The first thing that comes to mind when you think of tenor saxophonist JD Allen may well be power — the full-toned, heavy-tread intensity he can bring to any musical setting. But on his new album, Love Stone, he seeks out beauty in the most straightforward form, with tenderness and low-flickering calm.
“Until the Real Thing Comes Along,” from JD Allen's album 'Love Stone'
Featuring Allen’s longtime rhythm team of bassist Gregg August and drummer Rudy Royston, smartly augmented by Liberty Ellman on guitar, it’s an all-ballads affair, but one with plenty of swirling intrigue underfoot. Listen to this version of “Until the Real Thing Comes Along,” a song first published in 1936, and you’re likely to notice Allen’s tip of the hat to Dexter Gordon, both in the smoke of his tone and the drawl of his phrasing, which remains rooted in melody. (Ellman carries himself with distinction too, in his comping and during a solo that begins about two-and-a-half minutes in.) Love Stone is due out on Savant this Friday, and the JD Allen Trio will appear at Nublu on June 18. Allen will also be featured soon on WBGO’s Afternoon Jazz.
RSVP BY THIS WEDNESDAY, 6.13
Please join us for this very special evening on June 15th from 6-9pm at the new Hasselblad Experience Studio to celebrate the release of JD’s stunning collection of ballads, LOVE STONE along with the photographs and short film that were shot along with these siren songs, hitting the streets the morning of June 15 on Savant/HighNoteRecords. Collector’s photos and CDs will be for sale with part of the proceeds going to help fuel the dreams of future photographers and musicians around the world; both charities of the artists and photographers choice will be announced ahead of the evening. This event will lead us into our LPR presents NUBLU (151 Ave C)CD Celebration on Monday, June 18th at 8pm & 10pm. Doors at 7pm. This official NYC CD release event will feature JDs trio, “…the almost telepathic, three-headed machine, making some of the most exciting jazz around” (Burning Ambulance) with Gregg August on bass and Rudy Royston on drums. Come and celebrate with us for a few nights kicking off at Hasselblad in NOHO with JDs gorgeous solo saxophone, short film/slide show premiere, collection of photos by photographer Bart Babinski, Love Stone CDs, light snacks, summer drinks, good vibes + good company on release day and then again on Monday, June 18th when LPRPresents at NuBlu 151 two sets with the JD ALLEN TRIO featuring Gregg August & Rudy Royston.
**RSVP FOR JUNE 15TH ASAP** --- SEATING IS LIMITED.
Most people believe that growing up and getting older goes hand in hand with acquiring more knowledge and wisdom. It may be comforting to think that life teaches you things, and there is often some truth to it. However, to me, there is also a parallel, deeper reality at work. The more I know, the more I need to unlearn.The music in this album, made during two very different sessions, using the invisible ink of improvisation, is about this mysterious and ever growing part of unknown which makes me create, forget, and create again. Jean-Michel Pilc After listening to Jean-Michel’s solo piano recording, which he sent us from Montreal, Anne de Jong (at the time, general director of Challenge Records) and I discussed a new release. Jean-Michel had already planned to come over to Europe for concerts and masterclasses, so I suggested to arrange a studio recording session in The Netherlands. The result is Parallel, a double album of two solo piano recordings conceived in totally different time frames, at both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, which turned out to be a perfect match. The studio album is a series of Jean-Michel’s inventions based on composed repertoire. The Montreal album is improvised music, all recorded in just one take. For me, solo piano music gets straight into the heart of a composition, in its purest form. Parallel is an intriguing and exciting journey in Jean-Michel’s realm of composed and improvised music, which makes you want to listen over and over again. Jasper Somsen
CD 1
1 Idea Please - One
2 Minor Issue
3 Footprints
4 Shooting Star
5 Idea Please - Two
6 Days of Wine and Roses / Someday My Prince Will Come
The „City of Gardens” is an album that is a natural consequence of the artistic initiative "Contemporary Sonus", initiated by RGG in 2015. It is an idea, within which a completely new musical story was created, composed and dedicated to performers with a specific approach to improvisation. Artistic agreement and a friendly bond between the members of the quintet was a key deciding factor of the character and emotional charge, flowing directly from the creation of sound. The Contemporary Sonus of our times seems to differ on the occasion of cultural circumstances. Anyway, what if we say, that communication is possible through the international language of music? Reading this note you already made a decision to have a first try. The music from this album is especially dedicated and composed to underline both individual and collaborative strength of expression of each artist appearing on this album. To make a connection between composition and improvisation even stronger, the last piece, entitled „Rarum” hasn’t even been heard by the composer before its premiere. We invite you to the City of Gardens.
PROLIFIC, RISK-TASKING VOCALIST CATHY SEGAL-GARCIA RELEASES THE JAZZ CHAMBER
Vocalist CATHY SEGAL-GARCIA is a prolific recording artist and performer. Now, on her 11th CD, THE JAZZ CHAMBER, Segal-Garcia expands her already wide-ranging musical vision with innovative arrangements performed with a jazz chamber orchestra.
