Gregory Porter -[|]- Be Good – [Motéma Music, 2012 | Review]

Tags

African American, Brian Bacchus, Gregory Porter, Jazz, Male Vocalist, Motéma Music

Gregory Porter, BE GOOD

Gregory Porter -[|]- Be Good -(MP3)- [Motéma Music, 2012 | Review]

From the beginning, vocalist Gregory Porter emerged on the music scene in 2010 with one of the most talked about debut recordings in recent memory to eventually land at the number position on both iTunes and Amazon in the U.K. with his soulful and inspiring debut titled “Water” on Motéma Music. In the present tense, songwriter and vocalist extraordinaire Gregory Porter promptly returns with his incomparable lyrical bravado to masterfully uncover another brilliant and tasteful portrait of great songs on “Be Good” produced by the Brian Bacchus.

With his sophomore effort in the works, Porter summon veteran producer Brian Bacchus to the studio to add his touch to eleven of the twelve songs on “Be Good.” Bacchus has many successes to his credit including Norah Jones, Cassandra Wilson, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and Lizz Wright along with a host of others. Accompanying Porter on this project is his working band featuring: the incredible Chip Crawford [piano], Aaron James on [bass], Emanuel Harrold plays drums along with Kamau Kenyatta and Yosuke Sato on saxophones. Also guest appearances by Keyon Harrold on trumpet and Tivon Pennicott on tenor horn.

Anthony Branker & Word Play -][- Dialogic [Origin, 2011]

Tags

Adam Cruz, African American, Anthony Branker, Arrnager, Composer, Jazz, Jim Ridl, Kenny Davis, Princeton Professor, Ralph Bowen

Recently I had the honor to hear music by this amazing musician named Anthony Branker. Wow where on earth have I been? Branker’s sound is classic yet modern, it grooves, and accessible I really dig his latest “Dialogic.” Once you hear it, I’m sure you will to. –Rob Young | The Urban Flux

Anthony Branker & Word Play, Dialogic

Anthony Branker & Word Play -][- Dialogic -(MP3)- [Origin, 2011]

For his 3rd Origin recording, composer and Princeton professor Anthony Branker features his quartet, Word Play, in a set of original compositions that seek to emphasize the interactions and conversational dynamic that take place within a collective.

With a stellar band of New York-based improvisors – saxophonist Ralph Bowen, pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Adam Cruz – Branker creates another inspired recording of new and original modern jazz.

“Branker inspires buoyant, animated performances from his group.” –Downbeat

If you haven’t heard “Blessings” and “Dance Music” by the incredible Anthony Branker be sure and check them out!

..:: SOURCE: Origin Records ::..

Elio Villafranca and Arturo Stable -][- Dos Y Mas [Motéma Music, 2012]

Tags

Arturo Stable, Drums, Elio Villafranca, Jazz, Keyboards, Percussion, Piano

Elio Villafranca and Arturo Stable, Dos Y Mos

Elio Villafranca and Arturo Stable -][- Dos Y Mas -(MP3)- [Motéma Music, 2012]

A duet of exquisite beauty, performed by rising Cuban/jazz/classical crossover masters Elio Villafranca and Arturo Stable. Villafranca s virtuosic and multifaceted pianism engages Stable s poly-rhythmic percussion genius on 10 original compositions that pay tribute to the spiritual, classical, and traditional legacies of Cuba, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Spain.