Daniel Carter / Patrick Holmes / Matthew Putman / Hilliard Greene / Federico Ughi - Telepatia Liquida (577 RECORDS December 7, 2018)

This project is the exciting, unusual and at times unexpected result of five musicians from different backgrounds getting together and making music. This unlikely group that features a scientist on piano and an array of musicians from different places around the world is able to communicate on a level that is not only beyond planning and speech but also rational thought. The resulting music goes from moments that are exquisitely soft to deep juicy grooves. When studied attentively, it’s as if you are entering into the musicians’ collective subconscious. The chemistry of this group is so particular and unique, it is as if the music is being driven by a telepathic understanding, hence the title of their debut album Telepathic Alliances (577 Records, 2017) and this second work, Telepatia Liquida, recorded live at the Forward Festival 2017. 

Daniel Carter, Matthew Putman, and Federico Ughi have been collaborating closely for the last ten years. Their first album, The Gowanus Recordings, was released in 2009. 

Daniel Carter was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Massachusetts. His musical background includes recording and performances with legendary artists such as Sun Ra, Yoko Ono, Cecil Taylor, Living Colour, TEST, Other Dimensions In Music, MMW (Medeski Martin and Wood), Jaco Pastorius, Sonic Youth and many many others. Pianist Matthew Putman grew up in Ohio where he studied classical music and theatre. He is a renowned scientist and educator, best known for his work in nanotechnology, the science of working in extremely small dimensions. Drummer Federico Ughi grew up in Rome, Italy. He has developed his own style through the years, studying with master Ornette Coleman and playing and touring the world with celebrated bands like The Cinematic Orchestra and Blue Foundation. 

The other members of the group are Texas-born clarinet player Patrick Holmes (a brilliant up-and-coming member of the New York downtown scene) and veteran bassist Hilliard Greene, a mainstay of the avant-garde for the last 20 years. He has played with Cecil Taylor, Don Pullen, and Charles Gayle among many others. 

Daniel Carter’s poetry is featured on the inner sleeve of these exclusive limited edition vinyl LPs. 

Daniel Carter - Alto, Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Trumpet

Patrick Holmes - Clarinet

Matthew Putman - Piano

Hilliard Greene - Bass

Federico Ughi - Drums

1. Deluxe Light

2. Shine-a-town

3. Throne

Limited edition vinyl LP

SIDE ONE

01 Deluxe Light 13:23

SIDE TWO

01 Shine-a-town 7:44

02 Throne 13:23

Introduction by James Keepnews

Recorded live at the Forward Festival 2017

Shapeshifter Lab, Brooklyn, New York

December 8th, 2017

Mixed and mastered by Jeremy Loucas at Sear Sound, New York City

Original recording produced by 577 Records

Front cover photo: Marine fauna, Roman mosaic, National Archaeological Museum, Naples, Italy

Sleeve photo: Fresco painting, Tomb of the Diver, Paestum, Italy

Graphic design by Sergio Vezzali

All music by Daniel Carter, Patrick Holmes, Matthew Putman, Hilliard Greene (Mountainmoradomusic, BMI) and Federico Ughi (Five Seven Seven Records Music, ASCAP)

Limited edition 300 vinyl LPs

577 Records is an independent record label based in Brooklyn, New York operating since 2001

Jack DeSalvo / Joel Shapira / Phil Sirois / Tom Cabrera - Westbury Converge (UNSEEN RAIN Records November 2018)

Twin Cities based guitarist Joel Shapira has made many a sojourn to New York City, where he spent his early career studying, shedding and playing, to reconnect with the scene. In recent years he's been coming to record with old friend Jack DeSalvo on the latter's Unseen Rain label. On this session they united with bassist Phil Sirois and drummer Tom Cabrera at Tom's Woodshedd Studio in Westbury, New York for a fiery session of modern jazz classics and a very forward take on some standards for Woodshedd Records.

Jack DeSalvo - guitar

Joel Shapira - guitar

Phil Sirois - double-bass

Tom Cabrera - drums

1. Deluge 09:04

2. Beautiful Love 08:19

3. Bemsha Swing 06:00

4. Blue in Green 07:35

5. Dolphin Dance 07:14

Recorded at Woodshed Studio, Westbury, NY by Christof Ziegenhirte

Edited and mastered at Hutter Studio, Orlando FL by Larry Hutter

Cover painting by Tom Cabrera

design by Qua's Eye Graphix

A Woodshedd production

© 2018 Woodshedd Records

Jack DeSalvo / Dmitry Ishenko / Tom Cabrera - Connoisseurs of Chaos III (UNSEEN RAIN Records November 2018)

These spontaneous pieces emerged while the trio was rehearsing and recording Jack DeSalvo's compositions. Tom Cabrera had the idea to release them as part of the Connoisseurs of Chaos series on Woodshedd. Dmitiry Ishenko's sensitive interplay and flow of ideas integrates nimbly with the longstanding partnership of Cabrera and DeSalvo leaving us with powerful music of great character.

