TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT: Allan Harris Presents "Kate's Soulfood" This Summer

Allan Harris Set To Tour Critically Acclaimed New Album Kate’s Soulfood This Summer 

The acclaimed vocalist and guitarist will perform in New York, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia in July, plus Maine and Michigan in August

Critically acclaimed soulful crooner Allan Harris will be bringing his hit album Kate’s Soulfood on the road this summer! As a recipient of a prestigious SouthArts Jazz Road touring grant, Harris will utilize these funds to take his Harlem-inspired studio recording down the East Coast. A collection of vignettes from his Sundays spent traveling from Brooklyn to Harlem as a child, Kate’s Soulfood is an expressive showcasing of Allan Harris’ proficiency in songwriting and love for a strong and lively community. Harris is thrilled to present this music to live audiences throughout the month of July, with additional dates in June and August. 

The main leg of the tour will kick off from July 8-10 with five performances at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club in New York City with an expanded band, followed by a streamed event in Pompano Beach, FL on July 17 and an outdoor house party in Pittsburgh, PA on July 21. The following day, Harris will perform at the MCG Jazz Summer Series. Next up, Harris will travel to Virginia Beach, VA, where he will perform at Zeider’s American Dream Theater, followed by a hit at the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and another house party in Hilton Head, South Carolina the following day. On July 29th, Harris will perform for WUCF Radio in Orlando Florida, followed by an intimate performance at Heidi’s Jazz Club located in Cocoa Beach. The July leg will end with a special performance on July 31st at South Miami Dade & Cultural Arts Center. On August 7th and 12th, Harris will perform at the Blue Llama in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Vinegar Hill Music Theater in Maine, respectively. 

Joining Harris is his long-standing, tight knit ensemble of contemporary musical greats including Arcoiris Sandoval on piano and keys, Marty Kenney on bass,  Norman Edwards on drums and saxophonist Irwin Hall.

Kate’s Soulfood is an homage to Harris' Aunt Kate, who owned a luncheonette behind the Apollo Theater in Harlem called Kate’s Home Cooking. While visiting, Harris would witness parts of the Civil Rights Movement and relish the embrace of a vibrant musical community. In composing the music featured on Kate’s Soulfood, Harris drew from these moments, and in doing so, has produced a wide-ranging sonic tapestry of his beloved neighborhood. 

With the help of GRAMMY Award-winning producer Kamau Kenyatta, Harris’ 14th release as a leader was brought to life. The sounds and voices on Kate’s Soulfood have an infectious spirit synonymous with Harlem. Since it’s release on February 12, Kate’s Soulfood has been celebrated for the sensation that it is:

"Kate’s Soulfood is a delicious taste of Harlem revisited, spiked soul sprinkled with a message to the people, Harris’ ballads dipped in his original smoky honey croon sauce and a searing anthem to keep the truth in sight." - Ron Scott, Amsterdam News

"Begun before and completed during the coronavirus crisis, Allan Harris’ Kate’s Soulfood (Love Productions) celebrates the post-Renaissance Harlem of the guitarist/singer’s youth. These 10 tracks reverberate with gospel-infused inspiration." - Suzanne Lorge, New York City Jazz Record

“Quarantine inspired wanderlust might be fine for some, but not for Allan Harris whose Kate’s Soulfood is a valentine to his beloved Harlem." - John Chacona, Let’s Call This

With his commencing tour performance less than a month away, Harris is ready to share his powerful memories live, at what will be the first live performance for many concert-goers in over a year. As the world re-opens and live music resumes, Harris will be a revitalizing sonic force this summer. 

He shares his excitement on his upcoming tour: "Hallelujah is the term that describes what I’ve been feeling for the past few weeks! The road beckons to me once again and like a troubadour who's been exiled to a foreign land I cannot wait to finally embrace and share those many smiles and hearts that have been awaiting my return. But I hope that my friends, fans and loved ones are prepared for the onslaught of music and joy that they will be receiving from me when I climb, no jump, back onto the stage. So to coin the title of that rousing tune by the Temptations, “Get Ready 'Cause Here I Come”!" 

Jazz Road is a national initiative of South Arts, which is funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation with additional support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. An artist-centric touring program that supports small tours for emerging and mid-career artists, Jazz Road grants promote deeper engagement between jazz musicians, presenters, and communities, often those located in areas traditionally underserved by the genre.

