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Showcase CD
Modern Art - The Rippingtons:
It's
over two-and-a-half years since the issue of The Rippingtons last
album one, which celebrated their 20th anniversary as a pioneering
ensemble on the contemporary scene. That project led to extended
touring with the unintended consequence that fans have had to
wait a bit longer than usual for a follow-up. Even so, the extra
time between albums allowed Freeman and the band, the opportunity
to work the songs and have them evolve in some amazing ways with
more spontaneity and a more natural interaction in the studio.
Joining Freeman for the project are Bill Heller on keys - a member
of The Ripps since the '99 Topaz release this now being his 7th
album with the ensemble - and Dave Karasony on drums - Karasony
first played on 2003's Let It Ripp, making this his 4th appearance
on a Ripp record the way we figured it. Handling bass duties is
new-comer Rico Belled, while long-time member and now returning
saxman Jeff Kashiwa makes a special guest appearance, his first
full cd since '97's Black Diamond!
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| Subsequently,
it's now a pleasure to showcase this power house line-up and the
Grammy nominated Modern Art. With the first pair of tracks on the
cd spawning two radio singles, we decided to dig just a deeper for
our complement of selections. |
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The Rippingtons - Bill Heller, Jeff
Kashiwa,
Russ Freeman, Dave Karasony, & Rico Belled
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Well
we made it all the way to track #3 and the tune Black Book - moody
and melodic this piece is highlighted by Freeman's work on the electric
sitar which he's previously used on only a few occasions - and it
opens hour 2 of the show! First up though, it's Freeman in more
familiar territory with the acoustic guitar on the aptly named Sweet
Lullaby; while for the closer it's our fave on disc in One Step
Closer a rouser that was a featured selection as part of our year
end re-cap only a few shows ago. Whether performing the melodic,
the exotic, or any style in between, The Rippingtons do it with
a finesse that makes Modern Art a genuine collector's item! 
CD: Modern Art (2009)
Label: Peak Records / Concord Music Group
Links: 
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| Fresh Trax: Part One |
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Beaches - Walle Larsson:
For
many years, Walle Larsson has tirelessly toiled as the chief standard
bearer for smooth jazz in the Canadian heartland. Going back as far as
1990, Larsson has issued a string of four well-received release while
additionally for over a decade he's promoted the genre that he loves as
a radio show host, thru live appearances, and as the booking agent for
a series of in the park concerts at "The Lyric" band shell, Winnipeg's
premier outdoor venue in Assiniboine Park. Now a polished veteran, Larsson
is set to deliver his latest, an ultra-smooth blend that may well become
one of the break-thru releases for the year. From that yet to be titled
and soon to be released effort, we have a great tune which may in fact
become the title track - it's called Beaches and we know you're gonna
luv it!
CD: After The Night (2010)
Label: DockSide Records
Links: 
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Going
Coastal - Drew Davidsen :
Hailing
from just outside of Baltimore Maryland, as a youth Drew Davidsen trained
classically on cello at the Peabody Conservatory. Over the years, he developed
an interest in rock and jazz guitar and after a few summer music camps
his interest in the cello was replaced by a fascination with the bass.
However, it wasn't until he served in the US Navy that Davidsen actually
moved to the guitar - and after his tour of duty, he went about setting
up a career as a musician. He played in a few bands, developed his writing
talents, and then became a sessionist with dozens of credits. 2007 saw
the issue of Drew's own solo debut with his sophomore follow-up Around
(Again) being issued just last year. Scoring a hit with the first single
to radio in the tune Astro, a song written in memory of his father, the
noted astrophysicist from Johns Hopkins who pioneered satellite technology
for NASA, Davidsen drew recognition as one of the top breakthru performers
for the year. With an appearance at Art Good's Catalina Island Jazz Trax
Festival, we could think of no better way to tip our hats to Davidsen
than by spinning the track Going Coastal as a nod to his success to date!
CD: Around (Again) (2009)
Label: Creative Soul Jazz
Links: 
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| Fresh Trax: Part Two |
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Bossa
Blue - Chris Standring:
As a
youth, Chris Standring trained classically as a guitarist while growing
up on a farm just northwest of London. He later attended the London College
of Music and early in his career, he composed for the BBC and for several
theatrical productions. In the mid 90s, Standring relocated to LA & in
due course he gained a gig backing the Guitars Saxes & More tour - subsequently
he joined Rick Braun's band! It was in 1998 that Standring broke thru
with his solo debut & the track Cool Shades which went on to become one
of the biggest hits for the year. In the time since his left leaning style
has continually provided some intriguing insights into a diverse and creative
mindset. |
Now
Standring bears left of that mark with Blue Bolero, his 6th solo
cd and his most adventurous to date. With themes ranging from cinematic
to smooth, from reflective to refined, Standring describes the journey
as somewhat autobiographical and unifies the concepts using orchestration
virtually thruout. From this effort, as daring a foray as any in
a genre that otherwise prefers to play it safe, we have the cosmopolitan
vibe of the track Bossa Blue.
CD: Blue Bolero (2010)
Label: Ultimate Vibe Records
Links: 
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Color
My Soul - Matthew :
Hailing
from San Diego, Matthew Belcher took up the piano when he was five. Growing
up, he was influenced by the synth styles of the 80s and as a huge fan
of Sting he tried to emulate Sting's compositional technique. For a time
Belcher resided in Portland Oregon and it was there in about 1993 that
he started playing with a cover band called Paradise while collaborating
with one of the members in Tom McNaughton. Although much of Matt & Tom's
work showed promise and they were promised much, their efforts went without
material gain. In time the partners went their separate ways and it wasn't
until 2004, when Belcher was back in California, that he issued his blend
of smooth & pop debut. Color My Soul is now his sophomore release and
from it we have the pretty & reflective title track and a great example
of Matthew's "music to inspire thought and feelings"!
CD: Color My Soul (2009)
Label: Independent
Links:
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Step
by Step - Wine & Chocolate :
Wine
& Chocolate is an intriguing musical concept conceived of by Grammy-nominated
producer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Salzman. With Salzman on guitar,
keys & vocals, the combo includes Anthony Aiello on sax & flute with Erin
Henry on vocals, while making a special guest appearance is Don Harris
on trumpet & flugelhorn. Each member is an accomplished performer in their
own right with extensive credits. As Wine & Chocolate they present as
hip a blend of vintage jazz as you're likely to hear - all nicely embellished
by the some of the sweetest sounds around from the pop and funk side of
things - hence the name Wine & Chocolate perfectly encapsulates the many
diverse elements of their style. From their Snapshots in Motion debut,
we have the scintillating Step by Step - and an early bet to be one of
our choice selections in 2010! Stay tuned - there'll be much more from
Wine & Chocolate in the weeks ahead!
CD: Snapshots in Motion (2009)
Label: The Factor
Links:
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| After Hours ~ Exclusive to our
Site and Select Affiliates : |
| … it's a "sunset" theme show with each & every track having
the word sunset in its title. The feature opens with Torcuato Mariano
- he's followed by Joe McBride, Nils, and Paprika Soul. The second frame
is highlighted by a 5-pack beginning with Marion Meadows and then continues
with Jonathan Butler and the tune for which we named the segment. Additionally,
we have selections by Michael Lington, the band Shakatak, and Louie Shelton.
Then wrapping things are Daniel Deaguero and The Braxton Brothers - plus
there's Joel Rodney - while in the end it's saxman Ed Calle. So stay tuned
for tracks as Rio Sunset, Sunset Bay, and After Sunset - with a total
of 13 tracks just perfect for cruzin at twilight!
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