Bobby Hutcherson -][- Oblique [Blue Note]

Tags

African American, Bobby Hutcherson, Jazz, Marimba, Vibes

For those of you that’s followed the postings here you’ve seen a few in reference to the legendary vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. OBLIQUE recorded in 1967 on Blue Note Records was and still is essential and classic Hutch. Funny thing, I hear some folks who lean more to contemporary jazz say recordings like this are irrelevant and outdated! In my opinion, it’s great to have the opportunity to dwell in the groove of classic gems like this while you’re chillin’ at home, work and just driving on the freeway listening to music of this caliber is an absolutely delightful experience. —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

Bobby Hutcherson - OBLIQUE

Bobby Hutcherson -][- Oblique – [Original recording remastered | Blue Note, 1967]

Bobby Hutcherson’s “Dialogue” is an undisputed modern jazz masterpiece, but in the last twenty years, the average fan would have been hard pressed to locate a second Blue Note album by the vibraphonist. Yes, many of his albums have been available as limited edition titles in the Connoisseur Series, or briefly at the dawn of the CD era before drifting out-of-print. But only with the recent reissue of “Oblique” in the RVG Edition Series (with different cover art than the original CD I might add), has another Hutch disc finally received a permanent place in the EMI catalog.

This July 21, 1967 session features three Hutcherson originals, Herbie Hancock’s “Theme from Blow Up” — the album’s catchiest tune — and two compositions by Joe Chambers, the title track and “Bi-Sectional.” Chambers’ writing talents have always amazed me for both their creativity and complexity (from a drummer, who knew?), and his contributions here are the album’s best. However, Hutch’s numbers have grown in stature as well from the days of “Components” and “Happenings” (he penned nothing on “Dialogue”), particularly on the opener “Til Then.” Of final interest to jazz aficionados is the presence of Albert Stinson, a bass virtuoso who died of a drug overdose in 1969 and left us precious few recordings. A delightful disc, there is nothing oblique about “Oblique.” —Michael B. Richman | Amazon Reviewer

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

Tatiana Parra -][- Inteira [Boranda]

Tags

Female Vocalist, Tatiana Parra

Tatiana Parra - Interia

Tatiana Parra -][- Inteira – [Boranda, 2010]

From classics composers as Tom Jobim and Milton Nascimento, to her own compositions and also bringing new names to the scene, Tatiana’s crystal clear voice, perfectly tuned brings new life to the music she sings, since she had 5 years old.

Album produced by Marcelo Mariano with participation from the Argentine trio, Aca Seca and Cesar Camargo Mariano brings to the forefront songs from new names in the Brazilian music scene such as Pedro Viáfora, Pedro Altério and Dani Black as well as Brazilian classics by Milton Nascimento and Noel Rosa.

“To feel whole as an artist for me has to do with many things, such as not being afraid to expose yourself; to not put yourself above the music, the musicians or the public but instead to feel part of it all, to be happy to share music with people in any situation.” The above phrase could be the key to understanding the title of the CD ‘Inteira’ (www.boranda.com.br), the first album of Tatiana Parra, the singer from Sao Paulo who at less than thirty years old has the career of a veteran singer. She has sung at shows and on albums of Ivan Lins, Omara Portuondo, Rita Lee, Toquinho, Chico Pinheiro, Sandy & Júnior and André Mehmari.

This Week at the Cornelia Street Cafe- November 29-December 6

Tags

Cornelia Street Café, Jazz

The Cornelia Street Cafe

“A CULINARY AS WELL AS A CULTURAL LANDMARK” Proclamation, City of New York, 1987

This Week @ The CORNELIA STREET CAFE NOVEMBER 29 – December 6, 2010

LISTINGS INFORMATION:

Venue: The Cornelia Street Café “A Culinary As Well A Cultural Landmark”
Proclamation, City of New York, 1987

For reservations and more info call 212 989 9319, located at 29 Cornelia Street, Greenwich Village, NYC 10014, email us – info@corneliastreetcafe.com

Event: This Week at The Cornelia Street Café November 29 – December 6

Showtimes: Weeknights: 6:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 10:00 PM, Weekends: 6:00 PM, 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM (doors open @ 5:45 PM-early shows, & @ 8:30 PM-late shows)

Admission: Cover charge varies, when known, indicated below

What makes The Cornelia Street Café a true New York City landmark, an epicurean destination, an artist’s café that cultivates and inspires, and one of the few remaining Greenwich Village bastions for creative music, spoken word, art, theatre, cabaret and much more?:

