Diego Rivera - Mestizo (February 11, 2022 Posi-Tone Records)

With a stunning mixture of grace and power, tenor saxophonist Diego Rivera transcends cultural boundaries to deliver an emphatic message of intelligence and inclusivity on his 2022 release "Mestizo." Critical listeners may appreciate these performances as a series of engaged discussions employing the repartee of context and contrast between the leading voices of the horns and the affectionate support and retort from their immaculate rhythm section of pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston.

This assemblage of bright moments is also admirably enhanced by the presence of trumpet phenomenon Alex Sipiagin, who joins Rivera as his front line aide-de-cam, providing musical offerings of incisive intensity that steadily serve to escalate the entire proceeding unto another level. Nonetheless, if we overly focus on the interplay of elements, then we risk missing out on the point of the dialogue and mistake the medium for the message. Rivera's unmistakable talent as a songwriter is the real story, as he deftly transforms this dynamic quintet into a unified instrument and unleashes a powerful combination of swinging blasts juxtaposed with forays into the emotional parlance of subtle conversation.

From the opening salvo to the last hurrah, the melodic message of "Mestizo" moves effortlessly straightforward and affirms that Rivera is a shining star of unlimited brilliance to keep an eye on for many years to come.

1. Battle Fatigue

2. Rasquache

3. Teru

4. Bracero

5. Escapade

6. Canción De Cuna

7. Most From The Least

8. The Rose Window

9. La Raza Cósmica

10. Mestizo

Diego Rivera - tenor saxophone

Alex Sipiagin - trumpet, flugelhorn 6, 9

Art Hirahara - piano

Boris Kozlov - bass

Rudy Royston - drums, percussion 2, 4, 8

produced by Marc Free

engineered by Nick O'Toole

recorded September 16-17, 2021 & Teru on June 6, 2021, at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Woodland Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

photography by Anna Yatskevich

package design by Alex Koehler

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Boris Kozlov - First Things First (January 21, 2022 Posi-Tone Records)

Bassist and bandleader Boris Kozlov defies expectations and redefines what it means to put "First Things First.” Producer Marc Free sends Kozlov out along an ambitious course for his 2022 Posi-Tone debut, and with a steady hand, bassist Kozlov confidently directs a mighty quintet of top notch musicians. Saxophonist Donnie McCaslin, vibraphonist Behn Gillece, keyboardist Art Hirahara and drummer Rudy Royston keep moving freely over the solid harmonic foundation provided by Kozlov’s playing and leadership. While many jazz fans have yet to become acquainted with the music of Kozlov, the time has come to travel together beyond the simply straight ahead and to color outside the lines. We are confident that the music on this album will bring delight to the ears of serious listeners, navigating steadily away from the known and familiar and move swiftly out into the uncharted depths of modern collective improvisation to uncover a new sound in time and space.

1. Page One 06:18

2. Flow 04:01

3. The More Things Change 05:35

4. I.S. Adventure 06:51

5. Aftermath 07:53

6. Second Line Sally 05:49

7. Viscous 05:45

8. Mind Palace 07:13

9. Warm Sand 06:49

10. Once A Fog In Babylon 07:39

11. Eclipse 02:32

Boris Kozlov: acoustic bass; electric bass 2, 6, 8, 10; piccolo bass 6

Donny McCaslin: tenor saxophone; alto flute 2, 8, 10

Art Hirahara: piano; Rhodes 8; B3 6, 10

Behn Gillece: vibraphone (not on 6)

Rudy Royston: drums; percussion 2, 6, 11

Marc Free - producer

Michael Brorby - recording engineer

Nick O’Toole - mixing and mastering engineer

recorded November 14-15, 2020 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Woodland Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

photography by Anna Yatskevich

package design by Alex Koehler

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Blue Moods - Myth & Wisdom (January 2022 Posi-Tone Records)

All too often we encounter the sad reality that the songwriting of many influential jazz artists, who are regularly proclaimed as masters by the critics, languish in relative obscurity, while their compositions remain recondite, or at best, largely unfamiliar to a vast segment of contemporary audiences. In the hope of remedying this situation and creating new interest in these artists, Posi-Tone is initiating a series of “Blue Moods” releases. These introductory programs are focused on a single artist to re-present some of their vital works to a new group of listeners. 

