AVAILABLE NOW: Alfredo Rodriguez & Munir Hossn | "Que Será"

Cuban Pianist and Composer Alfredo Rodriguez

Partners with Longtime Musical Collaborator

Munir Hossn Offer Solace to the World

with New Single, "Que Será"

Available Now via Mack Avenue Records

Since the 16th century, the phrase “que será” has served as a motto for human existence in times of uncertainty. Not knowing the next step or the outcome of an unexpected situation can place anyone’s mind into a frenzy, making hope and optimism far from the first thought. Pianist/composer Alfredo Rodriguez has had time during the pandemic to reflect not only on the fragility of life but the importance of looking into the future with rose colored glasses and embracing the unknown.

“Que Será” (out now via Mack Avenue Records), the newest single from the Havana-born composer, was originally conceived in a hotel room while on tour with his longstanding musical partner Munir Hossn and revisited and completed by the duo in the midst of the global pandemic. “We wanted to bring joy to the world in this difficult time in any way we can," says Rodriguez. "Munir and I hope people will find solace in this music and look forward to a brighter future together."

Their mission, which is evident by the uplifting lyrical content, is to plant a seed of hope during this time of loss and allow the heart to flourish with aspirations for the future. The chemistry between the duo is ever apparent, with Rodriguez at the helm of a new creative breakthrough and evolution of his music that has enthralled audiences worldwide.

About Alfredo Rodriguez

Alfredo Rodriguez is an internationally acclaimed Cuban jazz pianist who, due to his formal training, is as proficient at playing classical music as he is his chosen genre. Rodriguez was born into a musical family, his father a popular singer and TV host. A child prodigy, he studied classical piano at the prestigious Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán and Instituto Superior de Arte while playing popular music in his father’s orchestra by night. While performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2006 he was discovered by his future mentor and producer, the legendary Quincy Jones. In the past 15 years, Rodriguez has released five albums as a leader to critical acclaim and has performed at Playboy, Detroit, New Orleans, Newport, San Francisco, North Sea, Umbria and Vienna Jazz Festivals as well as prestigious venues worldwide.

For more information on Alfredo Rodriguez, please visit:

AlfredoMusic.com | Facebook | Instagram

New single from Joey Alexander

"SALT" OUT NOW

The young piano phenom Joey Alexander moves over to and shines on Fender Rhodes on this blues tinged original romp.

Featuring acclaimed Alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, who provides the shimmering melody, and rising electric guitarist Gilad Hekselman, who ads grit to the bottom and doubles Shaw, SALT showcases Alexander as a daring and bright composer having fun with his electric side.

March – June: Saxophonist/composer Dan Blake livestream and live album release concerts for 'Da Fé'

Please join

Saxophonist/composer Dan Blake

for livestream & live album release concerts celebrating his new

Sunnyside Records recording Da Fé

Friday, March 26 at 8 p.m. EST

Livestreamed from Soapbox Gallery, 636 Dean St., Brooklyn, NY

with Leo Genovese- piano/synthesizers; Dmitry Ishenko - bass; Jeff Williams - drums

Part of "Release Speak," a series of conversations with Soapbox host Tracey Yarad. 

Pay what you can; for information click here or here.

Sunday, March 28 at 7 p.m. 

LIVE at Live at The Falcon, 1348 Route 9W, Marlboro, NY

with Leo Genovese- piano/synthesizers; Dmitry Ishenko - bass; Jeff Williams - drums

For information click here

Friday, May 14 at 7 p.m. 

LIVE at Jazz Habitat, El Barrio Artspace (PS109), 215 E. 99th St., NYC

with Leo Genovese- piano/synthesizers; Dmitry Ishenko - bass; Jeff Williams - drums

For information click here

Saturday, June 5 at 6 p.m.

LIVE at Lydia's, 7 Old US 209, Stone Ridge, NY

with Bob Meyer, drums; others TBA

For information click here

Dan Blake's - Da Fé (Sunnyside Records)

Dave Holland - Another Land (May 28, 2021 Edition Records)

One of the most versatile and prolific bassist/composers in jazz history returns with a new all-star trio of jazz heavyweights, featuring guitarist Kevin Eubanks and drummer Obed Calvaire, and a power-packed set.

Another Land is the new album from the all-star trio featuring Dave Holland, Kevin Eubanks and Obed Calvaire and a power-packed set of originals. This is a potent studio set of fluid themes developed by the band and forged in the furnace of live performance. During the live shows that preceded the recording of Another Land, Dave explains “we were doing a continuous set, once we started we very rarely stopped, we just kept going,”. The Guardian described the shows as a “blues-fuelled inferno summoning the spirit of Hendrix”.

Throughout his career, Dave Holland has established a reputation for making his bands a proving ground for promising young instrumentalists, but his latest trio is a true all-star assemblage of jazz heavyweights, all established bandleaders and composers, each representing the world standard on their instrument. Released on limited edition double vinyl, CD and hi-res download, this is a power-packed set that reunites Dave with the guitar work of Kevin Eubanks, whose searing, soulful approach was last heard on Dare 2 as part of the Prism project. Eubanks was also key to the muscular quartet that recorded Holland’s seminal 1990 ECM release Extensions, and this new band is yet another example of Holland’s brilliance at building ensembles that are greater than the sum of their formidable parts.

