Legendary Keyboardist/Composer Bob James

To Receive George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2nd Annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards

Bob James will be honored with the 2006 George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award at the second annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, Friday, April 7, 2006. A two-time Grammy Award winner, James has been a mainstay of the contemporary jazz scene since the early '70s. His 35-plus solo albums includes his latest "Urban Flamingo," recently released on KOCH Records, featuring his Michigan-based quartet.

As a member of the super group Fourplay, he has consistently topped the contemporary jazz charts and most notably brought smooth jazz into the living rooms of millions with his theme song "Angela" for the television series "TAXI." He is also a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the National Smooth Jazz Awards in the U.S.

James will perform at the awards show which takes place at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. He will also be touring in conjunction with his new KOCH Records CD "Urban Flamingo" in May. Concerts include dates in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New York


Technorati Tags: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Music

Spotlight is on Pieces' core members

Flip over the case of Pieces of a Dream's new CD, "Pillow Talk," and something immediately strikes you.

The photo shows only two pieces of Pieces of a Dream, founding members Curtis Harmon and James Lloyd.

Since around 1990, the group has used a bevy of musicians - saxophonists, vocalists, guitarists and bassists (including Cedric Napoleon, an original member no longer with the group) - who were included in publicity shots, CD cover art and liner note photos.

But now, as the group celebrates its 30th anniversary, the marketing has tightened on the original members, just as in the 1980s, when what was then a precocious trio from Philly first attained success.

"Curtis and I are the core members," Lloyd said in a telephone interview from his home in Youngstown, Ohio. "People know we've had several [other musicians] come in and out of our lives. We don't want to confuse anyone as to who to expect in live concerts."

The renewed focus sets the group's identity, Lloyd said. "For the longest time, I thought Euge Groove was a group, like Bona Fide or Down to the Bone. And Nils? I'm still not sure about that one."

(For the record, Nils is a German guitarist, a long-time session musician and composer whose instrumental pop music album, "Pacific Coast Highway," was released last year.)

Regardless of who's in the band, Pieces gets props for surviving so long in a format so dependent on steady hits, radio play and stage charisma.

"Pillow Talk," released this week, doesn't upset Pieces' apple cart. Fans of the group's instrumental pop music ("smooth jazz") won't be disappointed, especially with the radio-friendly "Forward Motion" (co-written with Najee) with saxophonist Tony Watson Jr., and the obligatory cover, "Sailing," made popular by Christopher Cross.

It also has vocals that lean toward R&B - the fun, man-hating "Triflin'," the jazzier "Those 3 Words" and "Your Love" - all with Ramona Dunlap singing lead.

Fans of Pieces' early years with Grover Washington Jr. might find the up-tempo "Wake Up Call" more to their liking. Lloyd is all over the piano, while Harmon plays like he's been unshackled from the audio click-track chains.

Still, after three decades, "more is expected of us, just by the simple fact things change," said Lloyd, who writes most of Pieces' music.

"Anything that comes out of me, in essence, is me," Lloyd said. "I don't put anything out there that I wouldn't feel happy about performing or hearing."

With one exception.

Lloyd cites the CD, "Bout Dat Time," a 1989 Blue Note release that was mostly dance-oriented. "There was one song on there that I think fit Pieces," Lloyd said. "We weren't feeling it."

Their success, along with support from the Heads Up record label, has given them some leeway. "It's great that the record company gives us that freedom," Lloyd said. "The only requirement is that some tunes lend themselves to radio air-play."

Lloyd, who calls himself a workaholic, would like to become "the Rodney Jerkins or Jermaine Dupri of smooth jazz." He's produced for Nestor Torres and Alex Zonjic, written songs for Wayman Tisdale and works closely with Najee.

Lloyd recently performed a warmly received, acoustic straight-ahead date at LaRose Jazz Club here. There's "a strong chance" he'll do a solo album.

But there are concerns: Would he need to use the name Pieces of a Dream? What would the sound be? Would people buy it?

"All of these things have to be heavily considered and carefully thought out," Lloyd said. "I'm not scared. They're just things to consider."

By AL HUNTER JR.
huntera@phillynews.com 215-854-5855

Technorati Tags: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Music

Bradley Leighton's Southern California Debut

Bradley Leighton, critically-acclaimed jazz flutist gives Sunday, April 2, live concert performance and album launch party at Humphrey's Back Stage Lounge, Shelter Island, San Diego, to support the national release of his Back To The Funk, which just arrived in record stores on the Pacific Coast Jazz record label.