This 2022 premier volume spotlights the compositions of Charles Mingus, and celebrates the “Myth & Wisdom” of his masterful musical artistry. These collaborative releases will feature the members of our musical repertory theatre company performing succinctly focused and interpretive reenactments to highlight some of the “great plays” of these under appreciated songwriters.

1. Better Get It In Your Soul 04:52

2. Nostalgia In Times Square 05:07

3. Tonight At Noon 04:31

4. Duke Ellington's Sound Of Love 05:50

5. Orange Was The Color Of Her Dress, Then Silk Blue 07:15

6. Peggy's Blue Skylight 05:06

7. Pussy Cat Dues 05:38

8. Pithecanthropus Erectus 07:53

9. Portrait 06:26

10. Reincarnation Of A Lovebird 07:52

Diego Rivera - tenor saxophone

Art Hirahara - piano

Boris Kozlov - bass

Joe Strasser - drums

David Kikoski - piano 5, 8, 9

Marc Free - producer

Nick O’Toole - engineer

recorded June 4-5, 2021 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Woodland Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

photography by Anna Yatskevich

package design by Alex Koehler

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Farnell Newton - Feel The Love (Posi-Tone Records)

Emotional integrity is the keynote address when Farnell Newton plays his trumpet with heartfelt and hopeful expressiveness entreating us to “Feel the Love.” As this 2021 album covers a wide range of moods and genres, Newton's trumpet playing remains steadily focused on portraying the subtle and tasteful elements of his style. He pushes melodicism to the forefront while also demonstrating his formidable command of the instrument. The whole album is truly a labor of love. To make this happen, Newton traveled east from Portland Oregon to New York City, to work with Posi-Tone and their capable rhythm section of pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummers Rudy Royston and Joe Strasser.

The album also features wonderful guest appearances from several of Farnell's favorite saxophonists, including Jaleel Shaw, Braxton Cook, Brandon Wright, and Patrick Cornelius. With an amazing combination of diverse talents, several brilliant performances, and an evocative program of musical compositions, Farnell Newton keeps everything moving steadily straight forward, and continues to announce he is an important and emerging voice on today's jazz scene.

1. Feel The Love 04:43

2. Affectionately Roy 04:16

3. I'll Catch You 04:50

4. A Child Not Yet Born 05:13

5. The Bluest Eyes 06:34

6. Litoral 06:52

7. Pale 06:06

8. The Force Of Gravity 04:34

9. Laws Of Motion 04:37

10. Lawn Darts 05:19

11. Our Chosen Family 05:44

Farnell Newton - trumpet

Art Hirahara - piano

Boris Kozlov - bass

Rudy Royston - drums & percussion on all but 4, 6, 9

Braxton Cook - alto saxophone on 2, 10

Jaleel Shaw - alto saxophone on 3, 5, 7

Joe Strasser - drums on 4, 6, 9

Brandon Wright - tenor saxophone on 4

Patrick Cornelius - alto saxophone on 6, 9

Michael Dease - trombone on 7

Marc Free - producer

Nick O’Toole - engineer

recorded June 21, 2018 & September 17, 2019 (4, 6, 9) at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Woodland Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

photography by Andrew Wallner

package design by Jamie Brunson

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Various Artists - Shorter Moments / Exploring The World Of Wayne (November 2021 Posi-Tone Records)

Acting upon the thoughtful advice to give out flowers to the living while they are still here to enjoy them, Posi-Tone would like to show our profound appreciation and affection for Wayne Shorter. With the release of “Shorter Moments,” we celebrate the music of this wonderful composer and present a special compilation of his compositions, lovingly performed over the years by a wide variety of artists from our talented roster.