1. Grave Walker 7.00

2. Another Land 9.19

3. Gentle Warrior 8.46

4. 20 20 8.24

5. Quiet Fire 4.39

6. Mashup 6.36

7. Passing Time 8.08

8. The Village 8.48

9. Bring It Back Home 6.00

Dave Holland - Bass and Bass Guitar

Kevin Eubanks - Guitar

Obed Calvaire - Drums

Dave Holland uses Michael Tobias Design Bass Guitars, Thomastik-Infeld Bass Strings, LaBella Bass Guitar Strings and Gallien-Krueger Speakers and Amplifiers.

Kevin Eubanks uses Gallien-Krueger Amplifiers, Ernie Ball Strings and Morley Pedals

Obed Calvaire uses Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Meinl percussion and Yamaha drums

Recorded by Chris Allen at Sear Sound, 10th-11th September 2020

Assistant Engineer – Steven Sacco

Mixed at Sear Sound, NYC 18th - 20th August 2020

Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound 7th September 2020

The album will be available on CD, Limited Edition Coloured Double Vinyl  and hi-res download – the first 200 LPs will also be numbered and include a signed postcard.

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Jeff Chan In Chicago (March 2021)

This album is dedicated to Ameen Muhammad who passed away on February 28, 2003. His life and his music will be remembered and celebrated.

Not long after I moved to from SF to Chicago, I recorded this album for Asian Improv Records. Presenting my original compositions, In Chicago was a chance to record with an all-star band of Tatsu Aoki (bass), Chad Taylor (drums) and the great Ameen Muhammad (trumpet).

1. 'Round and 'Round 07:38

2. Persistence of Vision 08:22

3. Sunbeams 09:54

4. Bells/Falling 10:38

5. Waiting 08:49

6. Twilight 03:34

7. Waiting (reprise) 00:54

8. Centuries 12:06

Jeff Chan - soprano and tenor saxophones

Ameen Muhammad - trumpet, conch shell and small instruments

Tatsu Aoki - bass

Chad Taylor - drums

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Damon Smith Trio - Color Architecture (March 2021)

As i delved into the SF creative music scene in the 1990s, i met a whole community of artists that i would be working with... some to this day. among those early collaborators were Damon Smith and Jerome Bryerton. we had some good times making music, eating and arguing and i'm happy that we were able to document some of our work together here on Color Architecture as the Damon Smith Trio.

1 Color Architectue #1 (to Tom Schultz) 03:04

2 The Eye of Ra (to R.B._R.B.K.) 01:51

3 Emphasized Weights in Black and White (to Günter Christmann) 03:33

4 Grey Light for Flute solo (to John Stevens) 02:29

5 Elegy for Glenn Spearmann 02:29

6 The Algebra of Revolution (To Wadada Leo Smith) 02:19

7 Solo in E Minor for Fred Hopkins 01:25

8 Not Everything is in Line With the Ear (to Gianni Gebbia) 02:35

9 (Bert) + Nancy 02:47

10 Freedom is Necessarily only Partial (to Eneidi) 00:48

11 Abitrary Real Values (to Cy Twombly) 02:21

12 Ghost World (to Dan Clowes) 00:54

13 A Lesson for Later Work (to R.M.S.). 02:47

14 Lines for Trio (to Paul Klee) 03:46

15 The Division of Cells 01:54

16 Generatin Function and the Like (to L.S. Ellis) 02:20

17 Black Holes Dark Fields (to Peter Kowald) 04:07

18 Closely Bound up with Utility 01:11

19 40L 01:56

20 Color Architecture #2 for solo percussion 02:33

21 The Thin Lines Hold Their own in the Presense for the Heavy Point (to Mark Dresser) 02:16

22 A Force Capable of Dislodging one From the Gravitational Pull of the Earth (to Bill Dixon) 02:42

23 51A 02:18

24 10, No 20! 00:16

25 The Inner Attitude of the Observer 00:59

26 Dream Told by Moto(haru) 01:18

27 Governed by Contradiction 01:05

28 Lucifer Lies to Bring Time to a Stop 01:53

29 Color Architeture #1 (to Tom Schulz) Flute version 02:01

Damon Smith - contrabass

Jerome Bryerton - percussion

Jeff Chan - flute, bass clarinet and tenor saxophone

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Jeff Chan - Winds Shifting (March 2021)

Due to the tragic events in Atlanta, I have made downloads on my Bandcamp page free and urge you to make a donation to Asian Americans Advancing Justice/Atlanta. They have set up a fund to support those impacted by the violence of March 16.

https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/support-georgias-asian-american-community/

My first album! Recorded in 1997 for Asian Improv records, with the stellar bassist/drummer combo of Trevor Dunn and Eliot Humberto Kavee. Special guests Francis Wong on tenor saxophone and Neil Straghalis round out this debut session of original compositions.

1. Snap, Crackle, Pop 06:14

2. Infringement 07:41

3. Dreams/Silver Skies 07:51

4. Spiritual 06:31

5. Winds Shifting Coming and Going 13:43

6. Cactus Patch 08:37

Jeff Chan - tenor saxophone

Trevor Dunn - bass

Elliot Humberto Cave - drums

Francis Wong - tenor saxophone

Neil Straghalis - piano

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Anderson Quevedo Trio (2021)

With a raw stripped-down sound where groove and complicity between players scream for spotlight, the trio led by saxophonist Anderson Quevedo, alongside Daniel Amorin (acoustic bass) and Pedro Henning (drums), invites the listener to an real sonic adventure. The compositions, all of them by Quevedo's pen, seek inspiration in urban art and flirt with a wide variety of styles, from free jazz to concert music.

