Keith Loftis' new album 'ORIGINAL STATE' is out on July 23rd, 2021 via Long Tone Music

Jazz Saxophonist and Composer Keith Loftis Debuts New Album Original State via Long Tone Music, Due Out July 23, 2021

Long Tone Music is thrilled to announce the July 23, 2021 release of Original State the latest album by saxophonist and composer Keith Loftis. On his fourth album as a leader, the highly lyrical Loftis showcases both his virtuosic skill as a player and his adept compositional ability in the company of an ever so swinging all-star cast of New York’s finest consisting of pianist John Chin, bassist Eric Wheeler and drummer Willie Jones III. 

“The concept of Original State was to assemble a new quartet with the ability to walk in the door and breathe life into my compositions,” states Loftis. Recorded entirely acoustic as a unit in one room, this exceptional ensemble displays striking interplay and harmonious synergy with ease. The musicians were allowed the freedom to express and shape each composition on the spot, which allowed the group to move in new directions, capturing the spontaneity and looseness of the music which was vital in creating a sense of urgency. The resulting work is at once thoughtful, deliberate, robust and energetic and acts as a musical homecoming for the saxophonist, whose last album Simply, Loftis was released a decade ago. 

One of the album highlights is “Oak Cliff”, which kicks off with an eight-bar swinging drum solo from Willie Jones III. This uplifting medium swing was written for a long-time friend of Loftis: the late great  trumpeter Roy Hargrove. The tune was named for the Oak Cliff neighborhood in Dallas, Texas where Loftis and Hargrove grew up together. Another standout is “Brigitte’s Smile”, which was written for Loftis’ wife. Playful and dynamic, each musician is afforded an opportunity here to shine, as they each take to the sky on their respective solos. 

Another highlight is a retooling of the Isley Brothers’ classic “For The Love Of You” arranged by drummer Greg Searvance. A favorite of Loftis that is often performed on live gigs, this fiery waltz rises to life courtesy of what Loftis describes as “the Coltrane treatment.” “I wanted to produce a recording that felt and sounded like those that I grew up listening to,” says Loftis, pointing toward Wayne Shorter’s Ju-Ju and Speak No Evil and John Coltrane’s Crescent as markers. “When you hear those records, they immediately put a smile on your face and make you feel good.”

Original State was engineered by 2x Grammy winner Bassy Bob Brockmann, who has experienced a fruitful career with countless music greats. Upon moving to New York City in 1986, Brockmann took part in a number of Blue Note recording sessions, including five albums with the Tony Williams Quintet. “Recording Original State with Keith at the Yamaha Piano Salon in NYC was to me a similar experience to Tony’s records as far as style and playing. All of the players in Keith’s Quartet are of exceptional caliber and world class players,” said Brockmann, adding, “…Original State is a beautiful recording, and like many historic jazz recordings it represents a dynamic moment in time.”

Keith Loftis is thrilled to finally unveil his long-awaited new album to the world. “The last three years has been quite a journey in both life and music. I hope that listeners can feel the passion and energy that went into creating this project. It was such a joy assembling this new quartet and I hope this music will touch, move and inspire people,” reflects Loftis.

www.keithloftis.com

NEW RELEASE: Lauren Henderson's 'MUSA' - Due Out June 11th, 2021 via Brontosaurus Records

Award-winning singer, composer and bilingual lyricist Lauren Henderson honors her cultural and musical heritages with release of Musa, due out June 11th, 2021 via Brontosaurus Records

Acclaimed vocalist-composer and lyricist Lauren Henderson returns with her most  personal gesture to date. A multilingual rumination on themes of love and longing, Musa explores existing connections — and creates new relationships — among Henderson’s mingling lineages.  

Toward the beginning of the pandemic, the New York artist sought to record an album  braiding together traditions that influence her sound. “I wanted my next record to blend  jazz, flamenco and Afro-Latinx music” says Henderson, “kind of melding all that makes me me, culturally and musical identity-wise.”  

