SADE | SOLDIER OF LOVE | 2010

SADE | SOLDIER OF LOVE – [February 8, 2010]

Apparently, due to lack of research on my part, I humbly apologize for posting that “Love Supreme” by pop vocal diva Sade was coming soon! According to Billboard.com I wasn’t the only one who got hoodwinked by the official looking Sade2009.com. Try, this Sade’s official web site!

SADE, SOLIDER OF LOVE

NEW YORK, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ — The wait is now over. Epic Records is pleased to announce the release of SOLDIER OF LOVE, the highly anticipated new body of work from SADE. SOLDIER OF LOVE– which will be released WORLDWIDE on February 8, 2010 — is Sade’s first official studio album since the multi-platinum release of Lovers Rock in 2000.

Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984, the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than50 million albums worldwide to date. They’ve been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards — first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for “No Ordinary Love”, and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

SOLIDER OF LOVE was recorded in England and produced by the band and their longtime collaborator Mike Pela.

..:: Source: PRNewswire ::..

Cynthia Felton | Afro Blue

Greeting’s my fellow jazz and art enthusiasts, it’s a blessing once again to be beneath the wings of another Thanksgiving. During this holiday season may we unleash one of the most powerful gifts given to us “LOVE,” lets express ourselves by loving and giving to those in need. May all of you have a safe, loving, and prosperous Thanksgiving! ~ The Urban Flux [Rob]

Cynthia Felton | Afro Blue ~ “The Music of Oscar Brown Jr.” – [Felton Entertainment, 2008]

Cynthia Felton, Afro Blue

Dr. Cynthia J. Felton serves as Artistic Director of The Ethnomusicology Library of American Heritage, a library of encyclopedias that traces contributions of music created in America.

Her singing style embodies jazz, rhythm & blues, and gospel music — a perfect fit for the broad stylistic range of compositions she chose for her debut recording.

Cynthia’s new release, Afro Blue, pays tribute to the legendary Oscar Brown Jr. whose work she greatly admires. The cd features twelve songs either written by Oscar or for which he wrote lyrics. In addition to Mongo Santamaria’s Afro Blue, the cd features other jazz classics such as Miles Davis’ All Blues, and Bobby Timmons’ Dat Dere.

The Curtis Brothers Quartet at Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philly tonight!

The Curtis Brothers

Following a live per-recording interview and performance at WRTI 90.1FM, The Curtis Brothers Quartet will perform at Chris’ Jazz Cafe from 5pm – 7pm.

Sunset Sessions
$10/ $5 (Students)
5pm – 7pm
1421 Sansom St
Philadelphia, PA 19102-3004
(215) 568-3131

Be sure to tune into WRTI 90.1 FM with Jeff Duperon “THIS FRIDAY” evening to hear WRTI’s signature jazz programming. Starting at 6:45pm, Conversations with Jeff Duperon brings you The Curtis Brothers and their per-recorded interview and performance from today!

Lyle Mays | Fictionary

Lyle Mays | Fictionary – [Warner Jazz, 1992]

Lyle Mays, Fictionary

After the general “panning” of his second album (“Street Dreams“) Lyle took some time before going back into the studio without the PMG. The result is a perfectly fine trio album (with Marc Johnson & Jack DeJohnette) very much in the style of the Bill Evans & Keith Jarrett Trios.

Mays has never made a secret of his admiration of Bill Evans (eg September 15 on “As Wichita Falls……..”) & the opening track here pays dutiful, respectful tuneful homage. The title track which follows is dedicated to Chick Corea & again the influence is apparent (personally I’m more a fan of Evans & therefore of the opening track). “Sienna” is a sassy, moody piece (deep, resonant bass lines from Johnson) with a nice groove but which could (if I was being picky) have given more space to Johnson & DeJohnette (Mays does have a slight tendency to “overplay” on this disc). “Lincoln Reviews His Notes” is similar with a lovely minor riff before “Hard Eights” leads off with DeJohnette literally belting his drum kit before Johnson & Mays join in (rather too “straight ahead” for my ideal liking although not without some very pleasant chords from Mays). “Something left Unsaid” is delightful melancholia & “Where are you from Today” has an appealing groove.

Overall a solid effort but one wherein the standard of the second half (ex “Where are you from Today?”) falls away somewhat from the first half. –David J. Ohanlon

..:: Source: Amazon.com ::..

Timo Lassy | Round Two

Timo Lassy | “Round Two” – [Ricky-Tick Records, 2009]

Timo Lassy, Round Two

My second long player, “Round Two”, is out on Ricky-Tick Records October 28 in Finland and November 27 in Europe. It features eight tracks, including the first single ‘The More I Look at You’ with José James on vocals.

The album features eight tracks, and I composed all of them plus co-produced the lot with Teppo “Teddy Rok” Mäkynen who also plays the drums on it. It was a real treat to work with José James and all of the guys (see list below), and we’re very happy with the end result.

Vinyl buyers get a free mp3 download of the entire album plus bonus track.

