Archive for March, 2014

Citrus Sun – People of Tomorrow

PeopleIncognito founder Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick presents his alter ego – eight-piece band Citrus Sun featuring acclaimed UK guitarist Jim Mullen. Says Bluey: “Citrus Sun is a project born of my love for Jim’s playing and the desire to be part of a band with him. We are now good friends and I have collaborated with him on several projects, including Terry Callier and Mario Biondi, but as a teenager in the Seventies I was just a fan. He is an amazing musician.”

Mullen’s credits in a 40-year career include Brian Auger, Average White Band, Kokomo, Jimmy Witherspoon and the pioneering British jazz funk band Morrissey-Mullen. The obvious difference from Incognito is that Citrus Sun is largely instrumental, with vocals from Valerie Etienne (of Galliano and Jamiroquai) on “What’s Going On” and Terry Callier’s “What Color Is Love”.

There was an earlier Citrus Sun album released back in 2000, which also featured Jim Mullen in the line-up, and the new album “People of Tomorrow” is a renewal of that relationship. “In terms of sound it is also more sparse as it features the sole trumpet reminiscent of the late Donald Byrd, and there is a cool Latin jazz flavour on some of the cuts”, says Bluey. “The distinctive sound of Jim Mullen’s thumbing guitar brings a tonal quality that is very different to Incognito, but at times it is obvious that this is the Incognito rhythm section and for that we make no excuses, instead celebrating the fact that this is a new project by the same band with me at the helm”.

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2014
03/31
CATEGORY
Acid Jazz
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Blue Claw Jazz – Smooth Jazz Playlist 2

blueclawjazz2Thomas James Ackley aka Tomazz started his musical activity as recording engineer in the Philadelphia area. Boyz to Men and Grover Washington, Jr. counted to his clients. After his move to New York he worked at the famous Hit Factory Studios for artists including Celine Dion and Will Smith.

Since 2007 he releases solo projects like Orient Bay (2007), Chronicles (2008), Lucid Dream (2010) and Thinking About You (2010). His  album is Winter Chill (2012), currently only available as download. Under the project name Blue Claw Jazz he now offers a great collection of smooth jazz songs. Smooth Jazz Playlist 2 is just arrived at CDBaby.

2014
03/30
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Sonya Robinson – Whistle

A lovely front porch photo is the cover for Sonya Robinson’s Whistle (2013). It shows the artist holding her violin, a cello propped against the wall and a child’s bicycle. It’s a visual appetizer for the audible main course.

Whistle is described as “one of those” jazz string albums that takes years from concept to completion. It’s a tribute album dedicated to the memory of Robinson’s mother.

Robinson plays violin and viola, plus triangle on “Carib-bean.” Other personnel are Manuel Valera, piano and keyboards on all but two tracks; Axel Tosca, piano and keyboards on “I Want to Know”; Monte Croft, Fender Rhodes on “The World Is a Ghetto”; John Benitez, electric bass on all but “The World Is a Ghetto”; Paul Ramsey, electric bass on “The World Is a Ghetto”; Jay Rodriguez, flute on “Circle”; Kahlil Kwame Bell, percussion on all but “Circle,” and drums on “The World Is a Ghetto”; Francis Benitez, drums on all but “The World Is a Ghetto,” percussion on two other tracks; Eric Person, alto saxophone and flute; Vinny Valentino, electric and acoustic guitars.

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2014
03/29
CATEGORY
CD Reviews
Jazz
Woodrow Wilkins
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From Dreams to YouUtopian Dreams is riding the latest worldwide contemporary jazz wave with their nu-groove sensibilities.
This incredible crew of musical artists has been shaped by the San Francisco Bay Area and “live jazz” music scene over several decades. They credit their jazz evolution with nods to old school West Coast jazz, early 70’s Bay Area fusion and the contemporary jazz explosion. Their music is shaped by deeply orchestrated melodic chops expertly layered over the funk, hip hop, soul and Latin grooves of contemporary jazz. The ensemble has true heart for their interpretation of horn and piano centric compositions by such luminaries as Everette Harp, Gerald Albright, George Duke and Steve Cole.

Utopian Dreams has been blessed with the sax artistry of Eddie Baccus Jr., who was their featured guest artist at their most recent concert in 2012. Eddie returns for the 2013 concert season and brings his producer, Maurice Chevalier, to arrange our debut CD with Eddie on sax. Eddie has helped Utopian Dreams to stretch and meet the challenge of creating magical music from a shared vision of the ensemble and letting their audience experience it. From Dreams to You  is now on sale  at CDBaby.

2014
03/28
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Nick Colionne – Influences

InfluencesWell into his third decade of making the strings sing with his very own sweet Chicago soul, guitarist Nick Colionne digs deep as he takes musical stock of the people and things that helped propel his career and fully establish his place as one of the real cats, a cat that finds connection with his audience in a way that not many can.

Influences is a musical journey of self re-discovery, offering a palate of moods and flavors born of life experiences, challenges and the effect of the people past and present that have helped shape and mold his sound. Music can be the ultimate healer not only for the creator but also those of us who seek the escapism. Nick gets this and you immediately feel him from the opening strains as he provides lift with this feel good collection of new sides. His chops have never been more exacting, his melodies more exhilarating, his hooks more infectious.

