Daniel Tamayo - No Strings Attached vol​.​1 (September 2021)

No String Attached is a string orchestra and jazz ensemble.

Any profits will be used for future realisations of this project.

As a master student at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, Daniel Tamayo started this project as his main undertaking for his composition degree, founding a large ensemble of students within the HfMT and other recognised musicians residing in Cologne. The CD recording took place in October 2017 at the Konzert Saal of the HfMT Köln, where in January 2019 the project was presented as a concert, with new instrumental additions and new pieces.

This music uses a chromatic language, seizing functionality and blocks of sound that resemble tonality. It is written with a loose form, developing musical events and transforming them inside of a consistent environment. It also expresses an interest in the relation between dissonance and stability in tonal and non-tonal contexts.

1. Simply

2. Asyndetonean Prelude

3. Owl

4. Spekulation

5. As if, As if (Live)

Daniel Felipe Tamayo Gómez

Composition and Guitar.

Mariam Chatzaki

Conductor.

Cheng-Hung Tsai.

Concertmaster

Strings

Violin I:

Cheng-Hung Tsai

JeeYoung Choi

Iora Kama

Magdalena Lorenz

Luís López Jorge

Violin II:

Ségolène DeBeaufond

Yang Lin

Ellen Vong

Barbara Toth

Viola:

Anastasia Agapova

Sophie Rasmussen

Julia Casañas Castellví

- Hanna Dembny

Cello:

Ching-Jung Chung

Ana Belen Ruales Aguilar

Sofía Martín Rodríguez

Flute:

Ilja Gussarov

Trumpet, Flugelhorn:

Ferdinand Schwarz

Soprano and Tenor Saxophone:

Jens Böckamp

Florian Fries

Piano:

Moritz Preisler

Double bass:

Conrad Noll

Drums:

Dominik Mahnig

Recording Engineers:

Reinhard Kobialka

Marvin Böttger

Benjamin Bentz

Stage assistance:

Richard Schwarz

Mustafa Khalaf

Film Realization

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Michael Stephenson Meets The Alexander Claffy Trio (September 17, 2021 Cellar Live)

This album chooses 20th century American music to send its message for a reason.

Twentieth century American popular music is one of the greatest artistic gifts ever given to the world -- and barely anyone talks about it when discussing America. In contrast, Michael Stephenson and Alexander Claffy have made an album that leads with that message. It revels in it -- and it does so at a critical moment. Right now, when we're asking ourselves quite painfully, who are we, and who do we want to be as Americans, the music on this album matters because it reminds us of who we are. It helps answer: what do we have to give? And it dares us: can we give the best of ourselves -- our hearts, our joy, our genius -- to the world? Can we even recognize that part of ourselves?

From Nat King Cole to Ray Charles to Marvin Gaye: this album takes that journey. In pointing us to our own past, this album makes a very modern statement here and now. In the face of injustice, inequality and racism, this music reminds us of our capacity to love, to hold each other and dance, and to agitate for a better future. You ask us what it means to be a Black American musician, or a white American musician? In response we play a slice of our inheritance -- some of the most beautiful songs we know!

1. Sweet Lorraine

2. Greenbacks 04:30

3. What's Happening Brother?

4. When A Man Loves A Woman

5. On The Street Where You Live

6. Tennessee Waltz 03:42

7. Ain't That Love

8. Polka Dots and Moonbeams

9. Can't Hide Love

10. Did You Call Her Today?

11. For All we Know

Michael Stephenson – voice and tenor saxophone

Alexander Claffy – bass

Julius Rodriguez – piano

Itay Morchi - drums

Benny Benack III - trumpet

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Produced by Jeremy Pelt

Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s, Englewood Cliffs, NJ on October 21, 2020

Engineered by Maureen Sickler

Mixed and mastered by Michael Perez

Photography by Martina DaSilva (cover) Ana Yuskevitch (inside)

Design and layout by John Sellards

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Steve Maddock - The Blues Project (September 2021 Cellar Live)

The velvety voice of one of Canada's most versatile vocalists, Steve Maddock shows a new side belting out the blues on 10 blues-drenched tunes!

The project began in 2018, when Cory Weeds pitched an idea to Steve for a Joe Williams tribute show at Frankie's Jazz Club in Vancouver. Williams is arguably one of the greatest jazz & blues singers we've ever had. In March 2019, they played two club dates, calling the show "Nothin' But the Blues: A Tribute to Joe Williams". It was so well received, that they immediately began planning a follow-up gig. The theme expanded , still travelling a blues path, but drawing material from other artists. Weeds was an invaluable source, hipping Maddock to such names as Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Jimmy Witherspoon, David Peaston, and Billie Poole. In September 2019, they played a second show at Frankie's: "Steve Maddock Sextet: The Blues Project". Cory suggested they make a record for the Cellar Music label, so they invited their friend Bill Coon, a wonderful musician & composer, to co-produce. After several challenges and delays due to the global pandemic, the band finally got into the studio in December, 2020 and now have "The Blues Project" album dropping on September 3.

1. Everyday I Have The Blues/All Blues 08:28

2. Turnaround (If You're With Me, Today Will Last Forever) 04:38

3. My Funny Valentine 04:10

4. Please, Send Me Someone To Love 06:49

5. Liars' Club 05:16

6. Backdoor Blues 04:14

7. Let Me Out 05:46

8. God Bless The Child 05:27

9. Au Privave 03:24

10. Alright, Ok, You Win 03:54

Steve Maddock – vocals

Chris Gestrin – piano

André Lachance – bass

Dave Robbins – drums

Cory Weeds – tenor saxophone

Brad Turner - trumpet

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Produced by Bill Coon

Recorded at The Armoury Studios in Vancouver, BC on December 1, 2020

Engineered by Sheldon Zaharko

Mixed and mastered by

Photography by

Design and layout by Perry Chua

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Nightcrawlers - Do You Know A Good Thing? (2021 Cellar Live)

One of Vancouver's most beloved jazz groups of the past 10 years serve up heaps of grease playing the music of Eddie Harris, Shirley Scott, Hank Marr and other purveyors of greasy jazz! Usually a two horn front-line, this edition of the Nightcrawlers features only the tenor saxophone with Cory Weeds at the helm. Filling out the sound of the band is percussionist Jack Duncan with the all-star Vancouver band Dave Sikula on guitar, Chris Gestrin on Hammond B3 and Jesse Cahill on drums.

Here's what Cellar Music CEO, Cory Weeds had to say about the release:

Before recording this album, The Nightcrawlers were on what appeared to be a permanent hiatus. As a band they hadn’t gigged in several years, dating back to The Cellar. When the coronavirus put a stranglehold on the world, The Cellar Music Group was fortunate to have the support of organizations like FACTOR Canada and Creative BC who stepped up with relief funds for organizations in the music industry. The Cellar Music Group was one of the lucky recipients. So I wanted to do something fun and something that involved just local musicians, production and studio staff.

During the first two or three months of the pandemic, I was listening to a ton of organ music and I was inspired to make another organ record. The problem was that Day By Day was due out, O Sole Mio was in the can and I was set to record my album with strings, so the world did NOT need another record led by Cory Weeds.

I called Jesse Cahill and asked whether he would consider reuniting The Nightcrawlers for a recording. Although he didn’t say yes, it wasn’t no. Eventually, through some prodding, he came around and we started conceptualizing. Jesse was hearing something different for this record. He wanted one horn instead of two and wanted to add congas to the mix. We had done a few gigs at Frankie’s with that lineup under my leadership, and it was really fun and a great sound. It was fantastic to have percussionist Jack Duncan on board. He elevated the sound of the band.

Jesse and I met in my backyard (socially distanced, of course) to talk through some material. We have very similar tastes in music and more specifically in organ music, so coming to a consensus about the material was pretty quick and easy.

The four key members of The Nightcrawlers – Jesse, Dave Sikula, Chris Gestrin and I – have shared the stage for many hours over many years in various configurations, and playing with them feels like playing with family. This recording came at a time when we all needed a bit of normalcy in our lives. We needed to forget about what was going on in the world, have some fun and make some joyous music.

I hope you enjoy gettin’ greasy with The Nightcrawlers.

1. 1974 Blues 06:23

2. Do You Know A Good Thing When You See One? 06:53

3. Devilette 06:10

4. These Foolish Things 06:16

5. Soulful Kitty 06:26

6. Movin’ Out 06:41

7. New Mango 05:08

8. Greasy Spoon 04:11

Cory Weeds – tenor saxophone

Dave Sikula – guitar

Chris Gestrin – organ

Jesse Cahill - drums

Jack Duncan – congas on tracks 1, 3,4,6, 7

Executive Producer: Cory Weeds

Produced by Jesse Cahill and Cory Weeds

Recorded at The Armoury Studios in Vancouver, BC on November 8, 2020

Engineered mixed and mastered by Sheldon Zaharko

Photography by Jesse Cahill (cover) and Cory Weeds

Design and layout by Perry Chua

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Futuristica - Futuristica 15 (September 2021 Futuristica Music)

To celebrate our 15th year as an independent label we are releasing this 2xCD, 32 track compilation along with a 36 page book featuring all the key releases from our catalogue as well as a Futuristica logo t-shirt, all in one package!

The CDs include brand new music recorded exclusively for this release by Marc Rapson, Deborah Jordan, Georgie Sweet, Nathan Thomas, DJ Simon S, LaNote and Sun Circle as well as selected rare and previously unreleased musical moments from the past 15 years

1. Marc Rapson - People Make The World Go Round featuring Deborah Jordan, Georgie Sweet and Nathan Thomas 04:29 video

2. DJ Simon S - What Goes Around featuring LaNote 04:07

3. Deborah Jordan - Take It Back 05:07

4. Nathan Thomas - Graffiti 03:27

5. Georgie Sweet - Circled 04:02

6. LaNote - When A Woman 03:02

7. Sun Circle - Hurricane 03:37

8. Mecca:83 - Love Is The Message 03:11

9. Deborah Jordan - Horizon (Kaidi Tatham Remix) 04:47

10. The Peter Franks Group - Days Past 04:48

11. Georgie Sweet - Half Human (Simon S Extended Re-Edit) 06:45

12. Nathan Thomas - Manifest (Marc Rapson Remix) 04:50

13. DJ Simon S - Mercy featuring Malena Perez 05:30

14. Deborah Jordan - Senses (Marc Rapson Remix) 05:03

15. LaNote - Rebirth (Simon S Re-Edit) 05:01

16. The Peter Franks Group - Lament For Her (Mecca:83 Remix) 02:43

17. Low Budget Soul - When I Call (Kev Brown Remix) 04:41

18. Stark - Narita (Nostalgia 77 Remix) 04:21

19. Kira Neris - Melly Medony 04:54

20. Electric Conversation - Dancing 04:43

21. Replife - Put It Down (Domu Remix) 04:35

22. Deborah Jordan - Want It Back (Marc Rapson Remix) 04:25

23. Jazz Chronicles - Bologna (Rise Spiritual Edit) 04:41

24. Sun Circle - My Story pt 2 06:01

25. Replife - The Rah Rah 03:43

26. Rise - Jordan's Theme 03:26

27. Electric Conversation - Golden (Marc Rapson Remix) 04:02

28. Masirah - Find A Way (Atjazz Remix) 05:57

29. Mr Beatnick - The 4th Day 04:22

30. Deborah Jordan - What You See (Limehouse Session) 04:51

31. ZigSixteen - Abstract Lullaby 03:32

32. Jazz Chronicles - Ya' Never Know featuring Jack Jones (Chris Read Rap Renaissance Remix) 03:44

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David Boykin - Hazel Boykin (September 2021)

In loving memory of Hazel Boykin

May 9, 1934 – June 17, 2001

Her love for her family and friends, and her generosity towards everyone, were the epitome of everything big and fine

1. 1/20/03 03:00

2. His And Hers 06:57

3. Executive Nuts Stomp 05:22

4. Big And Fine 10:57

5. Eli Whitney 06:25

6. Gates 07:41

7. Executive Nuts Stomp (alternate take) 10:19

David Boykin – saxophone

Nicole Mitchell – flute

Joshua Abrams - bass

James Baker – keyboard

Myron Cherry – drums

1/20/03

His and Hers

Executive Nuts Stomp

Big and Fine

Eli Whitney

Gates

Executive Nuts Stomp (alternate take)

Recorded by Michael Armstrong at 3030 for Elastic Arts Summer 2004

Sonic Healing Ministries

SHM 010

All Rights Reserved By The Artists

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Bloodcount - 5 (September 2021 Screwgun Records)

1. Yes, Dear 17:47

2. I.R.U.S. 18:26

3. Byram’s World 16:25

4. Bass Voodoo 17:02

5. Screwgun 13:39

6. PRELUDE: The Brown Dog Meets The Spaceman 31:25

Jim Black, drums

Michael Formanek, bass

Chris Speed, tenor sax and clarinet

Tim Berne, alto & baritone sax, composer

Marc Ducret, electric guitar

Recorded live in ‘97 Somewhere by Someone

Mastered by Joe Branciforte

All music Tim Berne party music bmi

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Bloodcount - Attention Spam (September 2021 Screwgun Records)

1. Bro Ball 16:54

2. Snow White 11:58

3. Mr. Johnson’s Blues 23:35

4. The Opener 12:52

5. Talk Dirty to Me 13:26

6. IRU.S 21:04

Jim Black, drums

Michael Formanek, bass

Chris Speed, tenor sax and clarinet

Tim Berne, alto & baritone sax, composer

Recorded live in ‘97 Somewhere by Someone

Mastered by Joe Branciforte

All music Tim Berne party music bmi

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Sisa Michalidesová - Majster a Margaréta (2021)

1. Aňuška už rozliala... 05:01

2. Varieté 00:40

3. Majster a Margaréta 05:04

4. Môže žiť hlava bez tela? 04:08

5. Byt č. 50 00:19

6. Lietajúce prasa 05:33

7. Čierny kocúr 01:15

8. Pilátova dilema 09:16

9. Prebudenie na Jalte 01:11

10. Frida 04:02

11. W 01:50

12. Kritik 04:54

13. Odpustenie a večný pokoj 06:26

Sisa Michalidesová – compositions /1-13/, flute /1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13/,

recorder /8/, vocal /10/, synth vocal /6, 12/, keyboard /4/,

Spitfire BBC sample library /2, 5, 7, 9, 11/

Pavol Bereza – guitar /1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13/

Ľuboš Šrámek – piano /3, 6, 8, 12, 13/, Fender Rhodes /1, 4, 6, 8, 12/

Peter Preložník – keyboards /1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13/, piano /10/

Róbert Vizvári – bass guitar /1, 3, 6, 8, 12/

Marián Ševčík – drums /1, 3, 6, 8, 12/

Igor Sabo – percussions /1, 3, 8, 10, 13/, drums /4, 10/

Martin Gašpar – double bass /4, 10/

Juraj Griglák – double bass /13/

Linda Ballová – vocal /4, 8, 13/

Peter Adamov – vocal /13/

Mária Kmeťková – harp /12/

Kornél Fekete-Kovács – flugehorn /3, 10/

Andrej Šeban – guitar /12/

Stanislav Palúch – violin /1, 6/

Mucha Quartet /13/

Juraj Tomka – violin

Jozef Ostrolucký – violin

Veronika Prokešová – viola

Pavol Mucha – cello

Nikolaj Nikitin – clarinet /2, 11/

Viktória Strelcová – violin /9/

Peter Konečný – lyrics /10, 13/ 

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Russ Lossing / Loren Stillman - Canto (September 2021 Aqua Piazza Records)

1. Her Love Was Like Kryptonite 08:33

2. Don't Be Too Nice 06:23

3. P. 06:40

4. Channel 04:34

5. Canto 08:16

6. Whispers 04:50

7. Move In 06:01

8. Turn 04:43

Russ Lossing, piano

Loren Stillman, alto saxophone

Recorded by Clarissa Oaks March 20, 2014

Edited, mixed, mastered by Paul Wickliffe, Skyline Productions, Warren NJ

Produced by Russ Lossing & Loren Stillman

Photo and graphic design by Russ Lossing

Tracks 1,2,3 composed by Loren Stillman Music BMI

Tracks 4,5,6,8 composed by Russ Lossing Woodworth Edition Music BMI

Track 7 by Russ Lossing and Loren Stillman

www.aquapiazzarecords.com

Aqua Piazza Records 005, 1st Edition 2021

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Daniel Green - Skygazers (September 2021)

This one's been in the works for a while!

Originally set to be recorded in April 2020, this EP ended up as the combination of several recording sessions we were able to have during 'the COVID winter' of 2020/2021.

These sessions were some of the only opportunities we had to play together in person as a group for almost a year, and the resulting sound is to me a striking portrait of that specific moment in time.

All the tracks on this album are inspired (directly or indirectly) by taking a moment out of a hectic and stressful time to look up! Pausing briefly to step outside of ourselves and vividly see what is around us.

1. Two Step 07:21

2. Stargazer 08:01

3. Interlude (trio) 02:04

4. Stratocumulus 07:16

5. Tall Tales 08:15

Daniel Green - alto, compositions

Noah Amyotte - tenor (track 1)

Cole Frieman - guitar (track 1)

Cedric de Saint-Rome - piano (track 1)

Julien Lafreniere - bass (track 1)

Simon Ionas - piano (track 2-5)

Ben Boardman - bass (track 2-5)

Paulo Max Riccardo - drums

Ausma Lace - Recording, mixing

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Sam Gendel - Isfahan / My Little Suede Shoes (September 2021 Nonesuch Records)

1. ISFAHAN 03:12

2. MY LITTLE SUEDE SHOES 03:08

Sam Gendel - saxophone

Gabe Noel - electric bass

Philippe Melanson - electronic percussion

Dean Hurley - mixing

Mike Bozzi - mastering

Mario Ayala - original airbrush painting (color inversion)

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Andre Petersen Quartet: Downtown Jazz Sessions (September 2021)

In this recording produced for the inaugural Downtown Jazz Sessions series in June 2017 in downtown Johannesburg, pianist, arranger, composer and Jazz educator Andre Petersen leads his own quartet to a sublime performance. Downtown Jazz Sessions was a 13 episode series produced in 2017 for South African TV channel Mzansi Magic, and showcasing some of the most exciting talents on the South African jazz scene. The recording demonstrates, if need be, the entire palette of talent that Andre had acquired over the years through his rigorous classical and jazz training, and through his constant, generous and curious exposure to a variety of music genres in South Africa and around the world. It is a beautiful reminder of the type of performer the world of Jazz has lost but we are grateful that, through his music, Andre Petersen Lives!

1. Wars of Perception 10:08

2. Vow to Praise 07:57

3. I Fall In Love Too Easily 06:33

4. Cape Doctor 03:31

5. Evidence 08:29

6. D'Julle Ons En Hulle 05:14

Band:

Andre Petersen - piano

Romy Brauteseth - double bass

Ayanda Sikade - drums

Sisonke Xonti - tenor and soprano saxophones

Produced by Militia Broadcast

Executive Producers - Eban Olivier, Aymeric Péguillan and Lance Sther

All revenue from sales will go to Andre's wife and daughter Chan and Zion

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Lucas Santana 5tet - Reflections (September 2021)

Versatility, energy and musicality define Lucas Figueiredo Santana, 1993. Saxophone and flute player, the young Brazilian musician based in Amsterdam has shown a unique way to express himself through music, crossing over the Brazilian samba-jazz, Bossa Nova and Choro with Jazz.

International award winning musician such as Downbeat student award 2021, Keep an Eye Records - 2020 and and Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation - 2016, Lucas had the chance to share stage with big names of the jazz and Brazilian scene, for example Miguel Zenón, Dick Oatts, Seamus Blake, Jasper Blom, Hermeto Pascoal, Metropole Orkest and Four Tops and Temptations.

