Jessica Williams -][- SONGS OF EARTH – [Origin Records, 2012] –

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Arranger, Composer, Jessica Williams, Origin Arts.com, Origin Records, Pianist

It wasn’t until recently had the honor to listen too pianist Jessica Williams play for the first time. With that said, her latest recording “SONG OF EARTH” is simply stunning accomplishment for her. In fact, I have a tendency of shying away from solo recordings but I’m reminded with this lovely offering by Williams of the importance of artists recording solo projects. Moreover, I’m still in awe by the fluidity of her compositions, ambient tone and commanding yet graceful dexterity that’s absolutely unparalleled. Maybe it’s because the songs selected for this album where from “live performances” at The Triple Door, Seattle, WA? Perhaps it really doesn’t matter if it’s live or studio, Jessica Williams has more then enough music to get acquainted with. In the meantime, I do challenge listeners to become familiar with the composers warm, complex and distinct voice. –Rob Young | Urban Flux Media

Jessica Williams, SONGS OF EARTH

Jessica Williams -][- SONGS OF EARTH –Mp3– [Origin Records, 2012] –

Refusing to declare itself of any genre, Jessica Williams‘ new collection of solo piano works was mostly composed on the spot over several performances at Seattle’s Triple Door. The collection formed itself through Williams’ countless listenings of the raw recordings with the separate pieces becoming a single story in her mind.

It’s a novel written in public and the theme, while oceanic in scope, is musically subtle as the intention of it did not exist during its performance. Containing very few pre-rehearsed lines – a stellar rendition of John Coltrane’s “To Be” and sketches of two original works – it exists only for the symphonic nature of the solo piano. -[Origin Records]-

Recorded on a Steinway Model ?D? Grand Piano Selections chosen from live solo performances, 2009-2011 at The Triple Door, Seattle, WA

::: SOURCE: Origin Arts.com :::

GRAMMY® Award Winner Arturo O’Farrill Makes Solo Piano Debut with, The Noguchi Sessions, Available July 10 on ZOHO Music

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Arturo O'Farrill, DL Media, Isamu Noguchi, Pianist, ZOHO Music

Album Inspired by Japanese-American Artist Isamu Noguchi and Recorded After Hours at The Noguchi Museum

Arturo O’Farrill, THE NOGUCHI SESSIONS

Listen to Exclusive Streaming Tracks From The Noguchi Sessions

For some, each discipline in the arts is a self-contained universe, with its own materials and tools and ruled by its own laws. But great art transcends — sometimes in unexpected ways.

Consider the reaction of GRAMMY® Award winning pianist, composer and educator Arturo O’Farrill to the work of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988).

“I performed at a gala at The Noguchi Museum, and I noticed how in many of Noguchi’s stone sculptures there’s a section, maybe a side or an angle, that is unfinished,” recalls O’Farrill. “He had such a mastery over these huge stone and metal structures, and yet he left parts of his raw material untouched. It’s almost as if he were inviting the viewer to complete the piece, to enter the conversation.”

Larry Willis -][- This Time The Dream’s On Me – [Highnote Records, 2012] –

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African American, Highnote Records, Larry Willis, Piano

Pianist Larry Willis is a living legend an unsung hero who can easily be viewed as one of the most beautiful players of our time, his newest solo album “This Time The Dream’s On Me” is a signature recording by him. —Rob Young | Urban Flux Media

Larry Willis, This Time The Dream’s On Me

Larry Willis -][- This Time The Dream’s On Me –Mp3– [Highnote Records, 2012] –

The art of solo jazz piano has a long and illustrious history which actually predates the art form we have come to call ‘jazz.’ From the earliest ragtime solos of Scott Joplin through to the avant garde jazz ruminations on classical themes of Uri Caine, the list is as extensive as it is star-studded. Larry Willis sits down in the famed Fazioli piano showroom in Italy for his latest HighNote recording which highlights his inexhaustible imagination, the stunning sound of the Fazioli piano and songwriting abilities of the composers represented here.

