Acclaimed Trombonist, Composer, Producer and Band Leader, Delfeayo Marsalis has released his seventh CD entitled "Jazz Party". If you love the New Orleans music vibe, this is a CD you will want to add to your music collection. The goal of this CD was to capture the exuberant energy of the Wednesday night shows he does with the Uptown Jazz Orchestra at Snug Harbor in New Orleans. I am sure that you will agree after hearing the two cuts attached below that he has accomplished his goal! Marsalis states "Jazz, the indigenous American music, is a music of celebration and optimism. The Uptown Jazz Orchestra is such a fun band that I wanted to capture its uniqueness. The idea was to keep the wide variety of styles that we play but to really capture the joy that is a central trademark of the band".
Delfeayo Marsalis is recognized as one of the best Jazz Trombonists performing today and he also has composed over 100 songs that help introduce kids to Jazz through musical theatre. He has musically touched over 5,000 students nationally with his "Swinging with the Cool School" soft introduction to Jazz workshops. Marsalis is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, holds a master's degree in Jazz performance from the University of Louisville and was conferred a doctorate by New England College. Delfeayo Marsalis is a major Jazz star that never lost site of who he is and where he came from. Even though Delfeayo has become a major Jazz performer and composer he contributes much time and effort to keep Jazz alive by exposing Jazz to young people.
If you like the feel of New Orleans and its Jazz scene, no doubt you will love this CD.
I have attached two "YouTube" videos that will give you a good taste of the Uptown Jazz Orchestra. The first one is the title track, "Jazz party" composed by Delfeayo that features vocalist Tonya Boyd-Cannon. The second one highlights the energy of the Orchestra, "Raid on the Mingus House Party".
I am excited to share a new CD "All I Am" just released by Anthony Jefferson. I received the review copy of this CD a while ago and only had time to preview a few of the songs. I thought Jefferson's singing and the playlist were excellent but never got a chance to get back to it until I found myself thinking about the few songs I had heard only once so I decided to play the complete CD. This time I fell in love with Anthony Jefferson's voice and vocialist skills. Jefferson has a silky smooth Baritone voice and his phrasing is surpurb. His vocal range spans several octaves from beautiful deep tones to crystal clear upper tones. Noteworthy is his effort to sing the lyrics not only with emotion and understanding but with clarity, always making sure to never cut off the end of any words. Anthony Jefferson is truly an example of a professional Vocalist who has studied hard to learn his trade and now is singing at the highest professional level. At times his voice and phrasing reminds me of Nat King Cole and certainly adds to the enjoyment of his singing.
Jefferson's life experiences have left a strong mark on his singing personality. Born and raised in New Orleans, he was singing as soon as he could talk. He studied piano from the age of five to thirteen and attended a high school that had the best band in New Orleans. After graduation from high school, Jefferson headed to Los Angeles to find his place in the entertainment business. He enrolled in LosAngeles City College where he took classes in musical theater as well as the standard academic coursework. He supported himself by working for UPS when not in classes.
Next stop was to audition for the internationally renowned California Institute of the Arts. He was awarded a full scholarship. He began his studies in the Classical music department and then transferred to the Jazz department where he excelled. After two years at (CalArts) a dean suggested that the next step for Jefferson's growth should be the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
After completing two years at Berklee College of Music, Jefferson moved back to New Orleans and opened a highly successful restaurant that hosted Jazz jams. During the next several years while operating his restaurant, he continued performing and studying to improve his singing skills. After several years of hard work, Jefferson decided that it was time to leave the restaurant business and take a well-earned vacation. He loved sailing and one of the places he sailed to was the Dominican Republic where he fell in love with the lifestyle and culture. It was during his 10-year stay in the Dominican Republic that Jefferson met multi-instrumentalist Corey Allen. This friendship resulted in the creation of the "All I Am" CD. Corey Allen put together spectacular String and Horn arrangements that amplify Jefferson's innate warmth and soulfulness.
Anthony Jefferson has been a major star in the Dominican Republic and now with the release of "All I am" he deserves to become a recognized star throughout the US.
Playlist: 1. "All I Am" 2. " Marnie" 3. "Besame Mucho" 4. "Night And Day" 5. "Willow Weep For Me" 6. "Summertime" 7. "Impossible" 8. "Rainy Night In Georgia" 9. "Me and Mrs Jones" 10. "In the Presence of" 11. "You've Got A Friend" Players: Anthony Jefferson- Vocals, Producer Corey Allen- Piano, Keys, Arrangements Federico Mendez- Guitar Pengbian Sang- Bass Esar Simo- Bass Guy Frometa- Drums Sly De Moya- Drums, Percussion Tom McCauley- Guitar, Percussion
Special Guests: Mark Rapp- Trumpet Patricia Pereyra- Vocals Gustavo A. Hostos- Vocals The Corey Allen Strings: Milena Zivkovic, Igor Vasiljevic, Zvezdana Radojkovic The Corey Allen Horns: Ernesto Nunez, Pedro Liberato-Trumpet Sandy Gabriel- Alto Sax Jesus Abru- Tenor Sax Gabriel Parra- Baritone Sax Carlos Torres- Trombone Background Vocals: Sabrina Estepan, Benny Hiraldo, Emmanuel Pena, Fende Sincere
This CD includes an eclectic list of songs from the Great American Songbook, pop music, R & B and the movies and picking just two cuts from this CD was difficult. I settled on two "YouTubes" for you to listen to. The first is "Willow Weep For Me" and the second is "Besame Mucho" where Anthony is joined by the wonderful vocalist, Patricia Pereyra.
