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Wednesday, January 29, 2020

R&B-jazz guitarist Adam Hawley prepares his “Escape” #jazz

The consistent chart-topper will drop his third album on February 28;
“To The Top” featuring saxman Jeff Ryan points the way as first single.

The four years since dropping his debut album has been a bit of a rocket ride for award-winning R&B-jazz guitarist Adam Hawley. Six of his seven singles have gone to No. 1 nationally and he deftly avoided the sophomore slump when his second outing further established the artist as a centerstage solo artist. The stage is now being set for the February 28th arrival of “Escape,” his third album and first for his new record label, MBF Entertainment. Hawley produced and wrote eight of the record’s ten tunes featuring collaborations with a constellation of smooth/contemporary jazz luminaries including Rick BraunNajeeMichael LingtonJeff Ryan, Marcus Anderson and Greg Manning.



Hawley’s albums adopt themes and as he composed the title cut for “Escape,” he felt transported. That feeling inspired the rest of the music he wrote for the collection.          

“When I wrote ‘Escape,’ it really took me away to another, special place. The groove, the vibe…it just transported me to a place of chill and Zen. That became the theme that runs through the entire record,” said Hawley, a Portland, Oregon native who has resided in the Los Angeles area ever since earning a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Southern California.   

Anchoring the beats and grooves throughout “Escape,” drummer Eric Valentine and bassists Nathaniel Kearney Jr. and Ian Martin are longtime and frequent Hawley co-conspirators. Percussionist Ramon Yslas adds nuance and Carnell Harrell supplements with vibrant harmonies via his keyboards, organ and synth. 

Attacking his electric guitar with fervent tones amidst a shimmering jazz-pop backdrop reminiscent of  guitar legends Wes Montgomery and George Benson, Hawley showcases deft fretwork on album opener “Tokyo Groove.” The cut benefits from David Mann’s crisp and punchy horn arrangements performed by the horn section the saxophonist formed with trumpeter Trevor Neumann. “Escape” includes contributions from a number of noteworthy horn players and next up is Lington who cranks up the soul power on “99 and Counting.” “Saturday Morning” is a midtempo chill with sax accoutrements courtesy of Keith McKelley. Being serviced for playlist adds on February 10 as the first single, “To The Top” features the firepower of breakout saxophonist Ryan. The guitarist teams with vocalist Kat Hawley (aka Adam’s wife) for an intimate, Latin-tinged take on the sultry pop hit “Senorita.” Hawley makes a break in the company of veteran trumpeter Braun on the album’s title track. “Sunday Swing” bounces to a funky, go-go-influenced beat that finds Hawley’s electric jazz guitar in a loquacious mood. “Can’t Stop” opens with the chorus, a potent hook that connects with muscle added by sax player Anderson. Seminal urban-jazz icon Najee blesses “Thinking of You” with dreamy flute that meshes sublimely with Hawley’s amorous guitar riffs and runs on the song co-written and co-produced by keyboardist Manning. Closing with a cover, Hawley’s expressive steel-stringed acoustic guitar serenade on “Rain” casts a transcendent spell.                    

Hawley’s debut album, “Just the Beginning,” sent three singles to the top of the Billboard chart and earned the guitarist Debut Artist of the Year honors from JazzTrax and Smooth Jazz News. Two years ago, “Double Vision” confirmed Hawley as a consistent hitmaker when he notched his fourth Billboard No. 1 single and collected No. 1 singles on the Mediabase and Smooth Jazz Network charts. Hawley will tour throughout the year in support of “Escape” as his place on concert marquees continues to grow. He’s performed at more than a dozen of the most popular jazz festivals and cruises around the globe as well as at Stateside clubs and theaters. Not long ago, Hawley accompanied and toured extensively with Jennifer LopezDave KozKirk WhalumBrian CulbertsonGerald AlbrightNatalie Cole and “American Idol.” He passes his knowledge along to students at Musician’s InstituteChaffey College and Saddleback College
  
“Escape” includes the following songs: 

“Tokyo Groove”
“99 and Counting” featuring Michael Lington
“Saturday Morning”
“To The Top” featuring Jeff Ryan
“Senorita” featuring Kat Hawley
“Escape” featuring Rick Braun
“Sunday Swing”
“Can’t Stop” featuring Marcus Anderson
“Thinking of You” featuring Najee
“Rain”


Hawley’s Escape Tour plays the following concert dates (additional shows will be added):

