Benny Reid | Escaping Shadows [Review]

Tags

Benny Reid, Concord Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Jazz, Saxophone

Benny Reid

Benny Reid | Escaping Shadows | Concord Jazz, 2009 [Reviewed]

Perhaps seizing the moment cherishing love, life, and time given is “encouraging to someone as is oxygen to our soul,” … furthermore, having the opportunity to relish new and stimulating music by the multi-facet saxophonist Benny Reid and his compelling and creative sophomore release “Escaping Shadows” is surely icing on the cake. As I see it, his music rates high on the lists of must haves as jazz releases goes in the 2009 is priceless. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised when I met Reid’s debut album “Findings” back in 2007. As I remember, vividly? … for a moment I mused on why don’t we hear more music by artists of this caliber? From my perspective, there are so many artists are driven to record music to be heard on the radio. Benny Reid apparently doesn’t seem to adhere to this mythology. Thank goodness, stay true to yourself and to the music. A paradigm shift is badly needed, and long, long overdue!

Jaspects | Double Consciousness

Tags

African American, Hip-hop, Jazz Fusion

Jaspects is an extraordinary fusion group from Atlanta demonstrates why we should be careful not to judge the book [sound] by it’s cover. I’ll be the first admit, I am not a fan of Hip-hop music. It’s a generational thing I suppose. However, this band’s ingenious method to blend music together was the deal breaker for me. Jaspects third offering “Double Consciousness,” is a unique collection of genres wrapped solidly into one voice is absolute brilliance. ~ The Urban Flux

Jaspects

Jaspects | Double Consciousness [Jaspects Music Group, L.L.C., 2007] On The Flipside

Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Neosoul fused all-in-one without being corny. Simply put, a “Fusion of Hip-hop and Jazz WITHOUT compromise.”

Jaspect’s third independent release titled, “Double Consciousness,” has been described by the band as a “more defined representation of the Jaspects sound,” by drummer Henry Conerway. “With this project, we wanted to break out of any box that anybody wanted to force us in,” James King explains. “We can’t be defined because we are constantly redefining ourselves.” Musical director T. Brown echoes King’s sentiment, “DC represents the steady maturation of the band as we become more in-sync with ourselves as writers, musicians, artists, and performers.”

Source: CDBaby.com

Mimi Jones | A New Day

Tags

African American, Bass, Female Jazz vocalist, Jazz

As of late, it seems unknown talent appears on this blog regularly. That said, the gifted instrumentalist [bassist] and vocalist Miranda “Mimi” Jones is about to stir things up with her stunning new album “A New Day.” Watch out for this radiant talent on the horizon, Mimi is at the top of my lists for newcomers in 2009. ~ The Urban Flux

Mimi Jones

Mimi Jones | A New Day [Hot Tone Music]

Mimi Jones, multi talented bassist, vocalist and composer, brings her beacon of musical light to the world while embracing a positive future with her inspiring messages. Mimi’s elegant sound is an eclectic mix of genres based in a strong jazz foundation that leave room for funky bass grooves, world beat rhythms, gentle textures and the soulful cries of the Wurlizer. “My music taps in directly to the senses using elements of jazz, folk, rock, blues and different sounds from around the world which have all had such a profound effect on me.”

Her inspiring debut recording,” A New Day” is bursting with original compositions seamlessly melting from one song to another and caressed by the warmth of Mimi’s sultry voice. The music is a rich assortment of rhythmic statements, musical textures, and compositional variations all flawlessly executed by Mimi Jones (acoustic bass, electric bass, vocals, composer, arranger, and assistant producer), Marvin Sewell (acoustic and electric guitars), Miki Hayama (piano, key board and Wurlitzer), Marcus Gilmore (drums), Lucianna Padmore (drums on tracks 1 and 11) and Ambrose Akinmisure (trumpet). The title of the CD speaks of embracing a changing world with a positive point of view while maintaining the courage to move forward just as the new persona and alter ego, Mimi Jones, was transformed from “side man” Miriam Sullivan in order to fully express her individual messages of change and personal evolution.

Source: CDBaby.com, also visit her site mimijonesmusic.com for more information about this upcoming talent.

Roberto Fonseca | Akokan

Tags

Latin Jazz, Latin Music, Piano

Back in 2007, a friend called drooling with excitement about this hot Latin Jazz piano player from Cuba named Roberto Fonseca. Once this gem was in my procession, I listened carefully with decrement to his sophomore effort titled Zamazu. After this meeting, I new it was just a matter of time before this guy would return with another prolific project. ~ The Urban Flux

Roberto Fonseca

Roberto Fonseca | Akokan [Enja Records]

With the release of “Zamazu” (Enja Records 2007), Roberto Fonseca reached the international stages and is now recognised as one of the most talented and charismatic musicians of the last few years.

We first got to know Roberto as Ibrahim Ferrer’s pianist and all who had the opportunity to be present at one of those concerts were impressed by his unique way of playing the piano, one that combines precise rhythm with intense emotion. Emotion that invaded our hearts, making us feel the passion of his music. “Zamazu” confirmed this and now he returns with a new solo record “AKOKAN” (which means heart in Yoruba), this album will be released in May 2009.

Trio Subtonic | Cave Dweller

Tags

Jazz Funk

Trio Subtonic

Trio Subtonic | Cave Dweller [Trio Subtonic Productions, 2009]

Music that offers a new avenue into the world of jazz and hard hitting grooves, “Cave Dweller” blends jazz, funk, hiphop, Brazilian rhythms and improvisation that appeals to jam banders, dance clubbers, world music enthusiasts and jazzers alike.

Rooted in jazz traditions, immersed in Brazilian grooves and odd meters, “Cave Dwellers” is Trio Subtonic’s latest foray across genres, captivating audiences with an original yet all too familiar sound. Featuring piano and keyboards, upright bass, and drums, apt descriptions such as groove, bossa-surf, funk, mood, and experimental jazz all fit – and Trio Subtonic exhibits them with a flourish. Willamette Week described Trio Subtonic’s music as “truly hypnotic compositions… make no mistake: this is complex stuff and when it’s pulled off with this kind of ease, it’s easy to get lost in the melodies.”

Source: CDBaby.com