1. Chief Crazy Horse from the 2008 album David Ashkenazy “Resonation” - David Ashkenazy - drums, Matt Otto - tenor saxophone, Steve Cotter - guitar, Roger Shew - bass

2. Edda from the album 2012 Ed Cherry “It’s All Good” - Ed Cherry - guitar, Pat Bianchi - organ, Byron Landham - drums

3. Rio from the 2019 album Out To Dinner “Different Flavors” - Michael Dease - trombone, Tim Green - alto saxophone, Behn Gillece - vibraphone, Boris Kozlov - bass, Rudy Royston - drums

4. ESP from the 2016 album Jordan Young “Jazz Jukebox” - Jordan Young - drums, Matt Chertkoff - guitar, Brian Charette - organ

5. El Gaucho from the 2017 album Farnell Newton “Back To Earth” - Farnell Newton - trumpet, Greg Goebel - piano, Dylan Sundstrom - bass, Christopher Brown - drums

6. Lady Day from the 2021 album Alexa Tarantino “Firefly” - Alexa Tarantino - alto saxophone, Art Hirahara - piano, Boris Kozlov - bass, Rudy Royston - drums

7. Scarlet Woman from the 2016 album Walt Weiskopf “The Way You Say It” - Walt Weiskopf - tenor saxophone, Brian Charette - organ, Behn Gillece - vibraphone, Steve Fidyk - drums

8. Water Babies from the 2014 album Orrin Evans & The Captain Black Big Band “Mother’s Touch” - arranged by Tatum Greenblatt; soloists Stacy Dillard - tenor sax, and Tatum Greenblatt - trumpet

9. Children Of The Night from the 2009 album David Ashkenazy “Out With It” - David Ashkenazy - drums, Joel Frahm - saxophone, Gary Versace - organ, Gilad Hekselman - guitar

10. United from the 2009 album Sam Yahel “Hometown” - Sam Yahel - piano, Matt Penman - bass, Jochen Rückert - drums

11. Charcoal Blues from the 2014 album Jared Gold “JG 3+3” - Jared Gold - organ, Dave Stryker - guitar, Sylvia Cuenca - drums, Patrick Cornelius - alto sax

12. Infant Eyes from the 2009 album Wayne Escoffery “Uptown” - Wayne Escoffery - saxophone, Avi Rothbard - guitar

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Art Hirahara - Open Sky (July 9, 2021 Posi-Tone Records)

Pianist Art Hirahara turns his musical aspirations toward an “Open Sky,” unveiling a subtly evocative set of melodic insights and intimate emotional expressions for this 2021 album, his sixth release on Posi-Tone. Spreading his sensitivities and talents across the piano keyboard, Hirahara presents listeners with a seamless aggregate of brilliant next level compositions and graceful interpretations amalgamated by accompaniment from some the finest musicians on the scene today.

This captivating collection of hard hitting performances features Hirahara playing alongside bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston, as well as guest appearances from saxophonist Nicole Glover and vibraphonist Behn Gillece, all of whom come together to employ a wide palette of harmony and color to elucidate the structures while steadily holding down the backline groove with a cavalcade of contrapuntal rhythms.

Featuring a tour de force combination of talents, brilliant musicianship, and an evocative program of new compositions, Hirahara’s “Open Sky” is guaranteed to bring a wide range of bright moments and intense joy to jazz fans everywhere.

Art Hirahara - piano

Boris Kozlov - bass

Rudy Royston - drums & percussion

Behn Gillece - vibraphone 4

Nicole Glover - tenor saxophone 5, 8; soprano saxophone 10

Marc Free - producer

Nick O’Toole - mixing & mastering engineer

Michael Brorby - recording engineer

recorded August 9-12, 2020 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Woodland Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

sky photography by Art Hirahara

package design and photography by Sara Pettinella

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Jacám Manricks - Cloud Nine (June 26, 2021 Posi-Tone Records)

Saxophonist Jacám Manricks soars up and out into the friendly skies of "Cloud Nine." This exciting musical program from 2012 covers all the angles as Manricks' brilliant original compositions are presented by an amazing group of players including celebrated organist Sam Yahel, renowned guitarist Adam Rogers, the ever amazing Matt Wilson on drums, and there is also a guest appearance by trumpet wizard David Weiss. Manricks demonstrates his total command of the instrument, and serious listeners will be joyously transported away to the swinging heavenly wonderland of "Cloud Nine."