February 1                        Spaghettini                                                    Seal Beach, CA
February 14                      Blu Jazz+                                                        Akron, OH
February 15                      Lin Rountree Valentine's Gala                   Detroit, MI
February 27                      Suite Food                                                     Atlanta, GA
February 28                      Tin Pan                                            Richmond, VA
March 1                            Jerry Green and Friends                             Louisville, KY
March 27                          Earl Klugh’s Weekend of Jazz                    Colorado Springs, CO
March 28                          Uptown Music Fest                                      Tampa, FL
May 9                                Smooth Chicago                                           Chicago, IL
May 23               Jazz-Funk Connection                                  Colorado Springs, CO
May 24               Mayor Jazz Fest                                            Las Cruces, NM
May 29-June 5                 Dave Koz Cruise Voyage 1                          Amsterdam and the British Isles
June 5-June 12                 Dave Koz Cruise Voyage 2                          Amsterdam and the British Isles
August 24                         Norfolk Jazz Fest                                          Norfolk, VA
September 13                  Oxnard Jazz Fest                                           Oxnard, CA
October 10-11                 Barbados Jazz Excursion                             Barbados
November 6                     Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend                   Daytona Beach, FL


For more information, please visit https://adamhawley.com/.


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Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 20 - January 27, 2020 #jazz


TW - LW - Artist - Album - (Label)
1 - 1 - Najee - "Center Of The Heart" - (Shanachie Entertainment)
2 - 2 - Brian Bromberg - "Thicker Than Water" - (Mack Avenue Records)
3 - 4 - Blake Aaron - "Color And Passion" - (Innervision)
4 - 3 - Lisa Addeo - "Listen To This" - (Little Black Dress)
5 - 8 - Kim Scott - "Free To Be" - (Inntervision Records)
6 - 5 - Paul Brown - "Uptown Blues" - (Woodward Avenue)
7 - 6 - Paul Hardcastle - "Hardcastle VIII" - (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
8 - 9 - Julian Vaughn - "Supreme" - (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
9 - 7 - Ragan Whiteside - "Reminiscing" - (Randis Music)
10 - 18 - Brian Simpson & Steve Oliver - "Unified" - (Shanachie Entertainment)
11 - 10 - Kayla Waters - "Coevolve" - (Trippin 'N' Rhythm)
12 - 21 - Greg Manning - "Twinkle" - (Independent)
13 - 17 - Brian Culbertson - "Winter Stories" - (BCM)
14 - 11 - Will Donato - "Elevate" - (Innervision Records)
15 - 14 - Kirk Whalum - "Humanité" - (Mack Avenue Records)
16 - 91 - Vincent Ingala - "Personal Touch" - (Shanachie Entertainment)
17 - 182 - Christian De Mesones - "Big Tall Wish" - (Christian De Mesones)
18 - 13 - Brian Lenair - "Silky Soul" - (Grits And Gravy)
19 - 48 - Keith Andrew - Soul Expedition" - (Innervision Records)
20 - 19 - Reza Khan - "Next Train Home" - (Painted Media)



Our thanks to smoothjazz.comVisit smoothjazz.com to view the latest complete top 50 chart. Visit smoothjazz.com to view the latest weekly chart recap.

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Monday, January 27, 2020

Cool jazz vibes embodying “the joy of living” #jazz Vibes Alive to drop their third album, “Vibrasonic,” on March 6

Vibes Alive to drop their third album, “Vibrasonic,” on March 6;
the title track was already added to SiriusXM’s Watercolors playlist.

Utilizing vibraphone and guitar as lead instrumental voices isn’t just an unusual pairing on the contemporary jazz scene, but together they form an organically warm and earthy sound. Cast in settings etched from impassioned fusion expeditions and soul-powered funk grooves, Vibes Alive’s third album, “Vibrasonic,” is a refreshing listen. Dropping March 6 from Swingding Records, the 10-tracker written and produced by vibraphonist Dirk Richter and guitarist Randall Crissman is preceded by the invigorating title track, which has already been added to the SiriusXM Watercolors playlist and earned Most Added status on the Billboard singles chart. 


Making albums with the frequency of a total eclipse, each Vibes Alive outing is equally rare and special. If there was a third member of the duo, it would be Jeff Lorber, the GRAMMY-winning keyboardist and fusion pioneer who has joined Richter and Crissman for all three Vibes Alive albums. Lorber plays keys, synthesizers, piano and synth bass on “Vibrasonic” and mixed a few of the tracks. Legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta anchors the rhythm section with Jimmy Johnson on bass and Luis Conte on percussion.

“Vibes Alive is a creative endeavor based on the friendship that I’ve had with Randall since we met when we were in college. Randall and I always got off on the way the Hammond organ, pianos and guitars sounded. Then getting into mallet percussions, specifically the vibraphone, because of the frequencies that are created – the overtones – the possibilities for harmonic enhancement, that kind of takes you to the next level. We wanted the music to be alive, to be spontaneous and creative and we want that creativity to lean into the idea of a good universe, of love for the planet and of love for your neighbor. Vibes Alive is that connection between what you love and what you feel most in love with and how to be creative in the midst,” said Richter about the duo’s inception and purpose.

