Upcoming Jazz Releases | 7/24/07

Acker Bilk - Platinum Collection ( )
Anthony Braxton - Vancouver Duets (Music & Arts Program )
Anthony Braxton - Braxton At The Leipzig Gewandhaus (Music & Arts Programs of America )
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Buhaina's Delight (Salt Peanuts ) - DVD-Video
Billie Holiday - Fine And Mellow (Kings Road )
Charles Mingus - Sound Of Love (Kings Road )
Chet Baker - Sessioni In Italia (Kings Road )
Chick Corea - Selected Recordings (Universal )
Chiquinho - Vamos Festejar (Columbia )
Christian Wallumrod - Zoo Is Too Far (ECM Records (USA) )
Christian Wallumrod Ensemble - The Zoo Is Far (Ecm )
Cool Covers - Vol. 6-Cool Covers-Reggae Meets 06 (Universal )
Cool Covers - Vol. 7-Cool Covers-Reggae Meets 06 (Universal )
Count Basie - Complete 1952-1956: Small Group Studio Recordings (+5 Bonus Tracks) (Jazz Connection )
Dave Brubeck / Paul Desmond - Take Five (Salt Peanuts ) - DVD-Video
Deanna Kirk - Beautyway (Fractal Ent)
Dennis Gonzales - Catechism (Music & Arts )
Derrick Barnett - Me My Bass & I (Canyon )
Dick Morrissey - Here & Now & Sounding Good (Universal/Mercury )
Django Festival 5 - Django Festival 5 (Hot Club / Norway )
Eberhard Weber - Stage Of A Long Journey (ECM Records (USA))
Eberhard Weber - Stages Of A Long Journey (Universal)
Elephant Man - Let's Get Physical (JVC Victor )
Elephant Man - Let's Get Physical (+1 Bonus Track) (JVC Victor )
Elevators - Linoleum (Odor Recor )
Ella Fitzgerald - It A'Int Over (Kings Road )
Ellis / Plimley / Robins - Density Of The L Ovestruck Demons (Music & Arts )
Erik Truffaz (Quartet) - Arkhangelsk (Limited Edition) (EMI)
Essential Blue - Essential Blue-A New Conception Of (EMI )
Fredrik Kronkvist Quartet - Ignition (Creative V )
Frode Haltli - Passing Images (Ecm )
Gabby Hawaiian Band Pahinui - V.1 (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Sony )
Gabby Pahinui - Gabby (Columbia )
Gabby Pahinui - Vol. 1-Hawaiian Band (Columbia )
Gabby Pahinui - Vol. 2-Hawaiian Band (Columbia )
Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band - V.1 (Sony )
Gerry Mulligan - Darn That Dream (Salt Peanuts ) - DVD-Video
Glenn Horiuchi / Joseph Jarman / Francis Wong - Pachinko Dream Track 10 (Music & Arts Programs of America )
Island Vibes For Lounge - Island Vibes For Lounge (Canyon )
Jan Garbarek - Selected Recordings (Universal )
Jane Bunnett Quintet - Live At Sweet Basil (Music & Arts Programs of America )
Jazz At The Philharmonic 1956 / With Book - Jazz At The Philharmonic 1956 / With Book (Fresh Sounds Records )
Jazz Quintet 60 - Presenting Jazz Quintet 60 (Universal/Fontana )
Jazz Quintet 60 - Presenting Jazz Quintet 60 (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Universal/Fontana )
Joe Fonda - In The Wish (Music & Arts )
Joel Rosenberg - This Is Our Lunch (Music & Arts )
John Coltrane - Our Favorite Coltrane (Kings Road )
John Jensen - Treasury Of Mainstream Jazz Piano - John Jensen Plays Your Favorites (Music & Arts Programs of America )
