Showcase CD
Kool Shoes - Stan Berger:
Formerly
the keyboardist for Barry White, Stan Berger is a longtime musician
who grew up listening to the likes of Ravel's Bolero and Bizet's
Carmen. He was born in Mandan North Dakota, but early on the Berger
clan relocated to California where young Stan started the accordion
at the age of seven. With a father who was a connoisseur of classical
music, Stan was exposed to many of the composers from 'the romantic
era'. This all had a tremendous impact on Stan's musical direction
and his career. But apart from the classics, Berger also worked
at establishing his jazz credentials by "learning American and European
folk songs, jazz and pop standards." Barry White's music too had
a profound influence on his style. Berger went on to study at the
University of Redlands and in 1994 he earned a doctorate in composition
from Claremont. Working as part of the West Coast music scene for
many years, it was only this past March that Berger finally issued
his debut in Kool Shoes! |
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Stan Berger...no shoes
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It wasn't long before the music world began to take notice. In particular,
fellow keyboardist Brian Simpson for one immediately recognized
the caliber of Berger's compositions and recorded a real nice read
on Berger's Our Love while borrowing Stan's sax player Steve Alaniz
for the gig. Nonetheless, that's simply one of several choice pieces
that gave us pause to shine the Café Jazz spotlight on Stan Berger
and Kool Shoes - and in so doing we selected the original take -
Our Love Is Here To Stay to initiate the showcase segment. Steve
Alaniz is featured on the selection, as well as on the moody gem
Trust in Love that's at the top of the second hour. Meantime, the
smooth stride of Kool Shoes the title track carries us out on an
upbeat note! A gifted musician and composer, with the strength of
the music on Kool Shoes, Stan Berger delivers what is hopefully
an omen of many more exquisite pieces yet to come in the years ahead!
CD: Kool Shoes (2010)
Label: Stan Berger Music
Links: 
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| Back Trax: Part One |
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Rain Dancer - Crystal Wind:
With
releases in the late 80s and early 90s, the band Crystal Wind issued a
pair of fine albums on the old Higher Octave label. With main man Kevin
Setchko on flute, keys, synthesizers and various other instruments, Crystal
Wind presented elements of reggae fused with a variety of new age influences.
From the 1992 Café Tropique release, we have a real nice tune called
Rain Dancer!
CD: Café Tropique (1992)
Label: Higher Octave
Links:
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Islands - Turning Point:
Led
by the Sahnas brothers and based in Phoenix Arizona, the band Turning
Point took on the club scene in the early 90s. The brothers, Thano on
guitar and Demitri on bass, grew up playing in local rock bands but at
the same time they were also performing the traditional folk music of
Greece. In they early 90s they connected with keyboardist (and now also
top producer) Michael Broening, as well as with Bruce Stodola and John
Herrera, still a member of the band. They called themselves Turning Point
in recognition of the fact that each felt the band signified a pivotal
point in each of their careers. Presenting a progressive mix of jazz together
with a wide ranging blend of styles, Turning Point issued their eponymously
titled debut in 1994 - from that effort we've chosen the varied tempos
and flavors of Islands, the opening track on the disc!
CD: Turning Point (1994)
Label: Elfin Music Company
Links: 
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| Back Trax: Part Two |
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Driftin'
- Akira Jimbo:
Inspired
after hearing Steve Gadd, Akira Jimbo didn't start on drums until he was
17, but the 30 plus year veteran went on to become the first Japanese
drum set artist to achieve worldwide acclaim on the clinic circuit. After
studying at the Keio University in Tokyo, Jimbo joined the fusion band
Casiopea in 1980. With Casiopea, he was able to develop both his drumming
and his compositional talents on over a dozen albums. Jimbo left in 1989
due to creative differences only to return as a part time member in 1996.
In the interim, Jimbo recorded several fine releases on his own. From
his '89 sophomore cd called Palette, there's the very pretty Driftin'
with Hammer Smith on harmonica!
CD: Palette (1989)
Label: Optimism
Links: 
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2:00am Rolling
- Cliff deMarks:
After
graduating from Alcorn University with an accounting degree, Cliff deMarks
supplemented his income by performing as a Church musician. The dream
of pursuing a full time career in music was put on the back burner for
a few years while he raised a family. But in the year 2000, the dream
became reality and in the time since the Atlanta-based keyboardist has
issued over 40 albums in a wide variety of styles. From 2006 and Club
Night we have the early-am mood of 2:00am Rolling!
CD: Club Night (2006)
Label: deMarks Studios
Links: 
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Delhi
News - Hattler :
After
many years of forced violin lessons, Hellmut Hattler was ready to never
touch a musical instrument again when he started to experiment with
the bass. With that came the resolve that that he would play only the
music that truly came from within. Accordingly, Hattler has developed
as one of the premier musicians in his homeland; with a distinct sound
and masterful technique, he's continued to evolve creatively for over
30 years. In the 70s, he spear-headed the influential combo Kraan, a
concept as substantive as many of the USA's jazz-rock pioneers of the
day. Having undergone a variety of configurations, Kraan has recorded
across 4 decades since their inception. As well, Hattler recorded 8
cds issued primarily in the 90s together with trumpeter Joo Kraus as
half of Tab Two. Additionally, Hattler has continued his explore his
craft with several projects recorded under his surname - from the 2004
Bass Cuts release we present the 8 minute trance - endental Delhi News!
CD: Bass Cuts (2004)
Label: Bassball Recordings
Links:
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| After Hours ~ Exclusive to our
Site and Select Affiliates : |
… the feature is called Streetwave after a selection by The Brothers
Johnson and on tap are 13 tracks - each with a name akin to a roadway.
So stay tuned for the likes of Justo Almario's Seventh Avenue, Burma Road
by Greg Adams, Luis Villegas with Whittier Boulevard, and Creek Lane by
Fortune Vinson Cruse!  |