Unlike a symphony orchestra, a chamber orchestra usually comprises 25 musicians or fewer. The word chamber is derived from the French word “chambre,” which means “room” and signifies the type of venue in which it is performed. But there are also pops orchestras, symphonic rock bands, and jazz orchestras. The one thing they all have in common is fealty to quality musicianship. And quality musicianship was Segal-Garcia’s guiding principal for this project. “I really embraced the idea of a chamber orchestra for this project because of how orchestral music affects the listener,” says Segal-Garcia. “A large group of musicians playing beautiful but complex charts creates a rich and encompassing experience. To kick off this project, I had to first choose the right producers and arrangers, and, of course, the songs. Choosing the producers and arrangers was the easy part. I already knew some of the best around. It turned out that selecting the songs was actually harder.”
THE JAZZ CHAMBER was produced by BEVIN MANSON and co-produced by DENNIS DREITH. Manson is a topnotch pianist, composer, and arranger who has received commissions for both classical and jazz music from many organizations, such as the San Francisco Symphony. Besides producing this CD, Manson also wrote highly innovative arrangements for five of the tunes and plays piano on a couple, as well. Dreith is a film composer, arranger, and conductor, who lead his own eponymous jazz band. Dreith arranged two of the songs on the CD as did DORI AMARILIO, the jazz guitarist and composer known for his work with Brazilian music.
Segal-Garcia chose songs of various provenance. They are not your usual fare. “Star Eyes,” the opening tune, is the only song drawn from the Great American Songbook. It’s one of Segal-Garcia’s favorites, and, although it’s a standard, Segal-Garcia breaks the mold in her version by singing it as a jazz waltz.
Segal-Garcia sings a duet with Grammy-nominated vocalist KATE McGARRY on Dori Caymmi’s “Velho Piano,” arranged here by Amarilio. The two vocalists sing in Portuguese and scat together with brio. According to Segal-Garcia, “Kate is an old and dear friend who has a lot of experience singing Brazilian tunes. Singing with Kate was definitely one of the high points in making this CD.” Amarilio also arranged “Time After Time,” the Cyndie Lauper 1983 anthem that was covered by no less than Miles Davis. Segal-Garcia was particularly drawn to the song’s lyrics. “High Trapeze” was written by Bill Gable, the composer and recording artist known for his genre-bending compositions. The song features a lively solo by BOB SHEPPARD, one of the finest woodwind specialists in the country.
“Cinema Paradiso Theme” was composed by Enrico Marricone for the 1988 movie of the same name. SegalGarcia is joined on this tune by vocalist MON DAVID, a mainstay on the Los Angeles jazz scene. Segal-Garcia, who loves David’s warm, emotive voice, sings with him in her improvisational vocal group FISH TO BIRDS. The group is made up of seven recording and touring artists who interact and create their vocal stylings in the moment.
“Fish to Birds” join Segal-Garcia on “Message to Prez,” by saxophonist BENNIE MAUPIN, who has played with the top names in jazz such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, and many more. The moody, evocative arrangement is enhanced by Maupin’s signature bass clarinet.
Segal-Garcia wrote lyrics for “This Moment,” which is based on Vince Mendoza’s tune “Ambivalence.” It’s a lovely ballad which is perfectly complemented by Segal-Garcia’s expressive, alto voice.
Segal-Garcia is joined on “Universal Prisoner” and “Compared to What” by 8-time Grammy nominee TIERNEY SUTTON. The two master singers improvise in a vocal pas de deux around Manson’s rich and complex arrangements.
The closing song on the disc is “Sleep in Peace,” written by Segal-Garcia. Accompanied by just two violins, a cello, and a viola, the song is a sweet lullaby Segal-Garcia wrote for her niece with a modern arrangement by Manson.
THE JAZZ CHAMBER is a showcase not only for Segal-Garcia’s warm, dark sound and intimate performances, but also her expansive musical vision. With first-class arrangers and some of the best jazz musicians in the country, her newest project presents an artist not content to rest on her laurels. Rather, THE JAZZ CHAMBER is the next step in the continuing evolution of a true jazz innovator.
Cathy Segal-Garcia was born and raised in Boston. She attended the renowned Berklee College of Music, studying flute and Arranging & Composition. In 2011, she was honored with an Artist License Award from the California Lawyers for the Arts. In 2015, Jazz Del Corazon recognized her for her position as a leader in the Los Angeles jazz community, and she was declared a Los Angeles “Jazz Legend” by the Living Legend Foundation.
Segal-Garcia hosted a weekly jam session for 15 years and she currently produces a popular Saturday night Jazz Series in downtown Los Angeles. Besides her extensive private teaching, she has been a jazz vocal professor at CSULA, Occidental College, Musicians Institute, LACM, and at Idyllwild Arts Academy. Cathy travels to Buenos Aires, Italy, Germany, Scandinavia, France, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, Korea, England to record and perform, and considers Japan almost her 2nd home, having traveled there several times a year since 1990.
THE JAZZ CHAMBER will be available on Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby
