Monday, June 28, 2021
Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 100 - June 28, 2021 #jazz
Soul-jazz saxophonist Isaac Edwards’ “On The Town” is on the Billboard chart #jazz
His first single with Next Paradigm Records is his first ever to hit the industry bible’s chart
After nearly twenty years as a recording artist plus four months of persistence, patience and promotional pushing from his new record label, soul-jazz saxophonist Isaac Edwards has hit the Billboard singles charts for the first time. Released in early February, “On The Town” finally debuted on the Billboard chart last week at No. 24. The funky R&B instrumental, Isaac’s first single after inking with Next Paradigm Records, was written by the saxman and produced by label head, Jacob Webb, who has produced several Billboard chart toppers.
As the world emerges from coronavirus restrictions, the marketplace - and the Billboard charts – have become quite crowded with new releases, especially from marquee artists, which makes Edwards’ chart debut that much more of an accomplishment.
“It has been a huge battle at radio this year with just about every A-lister releasing a track, sometimes more. Due to COVID, most of the artists were at home, not touring, and presumedly finishing their tracks, and now they're releasing them. To give you an idea of how hard it has been to hit the Billboard charts this year, this is our 19th week promoting the single at radio! It took this long to debut on Billboard, but we never gave up! It is rare for a single to take this long to hit the charts and there were lots of moments when we thought that we weren't going to make it, but we did. Now we are on the chart with a bunch of A-listers,” said an excited Isaac.
“On The Town” features Isaac’s alto saxophone engaging in a discourse with Randall Haywood’s flugelhorn. The groove is anchored by drummer Kevin Bowden and Webb’s rubbery basslines with melodies added by Webb’s keyboards and programming along with Sonny Dumarsais’ piercing electric guitar riffs. COVID precautions and geographic distance required that all of the tracks except for sax to be recorded at Webb’s New York studio compound while the saxophone tracks were laid down in a vocal booth set up in Edwards’ San Diego home.
Edwards has released three albums since the early 2000s, juggling his desire to be a jazz musician with busy days in court as a litigation attorney. His recording projects have incorporated jazz, R&B, pop, rock and gospel, and have included collaborations with GRAMMY-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, multiple GRAMMY nominee Darren Rahn, and Joel Kibble, a 10-time GRAMMY-winning member of Take 6. Edwards’ 2002 gospel-jazz album, “Here,” was nominated for a Vibe Award, Canada’s Dove Awards equivalent. He studied under the tutelage of noted saxophonists Eric Marienthal and Jeff Clayton and has opened concerts for multiple GRAMMY winners Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith.
Last July, Edwards dropped the independent single, “Bird Rock,” which not only garnered national airplay from SiriusXM’s Watercolors, but captured Webb’s attention, leading to the recording pact with Next Paradigm.
“The title for ‘On The Town’ came to me during the recording process. I had just signed the record deal and it made me think that I had really stepped up my game. I have released albums and singles before, but this is the first time I had a label behind me. I guess you could say that it made me feel like I was really on the music scene, or ‘on the town,’” said Edwards.
For more information, please visit https://isaacedwardsmusic.com.
Brian Simpson – All That Matters - Released June 25, Shanachie #jazz
“It’s Brian’s incredibly memorable and infectious melodies that truly set him apart. I am a huge fan!” – Dave Koz
“The title of my new recording was purely inspired by the events of the past year and half,” reflects acclaimed pianist, composer and producer Brian Simpson. “My family and loved ones became more important than ever and all that matters became more apparent after witnessing the tragic loss of others.”
On June 25, 2021, Shanachie Entertainment releases a milestone recording from Simpson, who will commemorate his tenth recording as a leader. Revered for his ability to sculpt timeless love songs, soulful party anthems and breath-taking melodies that stay on your mind, Simpson delivers all this and more on his new recording All That Matters. From penning the #1 pop hit “The First Time” for R&B group Surface to touring and or recording with Janet Jackson, Stanley Clarke and Dave Koz, Simpson’s golden touch, has long made him one of the go-to guys in the industry.
All That Matters is the perfect amalgamation of influences that are close to Brain Simpson’s heart: Jazz, R&B, Funk, Soul. It’s a joyous celebration of life and a shining demonstration of Simpson’s ongoing quest for the ultimate sound. “I will forever be in search of the perfect song, with the perfect melody that is performed perfectly,” confesses the pianist, who is the Musical Director of the wildly popular Smooth Jazz Cruise. The recording process for All That Matters was dramatically different for the pianist who tours relentlessly.
