefan, The Temptations to Hall and Oates, Aretha Franklin to BBE – we have all been moulded by Johns everlasting influence.
This superb double CD presents some of John's finest works. 1 CD of classic boogie, cult favourites featuring Johns 1st credited mix of Inner Life’s “Caught Up In A One Night Love Affair” whilst CD 2 showcases for the first time previously unreleased mixes of gems from the legendary Salsoul catalogue from anthems like “My Love is Free” to the underground Cult hit Jocelyn Brown’s “Make It Last Forever”.
This is the legacy of the M+M mixes.



Tuesday, March 1, 2011

KING :: The Story EP



KING is a soulful, organic trio of young women here to bring a fresh creativity to music and change the world through their art. The Story EP is KING's debut project featuring three jaw dropping, deeply moving songs written by the trio (twin sisters Paris and Amber Strother and Anita Bias) and fully produced by Paris. THE STORY, SUPERNATURAL and HEY are the result of a year's worth of loving and learning, experiencing and experimenting, and untimely finding the music within themselves.







WeAreKing

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Diego Urcola Quartet :: Appreciation



One of the more difficult aspects of being a modern musician is acknowledging forebears while developing a unique identity. Argentinian trumpeter Diego Urcola pays tribute to his heroes and contemporaries on his new recording, "Appreciation". He shows his recognition not by imitation but through compositions inspired and dedicated to heroes and friends, including Freddie Hubbard, Hermeto Pascoal, Paquito D'Rivera, and Guillermo Klein. Urcola presents his original compositions with the help of an amazing ensemble, featuring pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Hans Glawischnig, and drummer Eric McPherson.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Jeremy Pelt :: The Talented Mr. Pelt



Jeremy Pelt's The Talented Mr. Pelt is just the kind of album one thinks of when it comes to how jazz is supposed to be: cool, confident, swinging and just a little mysterious. Pelt's group is that rarest of all things in jazz, a working band, and the familiarity and communication that come from extensive time spent playing together is evident. All the players are among the foremost 30-something neo-bop players in jazz today giving the group an all-star-type reputation with a well-rehearsed sound that comes only with familiarity and countless gigs.