Due out on June 11th, 2021 via Henderson’s label Brontosaurus Records, Musa — her eighth release as a leader  — features eleven tracks of original compositions and vibrant interpretations of standard tunes, including “I Concentrate on You,” “Wild is the Wind” and Valerie Parks Brown’s, “Forget Me.” Layer by layer, the lattermost title — Musa’s first single release — reveals an undercurrent of intensity pervading Henderson’s expression. Through each satin-swaddled lyric, she intuits dynamic tension and release. Her unrelenting awareness serves every dimension of the music. “I love being a musician because we’re always learning and we’re always growing,” says Henderson, who assembled a deft and dextrous outfit to interpret Musa’s range of identity. “Some of these songs blend jazz, R&B and soul; others incorporate flamenco, so I had to ask, ‘Who would be perfect for this record?’” 

“This is jazz mastery” — DownBeat Magazine

Core personnel includes Sullivan Fortner on piano, Eric Wheeler on bass and Joe Dyson on drums. When Henderson felt ready to share her music, she went straight to Fortner, her longtime collaborator who has played on all her leader releases since 2011. “Sullivan is the first person I usually go to to share my original music,” she says, “just to get feedback from someone I trust, someone I know will give their honest opinion of what they think about the music.” Following a socially distant duo rehearsal, Henderson set the record dates.

Throughout the recording, Henderson engages a complexity of both musical and cultural identities, allowing them to influence the direction of the music in a head-on and  multidimensional way. The sound she sought for each track emerged as bold, textural and authentic. After laying down mixes at Flux Studios in Manhattan — under the direction of  studio engineer Daniel Sanint — Henderson sent tracks to extended ensemble members, trumpet player-composer Marquis Hill; electric guitarist Nick Tannura; stage, screen and studio performer Daniel J. Watts; Madrid-based flamenco guitarist Paco Soto; and legendary flamenco percussionist Sabu Porrina. “Paco is an amazing flamenco guitarist,” says Henderson, who met the Spanish artist when she spent a semester abroad in Spain. The two developed a friendship and creative partnership via Instagram, “Like a lot of other millennials [laughs].” 

“Somewhere between a comforting whisper and a cogent declaration” — The New York Times 

“As a composer, I really want to honor honesty and integrity,” says Henderson. “As a  vocalist, it’s my responsibility to deliver a story to the listener and share my interpretation of the story. I just try to be kind of simple with my compositions and let things breathe. It’s been such an honor — and a blessing — to work with the people I’ve been able to call because they add so much life and their own voice to the music.” 

Wheeler casts vivid shadows of tension and tenderness on “La Marejada” as Soto’s guitar radiates across Henderson’s melodies and interludes. Full of grace and syncopation, “Luz” features signature interplay between Henderson and Fortner buoyed by Dyson’s nuanced and reflexive touch. “Wild is the Wind” reveals the impact of intimacy — contemplative, purposeful and engaging a conflux of time feels. The album’s sole English-lyric original  “Leeward” presents a hymn to the enduring nature of love. Hill’s lustrous conversational melody and moments of self-talk call and response serve the mood’s surrender. Porrina joins the ensemble for the album’s title track, providing textural dimension and resonating authenticity.  

Composing for her own sound has taken Henderson on a journey of self-discovery. She found her shy disposition could become the focal point of her music — the most intimate aspect of her expression. “I’m not a belter,” says Henderson. “It’s more nuanced. While intensity is a powerful tool that we can use in a beautiful way and in a positive way, I can be more private at times, and I think I bring some of that to the stage. I’m so grateful for people who take the time to listen. I’m saying more with less and people have to listen to be able to receive it.” 

