Luke Stewart - Works For Upright Bass and Amplifier Vol. 2 (February 25, 2022 Astral Spirits)

In Indian musical theory it is said that there are two kinds of sound, one a vibration of ether, the other a vibration of air. The vibration of ether, which cannot be perceived in the physical sense, is considered the principle of all manifestation, the basis of all substance. It corresponds to what neo-Pythagoreans called “music of the spheres”. It forms permanent numerical patterns which are the basis of the world’s existence. The kind of vibration is not caused by a physical shock as are audible sounds. It is therefore called anāhata, “unstruck”. The other kind of sound is an impermanent vibration of air, an image of the ether vibration. It is audible and always produced by a shock. It is therefore called āhata or “struck”. (Alain Daniélou, 1980)

I’d never thought about Luke Stewart in such terms until recently, but I think that scholar Alain Daniélou’s words are a great place to start. When asking our bassist-at-large about how he wanted to approach talking about this new record, he gave a little background, but ultimately wanted the music to speak for itself… and speak it does. 

Works for Upright Bass and Amplifier Volume Two takes the foundation laid down by Volume One and builds a large flame out of it. A sort of regeneration. This beauty is not for the weak listener, afraid of radical change. Nor is it for a casual passerby. Over an hour, this new opus is not only a form of expression regarding where Luke has been but his willingness to examine the nature around him, specifically the relationship between electricity and wood. 

Or, as I like to think of it, a few lovely compositions about a cleansing forest fire. 

After Volume One, Luke advanced his techniques and recording processes through his work with several artists. Traveling and watching an array of disciplines being harnessed before his eyes led him to redeveloping his approach to training his bull fiddle to play nicely in the sandbox with a few power sources. Luke says of forming his concept that “it is the main influence for the process by which the sound is generated on this setup, but using the bass as well as the crucial element of movement. Literally moving the bass back and forth, creating an effect of movement, is necessary to make the process musical.”

Another technical observation regarding Volume Two falls someplace between the opening quote and a conversation on our mutual love for classic-era Hip-Hop production. The chopping function on the Akai MPC allows the user to take any sound and separate the impact from its sustain… or aftermath. Having tinkered on the machine for many years, I always found it fascinating to hold onto the ghosts of notes, as opposed to repeating the point of attack where they are first heard. Luke gives many examples of this through the record. Not only does his creation of the sound resonate, but the actual soul of the notes often lingers in the air like an audience listening to themselves. 

A simple pluck of one, or several, strings reverberates between, at times, two amplifiers placed in varying positions around our bassist. These placements allow Luke to not only focus on his contact with the wood, but also the wood's relation to the electricity. Hand strikes a match, causing flame. Then flame touches the tree. Spreading and cleansing the area. It is ultimately a process of universal creation right before the ears. There aren’t too many spaces left where a brother can go into a place quietly and create his own universe. 

Gabriel Jermaine Vanlandingham-Dunn, 2021 

1. 01

2. 02

3. 03

4. 04

5. 05

6. 06

7. 07

8. 08

My Hope is for the Listener to discover a connection within themselves.

To inspire deeper personal development, and radical change when needed.

These pieces contained on this album are documents of various approaches to the setup, intended to further explore the developments of the Sound.

Each Work is an exhibition of the intersection of acoustic and electronic Music, the intersection of the elements in the natural world.

Track 1 - Upright Bass and 2 Amplifiers

Track 2 - Upright Bass and Amplifier

Track 3 - Upright Bass and Amplifier and NO-INPUT Mixing Board

All Subsequent Tracks - Upright Bass and Amplifier

Recorded by Craig Bowen, Mattson Ogg, and Luke Stewart

Performed Live no Overdubs by Luke Stewart

Mixed and Edited by Craig Bowen and Luke Stewart

Mastered for Vinyl by Mikey Young

Film Stills by Pat Cain

Design & layout by Dylan Marcus McConnell

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Blue Lab Beats - Motherland Journey (February 25, 2022 Blue Note)

If the digital album is purchased, you will receive the full album via email on February 25, 2022.

Standard digital downloads are delivered as MP3 44.1khz/24-bit audio files.

Please note, digital downloads are only available in the U.S. 

London-based Jazztronica duo Blue Lab Beats make their full-length Blue Note Records debut with Motherland Journey, an album years in the making that is a celebration of pushing boundaries, taking risks, and overcoming adversity. Following their appearance on 2020’s acclaimed Blue Note Re:imagined project, and their 2021 EP We Will Rise, the new album is a star-studded affair featuring the duo—producer NK-OK and multi-instrumentalist Mr DM—joined by collaborators including Ghetto Boy, Kiefer, Kofi Stone, Tiana Major9, KillBeatz, Teni Tinks, Poppy Daniels, Emmavie, Jackson Mathod, Kaidi Akinnibi, Ego Ella May, Pip Millett, Dylan Jones, and Jerome Thomas.

One of the fastest-rising production duos in the world right now, with a Grammy nomination for their work on the Angelique Kidjo album Mother Nature, and a MOBO nomination for ‘Best Jazz Act’ in 2021 testament to their rise, Blue Lab Beats craft a supple, wide-ranging sound inspired by the pioneers of hip-hop and the music of the African diaspora while staying true to their London roots.

Tracklist:

1. Sky Reflections (Intro)

2. Labels Feat. Tiana Major9 & Kofi Stone

3. I’ll be here for you Feat. Teni Tinks

4. Gotta Go Fast Feat. Poppy Daniels

5. A Vibe

6. Don’t Let It Get Away Feat. Emmavie

7. Inhale & Exhale (Interlude)

8. Blow You Away (Delilah) Feat. Ghetto Boy

9. Sensual Loving Feat. Ghetto Boy

10. Motherland Journey Feat. KillBeatz & Fela Kuti

11. Ultramarine (interlude)

12. Warp Feat. Jackson Mathod & Kaidi Akinnibi

13. Slow Down Feat. Ego Ella May

14. Dat It (Feat. Kiefer)

15. Home Feat. Pip Millett & Dylan Jones

16. Real Good Feat. Jerome Thomas

17. Reflection (Outro)

LP Tracklist:

A1: Sky Reflections (Intro)