Jack DeSalvo - guitars

Dmitry Ishenko - double-bass

Tom Cabrera - drums, percussion

1. Open I 04:45

2. Open II 10:22

3. Open III 05:27

4. Open IV 07:52

Recorded at Woodshed Studio, Westbury, NY by Christof Ziegenhirte

Edited and mastered at Hutter Studio, Orlando FL by Larry Hutter

Cover painting by Tom Cabrera

design by Qua's Eye Graphix

A Woodshedd production

All music by Jack DeSalvo, Dmitry and Tom Cabrera ℗ © 2018 Woodshedd Records

Rich Rosenthal / Phil Sirois / Tom Cabrera - Connoisseurs of Chaos II (UNSEEN RAIN Records 2018)

This time Connoisseurs of Chaos features the horn-like intensity of Rich Rosenthal's the electric guitar, the deep, soulful double-bass of Boston native Phil Sirois and master percussionist Tom Cabrera on drums.

Rich Rosenthal - guitar

Phil Sirois - double-bass

Tom Cabrera - drums, percussion

1. Piece 1A 06:52

2. Piece 1B 03:06

3. Piece 2A 03:34

4. Piece 2B 07:07

5. Piece 3A 06:25

6. Piece 3B 05:59

7. Piece 4 09:27

8. Piece 5 10:48

9. Piece 6 14:29

Recorded at Woodshed Studio, Westbury, NY by Christof Ziegenhirte

Edited and mastered at Hutter Studio, Orlando FL by Larry Hutter

Cover painting by Tom Cabrera

design by Qua's Eye Graphix

A Woodshedd production

Robi Botos - Old Soul (ROPEADOPE RECORDS November 2018)

DIAMOND 
Dedicated to a dear childhood friend, the pianist/keyboardist András Losó, who was nicknamed gyémánt (Diamond). Unfortunately he passed away very young due to heart disease. Many great memories...I learned a lot from him about playing & music in general. His presence & music brought a lot of joy to many. One of the funniest people ever, too… I incorporated grooves & chord changes that we used to jam on for hours & hours. R.I.P 

BUDAPEST 
A song that contains mixed feelings. A bittersweet tribute to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Many different experiences there for the first 20 years of my life. Some of the best, but unfortunately some of the harshest ones too. 

OLD SOUL 
Somehow that’s how this tune felt like to me. That’s the title which came to me from the feeling of it. Musically, this track is all over the map. It has many old & soul-oriented influences from Romani, Folk, Baroque Classical to Jazz, Funk, Gospel, Fusion to Motown & more...it all just came out like that. It also paints a musical picture of my journey from old Europe to North America. 

PRAISE 
I used to play in Church a lot. I always try to play the same way I did when I was performing in Church, everytime I am on stage. This song is really a prayer. Praising the One who gave me all good things including music. As my former teacher Jim Blackley said to me: “you are not the doer, you are the instrument”. 

HOPE 
A Latin influenced tune, with a positive outlook. I wrote it shortly after winning the Montreux Jazz festival piano competition with a heart full of new hope. 

DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES 
One of my favourite standards, with a groovy twist. I love old standards & the joy in finding fresh ways of playing them without losing their meanings. 

CALHOUN SQUARE 
A tribute to the one & only Prince. One of the funkiest musicians, multi-instrumentalists & producers who ever lived. He was a musical chameleon. One of the few who knew his craft, kept & respected the tradition, but also brought a totally new thing to the scene. 

Produced by Scott Morin and Robi Botos 

All Compositions : Robi Botos 

except Calhoun Square (Prince) and Days of Wine and Roses (Mancini/Mercer) 

Recorded on Sunday, July 3rd at Planet Studios – Montreal, Canada 

Engineered by Nicolas Roberge at Planet Studios 

Recording Supervised by Dan Cinelli at Planet Studios 

Piano Tuning : Oliver White 

Mixed by John ‘Beetle’ Bailey at The Drive Shed 

Percussion Overdubs Recorded at Sound Lens Studio, Markham, Ontario 

Engineer : Ted Sevdalis // Studio Owner : Lenny Binder 

All audio Mastered by Peter Letros for Wreckhouse Mastering 

Photography : Tracey Nolan 

Art Direction and Design : Simon Paul 

Production Management : Geoff Lang for A440 Entertainment Inc. 

