Hermann Lara -][- NEW MISSION [Hermann Lara]

Tags

Hermann Lara, Jazz, Saxophone

Hermann Lara - NEW MISSION

Hermann Lara -][- NEW MISSION – [Hermann Lara, 2011]

Saxophonist and composer Hermann Lara is a product of the San Francisco’s jazz sound and tradition. Born and raised in the City’s vibrant Mission District, his musical credits range from performances with the local funk group Stymie & the Pimp Jones Luv Orchestra and stints with the Ray of Light Theatre Company to engagements with salsa legends Paquito Guzman and Lalo Rodriguez during salsa’s hey day. A 20 year veteran of the casual and weekend circuit, he breaks out on his own as leader and solo artist with his debut CD New Mission featuring 6 time Grammy nominee guitarist, Mike Stern. New Mission weaves together musical stories and themes which serve as tributes to the City’s iconic entertainment past & presents melodic commentaries based on the composer’s experiences as a musician and worker in America today.

Approaching his second full decade in music, the 38 year old offers his keen sense for musical styling and a full offering of improvisation filled jazz compositions with rhythmic settings based in Brazilian rhythms such as the Partido Alto to a New Orleans second line. The album covers fusion and groove based jazz and more traditional post bop tunes to a playfully, quirky ballad which are sure to impress. New Mission is a strong freshman outing from an experienced musician. –CDBaby

..:: SOURCE: CDBaby.com ::..

Lisa Hilton -][- UNDERGROUND [Ruby Slippers Productions]

Tags

Jazz, Lisa Hilton, Piano

Lisa Hilton - UNDERGROUND

Lisa Hilton -][- UNDERGROUND – [Ruby Slippers Productions, 2011]

For the highly acclaimed pianist/composer/band leader Lisa Hilton’s thirteenth stateside release she is, once again, working with a stellar line –up of top flight jazz musicians: Larry Grenadier/bass, (known for his work with Brad Mehldau and Fly Trio), Naheet Waits/drums, (Jason Moran, John Escreet, Fred Hersch, Kurt Rosenwinkel), and J.D. Allen/tenor sax , (Cindy Blackman, Dave Douglas, Ron Carter) imbuing “Underground”, and Hilton’s compositions with straight ahead jazz that has warmth, beauty and soul. “I’m a fan of traditional jazz, but I am not a traditionalist – if that makes sense”, Hilton explains, “ I don’t aspire to sound like Miles Davis, Jelly Roll Morton, or Muddy Waters, but I do reference them in a style that I think represents our desire today to embrace the past but be moving forward as a jazz audience. Plus, this music is uplifting and fun!” The result is a fresh new sound that is familiar and appealing to listeners of all ages, while showcasing the extraordinary talents of the band members.

Called a “Lioness of Jazz” by JazzReivew and noted in the book, “The New Face of Jazz,” by Cicly Janus: “Hilton has been compared to some of the best pianists in history, such as Bill Evans, and Brad Mehldau”, Hilton has also been favorable compared to Dave Brubeck, and Oscar Peterson as well as composers Erik Satie and even Debussy, but Hilton’s sound and touch are all her own. “Underground” is infiltrated with what DownBeat Magazine has described as “A deeply expressive style of coaxing sounds from keys and offering rich melodies and improvisations.” Alternately bluesy, evocative and rollicking, “Underground” covers a lot of ground – a must for jazz fans as well as newbies.

Watch the “Underground” video on YouTube/LisaHIltonMusic or at: http://www.LisaHiltonMusic.com

..:: SOURCE: CDBaby.com ::..

Jay Phelps -][- JAY WALKIN’ [Specific Jazz]

Tags

Jay Phelps, Jazz, Trumpet

Jay Phelps - JAY WALKIN'

Jay Phelps -][- JAY WALKIN’ – [Specific Jazz, 2010]

I first came across Jay Phelps playing for a band called ‘Skatronics’as I’m a massive reggae lover, this is the music genre I was raised on having a Jamaican family. After a friend told me he is a Jazz musician I decided to check him out more and more catching him playing live at a couple of regular spots around London.

As someone who has now gotten into Jazz, Jay Phelp’s live performance is astounding; from his and his bands level of musicianship, to the warm presence he brings to the audience. However his CD is what’s to be reviewed…

..:: SOURCE: Amazon.com ::..