Chris Hunter | Bop City

Tags

Chris Hunter, Jazz, Saxophone

Chris Hunter | Bop City [CBJ Records, 2009]

Chris Hunter, Bop City

Bop City is Chris Hunter’s new quartet album with one of his own tunes, “Nami,” four compositions by bassist Alex Blake, and three arrangements of standards, “Too High,” “Little Sunflower” and “Love for Sale.” Definitely, the compositional quality of Chris’s playing has found a form in the consummate abilities of this band.

The group has a depth which I’m starting to feel is difficult for engineers to reproduce. Alex alone is the only link left to the days of Impulse, having recorded at 17 with Sun Ra during an age when this kind of sensitivity was recorded over months rather than days, proving it’s not a one-stop shop and it’s not only a question of $3000 mics. In this case a fine technician was called upon to record and master the project, Manfred Knoop at Knoop music studios, New Jersey so we’re nearer to the kind of production it takes to get quality masters.

Bop City: an eclectic overview of American mainstream jazz, played by legendary veterans of the idiom. Music includes compelling originals and a broad cross section of American staples. Band consists of Chris Hunter, saxes and flutes; Alex Blake, acoustic bass; Victor Jones, drums; Ted Cruz, piano.

Source: HunterCSax.com

Somi | If The Rains Come First

Tags

African, African American, Female Vocalist, Jazz, Somi, Soul

I’m ecstatic about introducing to you jazz/soul vocalist Somi, and her stunning new recording “If The Rain Comes First” on the creative, and innovative label with an international vibe ObliqSound. ~ The Urban Flux

Somi

Somi | If The Rains Come First [ObliqSound, 2009]

ObliqSound is pleased to announce the signing of vocalist and songwriter Somi, whose label debut will release in October 2009. A finalist in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest for her single ?Ingele? from her critically acclaimed album Red Soil In My Eyes on Harmonia Mundi, Somi showcased this year at SXSW and will be a featured performer at the upcoming Montreal Jazz Festival this July.

Born in Illinois to East African parents and having also lived in Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania, Somi is a true daughter of the New African world. Her upcoming album will include a guest performance by legendary South African Hugh Masekela.

Release Date: October 13, 2009

Source: ObliqSound.com … for more information about this outstanding artist please visit her web site somimusic.com ….

Stone/Wright | Live … From The Bedroom

Tags

African American, Female Vocalist, Guitar, Soul

Funky, earthy, energetic songs with catchy melodies, spirited guitar work, and mind-expanding lyrics. Vocally, it’s a sexy, soulful blend of jazz, pop, rock, and spoken word. ~ CDBaby

Stone/Wright | Live … From The Bedroom [Stone/Wright, 2009]

Stone/Wright, Live

Dee Stone and Charles Wright stir up a bold blend of jazz, soul, and rock. With impeccable guitar work and passionate vocal stylings, this husband/wife duo performs original songs about love, liberation, and the human experience. As songwriters, their music is inspired and spirited, with earthy, intelligent lyrics. As performers, they draw you in with an intense musical chemistry that is soulful, organic, and fresh.

Dee and Charles worked together throughout the mid-Atlantic region for several years in the Dee Stone Band, a funk/rock unit. They recently married and began working as an acoustic/electric power duo. This creatively adventurous couple looks to explore new ways to express sound and emotion.

Source: CDBaby.com and StoneWrightMusic.com

Cuban Composer-Percussionist Arturo Stable

Tags

African American, Cuban Jazz, Latin Music, Percussionist

Cuban Composer-Percussionist Arturo Stable – Releases CALL – October 13 on Origen Records

Arturo Stable

Arturo Stable’s new release on the Origen Records label, Call, redefines the outer limits of Latin jazz through complex and compelling original works and an outpouring of virtuosic performances by Stable and his quintet. It is the follow-up to his 2007 Origen Records release Notes on Canvas, a critically-lauded effort that featured Stable’s aural interpretations of iconic paintings by Monet, Picasso and other masters.

“I see Call as a culmination of some of the material that I started developing in Notes on Canvas,” the 34-year old innovator explains. “I see some new and positive elements in my playing that I like very much, and a cohesive sound throughout the album that I’m especially happy with. But there’s a contrast between the two albums that’s enjoyable as well.”

Call’sriveting qualities stem from Stable’s choice of musicians and how he chose to record the session. Call is a quintet outing that showcases pianist Aruan Ortiz, bassist Edward Perez, saxophonist Javier Vercher and drummer Francisco Mela, with special guest Ian Izquierdo on violin.