A2: Labels Feat. Tiana Major9 & Kofi Stone

A3: I’ll be here for you Feat. Teni Tinks

A4: Gotta Go Fast Feat. Poppy Daniels

A5: A Vibe

B1: Don’t Let It Get Away Feat. Emmavie

B2: Inhale & Exhale (Interlude)

B3: Blow You Away (Delilah) Feat. Ghetto Boy

B4: Sensual Loving Feat. Ghetto Boy

C1: Motherland Journey Feat. KillBeatz & Fela Kuti

C2: Ultramarine (interlude)

C3: Warp Feat. Jackson Mathod & Kaidi Akinnibi

C4: Slow Down Feat. Ego Ella May

D1: Dat It (Feat. Kiefer)

D2: Home Feat. Pip Millett & Dylan Jones

D3: Real Good Feat. Jerome Thomas

D4: Reflection (Outro)

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Apostolos Leventopoulos - Songs For Acoustic Guitar (February 25, 2022)

With exceptional clarity of tone and a crisp, mellifluous touch, Leventopoulos reveals a refined sense of songcraft and a certain bluesy undercurrent in his phrasing, even in this intimate context. He cites the influence of Kevin Eubanks in his use of a more biting, percussive attack to vary the traditional fingerstyle approach. And thanks to those Neumann mics, we can hear Leventopoulos breathe as he shapes his melodic passages, heightening the music’s human feel.

There’s a pastoral sensibility throughout Songs for Acoustic Guitar, from the bright and flowing waltz “Wandering Thoughts” to the minor-key musings of “The River” and “Forest Breeze” and the balladic tranquility of “Sunny Afternoon.” The goal was to find “a flow that’s not self-conscious, that’s more like a real performance,” says Leventopoulos, and to that end the tracks were recorded in one or two takes with minimal if any edits. This allowed him to fully inhabit the earthy groove of “Remembrance” and navigate some of the most striking harmony of the set on the closing “Silence Within.”

1. The River

2. Wandering Thoughts

3. Forest Breeze

4. Sunny Afternoon

5. The Sky, The Clouds

6. For My Father

7. Remembrance

8. Silence Within

Apostolos Leventopoulos: guitar, composition, production

George Kariotis: recording, mixing engineer

Christos Zorbas: mastering engineer

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The Trackers featuring Gary Husband & Alf Terje Hana - Vaudeville 8​:​45 (March 15, 2022)

What appears next on a resumé as weighty as Gary Husband's is always a matter of musical interest. Even with long and satisfying associations with legends like John McLaughlin and Allan Holdsworth, the talented drummer/keyboardist continually seeks different worthy and intriguing paths to explore – whatever his vehicle of expression. So when his latest project is co-led by a comparatively under-the-radar musician – in this case, Norwegian guitarist Alf Terje Hana – additional curiosity ensues. To that end, the story of their collaboration begins with both a long admiration and a “shot in the dark” from Hana:

“Discovering Gary (through Allan Holdsworth’s I.O.U. album in 1982) was the start of a lifelong, fan-like observation for me. I was always catching up on what he was up to, and what turns he presented musically.” In recent years, Hana became so enticed by video clips from Husband popping up on the internet, it spurred him to reach out. ”I so very much wanted some of his ‘outer space’ and ‘not-within-my-reach’ stuff to blend into my music that I just sent a request. That’s how it started.”

Husband recalls their first musical encounter, “My introduction to Alf and his music was via an invitation to perform some keyboards on a track called “The Elders Too” for his 2016 album, Invisible Colours. Right from the start, I found myself under the spell of his powerfully evocative music. Then, penetrating that music expressively, I felt an effortless conversational empathy with Alf’s guitar utterances within the vibe of the composition. It all just seemed to click completely with Alf and his whole approach. I very much wanted to continue exploring the intriguing musical blend we make together.”

The musical bond was formed but awaited a catalyst – one that would later arise from a very sudden and personal vacuum in Husband’s life:

“When Allan Holdsworth passed, I lost a very close and special long-term musical relationship immensely central to my ongoing development and creativity as a drummer. To ease the pain of that loss and the sheer void it brought about, I knew I had to start something new - build myself a new way to continue.”

That “new way” gradually took shape for Husband: ”I knew I wanted a three-piece; I knew I wanted guitar. I had even come up with a name while waiting for a flight in Hamburg Airport. I knew that this band - The Trackers - was going to happen.”

Husband also knew that the guitar chair was going to require a special choice. It would have to be someone unique enough to stand apart from the imposing shadows cast by his prior guitar colleagues.

“I became really into the idea of casting Alf to occupy the guitarist role. He sounded nothing like Allan or John McLaughlin, which was important to me. Plus his way and trajectory are very different from mine. He’s unlike any musician I’ve ever worked with actually. In a way, we are quite unlikely musical bedfellows but I knew that the new avenues presented by such a great artist – one that occupies worlds quite different from mine – would stretch me and demand new approaches from me.”

Hana was thrilled and a little taken aback: “To be asked to join The Trackers was unreal for me and came out of the blue. It made me proud, happy, and also close to a nervous breakdown! I almost felt that I didn’t have shoes that size! Nevertheless, I immediately started composing music for this outfit.”

Hana’s initial trepidation seems somewhat amusing as it’s apparent fairly immediately on Vaudeville 8:45 that he’s a compelling co-conspirator and provocateur to Husband. And while he may exhibit trace connections to guitarists as disparate as Beck, Torn, Aarset and Rypdal, they’re culled by Hana into a musical avatar that’s as singular as it is exciting, as Husband confirms:

“In his voice, there’s overdriven rock blended with the unfamiliar and the abstract. He has a unique cry that is very particular to him. Alf’s also got a certain theatre, a certain ‘Jean Cocteau’ inherent in what he creates and I adore these aspects! He has his own sense of dramatically interesting textures and timing - and what he chooses to leave out too. There’s nothing superfluous. For me, it’s like the spirit of Miles Davis is alive and well right here in 2022. Alf’s a real artist.”

With the duo’s program incorporating funk, rock, avant-garde and abstract classical elements, allusions to jazz and fusion, and strong aspects of mood and atmosphere, Husband called upon an extraordinary roster of bassists to complete the project, casting them accordingly. “It required some introspection but the pieces themselves strongly dictated who I might ask for each tune. I’m fortunate to have had first-hand experience with all of these gentlemen throughout my life, and to call them all friends.”