Saxophonist, Composer and Educator Keith Oxman has produced some great Jazz CDs over the years by collaborating with some of the greatest Jazz players including Tenor Saxophonist DaveLiebman, Trombonist Curtis Fuller and Alto Saxophonist Charles McPherson. On his newest CD release, "Two Cigarettes in the Dark", Oxman has brought in the esteemed Tenor Sax player, Houston Person to join him. Jazz giant Charles McPherson wrote the liner notes for "Two Cigarettes in the Dark" pointing out the stylistic contrast between the sounds of the two Tenors, comparing "Keith's long, flowing lines" to "Houton's warm, rich tone". This CD has a warm and relaxed vibe and these two superb Tenor players melded perfectly together in every cut on the album. No competition here, just mutual respect for each other's musical skills.
The playlist is interesting in that it featuring Originals, Standards and Vintage Tunes. Keith brought along veteran Vocalist Annette Murrell to sing two of the Standards, "Everything Happens to Me" and "Crazy He Calls Me". She sings these ballads like she has lived them. Her rich, deep voice is filled with life experience and, she fits perfectly between these two Tenor greats!
San Francisco based Vocalist Clairdee has admired and been a fan of Lena Horne since she was four years old. Clairdee was not just in love with Lena Horne's beautiful voice but also with Lena's intelligence, dignity, talent and willingness to fight for what's right. In Clairdee's new CD, "A Love letter to Lena" she pays her respect to her idol with inventive arrangements of songs by Billy Strayhorn and contemporary composers with Clairdee's compelling storytelling.
According to Clairdee, "I didn't want (this CD) to be merely a tribute album of Lena's greatest hits. My mother passed in 2007, and I wanted the CD to reflect my parents' hopes for their children through the lens of Lena's efforts for civil rights and equality. I also want to include a few songs that people may not be so familar with".
When you listen to the complete playlist on this CD, you will quickly realize that Clairdee has accomplished her goal. Some of the songs on the playlist were not familiar to me but when you listen to the lyric combined with Clairdee's (Spoken Interlude) on several of the songs, the message she wanted to send is clearly heard.
Clairdee is an accomplished, master Jazz singer with a warm, deep silky voice. Lena Horne was one of the giants of Jazz from the time she started singing but she was so much more; she did fight for equality throughout her life. Clairdee has done us all a service reminding us of Lena Horne's greatness as a Vocalist and a person. For millions of Americans, she did make a difference.
Playlist
The Band
I have attached two "YouTubes" from "A Love Letter To Lena". The first is the classic "OldDevil Moon" recorded in a Latin groove and the second is an up-tempo version of "Lady be Good".
Trumpeter, Composer, Producer, Educator and Bandleader John Vanore has just released a long-forgotten studio recording of a duet he recorded in the mid-80s with his friend and frequent playing partner, Pianist, Composer and Educator Ron Thomas. Both players have had stellar musical careers and their new CD, "Primary Colors" was produced from studio recording tapes recorded during 1984 and 1985. Both Vanore and Thomas have covered a lot of musical ground since 1985. It is interesting to listen to the cuts on this CD and discover that both these master musicians were brilliant musicians even 35 year ago. John Vanore's tone and phrasing on the 7 songs on this CD are sparking good! Ron Thomas' mastery of the (at the time) cutting-edge Yamaha DX-7 is very interesting. In 1985 most musicians were just starting to experiment with the DX-7 but clearly Ron Thomas was leading the charge.
According to Vanore "The sessions' only protocol was a willingness to experiment in the way of sound, song form and more. We weren't approaching this stuff like head/solos/head. Our approach was more compositional and spontaneity was also paramount, and while there may be overdubbed layers at various points, a single-take ethic was honored throughout the informal sessions."
Even though the music on this CD was recorded years ago, it still sounds fresh and new which is a testament to the high quality of these two talented musicians.
Players: John Vanore: Trumpet & Flugelhorn and Producer Ron Thomas: Piano, Fender Rhodes, Yamaha DX-7
Playlist: 1. "Final Dawn" 2. "Lady" 3. "Yesterdays" 4. "A Time For Love" 5. "Origins of Rude" 6. "Return" 7. "Secret Love"
I have attached two "YouTube" videos for your listening pleasure. The first is the beautiful classic written by Johnny Mandel, "A Time For Love". The second is the Jerome Kern gem, "Yesterdays" I know you will enjoy both.