KATE’S SOULFOOD TOUR SCHEDULE

July 8-10 Birdland Jazz Club, New York, NY    Indoors, reduced capacity

July 17 Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Pompano Beach, FL    Streaming event, limited audience

July 21 House Party - Pittsburgh, PA    Outdoor house party

July 22 MCG Jazz Summer Series - Pittsburgh Playhouse - Highmark Theater    Indoors

July 23 Zeider's American Dream Theater, Virginia Beach, VA    Reduced capacity seating (50%)

July 24 Sunrise Theater, Southern Pines, NC    Indoors

July 25 House Party - Hilton Head, SC    Outdoors, house party

July 29 WUCF Radio on air concert, Orlando    On-air performance 

July 30 Heidi's Jazz Club, Cocoa Beach, FL    Indoors, reduced capacity Jazz club

July 31 South Miami Dade & Cultural Arts Center, FL    Outdoors, spaced seating

August 7 Blue Llama, Ann Arbor, MI    Indoors, reduced capacity Jazz club

August 12 Vinegar Hill Music Theater, ME    Indoors, reduced capacity (50%)

Allan Harris: The Kate's Soulfood LP will be released in August 2021

The Kate's Soulfood LP will be released in August 2021. This LP will feature a bonus track of an unedited version of Run Through America only available here.

The vinyl version of Kate's Soulfood features an unedited bonus track Run Through America. This track was edited for radio on the CD, but on the vinyl version you will hear it the way it was originally recorded with the original lyrics. Run Through America is a protest song about the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and all the other black people killed by police in the US.

Ships out within 5 days

Edition of 100 

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Konstantin Kostov Trio - MUSSORGSKY: Pictures at an Exhibition (June 14, 2021)

For a long time, I have been toying with the idea of arranging a classical piano cycle for a jazz trio. I chose Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky, which has provoked many artists to create their own versions of this famous work. Doing something so crazy and at the same time responsible requires skill and artistic flair so you can immerse yourself deeply in the classical music. It also takes a lot of courage to translate it via your own emotionality and even more courage to improvise.

In the course of my work, I deliberately mentioned what I was doing to some friends of mine, classical musicians, and they all reacted identically, “Just don’t ruin them!”.

I have tried to make the entire cycle sound very different from the traditional performance. The most difficult part was to adapt it to my performance style, but I believe my objective to refresh it via my musical manner was achieved. My years of experience in the crossover music field has taught me to do it with enormous respect for the composer and the piece.

Of course, my music partners and friends Hristo Yotsov and Dimitar Karamfilov, without whom the album would not have been possible, played the most important role. These brilliant musicians and exceptional improvisers with a serious knowledge of the classics and jazz contributed greatly to the music acquiring the intended particular aesthetics, energy and personality.

We sincerely hope this music will entertain, inspire and even provoke you.

And if you are wondering what Mussorgsky had in common with jazz, the answer is – nothing...

Jazz is the most liberal of arts that finds common ground with everyone and everything.

1. Promenade I

2. Gnome

3. Promenade II

4. The Old Castle

5. Tuileries

6. Cattle

7. Ballet of Unhatched Chicks

8. Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle

9. Limoges the Market

10. Catacombs

11. With the Dead in a Dead Language

12. Baba Yaga

13. The Great Gate of Kiev

Konstantin Kostov - piano

Hristo Yotsov - drums

Dimitar Karamfilov - double bass

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Aurelijus Užameckis - Signals (June 7, 2021 CRRNT Records)

Signals is a debut solo album from a Lithuanian bass player and composer Aurelijus Užameckis.

The record contains music written and performed by Aurelijus which has been recorded at the Brønshøj water tower in Copenhagen. This building holds a unique room ambience with reverb of approximately 13 seconds.

The music of the album is an ambiguous manifestation of existential considerations that are sonically expressed through minimalistic themes and improvisations.

1. SIGNALS

2. TAME YOUR THOUGHTS

3. APATHETIC / EMPATHETIC

4. TRUST THE MACHINE

5. YOUR THIRD COCKTAIL PERSONALITY

6. CALL

7. RECALL

8. SLOW BREATHER

9. NEBULOUS DREAM

10. THIS ISN'T HEAVEN

11. FINALE

ALL MUSIC BY AURELIJUS UŽAMECKIS

RECORDED IN THE BRØNSHØJ WATER TOWER, COPENHAGEN

SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2020

RECORDED, MIXED BY SIMON MARIEGAARD, MIXED AND MASTERED BY SIMON MARIEGAARD

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Michele Tino - Belle Époque (June 2021 Auand Records)

Belle Époque is Michele Tino's debut album, out on Auand on June 4th.

