CONCORD MUSIC GROUP GARNERS 24 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

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Esperanza Spalding, Gerald Albright, Grammy Nominations, Jazz, Jeff Lorber, Stanley Clarke

Concord Music Logo

December 2, 2010 – Last night, Concord Music Group received 24 GRAMMY nominations spanning a dazzling array of genres, demonstrating the breadth and talent of the independent music company’s diverse roster. The recognition from NARAS caps an incredibly impressive year for the company that included the acquisition of renowned American roots label Rounder Records and partnership with Paul McCartney and MPL Communications to market and distribute McCartney’s revered post-Beatles solo and Wings catalog.

“We are extremely grateful that Concord Music Group’s superb family of artists and labels have been acknowledged with a remarkable 24 Grammy nominations this year,” stated Concord Music Group chief label officer Gene Rumsey. “Every day we work to create a place where great music and artists can flourish and thrive. We’re proud to be associated and blessed with performers of such talent, ambition and passion.”

Winners will be announced on Sunday, February 13th at the GRAMMY Awards, airing live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on the CBS Television Network. Below is the complete list of nominations for the Concord Music Group:

Bill O’Connell -][- Rhapsody in Blue [Challenge Records]

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Bill O'Connell, Dave Valentin, Jazz, Piano

Bill O'Connell - Rhapsody in Blue

Bill O’Connell -][- Rhapsody in Blue – [Challenge Records, 2010] – Review –

Being somewhat of a novice of Latin jazz, I’m extremely honored to be acquainted with the music of internationally known composer/pianist and native New Yorker Bill O’Connell. After seeing him perform with the phenomenal Dave Valentin back in the nineties I was blown away by his (their) performance. As expected, this remarkable pianist the originator of a freshly painted canvas of ten extraordinary pieces titled “Rhapsody in Blue” on Challenge Records is welcome.

Bill O’Connell return to the studio to conjure up another tenacious blend of Latin Jazz for music aficionados to savor with each listen. Moreover, on his latest endeavor it’s an adventurous harmonic excursion that distinctly reveals why this virtuoso was thoroughly sought after pianist by such luminaries as Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, and long time flutist Dave Valentin. While in pursuit to grow artistically O’Connell didn’t hesitate to answer his calling. Therefore, he sharpened his writing and playing skills as a pianist and later on decided to RSVP his invitation to perform with salsa great Mongo Santamaria. No doubt, this incredible beginning had to be a humbling experience for a young artist.

Sean Jefferson -][- DREAMWORKS [Bluesback Records, INC]

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African American, Drums, Jazz, Sean Jefferson

Sean Jefferson - DREAMWORKS

Sean Jefferson -][- DREAMWORKS – [Bluesback Records, INC 2010]

Though Sean Jefferson has certainly made it his life’s work to try and master the vast traditions set forth by the long lineage of elite jazz skinsmen before him, he never set out to make music strictly for drummers. Or musicians. Or even jazz fans. Yes, he has studied rigorously. Yes, he has a knack for putting a fresh, cerebral spin on meter. Yes, he grooves hard and swings tight. But Jefferson has since day one been in search of his own voice. And, though he is already pushing jazz drumming to all new horizons, as a composer he points the way to a vision of jazz’s future as a language. Never content to fall into the role of pedestrian beat supplier Sean nonetheless insists that drums must always fit into the greater whole of the music. At the same time that Jefferson was being moved to view timekeeping in rich, metaphysical terms by drumming trailblazers like Elvin Jones, Jack De Johnette, and Jeff “Tain” Watts, he was equally moved by composers such as Thelonious Monk, Aaron Copeland, Paul Hindemith, Ludwig Van Beethoven, and renowned drummer/composer Brian Blade.

Inventive, ambitious, layered… Sean Jefferson operates on many planes at once, employing the Inventive, ambitious, layered… Sean Jefferson operates on many planes at once, employing the drumset as a small orchestra that is loaded with a variety of individual instruments. The term “harmony” isn’t often referred to in the context of the drums, but for Jefferson it is of the utmost importance. And even given the immense weight of jazz history that he has volunteered to carry – not to mention today’s vibrant creative climate, Sean sits perfectly poised to stand out, be heard, and leave his mark on the artform. —Sean Jefferson | BIOGRAPHY

Check out the ultimate jazz drummer Sean Jefferson work the skins … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOpxi7sVX6k&feature=player_embedded

..:: Source: Sean Jefferson.com ::..

Wayne Wallace ¡BIEN , BIEN! Nominated for Grammy Award FOR “BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM”

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Grammy Nominated, Jazz, Trombone, Wayne Wallace

“4.5 Stars. A rollicking triumph of styles and genres that is fun from one end to the other.” – James Hale, DownBeat

Wayne Wallace Quintet - !Ben Ben!

Wayne Wallace Quintet -][- ¡BIEN , BIEN! – [Patois Records, 2009]

December 2, 2010 – World-renowned master trombonist, composer, arranger, and producer Wayne Wallace has earned a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Latin Jazz Album” for his CD ¡BIEN BIEN! on the Patois label. The CD, which topped the radio charts and earned rave reviews including 4.5 stars from DownBeat and a place on numerous top CDs of the year lists, features The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet and special guests trombonist Julian Priester and vocalist Kenny Washington. The nominations for the 53rd annual GRAMMY awards were announced last night by the Recording Academy. Complete List Of Nominees here: http://www.grammy.com/nominees

This is the first time Wallace, a San Francisco native, has been nominated for a GRAMMY for one of his own projects. “All the members of the quintet and I are deeply humbled and thankful that the Recording Academy deems us worthy of being considered in this year’s Latin Jazz category,” says Wallace. “There is no greater honor for an artist then to receive recognition from one’s peers.”