1. “I Concentrate On You” feat. Paco Soto, Sullivan Fortner, Eric Wheeler & Joe Dyson

2. “La Marejada” feat. Paco Soto, Sullivan Fortner, Eric Wheeler & Joe Dyson

3. “Forget Me” feat. Marquis Hill, Sullivan Fortner, Eric Wheeler & Joe Dyson

4. “Corazón, No Llores” feat. Nick Tannura, Sullivan Fortner, Eric Wheeler & Joe Dyson

5. “Wild Is The Wind” feat. Sullivan Fortner, Eric Wheeler & Joe Dyson

6. “Luz” feat. Sullivan Fortner, Eric Wheeler & Joe Dyson

7. “Leeward” feat. Marquis Hill, Sullivan Fortner, Eric Wheeler & Joe Dyson

8. “Ahora” feat. Sullivan Fortner, Eric Wheeler & Joe Dyson

9. “The Sweetest Sounds” feat. Paco Soto, Sullivan Fortner, Eric Wheeler & Joe Dyson

10. “Musa” feat. Paco Soto, Sullivan Fortner, Eric Wheeler, Joe Dyson & Sabú Porrina

11. BONUS TRACK: “Leeward (Love)” feat. Daniel J. Watts, Marquis Hill, Sullivan Fortner, Eric Wheeler & Joe Dyson

Lauren Henderson (voice)

Sullivan Fortner (piano)

Eric Wheeler (bass)

Joe Dyson (drums)

Daniel J. Watts (spoken word)

Marquis Hill (trumpet)

Paco Soto (guitar)

Arrangements: Lauren Henderson & Sullivan Fortner

Recorded at Flux Studios NYC (New York, NY Feb 11th & 12th of 2021)

Produced by Lauren Henderson

Brontosaurus Records

Recording and Mixing Engineer: Daniel Sanint

Mastering Engineer: Oscar Zambrano

Lauren Henderson Website

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Greg Murphy - Cool Water (2021 Whaling City Sound)

It is glad tidings indeed that Whaling City Sound announces the release of a new Greg Murphy recording. In fact, the news is almost as joyous as the sound of Murphy’s piano. Cool Water is both heartwarming and exhilarating. Greg’s fingers find delicate and exciting ways of expressing themselves across the keys

It is the sound of a blissful talent given a new lease in both life and career, as well as the opportunity to rediscover his true and glorious gift. The recording opens with the ebullient “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” segues into a chancy take on Steely Dan’s “Green Earrings,” careening through a battery of brisk melodies and beautiful playing, including the astonishing “Cuttin’ Trane’s Corners,” a dark, surprising cover of Wayne Shorter’s “Lost,” and the funk-filled closing celebration, “You Decide.” Featuring Murphy’s bandmates Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums, Eric Wheeler on bass, and a bevy of special guests, Cool Water is just that, long and fresh, a ride with the top down, rife with optimism and full of freedom and discovery.

Greg Murphy is clearly glad to be back and playing music again, and we should all be thankful for it.

1. Chim Chim Cher-ee

2. Green Earrings

3. My Life

4. Theme For Ronnie

5. Friendship

6. Free Fur Nina

7. Enkare Nairobi

Greg Murphy / piano, keyboards

Eric Wheeler / bass

Jeff "Tain" Watts / drums

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Chris Beck - The Journey (2018)

Debut album "The Journey" featuring Anthony Wonsey, Eric Wheeler, and Stacy Dillard w/ Special Guest Terell Stafford

Since arriving in New York from his native Philadelphia in 2006, Chris Beck has made a name for himself as one of today’s premier drummers, traveling the world and working with artists as diverse as Cyrus Chestnut, Oliver Lake, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Wynton Marsalis, Rufus Reid and Macy Gray. With his debut release, The Journey, Beck has given us a recording that honestly expresses his emotions and his respect for the straight-ahead jazz tradition.

For this session, Chris surrounded himself with some of his best friends: tenor saxophonist Stacy Dillard, trumpeter Terell Stafford, pianist Anthony Wonsey and bassist Eric Wheeler. Their camaraderie is immediately evident on the first tune, a driving rendition of Wayne Shorter’s composition "Mahjong." As the tune fades out, you find yourself wanting more — and Chris Beck delivers, filling the album with his own melodic and gospel-tinged compositions interspersed with other jazz standards, including Freddie Hubbard’s "Birdlike" and Quincy Jones’ "The Quintessence."