1. Cloud Nine 03:58

2. Ystävä Sä Lapsien 05:26

3. Any Minute Now 06:15

4. Take The Five Train 05:57

5. Cry 06:20

6. Alibis And Lullabies 04:52

7. Serene Pilgramage 04:05

8. Loaf 07:28

9. Luiza 04:58

Jacám Manricks - alto saxophone

David Weiss - trumpet

Adam Rogers - guitar

Sam Yahel - organ

Matt Wilson - drums

Marc Free - producer

Nick O’Toole - engineer

recorded October 19, 2011 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Pine Street Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

photography by Jayd Gardina

package design by Escott Associates

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Will Bernard - Ancient Grains (June 25, 2021 Posi-Tone Records)

Will Bernard offers up a hearty meal of tastes and styles from his own harvest of ”Ancient Grains” on this 2021 album. With a modern jazz sensibility and elegantly lyrical compositional focus, the crux of this brilliantly evocative musical program remains focused upon the fingers and strings of the expressive guitarist himself. Meanwhile the masterful contributions of B-3 organist extraordinaire Sam Yahel and the explosive metrics of drummer Donald Edwards provide several melodic highlights in addition to the rhythmic support  necessary to keep the session deeply in the pocket.

Some of our fans may already be familiar with his earlier work, but we think now is definitely the time for a new generation to discover the bold guitar mastery of Will Bernard! To this end, we strongly believe a steady diet of “Ancient Grains,” with its balanced menu of straight ahead performances from the funky and soulful to the edgy and original, will surely leave jazz enthusiasts everywhere feeling better inside and excited for another serving!

1. Dry Land Tourist

2. Ancient Grains

3. Five Finger Discount

4. Pleasure Seekers

5. Stone Valley

6. Trilobite

7. Boo Boo's Birthday

8. Mazurka Tree

9. Temescal

10. Right As Rain

11. Wake Up Call

Will Bernard - guitar

Sam Yahel - organ

Donald Edwards - drums

Marc Free - producer

Nick O’Toole - engineer

recorded September 21, 2019 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Woodland Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

photography by Sibila Savage

cover art by Joaquin Spengemann

package design by Jamie Brunson

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Alex Sipiagin - Upstream (May 2021 Posi-Tone Records)

Trumpet sensation Alex Sipiagin conducts his attention and intention "Upstream" directing the energetic empathy of his music towards engaging the hearts and minds of jazz fans on his first release for Posi-Tone. Exuding confidence with effortless virtuosity, Sipiagin performs with a compelling and emotional voice on his instrument that clearly elevates and distinguishes him from his able contemporaries. Joining Sipiagin on this musical journey is Posi-Tone's steadily serviceable and reliably inventive rhythm section of pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston.

With elegant lyricism, Sipiagin leads the group steadily straight forward to explore harmonic wonderlands that clearly reflect his modern melodic non-diatonic jazz sensibility. With a thoughtful program of original compositions and arrangements, Alex Sipiagin clearly attenuates his focus "Upstream" and successfully provides jazz fans everywhere with an astonishing array of captivating currents and bright moments to cherish and enjoy.