The absence of touring during the pandemic afforded Simpson the opportunity to focus solely on recording. He eagerly jumped into the project and surrounded himself by friends to help with the compositional process; guitarist and labelmate Steve Oliver and keyboardists Nicholas Cole and Oliver Wendell. The collective commenced remotely and later were able to collaborate in person. As the album progressed Simpson also enlisted saxophonists Najee (and flutist) and Steve Alanis, trumpeter Ron King, drummers Michael White and Tony Moore, bassist Dwayne “Smitty” Smith and Roberto Vally, percussionist Brain Kilgore and guitarists Ray Fuller and Yarone Levy.Highlights from ‘All That Matters’ include the first hit single, title track “All That Matters”, the inspired duet with Najee “Mystical Morning”, the romantic ballad “When I Found You” and more brilliant Brian Simpson originals.
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Clarinetist-Vocalist Kristen Mather de Andrade prepared to drop her debut global music album, “Clarão,” on July 23 #jazz
How the principal clarinetist and soloist from West Point’s Army Special Band decided to make her debut recording an authentic Brazilian album on which she plays and sings in Portuguese in jazz big band settings is a story centered on love more than a decade in the making. There is also an Olympic connection to the release of Kristen Mather de Andrade’s global music offering “Clarão,” which drops July 23, the same day as the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Olympics.
Mather de Andrade was enamored by Brazilian music at a young age, and her affinity rose to the next level when she met and married a Brazilian man in 2011. Desiring to immerse herself in the culture, the classically trained clarinetist and saxophonist began learning songs in Portuguese in order to learn the language. She started playing choros, classic instrumental Brazilian pop music dating back a century ago, finding that the style suits the clarinet. To celebrate the 2016 Rio Olympic athletes, Mather de Andrade performed a handful of tunes live on the West Point Band Facebook page. The enthusiastic response even garnered coverage from the Brazilian media. The seeds were planted and have blossomed into “Clarão,” which means “flash of light.” Teaming with producer Sergio Krakowski helped bring this passion project together.
“I wanted to show the diversity of Brazil in the music selections on this album. I learned so much from the music producer, Sergio Krakowski, who really helped me dig deeper into the styles that I was already familiar with and find some music that was really interesting and would flatter the band. I wanted to showcase music beyond Bossa Nova and bring attention to some amazing styles and composers that I have found so inspiring,” said Mather de Andrade, a Youngstown, Ohio native now based just outside of New York City.
With Krakowski’s assistance, Mather de Andrade gathered several Brazilian musicians to accompany her and selected the repertoire. Half of “Clarão” is comprised of instrumental covers, three of which are performed big band-style and were made famous by Brazilian clarinetists. The album includes four original songs penned by Brazilian singer-songwriter Roque Ferriera, tunes that showcase Mather de Andrade’s silken, yearnful voice singing sublimely in Portuguese. Krakaowski relied upon genuine Brazilian instrumentation from Vitor Gonçalves (accordion), Cesar Garabini (violão) and Eduardo Belo (bass) while playing pandeiro himself. A lively four-piece horn section adds luster to the ten-track album brimful of exuberance, lush harmonies and masterful musicianship.
The recording process began two summers ago with Mather de Andrade recording live with the horns and rhythm section. She recorded her vocals just prior to the coronavirus quarantine, which delayed the project’s completion and forced some additional accordion and pandeiro tracks to be added remotely. Mather de Andrade describes “Clarão” as a multicultural offering.
“What I like about the album is the uniquely ‘New York’ experience: the horns are all American, the rhythm section is all Brazilian, and the arrangers are American and Brazilian. We had a French guitarist - the studio owner was Italian - there were a ton of languages flying around the sessions. It was a great combination of talents to create a sound that I have come away thinking is just as much ‘New York’ as it is Brazilian,” said Mather de Andrade of the global music record quilted together from swatches of Brazilian music, jazz and classical.
Preceding the album release, an animated video for the song “Guelê Guelê” created by the record’s bassist, Belo, will be released on June 25. The tune is one of the originals composed by Ferriera. Mather de Andrade said, “Roque Ferreira is a major composer from the North East of Brazil in the style of Bahian Samba. His style is very evocative and creates vivid imagery, which lent itself to an animated video treatment.”
