Drummer Kevin Peter Jones Marks Jazz Appreciation Month with New Single from Blues Alley #jazz #music

The All‑Star Band Featuring Randy Brecker, Jeff Lorber & Eric Marienthal Honors Donny Hathaway on “Valdez in the Country”

 

WASHINGTON, DC (24 APRIL 2026): Contemporary jazz drummer Kevin Peter Jones celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month with the release of the second single from his live album, Blues Alley. Available now on Pacific Records, the track features Jones’s All‑Star Band with GRAMMY® winners Randy Brecker (trumpet) and Jeff Lorber (keyboards) and GRAMMY® nominee Eric Marienthal (saxophone) delivering a dynamic take on the Donny Hathaway classic “Valdez in the Country.”

 

Jones first fell in love with jazz at 15 while playing in his award‑winning high school band in Chicago, crediting the Elk Grove High School music department as foundational to his career.

“Jazz means so much to me in many ways. During my time at Elk Grove High School, the music department was a gift from God. It was a time when I met and performed with Bunky Green, met Stan Kenton—who invited me to a Universal Studios recording session in Chicago—and where I also met Peter Erskine, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Maynard Ferguson, and others. I was offered a Ludwig endorsement and three music scholarships. Music and jazz particularly make my life and my musical career more exciting,” said Jones, who lives outside of Washington, DC.

 

One of only four musicians ever granted permission to release a live album recorded at the venue, Jones’s Blues Alley was captured over eight sold‑out shows at the historic DC jazz club. While preparing the set list, Jones selected the soulful, Latin jazz‑funk‑inflected “Valdez in the Country” to honor Hathaway.

 

“Donny Hathaway is one of my favorite songwriters, a legend, and a great musician. Listening to his interviews reveals a thoughtful artist deeply committed to music education and versatility. He viewed music as spanning everything from blues to symphony, embracing a wide range of styles. Hathaway emphasized goal‑setting and finding personal, heartfelt emotion in his musical creations. His devotion to music education mirrors my own, which has always been at the foundation of my work,” said Jones, who serves as the producer and executive producer of Blues Alley.

 

“Our arrangement of ‘Valdez in the Country’ was a heartfelt part of the performance at Blues Alley. I wanted to share a positive memory of Donny Hathaway with the audience, and with the great sax solo from Eric Marienthal, it doesn't get better than that.”

 

Last January on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the band’s version of the Cannonball Adderley classic “Walk Tall” was the first single released from Blues Alley.

 

Recorded over eight sold‑out shows, Blues Alley showcases live jazz at its most collaborative and spontaneous. Jones’s All‑Star Band is completed by percussionist Lenny Castro, Senegalese bassist Cheikh Ndoye, and guitarist Dean Brown, who has appeared on four GRAMMY®‑winning albums. The ten‑track set blends standards with originals by Lorber (“Hudson,” “Surreptitious”), Brown (“Solid”), and Ndoye (“Alchemy East”), each musician stepping forward as a featured soloist over Jones’s taut, driving rhythms.

 

Jones is a Berklee College of Music-trained musician who has recorded with other iconic jazz figures such as Dave Brubeck, Yellowjackets, and Wayman Tisdale. He is working on three new projects, including producing his son’s debut album.

 

Listen to “Valdez in the Country” at Kevin Peter Jones - 03 - Valdez in the Country V2-220523-1644_01.wav.

 

To purchase Blues Alley, go to https://orcd.co/bluesalley.

 

For more information, visit https://kevinpeterjonesallstarband.com.

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Patricia Brennan & Sylvie Courvoisier’s duo album Talamanti #jazz #music

PATRICIA BRENNAN AND SYLVIE COURVOISIER ANNOUNCE DEBUT DUO ALBUM
TALAMANTI
 
DUE JUNE 26 ON ANTLIA RECORDS
 
Inaugural Release for New Label Arrives with Lead Single “Disparate Chase,” Out April 24

Listen here
Promo video here

Vibraphonist/marimbist Patricia Brennan and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier will release Talamanti, their debut duo album, on June 26, 2026 via Antlia Records. The album marks the inaugural release for the newly founded label. The first single, “Disparate Chase,” is available today on all streaming platforms, Bandcamp, and at antliarecords.com.

