April 17-18: Chris Potter, Antonio Sanchez trios perform in Central Park as 'Walk With The Wind' continues

Artist-focused non-profit Giant Step Arts presents new edition of acclaimed concert series Walk With The Wind

April 17-18 free performances at NEW LOCATION in Central Park: Summit Rock in Seneca Village

Concerts honor legacy of congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis

Featuring James Brandon Lewis Freed Style Free Trio, Chris Potter Trio, Antonio Sanchez Trio, Marquis Hill Quartet, Michael Thomas Quartet, Nasheet Waits, Mark Turner, Marika Hughes, Johnathan Blake, Abraham Burton, Jason Palmer

"Sitting socially distanced on The Mall and listening to live jazz feels like an optimistic moment...Jimmy Katz and Giant Step Arts are plugging a gap with Walk With The Wind." - Dan Bergsagel, London Jazz News

Giant Step Arts with additional funding from Jazz Generation’s KEYED UP! continues the acclaimed performance series Walk With The Wind honoring civil rights activist and congressman John Lewis. The concerts – curated by Jimmy Katz and Nasheet Waits – will take place at pop up locations in New York City’s Central Park. Shows will be rescheduled in case of inclement weather.

CONCERT SCHEDULE

• Saturday, April 17 – at Summit Rock in Seneca Village (map below)

     Noon: Robert Lotreck Quartet with Drew Anderson, Sarah Hanahan, Nolan Nwachukwu

     1 p.m.: Sarah Hanahan Trio with Jason Clotter, Michael Ode

     2 p.m.: Chris Potter Trio with Joe Martin and Nasheet Waits

• Sunday, April 18 – at Summit Rock in Seneca Village (map below)

     Noon: Robert Lotreck Quartet with Coby Petricone-Berg, Anthony Hervey, Phil Norris

     1 p.m.: Steve Slagle Trio with Marty Kenney, Jason Tiemann

     2 p.m.: Antonio Sanchez Trio with Donny McCaslin and Matt Brewer

• Saturday, April 24 – Marquis Hill Quartet

• Sunday, April 25 – Michael Thomas Quartet with Michael Rodriguez, Edward Perez, and Johnathan Blake

• Saturday, May 1 – James Brandon Lewis, Freed Style Free Trio with Rashaan Carter and Chad Taylor; Aaron Burnett Quartet with Peter Evans, Nick Jozwiak, and Tyshawn Sorey

• Saturday, May 8 – Marika Hughes: The New String Quartet with Hughes, Charlie Burnham, Marvin Sewell, and Rashaan Carter

• Saturday, May 15 – Mark Turner Trio with Vicente Archer, Johnathan Blake

• Sunday, May 23 – Johnathan Blake Trio; Nasheet Waits Quartet with Mark Turner, Steve Nelson, Rashaan Carter

• Saturday, May 29 – Abraham Burton Trio with Dezron Douglas, Eric McPherson

• Monday, May 31 – Jason Palmer Quartet with Mark Turner, Edward Perez, Kendrick Scott

“The pandemic has been disastrous for musicians, many of whom normally earn a living through live performances and tours,” says Katz. “We wanted to find a way to continue supporting musicians, bring them together with audiences safely, and enable them to have a payday! Walk with the Wind, honoring the legacy of the great American John Lewis, is one way we are accomplishing this, and the response has been tremendous.”  

The well-received series, which began August 28, 2020 with Wayne Escoffery’s trio, has also featured The Marquis Hill Quartet, the Michael Thomas Trio, Marcus Strickland Trio, the Eric McPherson Trio, the Leap Day Trio and the Joel Ross Quartet. 

Founded by renowned photographers Jimmy and Dena Katz in January 2018, Giant Step Arts is an innovative, artist-focused non-profit organization dedicated to commissioning and showcasing the work of innovative modern jazz artists. Giant Step Arts offers musicians the artistic and financial resources to create bold, adventurous new music free of commercial pressure. Giant Step Arts provides promotional material and publicity services, presents premiere performances and compensates artists, records performances for independent release, provides artists with CDs and digital downloads to sell directly, conveys complete ownership of masters to artists, and provides PR support for the recordings. “Giant Step Arts does not sell any music,” Katz says. “Our goals are to help musicians make bold artistic statements and to advance their careers.”