To launch the album, Mather de Andrade will perform selections from “Clarão” on August 8 at 6pm ET accompanied by several of the musicians who performed on the album during a special livestream event broadcast from Studio 42 Brooklyn using Stretto.live, a new interactive visual platform that enables audiences to work together to control certain aspects of a performance in real time and provide the performer with visual feedback they can see and react to while performing.
Mather de Andrade has been with the West Point Band since 2007. She also plays with, co-founded and serves as artistic director for the New York City-area ensemble Vent Nouveau, which performs and records music for woodwinds and brass, as well as the mixed instrument group Quintette 7. Mather de Andrade has performed at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall and The Kennedy Center. Equally important to the artist, she uses music to unify and breakdown barriers culminating in performances in countless schools, veterans’ homes, and three prisons. Mather de Andrade has taught master classes and professional clinics at universities and conservatories, and presently serves on staff at Manhatanville College. For more information, please visit https://kristenmather.com.
“Clarão” contains the following songs:
“Um Chorinho Diferente”
“Côco Tara Tá Tá”
“Guelê Guelê”
“Chorinho Pra Ele”
“Doce Melodia”
“Sagrado”
“Bendito”
“Modulando”
“Santo Forte”
“O Clarinete Gostoso”
Monday, June 21, 2021
Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 100 - June 21, 2021 #jazz
Friday, June 18, 2021
Have a proud and happy Juneteenth! #juneteenth
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.
Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.
From juneteenth.com - Read more at the juneteenth.com website by clicking here
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Guitarist Blake Aaron struts to No. 1 on four charts simultaneously #jazz
“Sunday Strut,” the energizing single featuring Najee, becomes the third Billboard No. 1 hit from the “Color and Passion” album
Much of “Color and Passion” was written and recorded last year while Aaron was unable to tour due to COVID-19 restrictions, so he used the time productively to produce projects for other artists and to finish his sixth album, which continues to be a celebrated release.
“2020 was a tough year, and incredibly tough for some of us. I know I greatly missed being able to get out and play music for my friends/fans. One silver lining for me was being able to spend more time in the studio to create and produce music, so I released ‘Color and Passion.’ I am so grateful to be blessed with three No. 1 Billboard singles from that CD,” said Aaron who will finally get the opportunity to perform music from the new album live when he resumes touring this summer, an itinerary that includes concerts at premier events such as Berks Jazz Festival (August 14-15) in Reading, Penna. and the Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival (October 6-10) in Spain.
Apropos of his entire catalogue as an artist, “Color and Passion” is a diverse collection, an inviting blend of colorful melodies and prodigious, impassioned guitarwork neatly encased in capsules of jazz, R&B, pop, Latin, Caribbean, funk, fusion and rock. Aaron mindfully infused the album with hope, positive energy, optimism and joy. In addition to the contributions made by a top-drawer cast of musicians, the set showcases Billboard hitmakers saxophonist Darren Rahn and flautist Kim Scott as guest soloists, with Rahn, who has produced more than 25 No. 1 singles and received multiple GRAMMY nominations, cowriting and coproducing “Groovers and Shakers” with Aaron.
Aaron produced “Fall For You,” which became his first Billboard No. 1 single as a producer. He recently celebrated his second Billboard chart-topper as a producer when keyboardist Sean U’s “Magic Hour” went No. 1, a cut on which the guitarist is also a featured guest.
Fully aware of how difficult the last year has been for so many people, including his fanbase, Aaron remains humbly grounded and hopeful that his musical offerings can elevate spirits.
“If ‘Sunday Strut,’ or the previous two No. 1 singles, or any song from ‘Color and Passion’ that speaks to our friends/fans for that matter, can bring a little light or joy in what can otherwise be a challenging time, then I am successful,” said Aaron, who plans to drop his next single in August, “Feels Right,” which was produced by prolific producer-keyboardist Greg Manning.
