Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas: Listen to the new album now (GREENLEAF MUSIC 2018)

Introducing Scandal, the new album by Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas

Scandal sets a new standard in jazz as co-leaders Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas present their second recording with pianist Lawrence Fields, bassist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Joey Baron.

The super group heads off into swinging, heartfelt and sophisticated new territory inspired by saxophonist giant Wayne Shorter. Two of Shorter’s pieces receive special treatment. A truly fantastic and original group playing new originals and music by Shorter.

Learn more about the new album or listen to the first track and pre-order the full album below.

Groundbreaking Support for Artists with Jimmy Katz's Giant Step Arts

Renowned Photographer Jimmy Katz Announces Giant Step Arts, an Innovative, Artist-Focused Non-Profit Presenting and Recording Concerts by Modern Jazz Innovators

Launching in January, Giant Step Arts will present one-of-a-kind performances by acclaimed artists, recorded for independent release and documented by Katz in stunning short films

Series kicks off January 21-22 with four sets at NYC’s Jazz Gallery with The Johnathan Blake Trio featuring Chris Potter and Linda Oh

“[Katz] has developed an exceptional body of work in the jazz field, covering the elder statesmen, the icons, the mainstream and the young lions. In the process, he has developed his own style with the camera that is as identifiable as Armstrong’s tone on trumpet or Coltrane’s sound on tenor sax.” 

– Michael Cuscuna, producer, Blue Note Records

For nearly 30 years, photographer Jimmy Katz has documented the world of jazz – crafting iconic portraits of legendary artists, capturing historic moments in the recording studio, or encapsulating the thrill of a nightclub performance in a single fleeting image. Now, with his groundbreaking new non-profit Giant Step Arts, he’ll not only shoot those indelible musical moments, he’ll create them – and the artists themselves will reap the rewards.

Beginning in January, Katz will present a series of live concerts featuring some of modern jazz’s most innovative artists in unique premiere performances and workshops, all recorded for independent release and captured by Katz’s perceptive eye. Instead of using these events for personal reward, he’ll pass the recordings on to the musicians to sell themselves, an unprecedented deal that feels especially rare in today’s self-obsessed cultural climate. The musicians will be well compensated, own their own masters, and Katz will provide them with 700 CDs as well as digital downloads to sell directly, bypassing the profit-sharing incurred in the record label model.

“Giant Step Arts will not be selling any music,” Katz says. “We have two goals: help the musicians and raise more money so we can help more musicians.”

Giant Step Arts will launch with two nights at New York City’s Jazz Gallery on January 21-22, featuring what are sure to be four unforgettable sets by The Johnathan Blake Trio featuring saxophonist Chris Potter and bassist Linda Oh. This singular trio brings together one of the most influential tenor saxophonists in modern jazz with a highly-regarded, rising star bassist, under the leadership of one of the music’s most adventurous drummers. In coming months, the series will also present acclaimed saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa leading a new trio, and brilliant trumpeter Jason Palmer leading a quartet featuring sax giant Mark Turner and bassist Ben Williams.

Each of these concerts promises to be among the highlights of the 2018 jazz calendar, but even more importantly they’ll be recorded for posterity. Katz is an esteemed recording engineer who has worked with artists including David S. Ware, Joe Lovano, Harold Mabern, William Parker, Benny Golson, Jason Palmer, Chris Potter, Rudresh Mahanthappa and Mark Turner among others.

Katz will also create a short film specially tailored to each of the artists – living portraits that will be available online to the public and will help introduce the musicians’ unique personalities to the world in the way that his photos have done for decades. Katz’s striking images will play a role in every Giant Step Arts presentation via slideshows or gallery exhibitions.

The musicians will be given total freedom to choose their collaborators, musical direction, and even the venue for their performances. In return, they’ll give back by teaching master classes to students and the general public, which will be filmed by Katz. Each event will take place at a not-for-profit institution of the artist’s choosing, with free tickets available for students of the New School.