Alto flutist Leighton fondly recalls the halcyon days of groove-heavy jazz-funk with a modern edge on Back to the Funk. The album, his third, features booty-shaking funk, seductive R&B, chill jazz nuances, and lilting pop hooks produced by Allan Phillips. Presently gaining radio airplay is "Runaway, " a driving feel-good joint boasting a full horn section and a fiery exchange between Leighton's scorching alto flute and a sweaty, bellowing sax.

Having released two critically-acclaimed albums that delved into straight-ahead jazz with occasional splashes of Latin rhythms or R&B grooves, Leighton wanted to fully indulge his passion for jazz-funk. He co-penned five tracks for Back to the Funk that belies some of his musical influences: the Brecker Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Tower of Power. Leighton also set out to prove that in the contemporary jazz world dominated by guitars and saxes, the flute can also be soulful and funky. His alto flute gracefully leaps above the muscular horn arrangements and rhythmic R&B base to deliver eloquent jazz-pop statements. In addition to the original material, the artist covers classics by Stevie Wonder, Bread, and Ray, Goodman & Brown. Real guitar, piano, bass, drums, sax, trumpet and trombone give the album production a live, organic sound. To bring the album to life at this concert event, Leighton will be backed by a talented group of local jazz-funk musicians.

Leighton debuted in 2003 with a collection of jazz standards on the Groove Yard CD. Last year's Just Doin' Our Thang straddles the line between traditional and contemporary jazz. It consists of fresh interpretations of standards along with four original compositions that find Leighton backed by a Hammond B3 organ trio. The album was hailed by such respected outlets as JazzTimes, Audiophile, All About Jazz, All Music Guide, and the San Diego Reader and was nominated for "Best Jazz Album of the Year" by the San Diego Music Awards.

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Smooth Jazz Top Ten | Week Ended 3/31/06

LW TW Artist Title (Label)
2 - 1 - Paul Brown - "Winelight" (GRP/VMG)
1 - 2 - Richard Elliot - "Mystique" (Artizen)
3 - 3 - Nils - "Summer Nights" (Baja/TSR)
6 - 4 - Najee - "2nd 2 None" - (Heads Up International)
8 - 5 - Brian Culbertson - Let's Get Started - (GRP/VMG)
5 - 6 - Kim Waters - "Steppin' Out" (Shanachie)
4 - 7 - Brian Simpson - "It's All Good" (Rendezvous)
7 - 8 - Rick Braun - "Shining Star" (Artizen)
10 - 9 - Michael Lington - "Pacifica" (Rendezvous)
11 - 10 - Chris Botti f/Jill Scott Good Morning Heartache (Columbia)

Visit radioandrecords.com to view the latest complete Smooth Jazz ® National Airplay© listings.

Technorati Tags: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Music

Cassandra Wilson Unveils "A New Sound" on Her New CD "Thunderbird"

Eminent vocalist Cassandra Wilson is poised to unveil her newest CD, thunderbird, April 4th on Blue Note Records, and with it what Paste magazine calls “a different sound...broad, open, built around keyboards rather than small percussion instruments and gentle acoustic guitars” in a 4-star review in their May issue.

Wilson will also grace the cover of the May issue of JazzTimes magazine, which hits stands on April 25th with a bold headline that announces “Cassandra Wilson Returns With A New Sound.”

That “new sound” is largely due to the presence of a new production team, including the acclaimed Grammy-winning producer T Bone Burnett and co-producer Keefus Ciancia, who lead Wilson's distinctive blend of original songs with blues and pop covers, a potent mix that has been at the foundation of such Wilson classics as Blue Light 'Til Dawn and the Grammy-winning New Moon Daughter, into new sonic realms.

Paste reviewer Martin Johnson goes on to state that “the change in music hasn't altered Wilson's overall aesthetic; she's still delving deeply into the roots of the Delta and celebrating its eclectic possibilities,” as is evidenced by the album's centerpiece, an epic performance of the classic Blind Lemon Jefferson blues “Easy Rider,” as well as a spacious, stripped-down version of the traditional “Red River Valley” on which Wilson's contralto and Colin Linden's slide guitar intertwine seamlessly.

