Archive for July, 2011

Down To The Bone – The Main Ingredients

This premier funk jazz unit has solidified its undisputed place as the true merchants of groove. Masterminded by writer/ producer Steward Wade, DTTB has churned out hit after head bobbin hit, not only capturing the attention of radio with its thick, throbbing funk but has also established itself as one of the most in demand touring bands in the world.

The Main Ingredients takes the band into double digit territory marking their 10th release and one that takes the band back to its original roots with 10 tracks still steeped in groove but with a heavy dose of 21st century glaze. There is still plenty of meat on the bone here with tracks like Uptown Hustle and Second Nature that will find welcome satisfaction among their minions along with a heaping helping of non-signature flavors like the sides Watch Me Fly co-written by label mate Oli Silk and the Band New Heavies inspired Closer, both featuring vocals from Imani. All in all a funk/ groove feast sure to invigorate the taste buds of all who crave music that makes you move.

The Main Ingredients has, as the title suggests, the base ingredients that got the band from Wade s early concept to the massive success it is today yet purposefully sprinkled with some surprise spices to keep the sides interesting, funky and on the edge.

Source: Amazon.com

2011
07/31
CATEGORY
Acid Jazz
Smooth Jazz
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David P. Stevens – Uptown

Currently, David P. Stevens co-writes, produces, and engineers at Morning Star Studios and has garnered endorsements from ESP and Fred Rock Guitars.

The CEO of Sanctifly Music Group’s musicianship began recording at age 14 with Divine Praise. He played at the National Inspirational Youth Convention with Marvin Sapp and Ben Tankard, and also recorded with Kim Sledge. As a member of the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) band, Stevens ministered music with Alvin Slaughter, Dottie Rambo, Gary Oliver and Clifton Davis, among many others.

On his new album Uptown (2011) he features artists like Shamika Phoenix, Steve Cole, Gerald Veasley, Carol Riddick and Dionne.  This perfect mix of smooth jazz and R&B is available at CDBaby.

2011
07/30
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Vincent Tyson – About Now

Vincent Tyson, a self taught musician, has been performing music of various genres for about thirty years. His musical roots are deep. His father, the late Rev. James E. Tyson was also a skilled pianist and organist. All of Vincent’s six siblings are strongly musically inclined as well as several other close relatives.

Vincent has consistently lived and breathe music over the passage of time through membership and/or assistance in many bands, choirs, and artists.

In 2005 Vincent founded ‘Kinetik~flo, a six piece smooth jazz band. Under his guidance and leadership, Kinetik~flo quickly established themselves as one the premier bands in the region. He continues to perform with Kinetik~flo, as well as several other thriving acts as he sets out to establish his solo career. In addition to his instrumental talents, Vincent is also a gifted vocalist with a 3-1/2 octave range.

Through his experiences with multiple music genres, he has become well a rounded musician, writer, and performer. All of these influences are clearly reflected in his creative and innovative style. His love for creating, sharing, and performing music is boundless and tireless. Vincent says “God and music are two friends I have who have never let me down, left me, nor forsook me. Without them my life would be incomplete and I would cease to exist.”

His new album About Now is high energy, innovative and creative keyboard artistry, without walls and limitations, for the forward thinking, progressive adult music lover.  The album is available at CDBaby.

2011
07/29
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Mike Di Lorenzo – Bring It Back

New York based keyboardist Mike Di Lorenzo has already performed with such artists as Whitney Houston, Gerald Alston, Regina Belle, Bo Diddley, to name only the most popular one.

He started his solo career with the highly acclaimed album Urbanized (2005). Rob Young comments in his review: “Producer, composer, keyboardist and production specialist Mike Di Lorenzo has conjured up with Urbanized a near perfect blend of hypnotically fresh grooves that’s coupled with a rapture of sultry and relaxing smooth jazz that’s design for those seeking to discover a new voice called “New York Chill” from his own unwavering musical perspective.

After a long hiatus Mike returns with his sophomore album Bring It Back (2011). Mike describes his album as a soulful, fresh and funky ride through 13 sparkling sides, bringing back a mix of sophisticated funk, groove and soul-jazz productions. On his album he presents Norman Durham, (vocals), Frank Elmo, (tenor sax), Vinnie Cutro (trumpet) and Willy Dalton (guitar).

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2011
07/28
CATEGORY
CD Reviews
Smooth Jazz
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Eric Thomas – Take it Easy

Take it Easy released by Eric Thomas in 2011 is his first project out his solo music Series. Featuring Elevate the Quest on this album, Eric put together a nice collection of originals inspired by hip hop, Soul, R and B, jazz, and just life through the eyes of music. This project was made possible by the unbelievable talent thats has crossed the path of Eric and wanted to share in his space. Featuring Sarah Belladae of Belladae, DJ the lyricist of Middle Sound, and Tasha LeRae of Arrested Development this project is sure to keep you listening.