For the coming year Lucas is dedicating his time to the release his debut album named "Reflections" and will be out on April 23rd. “Reflections” is an album composed and recorded during the lockdown period of 2020 due to the Covid-19 world crises and aims to deliver some of Lucas’ personal reflections of himself and of the world through his music.

1. Intro 03:11

2. Heritage 06:16

3. Dear George 06:26

4. Trouble Maker 06:45

5. As if we were just friends 06:52

6. Alma 07:12

7. Around the world 07:48

Lucas Santana: Alto saxophone and compositions

Tijs Klaassen: Double Bass

Tim Hennekes: Drums

Davor Stehlik: Guitar

Jetse de Jong: Piano

Pre-order

Charley Rose Trio - Charley Rose Trio (September 2021)

Charley Rose Trio né à Paris, créateur de jazz foncièrement expressionniste. Un saxophone polymorphe qui déconstruit son son de la voix lyrique au crépitement d'élytre, une batterie presque immanente comme un feu de vie en toute chose et un piano d'une verticalité vertigineuse s'approprient les musiques d'aujourd'hui et en expriment le jazz par le prisme d'une subjectivité galopante.

1. Arrêtes le temps 05:05

2. Porky 04:36

3. If I should loose you 03:19

4. Pig's mess 06:34

5. Polish Poem 05:35

6. Hommage à la fonction OH 06:55

7. Blues Vache 03:39

8. No sé como te llama 07:11

9. Pit's belly before the great "Yes" 02:25

10. U.M.M.G. 03:34

Enzo Carniel: piano, MS20

Ariel Tessier: drums

Charley Rose: Alto saxophone

Pre-order

Andy Hay - Another Sun (September 2021)

1. Another Sun. 04:45

2. Hey Ra ! 05:47

3. Ramsey 06:06

4. Delta 04:30

5. Donalds Byrds 03:08

6. Passage 03:41

7. The Question of the human sound. Pt 1 and 2. 11:58

Andy Hay - Drums, percussion spoken words

Chris Cruicks - Congas, Bongos, hand held percussion

Nicki Dupuy - Double Bass, percussion

John Ellis - Piano, guitar

Matt Nickson - Tenor sax, Flute

Helen Pillinger - Tenor Sax

Judy 'Little' Green. Spoken Words

Helena Summerfield - Flute , Soprano sax

Ben Walker , Pipes, Flute

Johnny Haycock - Kora

Clive Hunt Electric bass

Peter Churchman Guitar

Sound engineer and mixing mastering - Will Falkiner

Recorded at Limefield studios, Middleton Greater Manchester

All music copyright- Andy Hay

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Rönkä / Sommer - Varo (with Remmel & Sarikoski) September 10, 2021 Eclipse Music

1. Introduction to Sörnäinen

2. Sörnäinen

3. Blues

4. Varo

5. November

6. Beyond

7. What If?

8. En mi bémol

Artturi Rönkä - piano

Daniel Sommer - drums

Heikko Remmel - double bass

Kasperi Sarikoski - trombone (tracks 2 & 6)

All music composed by Artturi Rönkä except "Sörnäinen" by Daniel Sommer

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Hirofumi Asaba - Live at Izumiya (September 2021)

Live at Izumiya is the fourth solo jazz guitar album by Hirofumi Asaba.

5 tracks in this work are his favorite and Hirofumi played them as he likes.

It expresses free atmosphere which is different from the previous albums he has ever released so far.

Enjoy his free-floating album!

1. Fly me to the moon 03:31

2. Smile 03:57

3. I found a new baby 02:03

4. If I had you 04:44

5. I got rhythm 02:35

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Mark Jenkins & Friends: Live at Armstrong Auditorium (2021)

Born to a family of musicians, Oklahoma-based pianist, singer, composer and arranger Mark Jenkins has performed alongside such greats as Branford Marsalis and Brian Stokes Mitchell. He is joined by an all-star lineup of acclaimed Oklahoma musicians for this album.