Release Coordination : Celine Peterson and Scott Morin 

Videography in-studio : Cedric Sequerra 

ARTISTS 

Robi Botos : Piano, Keys, Harpejji, Melodica, Percussion 

Larnell Lewis : Drums 

Mike Downes : Acoustic and Electric Bass 

Seamus Blake : Saxophones and EWI 

Featuring Special Guests on Calhoun Square : 

Cory Henry : Hammond B3 Organ 

Ingrid Jensen : Trumpet 

Lionel Loueke : Guitar 

String Section on Budapest and Old Soul : 

Drew Jurecka :Violin 1 

Rebekah Wolkstein : Violin 2 

Shannon Knights : Viola 

Lydia Munchinsky : Cello 

Robi Botos plays Nord keyboards and Yamaha pianos. 

Robi endorses: Roli Ltd, Propellerhead Reason Software, D'addario Canada, Hammond Melodicas, Marcodi Musical Instruments, Native Instruments North America Inc., Erikson Music/Audio, and Jamm Industries 

Larnell Lewis endorses Yamaha Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, and Promark Drumsticks 

Seamus Blake endorses Ted Klum mouthpieces and Roberto’s Winds Reeds

1. Diamond 06:33

2. Budapest 06:58

3. Old Soul 11:35

4. Praise 07:27

5. Hope 06:26

6. Days of Wine 06:39

7. Calhoun Square 07:50

8. A Time to Love 07:00

9. End Of An Era 04:35

Myra Melford - 12 From 25 (FIREHOUSE 12 RECORDS November 2018)

During late March of 2015, I performed a 12 show retrospective at The Stone in NYC, which gave me the chance to revisit many of my projects of the past 25 years. I was joined by all of the original musicians who have played in my groups over the years: from the trio I had convened for the first Knitting Factory tour of Europe in 1990, through to my current quintet, Snowy Egret. 

In the summer of 2015, I released a video from each of the shows on my YouTube Channel. All the videos are presented here in high-definition with surround audio mixed just for this release, along with a previously unreleased documentary about the week of music by filmmakers Gil Corre and Sylvain Luini. Gil and Sylvain did a fantastic job of capturing the marathon week visually, as did Geoff Countryman and his crew with the audio recording. It was an amazing experience for me: to revisit all of that history – the music, the friendships, the memories of being on tour together; to share it with the many wonderful people from all over who came to The Stone to experience it; and to dream about what’s next. 

I’m so grateful to everyone who was part of making this an incredibly rich and fulfilling experience for me! I hope you enjoy the music as much as we enjoyed performing it. 

– Myra Melford 

FEATURING: Duo with Allison Miller; Spindrift with Nicole Mitchell & Tyshawn Sorey; Dialogue with Ben Goldberg; Trio with Mary Halvorson & Miya Masaoka; Be Bread with Cuong Vu, Ben Goldberg, Brandon Ross, Stomu Takeishi & Matt Wilson; Same River, Twice with Dave Douglas, Chris Speed, Erik Friedlander & Michael Sarin; Snowy Egret with Ron Miles, Liberty Ellman, Stomu Takeishi & Ted Poor; Duo with Marty Ehrlich; Myra Melford Trio with Lindsey Horner & Reggie Nicholson

1. Piano Music 08:12

2. Where Everything Is Music 04:40

3. Chorale / 9 + 5 09:18

4. Myra Melford, Miya Masaoka, Mary Halvorson - 8 + 4 05:54

5. I See A Horizon 07:24

6. Yellow Are Crowds Of Flowers II 08:57

7. Two But Live 08:45

8. Bound reBound 06:57

9. The Kitchen 07:40

10. Bound reBound 07:28

11. Be Melting Snow 08:12

12. Daedalus 10:02

Recorded March 24 - 29, 2015

Audio recorded by Geoffrey Countryman, Tyler McDiarmid, and Jonathan Anderson

Video recorded and edited by Gil Corre and Sylvain Luini

Audio mixed and mastered by Nick Lloyd

Graphic Design by Megan Craig

Produced by Myra Melford and Nick Lloyd

Myra Melford's Snowy Egret - The Other Side Of Air (FIREHOUSE 12 RECORDS November 2018)

Bay Area pianist Myra Melford – whom the New Yorker called “a stalwart of the new-jazz movement” – has spent the last three decades making brilliant original music, in equal parts challenging and engaging. She has explored an array of formats, from dynamic solo-piano recitals to deeply interactive small groups and even the swinging grandeur of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. But it’s her quintet Snowy Egret that best defines her artistry in 2018: “I really feel like it’s the vehicle that expresses where I am as a composer, performer and bandleader right now,” she says. Firehouse 12 Records will release The Other Side of Air, this ensemble’s new album, on November 12. 