“Jimmy Johnson took a couple of Alf’s pieces to the stratosphere, in a way only he can. Étienne MBappé blessed “Two Foxes” with his colossal groove, as I knew he would. Jimmy Haslip provided his inimitable brand of interplay and propulsion on “The Middle Distance”, Guy Pratt brought the perfect attitude and drive to “Living Time” (the riff of jazz composer George Russell), and Kevin Scott gave lovely movement and feeling throughout two of my productions on the album. Mark King of course (on “Wide Awake Running”) was perfection and provided everything that machine-like groove called out for. Plus I was really keen to use Alf’s excellent bassist (from his own band Athana) Øyvind Grong for two selections, on which he plays beautifully & elegantly. The attention to detail and spirit they all brought was just perfect.”

While these key bass contributions substantially elevate the proceedings, they also further highlight what an exceedingly rare vein of collaborational gold Husband and Hana have struck. Together they have created a uniquely broad and stylized sonic canvas on Vaudeville 8:45 – one that elicits bold strokes and fresh colors from all involved. For Hana, it’s a deserved entrée to a larger audience. For Husband, it's an unquestionably exciting addition to an already impressive musical CV. More importantly, The Trackers represents exactly what he had been searching for – a new way indeed. One can hope that it’s just the beginning.

- Mike Jacobs, freelance writer and contributor to All About Jazz 

1. Two Foxes

2. The Drowning

3. Nisco

4. The Middle Distance

5. Wolf Moon

6. Wide Awake Running

7. Deep Stepping

8. Garden of Bliss

9. Living Time

10. All I Need (Bonus Cut only available here)

Gary Husband (Drums, Organ, Electric Piano)

Alf Terje Hana (Guitars, Octave Guitar, Synth, Programming)

Mark King, Etienne MBappé, Jimmy Johnson, Jimmy Haslip, Øyvind Grong, Guy Pratt, Kevin Scott (Bass)

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Thomas Milovac Sextet - Sun Ray (February 2022 Cosmo Sonic Collective)

Composer Ben Shorstein wrote about “Sun Ray”:

“Thomas Milovac is an alchemist. I’m fascinated by his masterful combination of elements - textures, instrumentation, composition, structure, free improvisation, structured improvisation, dissonance, harmony, dynamics, space. He uses these aural elements as a visual artist uses the physical to create a unified and harmonious whole; each piece is greater than the sum of its parts. Milovac’s music lives within this sublime contrast of aspects. With this album, I feel pulled in different directions, my expectations continuously thwarted (in a good way). This wouldn’t be possible without the top-class musicians on the album. The absence of piano adds much, as the freed up space allows for greater sonic exploration. The title track, Sun Ray, is a great swingin’ tune, and I particularly enjoy the tasty trumpet solo, punctuated by the bass and drums. Still Moments is emotional wizardry, with beautiful ensemble textures especially from the horns and bowed bass. Quasar is a transcendent, hypnotic exploration of texture and extended techniques of the bass, accompanied by bells. Black Mask is a lovely piece with unique structure, reminiscent of a Duke Ellington ballad, with a Milovacian twist. As an album, this is thoughtfully designed, balanced, and artfully executed creative music.”

"Sun Ray" is bassist and composer Thomas Milovac's debut studio album. Flying through the musical cosmos, the Thomas Milovac Sextet visits the many worlds of the composer's mind. Varying styles, textural landscapes, driving swing, and improvisational communions bring the listener in on this sonic odyssey. We implore you to strap in for the ride.

All compositions by Thomas Milovac except for "King Porter Stomp" which was composed by Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton.

1. 10721 03:08

2. Sun Ray 11:20

3. Still Moments 10:10

4. Six Angles 05:27

5. Quasar 06:29

6. Black Mask 04:14

7. King Porter Stomp 08:34

Thomas Milovac - Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Percussion

Justin Mendez - Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax

Ryan Devlin - Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax

Shawn Villanueva - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Zach Muth - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

Eric Bailey - Drums

Autumn Paul - Bells on "Quasar"

Jack Miller - Percussion on "Black Mask"

Mixed, Mastered, and Produced by Jack Miller

Recorded on May 29th, 2021 at Jack Miller's home studio in Jacksonville, Florida.

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Simon Nabatov String Trio - Situations (February 2022)

"What all this music has in common is willingness to explore mixed methodologies to break new ground, articulating possibilities, experiences and fresh reservoirs of consciousness. Together Nabatov, Lubbe and Davis mark out fresh and delightful terrain, whether it's taut reverie, ecstatic turmoil or zones and conditions that resist binary, tertiary or any other kind of naming."

Stuart Broomer

1. Situation 1 Unfold - Fold 11:36

2. Situation 2 Reverie 08:49

3. Situation 3 Stern Looks 08:51

4. Situation 4 Sunrise Twice 08:33

5. Situation 5 Temper Issues 06:28

6. Situation 6 Meta Morph 10:36

All music by Simon Nabatov (GEMA)

Simon Nabatov - piano

Gareth Lubbe - viola

Ben Davis - violoncello

Recorded by Christian Heck in LOFT Cologne November 21 2015

Mixed and mastered by Stefan Deistler

Cover image by Oguz Buyukberber

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Bouncing Trio - Soul Refractions (February 2022)

We could have called this album "Introducing Bouncing Trio", because it collects our music production since our foundation in 2017; these are the original songs we played in the last four years gigs.

But in this music there's our soul, and our suol has many shades. So here it is our "Soul Refractions".

1. West 04:34

2. Incontro Stoppato 06:09

3. Darsi un tono 05:10

4. Luna piena 05:29

5. Rainbow 06:18

6. Valencia 05:48

7. D'arroganza 03:59

8. Saluto al sole 03:46

Emiliano Candida - Guitar

Luca Mazzoni - Bass

Patrizio Balzarini - Drums

Music by Bouncing Trio

Produced by Bouncing Trio

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Luca Mazzoni at Metro Music Lab

Cover Art by Luca Checchinato

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Gareth Lubbe / Simon Nabatov - LUBATOV (February 2022)

The history of the LUBATOV duo is a series of discrete events that took place over the past decade - a few concerts occurring once a year at the most, but, luckily, recorded every time these two brilliant musicians presented their music in Cologne's LOFT.