Monday, June 14, 2021
Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 100 - June 14, 2021 #jazz
Saturday, June 12, 2021
John Stein - "Serendipity" - Release on Whaling City Sound, June 18 - #jazz
Like many serious musicians, John Stein was trying to find a way to reach his audience following the Covid-19 breakout. He had just released Watershed, a career-defining recording to mark his planned retirement from Berklee College of Music, where he was an acclaimed educator. Of course, as with live music in general, the tour in support of Watershed was scrapped. Prior to the pandemic, Whaling City Sound’s Neal Weiss had asked Stein to bring a trio for an outdoor September show he had booked in New Bedford. But when hell broke loose, Neal moved the show inside, to the New Bedford Art Museum, and made plans to broadcast it virtually, as well as record the audio and video. “Thanks to Neal’s ability to see other possibilities,” recalls Stein, “it would be the only public concert I played the entire year.”
Stein’s trio for the date, Ed Lucie on bass and Mike Connors on drums, played as they normally would in front of a packed house. The session was live. There were no second takes, no overdubs, no corrections. They simply played each tune and then moved on. It succeeded as a video, of course, because of the trio’s remarkable chemistry. The set was stellar. But that wasn’t all. “Weeks after the show,” Stein recalls, “I had some tasks to do around the house and I let the video run in the background. For the first time, I experienced the soundtrack as pure music without the distraction of the visuals.” Stein heard subtle but extraordinary details that he hadn’t noticed before. “I became aware of the superb musicianship. At that moment, I realized that the audio itself was worthy of release.”
Serendipity is that release. It is the document of that gig, played for an audience of one, John Farrell, who taped and edited the video. Farrell, as it turns out, is also a professional sound engineer. He captured the audio and skillfully did the mixing. It’s obvious that the session, originally assembled as a way to let the music play, was an enormous creative success. From the opener, a take on Sonny Rollins’ “Alfie’s Theme,” to the closing, upbeat “Happy Hour,” a Stein original, the recording is a pure celebration of bristling energy and subtle, intuitive performances.
While the pandemic may have stifled our collective musical voice, it also yielded beautiful and unexpected moments from musicians that simply wouldn’t be denied. Count the aptly titled Serendipity as one of those moments. When hope for live music had temporarily faded, one trio decided they simply had to do what great musicians were compelled to do. Serendipity is the sound of happiness unleashed, as captured by musicians destined to play.
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Ledisi celebrates the songs of the legendary Nina Simone #jazz
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Wednesday, June 09, 2021
Brian Simpson - "All That Matters" Release on Shanachie June 25th #jazz
new album ALL THAT MATTERS
Simpson’s Milestone Album Marks His 10th Recording As A Leader &
Features Label mates Najee And Steve Oliver Among Others
All That Matters is the perfect amalgamation of influences that are close to Brain Simpson’s heart: Jazz, R&B, Funk, Soul. It’s a joyous celebration of life and a shining demonstration of Simpson’s ongoing quest for the ultimate sound. “I will forever be in search of the perfect song, with the perfect melody that is performed perfectly,” confesses the pianist, who is the Musical Director of the wildly popular Smooth Jazz Cruise. The recording process for All That Matters was dramatically different for the pianist who tours relentlessly. The absence of touring during the pandemic afforded Simpson the opportunity to focus solely on recording. He eagerly jumped into the project and surrounded himself by friends to help with the compositional process; guitarist and labelmate Steve Oliver and keyboardists Nicholas Cole and Oliver Wendell. The collective commenced remotely and later were able to collaborate in person. As the album progressed Simpson also enlisted saxophonists Najee (and flutist) and Steve Alanis, trumpeter Ron King, drummers Michael White and Tony Moore, bassist Dwayne “Smitty” Smith and Roberto Vally, percussionist Brain Kilgore and guitarists Ray Fuller and Yarone Levy.
Monday, June 07, 2021
Smooth Jazz Chart - Weekly Top 100 - June 7, 2021 #jazz
Wednesday, June 02, 2021
Flugelhornist Gabriel Mark Hasselbach tongues contemporary jazz grooves on new album #jazz
Award-winning musician to mark his 30th anniversary as a recording artist with the release of “Tongue & Groove” on June 4.
He’s spent more weeks on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart than any other Canadian recording artist and with his 15th album, “Tongue & Groove,” set to drop June 4, trumpeter/flugelhornist/flautist Gabriel Mark Hasselbach looks to land his eleventh Billboard hit. The Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings release is preceded by “Chill@Will,” the current radio single that Hasselbach wrote and produced with urban-jazz keyboardist Bob Baldwin.
The release of “Tongue & Groove” coincides with the 30th anniversary of Hasselbach’s debut disc, “Solar Winds,” which launched an award-winning catalogue consisting of contemporary and straight-ahead jazz recordings.