John Lee Hooker - Rock House Boogie (Laserlight )
Keith Jarrett - Selected Recordings (Universal )
Klaus Ignatzek - Songs We Dig (Nagel-Heyer Germany )
Kohala & Friends - Acoustic Island With Aloha Street (EMI )
Lonnie Jordan - War Stories (Fantasy Records (USA) )
Love Hula - Love Hula (EMI )
Lovisa - That Girl! (EMI )
Machan - Motion Of Love (Warlock Records )
Machito Archestra - Fireworks (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Bomba Records )
Marc Antoine - Hi-Lo Spirit (Peak Records)
Marc Antoine - Hi-Lo Split (Peak Records)
Matt Shulman - So It Goes (RNB Entertainment Group )
Mccoy Tyner - Today & Tomorrow (Impulse! Records (Australia) )
Miles Davis - Miles Better (Kings Road )
Miroslav Vitous - Universal Syncopations II (ECM Records (USA) )
Musique Dessinee - Vol. 2-Musique Dessinee-Samba Nova (Vivid )
Musique Dessinee - Vol 2-Musique Dessinee-Samba Nova (Vivid )
Nat King Cole - World War II Transcriptions (Music & Arts Programs of America )
Os Mutantes - Everything Is Possible (V2 Records (UK) )
Paul Gonsalves (Quartet) - Boom-Jackie-Boom-Chick (Universal )
Pete Rugolo & His Orchestra - Exploring New Sounds (Fresh Soun )
Peter Moon (Band) - Cane Fire (Sony )
Peter Moon Band - Cane Fire (Columbia )
Pilioha - Pilioha (Canyon )
Pim Jacobs & Ruud - Jacobs Brothers In Jazz (Universal/Fontana )
Preservation Hall Jazz Band - Made In New Orleans (Preservation Hall Recordings )
Preservation Hall Jazz Band - Made In New Orleans (Limited Edition) (Preservation Hall Recordings )
Ray Lema - Paradox (Pid)
Reggae Juice - Raggae Juice -Metro Media Vibes Of U (Pid)
Renaja - That Lady (Vivid )
Richie Barshay - Homework (Ayva Music )
Ronnie Ross - Cleopatra's Needle (Universal/Fontana )
Sally Street - Little Evil Me (Newmarket )
Santana - Hymn for Peace: Live at Montreux 2004 (RED) - DVD-Video
Sarah Vaughan - Sophisticate Lady (Kings Road )
Scott Fields - Disaster At Sea (Music & Arts )
Sidney Bechet - Paris Jazz Concert (Delta Music Ltd. (UK) )
Sons Of Hawaii - Sons Of Hawaii (Columbia )
Stephen Dembski - Sonotropism (Music & Arts Programs of America )
Sunday Manoa - Sunday Manoa V.3 (Sony )
Sunday Manoa - Sunday Manoa V.3 (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Sony )
Teitelbaum Braxton - Live At Merkin Hall (Music & Arts )
Tricky Low Loc & DJBF - AfterDark (Beatworkz Music)
U-Nam - Back From The 80's (Virtuoso)
Various Artists - Best Of New York Sessions: Volume 1 (Telarc )
Various Artists - Image Saudade Bossa Breeze (Sony )
Various Artists - Nu Jazz (EMI )
Various Artists - Mellow Jazz (Mode )
Various Artists - Parallel Lines (Music & Arts Programs of America )
Various Artists - Art Of Jazz Piano (Delta Music Ltd. (Germany) )
Various Artists - Smooth Sounds:Jazz Evening (Kings Road )
Walter Wanderley - Hammond Bossa From Brasil (Universal/Verve )
Webster Lewis - In Norway : Club 7 Live Tapes (Bia )
Xavier Rudd - White Moth (+1 Bonus Track) (Sony )