A sax player born and raised in Italy, Michele Tino comes to his first work as leader after learning the ropes with such names as Camilla Battaglia, Michelangelo Scandroglio, Alessandro Lanzoni, The Auanders, Purple Whales and Federica Colangelo “Acquaphonica”.

The tracklist, entirely penned by Tino, covers a wide timeframe as well as very different styles, influences, and moods, by merging traditional and contemporary approach. A compelling lyricism pervades every track, playing with balanced dynamics and sense of proportion.

Michele Tino formed his quartet in 2018, when he got back to Florence after finishing his studies in Amsterdam.

It still features Simone Graziano (piano, Fender Rhodes, and synth), Gabriele Evangelista (double bass), and Bernardo Guerra (drums). They met and started collaborating a long time ago, and it felt natural for him to have them in his first band as a leader. This allowed them to add a deeper understanding to their already strong relationship.

Rehearsed and played live for a long time, each composition had been carefully shaped until it fits the whole album idea of density. Last but not least, Francesco Ponticelli’s contribution was precious, as much as his Cicaleto studio where the album was recorded.

1 Truth

2 Between Hands

3 Gringo

4 L'idiota

5 Chiasma

6 Ara Pacis

7 Shark's Genocide

8 Her Choice

Michele Tino - alto and tenor saxophone

Simone Graziano - piano, Fender Rhodes, synths

Gabriele Evangelista - double bass

Bernardo Guerra - drums

Recorded at Cicaleto (Arezzo) on November 6-8, 2020 by Francesco Ponticelli

Mixed at Cicaleto (Arezzo) on December 2020 by Francesco Ponticelli

Mastered at GreenBrain on February 2021 by Stefano Bechini

produced by Michele Tino

executive producer: Marco Valente

cover photo by Maria Rosaria Santo and Guglielmo Tino

inner photos by Caterina Di Perri

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BandCamp

Mega Mass - Goniochromism (June 2021)

1. 33 05:45

2. Nihilism 05:42

3. Pouf 03:24

4. Objet Celeste 04:58

5. La Berthe 02:37

6. Paf 04:37

7. 25 Blood Drive 03:08

Quentin Cholet - drums

Théo Duboule - guitar

Fabian Willmann - saxophone

mixed by théo duboule

mastered by adrian von ripka

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Manuel Valera Trio - Live at Diese Onze (feat. Clarence Penn & Hans Glawischnig) 2021

Live at Diese Onze was recorded in April/2019 in the beautiful Montreal Club, Diese Onze. Manuel Valera's trio is composed of Hans Glawischnig and Clarence Penn. the CD features nine originals and standard performed. The performance is kinetic, and the connection between these three artist is unavoidable. Some tracks have intricate arrangements while others offer very organic and interactive versions of some of jazz's most beloved works such as Whisper Not, Darn That Dream and But Not for me.

1. Rhythm-A-Ning 07:55

2. Whisper Not 08:55

3. Tres Palabras 08:16

4. Evidence 07:06

5. Ballade 07:48

6. But Not For Me 05:42

7. Darn That Dream 06:39

8. Searching 08:03

9. What Is This Thing Called Love 08:21

Manuel Valera (piano)

Hans Glawischnig (bass)

Clarence Penn (drums)

Recorded Live at Diese Onze in Montreal, Canada on April/2019

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Marthe Lea Band - Asura (June 2021 Motvind Records)

Asura is Marthe Lea Band's declaration of love for life. Clearly inspired by folk music from far and wide, one can through seven very different songs hear the musicians' backgrounds and interests propagate in soulful vibrations. This is music for celebration!

Marthe Lea maneuvers through the mysteries of music in an ingenious way. She has showed this in the recent years in such different contexts as Bugge Wessltoft's New Conception of Jazz, in a trio with Ayumi Tanaka and Thomas Strønen (recently released on ECM) and with musicians such as Axel Dörner and Alasdair Roberts. She balances her sincerely and powerful expression, which contains both folk songs and howling, in a liberating way. Symptomatic of this open approach is that she throughout “Asura” performs with a long list of instruments. Her piano, guitar and flute playing is as natural as what she plays on her main instrument, the tenor saxophone.