1. Das Três às Seis 04:44

2. Sem Saída 04:30

3. Caminho de La Plata 04:07

4. Balada 03:36

5. Dança 06:48

6. Uma Saudade 08:00

7. Afro Blue 04:06

Anderson Quevedo: soprano, tenor and baritone saxophones

Daniel Amorin: double bass

Pedro Henning: drums

with special guests

Pepe Cisneros: piano (tracks 3 and 7)

Jota.P Barbosa: soprano and tenor saxophones (tracks 3 and 2)

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Magí Batalla (Estúdio U)

Mixing assisted by Fernando Sobreira (Estúdio U)

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Liudas Mockūnas In Residency at Bitches Brew (March 2021 NoBusiness Records)

In December 2018 I had a four-night residency at the Bitches Brew jazz club in Yokohama. These concerts were organized by Mr Kenny Inaoka, founder and editor-in-chief of the webzine JazzTokyo.com and a prodigious jazz record producer and Seiichi Sugita, the owner of the Bitces Brew. They managed to invite some of the greatest improvisers from the Tokyo area to join me for four concerts in a row. This album captures some sound memories of those unforgettable performances with fantastic musicians Otomo Yoshihide, Kazutoki Umezu, Masayo Koketsu, Akira Sakata and Eiichi Hayashi. Enjoy! Big thanks to all the musicians who joined forces on those concerts, Kenny Inaoka, Seiichi Sugita, Kuniko Iwasita, Akira Saito, Gabija Čepulionytė and Raminta Sodeikienė.

1. Brown Line / with Akira Sakata 11:04

2. Yellow Line / with Masayo Koketsu 12:29

3. Red Line / with Kazutoki Umezu 17:22

4. Green Line / with Otomo Yoshihide and Kazutoki Umezu 23:49

5. Blue Line / with Akira Sakata and Eiichi Hayashi 10:27

by Liudas Mockūnas / Akira Sakata / Otomo Yoshihide / Kazutoki Umezu / Masayo Koketsu / Eiichi Hayashi

Recorded at Bitches Brew in Yokohama, December 2018 by Liudas Mockūnas

Mixed at KDK by Dainius Kazilionis and Liudas Mockūnas

Mastered at KDK by Dainius Kazilionis

Art work and design by Neringa Žukauskaitė

Cover photo by Liudas Mockūnas

Produced by Liudas Mockūnas and Danas Mikailionis

Co-producer Valerij Anosov

“Brown Line” Akira Sakata-cl, Liudas Mockūnas-ss

“Yellow Line” Masayo Koketsu-as, Liudas Mockūnas-ss,water prepared ss

“Red Line” Kazutoki Umezu-bcl,cl,ss,as, Liudas Mockūnas-ss

“Green Line” Otomo Yoshihide-g, Kazutoki Umezu-bcl,ss,as, Liudas Mockūnas-ts

“Blue Line” Akira Sakata-cl,as,voice, Eiichi Hayashi-as, Liudas Mockūnas-ts, ss

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Mai Sugimoto - monologue (March 2021)

A woman’s voice should and will be heard, and Mai Sugimoto creates such a space, in the midst of white chauvinism and anti-Asian resentment, for her monologue, the saxophonist’s sophomore album and first solo effort (Asian Improv Records, 2021). Indeed, Sugimoto’s sound is as naked as ever on what she describes as a visceral response to our troubling times. Recorded in Chicago’s Loop in November 2020, Sugimoto resonates through the studio—and, one imagines, the empty streets—and over the faint roars of the El train.

This is ferocity and finesse, and she buoys every note with her abiding sense of humor, exploring sounds and textures with an alto saxophone, flute, percussion, and toys—sometimes simultaneously. Sugimoto’s record reflects what she has felt through the pandemic—mourning, fear, joy, anger, gratitude—to create this monologue: an unmasking, a leap of faith, an I’m speaking, a one-woman show.

1. monologue 09:03

2. shell ghosts 02:48

3. missing drummer 02:33

4. Ab 01:42

5. squeamish 02:43

6. furue 03:44

7. choking hazard 02:22

8. hysteria 01:48

9. mating dance 03:21

10. migratory season 04:36

11. sabi 02:51

12. so trill 03:55

13. niji masu 02:41

14. corridor 02:00

MAI SUGIMOTO (BMI)

alto saxophone

flute

toy xylophones

drum

shells

bells

roland micro cube

all compositions

excutive producer

TATSU AOKI

associate producer

MAI SUGIMOTO

recorded on

NOVEMBER 22 & 29, 2020 at FAB MUSIC STUDIO, CHICAGO

mixing & mastering

CALEB WILLITZ

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Fergus McCreadie - Cairn (2021 Edition Records)

The Scottish wunderkind pianist’s second album, ​Cairn,​ looks set to establish his global presence as a composer, pianist and bandleader with its freshness of sound and originality. Rooted in the Scottish tradition and inspired by Scottish landscapes, ​Cairn​ combines contemporary, jazz and classical influences in​ a profound, mesmerising and compelling way. Fergus works with established trio of bassist David Bowden and drummer Stephen Henderson; Cairn​ is a testament to their instrumental command, originality and communication. In October 2020 Fergus was awarded Best Instrumentalist at the Scottish Jazz Awards.