Kenny Werner To Release SOLO Piano Album, ME, MYSELF & I on Justin Time Records, April 10

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Kenny Werner, Piano

“Perfection. 360 degrees of soul and science in one human being. My kind of musician.” – Quincy Jones

Kenny Werner, Me, Myself & I

“… an ebullient stylist … his solos start evenhandedly and become wooly rides into the darkness.” – The Village Voice

“From the melodic inversions of Bill Evans to the modal excursions of McCoy Tyner, Werner offers piano jazz that’s both intellectually stimulating and hard-driving.” – The Denver Post

For two nights in June 2011, Kenny Werner performed a rare solo piano gig at the Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill as part of the Montreal Jazz Festival. While Werner, one of jazz’s most renowned improvising pianists, never planned to document the event, the sets were recorded – which has resulted in the sublime album Me, Myself & I on Justin Time Records. Writing in the liner notes, Werner reflects that the seven-track project “just might be the best piano playing I have done on record. And I mean that from all aspects including creativity and flow.” The repertoire of long-form journey music of unexpected turns and vistas ranges from such jazz standards as “‘Round Midnight,” “Blue in Green” and “Giants Steps,” to Joni Mitchell’s classic “I Had a King” and the pianist’s own gem, “Balloons.”

LISTEN TO EXCLUSIVE STREAMING TRACKS FROM ME, MYSELF & I

Motéma Proudly Releases SOLO The Compelling Solo Piano Recording From LYNNE ARRIALE

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Jazz, Lynne Arriale, Piano

“Lynne Arriale’s brilliant musicianship and bandstand instincts place her among the top jazz pianists of the day” – The New York Times

Lynne Arriale, Solo

Pianist/composer Lynne Arriale’s 2011 recording, Convergence (featuring Bill McHenry, Omer Avital and Anthony Pinciotti), amassed a considerable amount of critical acclaim: it reached #4 on the Jazz Week Radio Chart; was named one of the “Top 50 CDs of 2011” by JazzTimes Magazine; named one of Jazz Police’s 2011 Essential CDs; and is the winner of the SESAC 2012 National Performance Activity Award.

Julian Joseph -[|]- Live at the Vortex in London [ASC Records, 2012]

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Arranger, Composer, Jazz, Julian Joseph, Piano

Julian Joseph, Live at the Vortex in London

Julian Joseph -[|]- Live at the Vortex in London –MP3– [ASC Records, 2012]

Virtuoso pianist, bandleader, composer, arranger and broadcaster, Julian Joseph is the undisputed heir to the global house of jazz. Acclaimed by critics and audiences the world over, Julian never fails to inspire with his mastery of the keyboard, the versatility of his musicianship, and the seemingly limitless scope of his creative imagination. Always relaxed and self-assured, Julian is completely at home on any stage and in front of any band. His passion for the music is palpable, and his desire to communicate that passion compelling.

PIANO VIRTUOSO MICHEL CAMILO DAZZLES WITH MANO A MANO

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Jazz, Michel Camilo, Piano

GRAMMY®, EMMY® AND TWO-TIME LATIN GRAMMY® AWARD WINNER RETURNS TO HIS TRIO SETTING –
FIRST TRIO PROJECT IN FOUR YEARS

DIGITAL U.S. RELEASE ON JULY 26

PHYSICAL U.S. RELEASE ON SEPTEMBER 13

LISTEN TO EXCLUSIVE STREAMING TRACKS FROM MANO A MANO

Michel Camilo - MANO A MANO

The opening track of Dominican pianist and composer Michel Camilo’s dazzling new release, Mano a Mano as he joins the Decca/EmArcy (Universal Music Group), is not only a scene setter but a declaration of principle. Optimistic, brimming with energy and understated virtuosity, “Yes,” an original composition by Michel, hints at the sound of classic Cubop while celebrating modern Afro-Caribbean jazz. “‘Yes’ is a positive piece,” says Michel. “It’s an affirmation. It’s saying that getting involved in this music, in this project, has been all worthwhile. The piece is in the mold of a ‘Donna Lee,’ or an ‘Indiana,’ and it was a way for us to say ‘Yes, we know the jazz tradition. But we also know something else. And here there are two traditions.'”