Saxophonist Noah Preminger Delivers Powerfully Beautiful Album of Ballads for his Second Release Before the Rain

Tags

Jazz, Noah Preminger, Saxophone

* Palmetto label debut features pianist Frank Kimbrough, bassist John Hebert, and drummer Matt Wilson *

“He plays with not just chops and composure, but already a distinct voice: His approach privileges mood and reflectiveness, favoring weaving lines that can be complex but are also concise, without a trace of over-playing or bravado.” – Siddhartha Mitter, Boston Globe

“Exceptional young player… has made an indelible impact on the scene...”-Time Out NY

Noah Preminger - Before the Rain

On Before the Rain (January 18, 2011, Palmetto Records), tenor saxophonist-composer Noah Preminger makes it clear that his widely praised debut album, Dry Bridge Road, was no fluke. His new album, his first for Palmetto Records, is marked by the same sense of adventure and exploration, but even greater lyricism, compositional depth, and group interplay. Working with familiar associates, pianist Frank Kimbrough, bassist John Hebert, and drummer Matt Wilson, Preminger opts for an album of mostly ballad-tempo performances that give everyone in the band the opportunity to delve into some highly nuanced solo and ensemble playing. An album of ballads is not what one usually expects from a young player on his second release. But by defying expectations, Preminger has created one of the most powerfully beautiful discs of the year.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself about what to record next after the success of my first album,” Preminger admits. “But in the end, I had to make the album I wanted to make, not one that I imagined other people thought I should make. At the most basic level, I like pretty melodies, so I decided to make an album of ballads. I wanted to work with some of my favorite musicians, guys I felt comfortable with and who I knew could really make strong musical statements on the material.”

Metheny | Mehldau [Nonesuch]

Tags

Brad Mehldau, Guitar, Jazz, Pat Metheny, Piano

Metheny - Mehldau

Metheny | Mehldau – Metheny & Mehldau – [Nonesuch, 2006] – Review –

It’s almost shameful on my part, but I’m finally getting around to delving into this amazing record by two of the most astounding voices in their own right to feature the renown yet prolific composer and guitarist Pat Metheny and equally talented nu-bop fusionist of his generation Brad Mehldau on piano.

After all, it’s years of working around tireless recording and tour schedules to be able to merge the intricacies of their collective voicings into one integral adventure as they join sonically to record in 2006 a stunning collection of songs which intertwines perfectly in a symphony of ambient melodies, shades and above all lingering jazz sensibilities to occupy this space strategically throughout.

The opener “Unrequited” embodies the sonic tonality we’ve come to expect from this dynamic duo as soloists. Keep in mind, as the music flows gracefully with no pitfalls foreseen until the composition “Admid-6” appears to establish their ascending voices to bond perfectly as one to sparkle cohesively with splendor. The duo theme continues to quietly permeate it’s way through the mist until “Ring of Life” emerges to unfold into a refreshing and tasteful unexpected ensemble journey. Actually, the masterful interplay by the ensemble is incredible. In essence, their intriguing voices draw telepathically from years of exploring a diverse universe of music.

Of course, this outing by the duo is not so much a detour of what they normally do individually but it was inevitable they combine their harmonically atoned and introspective voices to record this phenomenal album. —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

The Next Big Story by Soledad O’Brien

Tags

CNN, News, Soledad O'Brien

“..a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at reporting.. It is a terrific read that is both inspiring and thought-provoking.” –Anderson Cooper, CNN, author, Dispatches from the Edge, a NY Times Best Seller

O’Brien is the child of a black Cuban mother and white Australian father, and her mixed-race heritage informed every step of her personal and professional voyage, one that took her from an isolated suburban Long Island childhood to the catbird’s seat at CNN’s anchor desk.

Acknowledging the distinctive sensibility she brings to her coverage of the day’s most divisive and dramatic events, O’Brien chronicles her early years in broadcast journalism as well as her present position as one of cable news’ most respected correspondents. To reveal how her story affects her approach to the people and subjects she covers, O’Brien shares a worldview that is rooted in diversity and communicated with compassion. By breaking down cataclysmic events such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes into individual episodes of suffering, strength, and survival, O’Brien swiftly transforms the overwhelming into the understandable. Impassioned yet intimate, O’Brien’s electrifying memoir demonstrates her instinctive responsibility to present each crisis as a sacred opportunity to illuminate and educate her viewers. —Carol Haggas

..:: Source: Amazon.com

Chris Massey’s Nue Jazz Project -][- Vibrainium [SPECTRA RECORDS]