Collaborating again with the great James Lloyd on ‘Pieces Of A Dream’ and inviting Maysa on the journey gives ‘Influences’ just the right amount of spice and pop, but in the end it is all about Nick as he bears his soul though this collection of musical chapters in this his latest book, one written with his strings and sings of the places he s been and the places he still has to go.

The lead single Got To Keep It Moving is certain to fire up his legions of fans and find its rightful place atop the radio charts. Never one to take what he has for granted, Colionne knows he has been blessed with a great gift and he will continue to share it as he connects with his fans through live performance in 2014 and share Influences in a way that only he can.

Pre-order the new album at Amazon.com.

2014
03/27
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Kevin Coelho – Turn It up

Already drawing comparisons to Joey Defrancesco, young Kevin Coelho is making his mark as one of the up-and-coming jazz organists. Just 17 at the release of Turn It up (Chicken Coup Records, 2013), Coelho is showing mastery of the Hammond B3.

The album covers a wide swath of material, including some standards, covers of pop songs, a tribute to past Hammond compositions and original songs. Accompanying him are guitarist Derek DiCenzo and drummer Reggie Jackson.

“Root Down,” composed by B3 icon Jimmy Smith, is a lively groove that features all three musicians. Even when playing backup to the leader, DiCenzo and Jackson are firmly locked in, each putting his own stamp to the sound. For his part, Coelho makes the organ sing with vigor.

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2014
03/26
CATEGORY
CD Reviews
Contemporary Jazz
Jazz
Woodrow Wilkins
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Eddie Reddick – All Basses Covered, pt. 2

eddiereddickAll Basses Covered 2 (The Raw Mix) is a remix of All Basses Covered 1. Eddie recorded All Basses Covered 1 a few years ago as a basic experiment. Coming from funk roots back in the day as the Bassist for The La Boppers, his whole intention was to stay true to the funk he grew up with. He wanted to create solid bass grooves from a solitary bass line by utilizing his four and five string Basses, then laying some chords and melodies with the six sring bass. Eventually adding lyrics to complete the process.

This process proved to be a bigger task than he bargained for. He found out quickly that frequencies dont care about canceling out each other (particularly low frequencies). Three and four basses on one track can be somewhat of a challenge to say the least. Keep in mind while dealing with the freqency challenges, he still wanted to stay focused and remain true to the funk. On ABC-2 Eddie has chosen 5 tracks from ABC-1 to rework by remixing and re-mastering them.

The new CD is still funk oriented but it is a much cleaner and smoother version of the first effort. If you like heavy Bass and Funk grooves this endeavor is definitely for you. All Basses Covered 2 (The Raw Mix) consists of 5 songs from ABC-1 along with 4 new tracks co-written with producer/song writer Steve Oliver. Steve brought a whole new fresh and smooth flavor to the project. All Basses Covered 2 is a party CD with a touch of smooth jazz funk flavor. Enjoy the journey. Remember it doesn’t matter what style of music is your flavor, it’s all about having fun, with a K of course. FUN-K! Now at CDBaby.

2014
03/25
CATEGORY
Funk
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Jazz in P!nk – 1st Collection

1st CollectionJazz in P!nk  is an all star female ensemble of musical women in jazz that projects talent, beauty, power and femininity as they embrace the stage! Our mission is to promote women in jazz, by providing live performance opportunities showcasing each others music. We endeavor to provide educational opportunities and mentorship to upcoming rising stars.

Jazz in P!nk features Karen Briggs on violin, Althea Rene on flute, Mariea Antoinette on harp, Robin Bramlett on bass & Danielle “Pockett” Brown on drums. Additionally, the live band consists of Darlene Moreno on guitar, and Benita Lewis on drums. Special guests include Los “Lady Mac” McMorris on guitar, Kim Scott on flute, Pamella Elaine on vocals, Kat Dyson on guitar, Tamina Khyrah-joi Johnson on vocals. As well as Nedra Wheeler on bass & Estaire Godinez on percussion.

1st Collection was written and produced by BMA winner Gail Jhonson. The CD also includes her performance and art direction. Here is the link to CDBaby.

2014
03/24
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Martin Lund – Best of Lundscapes

Best of LundscapesMartin Lund, one of the most diverse musicians in the universe lives and breathes music in many different colors and cultures. He has played with some of the great blues artists of our time and worked in the studios of LA as a composer, arranger and musician with artists like Mel Torme to Isacc Hayes. His eclectic background has allowed him to move freely through any style of music from classical to rock and from jazz to broadway. He is equally adept at clarinet, saxophone, flute and piano.

The 80’s live! The very best from Martin’s wildly popular 1985 vinyl disc, now digitally available for the first time. Best of Lundscapes is arrived at CDBaby.

2014
03/23
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Chris Geith – Chasing Rainbows

Chasing RainbowsIf you listen to Smooth Jazz / instrumental music, chances are, you have heard keyboardist Chris Geith. His music has been among the most streamed / downloaded on the first generation MP3.com website with a whopping 1,400,000 + downloads.

Chris began playing piano at the age of six. Starting with classical, Chris moved into Jazz graduating from the “Manhattan School of Music” with a masters degree and “advance standing” for his musical skills. Chris was awarded the “20th Anniversary Keyboard Competition” prize, in 1995 by Keyboard magazine for his composition “Sunrise Hunter”.

If you watch the Weather Channel you’ve heard this music before. Chris Geith has been one of the most played artists on the “Local on the 8s” for several years. With “Chasing Rainbows” this music is finally available for download online right at CDBaby!

2014
03/22
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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