Mark has been featured on 9 albums, and he has starred in leading roles in 6 musicals staged at Armstrong Auditorium.

1. Sweet Georgia Brown 06:06

2. How Deep Is the Ocean 04:45

3. The Next Day 06:02

4. On the Street Where You Live 02:54

5. Summertime 05:53

6. Take the A Train 08:01

7. Hallucinations 01:52

8. Stardust 06:00

9. Mozartin' 04:59

10. Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans? 05:11

11. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square 04:31

12. The Very Thought of You 08:40

13. Encore: Basin Street Blues 08:13

Mark Jenkins, piano and vocals

Jemar Poteat, drums

Raul Reyes, bass

Vince Norman, tenor and baritone saxophone

Floyd Haynes, clarinet and alto saxophone

Zac Lee, trombone

Jay Wilkinson, trombone

Ryan Malone, vocal

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Richard D. Johnson - "First Glance" via Afar Music 2021

Pianist Richard D. Johnson Presents His Expressive New Release, First Glance

via Afar Music

Pianist and composer Richard D. Johnson is proud to announce the release of his latest recording, First Glance, via Afar Music. The product of a spontaneous recording session, this all-original program showcases the Chicago-based pianist and composer at his musical prime. Touching on the overwhelming sensation that the sight of beauty can elicit, First Glance promotes a positive worldview and a melting pot of experiences.

Inspired by a rollover window of studio time, Johnson’s sixth release as a bandleader took form spontaneously after the pianist joined saxophonist Sharel Cassity for her 2020 recording Fearless. The ensemble, comprised of ace bassist Alex Claffy and high-powered drummer Mark Whifield Jr., had just finished recording Fearless on day one out of two booked at Victorian Studios in Chicago. With the spirit of Cassity’s album in mind, the crew seized the remaining studio session to record eight of Johnson’s own tunes, learning them all in one evening. With organist Paul Mutzabaugh added to the lineup, First Glance is a luminous display of individual talents melded into one cohesive whole.

Much of the material on First Glance calls upon Johnson’s time spent traveling and performing in the Midwest and Middle East. The album opener, “The Cut Off,” specifically observes Johnson’s period in Doha, Qatar, amidst a moment where he witnessed the country’s driving spirit to survive at all costs and become self-sufficient.

Photo Courtesy of Richard Johnson

Traversing decades of rich life experience and musical creation, “Soprano Blues” is a song Johnson stumbled upon when convening the album, a tune he wrote at the age of seventeen with a simple ¾ waltz tune. Speaking more to the present, “No WiFi” is a commentary on a distinctly modern sensation that arises when there is no internet to be found. As this expression tends to get repeated over and over, Johnson wrote in a looping part at the end, influenced by the sound of a “broken record” skipping repeatedly on the same part. 

One particular highlight for Johnson is “Last Minute,” a track he wrote as a tribute to his mentor, Mulgrew Miller. This original pays homage to Miller’s track “The Eleventh Hour” and features several musical elements that Johnson learned from his mentor. 

“Sunday Devotion,” closes off the album with a nostalgic tone. Celebrating his upbringing in the Baptist Church, the younger Johnson would play piano alongside his father on organ. Evoking a Sunday morning service, feelings of gratitude and discipline flow alongside the resonant keys of Mutzabaugh’s organ.

“First Glance is really about people who see something and are overwhelmed with the beauty right at first glance,” Johnson shared. “The album is a journey through that first glance and each song is an individual experience translated into music.” 

1. The Cut Off (5:44)

2. First Glance (4:00)

3. Soprano Blues (4:02)

4. No Wifi (3:22)

5. Sunset (6:08)

6. Trapped (5:30)

7. Last Minute (5:08)

8. Sunday Devotion (5:49)

All music composed by Richard Johnson

Richard Johson, piano

Sharel Cassity, alto (1,2,4,7), soprano (3,5,6), tenor (8) saxophone

Alex Claffy, bass

Mark Whitfield Jr., drums

Paul Mutzabaugh, organ

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