Michael Weiss - Persistence (February 18, 2022 Cellar Live)

Michael Weiss will celebrate 40 years of living and working in NYC next year; a major milestone in a city full of brilliant jazz pianists. One of the busiest pianists and composers in jazz, Michael was a key member of the Johnny Griffin quartet for over 15 years, and is himself entering the status of jazz legend alongside some of his peers. A true double threat as a dazzling pianist along with a thoughtful and deep composer, Michael was recognized early on as a bright light in jazz, having won the BMI Thelonious Monk composer competition and place second in the Monk International Jazz Piano competition. With these accolades, it is fitting that Michael and the quartet choose to cover the Monk classic 'Epistrophy' on this fantastic album, his debut for Cellar Music Group.

In addition to the nod to Monk, Michael selects 4 of his original compositions on his Cellar Music Group debut, coupled with some lesser known standards by Jimmy van Heusen and Antonio Carlos Jobim, finished off with the Fats Waller staple, Jitterbug Waltz. The band for this recording is truly stellar. Eric Alexander is himself one of the great instrumentalists of his generation, and the perfect foil to Michael on this exciting recording. Paul Gill and Pete van Nostrand are veterans of the New York jazz scene and the feeling of joyful swing and near-kinetic interplay are immediately apparent from the first song. Together, this quartet of burning New York jazz veterans bring a sophistication and soul to the recordings that can only be attained from decades of playing in the jazz capital of the world.

Persistence is an apropros title for an album of musicians who have never given up on the mastery of their instrument, or this music. 

1. Persistence

2. Second Thoughts

3. Apres Vous

4. Only The Lonely

5. Jitterbug Waltz

6. Epistrophy

7. Once I Loved

8. Birthday Blues

Michael Weiss – piano

Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone

Paul Gill – bass

Pete van Nostrand - drums

All arrangements by Michael Weiss

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds and Shaukat Husain

Produced by Cory Weeds and Michael Weiss

Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s in Englewood Cliffs, NJ on July 27, 2021

Engineered by Maureen Sickler

Mixed and mastered by Sheldon Zharko

Photography by Gulnara Khamatova

Design and layout John Sellards

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Ryan Oliver With Strings (February 4, 2022 Cellar Live)

About the artist:

A Juno-nominated, Victoria-based saxophonist, Ryan Oliver honed his craft on Canada’s west coast before moving to Amsterdam, Toronto and New York. Since returning to Vancouver Island, he has maintained a busy schedule as one of Canada’s most in-demand saxophonists. His 2012 album, “Strive” features legendary jazz drummer Victor Lewis. Oliver has toured Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe and the United States with the legendary eclectic jazz group, The Shuffle Demons. He is also a member of Juno award winning blues/rock performer Derek Miller’s group. The band has traveled throughout North America, including performances at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the Aboriginal Achievement Awards (broadcast on CTV), and Toronto’s Dundas Square. Oliver was featured in the horn section on “Derek Miller and Double Trouble”, featuring Stevie Ray Vaughn’s heralded rhythm section Double Trouble and musical icon Willie Nelson.

The recording was nominated for a Juno in 2011. Oliver was also a member of the house band for Miller’s television series The Guilt Free Zone airing on the Aboriginal People’s Television Network. The Cookers, a group Oliver co-leads and toured extensively throughout Canada, appearing on numerous recordings and broadcasts, including a live video broadcast for CBC. He has received numerous Canada Council and Toronto and Ontario Arts Council grants for touring, recording and education and was nominated for the 2013 Prix De Jazz for the Montreal Jazz Festival. Oliver’s debut recording, “Convergence” was selected by CODA Magazine as one of the top 10 Canadian jazz releases of 2007.

Oliver holds a Masters degree in music from Rutgers University, where he led the undergraduate big band, and has taught saxophone and ensemble clinics at universities throughout the world for over 20 years. He currently teaches saxophone to students throughout Vancouver Island and instructs student and adult jazz combos in Victoria. Oliver has worked as an adjudicator for the Fraser MacPherson Scholarship (which he also received in 1998) and the Victoria and Powell River Jazz Festivals. In 2017, Oliver took over as the Executive Director for the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre (CYMC), Canada’s longest running music camp.

Here's what Ryan says about the album:

To say that this recording is a collaborative musical effort is an understatement. Mark Crawford’s sophisticated and thoughtful arrangements elevated my original compositions to new heights; the incredibly talented 12-piece string orchestra breathed life into those ideas; and Terry Clarke, Neil Swainson and Bernie Senensky formed an incomparable rhythm section, lending a level of heavy-hitting artistry than can only come from a prolific career forged in the tradition of jazz music. The compositions represent almost cinematic snapshots of people, places and experiences that influenced my life and music, from the birth of my daughter, celebrated in the up-tempo triadic Blues for Josie Rose to the western landscape of the Cariboo where I grew up, captured in the haunting strings of The Ballad of Buffalo Bill. Hearing 16 musicians performing this music together, live off the floor, was a dream come true. Recorded at a time when the arts need more than ever to be nurtured and recognized as an important part of our world, to me this album represents the excitement of creativity and the power of collaboration - I hope you enjoy it! 

1. The Ballad Of Buffalo Bill

2. For You

3. Blues For Josie Rose

4. MacBeth

5. Tango For Astor

6. Somewhere Over The Rainbow

7. Eddie

8. Shorter Mornings

9. Arrival

10. Walk Up On The Road

Ryan Oliver – tenor saxophone

Bernie Senensky – piano

Neil Swainson – bass

Terry Clarke – drums

Violin 1

Andrea Siradze

Colleen Venables

Elyse Jacobson

Llowyn Ball

Violin 2

Ken Lin

Molly MacKinnon

Jitendra Beairsto

Madeline Hocking

Viola

Genevieve MacKay

John Kastelic

Cello

Finn Manniche

Doug Gorkoff

Arrangements by Mark Crawford

Recorded at The Warehouse Studios on July 31st, 2021

Engineered mixed and mastered by Sheldon Zaharko

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Sean Fyfe Quartet - Late Night (January 2022 Cellar Live)

Sean Fyfe is a New York based Canadian pianist. He began playing piano at age 5, and was immersed in jazz at age 14 in high school. He has completed performance degrees in piano at McGill University, and Manhattan School of Music, and brings a style to the piano heavily influenced by Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly and McCoy Tyner. He has worked with some of Canada's finest musicians, including Andre White, Dave Laing, Kevin Dean, Tony Genge, Sean Drabitt, Al McLean and Sam Kirmayer.

