Nathaniel Smith ]|[ QUARTET [Fresh Sound New Talent]

Tags

Drums, Jazz, Jon Irabagon, Jostein Gulbrandsen, Mark Anderson, Nathaniel Smith

Nathaniel Smith - QUARTET

Nathaniel Smith ]|[ QUARTET – [Fresh Sound | New Talent, 2011] – Music Review –

In our fast paced culture it’s always a breath of fresh air to hear new and accessible music by independent artists. On this occasion, I’m elated to introduce drummer | composer Nathaniel Smith from all places Missoula, Montana. Smith emerged on the scene as accomplished writer, arranger and producer his debut offering appropriately titled “QUARTET” on Fresh Sound/New Talent Records ©2011.

“Quartet” compositionally contains seven songs mostly pen by Smith. They feature three additional voices to bring life to this palette of superb songs which includes Concord Records recording artist and classmate Jon Irabagon on saxophone, bassist Mark Anderson and Jostein Gulbrandsen on guitar rounds out this cast of skillful musicians.

Prasanna -][- BE THE CHANGE [Susila Music]

Tags

Guitar, Jazz, Prasanna

If you love jazz fusion, then this project by guitarist Prasanna is absolutely a must for you to grab ASAP! Funny thing, when I listen to records of this caliber I see why those who insist on playing it safe artistically could be missing the point of recording a solo album. In other words, don’t get caught in the rapture copying for example: “Lady Gaga/Kenny G” no pun intended just to make a hit record. With this stunning offering the adventurous guitar antics of Prasanna, he is taking virtuosity into a new dimension! —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

Prasanna - BE THE CHANGE

Prasanna -][- BE THE CHANGE – [Susila Music, 2004]

Considered by many to be one of the most unique guitar virtuosos in the world, Prasanna takes a quantum leap into the future with ‘Be the Change’. Stellar performances from an all star line-up of some of the worlds’ best musicians like multi-Grammy winning Bela Fleck and the Flecktones bassist Victor Wooten, ex-Weather Report bass legend Alphonso Johnson, the dynamic Flecktones saxophonist Jeff Coffin, ex-Frank Zappa drummer Ralph Humphrey, one of LA’s hottest saxophonists Andy Suzuki, the explosive drummer Derico Watson and the versatile vocalist Shalini, complement Prasanna’s dynamic guitars, vocals and strikingly original compositions of rare depth.

Dave Douglas & Keystone -][- Spark Of Being: 3 Disc Box Set [Box set]

Tags

Dave Douglas, Jazz, Trumpet

Dave Douglas & Keystone - SPARK OF BEING

Dave Douglas & Keystone -][- Spark Of Being: 3 Disc Box Set (Box set) – [GREEN LEAF RECORDS, 2010]

Two-time Grammy-nominated jazz musician Dave Douglas is arguably the most prolific and original trumpeter-composer of his generation. From his New York base, where he’s lived since the mid 1980s, Mr. Douglas has continued to earn lavish national and international acclaim including prizes from such organizations as the New York Jazz Awards, Down Beat, JazzTimes, Jazziz, and the Italian Jazz Critics’ Society. His solo recording career began in 1993 with Parallel Worlds on Soul Note Records, and he has since released more than 30 recordings. In 2005, after seven critically acclaimed albums for Bluebird/RCA, Mr. Douglas launched his own record label, Greenleaf Music.

The same year, he was honored with a Guggenheim Fellowship. On Greenleaf, Mr. Douglas has released albums with his long standing quintet, the electronic sextet Keystone, and the mixed chamber ensemble Nomad. In 2009, he released Spirit Moves with his new brass quintet, Brass Ecstasy and his first big band recording, A Single Sky, a collaboration with Jim McNeely and Frankfurt Radio Bigband. This year brings a new collection of work by Keystone entitled, Spark of Being, a retelling of the Frankenstein myth in collaboration with award-winning filmmaker Bill Morrison.–BIOGRAPHY | Greenleaf Music

..:: Source: Greenleaf Music ::..

Andy Bey -][- AMERICAN SONG [Savoy Jazz]

Tags

African American, Andy Bey, Jazz, Male Jazz Vocalist

Andy Bey - AMERICAN SONG

Andy Bey -][- AMERICAN SONG – [Savoy Jazz, 2005]

Usually, I’m not the one to rave about standards instrumentally or vocally for that matter. However, in this case I was captivated in my first encounter by the brilliance and symmetry of Grammy nominated vocalist extraordinare Andy Bey. Perhaps you will, like me find his bravado, spellbinding and soothing while his flawless interpretations redefine this timeless collection of wonderful songs mesmerizing.

After a twenty-two year absence from recording, Andy Bey returns with “American Song” one of four albums to position his voice in this infinite landscape of popular vocal artists. With this project, he works his way through the intricacies of the elegantly stated revisions of “Prelude to A kiss, Speak Low, Caravan, Lush Life, Satin Doll, and Lonely Town.” After the first spin, you’ll probably wonder why you haven’t indulged and absorbed his smooth, expressive and rich baritone before now? As Bey’s voice resonates seamlessly through the fabric of each song you’ll find yourself emerged in the enchanting lyricalism as he reshapes these classics with his unmatched style and swagger like you’ve never heard before in the context of “American Song.”

As jazz enthusiasts, if you haven’t done so take some time and familiarize yourself with this remarkable singer he will simply blow you away with his uncanny lyrical prowess and warm timbre eloquently displayed throughout the canvas of “American Song” by vocalist Andy Bey. —Rob Young | The Urban Flux