However, from the very first sounds on thunderbird, the irrepressible opening track “Go To Mexico,” which is built upon a sample from New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian band the Wild Tchoupitoulas, it's clear Wilson has delved into new territory. On the album's first radio single, “It Would Be So Easy,” Reginald Veal's acoustic bass intro gives way to Mike Elizondo's gliding electric bass while Ciancia sets up an insistent keyboard hook that would be at home in a modern R&B or hip-hop hit.

Wilson's alluring vocals have long been held in high regard by the R&B and hip-hop worlds. She's been featured on two albums by The Roots (Do You Want More?!!!??! and Illadelph Halflife) and was a standout presence on the 1997 neo-soul soundtrack Love Jones. Her most recent foray into hip-hop comes on Confidential, the new solo album from rapper M-1 of Dead Prez, which was released March 21st and features Wilson along with Q-Tip on the track “Love You Can't Borrow.”

allaboutjazz.com

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Pieces Of A Dream Celebrates Three Decades Of Funky Jazz

Pillow Talk set for release on March 28, 2006

Thirty Years ago, it was nothing more than a creative lark for two young kids from Philadelphia. Keyboardist James Lloyd was 11 and drummer Curtis Harmon was 13. All they wanted to do was make good music. They took the name Pieces of a Dream from the title of a 1974 Stanley Turrentine album, and the rest, as they say…

Some of the names and faces have changed over the years, but Lloyd and Harmon are still at the core of this powerhouse contemporary jazz combo, and the commitment to music that is not just good but great has never wavered in the three intervening decades. Pieces of a Dream celebrates this landmark anniversary with the worldwide release of Pillow Talk on Heads Up International March 28, 2006. The new album finds Lloyd, Harmon and company just as passionate about their craft in this new century as those two Philly youngsters back in the day.

“This is another great chapter in a great story,” says Lloyd. “It’s a privilege to still be doing it after so many years. Making your way in the music business can be a perilous undertaking, especially these days, but the fact that Pieces has been together as long as it has says something about who we are – as musicians and as people – and the kind of music that we make.”

Pillow Talk is a perfect example of how Pieces has successfully navigated the years. Filled with catchy riffs, infectious grooves and compelling vocal work, it’s the kind of record that speaks to the moment yet still holds up well over time.

“House Arrest,” the punchy opening track, is one of the clearest statements in the entire set. Co-authored by Harmon and Bennie Simms, the track is Harmon’s way of keep the longstanding Pieces groove alive for a new generation of listeners. “That’s an instrumental song with more of a house beat,” says Harmon. “Part of what wanted to accomplish with the songs that I contributed was to bring a fresh new sound to Pieces. I wanted to make some danceable instrumental music.”

Further in, guest vocalist Ramona Dunlap steps up to the microphone with the defiant and no-nonsense “Triflin’,” and later on the impassioned devotional “Those Three Words” and the sultry “Your Love.” Dunlap’s rich vocal presence has been a part of the Pieces stage show in the past, and she was first introduced to worldwide audiences on the Pieces of a Dream Acquainted With The Night album. “Ramona is very professional, very much to the point with her craft” says Harmon. “It took no more than one ore two takes to get what we needed from her. She was very clear about what she was doing.”

Also worth noting is the lively “Wake Up Call,” with piano work from Lloyd that is both punchy and melodic at the same time. “Attitude” sets Lloyd’s complex piano lines and Tony Watson Jr.’s full-bodied sax riffs against a vaguely hip-hop backbeat. The album closes with the shimmering title track, a laid back number with a persistent backbeat – a seemingly incongruous yet ultimately satisfying combination that showcases Lloyd’s prowess on piano, keyboard and programming

Pillow Talk is another satisfying set from a band that has built a thirty-year reputation on finely crafted recordings. After three decades, what’s the glue that holds it all together? “I think the high level of musicianship is what has made Pieces what it is over the years,” says Harmon. “ James is a very talented and gifted musician, and our styles and sensibilities blend well. After thirty years of working together and playing together, there’s a collaborative aspect to what we do that’s hard to explain. It just happens.”

“We’re more than just bandmates,” says Lloyd. “We’re family. We’ve been through good times and bad, and that just makes the music deeper and better. This album is just another example of what happens when two brothers who’ve grown up on the same creative track get together and bring out the best in each other.”

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New Albums From Brian Bromberg and SFJAZZ Collective Debut on Billboard Chart

Bassist Brian Bromberg's Wood II and SFJAZZ Collective 2, the latest album from the all-star group led by saxophonist Joshua Redman, debuted on the Billboard jazz chart this week at numbers 19 and 20.

