Pianist Danilo Pérez Signs with Mack Avenue Records

Tags

Danilo Pérez, Jazz, Latin Jazz, Piano

Danilo Perez

Mack Avenue Records is proud to announce the signing of Grammy winning pianist Danilo Pérez. The signing was made official at the 2009 Detroit International Jazz Festival, where Pérez returned to active performing with the Wayne Shorter Quartet after a three month layoff due to a torn achilles injury.

An extraordinary Panamanian artist, composer and educator, Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time. In just over a decade, his distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz (covering the music of the Americas, folkloric and world music) has attracted critical acclaim and loyal audiences.

“It has been a long journey full of unexpected twists up to now and I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life,” Pérez says.

On his return to the stage at this year’s festival, Pérez reflects “I miss these guys so much; Wayne, Brian and John. They are such a big part of my life. I am looking forward to travel to more unknown places with them.”

“Danilo is an artist of uncompromising artistry,” says Mack Avenue Records President Denny Stilwell. “We are pleased to have him as a member of the Mack Avenue family and look forward to an album that will mark a new beginning in his expansive career.”

Pérez has recorded and performed with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Steve Lacy, Roy Haynes, Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Tito Puente, and Wynton Marsalis, among others.

He plans to release his debut Mack Avenue Records album in 2010.

Source: DLMedia

Ramsey Lewis | Songs from the Heart – Ramsey Plays Ramsey

Tags

African American, Contemporary Jazz, Jazz, Keyboards, Piano, Ramsey Lewis

Ramsey Lewis

Ramsey Lewis | Songs from the Heart – Ramsey Plays Ramsey [Concord Jazz, 2009]

Concord Jazz will release Songs From the Heart: Ramsey Plays Ramsey, the debut Concord Jazz CD from iconic pianist/bandleader Ramsey Lewis. At the age of 74, Ramsey Lewis has not only continued to be active in the jazz world, but he’s also forging ahead with a newly inspired creative instinct as a composer. This re-envisioned artistic sensibility is showcased on his new album, which is a remarkable, refined collection of 12 new originals that he composed over a period of two years. The collection includes music from two commissioned world premiere performances at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois, just north of Chicago. Eight songs come from the score of 2007’s ballet To Know Her…written for the Joffrey Ballet Company and four pieces come from 2008’s Muses and Amusements suite performed with the Turtle Island Quartet.

Songs From the Heart, Lewis’ first trio recording in five years, features eight pieces with bassist Larry Gray and drummer Leon Joyce, and four piano solo performances. To Lewis, the CD marks a turning point in his storied career: he’s found new life as a composer.

Jeff Johnson | Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am

Tags

African American, Books, Journalist, Motivational Speaker

Jeff Johnson | Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am [Publisher: Hay House; 1 Edition, 2009]

Jeff Johnson

Award-winning activist journalist and motivational speaker Jeff Johnson dares the post–Civil Rights generation to stop making excuses, overcome personal challenges, and create lives filled with passion, meaning, and service in Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am. This empowering strategic guide for manifesting and achieving your personal B.E.S.T. highlights Johnson’s unique blend of political consciousness and street-smart inspiration.

A committed youth advocate, Johnson offers a lifeline to those who feel lost in a sea of choices, distractions, and self-imposed limits. Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am offers practical guidance for learning how to unplug from the programmed expectations of family and society in order to discover and fulfill your unique life’s mission.