CANADIAN JAZZ QUARTET DOXAS BROTHERS RELEASES THEIR SOPHOMORE ALBUM KINDRED OUT NOW VIA JUSTIN TIME RECORDS #jazz

 

 

 

The Canadian jazz quartet Doxas Brothers are proud to release their sophomore album Kindred out today via Justin Time Records. The nine-song effort sees brothers and band leaders, drummer Jim and saxophonist Chet Doxas further explore their musical bond alongside bassist Adrian Vedady and renowned ECM pianist Marc Copland. Each member contributes a new piece to the project along with a gorgeous reimagining of the standard “A Time For Love.” The cool tempos and confident energy highlight the musical prowess that this quartet possesses. Listen to Kindred on all digital retailers (here).

 

Chet Doxas elaborates: “On ‘Kindred,’ Jim and I continue to delve deeper into our musical bond and celebrate its evolution. The repertoire was carefully composed and considered so that we could bring the best versions of ourselves to this album. Yet again, we are grateful to be surrounded by the outstanding and supportive musicianship of Marc Copland and Adrian Vedady.”

 

 

ABOUT DOXAS BROTHERS:

 

The Doxas Brothers' music is a reflection of their shared history, musical exploration, and profound connection as siblings. Their quartet combines their individual talents and their ability to push boundaries, resulting in a sound that is distinctly their own. On their latest album, Kindred, Jim and Chet delve deeper into exploring their musical bond by presenting eight new pieces by each of the group’s members as well as one of their favorite ballads. Building on the theme of family connection and history from their previous release, The Circle, their new album encapsulates the growth of this rare partnership in a group whose bonds extend much further than music.

 

The Doxas Brothers, Jim and Chet, have been immersed in music since a young age, growing up in a household filled with sound. Their exposure to their father conducting choirs in the living room, hosting jam sessions and recording albums in their home studio sparked their own musical journeys.

 

During their teenage years, Jim and Chet began performing regularly in nightclubs, a decision that initially took a little bit of parental convincing. They had the opportunity to be part of the vibrant music scene in Montreal, playing in various settings such as dance bands, rock 'n' roll clubs, society parties, radio shows, and even burlesque reviews; it was the last of the good old days in Montreal. As their paths progressed, Jim and Chet’s reputation began to spread and they had the privilege of touring worldwide with renowned jazz musicians including Carla Bley, Oliver Jones, Dave Douglas, John Abercrombie, Steve Swallow, Joe Lovano, and many others.

 

While Jim and Chet have performed together countless times in different contexts, their current project, The Doxas Brothers, showcases their shared vision within a quartet. Joining them is bassist Adrian Vedady, who has a longstanding association with both brothers. Jim and Adrian have been performing together every Monday night at Upstairs Jazz Bar in Montreal for the past decade, cultivating a musical bond that is distinctive, adventurous, sensitive, and fresh.

 

Completing the quartet is pianist Marc Copland, who was an obvious choice due to his renowned crystalline sound and his ability to explore and discover subtleties in music. Marc, Jim, and Adrian have already collaborated as a trio over the past several years, and with the addition of Chet on saxophone, they form The Doxas Brothers—a band with deep roots and a unique group sound that incorporates their collective experiences.

 

 

Track List:

 

1. Two’s a Crowd
2. A Time For Love
3. Wildcat
4. Caledon East
5. Snow Drift
6. Dancing on the Roof
7. Our Man Sam
8. The Wind Has A Name
9. Between Friends

 

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Pianist/Composer Walter Kemp 3 to release new recording - Black Whole Live" #jazz

Walter Kemp 3 - piano, rhodes, and viscount organ  Scott Tixier -violin  Brent Birckhead - alto sax, clarinet & flute  Rishon Odel - bass Allan Mednard - drums Release Date: January 26th, 2024