Wood II features pianist Randy Waldman and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta; tracks includes such jazz standards as "Caravan," "I'll Remember April," and "Blue Bossa as well as an arrangement of Paul McCartney's "Let 'Em In." SFJAZZ Collective 2 focuses on the music of John Coltrane; in addition to Redman, the group includes trumpeter Nicholas Payton, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, and saxophonist Miguel Zenón.

The top three spots on the chart were unchanged: vocalist Michael Bublé's It's Time at number one, trumpeter Chris Botti's To Love Again: The Duets at number two, and Bublé's live Caught in the Act at number three.

There were no new entries on the contemporary-jazz chart. Herbie Hancock's Possibilities remained at number one, where it has spent 19 of the last 29 weeks.

By Ben Mattison - playbillarts.com

Technorati Tags: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Music

Jazz Alliance International Celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month with ``Jazz Vocalists -- Hear & Now''

Two-Disc Set Features 36 Standards and Contemporary Classics by Today's Reigning Voices Available in Stores April 24

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, Jazz Alliance International (JAI) is releasing "Jazz Vocalists -- Hear & Now." This stellar two-disc set to be released on Concord Records contains 36 standards and contemporary classics by today's top vocalists and will be available in stores on April 24.

After the success of its single-disc volumes from 2003, "Jazz Hear and Now" and "Smooth Jazz Hear and Now," JAI has assembled an overview of the jazz vocal world that is twice as comprehensive. The three dozen tracks, programmed with a focus on contemporary material on Disc One and standards on Disc Two, feature leading voices from several generations of jazz and jazz-related singers, including new stars Michael Buble, Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux; stalwarts Kurt Elling, Diana Krall and Dianne Reeves; jazz-friendly pop stars Joni Mitchell and Linda Ronstadt; and living legends Al Jarreau, Abbey Lincoln and Jimmy Scott. In addition, the collection also includes three of the jazz world's late-great voices -- Ray Charles (with Poncho Sanchez's band), Shirley Horn and Etta Jones (in duet with Vanessa Rubin).

States project producer Michael Cuscuna, "In 36 tracks on two discs, we set out to make a representation of vocal jazz that would be listener-friendly to the novice just looking to get into this music with the intention for a balanced, wide-ranging slice of what is happening on the jazz scene today. We embraced the time-honored icons, veterans making a comeback, new artists (the emerging and successful) and singers from other fields who've chosen to do jazz projects. The bulk of the repertoire is standards, but we have included jazz originals and contemporary pop and R&B tunes that demonstrated that the art of jazz singing is by no means restricted to the Tin Pan Alley songbooks."

States JAI president Suzan Jenkins, "We know each track will help us in our continuing efforts to expand the audience for jazz by attracting all music lovers who simply appreciate great music. The collaborative efforts of the many parties involved in compiling Vocal Jazz Hear and Now -- artists, producers, publishers, recording companies, manufacturers, presenters, non-profits and media -- speak to the power of the Alliance and our continued diligence to preserve and promote the vital heritage of one of America's greatest national treasures."

Glen Barros, president, Concord Music Group, added "We are proud to distribute this superb benefit CD and contribute to the efforts of the Jazz Alliance in furthering the growth and development of jazz."

Proceeds from the sales of "Jazz Vocalists -- Hear & Now" will benefit JAI and JAI-supported programs.

JAI, a subsidiary of the International Association of Jazz Educators, is dedicated to expanding the audience and visibility of jazz by raising the profile of the art form and by fostering better working relationships within the global jazz community through advocacy, education and research. For more information, go to www.gotjazz.info.

The mission of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) is to assure the continued worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education. Now in its 38th year, IAJE's annual conference is regarded as the largest annual gathering of the global jazz community. For more information, go to www.iaje.org

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Upcoming Jazz Releases | 3/27/06-4/1/06