“I feel very strongly that the arts are not supported in this country,” Katz says. “I’d like to raise the profile of each of the musicians. I’m interested in supporting the highest level of creativity in what I believe is the greatest art form - jazz. Giant Step Arts will give musicians the opportunity to fulfill their dreams with no strings attached.”

The only stipulation that Katz places on the artists is that they perform original compositions, and that they strive to offer impassioned, truly remarkable music – none of which should be a challenge given the caliber of the names involved. “I’m looking for raw, intense, emotional playing.” Katz says. “That’s the kind of feeling that I believe is at the heart of jazz. I expect these artists to try to create a masterpiece - however they define it.”

In partnership with his wife Dena, Katz has shot more than 520 recording projects and created more than 180 magazine covers in the jazz arena alone. It’s been not only a profession and a passion, but a source of unending inspiration that he hopes to repay through this exciting new endeavor. “I shoot based on the philosophy of Ornette Coleman and Andrew Hill,” Katz says, praising those pioneering artists’ dedication to following a path of individuality and total freedom. “I always strive to make sure that there’s a unique sound to every image, the same way that Pharoah Sanders or Joe Lovano have achieved a recognizable tone on the tenor saxophone.”

To that end, he’s hoping to frame these once-in-a-lifetime concerts with the same distinctive eye – and ear - that he brings to each photograph. “In my images, I’m always looking for intimacy and emotional intensity,” he says. “That’s what I’m looking for when I do portraits, that’s what I’m looking for when I make films, and that’s what I’m looking for from the musicians when they play.”

Giant Step Arts was born from a generous gift by a group of anonymous donors, and Katz hopes that the stellar nature of the series’ initial offerings will entice additional contributions. Having been a keen observer of the jazz industry for so many years, he’s seen drastic changes in the nature of the record business and the political climate of the country and was moved to offer his own innovative solution.

“I’ve seen the industry from lots of different angles: from the musician’s perspective, from the media perspective, and from the record label perspective,” Katz explains. “In the current political climate, I feel it’s really important to support positive ideas in the arts. As artists, it’s our role to stand for the greatest aspects of American culture. This, after all, is what has always made America great.”

The Jazz Gallery

1160 Broadway, 5th fl

between 27th + 28th streets

New York, NY 10001 USA

Johnathan Blake  © Jimmy Katz

SUN 21 JAN

JOHNATHAN BLAKE TRIO

LIVE RECORDING

Johnathan Blake – drums

Chris Potter – saxophone

Linda Oh – bass

sets at 7.30pm + 9.30pm

$25 / $10 Members

$35 reserved table seating / $20 for members

(click here to become a supporting member today!)

TICKETS

Johnathan Blake  © Jimmy Katz

MON 22 JAN

JOHNATHAN BLAKE TRIO

LIVE RECORDING

Johnathan Blake – drums

Chris Potter – saxophone

Linda Oh – bass

sets at 7.30pm + 9.30pm

$25 / $10 Members

$35 reserved table seating / $20 for members

(click here to become a supporting member today!)

TICKETS

Jimmy Katz

Award-winning photographer Jimmy Katz has documented the lives and music of the most illustrious jazz musicians performing in New York City over the past two and a half decades. Katz has photographed more than 520 recording sessions, many historic, and over 180 magazine covers, gaining unprecedented access to the major players.  Whether taken in the studio, in the clubs, on the streets or in the musicians’ homes, his photographs offer intimate portraits of the artists at work and in repose and capture the collaborative and improvisatory process of jazz itself. Recipient of the Jazz Journalists Association award for jazz photography in both 2006 and 2011, Katz is represented by the PDNB Gallery in Dallas TX and Phocus Agency in Italy. His work has been exhibited in Germany, Italy, Austria, The Netherlands and Japan. Among the world-renowned artists he’s photographed are Sonny Rollins, Keith Jarrett, Ornette Coleman, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Haynes, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Ray Charles, Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Joe Lovano, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Max Roach, Wynton Marsalis, John Zorn, Christian McBride, Dave Holland, Brad Mehldau, Chick Corea, Elvin Jones, Jim Hall, Abbey Lincoln, Pat Metheny, Dizzy Gillespie, Betty Carter, Lee Konitz and Tito Puente. In addition to his well-known visual art, Katz is also a renowned recording engineer.