Here's some album background from Dave Laing.

It never fails to amaze how a musician’s personality comes through so clearly in their music. This is especially true for improvisers. Composers may write the most wistful, or coltish, or uninhibited of melodic themes (and Sean certainly does all of that and more with this musical offering); but the performer in the act of improvisation really has nowhere to hide. Even if they wanted to only offer up well-worn clichés, or drench their solos in complex harmonic decoration, or devoutly channel past musical heroes, the very act of performance still inevitably reveals the soul behind the sound. And in fact what Sean and his bandmates all do instead is express their individuality with a deep knowledge of the tradition, a hard-earned understanding of music’s mechanics, and the absorption of lessons learned from past masters.

Sean Fyfe has become something of a vagabond as he roams about the globe and it is coming through in the cosmopolitan nature of his music. He originally hails from the expansive natural beauty of Vancouver Island before formative residencies in Montreal and New York, prior to his current home base of London, England. The group Sean has assembled here comprise his Montreal collaborators: veteran rhythm section masters Adrian Vedady on bass and drummer André White, along with guitarist Sam Kirmayer—a close contemporary of Sean’s who has performed and recorded with Sean on numerous occasions.

This collection of original compositions starts off with the aptly titled Happy, a bright and open melody that sets tone for the whole outing. The mood shifts on Late Night, a wistful and nostalgic composition set in ¾ time navigated by Sean and guitarist Sam Kirmayer together before Sean, Sam, and Adrian knit together assured solos. Another change of direction leads us to the bluesy Little Pants, and here Adrian and André set up a deep groove for Sean and Sam to tell their heartfelt stories.

Sean’s solo reading of Billy Strayhorn’s Lush Life is a capricious tour-de-force. The introduction is delivered with textbook pianistic melancholy before Sean takes us through the main melody in a more orchestral arrangement with momentary stops and starts along the way, all the while revealing his deft touch and abundant soulfulness.

We return to the ensemble with Needful, and Sean’s solo displays a ranging, impatient virtuosity that is a joy for us listeners back down here on the ground to follow.

Sam and his singing, vibrant tone lead the way on Stella, another of Sean’s clever compositions. Sam and Sean provide contrasting yet equally elegant, polished solos before Adrian offers the final word prior to the return of the melody.

Next up is To Wes, a tribute to American guitarist Wes Montgomery, a major influence for both Sean and Sam alike. The tempo-shifting razzle-dazzle provided by André and Adrian sets the stage for spacious explorations by Sam and Sean before André is released on his own to maneuver the maze.

The set ends with Sean’s bop-inspired composition Validation, a melody crafted on Charlie Parker’s Confirmation. I would suggest that this tune and this recording as a whole validates his presence as player and composer to admire and celebrate. Among the many moods that Sean calls forth with his music, perhaps joyfulness is the most dominant. And we come full circle from the opener Happy, as Sean makes a sly musical reference to Harold Arlen’s Get Happy, during his solo on Validation. No doubt he was feeling particularly pleased to share his abundant talents while leading such a stellar group of players through his music. Forget your troubles, indeed. 

1. Happy 05:34

2. Late Night 06:32

3. Little Pants 08:10

4. Lush Life 04:11

5. Needful 06:50

6. Stella 07:00

7. To Wes 06:05

8. Validation 04:36

Sean Fyfe - Piano

Sam Kirmayer - Guitar

Adrian Vedady - Bass

Andre White - Drums

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Produced by Sean Fyfe

Recorded at Planet Studios on May 3 - 4th, 2021

Engineered by Juan Gomez

Mixed and mastered by Eli Krantzberg

Design and layout by John Sellards

Cover Photo by Jeff Spielman

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Bernie Senensky - Don't Look Back (January 14, 2022 Cellar Live)

A previously unissued recording of legendary Canadian pianist Bernie Senensky, featuring saxophonist Bob Mover and trumpeter Sam Noto

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1944, pianist Bernie Senensky has been a stalwart member of the Canadian and international jazz scenes for over 50 years. He has toured with a multitude of his own ensembles over the years, and has played with a diverse array of internationally celebrated jazz artists, from Chet Baker to Moe Koffman, and from Elvin Jones to Pharoah Sanders (to name but a few). Senensky continues to play and tour extensively. Despite his kind and soft-spoken personality, his asser tive keyboard style and consummateN melodicism has ensconced him as a lynchpin of the current jazz scene.

Senensky fits smack dab in the middle of the hard bop tradition. For those looking for a delightful romp through some new tunes in the style of the masters, you could do worse than to try out the Bernie Senensky Quintet. Bernie's style sparkles with a lightness and playfulness that makes his solos so easy and fun to listen to. You don't have to reach for anything; it’s all there.

Don’t Look Back will be released worldwide on

January 14th, 2022 by Cellar Live.

