“City Lights: The Oscar Peterson Quartet – Live in Munich, 1994” | Coming Nov. 15th, 2024 | LISTEN!

Mack Avenue Music Group/Two Lions Announce
City Lights: The Oscar Peterson Quartet – Live in Munich, 1994
Out November 15th

Album Captures Concert Following His Recovery From a Stroke

October 11, 2024: Today, Mack Avenue Music Group / Two Lions announced City Lights: The Oscar Peterson Quartet – Live in Munich, 1994, out November 15th. City Lights beautifully captures one of Oscar Peterson‘s first concerts after he suffered a stroke during a performance the year prior that rendered his left hand useless. Following a year of recovery and rehabilitation, Peterson took the stage in Munich to prove to his collaborators, fans, and himself that the title “Maharajah of the Keyboard” bestowed on him by Duke Ellington still rang true. The recording features Peterson with an all-star band including Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (bass), Lorne Lofsky (guitar) and Martin Drew (drums). The announcement comes with the first single “City Lights.”

Considered one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Oscar Peterson released over 200 recordings, won seven GRAMMY® Awards, as well as a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy, and received numerous other awards and honors over the span of his career.

In May 1993 while on tour at The Blue Note in NYC, Peterson suffered a stroke that affected the left side of his body. The following year was filled with doctor’s appointments and physical therapy, and at 68 years old the piano great was forced to reinvent his playing style with the support of friends and family. Demonstrating his undiminished inventive prowess, Peterson then returned to the stage on July 1, 1994, walking onto the stage at the Vienna Staatsoper to a nearly ten-minute ovation from the audience.

Recorded twelve days after the Vienna performance, City Lights: The Oscar Peterson Quartet – Live in Munich, 1994 is the fifth release in Mack Avenue Records’ partnership with Two Lions Records, under the loving curation of Oscar’s wife Kelly Peterson. The music – nearly 80 minutes in length – is also a bit unusual in that five of the nine pieces contained are Peterson originals, reminding us that Oscar was not just a brilliant interpreter, but an exceptional composer as well. Two standards, an Ørsted Pedersen samba, and an Ellington piece round out the repertoire.

City Lights: The Oscar Peterson Quartet – Live in Munich, 1994 will be released on CD as a 4-panel digipak with 8-page folder, and as a 2 LP royal plum colored vinyl in gatefold jacket.

Photo Credit: Al Gilbert

Tracklisting:
1. There Will Never Be Another You
2. The Gentle Waltz
3. Kelly’s Blues
4. Love Ballade
5. City Lights
6. You Look Good To Me
7. Samba Petite
8. Satin Doll
9. Nighttime

Missing Piece Group

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Guitarist Joe Taylor hopes GRAMMY voters warm up to "Westside Chill" #jazz #music

His return to jazz is up for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album consideration as the video for the title track debuts.

 

 

Guitarist Joe Taylor didn’t have GRAMMY® nominations in mind when he recorded his first contemporary jazz album in seventeen years. “Westside Chill,” the Moonwatcher Music album that he released earlier this year, is indeed up for GRAMMY® consideration as Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

 

The category itself is fitting for how Taylor’s music has evolved over the years. He was one of the core artists when Billboard first introduced a smooth jazz chart in the 1980s. Prior to “Westside Chill,” Taylor’s last release was 2015’s “Sugardust in the Devil Wind,” which wasn’t a jazz album. His last contemporary jazz outing was 2007’s “Accidental Sugar.” In the interim, Taylor played, wrote, produced, recorded, and performed in a variety of settings spanning rock, pop, blues, country, classical, and Celtic music.

 

While Taylor remains an instrumentalist who incorporates contemporary jazz, there’s a strong presence of blues licks and Americana folksiness in the mix on “Westside Chill.” Taylor’s sound and style are uniquely branding while labeling his recordings as “jazz” doesn’t tell the entire story.  