Each Vibes Alive album takes years to construct, in part because Crissman is a prolific, in demand Emmy nominated composer of television soundtracks. There was an 11-year gap between their 1997 self-titled debut and the release of their sophomore set, “After Hours.” A dozen years later, here comes “Vibrasonic.” According to Richter, the new recording is purposeful.  

“As it is these days for everybody, life’s kind of hard. We need things without bias, without judgement; open our hearts to love and sonic enhancement for the sake of healing. These frequencies and rhythms are the most base and obvious connection to our souls.”

“Sweet Vibes” opens and establishes the tone for the album. Lorber’s Minimoog intertwines with Richter’s vibraphone, adding spacy dimensions to the soul-jazz odyssey. “Vibrasonic” is a propulsive rocket ride into the outer orbit. Going downtempo, “Windchime” signals a return to the gravitational force of earth with Crissman’s electric fretwork and Richter’s vibes forming a magnetic melody. Richter’s vibes mesmerize and haunt “Earthtones,” which explores a frenetic Colaiuta-Johnson pocket. Crissman uses a nylon string guitar to pour sensitive hues into “Waterfall.” The welcoming “Going Home” spreads cheer and comfort, affording the players ample room to relish the homecoming. Vibes and guitar engage in imaginative discourse on “Daydream.” “Rainy Day” sets a contemplative tone. Lorber’s storming organ helps power “Spy,” a fun and mysterious vibraphonic frolic that breaks into a swinging jazz bridge. The record closes with “Guitar Noir,” a hypnotic number penned by Crissman, who shines on guitars, keys and bass.            

“Randall and I have had this experience connecting with people – the musicians we record with - and have them willingly connect with us,” concludes Richter. “We have this opportunity to give love to the world, and to see what the world gives back is the greatest joy. It’s like a sign on a post that tells you you’re going in the right direction because everything is a blessing and it moves your heart. It’s almost like everything becomes a miracle. You know you’re in good company. You step back, take a deep breath…that’s Vibes Alive. It’s the joy of living.”

“Vibrasonic” includes the following songs: 

“Sweet Vibes”
“Vibrasonic”
“Windchime”
“Earthtones”
“Waterfall”
“Going Home”
“Daydream”
“Rainy Day”
“Spy”
“Guitar Noir”


For more information, please visit http://vibesalivemusic.com/.


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Saturday, January 25, 2020

Meet the 2020 GRAMMY Jazz Nominees #jazz

The 62nd Grammy Awards are set to take place on January 26 (viewers can tune in to CBS at 8 p.m. to catch the awards ceremony). And in the jazz category, established heavyweights and ascendant newcomers were represented in strong numbers. Below is a complete list of the nominees.

https://www.jazziz.com/meet-the-2020-grammy-jazz-nominees/

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Special EFX eager to get into some all-star "Hanky Panky" on Valentine's Day #jazz

The world jazz collective is set to drop the “All Stars” album on February 14
preceded by the radio single “Hanky Panky Boys.”

Mainstay of the GRAMMY® nominated collective that is Special EFX, guitarist Chieli Minucci has spent a lot of time on the road the last few years with a revolving lineup of celebrated musicians who bring the band’s world jazz brand to life. When Minucci began writing the group’s 21st album that he produced, he came up with the idea of inviting each player from the rotating touring ensemble to perform on the album and even composed material with specific musicians in mind. The luminous result is “All Stars,” a title that is a nod to an accomplished supporting cast. The imaginative collage of contemporary jazz, world music and blues drops on February 14 on the Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm imprint. Radio will get its first sampling in the form of “Hanky Panky Boys,” a groovy, retro cool tune that finds Minucci’s guitar and organ getting into a heap of mischief with saxophonist Eric Marienthal.



“It was the first tune that I wrote specifically for the album and it doesn’t really sound like Special EFX, whatever that might be! I wanted to write something a bit different that we could play at jazz festival jam sessions, a piece that kind of sounds like a standard. Writing it got me fired up and inspired to write other music for the project,” said Minucci, who co-founded Special EFX 35 years ago with the late percussionist George Jinda and has amassed a host of Billboard No. 1 singles.

Minucci wrote thirteen songs for “All Stars” and scrapbooked the talented artists who brought his eclectic vision into focus along with his New York City-based core band members Jay Rowe (keyboards), Jerry Brooks (bass) and Joel Rosenblatt (drums). Among the dozens of guest stars on the album are violinist Regina Carter, saxophonist/flautist Nelson Rangell, trumpeter Lin Rountree, multi-horn player David MannSpyro Gyra drummer Lionel Cordew, bassist Gerald Veasley, keyboardist Lao Tizer, fretless bassist-vocalist Fernando Saunders, a longtime Special EFX family member who has a history with the outfit dating back to their formative years; and 2019 Soul Tracks Female Vocalist of the Year Maysa Leak, who soars mightily on a version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.”