1. Don’t Look Back 9:05

2. I Hear a Rhapsody (J. Baker, D. Gasparre) 8:49

3. Floating 6:35

4. Together 6:02

5. May in June (B. Mover) 6:07

6. The Mover 6:24

7. Jump for Joe 7:31

8. The Latest (H. Mobley) 4:33

9. Danse Encore 6:48

10. One is Enough 6:26

11. Who Cares? (G. Gershwin) 6:17

All songs composed by Bernie Senensky unless otherwise noted

Bernie Senensky - Piano

Bob Mover - Alto Saxophone

Sam Noto - Trumpet

Neil Swainson - Bass

Barry Elmes - Drums

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Cory Weeds - Just Coolin' (December 2021 Cellar Live)

In the summer of 2021 Cory Weeds put together the quartet on this recording for a gig at Frankie’s Jazz Club in Vancouver, BC. It was one of those nights where everything came together in every aspect. Club was packed with an appreciative and enthusiastic audience, the band was fired up and ready to go and Cory's dear friend and supporter of jazz Yvonne DeTroye was at her usual perch taking in the festivities. When the band was packing up, she approached Cory to tell him how wonderful the band sounded AND that should he ever decide to record she would be more than happy to lend financial support. Around this time, Weeds had just taken the Presidents role at The Fraser MacPherson Jazz Fund and started thinking about how he could use this recording as a fundraiser. After 18 months of a pandemic the fund was basically depleted and needed to increase its fundraising efforts and create some awareness. Yvonne donated to the FMJF to produce this 8 track set and 100% of the proceeds from the sales (in all formats) benefit The Fraser MacPherson Jazz Fund.

Thank you to Will and Norah Johnston for opening up their beautiful home to record in, the FMJF Board of Directors for their patience and for understanding the vision and Sheldon Zaharko for capturing the sound of the band so brilliantly. Special thanks to Tilden, John and Jesse for the incredible musicianship that they always display. It’s such an incredible pleasure to make music with this group. Extra special thanks to Yvonne DeTroye as she continues to make jazz dreams come true for so many of us and there are not enough words to express appreciation for all that you do for the jazz community.

-Cory Weeds

Burnaby, BC

October, 2021

1. Just Coolin' 06:48

2. Beep Durple 06:20

3. Chicken N' Dumplin 06:08

4. Bitter Sweet 06:10

5. We Three 11:01

6. Street Scenes 06:03

7. Vendetta 05:41

8. Night Walk 06:16

Cory Weeds – tenor saxophone

Tilden Webb – piano

John Lee – bass

Jesse Cahill - drums

Executive Producer: Yvonne DeTroye and Cory Weeds

Produced by Cory Weeds and Tidlen Webb

Recorded at Will and Norah’s house in Vancouver, BC, on September 15th, 2021

Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Sheldon Zaharko

Photography by Cory Weeds, Photo of Cory Weeds by Jesse Cahill

Design and layout John Sellards

Cover art by Fujioka Takao

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Anthony Wonsey - Lorraine’s Lullabies (2021 Cellar Live)

When I think of the phrase "it takes a village to raise a child," I often think of my music training and all of the great musicians and people I have come across throughout the years, starting with the great trumpeter Zilner Randolph, who was Louis Armstrong's musical director in the '40s. I was five years old when I met the master, and the piano lessons he gave me were really life lessons - I just did not realize it at the time. The village raising a child soon grew, and I entered high school, where Reginald Willis became my mentor. Because of this, I won a four-year scholarship to Berklee College of Music. Mulgrew Miller and James Williams as well as my peers and other members of the village became my teachers and mentors. Now, living in New York City since '95, I continue to be inspired in this great city by great musicians and great people. One of those great people is Lorraine Tiezzi, who is a real lover of this Black American art form. This album is about saying thank you to all the people in the village who continue to raise that child. Since the pandemic, it has really humbled me in many ways - this is my way of saying thank you. I bring you Lorraine's lullabies.

-Anthony Wonsey

New York City

Photo: Sergio Santillán

1. Sweet Lorraine 04:59

2. Giving Rise to Doubt 07:03

3. I Didn't Know What Time It Was 07:04

4. Little Mouse 07:33

5. Blues for Hiroshi 06:59

6. It Might As Well Be Spring 08:17

7. Blacker Black's Revenge 05:12

8. Avo's Blooze 04:13

9. Do You Remember Me 08:03

10. Melancholy Mind 06:44

Anthony Wonsey – piano

Dmitri Kolesnik – bass (2 – 7, 9)

Brandi Disterfheft – bass (8 & 10)

Chris Beck – drums (3 – 10)

Antoine Drye – trumpet (8, 9)

Zet Harris – tenor saxophone (8, 9), soprano saxophone (10)

Milton Suggs – voice (10)

Produced by Jeremy Pelt

Recorded at GB’s Juke Joint in Astoria, NY on January 24, 2021

Engineered by Glen Bluey

Mixed and mastered by Ian Hendrickson-Smith

Cover Art by Gerald Cannon (www.cannonmusicnart.com)

Photography by Carolin Rechberg

Design and layout by John Sellards

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Cory Weeds - With Strings: What Is There To Say? (2021 Cellar Live)

What a perfect time for Cory to give us this album, What is There To Say?, his 18th record as a leader. It's his most ambitious project to date and, in my opinion, his most impressive. Ever since Charlie Parker recorded his iconic Bird with Strings album, the saxophone-with-strings format has become a sort of Mount Everest for those saxophonists brave enough to take on the challenge. Cory has been climbing to increasingly greater heights for years now and he is clearly ready for this ''Everestine'' expedition. Listening to him interpret this carefully curated set of compositions, we really get to know him for the musician he has become: an expressive saxophonist with a unique and personal voice on his instrument. A visceral strength to his delivery on the tenor, while at times exposing a beautifully honest vulnerability as well.

Cory, as he is known to do, has surrounded himself with only the best company. Phil Dwyer's crafty lush string arrangements inspire Cory to search for new and ever more lyrical melodic lines while also giving him ample space to get lost exploring the nooks and crevasses of the music. Cory has compiled some real musical gems here including the somewhat obscure chestnut 1906 Ballad At Dawning (I Love You) while also contributing an eclectic trio of original compositions to round out an extremely enjoyable musical program.

