Brian Simpson's Midas Touch strikes gold on new CD "Out of a Dream". Joining Him with All-Star lineup: Najee, Dave Koz, Maysa, Grace Kelly, Norman Brown, Marc Antoine, Maurice Brown & More!
Inspired keyboardist, composer, prolific studio musician and producer Brian Simpson is a master of all he purveys. His eloquent approach to playing, sophisticated harmonics sense, bluesy overtones, R&B flavor and keen sense on how to craft a song that stands the test of time have made him the go-to man for many. Through the years Simpson has been revered for his unparalleled ability to compose unforgettable melodies and irresistible grooves. “I never approach two songs the same way,” confesses Simpson. “When someone hums your song, it's the melody they are humming so as important as the groove is, the melody is still king.” Simpson’s soulful approach to the music has made him first call for many including Janet Jackson, Teena Marie, George Duke, Stanley Clarke and Dave Koz, for whom he has had the distinction of being musical director for close to two decades. A chart-topping musical chameleon who wrote the #1 R&B hit “The First Time” for Surface in the 1990s, Brian Simpson has a knack for churning out genre-bending timeless anthems. George Duke once said “What I love about Brian’s playing is his understanding that melody and groove are important.” Simpson’s approach is simple, “I’m following in the footsteps of those that laid the foundation of contemporary jazz music. The fusing of jazz and R&B is just what contemporary jazz is all about.”
Simpson’s latest masterwork is the perfect amalgamation of music that is close to his heart - Jazz, R&B, Funk and Soul. Out Of A Dream (Released February 17, 2015) is Simpson’s sixth album as a leader and third recording for Shanachie Entertainment. “When I first embarked on making this album, I was at a point where I felt I had to take my music to a different place,” explains Simpson who enlists nine different co-composers on the album that keep the sound ever-evolving and fresh. “By collaborating with other composers I was able to explore different styles of writing while still maintaining my own vibe.” Out Of A Dream unites Brian Simpson with an all-star cast including saxophonists Najee, Dave Koz and Grace Kelly, guitarists Marc Antoine and Norman Brown, singer Maysa and trumpeter Maurice Brown among others.
“Out Of A Dream opens with the spirited, exhilarating and soulful “One Of A Kind,” featuring the young and much talked about saxophonist and vocalist Grace Kelly. “I co-wrote the song with guitarist Nils and it was the perfect vehicle to showcase the virtuosity of Grace. I was enjoying what she was playing so much I just let her solo freely at the end of the song, and the result speaks for itself!” The hypnotic title track joins Simpson with label-mate Najee, who superbly compliments the pianist with this ethereal flute playing. Although the two have known each other for years, this song marks the first time the duo has ever recorded with one another. “I was so inspired by Najee’s beautiful flute cadenza at the beginning of the song, that I decided to name both the song and album Out Of A Dream. It just made me think of waking up from a dream...a ‘very’good dream!”
When you hear the composition “When I Say Your Name,” a seductive collaboration between Simpson and Dave Koz, you understand why the powerful two-some have managed to successfully collaborate with one another for decades. Their fluid, free-flowing and telepathic interplay makes for a high point on the album. “Dave came to my studio and within 30-minutes he had written the chorus melody and recorded it. When I asked him if he could come up with a song title, he said ‘When I Say Your Name!’ Simpson and Koz prove that when the chemistry is right not even the sky is the limit.
Out Of A Dream finds Brian Simpson traversing broad musical terrain. The ambient and ethereal “Sky Watcher,” co-written with electronic music producer Ryan Farish is the album’s first single. The Samba-esque “San Lorenzo,” which was inspired by the San Lorenzo beach in Spain was written on location. Simpson and his dear friend and guitarist Marc Antoine have worked together frequently over the past couple of years. Simpson states, “Marc’s style of acoustic guitar playing is without equal.” Simpson transports us from Spain to Brazil with a little help from his lovely label-mate Maysa. “Rio Sway” is a song that Simpson wrote with revered vocalist and composer Brenda Russell with Maysa in mind. Simpson adds, “We had a ball working together on this and Maysa took it to the next level with her beautiful performance. I'm convinced she just gets more and more amazing. While in the studio with her I got to see what a ‘pro’ she is and I truly understand why she got a Grammy nomination last year!”
Out Of A Dream also showcases the memorable ballad “Her Eyes,” co-written by pianist Jonathan Fritzen and “Just One Wish” composed solely by Simpson and featuring guitarist Norman Brown. Dedicated to the iconic and late pianist Joe Sample, “Just One Wish,” is the first time that Brown and Simpson can be heard on record together. “One of my major influences, the late Joe Sample, had a singing quality to his playing, and he continues to inspire me. The song ‘Just One Wish’ is heavily inspired by Joe. In fact, I was struggling with the melody until I asked myself, "what would Joe play?" At that point I literally put my hands on the piano and out came that melody you hear.” “Lets Get Away” is one of Brian Simpson’s favorite songs on the album and it was written with a long time musical partner Oliver Wendell. The album closes with the in-the pocket-swinger “Nightfall,” proving once again that Simpson can do it all. The song was co-written by trumpeter Maurice Brown. Simpson shares, “When I first met Maurice last year at the Java Jazz festival in Indonesia, I was inspired by his unique blend of traditional jazz and R&B. We created the song "Nightfall" together, which really hits the mark.”