1. North 04:45

2. Cairn 07:33

3. Across Flatlands 04:46

4. The Stones of Brodgar 05:30

5. Jig 08:29

6. Tide 05:56

7. Tree Climbing 07:16

8. An Old Friend 09:06

9. Cliffside 07:42

All compositions by Fergus McCreadie and arranged by the trio

Fergus McCreadie - Piano

David Bowden - Double Bass

Stephen Henderson - Drums

Recorded at QuietMoney Studios, Hastings, 7 & 8 January 2020

Mixed by James McMillan at QuietMoney Studios, Hastings

Mastered by Michael Scherchen at The Mix Factory, London

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Shlomi Goldenberg - Blues Straight Ahead (March 2021)

I met this old black jazz musician, and he asked me if I wanted to play jazz. I just nodded my head. "You gotta play the C flat scale". (C flat is the note B on the piano, but sounds different).

In 2005 I got enough Blues numbers for a new album. So I got my Rhythm section and set a date. Nizan and Nadav were my regulars , but drummer Roi was a last minute addittion. He was unbelieveable , becuase as usual weonly did first takes, and he was right on top.

1. Salami Blues

2. 448 CENTRAL PARK West Apt#1a

3. Bass On Top

Shlomi Goldenberg - Tenor Sax,  Soprano Sax on Be Bye Blues

Nizan Gavrieli - Piano

Roi Uliel - Drums

Nadav Lahish – Contrabass

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The Rempis Percussion Quartet - Sud Des Alpes (April 13, 2021 Aerophonic Records)

This record is the tenth release by The Rempis Percussion Quartet, recorded during a 2019 European tour that celebrated their fifteenth anniversary as a working ensemble. Those are some pretty hefty milestones. So how do they push forward artistically with so much already under their belt? From what we hear on Sud Des Alpes, it’s all about digging deeper into the musical dilemmas they’ve been examining for years. These four improvisers continue to grind ideas and perspectives against one another, yielding an ever more refined version of their shared vision. This is patient work, done over a long period. In the rapidly shifting social media era, one whose gaze flickers back and forth like a cornered rat as it scans for the next big thing, this may seem archaic. So be it.

Listen to Flaten for example – one of the few bass players in the world with a sound and technique strong enough to drive, or contradict, a band this fiery when he chooses to. And he’s all about that grind. Notice how he sometimes deliberately pushes ahead, or pulls behind the drummers in a groove, or obstinately refuses to leave the beat as the others unravel around him into unmetered terrain. It’s this type of relentless questioning that keeps the band on its toes, as one member asks with a mischievous grin, “you sure about that?” And yet somehow they manage to hold the core together, these internal dialectics serving to ratchet up the tension and interest. The resolutions to these episodes coalesce like rays of sunshine pouring through the back end of a storm front. Check out the driving groove that closes out Evacuation, and the hollers from the live audience as the quartet slides into it.

Only a band with a history this long – that of a family – can get into some wrangling like this live onstage, and still produce something that’s both coherent and compelling. This is a straight up circus feat – a train engineer who reconstructs the locomotive as the train rockets down the line.

Unfortunately, the band wasn’t quite so lucky in their actual train travels on the day of this concert. The titles for these compositions come from their delayed arrival to Geneva that afternoon, since the train they were on somehow lost the use of its brakes. It came to a slow halt in the middle of the main line between Zurich and Geneva, blocking train travel in the country for several hours, to the embarrassed consternation of the entirety of the exquisitely punctual Swiss nation. When Rempis called the presenter to let him know they’d be quite late, he said in hushed disbelief “yes, there’s a train stuck on the track that’s blocking everything.” His tone made it clear that the nation’s gaze was fixed on its TV’s waiting for the latest updates to this calamity. Rempis replied “yes, we’re on it!”

Soon after, in a moment of absurdity that maybe only touring musicians could quite appreciate, Flaten was forced to carry his suitcase and enormous bass flight case up and down the stairs and through the narrow aisles in eight double decker train cars to reach the sole evacuation point at the far end of the train. The rest of the band didn't have it much better. Another episode of musical “Survivor,” all too familiar to musicians who travel for their work. The band then passed across a small platform to another train waiting on the opposite track, and continued on their way. Any relation to the music that took place that night? Could be.

1. There's A Jam On The Line 18:13

2. Theme De Yoyo / Evacuation 23:23

3. Late Arrival 11:41

Dave Rempis – alto/tenor saxophone

Ingebrigt Håker Flaten – bass

Tim Daisy – drums

Frank Rosaly – drums

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Nicola Conte & Gianluca Petrella - People Need People (2021 Schema Records)

New music forms contaminated by various genres characterize our globalized world’s recent history; the intertwining of individual experiences creates new collaborations, as in this specifc case. Sixteen years after the release of “New Standards” (2001, SCEP336) Nicola Conte meets again his friend and colleague Gianluca Petrella, an eclectic Italian jazz scene talent, open to new experiences and collaborations: this encounter let to the publication of three new 12” EP’s in only three years, plus the recent single “The Higher Love” and the release of “Let Your Light Shine On” by Nicola Conte & Spiritual Galaxy.