1. At Dawning 05:44

2. Waltz For Someone Special 04:46

3. Alana Marie 06:33

4. I Wish You Love 06:35

5. The Phantom / The In Crowd 06:12

6. Love Is Wild 06:06

7. What Is There To Say? 05:58

8. There's A Boat Leavin' Soon For New York 06:54

Cory Weeds – tenor saxophone

Phil Dwyer – piano

John Lee – bass

Jesse Cahill – drums

Cam Wilson – violin (lead)

Llowyn Ball - violin

Elyse Jacobson - violin

Molly MacKinnon - violin

Jiten Beairsto- violin

Madeline Hocking- violin

Meredith Bates - violin

Andrea Siradze - violin

John Kastelic – viola

Genevieve MacKay - viola

Finn Manniche - cello

Doug Gorkoff – cello

Maggie Hasspacher - bass

All arrangements by Phil Dwyer

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Produced by Phil Dwyer and Cory Weeds

Recorded at The Armoury Studios in Vancouver, BC on Feburary 13, 20 and 21, 2021

Engineered by Sheldon Zaharko, assisted by Spencer Bleasdale and Ricardo Germain

Mixed by Sheldon Zaharko

Mastered by João Carvalho

Cover Art by Lori Popadiuk

Photography by Cory Weeds

Design and layout by Perry Chua

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Steven Feifke & Benny Benack III's SEASON’S SWINGIN’ GREETINGS is out via Cellar Music Group

Cellar Music Group Announces Release of Season’s Swingin’ Greetings – A Spirited Big Band Holiday Celebration Featuring Renowned Trumpeter and Vocalist Benny Benack III with Acclaimed Pianist, Arranger and Big Band Leader Steven Feifke

“There’s an attractive mixture of sincerity and humor to be found in the way this crew addresses the holidays, but don’t let the lightheartedness fool you: The musicianship is serious, and seriously on point.” 

—Dan Bilawksy, All About Jazz

Cellar Music Group is thrilled to announce the November 19, 2021 release of Season’s Swingin’ Greetings, a holiday album that celebrates the traditional big-band sound and hallmark compositions of yesteryear while also introducing brand-new pieces and arrangements to the holiday jazz pantheon. Acclaimed trumpeter and Vocalist Benny Benack III joins forces with heralded pianist and big-band leader Steven Feifke, marking the first release as co-leaders for these two close friends and long-time collaborators. This auspicious holiday recording sees the inimitable confluence of Feifke’s compositional/arranging prowess and Benack’s lyrical pen, yielding rousing arrangements of timeless holiday classics as well as original compositions written in the spirit of the season.

This Deluxe Edition package of Season’s Swingin’ Greetings is the culmination of a 3-year process, built on the vision of composing, recording and refining holiday jazz anthems for a new generation. With some tracks initially released as an EP for La Reserve back in 2019, Feifke and Benack utilized their time during the COVID-19 lockdown to continue to record additional tracks for the album, adding lush string arrangements and additional moments of levity and expert instrumental performance. Feifke recalls the exhilarating week leading up to the 2019 recording session, when Feifke and Benack were sharing a Manhattan apartment. “Benny would run down the hall, knock on my door and tell me that he finished the lead sheet for the next track right as I finished arranging and orchestrating the previous – it was a real tin-pan alley kind of atmosphere,” recalls Feifke. 

While Season’s Swingin’ Greetings marks Feifke and Benack’s first release as co-leaders, the two have a long and fruitful history of collaboration including on Feifke’s most recent critically-acclaimed release Kinetic, which featured Benack prominently alongside Feifke’s big-band. About that outing, Jack Bowers of All About Jazz notes, “for those who appreciate contemporary big bands whose guiding purpose is swing, Kinetic should furnish ample excitement and pleasure. If Herman, Basie and Buddy Rich were still around, it is reasonable to surmise that this is the path they would have followed.”

“Benny is such a brilliant lyricist. The stuff that he comes up with is nothing short of virtuosic – and so for me to be able to jump in and contribute my compositional and orchestrational voice is  fantastic. It’s  a really great match in terms of both of us complimenting each other’s artistic  skill-sets,” Feifke reflects.  

The co-leaders will release three singles including a October 29th release of “Sleighride”, the November 19th release of “Ma’oz Tzur” and the December 17th release of “When Christmas time Comes Around”. The classic “Sleighride” was co-arranged by Benack and Feifke. This sprightly arrangement demonstrates Benack’s lightning-fast facility on the trumpet, soaring over Feifke’s thoughtful harmonic refrains. Feifke displays his immense melodic acuity as well with a sublime solo. The triple-meter bridge and melodic playfulness from the duo sets the stage for a truly innovative release. “Ma’oz Tzur” is a modern arrangement of a traditional Jewish liturgical poem, the duo bring this Chanukah classic into present day with a 3/4 power-ballad feel within a marvelous big band and strings arrangement.

“When Christmas Time Comes Around” is a joint composition between Feifke (music) and Benack (lyrics), the two worked together to craft this holiday story and interpret it in song. “This album was filled with firsts”, Benack indicates, “this was the first time that I’d ever written lyrics for jointly-written piece”. “My Girlfriend is an Elf” is the album opener, a jubilant and comical vocal showcase for Benack. The vocalist notes “My Girlfriend is an Elf is a tune where the verse [setting up the premise that his girlfriend is an elf] came to me first.”

“My Wishlist is You” features a wonderful performance from vocalist Alita Moses alongside Benack. Benack composed and wrote the lyrics for this Christmas-themed waltz. Moses was also featured in a duet context on Benack’s recent critically-acclaimed album A lot of Livin’ to Do. The outfit returns to the Chanukah spirit for “The Dreidel Song”. Feifke’s arrangement harkens back to the spirit of the craps game in ‘Guys and Dolls’, fitting for a reimagining of a traditional song based on a gambling game.

“A Midnight Wish”, the album’s final track, is an original song co-written by Benack and several other fantastic new composers. The piece concludes the album on a lush, reflective note, showcasing Benack’s sultry vocals singing powerful and poignant lyrics underscored by the phenomenal Steven Feifke Big Band.

Aside from the two esteemed co-leaders, Season’s Swingin’ Greetings features an array of notable musicians throughout its tracks. Vibraphone great Warren Wolf takes a wonderful solo on the classic “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve”, Sasha Berliner is featured on “The Christmas Song”, acclaimed multireedist Alexa Tarantino is featured during a flute solo on “When Christmastime Comes Around”, saxophonist Sam Dillon is a featured soloist on “The Dreidel Song”, celebrated trombonist Javier Nero is a featured soloist on “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and drummer TJ Reddick is featured on “Sleighride”.