1. Call 05:22

2. Echo Canyon 05:30

3. Sight 05:21

4. SipaTham 06:20

5. Magic Square 05:44

6. Rain 07:10

7. Shura 06:46

8. Miyako 05:00

9. Upstream 07:37

Alex Sipiagin - trumpet, flugelhorn

Art Hirahara - piano

Boris Kozlov - bass

Rudy Royston - drums & percussion

Marc Free - producer

Nick O’Toole - mixing & mastering engineer

Michael Brorby - recording engineer

recorded October 24-25, 2020 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Woodland Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

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Alexa Tarantino - Firefly (April 2021 Posi-Tone Records)

Alexa Tarantino burns bright with a scintillating maturity of insight and takes flight on Firefly, her 2021 release for Posi-Tone Records. Driven on by the Winds Of Change to refine the Clarity of her artistic vision, Tarantino reaches inward to transform herself into the luminous “Firefly” and searches to discover the unifying spark of eternity hidden behind each individual moment in time. Supported on the album by familiar collaborators, including vibraphonist Behn Gillece, pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston, Alexa leads her group by example and sparkles with melodic inspiration throughout.

The centerpiece of the album is Alexa’s evocative Moment in Time suite which clearly demonstrates her advancement as a composer and showcases the wide range of her effortless multi-instrument virtuosity. With an engaging program of original compositions and a few tasty covers, Firefly presents the world with a musical message that shines brightly into the darkness to provide a much-needed message of wonder, poise, joy and hope.

1. Spider's Dance 05:38

2. Mindful Moments 04:44

3. Move Of The Spirit 04:07

4. Iris 04:43

5. Daybreak 04:19

6. Surge Fughetta 01:37

7. Surge Capacity 04:11

8. La Donna Nel Giardino 04:34

9. Rootless Ruthlessness 06:43

10. Lady Day 06:33

11. Violet Sky 04:24

12. The Firefly Code 05:56

Alexa Tarantino - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto flute, flute and clarinet

Behn Gillece - vibraphone

Art Hirahara - piano and Rhodes

Boris Kozlov - bass

Rudy Royston - drums and percussion

Marc Free - producer

Nick O’Toole - mixing & mastering engineer

Michael Brorby - recording engineer

recorded September 14-15, 2020 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Woodland Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

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Theo Hill - Promethean (May 12, 2017 Posi-Tone Records)

Pianist Theo Hill unleashes a coruscating burst of passionate creativity on his 2017 album "Promethean." It's a hard hitting trio date that features the solid harmonic foundation of bassist Yasushi Nakamura and the bombastically explosive metrics of drummer Mark Whitfield Jr. Listeners are invited to fasten their seat belts and take a trip when the bandleader steers his group into an innovative exploration of the pantheon of musical inspirations. Bursting into flames and rising like the phoenix, Mr. Hill shares with us his stolen sparks of heaven to captivate our attention with his heartfelt musical tale of stunning melodicism.

Featuring a soulfully interpretative program of compositions across a variety of styles, sounds, and moods, Promethean succeeds as a scintillating performance that will certainly spark flames of delight in the hearts of straight-forward jazz enthusiasts everywhere.

1. This Here 04:09

2. Hey, It's Me You're Talking To 03:40

3. Finger Painting 05:00

4. I Love Music 04:07

5. Pee Wee 05:25

6. The Phoenix 04:59

7. Blasphemy 05:16

8. Is That So 05:25

9. Litha 06:24

10. Chance 04:15

11. Citadel 05:43

Theo Hill - piano

Yasushi Nakamura - bass

Mark Whitfield Jr. - drums

Marc Free - producer

Nick O’Toole - engineer

recorded September 26, 2016 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Woodland Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

photography by Anna Yatskevich

package design by Jamie Brunson

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Behn Gillece - Still Doing Our Thing (March 2021 Posi-Tone Records)

While to many eyes and ears the pandemic-era jazz scene appears to be darkened or shut down, Posi-Tone is here to assure listeners that we are "Still Doing Our Thing." Breaking the sound barrier with an inspired sense of purpose, rising star vibraphonist Behn Gillece leads his worthy constituents on an exciting quartet date of brilliant performances. The band features veterans pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston. From the opening salvo to the last hurrah, the musical program remains melodically straight forward, elegantly lyrical and clearly suggestive of a modern jazz sensibility with hard-swinging highlights.

Featuring an amazing combination of talents and an evocative collection of original compositions, "Still Doing Our Thing" is engagingly entertaining throughout and certain to deliver bright moments of intense delight to jazz fans everywhere.