The exchange between the two musicians / producers takes place not only on a songwriting level but also on a research one: vinyl rarities, the diggin’ activity, the use of samples, sounds, rigorously vintage instruments and sounds deliver a product brave enough to communicate the club culture enthusiasm to conquer a new market capable of soliciting new interests in the nu-soul and jazz scene. From Detroit future dance to afrobeat and spiritual jazz through a nu-disco sound, the unique vibe of “People Need People” drags us in search of deep music in a spiritual and mantric context. In a peculiar historical moment Nicola Conte and Gianluca Petrella send a message of hope, of aggregation and Universal Love.

A feeling of elevation and solidarity is shared Through Raashan’s poetry, something that can predict winds of change for humanity, a feeling that flows from a higher love. “People Need People” is more than just a new album, it’s a collective experience wisely directed by Nicola and Gianluca that sees the participation of numerous artists from different parts of the world: Raashan Ahmad (USA), Nduduzo Makhathini (South Africa), Magnus Lindgren (Sweden), Débo Ray (USA), Bridgette Amofah (England), Abdissa Assefa (Finland/Ethiopia), Teppo Makynen (Finland), together with young Italian promising stars Davide Shorty, Carolina Bubbico, Tommaso Cappellato, Seby Burgio, Marco Rubegni, Pasquale Calò, and the already known Pasquale Mirra and Simone Padovani. “People Need People” is the mature fruit of an unstoppable and constantly evolving work of research and exchange that’s been able to break down every possible distance during its long and complex making-of process.

The songs taken from the previous EP’s have also been further revised, reworked and expanded, with the addition of six new tracks. Looking at the past and fetching sounds, rhythms and instruments typical of tribal / African traditions, soul / spiritual jazz and cosmic music from it, Nicola and Gianluca have performed an operation of strong contamination with modern electronic sounds, disco and hip-hop, creating a completely original hybrid. Their goal is to accompany the listener through a collective spiritual elevation path, guided by the only true universal language: music. In a historical period marked by contrasts, lack of communication and forced social distancing, “People Need People” proves to be even more essential and necessary.

1. Hold On To Your Dreams (feat. Debo Ray) 04:54

2. The Higher Love (feat. Raashan Ahmad) 04:15

3. Imani River (feat. Bridgette Amofah) 04:59

4. Nigeria 05:09

5. People Need People (feat. Davide Shorty & Carolina Bubbico)) 04:19

6. Inner Light (feat. Raashan Ahmad) 06:22

7. New World Shuffle (feat. Bridgette Amofah) 06:39

8. Good Juju (feat. Raashan Ahmad) 03:53

9. African Spirits 06:44

10. Tribes (feat. Nduduzo Makhathini) 06:46

11. Mother Of The Earth (feat. Debo Ray) 05:01

Produced by Nicola Conte and Gianluca Petrella

A1 written by N. Conte, G. Petrella and D. Sciortino

A2 written by N. Conte, G. Petrella and P. Mirra

B2, C1 and D2 written by N. Conte, G. Petrella and R. Ahmad

B1 written by N. Conte, G. Petrella and B. Amofah

A3, B3, C2, D1 and D3 written by N. Conte and G. Petrella

Davide Shorty: Vocals on A1

Carolina Bubbico: Vocals on A1, B2

Pasquale Mirra: Vibraphone on A1

Tommaso Cappellato: Drums on A1, A3, D3

Abdissa Assefa: Congas & Percussion on A1, B3, C2

Débo Ray: Vocals on A2, D3

Pasquale Mirra: Vibraphone & Percussion on A2

Seby Burgio: Wurlitzer Electric Piano, Tiger Electric Organ, Synth on A3

Pasquale Calò: Tenor Sax on A3, B3

Bridgette Amofah: Vocals on B1, D1

Raashan Ahmad: Vocals on B2, C1, D2

Magnus Lindgren: Flute on B2, D3

Nduduzo Makhathini: Fender Rhodes Electric Piano on B3, D2

Simone Padovani: Congas & Percussion on C1, D2, D3

Teppo Makynen: Drums on C2, D2

Marco Rubegni: Trumpet on D2

Recorded in

Bari at Sorriso Studio | Sound Engineer: Tommy Cavalieri

Milan at Blue Spirit Recording Studio | Sound engineer: Francesco Borrelli

Lecce at Sud Est Studio | Sound engineer: Filippo Bubbico

Mastered by Giovanni Versari at La Maestà

Magnus Lindgren appears courtesy of ACT Music

Nduduzo Makhathini appears courtesy of Blue Note Records

Artwork by Mzwandile Buthelezi

Photography by Giovanna Sodano

Layout by Eugenio Crippa

Publishing by Edizioni Ishtar Srl

except A1 publishing by Edizioni Ishtar Srl / Totally Imported Srl

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The Afro Soul Prophecy - Heat In The City (2021 Schema Records)

The Afro Soul Prophecy is an atypical musical project, out of time and trends, as evidenced by a several years gestation that has finally ended with the release of “Heat in the City”, an album that includes all the songs ever recorded, some of which have already been published in 2017 on 7” (SC716, “Red Light District / The Game of Love” - SC717, Daddy’s Groove / Let Me Be your Lover”) and 10” records (SCEB002, with three different versions of “The Devil Made Me Do It”). The Afro Soul Prophecy was born thanks to the initiative of Luciano Cantone, co-founder of Schema Records, here also spiritual leader and producer of the project.

