January 29th, 2012 Edition #642 Previously Next |
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Fresh Trax: Part One | |
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: |
Fresh Trax: Part Two | |
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: |
After Hours ~ Exclusive to our Site and Select Affiliates : |
Here to Stay: ... 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! |