Alain Bashung - Jazz Time: Palais De Chaillot Mar 29 1960 Olympia May 5 1962 (Laserlight )
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers (Delta Music Ltd. (UK) )
Art Ensemble Of Chicago - Selected Recordings (24 Bit Remastered) (Universal )
Art Ensemble Of Chicago - Selected Recordings (Jpn LP Sleeve) (24 Bit Remastered) (Universal )
Bill Frisell - Selected Recordings (24 Bit Remastered) (Universal )
Billie Holiday - Strange Fruit (Jazz World)
Bobo Stenson - Selected Recordings (24 Bit Remastered) (Universal )
Brecker Brothers - Back To Back (Arista )
Brecker Brothers - Detente (Arista )
Brecker Brothers - Heavy Metal Be-Bop (Arista )
Brecker Brothers - Straphangin' (Arista )
Brecker Brothers - Brecker Bros (Arista )
Brecker Brothers - Don't Stop The Music (Arista )
Charlie Palmieri - Electro Duro (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Bomba Records )
Charlie Palmieri - Impulsos (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Bomba Records )
Clarke-Boland Big Band - Clarke Boland Big Band (Delta Music Ltd. (UK) )
Count Basie - Wartime Transcriptions (Music & Arts )
Dick Morrissey (Quartet) - Here & Now & Sounding Good (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Universal/Mercury )
Dizzy Gillespie - Dizzy Gillespie (Centurion)
Duke Ellington - Duke Ellington (Pid)
Duke Ellington - Jazz Time: Alhambra Oct 29 1958 (Laserlight (Germany) )
Egberto Gismonti - Selected Recordings (24 Bit Remastered) (Universal )
Ella Fitzgerald - Signature (Green Umbrella )
Ella Fitzgerald - Very Best Of The Harold Arlen Songbook (Verve (USA) )
Ella Fitzgerald - Very Best Of The Irving Berlin Songbook (Verve (USA) )
Ella Fitzgerald - The Very Best Of The Harold Arlen Songbook (Verve (USA) )
Ella Fitzgerald - The Very Best Of The Irving Berlin Songbook (Verve (USA) )
Eric Dolphy - So Long Eric (Salt Peanuts ) - DVD-Video
Frank Sinatra - Sinatra Swings (Delta Music Ltd. (Germany) )
Gabby Pahinui - Gabby (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Sony )
Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band - V.1 (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Sony )
Gary Burton - Selected Recordings (24 Bit Remastered) (Universal )
Gerry Mulligan - Olympia Oct 6th, 1962 (Laserlight )
Glenn Miller - Signature (Green Umbrella )
Glenn Miller - Jazz Collection (Delta Music Ltd. (Germany) )
Hank Jones - Stardust (Canyon )
Herbie Hancock - Rock Your Soul (Kings Road)
Herbie Hancock - Rockit (Delta #1 )
Jackie Mclean & Miles Davis - Complete Studio Sessions (Jazz Connc)
Jim Hall / Sonny Rollins - Bridge (Salt Peanuts ) - DVD-Video
Jimmy Giuffre - Jimmy Giuffre (Laserlight )
Keith Jarrett - Love Ship (Salt Peanuts ) - DVD-Video
Lee Konitz - Very Cool (Universal )
Lee Konitz - With Strings/An Image (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Universal )
Lee Konitz - Meets Jimmy Giuffre (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Universal )
Lee Konitz - You And Lee (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Universal )
Lee Konitz - Motion (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Universal )
Lee Konitz (Quartet) - Tranquility (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Universal )
Lionel Hampton - Lionel Hampton (Centurion)
Lionel Hampton - Olympia, Mar 25th, 1961/Oct 5th, 1966 (Laserlight (Germany) )
Louis Armstrong - Signature (Green Umbrella )
Louis Armstrong - Olympia Apr 24th, 1962 (Delta Music Ltd. (UK) )
Miles Davis - Miles Davis (Platnium)
Modern Jazz Quartet - Django (Fantasy)
Oscar Peterson - Reunion Blues ( ) - DVD-Video
Oscar Peterson - Oscar Peterson Trio (Delta Music Ltd. (UK) )
Oscar Peterson - Jazz Time: Apr 25 & 26 1964 - Mar 20 1965 (Laserlight )
Pat Metheny - Selected Recordings (24 Bit Remastered) (Universal )
Pat Moran - Complete Trio Sessions (Fresh Sound)
Paul Gonsalves (Quartet) - Boom-Jackie-Boom-Chick (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Universal )
Peter Moon (Band) - Cane Fire (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Sony )
Pim Jacobs & Ruud - Jacobs Brothers In Jazz (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Universal/Fontana )
Ray Charles - Deluxe Collection ( )
Ronnie Ross - Cleopatra's Needle (Jpn LP Sleeve) (Universal/Fontana )
Shirley Horne - Live at the Village Vanguard (Image) - DVD-Video
Stephane Grappelli - Salle Pleyel Mar 29th 1983 (Laserlight )
Sunday Manoa - Cracked Seed (Columbia )
Sunday Manoa - Vol. 3-Sunday Manoa (Columbia )
Terje Rypdal - Selected Recordings (24 Bit Remastered) (Universal )
Thelonious Monk - And His Quartet (Laserlight )
Thelonious Monk - Jazz Time: Olympia Mar 6 1965 (Laserlight