Premiering live in 2012, with roots that reach back to the mid-’90s, Snowy Egret features Melford alongside four of the most compelling musicians currently working in jazz and the avant-garde: Ron Miles (cornet), Liberty Ellman (guitar), Stomu Takeishi (acoustic bass guitar) and Tyshawn Sorey (drums). The Other Side of Air follows on Snowy Egret’s self-titled Enja/Yellowbird debut, released three years ago to rave reviews.

1. Motion Stop Frame 06:53

2. City of Illusion 08:42

3. Attic 09:26

4. Chorale 04:00

5. Small Thoughts 05:38

6. The Other Side of Air I 03:13

7. The Other Side of Air II 08:41

8. Living Music 10:09

9. Dried Print on Cardboard 04:41

10. Turn & Coda 04:39

Recorded October 14 & 15, 2017 

Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by Nick Lloyd 

Layout & Design by Megan Craig 

Produced by Myra Melford 

Co-Produced by Stomu Takeishi & Nick Lloyd

Tyshawn Sorey - Pillars (FIREHOUSE 12 RECORDS 2018)

Renowned far and wide not only as a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist but as a composer-improviser of visionary gifts, Tyshawn Sorey presents his most ambitious recorded project to date with Pillars, a three-CD/two-LP epic that deals in ritual, drone and volatile atmosphere. Pillars is a triptych of seamless composition and improvisation, performed by a top-flight electro-acoustic octet featuring Sorey (conductor, drum set, percussion, trombone, dungchen) alongside Stephen Haynes (trumpet, flugelhorn, cornet, alto horn, small percussion), Ben Gerstein (trombone, melodica), Todd Neufeld (electric and acoustic guitars), Joe Morris (electric guitar, double-bass), Carl Testa (double-bass, electronics), Mark Helias (double-bass) and Zach Rowden (double-bass).

The multivalent sound world of Pillars is beyond category, as inspired by Tibetan ceremonial music as by the extended avant-jazz rituals of Roscoe Mitchell; the African-American experimentalism of Bill Dixon, Butch Morris and Anthony Braxton have also been a keen influence on Sorey, as have been the disparate, trans-Atlantic modernisms of Morton Feldman and Karlheinz Stockhausen. As The New Yorker recently noted, Sorey is “among the most formidable denizens of the in-between zone… An extraordinary talent who can see across the entire musical landscape.” Pillars will be released in full-length triple-CD and digital download versions, as well as in a different, re-edited edition for vinyl double-LP (titled Pillars IV).

Stephen Haynes: trumpet, flugelhorn, cornet, alto horn, small percussion

Ben Gerstein: trombone, melodica

Todd Neufeld: electric and acoustic guitar

Joe Morris: electric guitar, double bass

Carl Testa: double bass, electronics

Mark Helias: double bass

Zach Rowden: double bass

Tyshawn Sorey: conductor, drum set, dungchen, percussion, trombone

1. Pillars I 01:17:15

2. Pillars II 01:15:02

3. Pillars III 01:18:02

Recorded by Greg DiCrosta on July 30 and 31, 2017

Edited, Mixed & Mastered by Nick Lloyd

Graphic Design by Megan Craig

Produced by Tyshawn Sorey

Co-produced by Nick Lloyd

Georg Graewe / Damon Smith / Michael Vatcher - Unhesitating (BALANCE POINT ACOUSTICS November 2018)

Unhesitating indeed! Pianist Georg Graewe, double-bassist Damon Smith, and drummer Michael Vatcher met for the first time at Oktaven Audio studios in Mt. Vernon, New York and dove into this wonderful recording that reflects the best attributes of each player. In its eight or so hours in the studio, this trio not only recorded lots of fine material; it also established a trio sound very different from the previous trio with double-bassist Marcio Mattos.

Georg Graewe - Steinway D piano 

Damon Smith - double bass 

Michael Vatcher - drums 

1. Prelude (Georg Graewe) 04:18

2. Ictus (Carla Bley) 03:58

3. Semaphore #04 (Georg Graewe) 04:21

4. Pointedly Bent 05:21

5. Caught Stillness 02:06

6. Schulerblicke (Georg Graewe) 01:00

7. Nothing Ever Was, Anyway (Annette Peacock) 04:14

8. Barely Curve the Water 02:11

9. Rooms Outlast You 03:45

10. Semaphore #05 (Gerog Grawe) 04:04

11. Rough Fields 06:35

12. Volume of the Moment 08:06

13. Semaphore #06 (Georg Graewe) 03:20

Recorded in Mt. Vernon, NY at Oktaven Audio on February 1, 2018 

Mixed in Houston, TX at Coincident Sound on September 10, 2018 

Mastered in Houston, TX at Coincident Sound on September, 30, 2018

Recording Engineer: Ryan Streber 

Assistant Engineer: Nathan De Brine 

Mixing/Mastering Engineer: Ryan Edwards 

Producer/Executive Producer: Russell Summers 

Graphic Design: Russell Summers 

Musician Photography: Russell Summers 

Cover Photography: László Moholy-Nagy 

Liner Notes: Bill Shoemaker 

© 2018 Estate of László Moholy-Nagy / Artists Rights Society (ARS) New York 

Sammy Johnson Announces Winter 2018 'Sleepwalker' Tour!