Eric Thomas and Elevate The Quest brings a creative style of music that is heavily influenced by jazz, hip-hop, soul, rhythm & blues, and just life. The Quest to Elevate starts here. Right now at CDBaby.

2011
07/27
CATEGORY
Contemporary Jazz
Smooth Jazz
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Motown Moe – Riding Into the Sunset

Motown Moe is a Detroit area producer and keyboard player with six CD’s to his credit. Moe’s playing style ranges from Herbie Hancock to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Motown Moe has worked with the likes of fellow producer and keyboardist Nate Harasim, guitarists Daniel Domenge, DF Michael, James Davis, and Mike James, along with sax players Randy Sherwood, and Martin Sharpe.

His previous albums range from chill, rnb, to smooth jazz. Motown Moe describes his sound as very relaxing and soothing to the soul and spirit, classy music to warm your heart and mind. Moe’s influences include Greg Karkus, Marcus Johnson, Kevin Toney, Bob Baldwin, Jeff Lorber, and Nate Harasim.

His newest offer is Riding Into the Sunset. We found this album at CDBaby.

2011
07/26
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Global Grooves – On The Move

Global Grooves is a group of talented musicians from Greensboro, NC. Members of this multi-cultural band who have an extensive musical background originally came from Boston, South Africa, New York, Virginia Beach, and North Carolina. Their combined creative ideas result in generating innovative new sounds for music lovers worldwide. Enjoy the new authentic, exciting, energetic, jazz sounds of   Global Grooves.

Global Grooves just finished recording their debut CD titled, On The Move. While the whole CD has been dubbed by fans as “Fantastic,” Global Grooves has placed many of the fan favorites on this CD to include their public performances hits of “My One & Only,” “Tidal Waves” and “City Groove” just to mention a few. Other popular songs like “Sunday Drive,” “African Jazz Cafe” and “A Song For Rose are also included on their debut CD. This is truly smooth, exciting and energetic jazz all wrapped up and nicely placed on this Global Grooves CD. Featuring riveting heartfelt guitar and sax solos on every track! You’re going to love this one.

Global Grooves is On The Move now at CDBaby.

2011
07/25
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Tim Cunningham – Reflection

Smooth & sultry, cool, yet definitely funky. These words best describe the sound of R&B saxophonist, Tim Cunningham.

Having played the sax for over half of his life, Tim has headlined in nightclubs, Las Vegas Casinos and festivals spanning the U.S. and the Caribbean. His new album Reflection is available at CDBaby.

2011
07/24
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Reggie Young – The Foundation

On this CD you’ll get 2 CDs in one. 18 tracks from Reggie Young‘s earlier two CD projects (Among Friends & From Within The Realm). This CD represents smooth jazz at it’s best. These songs are timeless and reflect amazing fresh talent performed in a instrumental array of showmanship to hear again and again.

“This project represents years of learning, listening and patience. I love playing for people and producing records. But there comes a time when you have to stop in order to go. I want to be a better dad, a better producer, a better musician and share my experiences with the world. I mean isn’t that how we grow in life. I believe if you have something nice to share … share it. I was always the man behind the bass, behind the music, behind my schedule, behind my goals but people always managed to notice I have a lot more to say. So it was time to step up and get in front of my goals and dreams. But, you have to play your part when you’re in a supporting role. Not like you can’t speak, you just gotta know when to. Now, I feel like I’m getting a grasp on where I need to be with everything.” Explains Reggie.

The Foundation is now on sale at CDBaby.

2011
07/23
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Jay Patten – Crystal Nights

Blue Jay Patten‘s Crystal Nights CD is a mix of Jay’s smooth groove instrumentals (“Bussin To Memphis”,”Crystal Nights”) and original vocal tunes (“True & Tried”,”Finally”) and new versions of four classic songs including Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love”.

Jay dedicates this music to his friend Crystal Gayle (Jay is Crystal’s longtime band leader).The first track is a mysterious version of one of Crystal’s hits,”Ready For The Times To Get Better”. Jay plays alto saxophone on the tune with guitarist Andy Reiss and a last chorus vocal appearance by Christos.

Jay sings a fifties style ballad (“I Don’t Have The Heart To Say Goodbye”) he co-wrote with lengendery songwriter,Roger Cook,plus “And Sinatra Sang Our Song”,which sounds like a classic love standard.(Jay is a former vocalist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra).On this project Jay, a graduate of the Berklee College Of Music, plays alto,soprano and tenor saxophones as well as mandolin,guitar and Woodsounds native American flute.

A happy version of “Memories Are Made Of This”. It’s a duet with Crystal Gayle recorded a few years back and is a perfect closer for an album you’ll want to listen to over and over.There are seven of Jay’s saxophone instrumental tracks ranging in mood and style from smooth grooves to mysterious. Plus there are six of Jay’s vocal tracks both contemporary pop and standard sounding ballads with a light swing duet with Crystal Gayle.

Lovers of Jay Patten’s music find this album at CDBaby.

2011
07/22
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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