Season’s Swingin’ Greetings captures the tremendous synergy and interplay between two close friends and collaborators dedicated to creating a perfect atmosphere in which to compliment one another. Benack notes “I consider the bond between a crooner and his arranger to be as sacred as it comes in the annals of Jazz music…Sinatra had Nelson Riddle, Mel Tormé had Marty Paich, and I’m grateful to have Steven Feifke’s pen providing the musical wind in my sails. I wouldn’t entrust my music and arrangements to just anyone, but with Steven we have complete trust in each other, and really share a similar vision for how we want to present this familiar format in a fresh, exciting way.” A modern-classic, Season’s Swingin’ Greetings celebrates the holiday music of multiple religions, and adorns each track with an infectiously jubilant energy fitting for the upcoming season.

1. My Girlfriend Is An Elf 03:55

2. I'll Be Home For Christmas 05:04

3. My Wishlist Is You 03:26

4. The Dreidel Song 04:04

5. What You Doing New Year's Eve 04:56

6. The Christmas Song 04:39

7. Sleigh Ride 03:40

8. When Christmas Time Comes Around 04:53

9. Ma'oz Tzur 04:49

10. A Midnight Wish 04:04

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Shannon Gunn - "On A Mountain" (Friday, October 15th 2021 on Cellar Live)

On July 31st 2020, the world lost a brilliant vocalist and composer. Shannon Gunn had been a fixture on the Canadian jazz scene for decades up until her untimely passing. Her reputation as a musician’s musician ensured a particular kind of reverence from her fans, fellow artists and several generations of students. Although her work was well known to her enthusiastic live audiences, she had never released an album of her own. On A Mountain, recorded in 2002, should go a long way toward filling this gap and allowing the world to get a rare glimpse of this compelling artist at the top of her form.

Shannon grew up in Vancouver where she studied classical piano. As her musical direction shifted to jazz she developed a successful singing career in Western Canada. She subsequently moved to Toronto where she drew the attention of many of that city’s top musicians. Shannon’s work as an educator had always paralleled her performing career. She was as gifted a teacher as she was a singer and made a huge impact on the many students who crossed her path in both cities.

Shannon’s singing demonstrated incredible facility and expressiveness, as well as a deep awareness of the musical interplay in a band. She honed a highly personal style that hearkened to the great jazz singers yet was unquestionably her own. Renee Rosnes, who served as pianist and producer for this recording, comments, “Shannon had a vulnerability that came through in her singing which translated to an emotional, truthful rendering of the lyric.”

The choice of material and musicians are a reflection of Shannon’s impeccable taste and high standards. Rosnes brought a wealth of experience and a long association with the singer: “My friendship with Shannon goes back to my late teens when we both lived in Vancouver. We shared many memories together on and off the stage. She was smart, talented, beautiful, humble, empathetic and genuine: a person who communicated from her heart with no pretense.”

Along with Rosnes, this this group contains many of the world’s top jazz musicians, all of whom were ideally suited to communicating Shannon’s vision. Swainson says, “Those qualities of empathy, honesty and courage were all there in her music. She was a fantastic musician.” Adds Turner, "I always loved playing gigs with Shannon because she would always have new material, beautiful, sometimes complex arrangements.”

On A Mountain will be released worldwide on Friday, October 15th 2021 on Cellar Live

1. From You (S. Gunn) 6:19

2. Carla’s Blues (C. Bley, N. Winstone) 5:35

3. In The Moment (R. Rosnes, S. Brown) 6:00

4. Wild Is Love (R. Rasch, D. Wayne) 6:42

5. I’ve Grown Accustomed To His Face (F. Loewe, A.J. Lerner) 3:32

6. On A Mountain 4:55

7. A Felicidade (A.C. Jobim, V de Moraes) 4:28

8. Mean Joe (S. Gunn) 4:53

9. Everything I Love (C. Porter) 4:41

All arrangements by Renee Rosnes, except 2 by Brian

Dickinson and 8 by Brad Turner

Shannon Gunn - Vocals

Renee Rosnes - Piano

Neil Swainson - Bass

Billy Drummond - Drums

Brad Turner - Trumpet (2-4, 6, 8)

Pat Labarbera - Tenor Saxophone (2, 4, 6, 8, 9)

Rick Lazar - Percussion (7)

Cellar Live Website

Stephen Riley with Ernest Turner - Original Mind (September 17, 2021 Cellar Live)

Saxophonist Stephen Riley and pianist Ernest Turner present a poignantly beautiful set of originals and standards.

Hailing from North Carolina, tenor saxophonist Stephen Riley and pianist Ernest Turner come together to present a poignantly beautiful set of original compositions and standards. Recorded in a beautiful house on the West side of Vancouver, BC, Canada the sound quality is absolutely wonderful, capturing every single nuance. The interplay between the two musicians is purely magic. Features a beautiful tune selection including some original material, lesser known standards and a gospel hymn that highlights the wonderfully unique tenor saxophone sound of Stephen Riley.

1. Doris

2. Among My Souvenirs

3. Beautiful Moon Age

4. J

5. Namely You

6. Sophisticated Lady

7. Light Blue

8. Turnin'

9. Blessed Assurance

Stephen Riley – tenor saxophone

Ernest Turner - piano

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Produced by Cory Weeds and Stephen Riley

Recorded at Will and Norah’s in Vancouver, BC on November 30th, 2019

Engineered mixed and mastered by Sheldon Zaharko

Photography by Cory Weeds

Cover Art by Norah Johnston

Design and layout by John Sellards

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Michael Stephenson Meets The Alexander Claffy Trio (September 17, 2021 Cellar Live)

This album chooses 20th century American music to send its message for a reason.