1. Extraction 05:30

2. Rattles 05:00

3. Still Doing Our Thing 04:53

4. Blue Sojourn 05:20

5. Glad To Be Back 04:58

6. Outnumbered 05:40

7. Event Horizon 06:45

8. Back To Abnormal 05:21

9. Going On Well 05:14

10. Don't Despair 07:48

Behn Gillece - vibraphone

Art Hirahara - piano, Rhodes 1, 6 & 10

Boris Kozlov - bass, electric bass 6 & 10

Rudy Royston - drums and percussion

Nicole Glover - tenor saxophone 7

Marc Free - producer

Nick O’Toole - mixing & mastering engineer

Michael Brorby - recording engineer

recorded August 9-12, 2020 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Woodland Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

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Ralph Bowen - Power Play (February 2011 Posi-Tone Records)

Saxophonist Ralph Bowen brings forward a full complement of tour de force performances on his 2011 release "Power Play." Highlighted by a strong program of new compositions by Bowen, the album also features powerful showings by the stellar pianist Orrin Evans, the solid bassist Kenny Davis and the ever exciting drummer Donald Edwards, all of whom work seamlessly together to keep the session in the pocket. Most of all, Bowen shoots and scores with his effortless mastery and melodic brilliance on his saxophone, and "Power Play" is a hard hitting collection of performances that will certainly entertain jazz enthusiasts again and again with amazement and delight.

1. K.D.'s Blues 04:40

2. Drumheller Valley 06:19

3. Two-Line Pass 05:05

4. My One And Only Love 05:27

5. The Good Shepherd 06:26

6. Bella Firenze 08:22

7. Jessica 06:28

8. Walleye Jigging 05:31

9. A Solar Romance 06:31

Ralph Bowen - tenor saxophone, alto saxophone 2, soprano saxophone 7 & 9

Orrin Evans - piano

Kenny Davis - bass

Donald Edwards - drums

Marc Free - producer

Nick O’Toole - engineer

Barry Shapiro - associate producer

recorded February 4, 2009 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Studio 507, Los Angeles, CA

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Out To Dinner - Play On (February 2021 Posi-Tone Records)

Get ready for a second helping of auditory delights from the Out To Dinner ensemble, as they keep the kitchen open after hours and “Play On.” Featuring a musical menu of inspired selections, Posi-Tone producer Marc Free has assembled this volume of performances to prompt listeners to expand their sonic palettes with an adventurous exploration of the jazz genre. This engaging quintet date is highlighted by front line performances from vibraphonist Behn Gillece, trumpet prodigy Giveton Gelin and rising star tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, all moving freely together over the solid harmonic foundation of bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Donald Edwards, both established jazz veterans.

We are confident that the collaborative journey of Out To Dinner will encourage our faithful audience to follow the melodies as they navigate steadily from the known and familiar into the uncharted realms of modern collective improvisation.

1. Play On 04:36

2. Random 03:55

3. Asami's Playland 05:59

4. Rebecca's Dance 05:34

5. Into The Shadows 04:50

6. Abe Duct 05:22

7. Armageddon 04:39

8. Something From Nothing 04:34

9. The Essential Passion 05:33

10. Visions 03:44

11. Lew's Loose 04:28

12. The Dream 06:27

13. Short Count 04:56

Giveton Gelin - trumpet

Nicole Glover - tenor saxophone

Behn Gillece - vibraphone

Boris Kozlov - bass

Donald Edwards - drums

Patrick Cornelius - alto saxophone 5, 6, 13

produced by Marc Free

engineered by Nick O'Toole

recorded June 9, 2019 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, NY

mixed & mastered at Woodland Studio, Lake Oswego, OR

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Diego Rivera - Indigenous (Posi-Tone Records 2021)

Bandleader and saxophonist extraordinaire Diego Rivera explores the "Indigenous" multi-cultural roots of our human family with his second release for Posi-Tone Records. With a program of exciting original compositions, a few tasty covers, and a special guest appearances by trumpet virtuoso Etienne Charles, this whole session swings swiftly into action and shines with bright moments from the get go.