Tags

Chris Massey, Drums, Jazz

What’s up jazz enthusiasts? It seems that 2010 has been a extremely good year for drummers/percussionist to pursue their passion and release new projects. Have you had the honor to meet the music of jazz drummer Chris Massey? If not, I’d love for you to come acquainted with his latest album “Vibrainium.” On this endeavor, the veteran composer graciously takes you on a dynamic yet accessible musical excursion infected with fearless rhythms and mind swelling content that will inevitably leave you in a dysfunctional state. Of course, all intended in a good way … —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

Chris Massey - Vibrainium

Chris Massey -][- Vibrainium – [SPECTRA RECORDS, 2010]

Chris Massey plays drums. No statement could be more inadequate, though true, than that. Young Massey is a master craftsman, a highly respected performer, teacher, and composer, and now he adds to that spectrum the founder of an ensemble known as Chris Massey’s Nue Jazz Project – and it is astounding. There is something about the manner in which Massey approaches his instrument that makes it seem like the ground base for big band sound. He apparently has stated that he is a modern drummer taught in the old tradition of swing, believing that he should put his sound underneath a fellow player and let the fire start to spread. This could almost be labeled an ‘artist statement’ in the way that painter’s speak about their approach to the canvas. The result of Massey’s gifts is evident in this fertile recording, called VIBRAINIUM – and for those who might not understand the derivation of the title, is is defined in the dictionary as follows: ‘Vibranium is a fictional metal that appears in the Marvel Universe. It is most commonly known as one of the materials used to construct Captain America’s shield.’ And away we go into this ‘nue jazz’ concept. —Grady Harp | Amazon/Review

Check out this exciting new voice in jazz at http://www.chrismasseyjazz.com/live/. While you’re at it, check into “Atmosphere(s) (this is not the same Chris Massey) corrected 3/5/2011,” which features Massey in a deeper thought process musically.

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

Art by Kenneth Gatewood -][- Wes

Tags

African American, Art, Jazz, Kenneth Gatewood, Wes Montgomery

With the Thanksgiving holiday slowly coming to an end, I’m delighted to showcase a remarkable piece of art from the collection of artist/watercolorists Kenneth Gatewood. As can you see, this particular piece enhances the imagery of guitarist Wes Montgomery in a way that reflects his musical personality. Montgomery is arguably one of the most influential guitar players since the inception of the guitar to popular music! —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

Kenneth Gatewood -][- Wes – [Original Water Color on paper]

Positive images, a return to the past, and the spirit of innocence are the trademarks of watercolor artist Kenneth Gatewood. Gatewood’s art work reflects a continuous evolution of personal growth. “I want to capture the special moments, the innocent expression, and the impulsiveness which are found in children,” said Gatewood. —Grandpasart.com

Kenneth Gatewood - Wes

..:: Source: Grandpasart.com ::..

Grand Pianoramax -][- Grand Pianoramax [ObliqSound]

Tags

Grand Pianoramax, Jazz, Leo Tardin

Grand Pianoramax

Grand Pianoramax -][- Grand Pianoramax – [ObliqSound, 2005] – Review –

To my surprise, I recently stumbled into a group called Grand Pianoramax. In fact, their self-titled project was created, produced and developed by the genius of Swiss born, and New York-bred pianist named Leo Tardin.

Tardin was the premiere winner of the Montreux Jazz Festival International Piano Solo Competition, his accomplishment of course garnered the attention of record executives at ObliqSound. Tardin collaborates with his sidekick Jojo Mayer to unleash an unexpected range of improvisational ideas through the body of relentless grooves streamlined with fibers and layers of hidden textures are decidedly stretched to the max. These fiery gems moan with excitement to deepen the canvas of music makes this outing an attractive one to embrace. As a result, the remnants of rejuvenating music caught me off guard only to expand my limited vision beyond the normal soundscape is quite fulfilling. Perhaps, this is what makes music so appealing in the first place.

If you’re like me, more often then not you find yourself encamped within the walls of familiar voices. Actually, especially during these down spirited economical times there’s nothing wrong with that. However, if you will challenge my space with something sonically potent painted with off-colored melodies and complex nuances … I’m done, absolutely toast. Notably, the expressive textures throughout are embedded with hybrid beats which shift purposely to bend, shape and unfold compositionally a wealth of progressive music makes this project a desirable one to escape with for the weekend spin and anytime for that matter. —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

At your leisure, check out Leo’s latest project “Smooth Danger.” The album title is deceiving …

..:: Source: ObliqSound ::..

Happy Thanksgiving

Tags

African American, Jazz