The CD comprises two such documents, captured in 2010 and 2014, thus demonstrating the trajectory of the tandem's musical evolution over the course of years.

Free(ly) improvised music informed by the elements of classical or new academic fields is not a novel proposal per se. However, here the aesthetics and compositional tactics of the Modern Classics of the 20th century seem to be the prevalent taste, while keeping the recipes wide open to other possibilities.

The duo clearly prefers to create spontaneous yet well defined macro-forms, as opposed to cut-and-chop proceedings so often permeating the world of improvisation these days.

Add to the mix Lubbe's mesmerizing and innovative vocals, and you have an hour of compelling and absorbing music to enjoy.

Nick Duvidowski

1. Plush Suite I 08:53

2. Plush Suite II 08:11

3. Plush Suite III 03:53

4. Plush Suite IV 03:10

5. Plush Suite V 09:31

6. Suite In Be I 09:18

7. Suite In Be II 06:14

8. Suite In Be III 04:31

9. Psalm 07:40

All music by Gareth Lubbe (GEMA) and Simon Nabatov (GEMA)

Gareth Lubbe - viola, voice

Simon Nabatov - piano

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Talking Therapy Ensemble - Talking Therapy (February 2022 Movementt)

Talking Therapy Ensemble are something between free-jazz madness and groove, somehow between composition and improvisation, and exist somewhere between the public and the private.

Through the cathartic process of improvisation they find a release of stress and suffering - their talking therapy - inspired by the blues, crusty punk, the confessional poets of the 50s and 60s, and artists such as Art Ensemble of Chicago, Sun Ra Arkestra, Albert Ayler, and Irreversible Entanglements.

1. Talking Therapy Ensemble & Emma-Jean Thackray - I Didn't Want To Wake Up Today 05:20

2. Too Much / Too Little 02:55

3. Talking Therapy Ensemble & Emma-Jean Thackray - Panic 01:03

4. Talking Therapy Ensemble & Emma-Jean Thackray - Shh 01:43

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Ben Haskins Quartet - Apocryphal (Single) February 2022 HPBC Records

In anticipation of their forthcoming album, The Ben Haskins Quartet release their bold new single ‘Apocryphal’ this February. Recorded during the summer of 2021, this track displays the dynamic and diverse sound of this tenor and guitar led quartet as well as Haskins’ strong compositional voice.

Taking influence from artists such as Wolfgang Muthspiel and Ambrose Akinmusire the composition uses a driving 6/8 groove coupled with changes in metre to foster an unpredictable melody and thrilling rhythmic interaction. A tenor and drums driven solo takes the track into new territory and pays tribute to tenor masters such as John Coltrane, Steve Grossman and Joe Henderson.

1. Apocryphal (single) 05:16

Ben Haskins - guitar and compositions

Ben Powling - tenor saxophone

Owen Burns - bass

Theo Goss - drums

Recorded at Nave Studios By Tom Orrell Mixed by Tom Orrell

Mastered by Carl Rosemond

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Maxim Frischmann - UN​.​DEVELOPMENT (March 4, 2022)

Es gibt musikalische Ereignisse, an die man nicht einmal im Traum zu denken wagt: Was wäre etwa, wenn sich der Tenorsaxofonist Maxim Frischmann von seinen persönlichen Erfahrungen und Stationen in Deutschland und Schweiz der letzten 7 Jahre, dazu inspirieren lässt, seine eigene Debüt EP zu schreiben? Wenn es der improvisierende Musiker mit der strukturellen Logik einer kleinen Platte aufnimmt? Es entsteht eine Synthese, die sich als pulsierende Einheit aus entwickelter und unentwickelter Musik darstellt: „UN.DEVELOPMENT“ heißt die neue EP des Saxofonisten. Mal zurückhaltend und stoisch, dann kontrolliertes Chaos. Gelassen, aber nie träge. Ein wahrer Einblick in das Artefakt, scharf fokussierter künstlerischer Arbeit - Die Essenz des jungen Musikers Maxim Frischmann.

1. Pretty OK!

2. Birdmotion

3. ASTVA II

4. Softness in Darkness

5. Get It Through With

Mixed by: Felix Wolf, Mastered by: Christoph Stickel, Artwork: Lea Hofmann and Elena Rudolph

Musicians: Maxim Frischmann, Paul Brauner, Matthieu Mazué, Michael Cina

Special guest: Tobias Krüger

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Mack Avenue Music Group Releases Albums from Kenny Garrett and Christian McBride for Record Store Day 2022

Mack Avenue Music Group Releases

Kenny Garrett’s Sketches of MD – Live at the Iridium

and Christian McBride’s Conversations with Christian

for First Time Ever on Vinyl for Record Store Day 2022

 

Each Album Available as Limited Edition 2-LP Set

with Color Vinyl and Foil Stamped Numbers on April 23

Mack Avenue Music Group is excited to announce the release of two landmark projects as part of Record Store Day 2022 (April 23) with Kenny Garrett’s Sketches of MD – Live at the Iridium and Christian McBride’s Conversations with Christian.

 

Each of these albums is being released on vinyl for the first time ever as a limited edition 2-LP set with foil stamped numbers; Garrett will be released on red color vinyl and McBride will be released on orange color vinyl.

 

Garrett’s 2008 live release marked the saxophonist’s debut with Mack Avenue Records and made for a compositionally relaxed yet performance intense record. On Sketches of MD – Live at the Iridium, he performed live at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City with his band featuring pianist Benito Gonzales, bassist Nat Reeves, drummer Jamire Williams, and special guest tenor saxophonist Pharoah Sanders.

 

Like all other great musicians and artists that came before him, Garrett keeps moving forward in his creative direction. "I'm always trying to challenge myself. Don't look for me to sound like my last record. I'm shifting – following what my spirit feels." The sentiment is clear on his most recent release, recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award, Sounds from the Ancestors.

 

For a man that’s known to lead many groups, Conversations with Christian focused on duets for this stunning 2011 release. McBride first considered a proposal to do a duet project during the latter ‘90s. “At the time,” he recalls, “I didn’t feel I was ready, or that it was the project I wanted to do. I had other things in mind. But as time progressed, I got to do other projects—putting together the Christian McBride Big Band and experimenting with a lot of different sounds and layers—and my focus returned to the duets idea.”