SAMMY JOHNSON ANNOUNCES WINTER 2018 ‘SLEEPWALKER’ TOUR

TOURING IN SUPPORT OF RECENT EP RELEASE ‘SLEEPWALKER’

Somewhere between the charisma of Frank Sinatra, the empathetic tone of Bob Marley and the smooth and sultry vocal runs of Lauryn Hill, lives the warm and kind voice of Sammy Johnson. Australian native, New Zealand-bred soulful reggae star Sammy Johnson will kick off his 2018 ‘Sleepwalker’ winter tour this November 30th! Sammy released his critically acclaimed EP “Sleepwalker” earlier this year, and the album made a big splash in it’s first week of release.

Sammy Johnson collides his Polynesian roots with his love for modern jazz and R&B artists like D’Angelo, Amy Winehouse, and Lauryn Hill, which results in a passionate musical hybrid that is undeniably soothing. He has remained busy releasing a constant influx of music since his breakthrough self-titled 2014 EP, which peaked at #3 on the Billboard Reggae Charts. He has since seen an organic growth as a result of his hard work and dedication to his craft, working as a music therapist social worker to a touring soul artist thanks in part to his first viral video. Since his debut, Sammy Johnson has since enjoyed multiple sold-out performances and large festival appearances.

Throughout the journey of his recent EP release ‘Sleepwalker,’ Sammy gives an honest piece of his life to listeners to come along for the ride. He expresses his gratitude and surreal experience of touring around the world singing music that he created. “I’m like a sleepwalker, cause I’m living in a dream.” The words are relatable to not only musicians but people of all ages, as life can feel surreal at times, during the good and the bad. As the sweet music lulls, ‘Sleepwalker’ expresses as much beauty as it’s words ring true.

Sammy Johnson has been waving the flag for the Pacific Island sound and has quickly become a leader of the scene alongside new school artists like J Boog and veterans like Katchafire. The Native-Kiwi-now-Los-Angeles-resident got his big break via Youtube after his video for "Don't Say Goodbye" became a viral sensation, racking up over 16,000,000 plays. Sammy who was working as a social worker at the time, made the decision to pursue music full-time following the newfound popularity of the song that soon become a staple of modern era Island Sound. Not too long after, a Hawaiian-based producer contacted him to work on an album and was offered a record deal with Mensch House Records, home to groups like Common Kings and Fiji.

With the recent release of ‘Sleepwalker,’ Sammy Johnson is finding his way onto the radars of many, and will be touring along the west coast for his upcoming winter tour. Supporting acts will include vibrant artists NomaD, Etana, and Swells. Sammy’s goal for this tour is to make each stop a unique and interactive experience, reacting to the given energies rather than forcing uninspiring by-the-script performances so many touring bands fall victim to. Speaking on this sentiment, Sammy stated “When fans come to my show, I want them to really feel like they’re a part of it.”

Tour Dates:

Nov 30 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst

Dec 01 - Berkeley, CA - The UC Theatre

Dec 02 - Sacramento, CA - Goldfield Trading Post

Dec 06 - Los Angeles, CA - The Belasco Theater

Dec 07 - San Diego, CA - Music Box Theater

Dec 08 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas

Dec 09 - Tempe, AZ - The Marquee

Hey! This week's charming & wonderful $5.00 release is...

Stefano Cantini | Romano Zuffi - Stress da Brass (ALFA MUSIC November 9, 2018)

Stress da Brass, il terzo Album della collana prodotta da Romano Zuffi per AlfaMusic (Attuttogasss – Attuttallaria –Stress da Brass), vede la collaborazione di moltissimi musicisti di assoluto livello internazionale, tutti uniti da un‘amicizia personale, che si concretizza in un disco ”felice” e senza vincoli di generi o etichette storico musicali. 

Gli arrangiamenti di Stefano Cocco Cantini lasciano spazio alla libertà di esecuzione di tutti, in una sorta di gioco di colori sempre diversi.

Prestigiosa tra gli special guests la partecipazione di Alex Ligertwood (in “Try Another Time”) storica voce solista di Carlos Santana.

I testi sono di Jenifer Jackson.

Il disco è dedicato al grande pittore e scultore Giampaolo Talani (1955-2018) autore di tutti i dipinti che caratterizzano le cover della collana discografica. 