The band consists of, apart from the boss herself, Motvind Records' usual suspects Andreas Hoem Røysum on clarinet, Hans Kjorstad on fiddle and Egil Kalman on double bass and synth. And last but not least, on drums we can this time enjoy listening to the dynamic rhythm maestro Hans Hulbækmo. Since 2018, the band has played a number of freely improvised concerts that often has lasted for one to two hours. The philosophy has been to let what happens happen. They have actually only had one song on the repertoire, titled "Sneaky Sneaky". The surprise was therefore great when Lea appeared the day before the recording with six completely new songs, all with rather whimsical twists. Just like Marthe Lea herself. The recording then beacme an attempt to play these songs as Lea had intended them, and at the same time retain a playful and free approach.

The music on Asura can probably best be characterized as an organic mixture of humming melodies, rocking grooves and spontaneous outbursts. The album begins with "Kedi", which with its peculiar tonality leads us straight into this universe of Lea. But don't think that we are dealing here with a somewhat monotonous folk music expression. For "Jysla Jysla" could perhaps be written by Elton John? Furthermore, the title track "Asura" moves from feudal Japan to a midsummer dance in the woods. Through the album, the music moves from mood to mood in time with the heart itself, ie something uneven but constantly changing. "Sakina" is clearly Gnawa-inspired while "Elgens hverdag" (“The Weekday of the Moose”) approaches the ancient power of the lullaby. Between them is the song "Bølgebryter" (“Wave Breaker”) which will probably make the jazz-interested listener nod. The album ends with the aforementioned "Sneaky Sneaky" which has been a recurring theme for this band for several years. Common to the tracks is that one can hear them as various festive rituals to celebrate the endless possibilities of music. 

1. Kedi 05:28

2. Jysla Jysla 06:23

3. Asura 07:59

4. Sakina 05:37

5. Bølgebryter 07:05

6. Elgens hverdag 05:06

7. Sneaky Sneaky 04:33

Marthe Lea - tenor saxophone, flute, piano, guitar, voice, udungu, percussion

Andreas Hoem Røysum - clarinet, bass clarinet, voice, percussion

Hans P. Kjorstad - violin, flute, voice, percussion

Egil Kalman - double bass, modular synthesizer, voice

Hans Hulbækmo - drums, percussion, voice

The music is composed by Marthe Lea

Recorded by Magnus Skavhaug Nergaard at Flerbruket 28 and 29 September 2020

Mixed by Kyrre Laastad in Øra Studio

Mastered by Karl Klaseie in Øra Studio

The cover art is made by the master of this production, Marthe Lea

(C), (P) Motvind Records 2021, MOT12LP

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Ralph Beerkircher - Beerkircher​ / ​Lindner​ / ​Werner​ /​ Landfermann (June 2021)

Ralph Beerkircher is a guitarist and composer.

Active with his own formations and since 99´ in groups such like Novotnik44, Schiiik, shraeng (electric-guitar-duo with F. Wingold), Arnie Bolden, Kahlenborn Trio amongst others.

1. Feed 01:21

2. Glas 03:53

3. Wén 05:08

4. Sketch#2 02:27

5. Feed the 01:07

6. Sketch#3 11:11

7. XIII 06:12

8. Distorted 07:14

9. Feed the Beast 03:30

Ralph Beerkircher - electric guitar & electronic devices

Axel Lindner - violin & viola

Holger Werner - clarinet & bassclarinet

Robert Landfermann - double bass

Track 2,4,6,7,9 by R.Beerkircher/Track 3,8 by A. Lindner/Track1,5 by all

Recorded at loftkoeln & mastered by Stefan Deistler

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Carsten Dahl - Sagn (June 2021 Storyville Records)

’Sagn’ in English means ‘saga’, and is a narrative or legend founded in the oral tradition. Many sagas were written down much later than they first originated, then finally published in collections of folklore.

Here you will hear a kind of music that Carsten Dahl ‘downloads’ in the moment, with no agenda or deliberation involved in the creative process. In a timeless state where he lets his own, inner soundboard resonate to the sound of the universal language that flows as energy, continuously offering information about the eternal.

Using only his right hand, the music was recorded in one, long take (or flow), with no post-editing.

Carsten Dahl is today considered one of the most innovative and genius improvising musicians. His substantial talent seems to be unlimited. With free expressions within the jazz tradition and an almost scary level of originality and narrative ability, he composes orchestral works and plays as a multiinstrumentalist in his own productions. Through his career, he has appeared on more than 300 CD's and received a countless number of prizes and praises by critics all over the world.