“Heat in the City” is an almost completely instrumental album that finds its strength in its simplicity and balance between parts. The songs’ composer is Alex Puddu, well-known especially for his “Golden Age of Danish Pornography” disco-sex-funk triptych, surrounded by a long series of international artists who gave musical life to his ideas: Abdissa “Mamba” Assefa (Ethiopia, drums and percussion), Antti Lötjönen (Finland, double bass), Georgios Kontrafouris (Greece, Wurlitzer and Hammond), Timo Lassy (Finland, saxophone), Gendrickson “Pucci” Mena (Cuba, trumpet), Massimo Martellotta (Italy, guitar) and Morten Grønvad (Denmark, vibraphone).

The Afro Soul Prophecy’s sound and groove are exquisitely black, but so rich of shades that require in-depth listening to be fully assimilated and to understand the overall range of “Heat in the City”, a record that draws inspiration from The Meters, War and Roy Ayers’ downbeat funk, but also indulges in afrobeat (The Devil Made Me Do It), Latin (Let Me Be Your Lover, The Game of Love, Daddy’s Groove) and disco contaminations (Everybody’s Going Uptown, Fire in Acapulco, Mean Street), while “Summer of ’75” and “The Crowd Pleaser” evoke pure urban blaxploitation scenarios.

All these influences are fully rooted in this album, making it almost mystical and visionary, as if the aforementioned music genres scenarios could materialize in front of the listener’s eyes. “Heat in the City” owes most of its qualities to the fundamental contribution of Abdissa Assefa on percussion and Antti Lötjönen on double bass - a particular and atypical instrument in a context like this, as well as to Pietro Ciancaglini’s arrangements. 

The overall result, wide-ranging and full of hidden details, is the ultimate consequence of the multi-ethnic nature of this project, which involved musicians from all over the world; once again, the language of music has contributed to unite different cultures and to erase distances in the creation of “Heat in the City”, an album that needs multiple listenings to be discovered in full.

1. Everybody's Going Uptown 03:50

2. Daddy's Groove (Album Version) 04:52

3. Fire In Acapulco 04:00

4. Heat In The City 03:59

5. Let Me Be Your Lover (Album Version) 04:43

6. Mean Street 04:21

7. Red Light District (Album Version) 04:58

8. The Crowd Pleaser 05:35

9. The Devil Made Me Do It (Album Version) 04:30

10. The Game Of Love (Album Version) 04:01

11. Summer Of '75 05:53

Conceived and produced by Luciano Cantone/The Invisible Session

Arrangements by Pietro Ciancaglini

All tracks written by Alex Puddu

Publishing by Edizioni Ishtar Srl

Recorded in Milan at Edizioni Ishtar/Blue Spirit Recording Studio

in november 2012

Sound Engineer: Francesco Borrelli

Mixed by Luciano Cantone and Francesco Borrelli

Mastered by Giovanni Versari at La Maestà

Abdissa “Mamba” Assefa – drums and percussion

Antti Lötjönen – double bass

Georgios Kontrafouris – Wurlitzer and Hammond

Timo Lassy – tenor saxophone

Gendrickson “Pucci” Mena – trumpet

Massimo Martellotta – guitar

Morten Grønvad – vibraphone

Duane Hobson – backing vocals

Alex Puddu – Moog synthesizer and electric guitar on

“Fire in Acapulco”, “Mean Street” and “Heat in the City”

Picture by Milo taken from a mosaic in Pompei

Design and layout by Eugenio Crippa

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Malnoia / Jorn Swart - Hello Future (March 2021)

Malnoia, an unorthodox trio led by pianist Jorn Swart that mixes jazz and chamber music, is presenting their new album “Hello Future”.

Drawing on science-fiction film and literature, each track is accompanied by an original short story. Through colorful compositions, emotive improvisations, and the unique combination of piano, viola, and bass clarinet, the album explores what it means to be human in a technological age.

1. First Ocean 05:01

2. Paultjuh 05:07

3. DemocrApp 06:14

4. TimeSaver3050 04:55

5. New Religion 05:14

6. The Ghost 04:55

7. Choro Humano 04:56

8. The Last Snowstorm 05:52

9. Tubifoot 05:36

10. Prelude to Singularity 02:52

11. Tears in Rain 03:42

Jorn Swart - piano

Benjamin von Gutzeit - viola

Lucas Pino - bass clarinet

All compositions by Jorn Swart, except ‘Tears in Rain’ by Vangelis

Recorded on March 18 and 19, 2019 at Power Sound Studio in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Recorded by Paul Pouwer

Edited by Jorn Swart

Mixed by Alex Venguer

Mastered by Oscar Zambrano

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Jeff Coffin & Helen Gillet - Let It Shine (March 2021)

1. The Sun Never Says 02:03

2. Lazy Drag Jig 04:53

3. Round And Around 03:31

4. Unzen 05:42

5. Sometimes Springtime 05:37

6. Lampsi 05:25

7. Second Wings 05:34

8. The Sandman 06:53

9. Should I Stand 04:57

10. Do You Still 07:00

Jeff Coffin - bass flute, alto flute, D whistle, tenor sax, soprano sax, bass clarinet, clarinet, percussion, didgibone, voice

Helen Gillet - cello, cello looping, cello slaps, percussion, voice, lyrics

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Jeff Coffin & Derek Brown - Symbiosis (2021)

Jeff Coffin is a globally recognized saxophonist, composer, educator, and is a member of the legendary U.S. rock group, Dave Matthews Band. You may also know him from his 14 years, and 3 Grammy Awards, with the genre-defying Bela Fleck & the Flecktones. Jeff fronts numerous groups when not touring with DMB and has released 15+ solo CD's on Ear Up Records.