 

Four-time GRAMMY® winner Steve Rosenthal produced “Westside Chill.” Anchoring the beats on the album is GRAMMY® nominated drummer Steve Holley (Paul McCartney & Wings). The rest of the lineup on the set are seasoned professionals, including jazz pianist Jeff Franzel (Frank Sinatra, Josh Groban, Shawn Colvin), bassists Woody Lingle and Brian Stanley (Bryan Adams), flutist John Ragusa, and percussionist Blair Shotts. Rosenthal and the musicians on the album aren’t only long-time Taylor collaborators, but they are long-time friends. 

 

“Considering that ‘Westside Chill’ is a return to my roots as an instrumental artist, any acknowledgement from my peers via a GRAMMY® nomination would be greatly appreciated. That said, it is an even greater reward to have my dear friends and long-time compatriots join me on my records. Their confidence in me and their contributions are invaluable,” said Taylor, who wrote ten songs for the album.

 

Taylor used to divide his time between living in the South Carolina Lowcountry and New York City, both of which factor in prominently on “Westside Chill.” The music heard on the collection reflects the diversity of these two vastly different locales. Taylor deftly finds the balance of the gritty edge, bustle, and big city energy with the laidback, downhome earthiness of the country confines that now serve as his primary residence. His songs were equally informed by both locations.

 

Big Apple observations include the title cut, which sprang from a late-night walk up Broadway on the Westside of the city as the wind blew off the Hudson River; “Jaco’s Court,” inspired by seeing the late bass great Jaco Pastorius playing playground basketball; and “Twenty-Two Rivers,” which Taylor describes as “a big city murder ballad.”

 

Musical meditations from life in the slower lane emerge as “Menemsha Fog,” “The Cut,” inspired by a bobcat sighting along the water’s edge; “The Waterman,” written about Taylor’s friend Captain Baldwin; and Taylor’s tribute to the late 6-time GRAMMY® winner Glen Campbell titled “Mr. Campbell.” “Available Light” could apply to either location while other songs sprang from his passion for his wife and wine, “She’s The Moon” and “The Cooper and the Thief” respectively.

 

Taylor just premiered a video for the album’s first single and title track, “Westside Chill.” The clip perfectly captures the ethos of the collection - from the lo-fi nocturnal city images in color to the arresting black and white footage of Taylor playing his D’Angelico guitar in the corner of a dimly lit juke joint. Watch the “Westside Chill” video at https://youtu.be/l8iknRu2Lx0.

 

Last month, Taylor began recording his next album with what he calls “a stellar bunch of friends.” Rosenthal remains in command of the producer’s chair from which he directs Taylor, Franzel, drummer Ray Marchica (Barbra Streisand, James Brown, Southside Johnny), and bassist Paul Adamy (Carly Simon, Robben Ford, Gladys Knight). With completion expected early next year, look for the album to drop next spring.

 

Please visit Taylor’s GRAMMY® FYC page to listen to “Westside Chill.” http://www.joetaylormusic.com/fyc-.html

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World jazz guitarist Reza Khan hopes to bask in the "Mystical" glow of his first GRAMMY nomination #jazz #music

His latest release, featuring an all-star ensemble of GRAMMY® winners and nominees, is up for GRAMMY® consideration as Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. The second single, “Rising,” began collecting playlist adds on Monday.

 

World jazz guitarist Reza Khan has consistently kept the company of GRAMMY® winners and nominees on his seven albums, which he believes has elevated and inspired his own level of musicianship, performance, and composition. On his latest outing, “Mystical,” he gathered the most accomplished collective of collaborators to date and now, that resulting collection is up for first-round GRAMMY® consideration as Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

 

“Mystical” is Khan’s first album on which he brought in an outside producer to help him craft a cohesive project blending contemporary jazz, fusion, world music, and new age. David Mann, a saxophonist, flutist and woodwinds player who has worked with GRAMMY® winners and GRAMMY® nominees Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, Sting, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Madonna, Billy Joel, The Eagles, Chuck Loeb, Michael Franks, Dave Koz, and The Rippingtons, produced “Mystical” and cowrote half of the album’s ten songs composed by Khan. 

