Mark Lockett / Joel Frahm / Orlando Le Fleming - Sneaking Out After Midnight (November 2021)

1. Loose Motion 06:11

2. Disingenuous 05:18

3. Nows Not the Time 03:29

4. Crew Cut 05:27

5. For Heavens Sake 05:24

6. Mr Pickles 06:34

7. Good Day for a Dog 06:33

8. Don't Take the G Train 07:11

9. Sneaking Out After Midnight 06:54

10. Tennis Elbow 05:33

Joel Frahm - Saxophone

Orlando Le Fleming - Bass

Mark Lockett - Drums

Recording engineer - Michael Brorby

Mixed - Michael Brorby

Mastered - Michael MacDonald

PREORDER

Miki Yamanaka (w/ Mark Turner, Orlando le Fleming) to release 'Stairway to the Stars' on October 1 via Outside in Music

Celebrated Pianist, Composer and Bandleader Miki Yamanaka Announces the Release of Her Upcoming Trio Record, Stairway to the Stars, Featuring Saxophonist Mark Turner and Bassist Orlando le Fleming, Out October 1st on Outside In Music

Outside In Music is pleased to announce the October 1st release of Stairway to the Stars, an intimate, pared-down glance into renowned pianist Miki Yamanaka’s musical ethos. A follow-up to 2020’s Human Dust Suite, Stairway to the Stars was recorded on August 12, 2020. Initially slated to be recorded live in front of an audience at Mezzrow Jazz Club during one of Yamanaka’s monthly weekend performances, 2020 had other plans for this esteemed pianist as the city shut down amidst a global health crisis. Recorded at home, Stairway to the Stars captures a fiercely immersive trio session featuring Miki Yamanaka on piano alongside consummate bassist Orlando le Fleming and acclaimed saxophonist Mark Turner.

2020 was no ordinary year, and this is no ordinary album – Stairway to the Stars features a drumless configuration of piano, saxophone and bass and yet does not sacrifice one iota of stellar rhythmic invention. Yamanaka brings a nuanced intensity to the eight tunes presented on this album, especially her two original pieces, “Oatmeal” and “Wonder”. Stairway to the Stars is released while the pianist, composer and bandleader is fresh off the heels from her second studio release Human Dust Suite, which was hailed by master organist Larry Goldings as “a wonderful example of the breadth of Miki’s musical vision” and “a seasoned follow-up to her widely recognized debut Miki” by Mike Jurkovic of All About Jazz.

Yamanaka’s fervent, muscular performance is only augmented by her esteemed houseguests Orlando le Fleming and Mark Turner, both of whom are prolific bandleaders and sidemen with a who’s who of jazz luminaries. Yamanaka notes “I was always a huge fan of Mark, and had never gotten to play with him before COVID. He is busy usually, as a leader and a sideman. I was too excited when both of them showed up to my apartment!”

Yamanaka’s stellar original compositions shine on Stairway to the Stars, her tune “Oatmeal” makes its recording debut, this soulful piece highlights the cohesiveness of this small ensemble of New York staples. Turner’s sax soars over Yamanaka’s bluesy harmonic refrains as le Fleming’s thoughtful bass lines provide the track with a tight-knit swing and buoyancy. Yamanaka demonstrates her stunning facility at melodic invention over the tune’s jaunty changes.

Miki Yamanaka by Rudy Royston

The ensemble lends its instrumental agility and refinement to a diverse array of jazz classics including old chestnuts such as “My Melancholy Baby” and “Tea For Two”; as well as  bebop hits such as Charlie Parker’s 1947 composition “Cheryl”, and Steve Swallow’s lush composition “Eiderdown”. Each composition activates new territory for the seemingly boundless outfit to explore, leaving the listener with a comprehensive album that acts as a masterclass in interplay and dynamics.

Yamanaka notes “I will never take it for granted to be able to be with my favorite people making music, drinking nice wine, eating nice food together, ever again. It made me realize how important that is in my life.” Stairway to the Stars seemingly captures the excited, joyous energy of a confluence of fine musicians and friends gathering together to do what they do best.