Our thanks to:

New release information provided by allaboutjazz.com
The Upcoming Release Center at allaboutjazz.com is the most comprehensive new release listing for jazz music on the internet.
The information is updated biweekly by John Kelman

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Raul Midón | "A World Within A World" EPK

See related post at JazzHQ by clicking here

New Album From "Major New Talent" (NY Daily News) Set For September 25 Release On Manhattan/EMI

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Jazz Guitarist Marc Antoine to Release Peak Records Debut

On July 24th 2007, Peak Records will release Hi-Lo Split, the genre-spanning full length album from leading contemporary jazz guitarist Marc Antoine. A respected and admired classically trained French contemporary jazz guitarist, Marc Antoine's style transcends several genres including jazz, classical and urban.

Hi-Lo Split, named after the poker game, is Antoine's eighth full-length release and first for Peak Records (Concord Music Group). Among the 11 songs on Hi-Lo Split is a cover of the Classic IV's 40- year-old hit single, “Spooky.” Other song titles include “For A Smile,” “Silk & Steel” and “Tomorrow”.

Antoine has always been known for his unique compositions and incredible playing style. Now living in Madrid, the music reflects his many world influences and is evident in several tracks including the title track “Hi-Lo Split” and “Groovin' High.”

Hi-Lo Split is 11 tracks of astonishing guitar work that has a worldwide appeal to guitar and music fans across many genres and is available in stores & online July 24th, 2007.

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Raul Midón Digs Deeper And Finds "A World Within A World"

New Album From "Major New Talent" (NY Daily News) Set For September 25 Release On Manhattan/EMI

Raul Midón is known for creating his own unique musical world where soul, pop and latin music converge, and his “percussive guitar syncopations and supple, high-flying tenor” (NY Times) run free. On September 25, he’ll reveal ‘A World Within A World’ with his second album for Manhattan/EMI.

‘A World Within A World’ features ten new songs, all written or co-written by Midón. Midón announces his new intentions within the first few bars of the album opener ‘Pick Somebody Up,’ adding clipped strings, electric piano, and hip-hop breaks to his signature style. The result is his catchiest song to date. Elsewhere Midón adds electric guitar, drums, woodwinds and myriad latin percussion instruments to the mix. And yet, he takes the opposite approach on the long-time audience favorite ‘Aint Happened Yet,” a winking look at the starving artist’s life, which he strips down to an a capella rant.

The album’s title comes from a line in the song “Tembererana,” a lullingly evocative ballad, and one of the album’s centerpieces. The word is one of Midón’s own construction, referring to an imaginary world he conjured as a child. On the next tune “Song for Sandra,” Midón takes what appears to be a bitter break-up song and turns it into something else entirely with a single word.

‘World’ was recorded in New York City, and produced by Joe Mardin, who also co-produced Midón’s acclaimed 2005 debut ‘State of Mind’ with his father, Arif Mardin. ‘State of Mind’ would mark the final production credit for the senior Mardin, who passed away in 2006 after a career that spanned five decades.

‘State of Mind’ was hailed by People Magazine as “one of the years most exciting debuts,” and prompted multiple world tours for Midón, both as a headliner and opening for the likes of India Arie, Jamie Collum and Jason Mraz.. He also logged several television performances including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman, the latter of which has been viewed over 380,000 times on YouTube

"A World Within A World" [WMP] EPK
"A World Within A World" [QuickTime] EPK
"A World Within A World" [Real] EPK

Raul Midon on the web:
MySpace
raulmidon.com

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Rick Braun - Richard Elliot | R n R

When Rick Braun and Richard Elliot formed their contemporary jazz record label, it was a sure bet that the sights and sounds heard from it would be designed to entertain and amaze the legions of fans who have followed their careers since Braun's days with War and Elliot's days with Tower of Power. This revelation is clearly emphasized on their first label collaboration, titled RnR. The music here is stylistically different from the songs they played back in the '70s, yet it flows from their collective musical minds like a natural extension with the same elements of spontaneity, soul, and sex appeal. Each tune is based on a particular rhythmical feel or texture: shuffle, boogaloo, Latin, funk, even 20th century cool and bebop colors. Opening with the title track, "RnR," the ensemble delivers an energetic jam filled with potent beats and horn charts that smoke in unison. "Sweet Somethin'" is a cool jazz gem that features Braun's refined trumpet talk in a conversation with Elliot's sensual saxophone. Braun calls, Elliot responds, and they stylistically bow with more than a nod to the groove. This song is sweet and hot. "The Stranger" is an exotic burner that features the vamp from "Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets." With their smoldering riffs improvised around the potent melody, this song is both familiar and fresh. The smash hit "São Paulo" makes its physical debut on this disc, having been a bonus download for fans visiting the artist's website. Breezy and romantic, its Brazilian jazz flavors spice up the act and will have you chillin' in its tropical ambience. With great performances emanating from both Braun and Elliot, RnR is exciting and lively, yet warm, sexy, and mellow. It is in this experimental way that you begin to grasp the depth of their combined signature sounds and the impact it will have on their devoted and new fans alike. Highly recommended.

by Paula Edelstein - allmusic.com

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RIAA Forced to Pay Defendant Lawyer Fees

The RIAA has been ordered to pay over $68,000 in attorney fees for an Oklahoma woman who won a piracy case against the music industry organization in July of last year.