Jazz Generation was founded in 1999 to emphasize the importance of live jazz as an art form and the performing arts as a cultural asset. The Jazz Discovery Program (JDP) and The Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra (JSYO), and since 2014 KEYED UP!, an anti-poverty program, has offered services that support professional jazz artists in their performing careers, revitalize local businesses, and develop a new generation of audiences and performers. KEYED UP! Has quickly become a favorite NYC entity for musicians, audiences, and venues. Operating simultaneously in over 25 partner venues spanning from Jersey City to Boston, KeyedUP! Is proud to keep hundreds of musicians working and thousands of jazz listeners happy at no extra cost to partner venues.

Fifth Element - Fifth Element

“FIFTH ELEMENT” incorporates the musical talents of each member to create the ensemble sound you hear on every track. Bassist, Ron Johnston, brings decades of experience to provide the big sound that is the foundation of every great ensemble. His lines weave in and out of the changes in a seamless manner and he is also a wonderful soloist. Drummer, Glenn Anderson, provides the ideal balance bringing his vast knowledge to supply just the right touch to every tune. In Swing and Latin tunes, Glenn provides energy and drive to the ensemble and he is equally gifted with impeccable brush work on Ballads.

Pianist, Dale Scaife, has a musicality in his accompaniments that demonstrates remarkable sensitivity in backing the vocals and soloists. His own solos have a thoughtful compositional approach and are, at times, playful. Our vocalist, Nina Richmond, has a complete mastery of every genre on this album. With her gift of musical phrasing and lyricism, she has an ability to communicate with her audience in large and intimate settings, which translates beautifully in this recording. 

Tenor saxophonist, Dave Coules, ensures that he complements each vocal in an eminently tasteful manner. As a soloist, he consistently gives the listener access to the song clearly rooted in the lines he crafts. "FIFTH ELEMENT" displays the strengths of the individual players and provides the perfect vehicle for this ensemble to perform 12 of its most requested tunes, all arranged by Dave Coules.

We released "FIFTH ELEMENT" on December 3, 2020, and plan to celebrate with a performance as soon as live music is allowed once again in Toronto.

"All About Jazz" recently chose our opening track "I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me" as its upcoming "Track of the Day" for May 7th. Within 5 days we have had over 900 listens! 

1. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me 04:06

2. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square 04:06

3. It Might As Well Be Spring 03:13

4. I Love Being Here With You 03:53

5. The Gentle Rain 05:12

6. There Will Never Be Another You 03:27

7. More Than You Know 05:09

8. September In The Rain/On A Misty Night 05:01

9. The Look of Love 03:32

10. Days Of Wine And Roses 04:13

11. My Romance 05:19

12. My Shining Hour 04:06

FIFTH ELEMENT Website

Bandcamp

Spotify

Charles / Lauzier / Epps - Écoute à l'Envers (April 2021)

1. Victor 33:13

2. Reznor 17:01

Xavier Charles, clarinette

Philippe Lauzier, clarinette basse

Ellwood Epps, trompette

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Dijkstra / Epps / Caloia / Hollenbeck in Montreal (2021)

1. Dijkstra/Epps/Caloia/Hollenbeck-19022019 40:00

Jorrit Dijkstra, alto saxophone, lyricon, analog electronics

Ellwood Epps, trumpet

Nicolas Caloia, bass

John Hollenbeck, drums

Recorded by Ellwood Epps

February 19 2019 at Casa del Popolo, Montréal as part of the Mardi Spaghetti series.

Mastered by Nicolas Caloia.

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Zinman​ / ​Epps - Duets (Set of 3 albums) 2021

1. Briar 25:27

2. For John Heward 18:24

3. Duet one 06:47

4. Duet two 05:09

5. Duet three 05:09

6. Duet four 05:46

7. Duet five 06:42

8. Duet six 03:58

9. March Afternoon 2020 09:54

10. July 2020 11:06

11. August 2020 07:25

Ellwood Epps trumpet

Eric Zinman piano, percussion, synthesizer

Tracks 1 & 2: ''Obscura!''

Recorded at Casa Obscura, Montréal

May 19 2018

Originally released as Mr. E Records # 9

Tracks 3-8: ''Duets''

Recorded at Studio 234, Cambridge

Tracks 9-11: ''Assemblage''

Recorded in March, July, and August of 2020 in Cambridge and Montreal.

Released September 29, 2020

Produced by Eric Zinman

Originally released as Mr. E Records #16 and Studio234 0019

All music composed by the performers.