 

Also on the date is an all-star rhythm section of pianist Helen Sung, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Donald Edwards. With the deep emotionality of this musical offering, Diego Rivera has noticeably advanced his intention and expression up onto another level and the poignancy of these performances will entreat jazz enthusiasts everywhere to dig deeper into the "Indigenous" message with amazement and delight.

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New Faces - New Sounds (Posi-Tone Records 2021)

Posi-Tone Records rolls out a second volume of "New Faces" with a musical message that stays focused on "New Sounds." This group of "New Faces" (trumpeter Brandon Lee, alto saxophonist Markus Howell, tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, pianist Caili O'Doherty, bassist Adi Meyerson and drummer Cory Cox) was assembled and sent off under the supervision of producer Marc Free to explore a wonderland of melodic mysteries and harmonic possibilities.

 

The performances of these emerging artists are specifically intended to provide you with an insight into the musical aesthetics and operational ethos of Posi-Tone Records with an engaging program of fresh cuts and a few dusky gems from the label's previous releases. Please take a moment to relax and experience the "New Sounds" of these talented artists as they work to provide you with the opportunity to enjoy a more delightful today and a brighter tomorrow.

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Roxy Coss - The Future Is Female (POSI-TONE RECORDS 2018)

Over the past year, it’s been quite tough for anyone not to hear the voices of women around the world rising up to proclaim “Enough.” Enough of the sexual harassment and inequality in the work place, whether it be perpetrated by Hollywood Big-wigs, national and local politicians, sports doctors, educators, or someone in your neighborhood.

Saxophonist and composer Roxy Coss participated in the Women’s March the week of Donald Trump’s inauguration. She carried a sign that read “The Future is Female”; that’s the title of her new album, a  of 10 original compositions featuring her working ensemble of Alex Wintz (guitar), Miki Yamanaka (piano), Rick Rosato (bass), and Jimmy Macbride (drums) with bass clarinetist Lucas Pino on one track.

Song titles such as “#MeToo”, “Nasty Women Grab Back“, and “Females Are Strong as Hell“, might make you think that music has a strident quality. Many of the songs have great power but Ms. Coss wants to entertain and educate. While you’re grooving to the great rhythm section or enjoying Wintz’s delightful guitar solos or Ms. Yamanaka’s foundational piano, the leader wants you to think, wants you to react to the issues she’s presenting that you will begin to take action and demand better behavior throughout the country.

Sitting and listening to the music, one hears the influence of Charles Mingus (whose song titles made you sit up) and the power of Art Blakey and Max Roach. Those artists and others were also fighting for the cause of equality.  Sometimes, their music rankled listeners but, more often than not, the sounds excited those who listened and, perhaps, even made them change attitudes for the better. Ms. Coss’s lovely ballad “Choices” is filled with emotion while “Mr. President” starts slowly with a somber melody over martial drums.  Soon, the rhythm section kicks into high gear and Ms. Coss’s tenor sax pushes them forward.  “Feminist AF” is a blues – no surprise there – that hints at both John Coltrane and Wayne without imitating either one.  The afore-mentioned “Nasty Women…” features the leader on soprano and, while the rhythm section has some “bite”, the solos soar, especially Wintz’s rippling guitar lines.

Besides her work on the bandstand, Roxy Coss is the founder and director of WIJO (Women in Jazz Organization) – their Mission Statement is quite clear:

“WOMEN IN JAZZ ORGANIZATION INTENDS TO HELP LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD IN JAZZ, SO THAT WOMEN AND NON-BINARY PEOPLE HAVE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN AND CONTRIBUTE TO JAZZ, LEADING TO AN IMPROVED AND MORE RICH, DIVERSE, AND SUCCESSFUL ARTFORM. THE ORGANIZATION IS COMMITTED TO HONORING BLACK AMERICANS AS THE CREATORS OF JAZZ.“

David Ake - Humanities (POSI-TONE RECORDS 2018)

Pianist, composer, and educator David Ake is a native of New Haven, CT, but spent his formative years in Chicago. He did his  undergraduate at the University of Miami before heading to the West Coast to do post-grad work at the California Institute of the Arts and UCLA.