Twentieth century American popular music is one of the greatest artistic gifts ever given to the world -- and barely anyone talks about it when discussing America. In contrast, Michael Stephenson and Alexander Claffy have made an album that leads with that message. It revels in it -- and it does so at a critical moment. Right now, when we're asking ourselves quite painfully, who are we, and who do we want to be as Americans, the music on this album matters because it reminds us of who we are. It helps answer: what do we have to give? And it dares us: can we give the best of ourselves -- our hearts, our joy, our genius -- to the world? Can we even recognize that part of ourselves?

From Nat King Cole to Ray Charles to Marvin Gaye: this album takes that journey. In pointing us to our own past, this album makes a very modern statement here and now. In the face of injustice, inequality and racism, this music reminds us of our capacity to love, to hold each other and dance, and to agitate for a better future. You ask us what it means to be a Black American musician, or a white American musician? In response we play a slice of our inheritance -- some of the most beautiful songs we know!

1. Sweet Lorraine

2. Greenbacks 04:30

3. What's Happening Brother?

4. When A Man Loves A Woman

5. On The Street Where You Live

6. Tennessee Waltz 03:42

7. Ain't That Love

8. Polka Dots and Moonbeams

9. Can't Hide Love

10. Did You Call Her Today?

11. For All we Know

Michael Stephenson – voice and tenor saxophone

Alexander Claffy – bass

Julius Rodriguez – piano

Itay Morchi - drums

Benny Benack III - trumpet

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Produced by Jeremy Pelt

Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s, Englewood Cliffs, NJ on October 21, 2020

Engineered by Maureen Sickler

Mixed and mastered by Michael Perez

Photography by Martina DaSilva (cover) Ana Yuskevitch (inside)

Design and layout by John Sellards

PREORDER

Steve Maddock - The Blues Project (September 2021 Cellar Live)

The velvety voice of one of Canada's most versatile vocalists, Steve Maddock shows a new side belting out the blues on 10 blues-drenched tunes!

The project began in 2018, when Cory Weeds pitched an idea to Steve for a Joe Williams tribute show at Frankie's Jazz Club in Vancouver. Williams is arguably one of the greatest jazz & blues singers we've ever had. In March 2019, they played two club dates, calling the show "Nothin' But the Blues: A Tribute to Joe Williams". It was so well received, that they immediately began planning a follow-up gig. The theme expanded , still travelling a blues path, but drawing material from other artists. Weeds was an invaluable source, hipping Maddock to such names as Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Jimmy Witherspoon, David Peaston, and Billie Poole. In September 2019, they played a second show at Frankie's: "Steve Maddock Sextet: The Blues Project". Cory suggested they make a record for the Cellar Music label, so they invited their friend Bill Coon, a wonderful musician & composer, to co-produce. After several challenges and delays due to the global pandemic, the band finally got into the studio in December, 2020 and now have "The Blues Project" album dropping on September 3.

1. Everyday I Have The Blues/All Blues 08:28

2. Turnaround (If You're With Me, Today Will Last Forever) 04:38

3. My Funny Valentine 04:10

4. Please, Send Me Someone To Love 06:49

5. Liars' Club 05:16

6. Backdoor Blues 04:14

7. Let Me Out 05:46

8. God Bless The Child 05:27

9. Au Privave 03:24

10. Alright, Ok, You Win 03:54

Steve Maddock – vocals

Chris Gestrin – piano

André Lachance – bass

Dave Robbins – drums

Cory Weeds – tenor saxophone

Brad Turner - trumpet

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Produced by Bill Coon

Recorded at The Armoury Studios in Vancouver, BC on December 1, 2020

Engineered by Sheldon Zaharko

Mixed and mastered by

Photography by

Design and layout by Perry Chua

PREORDER

Nightcrawlers - Do You Know A Good Thing? (2021 Cellar Live)

One of Vancouver's most beloved jazz groups of the past 10 years serve up heaps of grease playing the music of Eddie Harris, Shirley Scott, Hank Marr and other purveyors of greasy jazz! Usually a two horn front-line, this edition of the Nightcrawlers features only the tenor saxophone with Cory Weeds at the helm. Filling out the sound of the band is percussionist Jack Duncan with the all-star Vancouver band Dave Sikula on guitar, Chris Gestrin on Hammond B3 and Jesse Cahill on drums.

Here's what Cellar Music CEO, Cory Weeds had to say about the release:

Before recording this album, The Nightcrawlers were on what appeared to be a permanent hiatus. As a band they hadn’t gigged in several years, dating back to The Cellar. When the coronavirus put a stranglehold on the world, The Cellar Music Group was fortunate to have the support of organizations like FACTOR Canada and Creative BC who stepped up with relief funds for organizations in the music industry. The Cellar Music Group was one of the lucky recipients. So I wanted to do something fun and something that involved just local musicians, production and studio staff.

During the first two or three months of the pandemic, I was listening to a ton of organ music and I was inspired to make another organ record. The problem was that Day By Day was due out, O Sole Mio was in the can and I was set to record my album with strings, so the world did NOT need another record led by Cory Weeds.

I called Jesse Cahill and asked whether he would consider reuniting The Nightcrawlers for a recording. Although he didn’t say yes, it wasn’t no. Eventually, through some prodding, he came around and we started conceptualizing. Jesse was hearing something different for this record. He wanted one horn instead of two and wanted to add congas to the mix. We had done a few gigs at Frankie’s with that lineup under my leadership, and it was really fun and a great sound. It was fantastic to have percussionist Jack Duncan on board. He elevated the sound of the band.

Jesse and I met in my backyard (socially distanced, of course) to talk through some material. We have very similar tastes in music and more specifically in organ music, so coming to a consensus about the material was pretty quick and easy.

The four key members of The Nightcrawlers – Jesse, Dave Sikula, Chris Gestrin and I – have shared the stage for many hours over many years in various configurations, and playing with them feels like playing with family. This recording came at a time when we all needed a bit of normalcy in our lives. We needed to forget about what was going on in the world, have some fun and make some joyous music.

I hope you enjoy gettin’ greasy with The Nightcrawlers.

