This Week at CafeJazz.ca:
The kings of
beach jazz are back with their sophomore release called Beach Life
and we'll take a good long look inside the album with a choice sampling
of 3 great tracks as part of the showcase segment. The second hour
spotlights new music with the Fresh Trax feature. Here's what's
going down on this show - headlining are Eliane Elias and Roberto
Vazquez. Scott Allman is on, plus we have selections by Drew Simpson
and Lloyd Gregory. Meanwhile opening the spot is one of our all
time favourites - it's from Thom Rotella and it's called Dance the
Night Away! |
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Showcase CD
Beach Life - Rocco & Rahj:
Rocco
and Rahj are John Altamura and Roger Keay and in 2011, they made
a major impact on our show. Named the Café Jazz top debut act
and #2 over-all, the dynamic duo go back 35 years to North Bergen
County New Jersey. They'd built a studio and played and recorded
together, but for over 30 years they went their separate ways,
before reconnecting in the Sunshine State a few years back. Based
in Indian Rocks Beach, just outside Tampa, they created of a new
sub-genre of jazz and they are the undisputed kings. With Rocco
on organ & keys and Rahj on guitars and synth programming, Cool
Burn was their premier release. A project that burned with 'low
key intensity' that cd soared to #6 on our year-end review. Now
the boys are back with Beach Life and an album that's poised for
similar if not greater success - so it's time for a little fanfare
please as we present Rocco & Rahj and a select offering of three
very cool tracks - all as part of the showcase segment!
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Rocco & Rahj
Beach Life comes alive on Ocean Drive!
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First
off is Java Breeze, an old school groove that's island cool chilled
and it's the opening tune for the segment. At the start of the second
half of the show it's a track the boys named as nod to yours truly,
as we were the first to air their music here at The Café - it's
called Café Jazz and I will admit, I kind of like the sound of that!
Finally the beach scene takes on a life of its own with the rhythms
of South Beach Samba. A standout from beginning to end, Beach Life
takes on a whole new meaning with the sun and surf sounds of Rocco
& Rahj!
CD: Beach Life (2011)
Label: House Of Hofa Records
Links: 
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| Fresh Trax: Part
One |
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Home Again - Scott Allman:
Currently
based in Naperville, Illinois near the Chicago area, Scott Allman has
been composing for many years. In the past 18 to 24 months, things gelled
in a way they never had before with the result as Generations, Allman's
recently issued debut and a collection largely inspired by those he is
closest too. Among those lending their talents to the disc are Danya Thompson
as drummer and producer as well as noted saxman & producer Darren Rahn
who contributes to a couple of the tracks. From an effort that's been
labeled as outstanding and refreshing we have an exceptional groove -
the moody Home Again, that I know you're gonna luv!
CD: Generations (2011)
Label: Independent
Links: 
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On Fallen Ground - Drew Simpson:
Having
played with the likes of Wilton Felder and Terry Blanchard, Drew Simpson
is known throughout the So-Cal region as an innovative and creative guitarist.
Able to connect with styles from Straight-Ahead and Contemporary to R&B
and Latin, Simpson has played local venues and at festivals from Long
Beach to Las Vegas. After years of stage sharing, Noteworthy was Simpson's
2011 debut. The project features original compositions and an expressive
approach, and Simpson is supported by some great players. Appearing on
the disc are Alex Al on electric bass, Larry Antonino on acoustic bass,
Munyungo Jackson on percussion, and Mark Stephens on piano & keys. From
an effort chock-full of melody and rhythm, we present the samba-flavoured
On Fallen Ground!
CD: Noteworthy (2011)
Label: Independent
Links:
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| Fresh Trax: Part Two |
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Going West
- Roberto Vazquez:
Smooth
jazz is often dismissed as elevator music but with Between Two Worlds,
there's no doubt Roberto Vazquez takes us to the penthouse! Over the years,
the Cuban born pianist, keyboardist, & composer has built a solid reputation
in a variety of settings. From a 3-year stint playing French horn with
a Symphony Orchestra in Venezuela to appearing at the Latin Grammys, Vazquez
has a diverse and wide-ranging résumé. In 2009, he co-wrote Sand Dancers
for the smooth as silk saxman Marion Meadows. Additionally he's backed
a host of top Latin performers. Somewhat reminiscent of Brian Simpson's
tastiest efforts, here's a project that sparkles like the softest moonlight
on the ocean. Brilliantly written and impeccably played & produced, Between
Two Worlds is one of those all too rare releases that grabs your emotions
and just won't let go!
CD: Between Two Worlds (2011)
Label: Independent
Links:
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Stay Cool - Eliane Elias:
Well-known
for a distinctive and immediately recognizable style, Eliane Elias blends
influences from her Brazilian heritage with an impressive set of jazz
and classical skills. Born in Sao Paulo, Elias began studying piano at
the age of seven. At twelve she was transcribing the solos of many of
the jazz masters and by the time she was fifteen, she was teaching piano
and improvisation at Brazil's prestigious school of music. In 1981 Elias
headed for New York and the following year she landed a spot in the acclaimed
group Steps Ahead. Her first release in 1984 was in collaboration with
Randy Brecker and to date her solo career spans over twenty albums in
all. There have been numerous accolades along the way and multiple Grammy
nominations. A '97 Downbeat reader's poll voted Elias' The Three Americas
as Best Jazz Album; while the 1998 Eliane Elias Sings Jobim won Best Vocal
Album in Japan and was awarded Best Brazilian Album in the Jazziz Critics
Poll. Her chilled cover of The Doors classic Light My Fire and the title
track from her new one was named to the NPR top 5 vocals for 2011 but
we've opted for the dazzling rhythm of Stay Cool!
CD: Light My Fire (2011)
Label: Concord Music Group
Links: 
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Dream of Love
- Lloyd Gregory:
Raised
in Cleveland but now based in the Bay Area, Lloyd Gregory is well established
as a popular entertainer on the San Francisco music. Versed on both the
acoustic and electric guitar, Gregory has recorded with Martha Reeves
and performed with Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Gerald Albright, and many
others. Having issued five critically acclaimed albums, Gregory's style
has been described as an 'intellectually stimulating' fusion of soul,
pop and jazz. His self-titled release is his first on the Roxboro label
and from it Gregory is at his best on the tender Dream of Love!
CD: Lloyd Gregory (2011)
Label: Roxboro Entertainment Group/Bungalo Records
Links: 
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| After Hours ~ Exclusive to our
Site and Select Affiliates : |
... a one-off feature named after a track by Pat Metheny
- all the selections have the word stay as part of the title. Included
are Stay in Touch by the band Windows and Let's Stay Together from Eric
Darius. Also appearing are Special EFX, Ken Navarro, and Stan Berger with
Stay a While, Nothing Stays the Same, and Our Love Is Here To Stay. So
be sure to stay with us for the Here to Stay edition!  |