“I grew up listening to Jimi Hendrix. During a show we did two years ago with Maysa, I asked if she’d like to try singing ‘Little Wing’ and I was totally blown away. I asked her about making a recording of it and when she agreed, I got serious about the arrangement. I wanted to pay homage to the rock aspect of Jimi Hendrix. I also wanted to do something that was modern R&B. I think it came out unusual and I’m curious to hear how people react to it. I don’t really do cover tunes too often so this was different,” said Minucci, who will lead a revolving Special EFX lineup on a busy touring schedule in support of “All Stars” beginning on the eve of the album release date at Yoshi’s Oakland

One song on “All Stars” is especially personal to Minucci. “‘Sweet Memories Of You’ is a solo guitar piece that has a deeper meaning for me because I wrote it around the time my mom was passing a few years ago. It’s one of the pieces I felt would be important to include on the record - not only to break up the mood and texture of the listen, but also to give people something a little more contemplative in the middle of the record.”    
   
As the listener gets deeper into the album, the depth and breadth of Minucci’s compositional and arranging skills are on full display. “Kampala” was written on a borrowed acoustic guitar in a Ugandan hotel room during a concert tour. Minucci calls the two-part “Great Escape” “a labor of love that was written in odd meter because that’s part of the style I grew up listening to and really love. ‘Flows Like Water’ is a bit jazzier than what I typically do with Special EFX. I wanted to let people hear something a little bit different. I like to give people who buy our records and come to our shows a variety of styles. ‘Flows Like Water’ is a really nice representation of how tight the band has become over the many years we’ve worked together.”

“All Stars” concludes with “One Stick And A Stone” - the stick being Steve Adelson’s Chapman Stick that engages Minucci’s guitar intimately. “It’s a world groove piece reminiscent of what my late great partner, George Jinda, used to do on percussion. I wanted to end on a nostalgic note, something very true to the Special EFX sound.”

In addition to crafting Special EFX records, Minucci has released nearly a dozen solo collections. A guitar player gifted with an extensive sonic palate and technical proficiency, he has recorded and performed with a galaxy of A-list pop, rock, R&B and jazz stars spanning Celine DionLou ReedChaka KhanLionel RichieJennifer LopezJewelMark AnthonyMichael BoltonKirk WhalumJeff LorberNorman BrownRick BraunMarion Meadows and Mindi Abair. Nominated for ten Emmy Awards for the music he created for television shows such as “The Guiding Light,” “Dancing With The Stars,” “American Idol” and “Good Morning America” (theme), Minucci is a three-time Emmy winner. He has also composed music for film (“Bowfinger,” “Legally Blond” and “Panic”) as well as stage (“Peter Pan,” “Dora the Explorer” and “Thomas the Tank Engine”).
   
On the other side of the holidays, Minucci is eager to begin introducing the music from “All Stars” to listeners. “I think it’s a really interesting sounding record. All over the place stylistically as I always do, but I enjoy that aspect. It was really intensive making this record.”

“All Stars” contains the following songs:

“Mr. Marzipan”                                                “Wake Up”
“Sunset Passion Juice”                                      “Sweet Memories Of You”
“Hanky Panky Boys”                                        “Kampala”
“Little Wing”                                                    “Great Escape (part 1)”
“Empathy”                                                        “Great Escape (part 2)”
“Two Dancing”                                                 “Flows Like Water”
“Arise”                                                             “One Stick And A Stone”
      

Catch Special EFX featuring Chieli Minucci on tour on the following dates (partial list below):

January 24 & 25            Bermuda Jazz Festival                                                   Devonshire, Bermuda
February 13                  Yoshi’s Oakland                                                           Oakland, CA
February 15                  Spaghettini                                                                   Seal Beach, CA
February 16                  Aliante Casino Hotel & Spa                                           N. Las Vegas, NV
February 18                  Blues Alley                                                                   Washington, DC
February 19                  Middle C Jazz                                                               Charlotte, NC
February 20                  Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts                                   Winter Park, FL
February 21 & 22          The Velvet Note                                                            Alpharetta, GA
March 11                      Dakota Jazz Club                                                          Minneapolis, MN
March 12                      Soiled Dove Underground                                             Denver, CO
March 13                      The Sofia                                                                      Sacramento, CA
March 14                      Tower Theatre                                                              Fresno, CA
March 21                      Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts             Melbourne, FL
April 2-4                       Boscov’s Berks Jazz Festival                                         Reading, PA
April 11                        The Cutting Room                                                         New York, NY


For more information and the complete concert itinerary, please visit http://www.specialefxmusic.com and https://chielimusic.com.





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