www.jimmykatz.com

Pianist Ryan Slatko Releases Debut Album “First Impressions” (2017)

Ryan Slatko Releases Debut Album “First Impressions” That Features Original Works And Line-Up Of Leading Artists

Florida pianist, composer, and arranger Ryan Slatko recently released his debut album entitled First Impressions backed by a notable line-up of prominent musicians including Daniel Dickinson (alto/soprano saxophone); Linda Oh (acoustic bass); Ulysses Owens, Jr. (drums); Joel Ross (vibraphone); and Samir Zarif (tenor saxophone). The independent recording was recorded in New York City in 2016 and produced by recognized drummer and producer Ulysses Owens, Jr.

First Impressions is a culmination of Slatko’s musical experiences thus far. Through thoughtfully written compositions and personalized arrangements of select jazz standards, Slatko establishes a marked sense of confidence and maturity for a young artist. Apparent throughout the recording, is the piano player’s adept improvisation and command of the keyboard, which can be attributed to his dedication to the instrument and guidance he has received over the years from distinguished instructors such as Don Friedman, Alan Broadbent, Ari Hoenig, Gil Goldstein, Taylor Eigsti, and Kenny Werner. 

Slatko began his journey into jazz as a drummer and was introduced to diverse styles of music by his father who was an amateur guitarist, before being introduced to the piano at thirteen years of age. Following high school, he attended University of North Florida and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 2015. It was during his years in Florida that he received several impressive achievements, placing third in the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition in 2014, as well as reaching the semifinals of the American Jazz Pianist Competition for two consecutive years.

A relative newcomer to New York, Slatko completed a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies at New York University in 2017 while immersing himself in the city’s unparalleled music scene. He has shared the stage and recorded with an impressive cadre of artists including Randy Brecker, Ari Hoenig, Linda Oh, Rich Perry, Chris Potter, Adam Rogers, Tom Scott, and Alex Sipiagin, among others. Slatko is currently performing in support of First Impressions and planning upcoming concerts to showcase the album; he is also serving as the musical director for the new musical Lights Out: Nat "King" Cole in Pennsylvania

First Impressions was recorded by Chris Allen at Sear Sound Studio and mixed by Dave Darlington at Bass Hit Studio. The album is currently available on iTunes and other leading digital music platforms. For more information visit www.ryanslatkomusic.com

Linda May Han Oh - Walk Against Wind (BIOPHILIA RECORDS 2017)

The art of mime, with its embrace of silence and pure physical expression, may seem like an unlikely source of inspiration for a jazz musician. But in “Walking Against the Wind,” one of Marcel Marceau’s best-loved pieces, bassist/composer Linda Oh found a stunning metaphor for the life of an artist. Marceau’s graceful but frustrated motion, which also inspired Michael Jackson’s iconic moonwalk, found the legendary mime fighting against invisible but pervasive forces while also embracing the beauty and pleasure to be found in taking the paths in life that offer greater challenges but also richer rewards. 

On her fourth album, Walk Against Wind, Oh explores both the challenges and the rich rewards of an artist’s journey. “Walk Against Wind is about the paths that we choose,” Oh explains. “Sometimes they end up being the harder paths, but in the long run they prove more fruitful.” 

The album is the spiritual successor to Oh’s acclaimed 2013 release Sun Pictures, with returning saxophonist Ben Wendel joined by guitarist Matthew Stevens drummer Justin Brown. 