 

The iconic bassist placed himself in the forefront of the flow on a duet apiece with 13 of his closest musical friends and cohorts—singers Angélique Kidjo, Sting and Dee Dee Bridgewater; pianists George Duke, Eddie Palmieri and Chick Corea, as well as Dr. Billy Taylor and Hank Jones; violinist Regina Carter; trumpeter Roy Hargrove; guitarist Russell Malone; tenor saxophonist Ron Blake; and actress Gina Gershon. In the process, McBride unleashed the full measure of his already legendary skills, crafting as complete a portrait of his diverse interests—different vibrations of the blues and African-American church experience, bebop, the American Songbook, the Latin Tinge, the Freedom Principle, even comedy—as he has ever presented.

 

The release of these two albums aligns with Mack Avenue Music Group’s longstanding commitment to releasing audiophile quality music in beautifully designed packaging and supporting the vinyl-loving community.

For more information on Mack Avenue Music Group, please visit:

MackAvenue.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Andy James | Rhythm in New York | Available April 15 via Le Coq Records

Vocalist Andy James Celebrates One Of The

Greatest Cities In The World, And The Mecca of Jazz,

On Her Wide-Ranging New Album

 

Rhythm in New York, Due Out April 15 On Le Coq Records, Features An All-Star Band Including John Patitucci, Jon Cowherd, Chris Potter, Marcus Strickland, Terell Stafford, Nate Smith, Marcus Gilmore, Adam Rogers, Chico Pinheiro and Others

While she grew up in Australia, traveled the world as a renowned Flamenco dancer, and now makes her home in Las Vegas, vocalist Andy James has always loved New York City – whether dreaming of the Big Apple from afar or exploring the always thriving jazz scene of the city as both listener and performer.

“New York City – what a town!” James exults. “It has always held a special place in my heart. Even as a child growing up in Australia, I would see the great singers performing on the television from this special place and think, ‘If only that could be me!’”

On her latest album for Le Coq Records, James captures the vibrant tempo and exhilarating thrills always unfolding in the thoroughfares of the city that never sleeps. Due out April 15, Rhythm in New York features a stunning mix of classic standards and original music inspired by life in Manhattan. As has become standard for Le Coq releases, the album boasts an unparalleled line-up of in-demand musicians, all of who have captivated audiences on the bandstands of New York and beyond.

James’ key collaborator on Rhythm in New York is John Patitucci, who not only graces every track with his virtuosic bass playing but co-wrote several tunes with James and his daughter, singer-songwriter Greisun. They’re joined by pianist Jon Cowherd, drummers Nate Smith and Marcus Gilmore, saxophonists Chris Potter and Marcus Strickland, trumpeter Terell Stafford, flutist David Mann, guitarists Adam Rogers and Chico Pinheiro, and percussionists Alex Acuña and Rogerio Boccato. Additionally, Cowherd and Patitucci collectively arranged all 15 songs on the album.

While Patitucci has been a key member of the Le Coq family since its launch, he and James furthered their collaboration last year with the collaborative outing An Evening with John Patitucci & Andy James, which inaugurated the singer’s venture into original compositions.

“Although I’ve always loved the songs of the past – who wouldn't? – I thought it was time to express myself more as a writer of music on this album,” James explains. “I feel it's necessary to convey my sentiments in music so I can grow further as a singer and musician. My collaboration with John Patitucci and his daughter Greisun has been an enormous pleasure for me. They are so talented and always know what I'm looking for; which I’m sure is helped by their family bond.”

Speaking of family bonds, James’ other co-writer on Rhythm in New York is her husband and dance partner, Le Coq founder Piero Pata, who contributed to two new pieces on the album, “Time To Think” and “Just In Time.” As James explains, “Working with Piero has really been easy. Wherever I am, he seems to catch and remember the melodies that I've been casually humming around the house and later brings them to me with lyrics already attached. It makes a great start for a song. Of course, then I sink my teeth into them and change just enough to make it me.”

In writing as well as selecting songs for the album, James thought back over the many memorable visits she’s enjoyed to New York City, stretching back to childhood trips with her parents, who would occasionally travel to the States on business and bring their artistic daughter along. As an adult she would return often to soak in the nightlife and take in the influences that helped forge her own singing style.

“My first walk in Central Park in the snow will always be a highlight,” James recalls. “I will never forget the colors of Times Square at night, the people swarming all over the place with excitement, the magnitude of the shows on offer on every street. I would wander for hours finding one exciting nook and cranny after another to enjoy musicians. Whether at Birdland Jazz Club or the Village Vanguard, there was always someone special to admire.”

Rhythm in New York spotlights a wide variety of moods and styles, while showcasing the jaw-dropping musicianship of the assembled artists. James so admires her collaborators that in at least one instance – her and Pata’s own “Just In Time” – she decided to remove her vocals altogether and let the band shine on their own. But throughout, from the enticing, Bossa-inflected opener “There Will Never Be Another You,” through the lush original ballad “Day Dream” and the Flamenco-inspired “El Ritmo,” to the wistful farewell of “I’ll Be Seeing You,” James finds endless inspiration in her adoration for the city.

“I tried to capture my feelings when I was younger, to convey my impressions traveling to this great city,” she explains. “New York is a city of love in many ways, and its people have proved this on countless occasions. The beauty of the seasons always leaves me breathless. It has so many musical tastes for anybody to enjoy: R&B, pop, opera, musical comedy, and of course my favorite, jazz. It is one of my favorite places on Earth.”

Andy James · Rhythm in New York

Le Coq Records · Release Date: April 15, 2022

For more information on Le Coq Records, please visit:

lecoqrecords.com | Facebook | Instagram

Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) June Experience 2022

JAS ANNOUNCES JUNE EXPERIENCE LINE-UP

 

Jazz, Soul, Blues, Funk, World Music, Gospel & More  

at Multiple Venues Across the Downtown Core

Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) has announced the initial line-up of both artists and venues for the JAS Experience, June 23-26 in downtown Aspen. The Experience will consist of multiple staggered shows daily, taking place at ten different venues, allowing attendees the opportunity to stroll around town and enjoy a full night of diverse music genres and settings. Unlike in 2021 when ticket buyers were assigned a set schedule, this years format will mirror the inaugural 2019 event, allowing attendees to pick and choose the shows they would like to attend at any given time during the night.