Hailing from Gurnee, Illinois, Brian always knew music would play center stage in his life. “Our house was filled with music. My older brother and sister both played instruments, and my brother's rock band rehearsed in our living room every weekend. I never really considered any other lifestyle,” shares the keyboardist. Simpson’s breakthrough as a solo artist began in 2005 with the #1 radio hit “It’s All Good.” The title track of It’s All Good proved instantly and joyfully prophetic, as it hit #1 on the Radio & Records Smooth Jazz Airplay chart and remained in the Top 5 for four months. His follow-up single, “Saturday Cool,” went Top 15. In 2007 Simpson released Above the Clouds, which delivered the memorable radio hits “What Cha Gonna Do?” (Top 10) and “Juicy” (Top 15). After graduating from Northern Illinois University, Simpson relocated to Los Angeles where he quickly immersed himself in the local jazz scene. Late night jazz sessions found him playing alongside everyone from saxophonists Everette Harp and Boney James to guitarist Norman Brown. The free-spirited musician soon found himself taking a temporary leave of absence from the jazz scene, touring the world with pop divas Teena Marie, Sheena Easton and Janet Jackson. His foray into the pop world didn’t end there; in January 1991, he co-wrote the #1 Pop hit “The First Time” by Surface, which conquered both the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts. Placing his success in pop aside, Brian Simpson has always been a working jazz musician. He has toured with some of the greats of recent jazz history, including George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Larry Carlton, George Howard, Billy Cobham, and Gerald Albright. Brian has been the musical director for jazz saxophonist Dave Koz for close to 20 years, and for close to a decade the Musical Director of the ambitious and highly popular “The Smooth Jazz Cruise.” In 2010 Simpson released South Beach whose title track snagged a #1 slot on the charts. Just What You Need followed in 2013 featuring the Antônio Carlos Jobim/ Vinicius de Moraes classic “The Girl From Ipanema” which hit #1 on the charts and “Emerald City,” a top 3 hit.
Once again Brian Simpson has delivered the goods and Out Of A Dream is sure to become a fan favorite. As for Simpson his wish is simple. “My hope is that the songs on Out Of A Dream evoke emotion in people, which is honestly the only thing I wish when people hear my music.”
Vibrant radio single precedes the artist's Steve Oliver-produced album, due March 3.
It’s a new dawn for veteran contemporary jazz saxophonist ShaShaty, who will release his sixth album entitled “Brighter Day,” on March 3 on the newly formed A.H.I. Records. His first collection comprised entirely of original songs in more than a decade, the set showcases the artist who had a hand in writing seven of the disc’s eleven songs that were produced by guitarist-vocalist Steve Oliver, writer or co-writer of ten songs for the record. The energizing excursion “Dream Ride” bodes to illuminate radio playlists ahead of the album’s street date when the single is serviced to stations for airplay early next month. The video for the single will premiere at Universal CityWalk in Universal City, California where ShaShaty has been a featured performer over the past decade.
Instead of limiting himself to a singular sax voice, ShaShaty’s dynamic multihued approach places him front and center on the melody-rich jazz, pop and R&B outing playing tenor, alto and soprano sax. Fellow sax player Will Donato bolsters the horn section parts on “Dream Ride” and Spyro Gyra drummer Bonny B dispenses deft beats on four cuts. Taiwanese vocalist Usay Chu makes her U.S. recording debut by gracing a pair of tunes – “Song Of Hope” and “A Million Miles” – with her ethereal wordless vocalizations. Making “Brighter Day” a standout session is the chemistry between ShaShaty and Oliver. The hornman’s impassioned and emotive play flourishes in the company of the guitarist who has a masterful command of buoyant harmony. Tracks have a robustly full sound from which potent hooks connect and enveloping melodies leave a lasting impression. The power-packed pop gems that comprise “Brighter Day” also have depth and provide a varied listening experience that audaciously ventures into funky trip hop territory (“Let’s Go!”), explores an off-kilter staccato rhythm (“Late On 91”), mines an Indian motif (“Mumbai”), serves a sublime sax and guitar call-and-response chorus (“August”), romances on amorous overtures (“My Heart Yours” and “I’m Always Near”), takes off on a whimsical flight of fancy (“Brighter Days”) and closes with a blissful meditation (“Float Away”).