In addition, pianist/keyboardist Fabian Almazan and Korean traditional musician Minji Park appear as special guests with the quartet, which has been workshopping Oh’s compositions at a variety of New York hotspots including the 55 Bar, the Jazz Gallery and Minton’s Harlem. - Shaun Brady

1. Lucid Lullaby 07:48

2. Firedancer 03:44

3. Speech Impediment 06:57

4. Perpluzzle 03:55

5. Walk Against Wind 07:28

6. Ikan Bilis 06:51

7. Mother Reason 04:16

8. Mantis 04:54

9. Deepsea Dancers 06:38

10. Midnight 06:42

11. Western 04:15

Linda Oh - acoustic bass 

Ben Wendel - tenor saxophone 

Matthew Stevens - guitar 

Justin Brown - drums 

Fabian Almazan - piano (tracks 2, 6, 10) 

Minji Park - janggu & kkwaenggwari (track 8) 

Recorded at Brooklyn Recording 

on March 1 & 2, 2016 

Engineered by Tyler MacDiarmid & Andy Taub 

Mixed and Mastered by David Darlington at Bass Hit Studios

Art Hirahara - Central Line (POSI-TONE RECORDS 2017)

Pianist and composer Art Hirahara, born and raised in the Bay Area of San Francisco, has worked with vocalists Freddie Cole and Stacey Kent as well as baritone saxophonist Fred Ho and trumpeter Dave Douglas.  “Central Line” is his fourth album as a leader and his third for Posi-Tone Records. The new album changes the focus a bit from his previous two (2011’s “Noble Path” and 2015’s “Libations and Meditations“) in that, sprinkled into the 14 tracks, there are four solo piano performances and four that add tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin to the trio of Linda Oh (bass) and Rudy Royston (drums).

The variety of settings is a big plus in that the program moves from the introspective solo pieces to heartfelt ballads to more uptempo tracks.  McCaslin’s appearances each stand out.  He and Royston stoke the fires on “Kin Ka: Gold Coin“, the hardest-hitting piece, while his full-toned and emotional solo on “Astray” moves from sweet melody to blues to impressionism.  “Entanglement” also moves between lyricism and hard blowing for both the tenor and piano solos, bolstered by the splendid bass work and Royston’s fiery percussion.  McCaslin and Hirahara team up for a playful duet for the first third of “Little Giant” that continues in its buoyant mood as the rhythm section and ratchets up the energy.

The pianist shares the opening melody of the title track with Ms. Oh; their interactions through the high-speed song, punctuated by Royston dances around the drums, is pure delight.  Yes, their playing is technically impressive but the melodic aspects of the piece remain front-and-center. “Drawing With Light” is a perfect title, a ballad with a strong emotional feel that picks up in speed and intensity, the piece culminating in a two-handed piano solo abetted by the flying bass lines and powerful drumming. There’s a similar feel to “Sensitive Animal” but, while the energy certainly picks up in the middle, the piece stays on a lyrical track. Lyricism also stands out on the lovely trio version of Chico Buarque’s “As Minhas Meninas.” Ms. Oh’s fine solo is a melodic treat as is her work on the free-form “Redwood Thaw“, a short piece (1:56) on which the listener feels as if one is intruding on a private moment.

The solo pieces each have a story.  “Kuroda Bushi” is a traditional song from Japan with a stately melody line while “Introspect” is a lovely tone poem, also with a well-drawn melody.  “Tracing The Line” builds slowly, the melody unfolding and opening up  not unlike a Keith Jarrett solo improvisation.  The closing track is the beautiful and soulful “Yuyake Koyake” – composed by Kanichi Shimofusa (1898-1962), its lovely folk melody describes a late afternoon sky and is a perfect close to an impressive program.