Henry "The Skipper" Franklin and Robert Turner and their group " 3 More Sounds" have produced and recorded a terrific new CD that is a tribute to Gene Harris. The idea for the CD was born when Robert's and Henry's paths crossed in 2014 in Hangzhou, China. Henry was just finishing a tour gig in this Chinese city and Robert was just coming in to replace Henry Franklin's Band. Henry Franklin had worked with Gene Harris on numerous occasions and Robert Turner always treasured Gene Harris as one of his playing heros. As soon as Robert found out that Henry had a long playing history with Gene Harris, he couldn't ask questions about Gene quick enough. After many hours of discussion, these two major players decided that they would someday cut a CD as a tribute to Gene Harris and "Ghetto Princes" is the result. As you listen to the cuts on this new CD, you will hear Robert at times playing very much in the Gene Harris fashion.
Robert Turner is one of the brightest musical stars playing today and his ability to arrange and swing music is recognized throughout the Jazz world. He is not just a casual player, Robert is a fine technician and has a clear understanding of music composition and how it develops. I have heard him playing live with several artists and he can handle any kind of music for vocalists or instrumentalist with easy, style, and creativity.
Henry "The Skipper" Franklin is a living legion and continues to impress Jazz lovers wherever he performs. I have heard him with small trios and also with big Jazz groups and he can do it all. His high level of Bass playing is internationally known and sought out. He has a long list of Jazz giants that he has worked with like Roy Ayers, Gene Harris, Freddie Hubbard and Joe Williams just to name a few.
Joining these two remarkable Jazz performers is Khoran Harrison on Drums. Khoran and Robert have been playing friends since they were teenagers and know each others' playing style inside out. Veteran Drummer Carl Burnett was added as a special guest and he plays Drums on Cuts 2, 4 and 9.
"Ghetto Princes" is an easy listening Jazz recording because it's simply great Jazz music and arrangements. No gimmicks or tricks here, just great American Jazz!
Playlist: 1. "Ghetto Princes" 2. "Besame Mucho" 3. "Willow Weep For Me" 4. "Uptown Sop" 5. "I Thought About You" 6. "Love For Sale" 7. "You Don't Know Me" 8. "Battle Hymm of the Republic"/ "John Brown's Body" 9. "Things Ain't What They Used To Be" Players: Robert Turner- Piano Henry "The Skipper" Franklin- Bass Khoran Harrison- Drums Carl Burnett- Drums Cuts 2, 4, and 9
I have attached two "YouTube" videos for your listening pleasure. The song is Cole Porter's"Love For Sale" that features a terrific Bass solo from Henry Franklin. The second song is an up-tempo version of "Besame Mucho" composed by Consuelo Velazquez.
Guitarist Doug MacDonald has just released a new CD, "Mid Century Modern" with his trio, "The Coachella Valley Trio". "Mid Century Modern" is a phrase visitors to the Palm Springs California area frequently hear. It brings to mind American Modernism and its distinctive architecture that had its roots in not only Palm Springs but in the entire Coachella Valley area. The life style in this area of California has its own vibe and it's cool and chilled. Live Jazz music is alive and well in the Coachella Valley and Guitarist, Composer and Arranger, Doug MacDonald is in the forefront of the musical action. Doug is one of the finest guitar technicians performing today and is highly sought out by Jazz venues from coast to coast. When Doug is not traveling for out of state gigs, he is performing at many different Jazz sites including AJ's on the Green in Cathedral City every Wednesday. In addition, Doug hosts a local Jazz radio show on a small but excellent non-profit 24-hour Jazz station in Palm Desert, CA, KAJI Radio. Doug's Trio, "The Coachella Valley Trio" has been performing in the Coachella Valley Jazz clubs for several years and has developed a large following of fans. The trio consists of Doug MacDonald on Guitar, Larry Holloway on Bass and Tim Pleasant on Drums. Doug invited special guest, Big Black who plays the Djembe to join the group on several cuts.
Larry Holloway is one of the most respected Bass players in the West and in addition to all his playing gigs he finds time to manage the renowned "Coachella Valley Symphony". Tim Pleasant, the Drummer for the group and Doug have known each other for years preforming together in the Valley and also in the New York area. As a result of the talent level of these three musicians and the length of time they have played together, the sounds from the trio at times seem to be merged into one voice. I had the pleasure of hearing Big Black play with this group recently at AJ's and he adds a special element of excitement to this wonderful trio.
There are 11 wonderful songs on this CD, 8 beautiful standards and 3 original songs written by Doug, So you get to hear some great standards and also experience Doug's excellent composing at the same time.
Players: Doug MacDonald, Guitar Larry Holloway, Bass Tim Pleasant, Drums Special Guest, Big Black, Djembe Playlist:
1. "My Shining Hour" 2. "Lance or Lot" 3. "Cat City Samba" 4. "Tran Jam" 5. "What's New" 6. "Give Me The Simple Life 7. "Stranger in Paradise" 8. "I Hadn't Anyone Till You" 9. "Woody'N You" 10. "Bossa Nueva" 11. "The Way You Look Tonight"
I have attached two "YouTube" videos for you to listen to. The first is a tune written by Doug, "Cat City Samba". The second "YouTube" is the Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen gem, "My Shinning Hour". "Cat City Samba"