 

Passes for the event go on-sale Thursday, February 17 at 10am including the choice of a 2-day weekend pass (June 24-25), or a daily pass that will allow access into all participating venues on either June 24 or June 25. A weekend VIP pass is also available and will include three nights of dinner and private performances at the Aspen Art Museum (June 23-25).

 

In addition to the Aspen Art Museum, JAS plans to utilize space at the Belly Up, Wheeler Opera House, Limelight Hotel, W Hotel’s 39 Degrees, Sterling Club, Here House and Hotel Jerome’s Felix Coffee and Bad Harriet.

 

At this time JAS is requiring all attendees of the June Experience to show proof of full COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. JAS will also be enforcing the policies in place at each specific venue, which means a negative test result may not allow access to all sites, including the Belly Up which is currently requiring full vaccination. These conditions are subject to change based on CDC and Pitkin County Health guidelines at the time of the event.

 

Confirmed artists for Friday include: multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer  Kamasi Washington,  Latin jazz percussionist Poncho Sanchez with his 8-piece band, trailblazing trumpeter, singer and songwriter Bria Skonberg, 4-time GRAMMY nominated husband and wife duo The Baylor Project, the funk & soul-jazz concoctions of the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, trombonist/vocalist Natalie Cressman and Brazilian guitarist Ian Faquini performing a vast spectrum of music in three different languages, blues “wunderkind” guitarist-vocalist Jontavious Willis, Chicago hip-hop/jazz/ reggae/soul group the LowDown Brass Band and multilingual vocal and guitar duo from NYC and Argentina Eleanor Dubinsky and Dario Acosta Teich.

 

Saturday artists include: five-time GRAMMY winning blues guitarist/vocalist Keb’ Mo’, ten-time GRAMMY winners and the most awarded a cappella group of all-time Take 6, world-renowned seven-time GRAMMY winning Bassist Christian McBride, pianist Benny Green and percussionist Jeff Hamilton with their “Remembering Ray Brown” tribute, and Memphis-based soul/blues band Southern Avenue. Also performing again on Saturday are Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini, Jontavious Willis, LowDown Brass Band and Eleanor Dubinsky and Dario Acosta Teich.

 

The Experience will close on Sunday, June 26 with a Gospel Brunch taking place rooftop at the Aspen Art Museum featuring Niki Haris and Wycliffe Gordon. Information on brunch tickets will be released at a later date.

 

The full daily schedule can be found at jazzaspensnowmass.org.

 

General Admission Passes will be available for purchase Thursday at jazzaspensnowmass.org. The 2-day pass will be offered at $199 plus service and single day Friday or Saturday passes at $125 each plus service.

 

Donor/VIP passes are available now at jasstore.org or 970.920.4996. In addition to the nightly dinners VIPs will have the option to request reserved seating at 1-2 venues per night at select venues.

For more information please visit jazzaspensnowmass.org

For more information, please contact:

Jazz Aspen Snowmass · 970-920-4996  

Andrea Beard · abeard@jazzaspen.org

VIDEO AVAILABLE NOW: Brian Bromberg | "Baton Rouge" | Artistry Music

Brian Bromberg Releases New Video

Featuring the Late Nick Colionne

"Baton Rouge (Live from Berks Jazz Fest)"

A Little Driving Music Available Now via

Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group

"Baton Rouge (Live from Berks Jazz Fest)"

"When I was writing the music for my album A Little Driving Music, this song just showed up and essentially just kinda wrote itself. Same with the name, Baton Rouge. It just came to me. I was thinking of Baton Rouge in the summer, hot, humid, sticky, and bluesy. A great vibe! The first musician I thought of to play on the song was guitarist Nick Colionne. We have been friends for years and played together a number of times, but never recorded together. I thought this song would be perfect for him and for the two of us to do together.

This video is from the 2021 Berks Jazz Festival where Nick sat in with my band and we got to perform it live together for the first time. Sadly, I had no idea that it would be the last and only time we would play it together. I am heartbroken that we lost Nico way too soon, but I am so happy that we have this performance of us playing Baton Rouge together. I will cherish this performance and the wonderful smiles we both have playing together."

— Brian Bromberg

After nearly a year of being cooped up within the same four walls, it’s only natural that one’s thoughts might turn to the freedom of the open road. That’s certainly true of virtuoso jazz bassist and world-renowned producer Brian Bromberg, whose third pandemic-era release shrugs off the prevailing mood of COVID-era claustrophobia and political strife for A Little Driving Music, a fun, funky paean to cruising with the top down and leaving your troubles behind.

While countless musicians have spent the quarantine months in a state of limbo, the always-prolific Bromberg quickly figured out a way to continue making music while remaining socially distanced. Out now on Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group, A Little Driving Music follows the bassist’s wide-ranging holiday album, Celebrate Me Home, and the remixed and remastered digital release of his stunning tribute album Bromberg Plays Hendrix. 

“In one aspect it's been a weird, heartbreaking time to be a musician who just wants to play music with human beings, for human beings,” Bromberg laments. “On the flip side, I've been really fortunate. It's been a really positive, productive period because I've had nothing but time to sit in front of a computer or pluck my strings.”

A Little Driving Music features a dozen brand-new Bromberg compositions as well as a surprising 80s cover song, the joyful Katrina and the Waves hit “Walking on Sunshine.” Despite recording each musician in isolation and at a distance, the bassist managed to (virtually) assemble an elite roster of longtime collaborators and all-star special guests including saxophonists Dave Koz, Everette Harp, Gary Meek, Elan Trotman, Darren Rahn and Marion Meadows; keyboardist Tom Zink; guitarists Jerry Cortez, Nick Colionne and Ray Fuller; drummers Joel Taylor and Tony Moore; vibraphonist Craig Fundiga; and percussionist Lenny Castro. There’s even a string orchestra featuring members of the National Symphony Orchestra of the Dominican Republic, conducted by arranger/producer Corey Allen (again, with COVID safety protocols in place).