“Central Line” deserves your attention. The music that Art Hirahara created for this program gives the listener an insight not only into his fine musicianship but also into his creative mind.  Each song is a story built from his experiences as a pianist, composer, world traveler, accompanist, and human being. Enjoy this journey.

https://twitter.com/RepublicOfJazz

Joe Lovano and Dave Douglas - Sound Prints (Live At Monterey Jazz Festival) 2015

Blue Note

Saxophonist Joe Lovano and trumpeter Dave Douglas have announced an April 7 release date for Live at Monterey Jazz Festival, the debut recording from their co-led quintet Sound Prints featuring pianist Lawrence Fields, bassist Linda Oh and drummer Joey Baron. The album features the debut of two new compositions written for the band by the band’s primary inspiration: Wayne Shorter. Sound Prints will be performing at Jazz At Lincoln Center in New York City on May 15 & 16 in The Appel Room as part of their Wayne Shorter Festival. Further tour dates will be announced shortly.

For almost twenty years, Lovano and Douglas have been prime moving forces in the jazz scene, their paths crossing often on stage and occasionally on record. Douglas appears on Lovano's 2001 Blue Note album Flights of Fancy: Trio Fascination Edition Two and they overlapped as members of the SFJAZZ Collective for three seasons during which the band performed the repertoire of Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner, and their mutual touchstone: saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter.

Sound Prints takes their inspiration from the music of Shorter – the band's name is a nod to his classic "Footprints" – however the quintet’s focus is on new original compositions by Lovano and Douglas, as well as new Shorter compositions in direct collaboration with the composer himself. The band is fueled by a desire to push the boundaries of their music as far as they can stretch, similar to the expansive role Shorter has played in jazz since his debut with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in 1959.

In the album’s liner notes Shorter exclaims: “Onward! Dave Douglas, Joe Lovano, Lawrence Fields, Linda Oh and Joey Baron!  It’s not often when a combination of musicians such as the aforementioned elect to immerse themselves in an explorative adventure without hesitation or reservation. May they continue forging ahead on the trail less trodden. Onward!”

"The defining trait of Sound Prints," wrote Nate Chinen in The New York Times in a 2012 review of their engagement at the Village Vanguard, "is the tangled crosstalk of its front line: an urbane, on-the-fly counterpoint brimming with crooked urgency, like a choice bit of dialogue in a David Mamet play.”

In the summer of 2011 Sound Prints opened for Shorter's Quartet on a European tour. They weren't performing any of his tunes yet but time spent with the legend and his band made a big impact on the group. When Sound Prints appeared on the bill with Shorter at New York's Town Hall in June 2013 he presented them with the new scores of "Destination Unknown" and “To Sail Beyond The Sunset," two pieces commissioned by the Monterey Jazz Festival. "The music came handwritten - very detailed, very precise," says Douglas.

Sound Prints' debut album was recorded live at the Monterey Jazz Festival on September 21, 2013.  Lovano and Douglas contributed two songs apiece to the set and the Shorter compositions were given their public debut that day. "The recordings are the very first performances of the newly commissioned tunes," said Douglas. "We all were at a heightened state of paying attention. Shorter took a lot of risks exploring elements of change. It was such a high to play it for him.” “The music moves from today into tomorrow," adds Lovano. "Wayne told us the melody was just a suggestion – tell your own story with it."

The tracklisting for Joe Lovano & Dave Douglas Sound Prints Live at Monterey Jazz Festival is as follows:

1. Sound Prints (Joe Lovano)

2. Sprints (Dave Douglas)

3. Destination Unknown (Wayne Shorter)

4. To Sail Beyond The Sunset (Shorter)

5. Weatherman (Lovano)

6. Power Ranger (Douglas)

Recorded At – Monterey Jazz Festival

Mixed At – Sear Sound

Mastered At – Battery Mastering Studios

A&R – Don Was

A&R [A&R Administration] – Steve Cook (12)

Art Direction, Design – Hayden Miller

Bass – Linda Oh

Drums – Joey Baron

Engineer [Assistant Engineer (Recording)] – Amanda Davis (2), Eli Robbins, Michael Orsow, Rob MacKinnon

Engineer [Assistant Mix Engineer] – Ted Tuthill

Engineer [Engineered By (Recording)] – Ron Davis (2)