Questo il prestigioso casting di “Stress da Brass”:

Stefano Cocco Cantini sassofoni, piano, piano elettrico, arrangiamenti

Romano Zuffi tastiere, piano, piano elettrico, synth

Ares Tavolazzi basso elettrico - contrabbasso

Alfredo Golino batteria

Giulio Stracciati chitarra elettrica

Francesco Sozzi chitarra elettrica  (traccia 7)

Leonardo Marcucci basso elettrico (traccia 1) / chitarra acustica (traccia 2)

Andrea Lagi tromba, flicorno

Giulia Bernardini viola

Valentina Garofoli violino, violoncello

Special guests:

Alex Ligertwood Voce solista in “Try Another Time”

Giulia Fasolino Voce solista in  “On my own”

Jole Canelli Voce solista in  “Drifting”

Alice Bertoncini, Valentina Toni, Gianni Nepi cori

1. Try another time

2. Se sfebbrasse (starebbe meglio)

3. Stress da Brass

4. On my own

5. Strepto “Cocco”

6. Brasserie

7. Quasi Luglio

8. Stiamo calmi

9. Drifting

Prodotto da Romano Zuffi per AlfaMusic Label&Publishing

Produzione artistica Stefano Cantini

Dipinto di copertina Giampaolo Talani

Coorinamento di produzione Fabrizio Salvatore (AlfaMusic)

Beppe Scardino - BS10 Live in Pisa (AUAND RECORDS November 9, 2018)

Expansion and unusual combinations in a nutshell

Beppe Scardino’s BS10 out in November on Auand Records

In his new album Italian sax player and composer leads a 10 piece ensemble

Italian sax player and composer Beppe Scardino aims at recapping his career in his new album “BS10 - Live in Pisa” – in doing so, he mobilizes many colleagues to expand the soundscape as much as possible. Out in November on Auand Records, this challenging live recording is a summary of his artistic path, Scardino says: «I was looking for a summary of what I experienced over the years, ranging from rock to jazz. At the same time, I aimed at creating a contrast between acoustic and electric/electronic. The opportunity to have six brass instruments was exciting. I was ready to write extensively, while finding enough room for each musician: putting the collective improvisation first, and having solos for everyone.»

A generous dose of writing couldn’t be enough: a key element of the album is the inspiration and technique of such colleagues as Dan Kinzelman (tenor sax, bass clarinet), Piero Bittolo Bon (alto sax, bass clarinet), Mirko Cisilino (trumpet), Mirco Rubegni (trumpet), Glauco Benedetti (tuba), Gabrio Baldacci (guitar), Simone Graziano (Fender Rhodes, synth), Gabriele Evangelista (double bass) e Daniele Paoletti (drums, electric drums, effects), besides baritone sax and bass clarinet played by Beppe Scardino himself, who composed the entire track list. All the ensemble needed was a good chance which came with Francesco Mariotti (Pisa Jazz Festival) – he believed in the project and supported it, having their show in Pisa recorded live in 2017.

The result is an extremely varied music: orchestra-like parts and wall of sounds, swing moments and tributes to both music and sports masters. And even when the sound becomes dense and thick, it’s still far from free. «I wrote some compositions for this band, and added some previously unreleased material from the last couple years. Even if it might sound otherwise, every track has a guideline, a core idea to improvise around: it could be chord changes, riffs or even one note – it’s the case of the D flat, the lowest note for a baritone sax, that lies underneath “Tre”.»

The opening track “Agosto14” highlights the chromatic range of the 10 piece ensemble, followed by the easygoing “One For KD” and what could be considered the darkest track in the album, “Tre”.

«There are unusual instrument combinations that I’ve been longing to experiment for years: generally speaking, an electroacoustic/electronic rhythm section as opposed to a large brass section. And also two trumpets plus tuba, or the three bass clarinets, or even electronic drums and brass. I pretended I was writing for sci-fi movies (who didn’t?) and I think this can be heard. But I’m also quite proud of how another track turned out: it’s dedicated to the NBA player Kevin Durant. I imagined him dribbling among his opponents, and thought about the rhythm created by the basketball bouncing on the floor.

It’s fast and quite tricky, possibly the most difficult track to play – we had a tough nut to crack!» In the end, he adds, «like it or not, I’m happy this music represents me.»

Come quando si spargono tutti gli appunti sul tavolo prima di tirare le somme di un lavoro intenso, Beppe Scardino ha rovesciato nel suo nuovo disco “BS10 - Live in Pisa” gli elementi importanti di questi anni di carriera, circondandosi di un alto numero di fidati colleghi che gli permettesse di estendere al massimo lo spazio sonoro a disposizione. Il nuovo album, in uscita a novembre per Auand Records, è un progetto ambizioso, perché attraverso l’espansione il sassofonista punta in realtà a una sintesi, come spiega lui stesso: «Cercavo una sintesi di quello che mi è passato addosso negli anni, dal rock al jazz. Ma anche un’antitesi tra acustico ed elettrico/elettronico. Mi esaltava l’idea delle possibilità di sei fiati. Volevo scrivere molto, dando comunque spazio ai musicisti: privilegiare i momenti di improvvisazione collettiva e lasciare anche momenti solistici per tutti». 