1. 1974 Blues 06:23

2. Do You Know A Good Thing When You See One? 06:53

3. Devilette 06:10

4. These Foolish Things 06:16

5. Soulful Kitty 06:26

6. Movin’ Out 06:41

7. New Mango 05:08

8. Greasy Spoon 04:11

Cory Weeds – tenor saxophone

Dave Sikula – guitar

Chris Gestrin – organ

Jesse Cahill - drums

Jack Duncan – congas on tracks 1, 3,4,6, 7

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Produced by Jesse Cahill and Cory Weeds

Recorded at The Armoury Studios in Vancouver, BC on November 8, 2020

Engineered mixed and mastered by Sheldon Zaharko

Photography by Jesse Cahill (cover) and Cory Weeds

Design and layout by Perry Chua

PREORDER

Roy Brooks - Understanding (July 23, 2021 Cellar Live)

Understanding, a blazing 1970 concert recording featuring the Detroit-born master percussionist Roy Brooks leading a gifted quintet through its spirited paces at Baltimore’s Famous Ballroom, will be released by Cellar Music Group's archival imprint, Reel to Real Recordings on July 17 as a limited edition 3 LP set exclusively at independent record stores for Record Store Day and as on 2 CDs/digital on July 23.

Comprising more than two hours of expansive performances averaging 20 minutes in length, the potent date was recorded by Left Bank Jazz Society and stars trumpeter Woody Shaw, tenor saxophonist Carlos Garnett, pianist Harold Mabern, and bassist Cecil McBee.

All proceeds from the release — produced with the cooperation of McBee and Garnett and the estates of Brooks, Mabern, and Shaw — will go directly to the Detroit Sound Conservancy, a non-profit organization founded in 2012 and devoted to the preservation, education, conservation, and place keeping of the Motor City’s musical heritage.

Born in 1938, Roy Brooks is perhaps best known as a sideman. He spent five years with pianist Horace Silver’s storied hard bop combo, appearing on the popular Song for My Father, and also worked behind Chet Baker, Yusef Lateef, and Charles Mingus, and alongside Max Roach in the percussion ensemble M’Boom.

Beyond his formidable, gale-force attack on the traps, Brooks — who died in his hometown in 2005 — delighted audiences with flights on the musical saw (heard on the present recording) and even invented a device, the “breath-a-tone,” with which he could change the pitch of his drums as he played. Sadly, the musician’s career was thrown off track in later years by severe mental illness. But the Famous Ballroom date displays him at the height of his considerable powers.

In his comprehensive liner notes for the collection, historian Mark Stryker, author of Jazz from Detroit (University of Michigan Press, 2019), writes that Understanding “shines a long-overdue spotlight on Brooks. A product of Detroit’s mid-century jazz explosion, Brooks was a deeply swinging drummer of uncommon creativity, flexibility, fire and conceptual imagination.”

Led off by a 42-minute performance encompassing the Brooks-composed prelude and title track, Understanding roars through compositions by Shaw (“Zoltan,” first heard on organist Larry Young’s 1965 classic Unity) and Garnett (“Taurus Woman”) and a furious take on Charlie Parker’s “Billie’s Bounce” before an involved, vocal audience. Projected at a fever pitch, the music operates on the cusp between the ‘60s quintet innovations of Miles Davis (whose “The Theme” closes the gig) and the free-form explorations of John Coltrane and his acolytes.

Understanding is filled out by intimate written remembrances by a pair of Brooks’ classmates at Detroit’s Northwestern High School, journalist Herb Boyd and alto saxophonist Charles McPherson. 

1. Introduction 00:25

2. Prelude To Understanding 21:34

3. Understanding 20:10

4. Billie's Bounce 21:06

5. Zoltan 23:18

6. Taurus Woman 32:25

7. The Theme 04:31

Roy Brooks – drums

Carlos Garnett – tenor saxophone

Woody Shaw - trumpet

Harold Mabern – piano

Cecil McBee – bass

Recorded Live at The Famous Ballroom in Baltimore, MD on November 1, 1970

Produced for release by CORY WEEDS and ZEV FELDMAN

Executive Producer: RAYMON TORCHINKSY

Associate Producer: RAYMON TORCHINKSY and JOHN FOWLER

Project Assistance: ZAK SHELBY-SZYSZKO

Sound Restoration by CHRIS GESTRIN

Original Recording Engineer: VERNON WELSH

Cover Photo by BOB CRAWFORD

Art Direction and design: JOHN SELLARDS

Album Package Editor: SHARON MCINNIS

Production Manager: CORY WEEDS

Photo Research: ZEV FELDMAN and CORY WEEDS

Extra special thanks to Carlos Garnett, Cecil McBee and Raheem Brooks.

Dedicated to the memories of Roy Brooks, Woody Shaw and Harold Mabern

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Kyle Asche Organ Trio - Five Down Blues (July 2021 Cellar Live)

Beginning his professional career in Chicago in 2001, Kyle has appeared extensively throughout the city and beyond. He has performed with Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center, Melvin Rhyne, “Killer” Ray Appelton, Chris Foreman, Victor Goines, George Fludas, Ben Paterson and many others. While Asche is a versatile guitarist adept and comfortable in many different genres, the tenets of his style often find him in the company of many of Chicago’s premier jazz vocalists and Hammond organ bands. Now nearly 20 years into his tenure in Chicago, Asche continues to perform around the city on a weekly basis and can be found at many of the city’s jazz rooms regularly. As an active and caring music educator, he has held the jazz guitar faculty position at Loyola University Chicago since 2010.

Mr. Asche's highly anticipated third CD as a leader, Five Down Blues places him in the company of of working band of Pete Benson on organ and drummer George Fludas. This swinging album includes original compositions by Kyle Asche as well as tunes by Horace Silver, John Patton, Melvin Rhyne and others. The set honors the classic Hammond B-3 organ trio tradition while updating it with his own modern aesthetic.