Mon 27-Mar-2006

Count Basie - Lester Leaps In (Sony/Epic) - Reissue

Tue 28-Mar-2006

Alphonse Mouzon - Funky Snakefoot (Blue Note) - Reissue
Alphonse Mouzon - Mind Transplant (Blue Note) - Reissue
Betty Carter - Meet Betty Carter & Ray Bryant (Sony) - Reissue
Bobbi Humphrey - Fancy Dancer (Blue Note) - Reissue
Bobby Hackett - Hackett Horn (Sony) - Reissue
Bobby Hutcherson - Montara (Blue Note) - Reissue
Booker Ervin - In Between (Blue Note) - Reissue
Bunny Berigan - Take it Bunny! (Epic) - Reissue
Burt Conrad All Stars - Forward Looking Backwards (Sea Bright)
Charlie Rouse & Paul Quinichette - Chase is On (Toshiba) - Reissue
Chick Corea - Song of Singing (Blue Note) - Reissue
Christian Scott - Rewind That (Concord)
Chu Berry - Chu (Epic) - Reissue
Count Basie - Lester Leaps In (Epic) - Reissue
Create - A Prospect of Freedom (Sounds Are Active)
Donald Byrd - Blackjack (Blue Notge) - Reissue
Donald Byrd - Slow Drag (Blue Note) - Reissue
Doris Day / Ancre Previn - Duet (Sony) - Reissue
Duke Pearson - How Insensitive (Blue Note) - Reissue
Duke Pearson - Phantom (Blue Note) - Reissue
Duke Pearson - Right Touch (Blue Note) - Reissue
Earl Klugh - Finger Painting (Blue Note) - Reissue
Earl Klugh - Living Inside Your Love (Blue Note) - Reissue
Earl Klugh - Magic in Your Eyes (Blue Note) - Reissue
Eigsti Taylor - Lucky to Be Me (Concord)
Gene Harris - Tone Tantrums (Blue Note) - Reissue
George Benson - Essential (Sony) - Reissue
George Duke - Essential (Sony) - Reissue
Gerald Albright - New Beginnings (Peak)
Grant Green - FInal Comedown (Blue Note) - Reissue
Grant Green - Goin' West (Blue Note) - Reissue
Horace Silver - Serenade to a Soul Sister (Blue Note) - Reissue
Howard McGhee - Dusty Blue (Toshiba) - Reissue
Irving Kaufman - Anthology: Last Recording Pioneer (Archeophone) - Reissue
Jaco Pastorius Big Band - The Word is Out (Heads Up)
Jaco Pastorius Big Band - The Word is Out (Heads Up) - SACD
Janis Siegel - A Thousand Beautiful Things (Telarc)
Jimmy Knepper - Swingin' Introduction (Toshiba) - Reissue
Johnny Hodges - Hodge Podge (SOny) - Reissue
Lee Morgan - Lee Morgan (Blue Note) - Reissue
Lee Morgan - Sixth Sense (Blue Note) - Reissue
Lonnie Smith - Think (Blue Note) - Reissue
Lou Donaldson - Hot Dog (Blue Note) - Reissue
Lou Donaldson - Mr. Sing-a-ling (Blue Note) - Reissue
Mahalia Jackson - Newport 1958: Recorded at the Newport Jazz Festival (Sony) - Reissue
Marta Gomez - Entre Cada Palabrea (Chesky)
McCoy Tyner - Tender Moments (Blue Note) - Reissue
McCoy Tyner - Time for Tyner (Blue Note) - Reissue
Moacir Santos - Saudade (Blue Note) - Reissue
Monty Alexander - Concrete Jungle (Telarc)
Olmarin Unioni - Peaceful Means (Albatross)
Petr Korinek - Just Float Lightly (Cube Bohemia)
Pieces of a Dream - Pillow Talk (Heads Up)
Ramsey Lweis - The Very Best of Ramsey Lewis (GRP) - Reissue
Ronnie Laws - Pressure Sensitive (Blue Note) - Reissue
Rosemary Clooney - Blue Rose (SOny) - Reissue
Soulive - 32 Bleu - Colorado Springs, 10/7/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Aggie Theater - Fort Collins, CO (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Banana Joe's, Columbia, SC 11/16/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
soulive - Beachland Ballroom - Cleveland, OH (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Canal Club - Richmond, VA 11/13/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Cervantes Ballroom - Denver, CO 10/08/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Conga Room - West Hollywood (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Double Door - Chicago, IL 9/30/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Fine Line Music Cafe - Minneapolis, Mn (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Fox Theater - Boulder, CO 10/09/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Funk Box - Baltimore MD- 11/10/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Granada Theater - Lawrence, KS 10/04/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Higher Ground - Winooski, VT 12/9/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Independent - San Francisco, CA 10/16/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Iowa State University - Ames, IA (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Irving Plaza - New York, NY 11/24/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Luther's Blues - Madison, WI 10/1/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Marz Theater - Wilmingon, NC 11/14/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA 5/5/05 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Paradise Rock Club, Boston, MA 5/6/05 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Shaggy's - Salt Lake, UT 10/10/04 (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - State Theater Falls - Church, VA (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Soulive - Theater of the Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA (Instant Live (Ryko)) - 2+ CDs
Stan Levy - Grand Stan (Toshiba) - Reissue
Sun Ra - Heliocentric Worlds, Vol. 1 & 2 (ESP-Disk') - Reissue
Tom Scott - The Very Best of Tom Scott (GRP) - Reissue
Tony Williams - Life Time (Blue Note) - Reissue
Various Artists - Blue Note Plays Duke (EMI) - Reissue
Wayne Shorter - Schizophrenia (Blue Note) - Reissue
Wayne Shorter - Super Nova (Blue Note) - Reissue