Coffin is known for his musical passion, his melodically driven compositions, his deep involvement with music education, and his continued dedication to the improvisational musical art form some call Jazz. 

He is one of the top, in demand, saxophonists in the world as well as a first call studio musician in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has lived since 1991. 

Jeff has released 17+ solo recordings, is a Yamaha Performing Artist & Clinician, a Boston Sax Shop Ambassador, teaches improvisation at the prestigious Vanderbilt University, authored four books, produces, engineers, mixes, and runs his own critically acclaimed record label, Ear Up Records.

In 2020, Jeff began a streaming concert series during the global shutdown to benefit his fellow Nashville musicians called IN THE STUDIO from iTAStudioStreams.com, where all the proceeds go to local out of work musicians and their families.

1. Chunk 03:39

2. The Belly Crawl 04:43

3. Up Jump 01:35

4. Roundabout 03:50

5. The Mirage 04:19

6. The Mess Around 03:39

7. Somewhere I Can't Recall 04:29

Jeff Coffin - tenor sax, bass flute, bass clarinet, clarinet

Derek Brown - tenor sax, baritone sax, sax percussion, wind

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Spike Wilner Trio - Aliens & Wizards (April 23, 2021 Cellar Live)

Celebrated Pianist and Impresario Spike Wilner to Release Aliens & Wizards with Cellar Music Group on April 23, 2021 

Made possible by a grant from the SmallsLIVE Foundation

Cellar Music Group, in association with the SmallsLIVE Foundation, is thrilled to announce the release of Aliens & Wizards, the new album by the Spike Wilner Trio. Recorded at the height of the pandemic,  Aliens & Wizards features newly composed music by jazz veteran and impresario Spike Wilner, with the addition of several thoughtful renditions of jazz standards.  This spirited release is the follow-up to the trio’s 2017 Cellar Music Group recording Odalisque. 

Steadfast pianist, bandleader and club manager Spike Wilner has enjoyed a long tenure on the New York City and global jazz scenes, performing with the likes of The Artie Shaw Big Band, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Maynard Furgeson & Lennie Cuje while remaining highly active as a bandleader all while managing iconic NYC Jazz shrines Smalls and Mezzrow. Wilner is joined here by two long-time collaborators, bassist Tyler Mitchell (Art Taylor, Jackie McLean, Barry Harris) and drummer Anthony Pinciotti (James Moody, Dr. Lonnie Smith, John Abercrombie).

This electrifying release marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Cellar Music Group and The SmallsLIVE Foundation. The foundation will carry out its mission to support artists by funding album releases through the Cellar Music Group. As Cory Weeds, the label’s founder, notes “2020 has been a year to forget, yet in the most difficult of times, Spike continues to inspire with his unwavering dedication to the presentation of this music through his clubs, Smalls Jazz Club and Mezzrow, and through recordings, streaming and other important initiatives that serve this music. It’s fitting that the first release – in what we hope will be one of many – is a date led by Spike himself.” The SmallsLIVE Foundation is dedicated to the creation and propagation of jazz music in New York City through recording, live streaming, archiving, educational initiatives and live performances.

In March 2020, tragedy struck and Smalls and Mezzrow were closed to the public. Wilner took the opportunity to stay in Pennsylvania for several months with family and, like many musicians during this time, focused on practicing and composition. Informed by great change and isolation,  Aliens & Wizards was born.

Aliens & Wizards begins with the bright-tempoed “Righty – O!”, Wilner’s piano-centric rendition of a piece by the late drummer and friend of Wilner, Johnny Ellis. Right out of the gate, Wilner demonstrates his seamless integration of ragtime, bop and contemporary stylings.  Also on full display is the interplay of a trio with an unmistakably rich history of collaboration. While these three players have worked together in various incarnations since they were quite young, this iteration of the Spike Wilner Trio was first assembled in 2012/2013 and has been a working band ever since, touring Europe and performing regularly throughout New York City.

“Non Troppo” and “Adagio” are both Wilner pieces inspired by the artist’s study of Bach and Beethoven. “Non Troppo” specifically is inspired by the movement of a Beethoven sonata, and the title refers to the musical tempo marking “allegro ma non troppo” meaning “at a brisk tempo, but not too much!”. Fittingly on this third-stream inspired piece, Wilner’s melodic refrains flow from his fingers with ease and a beautiful simplicity, each statement answering the last. Similarly, “Adagio” refers to a slow tempo marking. The intro is bowed beautifully by Tyler Mitchell, setting the tone for a moody and wistful piece with a supple melody wrife with harmonic intrigue. “Adagio” is a heartfelt tribute to Wilner’s wife and daughter.