About the Recording We invite you to take a seat in preparation for a sonic dose of musical brilliance. The Walter Kemp 3 International Superband Black Whole's highly-anticipated first single is enjoying station play and offering tour-goers an unforgettably immersive sound experience. Mixed and mastered by Dave Darlington, this eclectic track experiments with diverse sonic exchanges and dynamic musical interplay. Pushing the boundaries of traditional instrumentals, the ensemble yields a sense of cosmic freewheeling. Kemp (piano, Rhodes, and Viscount organ), GRAMMY award-winning improvisational violinist Scott Tixier, maverick woodwind master Brent Birckhead on alto sax, clarinet and flute, bass prodigy Rishon Odel and Allan Mednard, (featured on NPR Tiny Desk June 28th) a NYC fixture on the percussion scene, add tonal richness to the group’s deconstructivist musical approach. To be clear, Black Whole is an attention-grabbing ensemble that's way ahead of its time. "Kemp leads “De Facto” in no uncertain terms. The 5-person unit locks tight, grabbing at the soulful fertility of the Earth below them; floor to the ether– It’s no wonder why the composition was selected to premiere the award-winning journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates’ literary debut at BABEL for The Water Dancer."  About Walter Kemp 3 Viscount-endorsed artist, Walter Kemp 3 credits his musical legacy to his father, a classical and gospel composer, who sparked Kemp's early interest in piano. Seeing and hearing his father's compositions performed at Carnegie Hall, opened Kemp's eyes to a world of music. He soon began studying classical piano. After a brief interest in drums, he gravitated toward jazz, continuing to play gospel organ. Lead composer/pianist for Black Whole, Kemp + the Reyvolation, and the Walter Kemp 3oh!, Kemp has won widespread critical acclaim for his compelling compositions, inventively exploring traditional chord progressions with unparalleled finesse. Recipient and winner of the highly-competitive Jazz Road Tours grant, he has collaborated with various musical legends, including the late Juini Booth and Rey Scott, of Sun-Ra’s Arkestra, as well as living legends like Bobby Militello, (Dave Brubeck), and Sabu Adeyola (Ahmad Jamal). As a highly-sought professional in the progressive music scene, Walter has served as Artistic Director for the Point9mile Collaborative, a partnership with Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, and Artistic Director of the CMC International Jazz Festival. He teaches jazz studies at Villa Maria College.

For more information visit: www.walterkemp3.com

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Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 100 - October 30, 2023 #jazz

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MILES DAVIS New Graphic Novel Biography "Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound" from Z2 Comics #jazz

MILES DAVIS New Graphic Novel Biography "Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound" from Z2 Comics Coming November 7th - PRE-ORDER HERE "This fierce and focused graphic biography of jazz legend Miles Davis (1926–1991) matches the spirit of its subject... It's an intoxicating introduction to a challenging genius." - Publishers Weekly "You don’t have to be a fan of Miles the man or musician to enjoy this book... A true feast for the eyes." - Jazz Journal