Talamanti documents the convergence of two distinct instrumental worlds, the percussive resonance of vibraphone and marimba against the architectural range of piano. into a shared sonic language. The album title derives from tlamantli, a Nahuatl word describing things that resemble one another while remaining distinct, a concept that speaks directly to the musical chemistry at the record’s core.

“Piano and vibraphone share a similar physical gesture: something strikes something else, and the sound blooms outward. But they also live in very different worlds of resonance. The piano can feel architectural: dense, grounded, capable of enormous weight. The vibraphone tends to float, its tones suspended in air. When we play together, I feel like we’re exploring the space between those two qualities: gravity and suspension.” — Patricia Brennan

The nine-piece program includes seven Brennan originals alongside two compositions by Courvoisier. The music moves across a wide expressive terrain: from the pulsing rhythms of the lead single “Disparate Chase,” which captures a shifting interplay between clarity and ambiguity, to the cosmological sweep of “Trece Cielos,” inspired by the thirteen ascending heavens of Aztec cosmology; from the slow, searching melancholy of “Perdidos en el Lamento” to the playful, Messiaen-inflected feline drama of Courvoisier’s “Knots and Dander.” Courvoisier’s “Corto” reimagines a piece from her trio catalog in intimate duo form, carrying the influence of her mentor Hugo Pratt and the harmonic colors of Olivier Messiaen. Brennan’s “Hojas de Malabar” draws on her Veracruz roots, while “Eqdistance” constructs an entire harmonic world from a single equidistant pitch relationship.

Throughout, the album rewards the kind of listening it demands. “Playing as a duo means there is nowhere to hide,” Brennan writes. “Every gesture matters. Silence matters too.”

Talamanti is available for pre-order now. “Disparate Chase” is out today.
 
antliarecords.com  |  patriciabrennanvibes.com  |  sylviecourvoisier.com 
 
TRACK LISTING
1. Disparate Chase
2. The Time We Spent
3. Corto (Sylvie Courvoisier)
4. Perdidos en el Lamento
5. Trece Cielos
6. Hojas de Malabar
7. Knots and Dander (Sylvie Courvoisier)
8. Coma Berenices
9. Eqdistance
 
All compositions by Patricia Brennan except “Corto” and “Knots and Dander” by Sylvie Courvoisier.

 

ABOUT PATRICIA BRENNAN
Vibraphonist and marimbist Patricia Brennan approaches her instrument as a complete sonic world — melodic, textural, and endlessly resonant. A native of Veracruz, Mexico now based in New York, she has established herself as a composer and improviser of singular imagination, collaborating across the spectrum of creative music while maintaining a focused, deeply personal artistic vision. Her most recent album as a leader, Of the Near and Far (Pyroclastic Records, 2025) — a tentet work drawing pitch and melodic data from constellations — earned widespread critical acclaim and placed second on the 2025 Francis Davis Jazz Poll. 
 

---

 
ABOUT SYLVIE COURVOISIER
Pianist and composer Sylvie Courvoisier has spent decades expanding what the piano can do and what it can mean. A leading figure in European and American new music, the Swiss-born, Brooklyn-based artist brings to every setting a restless curiosity and a command of the instrument that moves fluidly between structure and spontaneity, density and silence. Winner of the Swiss Grand Prix Musik 2025, she released Eclats - Live in Europe (Intakt Records) with her trio in March 2026, capturing the full breadth of a long-running working band at its peak. 