All music registered with SOCAN.

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Anton Goudsmit - Ton Petit (2021 Dox Records)

“Ton Petit is my new album, recorded with Sean ‘the dude’ Fasciani on bass and coming man Tim Hennekes on drums. Tons of time, patience and a few good ideas turned out to be the perfect conditions for the creation of this particular album. The summer of 2020 offered more than enough of this for me and my cat Molly to tinker endlessly with the music. Every strum, voicing, or whatever detail could be patiently attended to as if it were a fine knit. I hope it fits your ears.” - Anton Goudsmit

1. Graat/Paling 05:56

2. el Hugonote/Franje 07:13

3. Calme 04:41

4. The Fridge 01:50

5. Desbarato/Karma-tic 06:59

6. Mont Blues 05:21

Anton Goudsmit - guitars

Sean Fasciani - bass

Tim Hennekes - drums

All compositions by A.M. Goudsmit except Mont Blues by Sean Fasciani

Recorded on August 11 and 12, 2020 at Warning Studios Amsterdam

Produced by Anton Goudsmit & Björn Warning

Mixed by Hans Ravestein at Studio Groenland

Mastered by Sander van der Heide

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John Engels, Joris Teepe & Benjamin Herman - When Will The Blues Leave (2021 Dox Records)

1. Sonny Boy 05:10

2. Fried Bananas 04:18

3. The Peacocks 03:52

4. When Will The Blues Leave 03:20

5. I Found A New Baby 04:45

6. Moose The Mooche 05:46

7. Bittersweet 05:29

8. Time Was 04:52

Drums: John Engels

Bass: Joris Teepe

Saxophone: Benjamin Herman

Recorded June 15 & 16 at Bimhuis, Amsterdam

Recorded by Marc Schots

Produced by John Engels, Joris Teepe, Benjamin Herman

Co-produced by Liz Horvath

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Benjamin Herman - Collected Ballads (2021 Dox Records)

Benjamin Herman got his first saxophone at the age of twelve. At thirteen he was already playing on the professional club circuit. By the time he was twenty years old he was appearing with different groups around the world and initiating projects of his own. His fame spread beyond jazz circles in the 1990s when he formed the groundbreaking ensemble New Cool Collective. Having made a name as soloist while still a teenager, Benjamin Herman has appeared on over a hundred records with all kinds of artists, from Candy Dulfer to Misha Mengelberg. Herman has also built a career in The Netherlands and abroad as a composer. With New Cool Collective as well as with his smaller bands. He is a well respected craftsman who’s playing is firmly rooted in jazz tradition. His gigs are strongly influenced by dance floor jazz, surf and punk music, free jazz and traditional music from all over the world, attracting adventurous music fans of all genres as well as straight ahead jazz aficionados.

Today Benjamin Herman is one of the most original and productive jazz musicians in the Netherlands exploring influences beyond the confines of the jazz world. After starting his own record label ‘Roach Records’ in 2004 Benjamin Herman produced a string of cd’s, vinyl’s and yes, cassette tapes. He recorded and toured with amongst others Paul Weller, Dr. John, Tony Allen, Stan Tracey, Misha Mengelberg, Han Bennink, Peter Maffay, programmed several festivals, played all over the globe and worked on numerous personal projects. Amongst many awards and prizes are the prestigious VPRO/Boy Edgar Award, four Edisons and ‘Best Dressed man’ by Esquire magazine.

In 2017 New Cool Collective released two new albums (one featuring Senegalese alto saxophonist Thierno Koite of Orchestra Baobab) and Benjamin released a live album on the ICP label with The Quartet NL. An all star Dutch foursome with drummer Han Bennink (74), bassist Ruud Jacobs (78) and pianist Peter Beets.

In 2018 to celebrate his 50th birthday Benjamin released ‘Project S’, a luscious ode to Johan Cruyff’s car of choice the ‘Citroën SM’ and punk-jazz album ‘Bughouse’ with guitar magus Reinier Baas, bassist Peter Peskens (Jungle By Night) and legendary hard core drummer Olav van den Berg (Lärm, Seein’ Red, Marxbros). 

2021 will see the release of trio album ‘When Will The Blues Leave’ with 85 year old drum legend John Engels and bassist Joris Teepe. Also coming up in spring ’21 is a compilation of Benjamin’s slower stuff, new material from 2020’s lockdown and a number of albums and bonus tracks from Benjamin’s back catalogue currently unavailable online.