The Kobe, Japan native, who has lived in New York City since 2012. A student of Jason Lindner, Jeb Patton, Fred Hersch, Sam Yahel, and Larry Goldings, in 2015 she was one of three pianists selected to participate in “Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead”, an intensive composition residency at the Kennedy Center. She earned her Master of Music degree from Queens College. Miki has appeared in concert with many notable musicians including Steve Nelson, Seamus Blake, Jerry Dodgion, Victor Lewis, Rich Perry, Antonio Hart, and Peter Bernstein. She holds residencies at Smalls and Mezzrow Jazz Clubs in New York City and has had multiple week-long engagements at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola since 2016. She is the current pianist in the Philip Harper Quintet, the Roxy Coss Quintet, and the Antonio Hart Group. Miki recorded an EP, “Songs Without Lyrics” in 2012, which featured Lawrence “Lo” Leathers, Tivon Pennicott, and Spencer Murphy, she released her aforementioned debut album, “Miki” with Steve Nelson, Orlando le Fleming, and Bill Stewart in 2018 and “Human Dust Suite” in 2020 alongside alto saxophonist Anthony Orji, bassist Orlando le Fleming, and drummer Jochen Rueckert.

1. Cheryl

2. My Melancholy Baby

3. Eiderdown

4. Ask Me Now

5. Wonder

6. Oatmeal

7. Stairway to the Stars

8. Tea For Two

Outside in Music Website

Orlando le Fleming - Romantic Funk: The Unfamiliar (Whirlwind Recordings)

"Outstanding” is an overused description but one that’s applied to bassist Orlando le Fleming so consistently that its justification can’t be denied. Since relocating from his native UK to New York City he’s thrived in the world’s toughest jazz environment, and brought his inimitable personality to work on projects for the likes of Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Charlap, Billy Cobham, Wayne Krantz, Ari Hoenig, Seamus Blake, Jeff “Tain” Watts and David Sanchez among many others.

“As a leader he shines even brighter - his drumless OWL Trio in particular gained plaudits across the board for its hushed, intimate atmosphere. Now he’s back with a completely different conception: his latest release Romantic Funk: The Unfamiliar introduces us to a new sound, a tribute to the muscular, high-intensity fusion of the 1980s, and a new band, Romantic Funk. Le Fleming has assembled an awesome team of top flight players: with Philip Dizack on trumpet and Will Vinson on sax in the frontline, Sean Wayland on keys and drummers Kush Abadey and Nate Wood rounding out the powerhouse rhythm section. All the compositions are by le Fleming, developed over time at the band’s extended residency in Greenwich Village’s 55 Bar, and captured live in the studio.

The power and precision of the performances astonishes throughout. Says le Fleming: “In under two days in the studio, this album was all played live, with very few edits and overdubs. The musicians are of such high quality that the risk taking paid off; for me, the inexpressible magic of the group and moment in time was captured."

Le Fleming’s tunes showcase his band’s individual excellence and group cohesion. ‘I’ll Tell You What It Is Later’ is influenced by the Miles Davis albums of the 80’s and late 60’s. It uses a simple form with minimal chords and open unrestricted solo section, giving Philip Dizack space to shine. “Phil is a very intuitive, musical player. His choices always seem to make so much sense.” ‘Waynes’ is inspired by le Fleming’s two favourite Waynes - Shorter and Krantz alternating excitingly between tension and release. Lauded multi-instrumentalist Nate Wood’s drums drive the triplet-laden groove of ‘The Myth of Progress’ and return to thrilling effect on ‘FOMO Blues’ - “Nate’s pocket and language are exceptional, but it’s his all round musicality which isso impressive.”

In contrast to the groove-heavy material, ‘Struggle Session’ floats in an effortless rubato over Abadey’s creative percussion “Kush is a rare find. A wonderful, sensitive jazz drummer who understands the aesthetics of swing but can also groove and improvise in rock and funk.” ‘More Melancholy’ features an improvised intro from Wayland, and a stunning statement from Vinson - “I love Sean’s other- worldly note choices and the sounds he builds on his synths. His beautiful free intros are much better, less predictable and more personal than any I could have written. Will’s lyrical saxophone is sublime on this album.