1. D mol 04:35

2. D dur 01:15

3. G mol 02:28

4. G dur 01:19

5. C mol 01:50

6. C dur 01:22

7. Fis mol 01:25

8. Fis dur 01:30

9. Cis mol 02:08

10. Db dur 00:57

11. A mol 01:49

12. A dur 00:59

13. E mol 02:23

14. E dur 00:54

15. F mol 01:30

16. F dur 00:56

17. Bb mol 02:59

18. Bb dur 00:58

19. Eb mol 01:27

20. Eb dur 01:23

21. H mol 02:03

22. H dur 01:42

23. Ab mol 01:26

24. Ab dur 01:43

Carsten Dahl - piano

A limited vinyl edition will be released later this year, but it's unfortunately delayed due to COVID-19 and high demand on vinyl pressings. It'll be available for purchase here as soon we have it in stock.

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Xavier Charles / Catherine Jauniaux / Jean-Sébastien Mariage - L'amour (June 2021 Ayler Records)

At the instigation of Catherine Jauniaux, three musicians meet around a book by Marguerite Duras. 

Three invented characters inspire music, a pulse, a harmony... through their silhouettes, their relationships, their movements, the space in which they are standing, between the sea, themselves, and an idea of civilization.

A triangular composition that is formed, deformed and reformed, in accordance with the tides. Music that tells of the wandering of souls on the brink of existence.

Lines, dots, strata, melodies and hidden words, impacts shown, acoustic obviously, to meet in the simplest and best way: playing/being together.

This trio does not fail to amaze us with the fluidity of its sound, its sentimental and human generosity and amorous conviction.

Aren't voice, clarinet and guitar the perfect instruments to help us reach these dreams ?

The trio was recorded by Pierre-Henri Thiébaut at the end of 2016 after having toured with this program in 2015 from Paris to Moscow via Draguignan, Berlin and Saint Petersburg.

Then everyone resumed their journey, following other meetings, involved in other projects. A story on hold...

It was finally in 2020 that by mutual agreement and deploring this state of affairs, we entrusted the music to Pierre Etchandy so that he could finalize the sound and allow us to present it to a larger audience than the sole lucky ones having been able to attend concerts by the trio.

Which he did with great care and especially love, we're back to it.

The story continues...

1. Le temps lent 05:23

2. Le triangle se ferme 03:54

3. De même que le ciel 06:26

4. Nuit 04:40

5. Un choc sourd 03:35

6. Trois jours 05:41

7. Le soleil | La marche du fou 05:15

8. Elle dort 03:51

9. Les yeux s'ouvrent | Ils retournent au noir 04:37

10. Ils se taisent | La lumière monte 00:42

11. L'aurore extérieure 04:57

Catherine Jauniaux - voice, objects

Xavier Charles - clarinet

Jean-Sébastien Mariage - electric guitar

Recorded by Pierre-Henri Thiébaut on December 16, 2016

at la Muse en Circuit, Alfortville, France.

Mastered by Pierre Etchandy, September 2020 to March 2021.

A co-production with «Tout Corps d’Etat».

Cover artwork by Catherine Jauniaux.

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Alexandra Grimal Trio - shape (June 2021)

"(...) mystère reste entier nous rassure quand à l'impalpable de la musique. Ce qui se passe, ce qui se joue alors est très beau, très profond. Ceci pour dire l'essentiel de l'honnêteté, l'humilité et l'humanité d'un trio plus que prometteur" Luc Bouquet, Improjazz

"(...) Un trio exemplaire et organique, qui raconte la même histoire à plusieurs voix et dans le même espace-temps en approfondissant constamment le discours à travers la matière et la texture sonore (...) Un voyage expérimental et jusqu'au-boutiste qui envisage le jazz avec un esprit d'indépendance et une intégrité totale." Audacieux Jazzmagazine Lionel Eskenazi

1. mouvances 15:20

2. en silence 01:06

3. le sang n'est pas bleu 19:51

4. forêts aléatoires 05:19

5. petite plage 05:36

6. texture 01:40

7. suite du temps absorbé 21:41

Marge 42

Alexandra Grimal - tenor and soprano saxophones

Antonin Rayon - organ and clavinet

Emmanuel Scarpa - drums

shape / Live at the Sunset

Recorded live, June 30, 2008 Paris

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Phi-Psonics - Mama / Drum Talk (June 2021 Second Thoughts Records)