Chris is obviously a spiritual person, and his faith has sustained him in the face of tragedy — the loss of his son Aiden just weeks before his second birthday. The composition “Waiting for Aiden” is dedicated to his firstborn. Beck also reveals his talent as a vocalist on Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven,” dedicated, as Chris says, to “every grieving parent who is living with a piece of their heart missing.” 

1) Mahjong

2) Ode To Mother Young

3) Teona

4) Byrdlike

5) Hodge-Podge

6) Yeshua (His Love)

7) Quintessence

8) Waiting For Aiden

9) Tears In Heaven

10) My Inner Circle

PHILLY CD Release Party - June 6th @ South, 7:00pm & 9:00pm

CHRIS BECK // DRUMMER from Boat Safety Films on Vimeo.

McClenty Hunter Jr. - The Groove Hunter (STRIKEZONE RECORDS May 4, 2018)

McClenty Hunter Jr s groove has been a big part of the New York scene for the last ten years. He began his career in Maryland playing gospel under Darin Atwater of Soulful Symphony. He attended Howard University (studying under drum great Grady Tate), and went on to earn his Masters at Juilliard (under Carl Allen). McClenty was a member of Kenny Garrett s Grammy nominated Quintet for three years, while performing with Lou Donaldson, Eric Reed, Curtis Fuller, and Javon Jackson, among many others.

Producer/Guitarist Dave Stryker: From my own perspective, from the first gig we played together, no matter what the groove, Mac has always made it feel good, and he s been rock-solid driving my trio for 8 years now. He s one of the best drummers on the scene.

With The Groove Hunter , McClenty emerges as a leader of his own date, featuring a heavy cast which includes Eddie Henderson, Donald Harrison, Stacy Dillard, Eric Reed, Christian Sands, Dave Stryker, Corcoran Holt, and Eric Wheeler. Besides his great playing throughout, which brings out the best in everyone, McClenty s composing skills are featured on the various moods of Autumn, My Love, I Remember When and Give Thanks. He also puts his stamp on Herbie Nichol s Blue Chopsticks , Wayne Shorter s The Big Push, and a burning version of John Coltrane s Countdown featuring Donald Harrison. McClenty has one of the best shuffle grooves out there, as he shows on Stevie Wonder s That Girl. Hunter s tribute to his mentor Grady Tate, Sack Full of Dreams (a hit for Grady as vocalist) features his signature brush pocket..

With his debut recording, McClenty Hunter Jr., has shown what most of us have realized for a long time, that he is The Groove Hunter . Along with his composing and musical vision only great things lie ahead.

1. Blue Chopsticks

2. The Big Push

3. Autumn

4. That Girl

5. My Love

6. Sack Full of Dreams

7. I Remember When

8. Countdown

9. Give Thanks

McClenty Hunter Jr. - drums

Eddie Henderson - trumpet (2)

Donald Harrison - alto sax (2,8)

Stacy Dillard - tenor sax (2,3,5,9)

Eric Reed - piano (1,2,3,5,8,9)

Christian Sands - piano, fender rhodes (4,6,7)

Dave Stryker - guitar (4,6)

Corcoran Holt - bass (1,2,3,5,8,9)

Eric Wheeler -bass (4,6,7)

Media Contact

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Jay Rodriguez - Your Sound (Live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola) WHALING CITY SOUND 2018

You might hear Jay Rodriguez and wonder, "Is there anything you can't do?" The fact is, it might be tough to track down something along Jay's musical continuum that he hasn't done. In fact, he may be one of the busiest men in jazz, and one of the few playing most all the reeds as a leader and sideman with a wildly diverse cadre of musicians, synthesizing these experiences within his own projects.

Rodriguez's original work is daring, groovy, breathtaking and soulful, sometimes all at once. Your Sound: Live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, captures all of that exhilarating rawness in real time. It is loose and lovely, with both rough and smooth edges and flourishes that reflect his ample international experience. Songs like the opener, "Ghost Dancer, " kick off forcefully, with a propulsive bass and a frisky tropical feel, while on the flip side, Rodriguez lays into romance, with a flute tour de force on "When the Stars Fell." The record closes with a bold cover of "Kiss and Say Goodbye."