Every solo he plays is thoughtful, expressive and captures the mood of the moment.” ‘Mischievous’ is a pure blowing vehicle with an unexpected time change “We really stretch this one out live, and this version captures that feeling”. Closing track ‘The Inexpressible’ features acoustic bass and another outstanding Wayland improvisation to set up a slow, spiritual groove dedicated to le Fleming’s family.

“When writing this album, I was very conscious of the improvisational sections being tailored for the specific musicians, allowing them freedom to express their quirks. I encouraged risk taking and tried to make it fun for them without being too much of a control freak. It’s very much a cohesive band, as we workshopped this material at the 55 bar over the last year. The ‘Romantic’ in Romantic Funk is more in line with romantic ideals such as the indefinable, unbounded, inexpressible, unfamiliar.” To which we might add - Outstanding.

1. I'll Tell You What It Is Later 05:37

2. Waynes 05:40

3. The Myth of Progress 06:10

4. Struggle Session 03:54

5. FOMO Blues 04:02

6. More Melancholy 05:07

7. Mischievous 04:43

8. The Inexpressible 05:59

Philip Dizack - trumpet (all tracks except 6)

Will Vinson - alto sax

Sean Wayland - keys/synths

Orlando le Fleming - upright and electric bass

Kush Abadey - drums (except tracks 3 & 5)

Nate Wood - drums (tracks 3 & 5)

Pre-order

Jeff "Tain" Watts - Travel Band - Detained in Amsterdam (June 29, 2018)

Tain spent his formative years with Wynton & Branford Marsalis and his writing skills now command equal attention, highlighted by a 2017 Guggenheim Fellowship in Music Composition. Watts has recorded and toured with George Benson, Harry Connick Jr, Kenny Garrett, Michael Brecker, Kenny Kirkland, Courtney Pine, Geri Allen, Alice & Ravi Coltrane, Greg Osby, McCoy Tyner, Steve Coleman & Fort Apache.

1. Brilliant Corners

2. 14E Intro

3. 14E

4. Brekky with Drecky

5. Ice Age Intro

6. Ice Age 07:11

7. Brainlifter 06:01

8. Vodville 05:15

9. A Wreath for John T. Smith

10. Merango Nights

11. Snarchasm Rant

12. Snarchasm

13. Blakzilla Intro

14. Seed of Blakzilla

15. Blutain

Recorded live at the Bimhuis, Amsterdam on Saturday Feb 11, 2017.

Released by Dark Key Music June 29, 2018.

Jeff "Tain" Watts - drums and compositions

Paul Bollenback - guitar

Orlando le Fleming - double bass

Produced by Jeff "Tain" Watts 

Recording Engineers: Onno Prillwitz and Marc Schots 

Mix Engineer: Patrick Smith 

Mastering Engineer: Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound NYC 

Additional edits by Laura Watts 

Package design by Jeff Watts and Laura Watts

Ari Hoenig - NY Standard (FRESH SOUND NEW TALENT RECORDS 2018)

For his latest album NY Standard, Ari Hoenig pays tribute to the movement and tradition of

playing jazz standards in New York City. Once you learn a song there are so many different

directions and conversations you can have using that song as a starting point. It’s kind of like a

private conversation you can have with other people who know the song. If you don’t know the

song however there will be a lot you will miss.

New York city has brought together people from all over the world. People that would normally

never have the chance to even meet but can speak to each other on a deep level using jazz

standards as the basis for the conversation.

In addition to his work a bandleader, Hoenig is one of the most sought-after sidemen of his

generation. He has appeared on over a hundred recordings and worked with a diverse

spectrum of artists, including guitarists Mike Stern, Pat Martino, Wayne Krantz and Kurt

Rosenwinkel, saxophonists Joshua Redman and Chris Potter, harpist Edmar Castaneda,

bassist / vocalist Richard Bona and many more. He’s developed deep musical relationships

with pianists representing three generations of boundless jazz creativity: Billy Childs, Kenny

Werner, Jean-Michel Pilc and Monk competition winner, Tigran Hamasyan.