Out in Japan and Finland, European release November 2!

Timo Lassy – Round Two from Ricky-Tick Records on Vimeo.

Thanks Ileane for the scoop about this record by Timo!

..:: Source: Spectives.com and Vimeo.com ::..

Christian Doepke Trio | Adlibs

Christian Doepke Trio | Adlibs – [Jazz&Milk Recordings, 2008]

Christian Doepke Trio, Adlibs

In the current hype involving young German jazz pianists an exclamation mark should be added to Christian Doepke’s name. Lyricism and groove should not be contradictory. The same applies to pace, depth and gracefulness, let alone swing and intelligence. In addition, the compositions of the Amsterdam-based pianist also tell wonderful stories, which really dots the i’s. Doepke, a romantic at heart like Bill Evans – who gets a beautiful tribute with Bill’s Mood – as well as a realist in the tradition of Horace Silver, has developed his own signature on the 88 keys with a clear touch and a sovereign technique, that clearly distinguishes him from the German jazz pianist masses.

You’ll see someone buckled down to a concert grand, who is equally familiar with sunlit open spaces in a forest and the liveliness of a metropolis, witness, “Heaven Knows“ and “Looking For Trouble“.

..:: Source: Myspace.com ::..

Natalie Cole 2-CD Holiday Gift Set

Natalie Cole

Submerge yourself in jazz admiration with the remarkable Natalie Cole 2-CD Holiday Gift Set. “Still Unforgettable” is the extraordinary follow-up album to the acclaimed “Unforgettable“. Cole lovingly wraps her unparalleled, supple voice around 14 standards; delving deeper into the American Songbook and not just songs from her father, but also from other greats, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Sammy Davis Jr. and Peggy Lee.

Listen as this 8-time Grammy winner continues to astonish with her vocal dexterity and her intimate, knowing ways of both lyric and melody. Plus, the exclusive holiday CD celebrates Christmas classics and instantly creates that magical yuletide spirit we look forward to all year long.

Natalie Cole 2-CD Holiday Gift Set Includes:

* “Still Unforgettable” CD by Natalie Cole
* “Merry Christmas Darling” CD by Natalie Cole

..:: Source: HSN.com ::..

SEVENTH ANNUAL PANAMA JAZZ FESTIVAL

7 Panama Jazz Festival

SEVENTH ANNUAL PANAMA JAZZ FESTIVAL, LED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR DANILO PÉREZ, ANNOUNCES 2010 LINEUP

Panama’s annual cornerstone cultural event, the seventh Panama Jazz Festival will be held January 11-16, 2010. With upwards of 100,000 people in attendance since the festivals 2003 inception, this year’s edition is dedicated to Panamanian pianist, Ellerton Oswald (better known as Sonny White), noted for his work as Billie Holiday’s accompanist and his role in the production of her seminal recording Strange Fruit. About Oswald, Artistic Director and Festival founder Danilo Pérez commented, “despite the lack of information in Panama about this extraordinary artist, whose career in the United States dates back to the 1930’s, his participation on Strange Fruit was considered ground breaking.” Oswald was also best remembered for his collaborations with such jazz greats as Sidney Bechet and Dexter Gordon.

Among the artists slated to perform are Grammy award winning saxophonist Joe Lovano, the famed New Orleans pianist Ellis Marsalis, Grammy award winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, Grammy award winning bassist John Patitucci, drummer and composer Terri Lyne Carrington, percussionist Jamey Haddad, flamenco guitarist Juanito Pascual, and saxophonist Carlos Garnett.

Nestor Torres | Nouveau Latino

Nestor Torres | Nouveau Latino – [Cda Group, 2009]

Nestor Torres, Nouveau Latino

“Nouveau Latino is about the groove and the dancer, about romance and seduction through melody”. It is also a testament to Torres’ impeccable credentials as the pre-eminent Latin Jazz flautist of his generation.

In his brand new CD, Nouveau Latino, Nestor Torres returns to his Latin roots with a fresh approach, impeccable musicianship, and irresistible improvisations. Featuring songs from stars like Celia Cruz and Ruben Blades, Torres’ interpretations of these great Latin hits appeal to those discovering the songs for the first time as much as those who remember them.

Loide | Live at Bohemian Caverns

Loide | Live at Bohemian Caverns – [Loide Rosa Jorge, 2009]

Loide, Live at Bohemian Caverns

With roots in Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau, but raised in Southern California, Loide serves up a mix of contemporary jazz and warm Afro-lusophone rhythms.

“LOIDE, Live at the Bohemian Caverns” is a 12 track LP that takes you on a musical and cultural journey that can be enjoyed by everyone, it’s jazzy, it’s raw, and she reflects this new era of the “Afropolitian” representing for those of us that embrace the complexities of our cultures. Loide finds a way to intertwine the contemporary jazz ranges of Nancy Wilson with the soul of Cesaria Evora, as she eases back and forth from English to her native tongue, Portuguese offering with each track a unique sound and perspective.

..:: Source: CDBaby.com ::..