“This is the hand you're dealt, so you make the most of it,” Bromberg says of the unusual circumstances under which the album was recorded. “Everything about how we do things has changed, but when you come to terms with that and accept it for what is, you can enjoy the process. Especially when you're dealing with a lot of talented people and state-of-the-art technology – it's amazing what you can do despite not being in a prime situation.”

No trace of that adverse situation can be heard as the album kicks off with “Froggy’s,” a carefree, high-spirited funk tune highlighted by a lively horn section emulating the chorus of frogs that often greets the composer at his Southern California home. Bromberg takes a blistering solo on piccolo bass, which could easily be mistaken for a shredding electric guitar. The baton is then picked up by Everette Harp’s vibrant turn on sax. 

A diary entry for these strange times, “Quarantine” was the first track penned by Bromberg after lockdown commenced. The rest of the album was also composed in quarantine, with the sole exception of the title track – fittingly enough, as the freewheeling “A Little Driving Music” fills the listener with a sense of movement and freedom much missed over these solitary months. “That Cool Groovy Beatnik Jazz” is another self-explanatory title, conjuring the laid-back, finger-snapping groove of a classic BYOB hipster café (meaning Bring Your Own Bongos).

Both “Bado Boy!” and “Lullaby for Bado” are dedicated to a cat that Bromberg and his fiancée rescued from Barbados, a complicated tale that eventually involved the island’s Minister of Agriculture. (“It would be as if you wanted to rescue a cat and had to talk to the Vice President of the United States to do it,” Bromberg says incredulously.) The former tune, which features Barbados-born saxophonist Elan Trotman, reflects the feline’s playful spirit; the latter, pairing Bromberg’s emotional acoustic bass with the Dominican Republic strings, is an elegy for the lost cat.

“We knew he was sick, but we hoped he'd live a long time,” Bromberg recalls. “Unfortunately, he only lived a year, but he had a hell of a year living with us instead of being alone as a stray cat sick in the Caribbean.”

With an assist from Dave Koz, “Walking on Sunshine” reimagines the 80s classic in a jazz context, slower and funkier than the incessantly upbeat original. “After the year we've had – and, sadly, the year we're likely going to have – a little positive energy goes a long way,” Bromberg explains. “So, I wanted to record something with positive energy and uplift that also had that twist, that most recording artists might not have thought of doing.”

Short for Sagittarius, “Sag 5” is named for the December 5 birthday that Bromberg shares with saxophonist Darren Rahn, who guests on the track, melding sounds so harmoniously with the bassist that it lends a bit of credence to astrological synergy. Adding Andrew Neu on clarinet and Mitch Forman on accordion, “A Rainy Day in Paris” transports the listener to a café in the City of Lights as the weather turns gray outside. “If that song doesn't make you want to have a glass of wine and some cheese, I don't know what will,” insists Bromberg. “The only thing missing is a red and white checkered tablecloth.”

With Marion Meadows extolling the hopeful melody on soprano sax, “Peace” is Bromberg’s offering to the search for sanity in a contentious world. As he describes it, the tune is “the equivalent of a musical time out, suggesting that everybody just take a deep breath while the world and this country, in particular, is pretty upside down.” 

The country-accented “Jedediah’s Gold” paints a sepia-tinged portrait of a Gold Rush miner and his stake in the Old West, while “The Sitting Room” luxuriates in the feeling of relaxing in a favorite, comfy spot at home. The greasy, slinky “Baton Rouge” detours down south for a bit of hot, sweaty, fun-in-the-sun funk with Nick Colionne laying down some down-home guitar licks.

“There's some heavier music on A Little Driving Music,” Bromberg concludes, “but for the most part it's a fun, positive energy record. There's nothing better than that Zen moment of listening to great tunes on the road, looking out the window at life. That's the vibe of it to me: I hope people just want to put it on in the car and crank it up.” 

Artistry Music

Brian Bromberg • A Little Driving Music

Artistry Music • Release Date: May 21, 2021

For more information on Brian Bromberg, please visit: BrianBromberg.net

Lello Petrarca Trio - Napoli Jazzology (February 2022 Dodicilune / Ird)

LELLO PETRARCA TRIO

NAPOLI JAZZOLOGY

DODICILUNE / IRD

Prodotto da Dodicilune, distribuito in Italia e all’estero da IRD e nei migliori store on line da Believe, martedì 22 febbraio esce “Napoli Jazzology”, terzo progetto discografico del Lello Petrarca Trio. Dopo "Musical Stories" (2016) e “Reflections" (2018), prosegue infatti la collaborazio ne tra l’etichetta discografica leccese e il pianista campano affiancato, anche in questa avventura, dal contrabbassista Vincenzo Faraldo e dal batterista Aldo Fucile. Musicista, compositore, polistrumentista e arrangiatore poliedrico ed eclettico che attinge da stili e generi diversi, nel nuovo disco Lello Petrarca sceglie di riproporre alcune delle più celebri e amate canzoni napoletane tratte dal repertorio classico e moderno. In scaletta 'O Sole Mio, Funiculi' Funicula', Gente Distratta, Reginella, Era De Maggio, Tammurriata Nera, Passione e Resta Cu 'Mme. 

Aldo Fucile / Lello Petrarca / Vincenzo Faraldo

Nel corso degli anni Lello Petrarca ha collaborato, tra gli altri, con Nino Buonocore, Daniele Sepe, Stefano Di Battista, Giovanni Amato, Markus Stockhausen, Isabella Ferrari, Martux_m, Gianluigi Trovesi, Pietro Condorelli, Maurizio Giammarco, Fabrizio Bosso, Ga briele Mirabassi, Enrico del Gaudio, Pericle Odierna, Vittorio De Scalzi (New Trolls), Fabrizio Frizzi, Piergiorgio Odifreddi, il tenore Pino De Vittorio, il trombettista americano Andy Gravish ed altri ancora esibendosi in prestigiosi festival e aprendo il concerto di Al Jarreau durante il festival russo "Usadba Jazz 2017". Ha collaborato alla composizione e alla registrazione delle musiche per un documentario di Marco Paolini andato in onda su La7. Su Italiamia ha condotto una sua rubrica musicale intitolata "Tra palco e realtà”.