Liner Notes – Dave*, Joe*, Wayne Shorter

Mastered By – Mark Wilder

Mixed By – James Farber

Photography By [Cover Photo By, Individual Photos By] – Craig Lovell

Photography By [Group Photo By] – Cole Thompson

Piano – Lawrence Fields

Producer – Dave Douglas, Joe Lovano

Recorded By – Monterey Jazz Festival Audio Recording Crew

Tenor Saxophone – Joe Lovano

Trumpet – Dave Douglas

Recorded live at Monterey Jazz Festival on September 21, 2013 

Mixed at Sear Sound, New York, NY on December 18, 2013 

Mastered at Battery Studios, New York, NY

BUY THIS ALBUM!!!

VÍCTOR

Jim Snidero - Main Street (2015)

By Michael J. West / JazzTimes

A determinedly straightahead alto saxophonist, Jim Snidero staffs his Main Street quartet with determinedly adventurous young musicians—and gets them swinging along with him. It’s no surprise to hear that pianist Fabian Almazan, bassist Linda Oh and drummer Rudy Royston have the meat-and-potatoes bop chops that a Snidero record requires; it is, however, invigorating.

Those musicians sneak in bits and pieces of their own conceptions, too. Snidero’s soulful blues “Post Time Saratoga” features scorchers from Oh and Snidero, and behind them, Royston’s latticework marks him as the best decorative drummer in the business. (He continues to prove it throughout, topping himself with a reason-defying solo on the closing “The Streets of Laredo.”) Almazan matches that artistry with subtle figures and note choices that fatten up his comp lines, then bursts forth with a solo that explodes both the tune’s rhythmic and harmonic framework. He does the same on “Duluth at Noon,” “Walla Walla” and “The Streets of Laredo,” making him the album’s MVP.

Oh has tricks up her sleeve, too. When Royston and Almazan ratchet up to double time in “Duluth,” she steadfastly maintains the original tempo even as it displaces her accents. She also finds new ways to express the pulse with every bar of “Las Vegas Tango,” and offers perhaps the album’s best improvisation with her nuanced light touch on “Autumn in New York.”

Snidero, meanwhile, maintains the consistent gifts that have marked his 30-plus-year career: juicy sax work crafted with soul, flawless tone and a keen sense of narrative (his solo on “The Streets of Laredo” rivals Oh for album best). His compositions are impressive, too, eking surprises out of licks in “Duluth at Noon” and building a durable melody out of a mixed meter and an R&B lick on “Born in Redwood City.” Main Street is a solid addition to his résumé.

Jim Snidero, alto sax

Fabian Almazan, piano

Linda Oh, bass

Rudy Royston, drums

Duluth At Noon

Post Time Saratogo

Las Vegas Tango

Oxford Square

Autumn In New York

Born In Redwood City

Walla Walla

The Streets Of Laredo

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Domi

Dave Douglas Quintet - Brazen Heart (2015)

Dave's longstanding quintet, one of the best bands working in jazz today, featuring Jon Irabagon (saxophones), Matt Mitchell (piano), Linda Oh (bass) and Rudy Royston (drums). Brazen Heart is a heart-felt remembrance of Douglas' brother, featuring a batch of great new original compositions, as well as two spirituals, Deep River and There Is A Balm In Gilead. This new material grew out of the band's extensive travels around the United State and Europe in Douglas' 50th birthday year.

Dave Douglas - trumpet and compositions 

Jon Irabagon - saxophones 

Matt Mitchell - piano 

Linda Oh - bass 

Rudy Royston - drums

Released October 2, 2015

01. Brazen Heart 07:23

02. Deep River 03:58

03. Hawaiian Punch 07:31

04. Inure Phase 05:38

05. Lone Wolf 02:55

06. Miracle Gro 08:16

07. Ocean Spray 05:23

08. Pyrrhic Apology 07:34

09. There is a Balm in Gilead 06:23

10. Variable Current 04:21

11. Wake Up Claire 05:33

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JAVI