1. Mama (Trio Version) 04:43

2. Drum Talk 03:31

Mitchell Yoshida- Wurlitzer 200A electric piano

Sylvain Carton- Tenor Sax

Josh Collazo- Drums

Seth Ford-Young- Bass

All tracks composed by Seth Ford-Young (sewfoyomusic, ASCAP) except "Drum Talk" by Seth Ford-Young, Sylvain Carton (TZME Music, ASCAP) and Josh Collazo (Joshua Michael Collazo, ASCAP)

Produced, recorded, and mixed by Seth Ford-Young at Means of Production, Los Angeles, CA

Additional engineering by Yohei Shikano

Mastered by Myles Boisen at Headless Buddha Mastering , Oakland, CA

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Phi-Psonics - Still Dancing / The Searcher (June 2021 Second Thoughts Records)

Recorded during the Spring 2020 lockdown, these two songs are a response to the Pandemic and the challenges faced by our families and communities. Second Thoughts Records and Nightnote Records teamed up to create a limited run 45 of the tracks "Still Dancing" and "The Searcher" with hand stamped sleeves. This will be a vinyl / Bandcamp digital only release.

1. Still Dancing 04:50

2. The Searcher 04:39

Mitchell Yoshida- Wurlitzer 200A electric piano

Sylvain Carton- Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Flute

Josh Collazo- Drums

Seth Ford-Young- Bass

All tracks composed by Seth Ford-Young (sewfoyomusic, ASCAP)

Produced, recorded, and mixed by Seth Ford-Young at Means of Production, Los Angeles, CA

Additional engineering by Yohei Shikano

Mastered by Myles Boisen at Headless Buddha Mastering , Oakland, CA

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Devin Gray - Melt All the Guns (feat. Ralph Alessi & Angelica Sanchez) June 2021 Rataplan Records

Melt All the Guns.

Dear friends and music supporters, I hope this note finds you well.

I am very happy to share this project with you. The music on this recording was composed during the fall of 2019 after several gun violence incidents took place. The increase of gun violence over the years and particularly in the United States has upset me so much that I need to speak out. Simply put, we need to expand awareness and work for a future free from gun violence. Today, June 4th is the 7th National Gun Violence Awareness Day. In the link below there are local events and resources including the Wear Orange Campaign that I recommend your involvement.

This trio recording features the incredible Ralph Alessi and Angelica Sanchez, which was luckily captured after we played some concerts in Canada and the States, and uniquely explores expressions of my feelings around those infuriating times albeit pre-pandemic. I hope you can support not only the impact of the song titles, but also all artists you know and love during these challenging times.

Lastly, as the reopening continues, please mark your calendars now as we will be celebrating the release of this music on July 9th in Brooklyn at the wonderful SoapBox Gallery with limited in person audience and live stream concert!

I truly hope to see you all soon!

My Best,

Devin Gray

1. Think About It 03:26

2. Jet Lag Party 03:35

3. Micro Waves 04:30

4. Melt All the Guns 04:31

5. Protect Our Environment 03:25

Ralph Alessi - Trumpet

Angelica Sanchez - Piano

Devin Gray - Drums & Compositions

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Gregg Belisle-Chi and Tim Berne / Koi: Scoring & Performing the music of Tim Berne (June 2021 Screwgun Records)

The following are the scores used for the recording of Koi: Performing the music of Tim Berne. They were adapted for solo acoustic guitar in a number of ways. Some of them were rewritten from two staves (bass and treble, or treble and treble) to one. One of them was a handwritten score with chord symbols. But in all cases, they were at one time re-written and computerized by me, printed out, and penciled with notes, phrase lines, fingerings, reminders to call my mom, etc.

I think it was a really useful process, taking the original scores and rewriting them. It was the first step in making the music mine, in a way. Of course, I’m not taking credit for the compositional brilliance here. All credit of course goes to Tim in that regard. But in terms of finding my identity through in the music, it first started with taking some ownership in it.

At first, I thought about adding fingerings to the charts included here, as that was an invaluable tool for me in learning and digesting the music. But I don’t want to deprive you from having that experience, if that’s something you choose to pursue. Instead, I’ve included a few performance notes and anecdotes from my musical experiences over the years and, more specifically, in putting this set of music together with the help of Tim and David Torn.