 

Khan took a different albeit risky approach to the music he wrote for “Mystical,” writing seven new songs and reimagining three tunes culled from his catalogue. First, he wrote down a short list of marquee artists that he wanted to feature on the album. Artists such as two-time GRAMMY® winner Bob James, GRAMMY® winner Jeff Lorber, three-time GRAMMY® winner Jimmy Haslip, GRAMMY® winner Mark Egan, GRAMMY® nominees Keiko Matsui and Philippe Saisse, and Billboard chart-topper Nils Jiptner. He composed the songs with each artist’s unique instrumental voice in mind. Then Khan invited them to perform on the album. Luckily, they all agreed. And that leads to how Khan came up with the album title.   

 

Khan finds the unknowns inherent in artists coming together to collaborate to be a curious and exhilarating mystery. The magic of the collaborative process between artists sparks creativity, taking the music and album in previously unimagined directions. Khan sees that approach to creativity as “mystical.”

 

The first single issued from “Mystical,” which dropped last March, was “Language of Love,” a cut that features James’ ardent and communicative piano. On Monday (October 14), the second single, “Rising,” began collection radio playlist adds. Mann conceived the initial ideas for the inspirational tune about rising above challenges and difficulties while striving for your dreams and goals. Khan wrote additional parts for the song, adding an electric guitar solo that coaxes Mann’s tenor sax into engaging banter.

 

If “Mystical” receives a GRAMMY® nomination, Khan sees it not as his but an acknowledgement for the team that he and Mann put together to bring his vision to fruition.

 

“Collaborating with GRAMMY® winners and nominees has always been a significant part of my musical journey, and it has enriched my work immensely. Having such talented artists contribute to my projects elevates the music and brings a unique blend of creativity and excellence. Receiving my first GRAMMY® nomination would validate the hard work and passion that goes into every note and composition. It would be a recognition, not just of my efforts, but also of the incredible contributions from all the amazing artists I’ve had the privilege to work with. This acknowledgment would mean that our collective vision and dedication to creating beautiful, impactful music resonates with a wider audience,” said the Bangladesh-born, New York City-based Khan, who will next perform at South Restaurant & Jazz Club in Philadelphia on November 3 featuring saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa.

 

It is a prolific period for Khan that includes work on his next solo album as well as a band project, both of which will be released next year. Titled “Shadow Dancers” and slated to arrive next fall, Khan’s next album will feature many of the premier musicians who have appeared on his previous albums. His “dance partners” include Saisse, Haslip, Egan, 7-time GRAMMY® nominee Nathan East, Brendan Rothwell, GRAMMY® nominated Brazilian drummer Mauricio Zottarelli, Zach Brown, and Matt King.  

 

Khan’s band project is under the name of Moon Tree and he describes the music as “a genre-defying contemporary world jazz fusion album.” The guitarist joins Mann, Egan (bass), Danny Gotlieb (drums), and Clifford Carter (keyboards) on the album expected to drop early next year. Clearly, Khan remains focused on continuing to tap into and harnessing the power of collaboration, just as he did on “Mystical.”

 

“A GRAMMY® nomination for ‘Mystical’ would be a milestone in my career, inspiring me to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity. It would also serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when talented individuals come together to create something special. Ultimately, it’s about sharing the joy of music with the world and knowing that it has touched people’s lives in a meaningful way.”

 

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

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Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 100 - October 14, 2024 #jazz #music

Smooth Jazz Chart 

This chart from smoothjazz.com generally updates every Monday. 

When it updates, this post will be repeated with the most recent link. 