Z2 Comics is proud to announce Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound, an innovative and stunning exploration of the musical pioneer’s winding, exhilarating life and the intoxicating music that followed. The graphic novel will be released by Z2 Comics on November 7th, 2023. The graphic novel chronicles Davis’ journey from his childhood in Illinois to mastering jazz improvisation throughout the ’40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. These formative experiences led him to redefine the form again and again, culminating into the psychedelic frontiers of afro futurism throughout the ‘70s and beyond. Cartoonist Dave Chisholm, who received his doctorate in Jazz Trumpet from the Eastman School of Music, takes readers on a meticulously researched odyssey charting this dynamic figure’s musical evolution. Throughout, Chisholm centers on the one obsession threaded throughout Davis’ sprawling career: a restless search for the sound. A search that shattered and redefined the limits of what jazz—and music—could be. Featuring narration adapted from Davis’ own words and a shifting palette of visual styles that mirrors Davis’ famously varied oeuvre, this 150-page graphic novel follows Davis through four decades of musical innovation and ever-escalating obstacles. Chisholm frames the narrative around Davis’ recovery from a stroke in 1982. With Davis unable to play his trumpet, his medical team urged him to regain coordination by scratching out patterns and scribbles with a pencil on paper. From there, the story hurdles back in time to the icon’s quest to find a mysterious tone he once heard on a moonlit country road in his childhood. “Davis’ music has truly been a lifelong obsession of mine, inspiring me to pursue jazz trumpet in college and beyond—Sketches of Spain is the first music I ever remember hearing, and I even had the opportunity to perform all of the music he and Gil Evans did together at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy,” Chisholm explains. “Miles continually inspires me to pursue stylistic change as an artist, both visually and musically. This is the book I’ve always dreamt of creating; it’s the biggest honor of my professional life to be given this opportunity by the Davis family.” “Dave Chisholm has captured the struggle, the genius, and the complexity of Miles Davis in this book. Each page brings the energy of his music to life with the same kinetic fluidity of Miles’ compositions,” Z2 Editor-in-Chief Rantz Hoseley continues. “This is a powerful story that pulls you deep within, whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the lasting influence and innovation of this jazz icon.” Z2 Comics will release Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound on November 7th in standard hardcover and deluxe hardcover editions. The deluxe hardcover will be packaged with three art prints illustrated by Dave Chisholm and a limited-edition Miles Davis split 7” of Miles Runs The Voodoo Down and Spanish Key, with new art by Dave Chisholm. The Gold editions will be signed and numbered by Dave Chisholm and come with a set of accordion-style postcards with original paintings from Miles Davis and the split 7” of Miles Runs The Voodoo Down and Spanish Key will feature an exclusive colorway. Finally there will be only 10 of 10 Platinum editions of Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound and these will come with a 360° spinning Miles Davis Limited-Edition 3D sculpture, a Miles Davis T-shirt designed by Dave Chisholm and a split 7” of Miles Runs The Voodoo Down and Spanish Key on clear vinyl. Pre-order now at Z2 Comics. Cover Art and Additional Assets can be found HERE. DETAILS: Miles Davis Graphic Novel Deluxe    ISBN: 9798886561142 SRP: $100 Miles Davis Graphic Novel Hardcover    ISBN: 9798886560428 SRP: $40 TESTIMONIALS:

“An absolute masterpiece... This is an incredible experience from start to finish!” - Walter Smith III, acclaimed saxophonist and Blue Note Records recording artist “Dave Chisholm’s art and story are mesmerizing, well-researched, and pack the punch of a major motion picture. A sublime look at the master himself, Miles Davis.”  - Alex Segura, bestselling author of Secret Identity “Brilliant, bold, and groundbreaking… A beautifully revealing and human account of a jazz legend told through an ever-evolving sequential art style." - David Pepose, Ringo Award-winning writer

About Miles Davis Miles Davis made music with an uncanny talent to hear the future and a headstrong desire to play it. From his beginnings in the circle of modern jazz, he came to intuit new worlds of sound and challenge. While the vast majority of musicians – jazz, rock, R&B, otherwise – find the experimental charge and imperviousness of youth eventually running down, Miles forever forged ahead. In doing so, Miles became the standard bearer for successive generations of musicians, shaped the course of modern improvisational music more than a half-dozen times. About Dave Chisholm Dave Chisholm is a graphic novelist and musician currently living in Rochester, NY, where he received his doctorate in jazz trumpet from the Eastman School of Music in 2013. His expertise in music, as well as his formal inventiveness within the comics medium, has resulted in a string of critically-acclaimed music-centric graphic novels including Enter the Blue (2022, Z2 Comics), Chasin’ the Bird: Charlie Parker in California (2020, Z2 Comics), and the groundbreaking graphic novel + original soundtrack Instrumental (2017, Z2 Comics). In his newest work, Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound, Chisholm portrays the life of Miles Davis, one of his oldest musical heroes, in a kaleidoscopic array of visual styles that represent Davis’ famously varied oeuvre. Hailed by ComicsBeat as “one of the most exciting comic auteurs working in comics today,” Chisholm also has a passion for education and teaches comics and music at the Hochstein School and the Rochester Institute of Technology. In his free time, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife Elise. They are expecting their first child in July 2023.  About Z2 Comics  Recently dubbed the “Hottest brand in music” by Forbes, Z2 Comics has quickly become the premier destination for authentic graphic novels and collectibles, created in partnership with top-tier artists, musicians and pop-culture icons. Distributed globally via Simon & Schuster, Z2 has produced 50-plus unique graphic novel properties, collaborating with Gorillaz , Blondie, Elvis Presley, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Pantera, Tori Amos, Last Podcast On The Left, Emily Hampshire, Balmain Paris, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jason Derulo, The Grateful Dead, Machine Gun Kelly, Sublime, Beethoven, RZA, Mötley Crüe, Vince Staples, Cheech & Chong, The Doors, Anthrax, Public Enemy, Ronnie James Dio, King Diamond, All Time Low, Ivan Moody, Yungblud, Cypress Hill, Babymetal, Major Lazer, RZA, Alter Bridge, Sturgill Simpson, Poppy, John Lee Hooker, and Charlie “Bird” Parker. Learn more at Z2comics.com, and follow us on Instagram (@z2comics) and Twitter (@z2comics).