1. Sara, Sunbathing 04:14

2. Anouman (featuring Robin Nolan) 05:07

3. A Slow Hot Wind (featuring Daniël von Piekartz) 04:26

4. Verre et acier 03:28

5. Thierno (featuring New Cool Collective) 04:34

6. Reflections 04:48

7. De Sprong O Romantiek Der Hazen (featuring Ruben Hein) 03:42

8. Mmmmm (featuring Roos Jonker) 04:42

9. Lizard Waltz 01:59

10. Ari (featuring Jules Deelder) 03:54

11. Airhead 03:45

12. Mood Indigo (featuring Stan Tracey, Clark Tracey, Bart van Lier and Andrew Cleyndert) 08:14

13. Lamento (featuring Remco Campert) 02:45

Collection of ballads from Benjamin Herman's back catalogue featuring one new track: 'Anouman' with Robin Nolan.

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Sarah Vaughan - Live At The Berlin Philharmonie 1969 (April 2021 Challenge Records)

This two-fold recital, recorded on 9 November 1969 at the Berlin Philharmonie as part of what was then known as the Berliner Jazztage, took place at a particular phase of Sarah Vaughan’s career. For the first time ever, this double album brings us these moments of enchantment in their entirety, just as they were performed. In line with the practice of the festival at the time, Vaughan gave two public performances that same day. 

These emotionally intense concerts are all the more remarkable because of the artist’s high wire act, a balance constantly maintained throughout between her professional savoir faire (a vocal technique at the apex of her art and her interpretive skills) and her emotional abandonment to the moment as she gives her all. The entire performance, with Vaughan pouring out her heart, seems in hindsight at once perfectly timeless in terms of its formal classicism yet thoroughly in the fleeting moment.

At the end of the day, these recordings are invaluable. As Vaughan explores the most lyrical, emotional aspects of her art, she overwhelms her listeners as she bares her soul. Her virtuosity in using her imagination to deploy all her technical skills and the extraordinary range of her tessitura are restrained rather than ostentatious. It is as if she has rid herself of the affectations that detracted from some of her earlier recordings, when the desire to appeal was too obvious. During the magical moments that make up these concerts, Vaughan treads a delicate line, maintaining a balance between naturalness and sophistication, simplicity and refinement. She literally reaches the stars and gives us a unique lesson in music as a form of the art of living.

CD 1

1. A Lot of Livin' to Do 02:48

2. And I Love Him 03:44

3. Alfie 05:38

4. On a Clear Day 02:28

5. Passing Strangers 05:01

6. Misty 06:07

7. I Cried for You 02:06

8. My Funny Valentine 06:00

9. All of Me 02:49

10. Tenderly 04:49

CD 2

1. Fly Me to the Moon 05:44

2. Time After Time 04:08

3. The Trolley Song 02:34

4. By the Time I Get to Phoenix 05:10

5. The Sweetest Sounds 03:48

6. Polka Dots and Moonbeams 05:00

7. Day In, Day Out 02:38

8. What Now, My Love 05:32

9. I Had a Ball 02:07

10. Didn’t We? 06:13

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© 2021 - NewArts International / Challenge Records Int.

Slowfox - Freedom (April 16, 2021)

A double bass line, eloquent, elastic, not far from “So What” from Miles Davis' album of the century Kind Of Blue. Elegant. Some Jarrett drizzles from the wing. The saxophone body breathes. Then, as if of free will, the melody materializes, and “I” is in the room, the opener of the new Slowfox album. After barely half a minute the song grew together, unexpectedly and in no hurry. As if it had never been there before.

Freedom, the third album by the Cologne trio, stands for freedom and radiates it. Bandleader Sebastian Gramss calls the music of the collective “Melodic Avantgarde”, always able and willing to perforate borders in whatever direction. Just because. Or - also not. It's not loud. But uncompromising.

The name of the album goes back to an iconic sentence with which the great Nina Simone replied to an interviewer in 1968 when he asked about her definition of freedom: “I will tell you what freedom is to me: No fear. I mean really no fear. ” Detached from the syntax, the words now serve as titles for the tracks on the Slowfox album. The essence of the content remains untouched in its original artistic reference, not charged with new meaning by the band.