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“After Hours” Becomes WaKaNa’s First Billboard No. 1 — and the First in EQuity Records History #jazz #music

A late‑night moment of reflection on balancing work and motherhood inspired alto saxophonist WaKaNa’s first Billboard No. 1 single, “After Hours.” Written with her two-time GRAMMY®-nominated producer Greg Manning, the track is also the first Billboard No. 1 for Manning’s EQuity Records label. It also reached No. 1 on the Mediabase and Smooth Jazz Network charts.

 

“After Hours” unfolds over an introspective mid-tempo groove gently guided by the Japan-born and based artist’s soothing sax statements. She is supported by Manning’s keyboard melodies, drum programming, and bass along with Morris O’Connor’s (Earth, Wind & Fire) rhythm guitar. The focal point is WaKaNa’s soulful tone, which enriches the chill nocturnal track with grace, comfort, and a cozy vibe.  

 

“‘There is no night that doesn’t end.’ To me, ‘After Hours’ has become exactly like that proverb. I kept the melody simple, and I performed it with the image of being alone with my thoughts at night. My feelings were quite complex at the time when I was struggling to balance my work and being a mom. This project with Greg was my ray of hope,” said WaKaNa, whose second EQuity Records single has now reached No. 1. “I’m so happy that we hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts and could share our music with listeners worldwide. I hope this song brings healing and encouragement to everyone who hears it.”

 

Manning signed WaKaNa to the label he launched early last year after being introduced to her ten years ago by his manager at the time.

 

“I was immediately captured by WaKaNa’s warm tone and beautiful phrasing on the alto sax. I’ve produced several songs for her over the years. When the time to start a label came, it was an easy decision to sign her to EQuity Records. The goal of EQuity Records is to help emerging talent, or long-time sidemen and sidewomen, break through the noise and get heard. Breaking through the noise is tough, but extraordinary talent and meticulous production always rise to the top,” said Manning, who is based in Las Vegas. “This is the label’s first No. 1 hit. Our radio promoter, Gorov Music Marketing, played a crucial part in getting the song over the finish line to No. 1.” 

 

While he doesn’t keep count, Manning has been a part of at least 15 Billboard No. 1 hits as an artist, producer, and/or songwriter. Manning’s chart success extends beyond WaKaNa; the same week she topped Billboard, the single he co-wrote and produced for saxophonist Jeff Ryan, “Speakeasy,” went No. 1 on the Mediabase chart and is presently No. 1 on the Billboard chart.

 

WaKaNa and Manning will soon begin work on her next single. With multiple new releases on deck — including upcoming singles from trumpeter Patches Stewart and saxophonist Jimmy Reid, and Manning’s own “Jolanda,” a song dedicated to his mother — EQuity Records is poised for a breakout year of new music and rising talent.

 

For more information about EQuity Records, which stands for equality, diversity, and inclusion, visit www.equityrecordsmusic.com.

 

For more information about WaKaNa: https://www.wakanasax.com.

 

For more information about Manning: https://www.gregmanningmusic.com.

Contemporary jazz saxophonist Michael Cates celebrates his wife’s return to health with “She’s My Summer” #jazz #music

After spending last summer at his wife Judy’s side during life‑saving spinal surgery, contemporary jazz saxophonist Michael Cates is celebrating her full recovery with a new single, “She’s My Summer,” arriving May 1 via Sonic Redoubt Entertainment.

 

Cates wrote and produced “She’s My Summer,” playing most of the instruments on the track in addition to his tenor sax. He brought in guitarist Paul Pesco (Madonna, Hall & Oates, C + C Music Factory) and bassist Larry Antonino (Pablo Cruise, Air Supply, Ronnie Laws) to shape the melodies and rhythms. The buoyant midtempo R&B groove bursts into elation on every refrain of the sun-lit pop chorus layered with jubilant saxophone.