 

Vincenzo Faraldo inizia la sua attività negli anni '70. Dopo varie esperienze spaziando tra pop-rock (Fausto Mesolella, La Prima Pagina), musica popolare (Campania Felix) e jazz-rock (L'Alchimista), concentra la sua attenzione sul jazz, partecipando alla formazione di gruppi con musicisti italia ni e americani. Ha suonato con l’orchestra jazz “Campania Jazz Ensemble” diretta dal  compositore e pianista Gerardo di Lella. Attualmente fa parte del CFN Trio e dei Corepolis, due gruppi che fondono la World Music e il Jazz. Nel corso degli anni ha collaborato, tra gli altri, con Pietro Condorelli, Jimmy Owens, Giulio Capiozzo, Bruce Forman, Tony Scott, Francesco Nastro, Flavio Boltro, Cinzia Spata, Mal Waldron, Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare, Gianni D'argenzio, Sonny Taylor, Gerardo Di Lella, Giovanni Amato, Massimo Faraò, Jerry Popolo, Bob Binocolo, Valerio Silvestro, Max Ionata, Lello Petrarca, Emilio Silva Bedmar, Sergio Di Natale esibendosi in numerosi festival jazz italiani. Molto ricca anche la sua discografia.  

Affascinato sin da piccolo dagli strumenti a percussione Aldo Fucile ha collaborato, tra gli altri, con Jerry Popolo, Gianni Amato, Aldo Vigorito, Giulio Martino, Pietro Condorelli, Andy Gravish, Bob Fix, Paolo Pelella, Fausto Ferraiuolo, Vittorio Pepe, Lello Cannavale, Filiberto Palermini, Josè Davila, Joseph Lepore, Tony Ronga, Bob Marquart, Valerio Silvestro, Oscar Montalbano, Gianni D'argenzio, Jerry Bergonzi, Roberto Schiano, Corrado Paonessa, Emiliano De Luca, Francesco Battarino, Pietro Ventrone, Lello Carotenuto, Antonio Fresa, Nicola Rando, Lello Petrarca, Aldevis Tibaldi, Tullio Pizzorno, Nando Trapani, Leonardo Laperuta, Valerio Virzo, Westley Ivankovich, Alberto Falco, Giacomo Pedicini, Antonio Imparato, Marco de Tilla, Paolo Licastro, Mario Mazzaro, Vincenzo Saetta, Daniele Sorrentino, Mauro Marigliano, Daniele Esposito, Peppe Costa, Walter Ricci, Loredana Lubrano, Enzo Amazio, Flavio Guidotti, Antonio Capasso, Umberto Muselli, Dino Massa, Carlo Lomanto, GianFranco Coppola, Franco Coppola, Marco Sannini, Francesco D'Errico, Paolo Innarella, Pippo Matino, I ris Romen, Carlo Actis Dato. Il batterista ha fatto parte inoltre della "Swing Time Big Band" diretta dal M° Renato Gaudiello e della Big Band "Les enfant terribles" diretta da Valerio Silvestro.

L’etichetta Dodicilune è attiva dal 1996 e dispone di un catalogo di quasi 300 produzioni di artisti italiani e stranieri. Distribuiti nei negozi in Italia e all'estero da IRD, i dischi Dodicilune possono essere acquistati anche online, ascoltati e scaricati sulle maggiori piattaforme del mondo grazie a Believe.

1 - 'O Sole Mio

2 - Funiculi' Funicula'

3 - Gente Distratta

4 - Reginella

5 - Era De Maggio

6 - Tammurriata Nera

7 - Passione

8 - Resta Cu 'Mme

• COMPOSITIONS BY

E. Di Capua, A. Mazzucchi, G. Capurro (1)

L. Denza, G. Turco (2)

P. Daniele (3)

G. Lama, L. Bovio (4)

M.P. Costa, S. Di Giacomo (5)

E.A. Mario, E. Nicolardi (6)

E. Tagliaferri, N. Valente, L. Bovio (7)

D. Modugno (8)

Lello Petrarca - piano

Vincenzo Faraldo - double bass

Aldo Fucile - drums

• PRODUCTION DATA

Total time 35:08 STEREO DDD

(p) 2022 DODICILUNE (Italy)

(c) 2022 DODICILUNE (Italy)

www.dodicilune.it

CD DODICILUNE DISCHI Ed518

8033309695181

• RECORDING DATA

Produced by Lello Petrarca and Maurizio Bizzochetti, Gabriele Rampino, Dodicilune, Italy

Label manager Maurizio Bizzochetti (www.dodicilune.it)

Recorded 5, 6 May 2017 at Studio Logic, Santa Maria Capua Vetere (Ce), Italy

Mixed 7, 8 May 2017 at Studio Logic, Santa Maria Capua Vetere (Ce), Italy

Sound engineer Maddalena Bellini

Mastered 12 October 2017 at 20Hz20kHz Mastering Lab, Napoli, Italy

Sound engineer Davide Barbarulo

Cover photo m Daniele Granata  Photos by Pietro Paolo Falco

Contact: lellopetrarca.com, info@lellopetrarca.com, facebook.com/LelloPetrarcaOfficial

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Craig Schoedler - Bass Legacy

Craig Schoedler (composer/bassist/guitarist)was born and raised in Wilmington, De and attended The Tatnall School. He went on to study performance and composition at Temple University, and New York University, where he earned a Masters degree. Craig has released 5 CDs of his own , earning international praise. 

1. Power 08:55

2. Burlington 07:24

3. Adani 06:49

4. BVI 07:53

5. Terminal A 08:54

6. Krong Kong 2020 08:56

7. Rainbow Bridge 08:32

8. Resiliance 07:51

Craig Schoedler: six-string electric bass & keyboard

Bill Evans: Saxophone (tracks 3&6),

Eric Marienthal: Saxophone (tracks 1,5,8)

Larry Marshall: Percussion & Drums

Bob Coulon: Piano & Keyboards

Kristina Pruitt: Vocals

Rich Kurtz: Guitar, Engineer, Programming

Tony Troy: Album Art

Miles Shades: Content Director

Recorded at Cadence Music Inc. by Rich Kurtz

Co produced by Rich Kurtz and Craig Schoedler

www.cadencemusicstudio.com

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