Accompanied by Billy Harper on tenor sax, Larry Willis on piano, Eric Wheeler (also on Greg Murphy's Summer Breeze) on bass, JT Lewis on drums, and percussionist Billy Martin (of Medeski, Martin & Wood), Rodriguez frees himself up to showcase his work on saxes, flutes, and bass clarinet. The result is magical. Over his career, Rodriguez has tackled composition, arranging, accompanying, and leading. It is high time for the world to hear all the wonderful things Jay Rodriguez—musician, personality, iconoclast, and innovator—has to offer.

A versatile bandleader, with flute, clarinet and saxophone chops, the Colombia-born, New York City-bred musician is profoundly talented and incredibly prolific. He graduated with the highest honors from New York City's renowned High School for the Performing Arts and continued his studies at Manhattan School of Music and The New School's School of Jazz.

Since then he has had musical adventures in salsa with Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Paquito D'Rivera, pop/hip-hop with Prince, Guru, the Wu-Tang Clan, DJ Premier and Groove Collective, straight-ahead with Doc Cheatham, Mingus Big Band, Chucho Valdes, David Murray, Craig Harris, Jason Miles and Miles Davis. He has played alongside Joe Lovano, Gil Evans, Elvis Costello, Stevie Wonder, Bernie Worrell and Joan Osborne, to name a few. Awards follow that kind of pedigree, and so should your attention. Rodriguez is quite simply a giant talent and Your Sound is just the beginning of his story.

Prolific. Prodigal. Profound. That is Jay Rodriguez. Sometimes the sound is explosive, wild and full of fury, other times his music aches with a passion that’s painful and bare. Always modest and reverent, Rodriguez harnesses the unbridled audacity of youth and melds it with the uncanny discipline of a hardened New York jazz veteran. Married to the song while sleeping with the groove, his sound sings of commitment to an ideal—it is spontaneity, culturally untethered and unpretentious, the excitement of far flung love at all costs. It is perfectionism kissed by chaos. 

– THE NEW YORKER

He could be breathy and insinuating on a ballad, brawny and extroverted in an uptempo… 

– THE NEW YORK TIMES

Fleet-fingered saxophonist Jay Rodriguez has played it all in New York: salsa with Celia Cruz and Tito Puente, hip-hop with DJ Premier and Groove Collective, straight-ahead with Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Barron and Doc Cheatham. His new band, SEVEN, pays homage to a recent discovery: the free jazz of saxophonist Ornette Coleman. “I felt like one of those folks who just learned the earth is round,” he says. Rodriguez took a deep dive into Coleman’s repertoire and came up with a brass and string ensemble inspired by the legend’s 1960s double quartets performING Coleman-inspired originals like “Your Sound,” as well as Coleman classics like “Lonely Woman,” at Winter Jazzfest. 

– NPR

Mr. Rodriguez is more than a musician. He is a visionary. Jay Rodriguez is the Latin American Answer to James Carter and a true light to hear and see. 

– Arnie Lawrence, Founder of THE NEW SCHOOL for Jazz and Contemporary Music

Havana International Jazz Festival Reedman / Saxophonist Jay Rodriguez, down from New Y0rk for the festival says, ‘I have admiration for the people and the culture and the way they persevere and are educated, in general culturally and musically. They are supportive of their own musicians, and the young musicians are skilled and well trained.’ 

– JAZZTIMES

His work is defined with versatility, humor and heart. His jazz playing is full of blues and soul. It is one of those voices that are hard to describe with words, and that is much closer to the spirit.

– EL HERALDO, Colombia

01. Ghost Dancer

02. Golden Earring

03. Clouds

04. Silk Stockings: All of You: All of You

05. Your Sound

06. When the Stars Fell

07. Spirits

08. Inolvidable

09. Love me Tonight: Lover: Lover

10. Kiss and Say Goodbye: Let's Just Kiss and Say Goodbye

Jay Rodriguez Website