This
Week at CafeJazz.ca:
We're here
with all the hottest tracks of the season on a special called the
Sounds of Summer. Included on this 7th annual review are DTTB, Andy
Snitzer, and Cindy Bradley. There's music by Spyro Gyra and new
to the show is the band Journeys out of Switzerland; while also
appearing are Michael Franks, Dotsero, Jessy J, Michael e, Keith
Andrew, Konstantin, Azymuth, Rocco & Rahj, and Bob Baldwin. Added
to that is a terrific tune that'll put you in that good ole summery
spirit and it's by Acoustic Alchemy. The new one is called Roseland
and from it we have the title track - as we beat heat and pop the
cork for the 2011 SOS Review! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distant Memory - Eugene K:
Born into a musical
family in Russia, guitarist Eugene K attended the Moscow College of Music
where he learned a variety of instruments in addition to composing and
arranging. After completing a four year course of studies, Eugene joined
the college teaching faculty and for a time taught Jazz Improvisation.
In time he became the leader of the Moscow Philharmonic Jazz-Fusion Orchestra
with whom he toured and played internationally. Subsequently Eugene relocated
to the UK where he lectured and performed at The Royal Academy of Music
- additionally he's composed and produced for films, TV, and radio. On
the solo front, Wonder Groove was Eugene's 2010 debut with Magenta Green
and Just A Hint both following this past year. A fourth cd is currently
in the works but what is currently his 'middle release', we present Mr.
K and the haunting echoes of Distant Memory!
CD: Magenta Green (2011)
Label: Independent
Links: 
|
|
|
Canção de Ninar - Spyro Gyra:
Some 33 years after
their first release, the veteran ensemble Spyro Gyra has come full circle
if you will. Since their 1978 debut on the Amherst label, Jay Beckenstein
and the boys have issued just south of 30 releases; they've logged thousand
of miles and played countless gigs all over the globe - in the process
they've endured as a musical force while endearing them selves to millions.
Always intent on stretching the limits of their craft, the world now is
their music." A Foreign Affair, their latest release, sees the band back
on the Amherst imprint embracing many of the rhythms they played early
in their career, now filtered thru the lens of many experiences - it's
the "product of seasoned jazz players traveling the globe with ears wide
open" according to Jeff Daily at eburban.com. Meanwhile Scott O'Brien
at smoothjazz.com writes, "The chemistry among leader/saxman Jay Beckenstein,
keyboardist Tom Schuman, guitarist Julio Fernandez, bassist Scott Ambush,
and drummer Bonnie B (the new guy… at five years) is incredible. Their
sound is brilliant, … with influences from the Caribbean, South America,
Japan, India and Mexico …(A Foreign Affair), might very well be Spyro
Gyra's best work yet'! A case in point could very well be our choice in
the selection Canção de Ninar, as A Foreign Affair debuts
on our show! 
CD: A Foreign Affair (2011)
Label: Amherst Records
Links:
|
| Highlights
Hour Two |
|
|
Samba Samba - Russ Hewitt:
Dallas native, Russ
Hewitt first earned a reputation as a "rock shredder" but, in addition
he's also a noted classical performer and he's earned his stripes as a
sessionist. The graduate of North Texas State backpacked thru Europe and
traveled in Turkey and other exotic locals, where he jammed with many
of the local players. Drawing on these experiences, Hewitt released Bajo
el Sol, his 2008 solo debut and a cd flavored with influences of rumba
& flamenco and Arabic & Indian textures. With a few high profile guests
in the likes of violinist Charlie Bisharat and saxophonist Michael Lington,
Alma Vieja is the new one. From a project awash with 'Latin world' rhythms,
we're featuring Hewitt and his flying fingers on the syncopation of Samba
Samba!
CD: Alma Vieja (2011)
Label: Saulito Music
Links:
|
|
|
Tá Nessa Ainda Bicho? - Azymuth:
Arguably the most
successful band to ever come out of Brazil, the veteran combo Azymuth
came together in the early 70s, to back Marcos Valle on the soundtrack
for the film O Fabuloso Fittipaldi. Taking their name from one of the
album's tracks (Azimuth) while slightly adjusting the spelling, Azymuth
released their nearly self-titled EP in 1975. Comprised of Jose Roberto
Bertrami on keys, Alex Malheiros on bass and guitars, and Ivan Conti on
drums & percussion, the band persevered thru the tragic death of Ariovaldo
Conresini, an original fourth member. Continuing to record both individually
and collectively thru until the present, Azymuth has established itself
as one of only a handful of great global jazz bands. Now recording in
their 5th decade, the recent issue of Aurora sees the combo returning
to their old school sound with a project that celebrates 35 years since
their inception. Aurora has been hailed as one of the band's finest efforts
since their seminal recordings of the 70s and further cements their cult
status as samba legends From the effort we have Tá Nessa Ainda
Bicho? and a track that celebrates their signature samba groove!
CD: Ayrora (2011)
Label: Far Out Recordings
Links:
|
|
|
New Destinations - Journeys:
Journeys is a 6-man
combo based in Zurich, Switzerland for whom drummer/percussionist Robert
Mark is the driving force. An alumnus of Berklee in Boston, Mark came
up with the concept for the band about 10 years ago. Just in time to celebrate
a milestone anniversary, and six years after their previous effort, the
ensemble issued New Destinations in 2010. With newcomers Philippe Mall
on saxes and Willy Kotoun on percussion, the group is a cohesive unit
with Angelo Signore on piano & keyboards, Luciano Maranta on bass, and
Dennis Roshard on guitar. With a mutual love for a style that combines
favours of funk, fusion, and jazz, heir's is a sound designed to take
listeners away as they explore many of their favourite musical avenues.
Typical of the high adventure that awaits listeners is the finely crafted
the title track, featuring Bernhard Schoch on the flugelhorn! Stay tuned
- there's much more to come in the weeks ahead!
CD: New Destinations (2010)
Label: Farewell Music
Links: 
|
| After Hours ~ Exclusive
to our Site and Select Affiliates : |
Here we go with another full hour of all the
hottest grooves from the summer of 2011 on this the continuation of
our 7th annual SOS review. And we're into "spreading the luv", as all
of today's selections are brand new to the show. As we delve a bit more
deeply into a few releases there's music from Paul Hardcastle and Roman
Street plus making their debut on this review are Watson's Riddle, Damien
DelRusso, and Kenny Love. We've come in with 14 selections; so this
hour has the real feel of an extended Fresh Trax feature. First up is
Nick Colionne - the new one is aptly titled Feel the Heat and from that
release Nick lays it down and tells us There It Is!
|