Per un’impresa come questa non avrebbe potuto essere sufficiente una generosa dose di scrittura: occorrevano anche tutto l’estro e la tecnica di colleghi come Dan Kinzelmann (sax tenore, clarinetto basso), Piero Bittolo Bon (sax alto, clarinetto basso), Mirko Cisilino (tromba), Mirco Rubegni (tromba), Glauco Benedetti (tuba), Gabrio Baldacci (chitarra), Simone Graziano (Fender Rhodes, synth), Gabriele Evangelista (contrabbasso) e Daniele Paoletti (batteria e batteria elettronica, effetti), oltre ovviamente al sax baritono e al clarinetto basso di Beppe Scardino, che ha firmato tutte le composizioni. Mancava solo un’occasione, arrivata grazie a Francesco Mariotti di Pisa Jazz, che ha creduto nel progetto e offerto il suo sostegno per la realizzazione dell’album, registrato dal vivo durante il festival toscano nel 2017. 

Il risultato è una pasta sonora estremamente varia: parti quasi orchestrali e muri di suono, scatti rumoristici e momenti swinganti, tributi ideali a giganti musicali e sportivi, ma sempre con una linea guida: anche quando il magma sonoro si fa più denso, rimane comunque distante dal free. «Ho composto alcuni brani appositamente per questo gruppo, altri erano brani inediti degli ultimi due o tre anni. Anche se potrebbe non sembrare – aggiunge Scardino – tutti i pezzi hanno una traccia, un’idea su cui improvvisare: ci sono giri armonici, riff, o anche solo una nota (per esempio il re bemolle, la nota più bassa del sax baritono, che giace per tutta la durata di “Tre”). ».

Lo spettro cromatico del tentetto viene fuori già ampiamente nella traccia di apertura, “Agosto14”, passa per la scanzonata “One For KD” e attraversa “Tre”, forse il brano più dark del progetto. «Ci sono alcune combinazioni strumentali che volevo da tempo provare: in generale una sezione ritmica elettroacustica/elettronica contrapposta a un’ampia sezione fiati.

Ma anche la doppia tromba e la tuba, i tre clarinetti bassi insieme, e ancora la batteria elettronica e i fiati. In molte parti ho immaginato di scrivere musica per un film di fantascienza (chi non lo ha fatto, del resto?), e penso che questa ispirazione si senta. Sono molto fiero di un brano meno sci-fi che ho dedicato al giocatore NBA Kevin Durant: me lo sono figurato mentre palleggia tra gli avversari e ho pensato a una musica al ritmo del pallone da basket che rimbalza sul parquet.

Non poteva che essere un brano veloce e non poco arzigogolato: il brano più difficile, ci ha dato non poche gatte da pelare». E se il tentetto ha accettato questa e le altre sfide del progetto, più in generale, conclude Scardino, «sono contento del fatto che questa musica, piaccia o no, mi rappresenti».

Beppe Scardino baritone sax, bass clarinet

Dan Kinzelman tenor sax, bass clarinet

Piero Bittolo Bon alto sax, bass clarinet

Mirko Cisilino trumpet

Mirco Rubegni trumpet

Glauco Benedetti tuba

Gabrio Baldacci guitar

Simone Graziano fender rhodes, synth

Gabriele Evangelista double bass

Daniele Paoletti drums, electronics

01 Agosto 14

02 One For KD

03 1001

04 Verticamera

05 Tre

06 Patchouli

07 Giant Steps GS II

Produced by Beppe Scardino for Pisa Jazz

Executive Producer: Marco Valente

Recorded at Teatro Sant’Andrea, Pisa – Italy

Engineer: Aldo de Sanctis

Cover Photo: Piero Bittolo Bon

Zach Deputy Kicks Off Fall 2018 Tour!

This fall, soulful and innovative multi-instrumentalist and singer Zach Deputy will hit the ground running on a 18 city east coast US tour! Concertgoers can look forward to a unique live music experience. Zach plays a different set every night as an ultimate expression of living in the moment, with the hopes of opening windows to people's souls to remind them of how good it feels to be alive.