Slowfox have been trying to find song titles by quotation since their debut album The Woods (2014). Then it came from US poet Robert Frost. With ECHO award winner Gentle Giants (2017) it is a US proverb that is often attributed to Friedrich Nietzsche.

Brought together in 2013 by Sebastian Gramss, the instrumental trio plays chamber music-like composition jazz in pop song format: short pieces, none longer than five minutes, which quickly get to the point with a high level of complexity.

Freedom shows a very tidy synthesis of modern sound aesthetics and our own conception of contemporary melodies with no artistic limitations. Meticulously thought out and arranged, put together and set in motion with intuition and know-how, this complex stuff is nevertheless easy to grasp.

1. I 04:13

2. WILL 04:26

3. TELL 03:29

4. YOU 03:05

5. WHAT 03:36

6. FREEDOM 03:45

7. IS 02:18

8. TO ME 04:01

9. NO FEAR ! 03:54

10. I MEAN 02:21

11. REALLY 04:03

12. NO 05:06

13. FEAR ! 03:04

14. NINA 02:54

15. SIMONE 03:58

Hayden Chisholm – Saxophone, Flute

Philip Zoubek – Piano, Prepared Piano, Moog

Sebastian Gramss – Double Bass, Spacebass*

* Spacebass – modified double bass with 12 additional sympathetic strings

Music composed by Sebastian Gramss

except Track 10 – traditional Korean song

Label: Rent A Dog

Produced by: Sebastian Gramss & Ana Lakčević

A production of Sebastian Gramss & SLOWFOX

Recorded by Christian Heck at the Loft Studios, Cologne

Recording Assistant: Lukas Lohner

Mixed and Mastered by Reinhard Kobialka - Topaz Studio, Cologne

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Evan Parker's Electroacoustic Ensemble with Sainkho Namtchylak - Fixing the Fluctuating Ideas (Victo Records 2021)

The FIMAV performance is an extraordinary recording, an aural opportunity to hear the Ensemble exploring at length, stretching the contemporaneous studio documentation, but even with the Ensemble’s brilliant and transformative history, Sainkho Namtchylak’s spontaneous addition to Fixing is unique. Namtchylak’s intensity transcends the metaphoric. This performance is not folkloric. It is folklore. It is not shamanic. It is shamanism.

The ElectroAcoustic Ensemble is one of the most significant events in the humanization of electronic music, in making it mobile and spontaneously responsive. Fluctuating, by the Ensemble itself, is more than a valuable document, it’s a major revelatory work. Stuart Broomer

1. Fixing 39'40"

2. Fluctuating 32'33"

Sainkho Namtchylak - voice

Barry Guy - bass

Paul Lytton - percussion, electronics

Philipp Wachsmann - violon, alto saxophone, electronics

Marco Vecchi - diffusion sonore, live electronics

Walter Prati - live electronics

Evan Parker - soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone

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Moppa Elliott - Pinpoint (20th Anniversary Remaster) Hot Cup Records

Recorded on March 11, 2001 in the TIMARA recording studio at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, this is the first studio recording by Moppa Elliott, Peter Evans, and Charles Evans.

Peter Evans (trumpet), Charles Evans (baritone saxophone), Kelly Roberge (tenor and alto saxophone), Allan Baker (piano), Moppa Elliott (bass), James Kittleman (drums).

Recorded and mixed by Nicholas Party.

Original album artwork by Becky Fellows.

Remastered by Seth Foster.

1. Talked Down 07:05

2. Pinpoint 05:45

3. Past Disappointment 07:43

4. Blues for Hawes 04:58

5. Fuzzy 05:01

6. Peace 09:21

7. Penalty Box 04:17

8. Pinpoint (reprise) 05:49

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QOW TRIO - The Album (2021 Ubuntu Music)

Tradition ain’t what it used to be.

QOW TRIO’s debut release is not so much an album of standards as an infectiously joyful compendium of vintage tunes bursting from the heart of the music, like so many blood-red silk handkerchiefs gushing from the chest of a mime at the firing squad. Given that all of creation exists as a simultaneous roar of perfection, think of this sax-bass-drums trio not as old-fashioned but timeless: Sonny Rollins is still perched on the bridge, blowing long, cold lines into the wind and always will be, after all. Hear how Riley’s loquacious sax quips a nonchalant quote from Bird’s ‘Cool Blues’ about 90 seconds from the end of the hip, dancing ‘Cheryl.’ Dig Spike’s crisp snare ‘n’ cowbell funk and Eddie’s hump-backed bass drone opening up a power swing on their namesake tune, a crashing dive through Dewey Redman’s ‘Qow,’ with Riley growling up a real out moan.