Sat 01-Apr-2006

Mark Birnbaum - Jelly Roll Morton's Missing New Orleans (MJB)



Information provided by allaboutjazz.com

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Brian Bromberg | Wood II

On whatever Brian Bromberg has done, he's proven himself a very gutsy bassist, not just a virtuoso who's too notable for mere technique. The opening “Caravan” on Wood 2 does indeed begin with the sort of neo-boogaloo that young guys used to get New Orleans brass bands going again a couple of decades back. The weight of the snare drum's just right to keep the swing going, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta has another good workout in the run into track two.

Overall Randy Waldman has a secondary role, though he does impress on a brisk ”I'll Remember April.” Bromberg's playing here generally doesn't give the pianist maximum opportunity to shine. That's just in the nature of the music: no excess of finesse—shrinking violets, stay away! A comparable bass-fronted ensemble was led on disc on recommendable occasions by the late great Dane Nils-Henning Oersted Pedersen, an extrovert who was so full of life and fun that I'm still reeling from his death last April. Bromberg's loud by comparison, less witty and lyrical, and good enough to be described as different, rather than graded above or below NHOP. Unbridled, he bends, twangs, slaps and skitters across the strings.

”I'll Remember April” is the one killer tempo item on this album. You've got to have one item per set “where everybody can go nuts”? So says Bromberg. Actually there are several, with artfully smudged notes resembling guitar downstrokes, and the pianist does have some fun.

The notes mistakenly name the three tenor saxophonists in Woody Herman's “four brothers” band as Al Cohn, Stan Getz and Zoot Sims, but one of them was Herbie Steward—an awesome player!—not Cohn. Bromberg whistles the theme, perhaps unaware that Ron McCroby was recorded whistling for longer with Herman, and without Bromberg's slippage of pitch.

Bob Haggart of course had a hit once, whistling and playing bass at the same time. Bromberg has here recorded the Sims, Getz, Steward and (baritone sax) Serge Chaloff parts in the four-saxophone out-choruses of “The Four Brothers” (arranged by Jimmy Giuffre) and dubbed them all together, the sound suggesting a super-ocarina. Different!

Bromberg practices a certain musical opportunism, choosing titles to perform because they have great lines in the bass. Two titles from the rock repertoire are taken solo, and a third adds dubs of two supporting bass parts taped earlier. Earth, Wind & Fire's “Shining Star” comes out better than Kansas's “Carry On[,] Wayward Son,” but Paul McCartney's “Let 'em In” overstays its welcome.

Visit Brian Bromberg on the web.

By Robert R. Calder allaboutjazz.com


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Russ Freeman's Rippingtons Commemorate 20th Anniversary

With All-Star New CD and Tour CD/DVD; Retrospective Scheduled for Release July 25 on Peak Records

It's hard to believe 20 years has transpired since Russ Freemen "let it ripp" with the formation of the groundbreaking group The Rippingtons, who pioneered a new musical format currently known as smooth jazz. Sixteen CDs later, thousands of tour dates, and various incarnations of the group (which launched many of the genre's top stars), Freeman has reunited past and present Ripps and guest stars for a 20th anniversary new CD coupled with a DVD retrospective being released on Peak Records July 25. The CD will be supported by a national tour in August and September, segments of which will be sponsored by Cadillac Smooth Jazz TV, with guest star appearances along with way.