On his path towards becoming a successful touring musician, Deputy serendipitously landed a solo gig in his early 20s by walking into a bar just after that night’s featured artist had bailed. Deputy soon introduced the world to the sound he’d eventually dub “island-infused, drum ‘n’ bass, gospel-ninja-soul.” By 2008 he’d released his debut album Out of the Water and—thanks to his ingenuity in looping—made his name as an unforgettable one-man-band live act. The new music kept flowing, and since then Deputy has released four critically acclaimed full length studio albums. As a special sneak peek into his new music, Zach will sprinkle songs from his upcoming album throughout his sets this fall. 

Reflecting on his live shows, Zach says “music to me is about bringing people together from all walks of life and living in the moment with a joyful heart!” Deputy's one man show creates a unique experience straight from the soul every night, raw and uncut with absolutely nothing prerecorded. As a pioneer of looping and synth guitar work well ahead of his time, he's taken the technology to uncharted lands delivering a pocket groove unique to the ears.

Zach says, “call me crazy, but I've always believed live music should always be live, but I've also always loved a good tranced out dance party too.” With this in mind he tailored his performances to meet his convictions. Combining his family roots Island vibe with his low country southern soul, a pinch of tranced out hippy hop, and a vast amount of talent, Zach’s sound emerges in focus.

Select shows will feature Zach’s vibrant band The Yankees, a bluesy jam band who will be supporting Deputy with keys, Drums, Bass, and a whole lot of soul. Alongside Deputy on tour, supporting acts will include powerhouse musicians Audacity Brass Band, Afterfunk & Sarah Blacker, the Trailheads, and Mike Pinto.

This fall Zach Deputy will hit the road and perform live across the east coast of the United States. Audiences can expect a soulful night of joy and to shake their hips! You can catch Zach on tour in a city near you! Tour dates are below.

Tour Dates:

Nov 9 - Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill - Roanoke, VA

Nov 10 - Reeves Theater - Elkin, NC

Nov 13 - Funk 'n Waffles - Syracuse, NY

Nov 15 - Higher Ground - Burlington, VT

Nov 16 - Aura - Portland, ME

Nov 17 - Toad's Place - New Haven, CT

Nov 18 - Brooklyn Bowl - Brooklyn, NY

Nov 20 - Flour City Station - Rochester, NY

Nov 21 - A Wormtown Thanksgiving @ Palladium Upstairs - Worcester, MA

Nov 23 - The Greenhouse - Saint Simons Island, GA

Dec 1 - Skipper's Smokehouse - Tampa, FL

Dec 5 - Green Parrot - Key West, FL

Dec 6 - SoundBar - Orlando, FL

Dec 7 - 1904 Music Hall - Jacksonville, FL

Dec 8 - Sports Page - Satellite Beach, FL

Dec 9 - Pirate's Cove Resort & Marina - Stuart, FL

A/B Trio's New Album: Trioliloquy (CHRONOGRAPH RECORDS November 9, 2018)

The award winning A/B Trio is always looking for ways to develop their sound. After the success of Out West featuring Mike Murley, Dan Davis (saxophones), Thomas Bennett (drums) and Josh McHan (bass) began looking for another way to develop their sound together and their skills as musicians.

Enter Kevin Turcotte, a Toronto-based trumpeter with more than one hundred recordings to his name. A multiple Juno winner and eighteen-time Juno nominee, his work with the Barenaked Ladies and Bruce Cockburn as well as Mr. Something Something and even the Sicilian Jazz Project has proven time and time again that he is one of the most versatile and accomplished musicians in the country. Turcotte acts as a catalyst for the musical growth of the members of A/B Trio but this collaboration also aides in the cultural exchange between Alberta musicians and those based out east.

With cheeky word play, thoughtful melodies and rhythmic playing, Trioliloquy is sure to get your heart racing.

With cheeky word play, thoughtful melodies and rhythmic playing, Trioliloquy is sure to get your heart racing.

Roundabout is a funky tune that brings forth visions of 1970’s spies. The title track Trioliloquy is a brash, honest story told with rhythmic intensity by all three members that honors each individual’s voice while maintaining a singular narrative.

Leda’s Song is an intimate conversation between McHan and Davis that makes you feel like you’re witnessing a tender moment between lovers. With a contrasting feel to the rest of the album, Los Plazos Del Patrón which translates to “The Terms of the Employer”, is a politically charged tune with no resolution. When you hear McHan’s sharp breath in the intro to Bluesaholic you can’t help but be taken to a dark blues club and the following conversation among the players is competitive and informative.

The album will be released on November 9 through Chronograph

Dan Davis

Josh McHan

Thom Bennett

+

Special guest: Kevin Turcotte

1. Lenny’s Beat 7:13

2. How Suite It Is 7:55

3. Roundabout 7:29

4. Trioliloquy 5:47

5. Leda’s Song 5:41

6. Los Plazos Del Patrón 5:19

7. Bluesaholic 6:42

8. Secondary Opinion 7:09

email: abtrio@abtrio.com