Judge Lee West had called RIAA disingenuous in its motives to attempt to get out of paying the fees earlier this year after the case was dismissed and ruled in the woman's favor. In total, the RIAA will be responsible for $68,685.23 in fees.

The RIAA had first filed suit against Debbie Foster in November 2004, later adding her daughter Amanda Foster as a co-defendant. The group alleged that the Foster family had downloaded copyright music from the Internet illegally.

Debbie Foster denied any wrongdoing and chose to fight the RIAA, which later amended their suit to accuse her of "secondary copyright infringement" as the Internet service on which the files were downloaded was in her name.

West disagreed with the record industry's claims and dismissed the suit, ruling that Debbie Foster was eligible for attorney's fees. RIAA lawyers attempted to argue that she could have avoided the case and therefore wasn't eligible for the fees, but West again sided with the Fosters.

"Throughout the course of this litigation the plaintiffs have alleged that had the defendant appropriately assisted their copyright infringement investigation and litigation, she could have avoided being sued," West wrote in the 14-page decision.

"The Court has rejected this argument on numerous occasions and declines to entertain it yet again."

The awarding of attorney's fees is believed to be the first infringement case lost by RIAA where the defendant has successfully recovered legal costs for fighting the organization.

RIAA representatives argued that this was not a new trend in the piracy cases it is fighting, saying it does all it can to identify the correct defendant before pursuing legal action.

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

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Kirk Whalum Hits On 'Ultimate' Disc

A 12-track collection of favorite recording by saxophonist Kirk Whalum will soon be available. Ultimate Kirk Whalum is due on the Mosaic Contemporary label on August 14th, and features material from his 16-CD career.

Included on the set are several of his Number One smooth jazz singles, including "My All" and "Now 'Til Forever," as well as his inspirational material and tunes from his 2006 CD, The Babyface Songbook.

Whalum is not only a solo recording artist, but he has enjoyed collaborative projects with other artists and has served as a studio session player for vocalists such as Whitney Houston and Luther Vandross. He explained: "I've been on a sort of alternating path lately where I'll do some of my own things and then I'll do another record where it's just totally for the listener. So no, I like the idea. It's sort of like, you don't always have to be the quarterback. I think that's really part of my nature to sort of step aside."

Whalum's next studio album is titled Round Trip, which is due on Rendezvous Entertainment on August 28th.

By: Janine Coveney

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Smooth Jazz Chart | Week Ended 7/16/07

LW - TW - Artist - Album - (Label)
2 - 1 - Euge Groove - "Born 2 Groove" - (Narada/Blue Note)
1 - 2 - Norman Brown - "Stay With Me" - (Peak)
3 - 3 - Boney James - "Shine" - (Concord)
4 - 4 - Paul Brown - "White Sand" - (Peak)
8 - 5 - Nils - "Ready To Play" - (Baja/TSR)
5 - 6 - Four80East - "En Route" - (Native Language)
6 - 7 - Brian Bromberg - "Downright Upright" - (Artistry)
7 - 8 - Paul Taylor - "Ladies' Choice" - (Peak)
11 - 9 - Keiko Matsui - "Moyo" - (Shout Factory)
10 - 10 - Kim Waters - "You Are My Lady" - (Shanachie)

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

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North Sea Jazz Cruise Day 6: History, Hucksters And Hancock On The High Seas

'Twas a good day to be a captive audience.

The first of two days entirely at sea marked Day 6 of the inaugural North Sea Jazz Cruise, an 11-day voyage through Scandinavia aboard Holland America Line's 1,316-passenger flagship Rotterdam. Keeping consistent with some shakedown aspects of the first-time voyage, last-second scheduling changes were announced around 9 a.m., with an afternoon jazz history presentation moved to the first event of the day at 10 a.m. in the Queen's Lounge where the headline concerts are playing.