Click here to view the smoothjazz.com chart for this week

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Samara Joy Returns With New Studio Album Portrait, Out Now On Verve #jazz #music

Bold New Collection Showcases Growth, Collaboration And Musical Exploration  

LISTEN HERE

“THE MOST JAZZ-LITERATE ALBUM OF HER CAREER SO FAR.” 

- NPR MUSIC

WATCH JOY’S PERFORMANCE ON NBC’S THE TODAY SHOW HERE

Photo credit: AB + DM // Download images here

3x GRAMMY-winning vocalist Samara Joy has released her new studio album Portrait today via Verve Records. Emerging after a busy year of touring all over the world, the album finds the 24-year-old Bronx native channeling her success into the pursuit of musical exploration. Portrait, the follow up to her 2022 breakout album Linger Awhile,offers a snapshot of Joy’s growth not only as a once-in-a-generation vocalist but also as songwriter, arranger and band leader. VIBE Magazine called the collection “eight tracks guaranteed to not only impress, but change the way we listen to modern vocal jazz,” while Forbes named it “a monumental step forward as an artist for Joy, who co-produced the record, as well as was responsible in some way for arrangements, writing, even the artwork, on the genius work." NPR Music said Portrait is “the most jazz-literate album of her career so far.”

Co-produced by Joy and veteran trumpeter/bandleader and multi-Grammy winner Brian Lynch, the 8-song collection showcases a synergistic approach to arranging and the intimate, soulful chemistry Joy has developed with her touring band, an egalitarian octet featuring trumpeter Jason Charos, trombonist Donavan Austin, saxophonists David Mason and Kendric McCallister, pianist Connor Rohrer, bassist Felix Moseholm and drummer Evan Sherman. Joy’s role in the ensemble is multifaceted, balancing her prominence as a vocalist with her contributions as a musical collaborator. “I’m often the fifth voice, the fifth horn,” she explains. “I hope listeners will see that I’m a musician too.”

The album was tracked in streamlined sessions — just two or three takes of each tune — at one of jazz’s most hallowed sites, Van Gelder Studio. Portrait highlights Joy’s prowess as a lyricist, with new arrangements that meld her thoughtful lyrics with music by Charles Mingus, Barry Harris and more. The album also features vibrant interpretations of standards, including new arrangements “You Stepped Out of a Dream” (out now) and “Autumn Nocturne.” The tracklist ultimately proves that the vocal-jazz repertoire can still break new ground while nodding to jazz history.

“A well of inspiration that never runs dry because of the different streams that flow in, constantly pouring into the main source. That’s what comes to mind when I think of this project and the musicians who created it with me,” says Joy of the project. “Eight musicians, eight fresh perspectives and musical backgrounds - all joined together in a context designed for growth and exploration. Designed to put our pens and minds to work creating music inspired by many but still uniquely our own. Because of the incredible depth of musicianship and creativity infused into the sound of this band, I’m honored to be able to present Portrait, shaped after a year of development and revision on the road.”

Listen to Portrait (out now) HERE.

Watch Samara Joy’s performance of release day focus track “No More Blues” on NBC’s The Today Show HERE.

Joy will tour across the US for the remainder of 2024, including Fall headline dates in California, Arizona, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Colorado, New Jersey, New York and more, followed by her “A Joyful Holiday” Tour in December. Please find all announced tour dates below and via https://www.samarajoy.com/. 

 

Recent Praise for Portrait:

“The most jazz-literate album of her career so far.” 

- NPR Music

 

“Eight tracks guaranteed to not only impress, but change the way we listen to modern vocal jazz.” 

- VIBE Magazine

 

“[On Portrait] the singer’s dazzlingly rich and expressive delivery remains the star attraction.” 

- The New York Times, Fall Arts Preview

 

"Not only is Portrait a stunningly enjoyable and musically savvy work, it is also a monumental step forward as an artist for Joy, who co-produced the record, as well as was responsible in some way for arrangements, writing, even the artwork, on the genius work." 