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Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 100 - October 23, 2023 #jazz

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Cuban Vocalist Estrella Acosta's new release "Tierra" "Songs By Cuban Women" has been Nominated For Latin GRAMMY®

“Estrella Acosta is one of the most versatile Antillean singers of our times.” – Luis Tamargo "it is the sheer poetry of the music and the lyricism of the renditions by Estrella Acosta that capture the imagination” – Raul Da Gama

About "Latin Grammy Nominated" Tierra: Amsterdam, September 20, 2023 – The new album ‘Tierra - Songs by Cuban Women’ by acclaimed Cuban vocalist Estrella Acosta is one of six contenders for a Latin GRAMMY® 2023 in the category Best Traditional Tropical Album. This nomination places her amongst top colleagues in her field of music. The vibrant and festive recording shines a spotlight on the female songwriters of the Cuban countryside, including Acosta's own captivating compositions. Drawing inspiration from the rich musical heritage of her motherland, 'Tierra' features songs that are deeply rooted in the music of the Cuban countryside. Estrella also provides her personal vision of this tradition, presenting three compositions that reflect her own experiences with music and poetry, including a poignant poem penned by her mother. The album showcases modern and adventurous arrangements, highlighting Estrella's artistic versatility. Through her exceptional talent and creative collaboration with the musicians of her band, Esquina 25, Estrella has crafted 'Tierra' into an album with a distinctive character. The album seamlessly blends elements of improvisation and jazzy solos with a deep respect for the Cuban rhythmic tradition. It also incorporates Latin American rhythms, resulting in a fusion that exudes the flavors of Caribbean and South American roots. Reflecting on her Cuban upbringing, Estrella Acosta shares, "The smell of mangos and guavas brings back memories of my childhood and reminds me of the sound of Cuban country music playing on the radio. Now, I pay tribute to the rich musical heritage of Cuban country music, and especially to the talented women who have given us the gift of their songs." 'Tierra' features an ensemble of accomplished musicians hailing from different countries, including Cuba, Venezuela, Uruguay, Germany, and The Netherlands. Together, they create a unique blend of creative voices that elevates the album to new heights. The album showcases the remarkable talents of Marc Bischoff on piano, Efraim Trujillo on saxes/flute, Samuel Ruiz on double bass, Enrique Firpi on drums, and Estrella Acosta on vocals. Additionally, notable guest artists Gerardo Rosales on percussion and Alberto Caicedo on vocals contribute their exceptional artistry to the record. The compositions by Celina González, Radeunda Lima, Sara González, Irina González, and Estrella Acosta are brought to life through brilliant arrangements by Marc Bischoff, Jesús Hernández, Carlitos Irarragorri, and Michael Simon.