Note:

The report by By Mark Sabbatini from allaboutjazz.com continues. Click here for day 6. Click here for day 5. Cllick here for day 4. Click here for day 2-3, and for day 1, click here.

Review Courtesy AllAboutJazz.com


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Webcasters Get Royalties Reprieve

SoundExchange has temporarily agreed not to enforce the webcast performance royalties set to go into effect on July 15, according to the SaveNetRadio Coalition. SaveNetRadio was formed after the Copyright Royalty Board announced new, higher performance royalties on March 2 -- rates most webcasters say would all but bankrupt their industry. SaveNetRadio said on its Web site, "Congress and SoundExchange have heard loud and clear the amazing outpouring of support for Internet radio from webcasters, listeners and the thousands of artists they support. A commitment has been made to negotiate reasonable royalties, recognizing the industry's long-term value and its still-developing revenue potential. During negotiations, SoundExchange committed temporarily not to enforce the new royalty rates so webcasters can stay online as new rates are agreed upon." SaveNetRadio continues to encourage Net-radio listeners to contact lawmakers in support of the Internet Radio Equality Act, which would set aside the CRB rate increase and set a transitional royalty rate of 7.5% of revenue for 2006-2010.

By Brida Connolly - radioandrecords.com

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Marcus Johnson Springs From The Pyre With The Phoenix

Highly-anticipated New CD Set For July 17 Release; Preview At www.threekeys.com

DC-based Musician Formed Label With BET's Bob Johnson

Popular in various cultures, the ancient myth of The Phoenix has long been associated with triumph over adversity. With the impending July 17 release of his tenth album, musician mogul Marcus Johnson - the accomplished pianist, live performer and ambitious businessman - springs forth from the pyre with his latest triumph: more great music for those with fine taste.

Johnson's long-awaited studio album, titled The Phoenix, celebrates his spirit of love, faith and making it happen. His 11 new, urban grooves of contemporary jazz, R&B, and hip-hop are dedicated to his decade-long musical foray.

The Phoenix, his first major recording since 2004, features collaborations with former Columbia Records vocalist Frank McCombs, the "New Sax Sensation" Phillip Martin and Mohemm's Tony Hemmings as well as a cover of Jive Recording artist Raheem DeVaughn's smash hit 'Believe'. Currently one of smooth jazz radio's most popular new discs The Phoenix is Johnson's best work to date; critics and fans alike are applauding.

Carol Archer of Radio and Records says the CD's first captivating release "The Road to Los Suenos" is "intoxicating and sure to invigorate smooth jazz play lists. Man, can he play."

"It definitely has his urban sound," says Bonnie Schendell of the Internet music magazine Smoothviews.

In the past two weeks, the single has been the most added new song on smooth jazz stations across the country, including Washington D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, Baltimore, Hartford, Birmingham, Little Rock and Salt Lake City and on satellite radio heavyweights XM and Sirius.

Through a newly-inked deal with Koch Entertainment Distribution, the CD will be available domestically and internationally through traditional retail outlets and online sites including iTunes, Zune and Walmart.com.

In support of the CD's release, Johnson has scheduled 30 public and private performances in the next 30 days - nightclubs, festivals and conventions; he's truly ascended to the title of "hardest working man in show business."

Johnson's Washington D.C. metro area performances include:

* July 6 at the Gallery Lounge in Silver Spring, 1115 East West Highway, 7 p.m.

* July 12 at the Renaissance "M" Street Hotel, 1143 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 6:30 p.m.

* July 13 - 15 Blues Alley Jazz Club, 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. each night

* July 14 at Barnes and Noble, 3040 M Street NW, 2 p.m.

* July 26 at the Gallery Lounge in Silver Spring, 1115 East West Highway, 7 p.m.


About Marcus Johnson
For the past ten years, the keyboard maestro has been a fixture on jazz and adult contemporary radio and a regular at the hottest jazz festivals and venues including The Capital Jazz Festival, St. Lucia Jazz Festival, Huntington Beach Jazz and Washington's famed Kennedy Center and Blues Alley, building a loyal following of smooth music connoisseurs around the world.

A graduate of Howard and Georgetown universities with an undergraduate degree in music, a Masters in Business Administration and Juris Doctor of Law, Johnson co-founded his Washington D.C.-based label, Three Keys Music, in 2002 with Robert Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) and owner of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.