- Forbes

 

“Joy excels at rebooting jazz standards with tight new arrangements and dreamy, conversational lyrics.”

- T Magazine

 

“The Grammy-winning vocalist expands her horizons on new album Portrait... the Bronx native steps forward with her own thoughts, her own emotions, and to that end, three Portrait songs feature her words.”

- SPIN Magazine 

 

“Portrait sees the rising jazz star stepping up into the role of co-producer… as well as expanding her singing and songwriting skills into arrangements and leading her touring band.” 

- GRAMMY.com

 

Samara Joy 2024 Tour Dates

October 13 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theater

October 15 – Clemson, SC – Clemson University Brooks Center

October 17 – Birmingham, AL – Alys Stephens Center

October 18 – Athens, GA – U of GA Hodgson Concert Hall

October 20 – Tallahassee, FL – Lee Hall

October 22 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre

October 23 – Ft Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center

October 27 – Baton Rouge, LA – River Center Perf Arts Theater

October 30 –Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre

October 31 – Tucson, AZ – Fox Theatre 

November 7 – Red Bank, NJ – NJ Count Basie Center

November 9 – Purchase, NY – Purchase College 

December 3 – Penn State, PA – University Park*

December 4 – Morristown, NJ – Mayo Performing Arts Center*

December 6 – Richmond, VA – Altria*

December 8 – Louisville, KY – Brown Theatre*

December 10 – Baltimore, MD – Murphy Fine Arts Center*

December 11 – Bowie, MD – Bowie State University*

December 13  – New York, NY –  United Palace*

December 14 – Storrs, CT – Jorgensen Center*

December 16 – Albany, NY – The Egg*

December 17 – Buffalo, NY – U Of Buffalo Center For The Arts*

December 19 – Detroit, MI – Fisher Theatre*

December 20 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theater*

December 22 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre*

December 23  – Philadelphia, PA – Verizon Hall*

*”A Joyful Holiday” Tour Dates

 

Portrait Tracklist

01.  You Stepped Out Of A Dream [4:35]

02.  Reincarnation Of A Lovebird [6:28]

03.  Autumn Nocturne [3:47]

04.  Peace of Mind / Dreams Come True [7:06]

05.  A Fool In Love (Is Called A Clown) [4:48]

06.  No More Blues [5:46]

07.  Now And Then (In Remembrance Of…) [6:28]

08.  Day By Day [4:58]

 

About Samara Joy

A native of the Bronx, Samara Joy became entranced by classic R&B as a child and cut her teeth as a singer in her church’s gospel choir. And while her family history is deeply musical — her grandparents helmed the Philadelphia gospel group the Savettes, and her father, the musician and songwriter Antonio McLendon, has produced, composed and arranged his own astounding original work — she didn’t delve into the jazz tradition until college at SUNY Purchase. During her studies there she won the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, which introduced her to the larger jazz scene as a rising star to watch. She was heard, by audiences and critics alike, as a masterful interpreter of jazz standards and a rightful heiress of the sound, technique and charisma that defined her jazz heroines — including Vaughan, Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln and Carmen McRae. 

Joy released her self-titled debut on the Whirlwind label in 2021, followed a year later by Linger Awhile, her breakout Verve debut, of which DownBeat said, “With this beautiful recording, a silky-voiced star is born.” The album earned her a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album in addition to a headline-making win for Best New Artist. A deluxe edition of the album was released, as well as the EP A Joyful Holiday. Her new Verve album, Portrait, which Joy co-produced with the veteran trumpeter/bandleader and multi-Grammy winner Brian Lynch, showcases the intimate, soulful chemistry she’s developed with her touring band. Portrait also spotlights her burgeoning gifts as a lyricist, in ingenious arrangements that meld her thoughtful words with music by Charles Mingus, Sun Ra and her late mentor Barry Harris. 

Photo credit: AB + DM // Download images here

 

Connect with Samara Joy:

Website / TikTok / Instagram / Facebook

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