On a personal note, 2020 was an extremely dark year, full of suffering and hardship worldwide. Even now, as I write this, things are getting better…but it feels like we’re still a ways away from enjoying life the way we used to. I found myself quite lost, musically speaking, during the middle of 2020. It wasn’t until I started transcribing Sacred Vowels, Tim’s solo saxophone record, that I found some kind of direction again. That project then turned into this project, which I’m very happy with and excited about. I consider myself extremely lucky that I was able to find some light in the darkness through Tim’s music.

I hope these pages illuminate something to you and sustains your musical life in some way, as they have for me, in more ways than I can say.

Gregg Belisle-Chi

Kingston, New York

April 8, 2021

1. Chance 05:51

2. Three Whisky Exception 03:58

3. Trauma One 04:56

4. Giant Squids 03:42

5. Huh:Brokelyn 06:35

6. Middle Seat Blues 03:16

7. Huevos 04:01

8. Reception 05:31

9. Starfish Blues 03:50

10. Sequins 02:32

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Felippe Oliveira Group (2021)

Five instrumental tracks recorded in Cambui, Minas Gerais, Brazil in 2019

1. Garoa 05:31

2. Maria 03:58

3. Mimi 04:10

4. Rapa Do Tacho 04:08

5. Terrinha 05:02

Felippe Oliveira - Nylon String & Electric Guitars, Composer

Ze Eduardo Nazario - Drums

Daria Chernakova - Double Bass

JP Barbosa - Flute

Rubem Farias - Double Bass (on Maria)

Rodolfo Guilherme - Trumpet (on Maria)

Daniel Pereira - Sound Engineer

Juninho Costa & Andre Kbelo - Mix & Master

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Marcelo Monteiro - Deyeh (June 2021)

Marcelo Monteiro, saxophonist from Sao Paulo, Brazil, releases his new album, Deyeh. On this album, he experimented with arrangements with flutes and saxophones, exploring the sound combining contemporary jazz, Brazilian rhythms, in a modern concept. The album was recorded remotely with each musician recording from their own home studio.

1. Kahkoon 03:25

2. Deyeh 06:24

3. Kitah 05:06

4. Linha 9 05:04

5. Hermetiza 05:11

6. Diflauta 04:20

7. Auabu 04:41

Marcelo Monteiro - Tenor, alto, soprano, bari saxophones and flute.

Daniel Amorin - Bass

Gustavo Souza - Percussions

Marcelo Castilha - Keyboards

Mauricio Caetano - Drums

Mixing by Fernando Narcizo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Soundview (Bruce Harris)

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

3. Maybe It’s Hazy (Bruce Harris)

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

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

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

7. Ellington Suite (arr. Andy Farber)

8. Bird Of Red and Gold (Barry Harris)

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

BRUCE HARRIS trumpet

SULLIVAN FORTNER piano

DAVID WONG bass

AARON KIMMEL drums

SAMARA JOY voice

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NEW RELEASE: Trumpeter Tim Hagans To Release New Album, ‘A Conversation’ with the NDR Bigband on June 4 via Waiting Moon Records

Celebrated Trumpeter and Composer Tim Hagans Announces the Release of A Conversation, Commissioned and Performed by the NDR Bigband,

To Be Released on June 4, 2021 on Waiting Moon Records

3x GRAMMY-nominated composer and trumpeter Tim Hagans is pleased to announce the release of A Conversation, an all-new, original multi-movement concerto performed by the NDR Bigband. On A Conversation, Hagans introduces a musical narrative that is meant to explore, to illuminate, and perhaps, to resolve an exchange of ideas. Hagans’ latest addition to his canon of inventive large ensemble albums will be released on June 4, 2021 via the artist’s own Waiting Moon Records label. A Conversation is Hagans’ 17th recording as a leader, and his fourth recorded collaboration with the NDR Bigband.

Tim Hagans’ illustrious career as a composer began with his tenure performing and recording with the great Thad Jones. “To me, the power of Thad’s writing was that it came directly from his own distinct voice on the trumpet. I remember visiting him in his home. Thad would sit at a table with score paper and his cornet. Those were all the tools he needed to create extraordinary music,” recalls Hagans. It was Jones who encouraged Hagans to write music, and Hagans’ first composition appeared on his Live at Slukefter LP. This propelled Hagans’ career forward; one that includes a 15-year tenure as Artistic Director and Composer-In-Residence for the Norrbotten Big Band, three years as a member of the Stan Kenton Orchestra, six recordings as a leader for the Blue Note label, and fruitful collaborations with such luminaries as Dexter Gordon, Joe Lovano, Bob Belden, Ernie Wilkins as well as with the innovative Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble.