1. Five Down Blues 07:02

2. Dorothy 06:45

3. Pretty Eyes 07:30

4. Delirium 05:28

5. Light, Life, Love 07:57

6. Never Let Me Go 05:44

7. Dirty Fingers 07:04

8. Dig Deep 06:34

Kyle Asche – Guitar

Pete Benson – Hammond Organ

George Fludas – Drums

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Produced by Kyle Asche

Recorded at Reliable Recorders, March 4th and 5th, 2020

Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Alex Hall

Cover Photography by Zoe Rain @zoerainphoto

Design and layout by John Sellards

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Bruce Harris - Soundview (June 4 via Cellar Music Group)

Celebrated Trumpeter Bruce Harris Announces the Release of His Latest Quartet Album, Soundview, Out June 4, 2021 On Cellar Music Group

Cellar Music Group is thrilled to announce the release of Soundview, the latest studio album from trumpeter, composer and educator Bruce Harris and his A-list quartet of masterful musicians. Striking a personal note with Harris, as it speaks to his upbringing in the Bronx neighborhood of Soundview New York, this Jeremy Pelt-produced masterwork celebrates Harris’ ancestors and the architects of the Black American Songbook to which he is so fervently and passionately devoted. Joining Harris is Sullivan Fortner on piano, David Wong on bass, Aaron Kimmel on drums and rising star vocalist Samara Joy, who guests on two tracks. This release marks the first of several collaborative efforts between Cellar Music and Pelt; an initiative which is geared toward showcasing the voices of Black artists. Keeping in line with Soundview’s theme, a donation has been made on behalf of Bruce Harris to the Bronx Charter School of the Arts in conjunction with this release.

The bandleader remarks that “during the pandemic I looked further and got more into the history of Black people in America. It was a time to learn and reflect. In gratitude, I wanted to pay tribute to all of the African American creators of this music.” All but one of the nine tunes on Soundview were written by Black architects of this music, who all happened to live and thrive in Harris’ birthplace of NYC. A testament to the longevity and vivacity of the artform, Harris’ music harkens back to the spirit of his musical ancestors while remaining an innovative and captivating new work.

This iteration of the Bruce Harris Quartet sees its recording debut with Soundview, however, the deep personal connections within this outfit are made evident in the group’s stellar interplay. Harris first met fellow New Yorker David Wong in the late 1990s when the two players were in the same All City and All State jazz bands. From there, a fruitful collaboration took shape. Since, Wong has gone on to play with the likes of Roy Haynes and Jimmy Heath. Harris has worked extensively with drummer Aaron Kimmel for the past decade, who he dubs “one of the greats here in New York; a young master,” and one of his “top five” in the city. Soundview marks the first collaboration between Harris and pianist Sullivan Fortner whom Harris has long admired.

Harris reflects that his relationship with Soundview’s famed album producer Jeremy Pelt began many years ago when Harris was a college student. Pelt’s words of encouragement for Harris left an impact on him. “We’re all in the rat race here. There’s something for you – just get in,” he said. Over the years, Pelt has become a sort of big brother to Harris. 

Upon producing this message-driven release, Pelt remarks that “…contrary to opinion, Jazz has always reflected the times. Sadly again, we are bearing witness to the racial injustice in the United States, wherein Black people’s lives are constantly at risk, particularly by those sworn to protect its citizens. As harrowing as this is, there seems to be a dialog in which Black voices are finally being heard. The Cellar Music Group recognizes that Jazz is not only a music native to America, but that the progenitors of this music are the very lives that are being threatened daily.” Pelt is pleased to bring this conversation to the fore with Harris’ release. 

Soundview is full of several bright moments. As Harris began writing the title track, he visualized scenes of where he was from. “I almost feel like the chords tell the story of my upbringing; a little dark in the beginning, some conflict worked through in bridge, and a new height harmonically resolving in a beautiful major chord,” he says. It is no mistake that the rhythm of the piece is a mambo rhythm, which Harris dubbed ‘the underlying clave of the Bronx’. ”Although it was not a place filled with privilege and opportunity, Soundview was and is rich in artistic excellence and indomitable spirit.” The piece begins with an ostinato from Wong followed by some rhythmic vamping by the rhythmic section, stating the clave of the composition. This sets the stage for Harris to take it by storm with fiery, soulful melodic musings. The recording features masterful improvisations from Harris and Wong.

Another highlight, “Bird of Red and Gold”, features the gifted Samara Joy on vocals. A fellow Bronx native and former student of Harris’, Samara lends her rich dulcet tones to this composition written by jazz luminary and renowned educator Barry Harris. The bandleader notes that Barry Harris was instrumental in his own musical upbringing and that of pianist Sullivan Fortner’s, and Samara is a current student of his. The powerful musical connection between these players is informed by the fact that all of the players are subscribers to Barry Harris’s unique and powerful conceptions of jazz harmony. 

“Saucer Eyes” is a composition by the late jazz luminary Randy Weston who Harris fondly remembers spending a short time with while on tour in Oman. The track has become a live performance staple for Harris. In the spirit of lineage, Harris is thrilled to now see younger generations of musicians performing this Weston piece more frequently. The melody is delivered here with a gleeful energy. Harris and Fortner soar over the changes in their solos conjuring Weston’s immense spirit. 

With the release of Soundview, Bruce Harris has surely earned his reputation as one of the most important and emerging voices in jazz today. Soundview will be available everywhere on June 4, 2021. 

1. Soundview (Bruce Harris)

2. Satellite (G.Gryce / SECOND FLOOR MUSIC)

3. Maybe It’s Hazy (Bruce Harris)

4. If You Were Mine (J. Mercer, M Malneck / BOURNE CO.)

5. Hank’s Prank (H. Mobley /  EMI UNART CATALOG INC.)

6. You’re Lucky To Me (E. Blake, A. Razaf / SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO INC./RAZAF MUSIC)

7. Ellington Suite (arr. Andy Farber)

8. Bird Of Red and Gold (Barry Harris)

9. Saucer Eyes (R. Weston / MAYFLOWER MUSIC CORP.)

BRUCE HARRIS trumpet

SULLIVAN FORTNER piano

DAVID WONG bass

AARON KIMMEL drums

SAMARA JOY voice

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