 

“This summer, Judy and I will celebrate our 30^th anniversary and after what we went through last summer when I faced the very real possibility that I may lose her, I’m determined to fill this summer with as much time with Judy as possible. She literally is my summer,” said Cates, who is coming off a successful chart run with an award-winning single about his wife titled “Judith Lorraine,” released late last year. “All my music comes back to Judy. She’s been my muse for a long time, and our love story continues to inspire new musical chapters.” 

 

“Judith Lorraine” won a World Entertainment Award as Best Smooth Jazz Song of The Year. The single comes from Cates’ Us album, a 2025 collection of intimate musical snapshots sharing special moments and memories from the couple’s storied romance. Cates recorded the album in response to Judy’s diagnosis. Earlier during a prolific 2025, he released the Sunset Kiss album, which was named Best Smooth Jazz Album of The Year by the World Entertainment Awards.

 

“She’s My Summer” will begin collecting airplay and playlist adds on May 4. Two days later, Cates will launch “She’s My Summer” with two New York City shows at Chelsea Table + Stage at 7p.m. and 9:30p.m.

 

“I could not imagine a greater entrance for the campaign than to be the headliner in New York City. It reminds me of when I debuted at Carnegie Hall when I was 15 years old. I used to live across the street from the World Trade Center in the 90s and was a part of the studio scene there long before acting lured me to Los Angeles. I go back home to play occasionally, but never to break out a new release. This one’s incredibly special to me,” said Cates, who grew up in nearby New Jersey. 

 

Cates moved to Los Angeles where he landed a series regular role for five seasons on the Emmy Award-winning Ally McBeal on which he played “The Saxophonist.” As a recording artist, he’s released four albums and two EPs along with singles that consistently garner global airplay and hit the national charts. Cates has performed at premier jazz festivals at home and internationally. He’s played with or shared the stage with icons and legends including Jennifer Lopez, Elton John, Barry White, Joe Sample, Tina Turner, and Mariah Carey.

 

At the heart of “She’s My Summer” is an artist grateful for a second chance with the woman who inspires all his music.

 

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

Guitarist dee Brown to Release New Track “Summer Cruise” on May 8th, 2026 #jazz #music

Groove jazz guitarist dee Brown channels Detroit’s summer car culture on “Summer Cruise”

The May 8 single was written and produced by Billboard hitmaker Blake Aaron.

DETROIT, Michigan (15 APRIL 2026): After Detroit’s brutal winters, car enthusiasts from around the world roll out their convertibles along Woodward Avenue. All summer long, the iconic stretch builds toward August’s Woodward Dream Cruise — North America’s largest one-day automotive event. With that scene in mind, groove jazz guitarist dee Brown’s new Innervision Records single, “Summer Cruise,” will drop May 8.

The single previews Brown’s upcoming album, Living The Good Life, and continues his tradition of blending R&B and jazz with Detroit-inspired storytelling. Brown’s label mate Blake Aaron, who has crafted nine Billboard No. 1 singles, wrote and produced “Summer Cruise.” The track has the carefree sound of summer based on its laid back, fun, and funky vibes. Set to a retro go-go beat built by GRAMMY®-winning bassist Mel Brown and drummer Michael White, Brown’s electric jazz guitar struts, strums, and steers the jovial journey. While Aaron plays rhythm guitar to embellish the groove, Michael Parlett’s saxophone copilots the single with passion, power, and panache. 13-time GRAMMY® nominee Tyries Rolfe polishes the ride with lustrous strings and Carnell Harrell’s vibrant keyboard sweetens the harmonies.

Brown and Aaron collaborated on the 2024 single “Wes 8Mile” that appears on Brown’s 2025 Mister Smooth album. That was another outing influenced by Brown’s hometown culture.

“Blake Aaron introduced me to ‘Summer Cruise,’ suggesting it sounded like a ‘dee Brown track.’ After listening, I couldn’t agree more. We decided to collaborate and it became an ideal opportunity for Blake to produce, write, engineer, and arrange this beautiful song. The melody was captivating, and the groove made me feel like dancing with a joyful energy,” said Brown, who will play two shows at Chelsea Table + Stage in New York City on June 3 and perform at the Asbury Park Jazz Festival on June 28.