For two decades, Hagans has collaborated with the NDR Bigband (also known as the Hamburg Radio Jazz Orchestra) in a variety of roles including guest composer, conductor, arranger and soloist. “Part of what excites me about composing and arranging for the great NDR Bigband is to meet the challenge of creating a sophisticated score while at the same time preserving the spontaneity of a trio or a quintet,” says Hagans. On this five-movement exploration, the composer’s musical conception and innovation extends far beyond the physical score – its emotional intrigue and unique overall sound is affected by Hagans’ decision to physically group the musicians not by section as is traditional, but by sonic and emotional divisions – each one of the four ensembles assembled by the composer charged with different objectives. Hagans’ singular and evocative improvisational prowess is portrayed here beautifully throughout the concerto.

“Movement I” of A Conversation introduces audiences to the NDR Bigband’s spirited ensemble sound. Repeated refrains ricochet from ensemble to ensemble with varying degrees of intensity and with increasing harmonic and rhythmic intrigue before the ensemble falls into a groove driven by a piano and bass ostinato. The piece features transportive improvisation from pianist Vladyslav Sendecki. “When I compose, I’m drawing on my own musical voice to create melody and form,” reflects Hagans, adding “…my writing also reflects musical events that happen often in small group settings—tempo changes, free playing, and so forth—and these become expanded to a big band setting.”

“Movement II” begins on a serene note, exploring elements of ambience and gradually descending into cacophony before establishing a pared down central theme. Baritone saxophonist Daniel Buch and bassist Ingmar Heller offer stunning solos in this movement. “Movement III” begins with Sendecki and Heller performing in a duo context, as the piece expands in instrumentation, entropy reigns with discordant refrains echoed by the horns. Tim Hagans with trumpeters Stephen Meinberg and Claus Stötter, saxophonist Peter Bolte and trombonist Stefan Lottermann are all featured soloists on this vibrant selection.

“Movement IV” kicks off with a passionate solo trumpet by Hagans, leading into a stately, deliberate groove. Cleverly executed feel changes underscore improvisation by saxophonist and flutist Fiete Felsch, percussionist Marcio Doctor as well as by the composer. A Conversation’s final piece, “Movement V” begins by painting an idyllic landscape which transitions into a calming duet for Hagans and pianist Sendecki, followed by a driving, bright-tempoed section featuring a solo by trombonist Klaus Heidenreich. The movement concludes by returning to the spirited themes presented in the beginning, bringing the conversation full circle to a questioning close. Hagans notes “Ultimately, I wouldn’t mind if the listener agrees with a quotation I very much like from Guy de Maupassant: “Conversation … What is it? A mystery!”’

More About the NDR Bigband:

Unique among Germany’s radio big bands, the NDR Bigband is a jazz ensemble composed of premier soloists of diverse backgrounds and influences whose collective endeavors coalesce to produce an original and striking group sound for a large ensemble.

After leaving behind traditional radio entertainment, prime-time TV shows and the rest of everyday light music, the ensemble has focused their energies on pursuing creative music. Known to perform various stylistic programs ranging from swing, latin, to avant-garde, the NDR Bigband sounds different on each occasion, yet retains a unifying character that is immediately recognizable.

The NDR Bigband includes saxophonists Fiete Felsch, Frank Delle, Peter Bolte, Daniel Buch, and Christof Lauer; trumpeters Ingolf Burkhardt, Clause Stötter, Stephan Meinberg, and Thorsten Benkenstein; trombonists Klaus Heidenreich, Dan Gottshall, Stefan Lottermann and Ingo Lahme; percussionists Jukkis Uotila and Marcio Doctor; guitarist Ed Harris, bassist Ingmar Heller and pianist Vladyslav Sendecki.

1. Movement I 14:46

2. Movement II 12:01

3. Movement III 12:51

4. Movement IV 16:16

5. Movement V 11:50

All music composed and arranged by Tim Hagans

In A Conversation, the musicians are grouped not by section, as it might normally be done, but by sonic and emotional divisions, each one charged with different objectives.

TIM HAGANS, composer, arranger, conductor, trumpet

(Solo on Movements III, IV & V)

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