01. Boplicity (Davis-Evans) 4:29

02. Bessie's Blues (John Coltrane) 8:31

03. Stablemates (Benny Golson) 6:19

04. Someday My Prince Will Come (Churchill-Morey) 6:21

05. Pent Up House(Sonny Rollins) 5:52

06. In Walked Bud (Thelonious Monk) 7:30

07. Fee Fi Fo Fum (Wayne Shorter) 4:30

Ari Hoenig (drums)

Tivon Pennicott (tenor sax on #5-7)

Gilad Hekselman (guitar on #1-3,5,6)

Tigran Hamasyan (piano on #2)

Shai Maestro (piano on #4,6)

Eden Ladin (piano on #3,5)

Orlando Le Fleming (bass)

Recorded at Peter Karl Studios in Brooklyn, New York, September 2015, except track #2 recorded on January 21, 2010

Recorded, mixed & mastered by Michael Perez-Cisneros

Cover photo by Ilkka Rantamaki

Produced by Ari Hoenig

Executive Producer: Jordi Pujol

Orlando Le Fleming - Romantic Funk (OLF RECORDS 2017)

Perhaps the most accomplished UK-born improviser of his generation, bassist Orlando le Fleming returns with his new album Romantic Funk, the long  awaited follow-up to 2010's From Brooklyn With Love.

The spirit of Romantic Funk falls somewhere between the serene, legato passages of early-Jaco-era Weather Report, and the spaced out electronica of late-70's Herbie Hancock; a unity distorted beautifully by Le Fleming's jedi-level command of complex rhythmic systems. Best known as a double bassist with jazz luminaries like Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jeff "Tain" Watts and Lage Lund, Le Fleming takes a left with his new release, electing to showcase his abilities on the electric bass this time against a backdrop of his own kaleidoscopic compositions.

About the music, Le Fleming says: “The ‘romantic’ is personified by lush, classical harmony echoed by the nostalgic synth sounds of Pete Rende and Frank LoCrasto. The strong grooves and guitar lines are heavily influenced by Funk, although the complexities in rhythm stem from more contemporary forms of jazz.”

The pithy irreverence of the album's tracklist reflects Le Fleming's wry wit and penchant for injecting irony into musical conversation. "Pretentious Brooklyn’s” combination of popular and esoteric elements finds its composer utilizing much the same crossover approach as Miles Davis did on Live - Evil, recalling Dave Holland as readily as David Axelrod. "Focustrate" is a whirling, polyrhythmic take on the Headhunters sound, a quieter contemporary analog to the gyrating hemiolas of Wayne Krantz's modern classic Two Drink Minimum. The sublime "Myth" finds a strong asset in guest drummer Lenny Reece (otherwise known for his work with DJ Premier and Gentei Kaijo), who helps Le Fleming & co. find common ground between the Dilla-inflected Robert Glasper aesthetic of this generation, and the electric jazz canon of decades prior.

Reece is not the only guest on the album. The core lineup of Le Fleming, drummer Ari Hoenig, guitarist Greg Tuohey and keyboardist Frank LoCrasto is augmented intermittently by saxophonists Seamus Blake and Will Vinson, keyboardists Sullivan Fortner and Pete Rende, and guitarist Ryan Scott. Le Fleming's veteran leadership finds a place for everyone, and everyone in their place.

Turn off your TV and turn up the bass - Romantic Funk is out May 12th.

1. Brooklyn

2. And That Sort Of Thing

3. Focustrate

4. Myth

5. Mr Grumble

6. Ellington

7. Smirk

8. Melancholy

Orlando le Fleming​ (Bass)

Ari Hoenig & Lenny Reece​ (Drums)

Greg Tuohey & Ryan Scott​ (Guitars)

Frank LoCrasto, Sullivan Fortner & Pete Rende​ (Keyboards)

Seamus Blake & Will Vinson​ (Saxophones)

www.orlandolefleming.com