About Estrella Acosta: Cuban born vocalist Estrella Acosta is an accomplished and versatile singer-songwriter. Though she never stopped singing the folk songs of her motherland, she is equally at home embracing various Brazilian and jazz idioms. With her warm earthy voice she creates an energetic yet intimate and personal style, rooted in the sounds of her native Cuba. She has left a travel footprint that truly makes her a citizen of the world. After completing a degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, she set out to pursue her musical dreams in a journey that took her to Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, New York City and, finally, Amsterdam, where she now resides. Estrella has recorded six albums and a single for the label eStar which have won international acclaim. Her debut album of original music was 'Navegando de la Habana a Rio' (1996), followed by 'Alma Guajira - Cuban Country Songs' (2003), nominated for an Edison (Dutch Grammy). Her third and fourth albums featuring her Latin jazz quintet were 'Esquina 25' (2013) and 'Mujeres de Luna - Songs by Cuban Women Composers' (2017), with special guests Orlando 'Maraca' Valle and Horacio 'El Negro' Hernández. In August 2020 she released 'Noche Cubana', a return to her traditional Cuban roots featuring Carlitos Irarragorri on tres. 'Tierra’ (2023), her new album released April 21, features songs by female songwriters from the countryside of Cuba as well as her own compositions. Estrella has been a featured artist in several more albums. She was invited to bandoneon-player Carel Kraayenhof's project ‘Memorias de Cuba’, which included a CD recording for Universal Records and live concerts at a.o. Amsterdam's Concertgebouw with the Metropole Orchestra. In 2015 she sang with an all star cast in a bilingual children's album produced by Ben Gundersheimer (a.k.a. Mister G) called 'Los Animales'. This album won a Latin GRAMMY. Her festival appearances include the North Sea Jazz Festival, Curaçao Jazz Festival, Madison World Music Festival, World Music Chicago, Sunfest and Small Music Festival in Canada, and the Jazz Plaza Festival in Havana. Estrella has performed with many great musicians, including Toninho Horta, Craig Handy, Edy Martinez, Leo Amuedo, and Jovino Santos Neto. In the Netherlands, she fronts ’Esquina 25’, a band of top international musicians who have participated throughout the years in her various projects.

For more information about Estrella Acosta and 'Tierra', visit www.estrellaacosta.com

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"Hope" abounds: R&B/jazz saxophonist Jeff Ryan reteams with two-time Grammy winner Paul Brown for the inspiring new single #jazz

After the events that unfolded on the world stage last week, we could all use hope. Billboard chart-topping saxophonist Jeff Ryan teams with two-time Grammy winner Paul Brown on “Where There’s Hope,” a soothing and uplifting R&B/jazz single released by Woodward Avenue Records that began collecting playlist adds on Monday (October 16).

 

“Where There’s Hope” builds on the chemistry created between Ryan and Brown during the recording sessions for the saxman’s 2021 collection, “Duality.” From the opening notes, Ryan’s horns – he plays both tenor and soprano saxes on the single - engages in encouraging banter with Brown’s spirited electric guitar. Loosely tethered to a midtempo groove anchored by Gorden Campbell’s drums and Roberto Vally’s bass and percussion, the optimistic and impassioned sax and guitar dialogue is an equitable exchange unfolding amidst inviting melodies and warm harmonies crafted by Mark Etheredge’s keyboards and Shane Theriot’s rhythm guitar.      

 

“Working with Paul always puts one at ease. His playing brought so much life to this track and I’m very proud of the interaction between my sax and his guitar,” said the San Francisco-based Ryan.

 

Ryan is a very physical sax player, bringing founts of emotion, passion and urgency to his horn work. Whether he’s belting out empowering affirmations on his tenor or dispensing compassionate caresses through his soprano sax, his play on “Where There’s Hope” is lyrically expressive.     

 

“The title really stands for when challenges come into our lives, to look for the positives that are all around us so that we can make a better future. At this point in my career, my goal is to really show the truest image of myself. No matter all the challenges, the goal is to stay true to the exceptional vision and make that a reality,” said Ryan, who wrote “Where There’s Hope” with Brown, Etheredge and Vally.

 

Ryan’s 2018 debut album, “Embrace,” which paired him with hitmaking producer-songwriter-keyboardist Greg Manning, earned him JazzTrax’s Breakout Artist honors and Smooth Jazz Network’s Debut Artist of the Year title. The Bay Area musician was named Billboard’s Artist of the Year in 2020 and his 2021 single, “Sentimental Soul,” was Billboard’s Song of the Year. The “Duality” album highlights Ryan collaborating with smooth/contemporary jazz royalty - Brown, Manning, multiple Grammy nominee Darren Rahn and 13-time Billboard chart-topping guitarist Adam Hawley. In the five years since his debut, Ryan has already notched five Billboard No. 1 singles. “Where There’s Hope” bodes to continue Ryan’s hot streak. 

 

“Here’s to a better life with a strong focus on passion, love, fitness and finesse.”

 

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

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Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 100 - October 16, 2023 #jazz

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