Three Keys features several state-of-the-art recording studios and produces, distributes (with Koch) and promotes adult, urban, contemporary and jazz music.

"I've been blessed," Johnson says. "This is a tough, crazy business and despite the consolidation, setbacks and other obstacles, we've enjoyed a semblance of success and God's grace. I'm thankful, and will always be".

Johnson's fans are hoping to not block their blessing either: that is to enjoy the music while they watch the rise of The Phoenix.

blacknews.com

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Walter Beasley | "Ready for Love"

For Walter Beasley, the journey began in the 1970s with recordings by Grover Washington Jr. and the dynamic duo of Robert Flack and Donny Hathaway. The former opened his mind and ears to the boundless world of the saxophone. The latter offered Hathaway’s voice as an icon for inspiration. With a nod to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “That’s the Way of the World,” Beasley, barely into his teens, started on his path toward musical paradise.

On Ready for Love, Beasley calls on a host of session musicians and vocalists to deliver an album that’s part smooth jazz, part R&B and all good. With Tiffany Davis providing the vocals, the album opens with a charming cover of Deniece Williams’ “Free.” His alto sax leads on the melody while Davis delivers wordless background vocals and joins him on the chorus. Beasley adds his voice, singing lead, on the cover of William DeVaughan’s “Be Thankful for What You’ve Got.” In some circles, the title isn’t as well known as the refrain: “Diamond in the back, sunroof top, diggin’ the scene with a gangster lean.” With Beasley’s falsetto, this track is as good as the original.

The title song is an upbeat groove that features Pieces of a Dream’s James Lloyd on keyboards, piano and programming. Eddie Baccus Jr. joins the duo, playing background saxophone. “Ready for Love” is one of eight original songs, including “Why Not,” which was written by Lloyd. Beasley is perhaps at his best on “Rhea’s Song,” a ballad which features Phil Davis on keyboards and keyboard programming, Lil’ John Roberts on drums and drum programming, and Rick Watford on guitar. Beasley’s alto is given a strenuous but elegant workout.

The titles alone make two other Beasley originals worth a listen. The first is “Sugar Puddin’,” named for an old Southern term of endearment that’s seldom heard these days. It’s one of several tracks that feature Beasley on soprano sax. The second is the closing number, “Willa Mae’s Place,” a tribute to Willa Mae Brothers, who gave him some guidance when he was a student at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Generally, drum programs detract from otherwise good music. Not so on Ready for Love. One difference is Roberts and other drummers who appear on various tracks. Another is that the songwriting, the cover arrangements and Beasley’s leads are more than enough to overcome the shortcomings of artificial percussive sounds. Whether singing or playing saxophones, Beasley gives a strong performance throughout, proving that he’s ready for prime time and Ready for Love.

By Woodrow Wilkins
Visit Walter Beasley on the web.
Walter Beasley at All About Jazz.
Review Courtesy AllAboutJazz.com

Track Listing: Free; La Nina; Be Thankful for What You’ve Got; Ready for Love; Rhea’s Song; She Moves Me; Miss You; Land of the Sun; Sugar Puddin’; Why Not You; Willa Mae’s Place.

Personnel: Walter Beasley: alto saxophone (1, 3-7, 10), vocals (2, 7, 11), keyboards (3), soprano saxophone (2, 8-9, 11); Phil Davis: keyboards (1-2, 5), keyboard programming (5); Lil’ John Roberts: drums (1-2, 5), drum programming (2, 5); Rick Watford: guitar (1, 5), acoustic guitar (2); Joel Powell: bass (1-2); Tiffany Davis: vocals (1); David “Pookie” Cole: drum programming (3); Jeff Lockhart: guitar (3, 9, 11); Webster Roach: bass, (3); James Lloyd: piano, keyboards, programming (4, 10); Eddie Baccus Jr.: background saxophone (4, 10); Orville Wright: keyboards (6, 9, 11); Anthony Steele: drums (6, 9, 11); Wayne Jones: guitar (6); Winston Maccow: bass (6, 9, 11); Ricardo Monzon: percussion (6, 9, 11); Milton Smith: background vocals, drums (7); J.T. Brown: background vocals, bass (7); Lenny Harris: background vocals (7); Randy Choice: keyboards (7); Tony Cothran: guitar (7); Mike Friend: percussion (7); Quim Quer: keyboards, programming (8); Dow Brain: keyboards (9).

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