Lush interpretations of standards mark the center of this album, with Wilner’s take on “Blue Gardenia” and “Stella by Starlight”. “Blue Gardenia”, written by Lester Lee and Bob Russell and later popularized by Dinah Washington, features a deeply soulful improvisation by Wilner, showcasing the band’s dynamic sensibilities. “Stella by Starlight” features fiery improvisations from both Wilner and bassist Tyler Mitchell. The album’s title track “Aliens & Wizards” is a free improvisation, demonstrating the enormous range and cohesion of the ensemble.

Wilner notes “We are grateful to partner with Cory Weeds and The Cellar Music Group on presenting artist projects commissioned by the SmallsLIVE Foundation”. Until we can once again venture to Greenwich village, descend the narrow stairway of smalls’ heralded hall and sit elbow to elbow with fellow jazz lovers, taking communion from the luminaries of our times, Wilner is dedicated to bringing the music to the people in a multitude of mediums, supporting the artist community that he has gone far to cultivate over his illustrious career.

1. Righty-O! 3:54 (Johnny Ellis)

2. Non Troppo 6:55 (Spike Wilner)

3. Adagio 6:31 (Spike Wilner)

4. Mindset 4:36 (Spike Wilner) 

5. Blue Gardenia 4:22 (Lester Lee, Bob Russell)

6. Stella by Starlight 4:34 (Victor Young)

7. Aliens & Wizards 3:18 (Spike Wilner)

8. Prayer for Peace 6:09 (Spike Wilner)

9. Trick Baby 5:45 (Spike Wilner)

Spike Wilner piano

Tyler Mitchell bass

Tyler Pinciotti drums

Recorded at GB'a Juke Joint, Astoria, NY on August 16th and 22nd, 2020

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Cellar Live · 2 Non Troppo

Alyssa Allgood - What Tomorrow Brings (April 9, 2021 Cellar Live)

On her third studio album, Chicago vocalist Alyssa Allgood wields her instrument with depth, nuance & sophistication. Through refined interpretations of classics and the debut of four stunning originals, What Tomorrow Brings invites listeners on a personal journey of despair, determination and discovery.

Style. Substance. The music that matters invariably boasts one of the two. But when style and substance share the spotlight, in admirable balance and sure conviction, you’ve got something to remember.

Substance first: What Tomorrow Brings, her third album, reflects a couple years of enormous personal growth for Alyssa Allgood. New apartment, new jobs; a dedicated commitment to long-distance running; rigorous teaching of the jazz vocal tradition; and increased visibility beyond her Chicago base, with appearances in New York and Shanghai that have bolstered her confidence.

And then the pandemic. “I’ve had a lot more time alone, getting to know myself better,” says Allgood: “Time to be outside, to read, and to deal with moments of change and loss. They’re all opportunities to grow closer to who we are.” Allgood is still in her 20s, and despite her impressive self-possession, she’s still in process.

The substance of these songs reveals her deepening connection to life’s kaleidoscopic emotions, as does her placement of each song within the overall narrative. “I hope the listener will feel the harder emotions at the beginning,” she says, “and then a shift about halfway through [right around the beguiling “Time Found” and “Bridges,” the haunting Milton Nascimento classic]. And then comes the sense that we're getting into something uplifting – that even though what tomorrow brings is unknown, there's still hope.”

As for the style that animates this substance, it ripples with newfound depth and power. Allgood has systematically mined the music of her idols, including Abbey Lincoln, Dinah Washington, Carmen McRae, and Billie Holiday. They all funneled their considerable technique into making the words as meaningful as the melodies, and their example has steered Allgood toward greater nuance in service of storytelling. “I’m trying to make lyrical expression the focal point of what I'm doing,” she explains.

Give a listen to “This Bitter Earth,” where she bends notes and commands the rhythm to etch each twist of the dark/light lyrics. In her duo version of “For All We Know,” her rain-pure timbre and heartbreaking inflections dovetail with Mike Allemana’s genius for accompaniment. On “Passing Glance,” Allgood uses her lovely control of dynamics to bring the song into subtle bas-relief before a high-flying coda. But as her interpretative authority continues to flourish, she needn’t shout to tell every story; she can also whisper.

And on the eastern-tinged arrangement of “Mad About the Boy” (perhaps the album’s highlight), she does both. With liberal phrasing and tonal flutters, Allgood lets you see a raised eyebrow here, a rueful smile there – and finally, with daring swoops into the upper register, a level of passion that blows to hell the cool composure the lyrics strive to maintain.

Allgood works here with three of Chicago’s finest, all of them many years her senior, and she stands effortlessly with them in this compact, thrillingly interactive quartet. They too embody style and substance, either of which have propelled plenty of lesser bands. But put those two together and you’re in rare and wonderful company indeed.

-NEIL TESSER, Grammy-award winning writer and critic, author of The Playboy Guide to Jazz

1. There Are Such Things

2. Enclosure

3. Should Have Been

4. Memories

5. This Bitter Earth

6. Mad About The Boy

7. Time Found

8. Bridges

9. Try Your Wings

10. Light Of Darkness

11. For All We Know

12. Passing Glance

Alyssa Allgood – voice

Mike Allemana – guitar

Dennis Carroll – bass

George Fludas – drums

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Produced by Alyssa Allgood

Recorded at JoyRide Studio, Chicago, IL on August 5th and 6th, 2020

Engineered mixed and mastered by Brian Schwab

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