“‘Tongue & Groove’ is definitely my most in-depth and exciting album to date. I love improvised jazzy music in a framework, that is lyrical and succinct, not overly extrapolated or excessive. I come from a Chet Baker/Blue Mitchell frame of reference, laid over contemporary grooves and original concepts. I always aim for strong and concise content in whatever I play. It is all just jazz to me, the essence which should be a rich yet highly listenable sound for the head, heart and feet,” said the Vancouver-based Hasselbach, a Juno Award winner (Canada’s GRAMMY equivalent).
Hasselbach wrote and recorded “Tongue & Groove” last year while in quarantine, an experience reflected in the first two cuts: “Presence of Mind” and Chill@Will.
“The first two tunes had a bit of a theme. We can - and had to – keep the mind present and calm during the pandemic. When Bob Baldwin and I started working on ‘Chill@Will,’ we built it from the vibe up, and the music just fell into place. It started out as a sketch from Bob, which I did a little work on to move it forward. The tune sat around for a while but kept scratching at the door because it was so catchy. I took up the cause again and pressed the ever-busy Mr. Baldwin into service so we could help it see the light of day. Many of my top charting tracks, as well as some of Bob's, are collaborations between us,” said Hasselbach.
“Tongue & Groove” also features collaborations with other noteworthy musicians such as two-time GRAMMY winner Paul Brown and Billboard chart-topper Chris Standring on guitar. Another guitarist showcased on the disc is Grant Geissman, who played and recorded with contemporary jazz legend Chuck Mangione. Geissman guests on Hasselbach’s vibrant revision of the classic “Feels So Good.”
“I wanted to honor Chuck Mangione and thus be known as ‘the flugelhornist of today’ as was Chuck back in the day. Mesa/Bluemoon label head George Nauful knows Grant Geissman, the guitarist on the original. When George hooked us up, it seemed like kismet. Grant even played the exact 1968 Gibson guitar he used on that session with Mangione, and I play the same model and vintage flugelhorn, too, coincidentally,” said Hasselbach, who also spotlights saxophonist and co-songwriter Daniel Seguin, guitarist Brian Hughes and pianist/organist Miles Black on “Tongue & Groove.”
As for the album title, Hasselbach said, “The title is at minimum a double entendre. In woodworking, tongue and groove refers to interlocking, smooth and seamless assembly or construction, and trumpeters tongue their notes, and in my case, also nail the groove.”
Hasselbach wrote or co-wrote eight funky jazz grooves for “Tongue & Groove” and produced or co-produced the tracks. Generously clocking in at over an hour and containing two remixes, “Chill@Will (Raincoast Mix)” and “Feels So Good (Extended Mix),” “Tongue & Groove” is a soul-powered R&B and instrumental pop session piloted by Hasselbach’s flugelhorn, flute, alto flute and trumpet. His animated horns astutely maneuver through percussive rhythms, textured beats and lush harmonies, blowing expressive communications, impassioned poetics and playful banter.
Hasselbach was born in Denver but migrated to Canada after high school and holds dual citizenship. His 2011 “Told Ya So” was named Album of the Year and won him the Artist of the Year honors at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. A best of-type compilation, 2019’s “Radio Gold,” broke Spotify streaming records. Hasselbach produced pop-jazz singer Michael Bublé’s “Dream” album and played on three of the global superstar’s albums. Earning gold and platinum records, among the other artists he has recorded with are GRAMMY winner Jeff Lorber, Darren Rahn, Greg Manning, Marc Antoine, Bob Mintzer, Tom Schuman, Rob Tardik, Brian Bromberg, and the late Chuck Loeb and John Denver. For more information, please visit http://gabrieljazz.com.
“Tongue & Groove” contains the following songs:
“Presence of Mind” featuring Daniel Séguin
“Chill@Will” featuring Bob Baldwin
“Heading North” featuring Paul Brown
“Hang On To Your Love”
“Feels So Good” featuring Grant Geissman
“Show Me Another Way”
“Litmus Test” featuring Daniel Séguin
“Daahoud” featuring Chris Standring
“Slipstream Turbulence” featuring Brian Hughes
“Vanishing Summer”
“You Will Always Be The One”
“Chill@Will (Raincoast Mix)” featuring Bob Baldwin
“Feels So Good (Extended Mix)” featuring Miles Black & Grant Geissman