“I haven’t recorded an original project in quite some time. My previous two projects consisted of classics from the past few decades. Those interpretations were part of a period of growth and self- discovery for me musically, especially when reimagining so many beloved works. I found myself in a new, fresh space and realized it was time to reach deep inside to see what would emerge creatively. Steve Oliver and his amazing production work provided the skilled hand to help me realize ‘Brighter Day.’ I’d love for this instrumental pop project to be the vehicle that opens new horizons for many new listeners - even from other genres and cultures - that may not have necessarily been contemporary jazz followers before, but now call themselves fans,” said ShaShaty, who will perform material from “Brighter Day” on Valentine’s Day at Rideau Vineyard in Solvang, California.
A Miami, Florida native who is a long-time Los Angeles resident, ShaShaty has vast stage experience performing on concert dates and festival bills with the likes of Carlos Santana, The Mavericks, The Bee Gees, Gloria Estefan, Michael McDonald, Peter Cetera, George Benson, Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Brian Culbertson and Boney James. In addition to garnering radio spins throughout the U.S., ShaShaty has played on national television on “Today with Kathie Lee & Hoda” and on a PBS special alongside GRAMMY® winner Al Jarreau. ShaShaty, who released his self-titled debut album in 1993, serves as host of “Vineyard Jazz,” a wine and music lifestyle program being developed by A.H.I. Records for syndication.
R&B
vocal band goes retro on their sophomore album, “Vintage Truth,” due
March 17, with assistance from contemporary jazz luminaries Dave Koz,
Brian Culbertson,
Paul Brown, Greg Adams and Elan Trotman.
At the untimely passing of the drummer Steely Dan’s Walter Becker described as having perfect timing, Ricky Lawson was only four songs into producing the sophomore album by R&B vocal group DW3. Lawson, who had an extraordinary GRAMMY®-winning career collaborating with Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston
and Steely Dan, had been a member of the band for more than two years
and the tracks are his last recordings. Over a year later, DW3’s “Vintage Truth,” dedicated to Lawson, is finally finished and scheduled for release March 17 on the Woodward Avenue Records label.
Despite
being rocked by the unexpected loss that occurred two days before
Christmas 2013, DW3 knew that Lawson would want the groove to continue.
He not only was a member of the outfit fronted by brothers Billy & Eric Mondragon and Damon Reel,
but he mentored them as well. He believed that the GRAMMY®-nominated
vocalists who are a perennial draw on the jazz festival and cruise
circuit is at their dynamic best in live settings thus the record’s core
tracks were laid down in the studio live. DW3 maintained that template
when finishing the album, which they produced themselves with one cut,
the collection’s first single - a seductively soulful take on The Eagles’ “I Can’t Tell You Why” - produced by hit-maker Paul Brown.
“We
titled the album ‘Vintage Truth’ because of the way we approached the
recording process, like a live jam session where the core musicians -
the guitarist, bassist, keyboardist and drummer - were in the room
playing at the same time. We rehearsed each song twice, then went in the
studio and pressed record. Our previous recordings featured a lot of
drum programming, but this project has all live drums,” said Eric
Mondragon. “Another vintage element we added that we absolutely love is
the live horns – so much so that we recently added a horn section to our
lineup so that we could perform these songs properly onstage.”
The
twelve-tracker “Vintage Truth” offers a blend of originals and fan
favorites that the group has performed on stage for years such as Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed,” Luther Vandross’s “So Amazing” and The Mamas & The Papas’ “California Dreamin’,” the last of which won the California Lottery Powerball song contest for their trademark three-part harmonies spawning a popular video (http://bit.ly/1vDOe1D). Making instrumental contributions to the disc were contemporary jazz chart-toppers Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, Greg Adams, Elan Trotman and Brown.
Four years ago, the Los Angeles born and raised DW3 issued its debut set, “On The Floor,” which peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard
contemporary jazz albums chart in the U.S. while it went all the way to
No. 1 on the United Kingdom’s soul chart driven by the sophisticated
neo soul single “I Got You” highlighted by a sultry sax solo from
multiple GRAMMY® nominee Gerald Albright. DW3’s three vocalists were 2014 GRAMMY® nominees for singing background on the Summer Horns album, an ensemble comprised of saxophone superstars Koz, Albright, Mindi Abair and Richard Elliot. Ever since DW3 served as the resident party band on the inaugural sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise
in 2004, they’ve been part of the sold-out cruise. In addition to
performing at premier festivals across the nation, the funksters
maintain a long-running weekly residency at SoCal hotspot Spaghettini and serve as the house band for L.A. radio station 94.7 The Wave’s Sunday Brunch held at the same venue. Further information about DW3 is available at www.DW3music.com.
Below are the jazz-related nominees for the 57th Annual Grammy
Awards. Winners will be announced Feb. 8. Best of luck to all nominees!
Best Improvised Jazz Solo
“The Eye Of The Hurricane”
Kenny Barron, soloist
Track from: Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio (Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio)
Jazz from Amazon.com