In Mano a Mano, Michel Camilo, returns to one of his most effective settings, the trio, but with a twist, using congas and small percussion, instead of trap drums. Featuring longtime friends, master conguero Giovanni Hidalgo and bassist Charles Flores, Michel’s trio creates a lighter, more open sound, still powerful, yet also with a certain sweet mango-flavored lyricism that proves to be a perfect vehicle for a wide ranging repertoire that includes eight original compositions and three standards.

Eldar -][- THREE STORIES [SONY MASTERWORKS]

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Eldar, Jazz, Solo Piano

Eldar - THREE STORIES

Eldar -][- THREE STORIES – [SONY MASTERWORKS, 2011]

Since signing with SONY MASTERWORKS at the age of 17, the young pianist Eldar has worked tirelessly on the road and in the studio to deepen his exploration of the traditions of jazz bebop, post-bop and beyond. With the April 5th release of Three Stories, his first solo recording on MASTERWORKS Jazz, Eldar pays homage to his classical roots by combining his musical passions, jazz and classical.

The new disc confirms Eldar’s membership in that rarefied group of musicians who are masters of both the jazz and classical traditions greats like Keith Jarrett, Andre Previn, and Wynton Marsalis. At the same time, Eldar can turn a modern pop tune like Dave Matthews’ moody “So Damn Lucky” into a showcase of soulful agility.

The album highlights Eldar’s astounding range. It includes standards that have been staples of his live repertoire, including a playful version of Sammy Cahn’s “I Should Care”an ethereal, deconstructed “Darn That Dream” and a smooth take on the Thelonious Monk classic “In Walked Bud” in 5/4 time. The original title track spins out like a three-movement jazz sonata, zooming from sweepingly lyrical to contemplative to rough-seas and back in a concise five minutes-plus. Eldar can also weave a beautiful simple tune as in his composition “Russian Lullaby”.

Eldar enlivens his virtuosic rendition of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with original cadenzas, and links the jazz and classical world with interpretations of Bach and Scriabin that range from mostly straight-ahead to imaginatively transmogrified. –Product Description | Amazon

Schedule Release Date: April 5th, 2011

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

Matthew Shipp -]|[- THE ART of THE IMPROVISER (2xCD) – [Thirsty Ear]

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African American, Jazz, Matthew Shipp, Piano

Matthew Shipp - ART OF THE IMPROVISER

Matthew Shipp -]|[- THE ART OF THE IMPROVISER (2xCD) – [Thirsty Ear, 2011]

“The Art of the Improviser”, a 2XCD, is Shipp’s most audacious attempt yet to answer the enigmatic question of what it means to be a modern jazz musician. Already having explored the possibilities of electronically infused jazz on critically acclaimed projects with the likes of DJ Spooky, Scanner, and Anti-Pop Consortium, Shipp revisits an acoustic sound for this fearless voyage into the psyche of the improviser.

Shipp’s “idiosyncratic genius” shines through on this album, explaining once again why he is “well on his way to becoming one of the timeless giants of jazz’ (Jazz-iz). –Amazon.com

Scheduled Release Date: February 22, 2011

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

NEW RELEASE: CHARLIE HUNTER SOLO ‘PUBLIC DOMAIN’

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Charlie Hunter, Guitar, Jazz

Charlie Hunter - Public Domain

Charlie is set to release his second solo outing! Not since Solo Eight-String Guitar a decade ago has Charlie made a recording of just him and his guitar. This time, he’s down to 7-strings and is performing songs that are all public domain. The songs were all hand-picked by Charlie’s grandfather! “I was into doing a solo record for some time and just hit on the public domain idea.

I figured I’d ask someone who actually remembered the tunes from his youth: My grandfather, Sidney Greenman. He was born in 1911 (yep, he’s 99). He helped pick the tunes for me. I recorded this in a day at The Bunker Studio in Brooklyn. Everything is live, there is no editing. Hope you like.”

The aptly titled album Public Domain will be released on September 14th on iTunes and all major digital distribution retailers.

..:: Source: Charlie Hunter.com ::..