Catch yourself sighing in beautiful melancholy for ‘God Bless The Child,’ with bells and cymbals shimmering like Frank O’Hara’s lost cigarette end in the great, black night. Right now, it’s about eight months since I last really heard any live music, the world shudders and groans. But these sounds are the real virus: always alive, always mutating, indestructible. Daniel Spicer

1. Slow Boat To China (F.Loesser) 06:06

2. Qow (D.Redman) 05:54

3. Serenity (J.Henderson) 05:06

4. Cheryl (C.Parker) 04:54

5. Qowfirmation (R. Stone-Lonergan) 04:54

6. God Bless The Child (B.Holliday/A.Herzog) 05:40

7. It's Alright With Me (C.Porter) 04:04

8. Pound For Prez (R.Stone-Lonergan) 07:15

9. You Do Something To Me (C.Porter) 06:07

10. Qow 05:54

Riley Stone-Lonergan - tenor sax

Eddie Myer - bass

Spike Wells - drums

Recorded by Ben Lamdin at Fish Market Studio

Produced by Ben Lamdin and Qow Trio

Executive Producer - Martin Hummel

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Pedro Moreira Sax Ensemble - Two Maybe More (2021)

Two Maybe More was commissioned by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation for a contemporary dance performance by Sofia Dias, Vítor Roriz and Marco Martins, at the Teatro Maria Matos (2014). It was originally written for the Gulbenkian Choir. For the present version the piece was revised and expanded.

1. Lado 06:42

2. Dois, Talvez 13:22

3. Giggly Giggling 05:52

4. Binário 03:54

5. Sonho 05:52

6. Improv 1 02:16

7. Brancas 03:11

8. Improv 4 02:57

9. Como a Poesia 07:39

10. Stairway to the Stars 03:02

11. Giggly 04:23

12. In-Verso 03:00

13. Oh Cat 09:04

14. T3 02:33

15. Improv 3 03:41

16. Cinco 09:37

17. Improv 2 03:24

18. Brancas Dois 01:24

Soprano sax: Bernardo Tinoco, Tomás Marques

Alto sax: Daniel Sousa, Ricardo Toscano

Tenor sax: Mateja Dolsak, Pedro Moreira

Bari sax: Francisco Andrade, João Capinha

Bass: Mário Franco

Drums: Luis Candeias

All music by Pedro Moreira © SPA 2020

Recorded at Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa on 18th, 19th and 20th April 2019

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Luis Candeias

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Erik Fratzke's Fáke Accent - Four Serious Allegations (May 14, 2021 Skirl Records)

Erik Fratzke is renowned for his work as a bassist in Happy Apple and guitarist in Dave King's Trucking Co, as well as his group Zebulon Pike. Fake Accent brings his many musical interests and talents together in his own vision. Fratzke will be on guitar, joined by Nathan Hanson on saxophone and clarinet, Cooper Doten on bass, and Cory Healey on drums.

1. Fake Accent (Theme)

2. Health House

3. City Science

4. Secular Exorcist

Erik Fratzke - guitar

Nathan Hanson - tenor saxophone and clarinet

Cooper Doten - bass

Cory Healey - drums/percussion/guitar/bass

Engineered by Rob Oesterlin at the Terrarium in Minneapolis Sep/2018

Mixed by Brett Bullion

Mastered by Huntley Miller 

Original Artwork and design by Dave King

All compositions by Erik Fratzke

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Aver & Move 78 - The Algorithm Smiles Upon You (April 2021 Village Live Records)

Village Live Records is proud to present “The Algorithm Smiles Upon You”, the debut EP by Aver & Move 78.

The Berlin-based band consists of Doron Segal on keyboards, Nir Sabag on drums, Hal Strewe on bass and Aver on sampler and production.

The eight tracks of their EP are crafted from hours of studio improvisations, that have then been chopped-up, rearranged, and layered with additional strings, flute and horns. This many-layered approach has helped create the band’s signature sound: a balance between free flowing jazz and automated, programmed hip-hop.

