Marcus Strickland | Idiosyncrasies

Tags

African American, Jazz, Saxophone

In addition to cutting edge jazz “Idiosyncrasies” offer instrumental adaptations of some of the world’s most precious cross-genre gems. Marcus Strickland’s trio can comfortably perform anywhere and for anyone. ~ CDBaby

Marcus Strickland | Idiosyncrasies – [Strick Muzik, 2009]

Marcus Strickland

Marcus Strickland’s third release on Strick Muzik “Idiosyncrasies” finds the world-renowned saxophonist in the setting of his exhilarating trio (with bassist Ben Williams and drummer E.J. Strickland). From the start of the record it is truly apparent that you will not be able to sit still with the poppin’ groove of Strickland’s opening original “Cuspy’s Delight“, written for the drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts. The catchy melody soaring above the rhythmic playground of bass and drums immediately dives into Strickland’s sax solo, which will make you consider whether the horn is a percussion or woodwind instrument. Then just when an idea of the album’s direction starts to formulate Strickland’s second original “Rebirth“, a song about the healing powers of love, tantalizes the listener’s chakras with his sax whispering the chant-like melody through the interweaving bass harmony. “Idiosyncrasies” takes you on an acoustic journey that is rare to find these days.

Source: CDBaby.com

Plunge | Falling with Grace (24 bit Remastered)

Tags

African American, Bob Moses, Jam Music, Jazz

Are you ready to take the “Plunge“? For those of you who are ready to dig into a groundbreaking alternative, jazz that’s inventive, hip, thick around the edges, percussive beats that are sonically sobering, or grooves without borders … perhaps a sound that falls somewhere within the neighborhood of artists like Charlie Hunter and Medeski, Martin, & Wood. Well my fellow connoisseurs of jazz, look no further … the legendary drummer, arranger and producer Bob Moses and his fabulous cast drops a superb album titled “Falling with Grace” for your listening pleasure! ~ The Urban Flux

Plunge | Falling with Grace (24 bit Remastered) | [Immersion Records & Media, 2009]

Plunge, Falling

Re-release of Plunge’s critically acclaimed debut recording remastered at 24 bit. featuring Bob Moses, Avishai Cohen, Marcus Rojas, and Mark McGrain. DownBeat called it “remarkable – grooves as wide as a house,” awarding it a 4 star review. Arranged for two bass instruments and with an emphasis on percussion, the twelve engaging McGrain-penned originals groove deeply.

From New Orleans second-line verve to after-hours jazz swagger, Caribbean and African beats combine with the funk and urban sound of the street to provide musical surprises around every corner. With brilliant, mysterious production from Tom Dube, “Falling with Grace” is both atmospheric and punchy.

Source: CDBaby.com

Tracy Hamlin | Better Days

Tags

African American, Female Vocalist, Jazz, Neo Soul, Soul, Tracy Hamlin

Tracy Hamlin | Better Days [DMH RECORDS, LLC, 2009]

Tracy Hamlin

Well, my fellow music aficionados I’m honored to introduce the gifted vocalist and multi-linguist Tracy Hamlin and her poignant new recording appropriately titled”Better Days.”

~ The Urban Flux

“Better Days” is Tracy Hamlin’s second solo project. This project combines her unique styles of R&B, Jazz, and Neo/Soul into an adult contemporary offering.

While Tracy Hamlin is perhaps best known for her longtime association with Pieces of a Dream, her first solo album, “Seasons” set the tone for her to take her place center stage. Featuring both Najee on flute and Pieces of a Dream, this stellar collection from 2005 proved to be a wonderful representation of her rich vocal tones. Attracting both R&B and jazz aficionados, “Seasons” was a glowing affirmation of her burgeoning talent.

Now, Tracy is back with her sophomore album, “Better Days”. An excellent follow up to “Seasons”, “Better Days” gives the listening audience an accurate illustration of Ms. Hamlin’s musical world. Songs like, “You’ve Got To Let Go” and “No Regrets”, pleasantly place one in a position of self-reflection while “Better Days” and “Free” offer lyrics of hope and optimism for the future. With producers, Phil Davis, Eric Valentine and Kelvin Wooten on board, “Better Days” is sure to take listeners on a refreshing musical journey.

Source: CDBaby.com

Azymuth | Brazilian Soul

Tags

African American, Azymuth, International, Jazz

Azymuth | Brazilian Soul [Far Out Recordings/Import, 2004] Revisited

Azymuth, Brazilian Soul

From the beginning the virtuosity of Azymuth resonates with a provocative measure of depth, quality and beauty with their music. Artistically the music of Azymuth has always managed to fill the void alternatively as vocalist Marico Lott effectively illustrates on “Estatico”. Lott’s vocal prowess and tonality massages the mind, body and spirit in his native Portuguese language.

Azymuth takes you on pulsating Brazilian samba with “Biaozinho Carioca” penned by band-mates Bertrami and Malherios. This is without a doubt vintage Azymuth! Vocalists Emilio Santiago lends his talents at the 3rd spot on “Demais”; this track is definitely catchy with the seductive rhythms and colors by the trio.

One of dominant attributes musically by Azymuth has always sustained itself with what I call sneaky funk that’s breezy, samba rhythms an elusive textures that draws you into the passages of their rhythmic soundscapes. “Sambafrica” edifies this brilliantly! The track “Retro Visor” is reminiscent of when I first heard “Telecommunication” the vo-coder provided by Bertrami; funky bass lines of Malherios and Conti’s percussive flavorings are simply awesome. Azymuth’s buoyant spirit takes flight with the festive “Depois De Carnival” featuring vocalist Fabiola.