Think past Rippingtons and guest stars - think Dave Koz, Brian McKnight, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Kirk Whalum, Brandon Fields, Tony Morales, Gregg Karukas, Paul Taylor, Eric Marienthal, Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Reid, Jimmy Johnson and Jerry Hey, all of whom are among those performing on the CD. Think Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Band and producer, think group leader/founder/producer Russ Freeman, the recipient of all from the National Smooth Jazz Awards, not to forget Grammy Award nominee. Think Peak Records and the label formed by Freeman and his manager Andi Howard, who has also been with the band since its inception.

Think the "Jazz Cat" created by artist Bill Mayer, who has graced Rippingtons CD cover art since the beginning and has also starred in some of their music videos. Think of the jazz cat skiing, playing golf, riding the waves as a "tourist in paradise" and think of Rippingtons' Freeman who has shared his passions in life with his audience through his music.

Finally, think July 25th and mark down the release of the 20th Anniversary CD/ DVD/retrospective of the Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman, a milestone in a now legendary career of a group that has set the standards for which many have followed.


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Video | Steve Tyrell 'Songs Of Sinatra'

Steve Tyrell talks about the making of his new album Songs of Sinatra on Hollywood Records. Steve Tyrell recently produced the new Regis Philbin Christmas Album. Steve Tyrell covers the classic Frank Sinatra songs, I get a kick out of you, i concentrate on you, Fly Me To The Moon, Witchcraft, In The Wee Small Hours, The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else, Under My Skin, Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered, Night and Day, All The Way, Nice N Easy, Something Stupid, All Of Me, You Go To My Head. Album In Stores Now



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Jazz Lover Open House on Radio

Jazz At Lincoln Cente and XM Satellite Radio will host the first annual "Jazz Lover Open House, " a day of free jazz on Sunday, April 2, 2pm - 5pm, at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, 5th Floor. This free jazzfest celebrates April as "Jazz Appreciation Month."

The Open House includes free jazz performances in Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Atrium, interactive jazz presentations for the youngest jazz fans with the institution's WeBop! instructors, entry into the Nesuhi Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame, a chance to win tickets to concerts, access to a behind-the-scenes look at XM Satellite Radio, a chance to meet XM on-air talent, tours of Jazz at Lincoln Center's acclaimed facilities and XM's state-of-the-art recording & broadcast studios, and free giveaways, hats, balloons and special offers.

Throughout the afternoon, Jazz at Lincoln Center will present: - The Dan Nimmer Trio in Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola - The Erica vonKleist Quartet in the Atrium - WeBop! presentations in the Rehearsal Studio


Technorati Tags: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Music

Top Ten Smooth Jazz | Week Ended 3/24/06

LW TW Artist Title (Label)
1 - 1 - Richard Elliot - "Mystique" (Artizen)
3 - 2 - Paul Brown - "Winelight" (GRP/VMG)
2 - 3 - Nils - "Summer Nights" (Baja/TSR)
4 - 4 - Brian Simpson - "It's All Good" (Rendezvous)
5 - 5 - Kim Waters - "Steppin' Out" (Shanachie)
6 - 6 - Najee - "2nd 2 None" - (Heads Up International)
7 - 7 - Rick Braun - "Shining Star" (Artizen)
9 - 8 - Brian Culbertson - Let's Get Started - (GRP/VMG)
8 - 9 - Marion Meadows - "Suede" (Heads Up)
11 - 10 - Michael Lington - "Pacifica" (Rendezvous)

Visit radioandrecords.com to view the latest complete Smooth Jazz ® National Airplay© listings.

Technorati Tags: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Music

Jazz Foundation of America to Present Gala Benefit May 4

The Jazz Foundation of America's annual gala on May 4 will include performances by vocalist Abbey Lincoln, bassist Ron Carter, and trumpeter Clark Terry, the organization announced.

The event takes place at the Apollo Theater in Harlem starting at 8 p.m.

Also scheduled to appear are saxophonist James "Blood" Ulmer, clarinetist Michael White and his Original Liberty Jazz Band of New Orleans, folk singer Odetta, organist Jimmy McGriff, drummer Will Calhoun, pianist Harold Mabern, drummer Ben Riley, pianist George Cables, and saxophonist Gary Bartz, as well as dozens of New Orleans musicians.

Actor Bill Cosby will host; actor Danny Glover will also appear.

The JFA, founded in 1989 to support elderly and poverty-stricken jazz musicians, has assisted hundreds of victims of Hurricane Katrina since the storm struck New Orleans last fall.

Call 212-245-3999 x 29 for tickets; for more information, visit www.jazzfoundation.org.

Technorati Tags: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Music