“The Algorithm Smiles Upon You” is available to pre-order now on Limited edition transparent vinyl (100) & Black vinyl (200) (Shipping Begins Monday, April 19th)

All copies of the record will come with a hand numbered OBI strip, printed inner sleeve and gloss detail finish.

Please note, all transparent vinyl will be available exclusively via our website www.villageliverecords.com

1. Faye 04:10

2. Middling 04:32

3. Housecat 04:13

4. Daisies 03:59

5. Live From The Village 03:56

6. Pearls Before Swine 03:42

7. Sanctuary 04:34

8. Normal Jazz 03:43

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Adiela - Live Improvisations 01 (April 2021)

1. Hernandez JAM 2020-01-15 01:30

2. complacent, platitudes JAM 2020-01-15 10:17

3. Eldart street 02 JAM 2020-08-02 05:47

4. Popcorn JAM 2020-01-15 10:25

5. Nazareth JAM 2020-01-04 05:19

6. Peruse JAM 2020-01-04 06:22

Freddy Caro - Drums

Alex Quintero - Bass

Christian Diaz - Guitar

Jahi Williams - Keys, synth

Michael Hernandez - Keys, woodwinds, brass

Kajren Adielman - Vocals, FX

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Eden Giat Quartet - Crossing the Red Sea (April 29, 2021)

Eden Giat (1999) is an Israeli pianist, composer, improviser active mainly in the Israeli jazz scene. 

In the last several years Eden’s reputation has been growing after playing with some of the finest Israeli artists as Avishai Cohen (Bass), Omer Avital, “Yemen Blues” (Ravid Kahlani), and more. Likewise, he plays his original compositions with his quartet group, which introduces a new generation of Israeli jazz. Eden’s debut album is set to be out on 29th April 2021.

"A promising new talent in the contemporary jazz scene" Gundula Madeleine Tegtmeyer — The Jerusalem Report

1. Nash Didan

2. Crossing the Red Sea

3. Tnudat Hayam

4. Ha'Sultan

5. Rustle of the Earth

6. Butterflies of a New Path

7. Two Waves

Eden Giat - Piano

Yuval Drabkin - Tenor and Soprano Saxes

David Michaeli - Bass

Nitzan Birnbaum - Drums, Percussion

The Entire Band - Vocals on "Nash Didan

All tracks composed by Eden Giat

Produced by Eden Giat

Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Marko Gurkan at Kicha Studios.

Assistant Engineer - Or Zigelbaum

Designed by Udi Kaslasi

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Yuma Uesaka / Cat Toren / Colin Hinton - Ocelot (2021 577 Records)

Ocelot – the new Brooklyn-based trio featuring Cat Toren, Yuma Uesaka, and Colin Hinton – presents its irresistibly vivid debut album, via 577 Records.

At a contemplative time for the world, the new Brooklyn-based trio Ocelot makes its debut on record with an album that emphasizes melody and atmosphere, whether the music is meditative or more volatile. This group features award-winning pianist Cat Toren, saxophonist/clarinetist Yuma Uesaka and drummer/percussionist Colin Hinton.

Ocelot represents the culmination of a year’s worth of composing, rehearsing, touring and local gigging for the band – including an October 2019 residency in New Haven, Connecticut, and a tour of the East Coast and Canada that deepened the trio’s chemistry and its approach to the material recorded later that month. Remarkably, Toren was pregnant with her daughter during the entire process, a challenge made easier by the keenly supportive relationships in the band. “We’re three friends who trust each other, converse easily and have tremendous respect for one another,” Toren explains. “Our relationships are the foundation for our interactive discourse, which can vary – we’ve performed concerts that were musically very patient, and we’ve played gigs at bars that were real bangers.”

1. Daimon II 02:50

2. Factum 10:38

3. Iterations I 04:44

4. Post 05:43

5. Anemone 06:31

6. Contemptuality 10:16

7. Sequestration 08:08

8. Crocus 07:14

Yuma Uesaka: tenor saxophone, clarinets (Bb, Bass, Contralto)

Cat Toren: piano, nord

Colin Hinton: drums, percussion, gongs, glockenspiel, vibraphone

Recorded October 20, 2019 at The Bunker Studio (Brooklyn, NY) by Nolan Thies, assisted by Carlos Mora

Edited by Edward Gavitt

Mixed by Eivind Opsvik (Greenwood Underground)

Mastered by Brent Lambert (Kitchen Mastering)

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