Ake’s fifth album on Posi-Tone is titled “Humanities” and features the powerful musical voices of his fellow CalArts colleague Ralph Alessi (trumpet), Ben Monder (guitars), Drew Gress (bass), and Mark Ferber (drums).  If you have heard any of Ake’s earlier group albums, you’ll know he’s a powerful and thoughtful pianist while his music often has a powerful forward motion.

There are moments on the new album where the music leans towards Americana, not surprisingly on the quintet’s reading of The Grateful Dead’s “Ripple” (the only “cover” tune on the CD) – they don’t mess with the gentle bluesy quality of Jerry Garcia’s sweet melody. Alessi’s muted trumpet brings the sound of Ron Miles to mind and the piece would not be out of place on a Bill Frisell album (but note the alternate chords at various times throughout the piece). The piano introduction to “Drinking Song” has the feel of a Randy Newman ballad but there is a spare quality to the melody. The trumpet and guitar play the melody and counterpoint while the rhythm section tosses and turns beneath them, not disrupting the flow as much as creating dynamic differences.

What stands out throughout the program is how distinctive all five voices are.  On songs such as “The North“, one can hear the power of the guitar, the rich melodic sense of the trumpet, the “heavy” chords from  the piano, the counterpoint and melodies from the bass, and the driving force of the drums. Ferber is truly in the driver’s seat; listen to his strength on “Rabble Rouser“, how Gress helps him push the music forward, and then how the soloists are inspired by the rhythm section.  And, they can swing! “Hoofer” starts out with the drummer’s brush work creating his own sweet soft-shoe.  Ake picks up on that and dances right through his sly Monk-like solo.  The bassist leads the group through the beginning of “Stream” – much of the fun of the piece is how the dynamics change on the fly.  After the opening, the band moves into a harder-edged melody but drops back for the piano solo.  Ake build the tension as the trumpet and guitar play a unison counterpoint to his solo. A similar interaction takes place beneath Alessi’s solo, this time the pianist and guitarist playing chordal patterns as Ferber builds the tension with a fiery drum spotlight.

The program closes with “Walter Cronkite“: that’s the newsman’s voice you hear near the beginning saying “...it’s the ultimate question that being a democracy we the people are responsible for the actions of our leaders“.  Alessi’s keening, questioning, trumpet moves atop the rumbling piano, droning bass, quiet guitar fill, and active drums, giving the rubato piece the feel of an elegy, at times, a prayer.  There is a short section where the trumpet and piano sounds like a telegraph signaling an urgent question across the great divide before the music fades.

To do justice to the music on “Humanities” is truly to tell you to listen and listen deeply. David Ake composes music that asks questions, that plumbs the depth of the human spirit, and looks for the soul within the songs. And the musicians know how to transmit those questions and searches to an eager audience.  Give some time to this music; it will make you think and, perhaps, even move you to action in these often tense times.

Josh Lawrence - Contrast (POSI-TONE RECORDS 2018)

Trumpet player Josh Lawrence examines the scene from a whole new perspective on "Contrast,” his second release for Posi-Tone. Using both his instrument and his skills as a bandleader, Lawrence succeeds in making another inspired statement by exploring several different musical avenues with his "Color Theory" project. Also featured on the record are the colors and sounds of alto saxophonist Caleb Curtis, trombonist David Gibson pianists Orrin Evans and Zaccai Curtis, bassist Luques Curtis, and drummer Anwar Marshall. The session is elegantly lyrical and clearly suggestive of a modern jazz sensibility. With an amazing combination of talents, brilliant performances, and an evocative program of new original compositions, "Contrast" is sure to bring bright moments of intense delight to serious listeners and jazz fans everywhere.