“The single really reflects my Detroit roots during the warm summer months when you can drop your top on your convertible in the evening and cruise down Woodward Avenue, especially during the Woodward Dream Cruise. That event has become a phenomenon that attracts about one million people and 40,000 classic cars.”

Brown has released six albums over nearly two decades, beginning with 2007’s No Time To Waste. His 2018 Remembering You and 2021 Deep Secrets albums have each received over five million Spotify streams. Last year’s Mister Smooth album featured collaborations with his longtime producer and songwriting partner Valdez Brantley (Usher, Mary J. Blige, Keith Sweat, Lil Wayne), a GRAMMY® nominee. Tracks from the set hit the Billboard Top 30.

Brown has shared stages or studio sessions with icons across R&B, jazz, and gospel, including George Benson, Al Jarreau, Stephanie Mills, Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair, Paul Brown, Paul Taylor, Darren Rahn, Bob James, Brian Culbertson, Spyro Gyra, The Ohio Players, Najee, Jeffrey Osborne, and Michael and BeBe Winans.

For more information, visit www.deebrownjazz.com.

Great Scott P.R.oductions

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Keyboardist Charles A. Kelly Drops “Focus on Purpose,” a Transformational New R&B Jazz Single Now Impacting Radio

                                  

In the midst of writing and producing Transformation — the ambitious double album completing his trilogy — R&B‑jazz keyboardist Charles A. Kelly offers an early glimpse of what’s ahead with “Focus on Purpose,” the new Innervision Records single now picking up airplay and playlist adds.

 

Kelly’s vibrant keyboard harmonies, fanciful piano flourishes, and spacy, gurgling synth textures illuminate a rhythmic electronic R&B groove, creating a sound that feels both futuristic and familiar. Adding depth and dimension to the song’s melodic core are Miles Jenson’s electric guitar and Jason Kelly — Charles’s son — on soprano saxophone. Though the single is an invigorating instrumental, it carries embedded messages and empowering affirmations.

 

“‘Focus on Purpose’ is about how we must concentrate on fulfilling our purpose in life if we are to transform our lives for success. This means consciously aligning our thoughts, daily actions, and decisions so we can turn goals into tangible results. The song has a dynamic, funky, and transformative sound along with a message that will resonate worldwide,” said Charles A. Kelly. “So many people want to live out their purpose but are held back. My intention is for this song to help them overcome their fear and find meaning in their lives.”

 

Accompanying the single is an AI‑generated video that reinforces the song’s message of courage, clarity, and forward momentum, featuring nearly a dozen affirmations and bold words of encouragement including “Now or Never,” “You Can Do This,” “Don’t Doubt,” “Show Strength,” “Have Vision,” “God is With You,” “Conquer Fear,” and, of course, “Focus on Purpose.”

 

Last year, Kelly released Phase II, an album of transition and spirituality that bridges his You’re Not Alone album and the upcoming Transformation. The ambitious trilogy opened with a 2022 set designed to capture that moment in contemporary jazz. Phase II pushed the envelope, inviting experimentation, redefining, and hypothesizing what contemporary jazz could become. Transformation aims to be both visionary and evolutionary for the genre. Kelly plans to release two more singles this year from the collection before dropping the album next year.

 

A native of Philadelphia now based near Los Angeles, Kelly is a gold-record-winning musician, songwriter, producer, music director, and film composer. He has recorded and/or performed with pop music royalty – from Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, Elton John, and Nile Rodgers to Sister Sledge, WHAM!, and The Pointer Sisters. In Christian contemporary music, Kelly has collaborated with CeCe Winans, Mary Mary, Jeremy Camp, and Israel Houghton. Also an actor, he was cast as a series regular in the iconic television series Fame.

 

Watch the “Focus on Purpose” video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxC8yYnLu9c

 

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