This Week at CafeJazz.ca:
On this edition
we're nudging Bob Baldwin into the spotlight. The latest from the
veteran keyboardist is NewUrbanJazz.com 2, also known as Re-Vibe
- we're taking a peak inside that release with a choice sampling
of 3 tracks as part of the showcase segment. The second hour spotlights
new music with the Fresh Trax feature. We're 'all in' on this installment
with Peter White and Najee - Chris Standring is on the show, plus
we have Patrick Yandall and Konstantin - on the radio show where
musical dreams come true! |
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| Fresh Trax: Part
One |
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Sail - Konstantin:
With
the release of no less than 5 full length projects in the span of about
18 months, Konstantin has morphed into one of the most creative and prolific
players on today's smooth scene. The Ukrainian-born saxman, producer,
and multi-instrumentalist honed his chops through a variety of experiences,
from earning a Masters degree in sax performance to extensive touring
throughout Europe and parts of South America. 2010 saw the issue of the
first in the Kool&Klean series, a crossover concept bridging Smooth Jazz
and Electronica that was inspired by the works of Paul Hardcastle and
The Jazzmasters. From what is now the third volume to bear the banner,
we weigh anchor with the smooth sounds of a track entitled Sail !
CD: Kool&Klean Volume III
(2012)
Label: KVK Music
Links: 
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Oliver's Twist - Chris Standring:
After
the issue of Blue Bolero in 2010 and following the release of Send Me
Some Snow, a seasonal release in collaboration with Kathrin Shorr in 2011,
guitarist Chris Standring is back to his left-leaning ways. The new cd
entitled Electric Wonderland due for release in March is Standring's 7th
under his own name and in many ways it's a culmination of the many facets
in Chris's career to date. For this latest project, Chris revamped the
portal to his web site, which sports a picture of him posed and appropriately
leaning left. The music is diverse, upbeat and for the most part quite
dreamy. In typical fashion, the first single is not only a twist on the
name of a famous novel; it's also a twist on the album title. From Electric
Wonderland we present an acoustically driven gem entitled Oliver's Twist!
CD: Electric Wonderland (2012)
Label: Ultimate Vibe Records
Links: 
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| Fresh Trax: Part Two |
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Steal Your Heart
- Patrick Yandall:
Patrick
Yandall is back with a new one called Acoustic Dreamscape and it's his
15th over-all. Our love affair with the music of the San Diego based guitarist
extends back many years, to his earliest days, and in that time we've
frequently featured Patrick's multi-faceted talents in a variety of settings.
Yes Patrick can do it all - releases in the last 24 months alone have
included efforts in rock, the blues, there was a seasonal album and not
the least of these was a smooth jazz cd, the genre with which Patrick
is most closely associated. After busting down a few doors with a couple
of highly charged efforts, Acoustic Dreamscape sees Patrick ease into
a zone that we here at The Café find very comforting. There'll be a lot
more from PY and Acoustic Dreamscape in the weeks ahead but to begin we're
most drawn to Steal Your Heart. Right from the first couple of bars, here's
a track that wraps you in its notes and holds you tight. Easily one of
the most gorgeous melodies that we've heard in many a year, Steal Your
Heart is brilliant in its simplicity - but that's where the essence of
true genius lies!
CD: Acoustic Dreamscape (2012)
Label: Zangi
Links: 
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In The Clouds - Najee:
The
Smooth Side of Soul is the title for Najee's 12th and latest album issued
just a couple weeks ago. The platinum selling saxman is one of the most
readily identifiable names in the smooth genre, one that he helped pioneer
back in the 80s. Throughout the intervening years, Najee has continued
to record steadily although it's readily evident he's never felt compelled
to issue a record for the mere sake of simply issuing it. The moment and
the message must be right, and in that regard the material on and timing
for The Smooth Side of Soul are both on the mark. Joined by special guests
Phil Perry, Jeff Lorber, Chris "Big Dog" Davis, and James Lloyd (Pieces
of a Dream), the tracks range from the club ready to the romantic. Falling
into latter category is the Lorber-Najee collaboration 'In The Clouds',
a subtle and moving serenade from the longtime master of the tender!
CD: The Smooth Side of Soul
(2012)
Label: Shanachie
Links: 
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Here We Go
- Peter White:
Now
into his 4th decade as a musical force, Peter White continues to be a
welcoming beacon to all of us who crave 'melody with mustard'! Mr. White
can do it all - from the most tender ballad to the grittiest groove, the
lad from Luton (England) is inspirational and inspired on Here We Go,
his latest effort due for issue in a few weeks or so. Special guests include
some of the top draws in smooth such as Philippe Saisse and Kirk Whalum.
However, it's the ruff and ready title track, written for and featuring
sax legend David Sanborn, that's our initial focus. As the promo literature
so aptly puts it, here's a tune that "finds White riding the groove for
all it's worth"!
CD: Here We Go (2012)
Label: Heads Up
Links: 
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| After Hours ~ Exclusive to our
Site and Select Affiliates : |
| The connections series continues with a one hour musical
recess called Children at Play after a track by Marc Antoine. All the
selections have the words child or children as part of the title; there's
The Child in Me from Marion Meadows, Urban Children is by the Blue Knights,
while John Klemmer gives us Forest Child and so it goes. But starting
it is Marc Antoine with the tune that lent its name to this edition! |
