Gregory Porter Receives Grammy Nomination!

Tags

African American, Gregory Porter, Motéma Music, Vocalist

Phenomenal soul/jazz singer Gregory Porter’s “Real Good Hands” off his dynamite Motéma Music release Be Good, has received a Best Traditional R&B Performance nomination for the 55th Annual Grammy® Awards, broadcasting live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 10, 2013. This marks Porter’s second Grammy nomination. His first was in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for Water, his breakthrough debut album (a rare feat), which was released in 2010 and featured the international hit “1960 What?“.

“Porter fuses jazz and soul better than anybody working these days…
Very Highly Recommended.” –Soul Tracks

“Gregory Porter is…not only a powerful new voice in jazz, but…undoubtedly the real deal with unbridled staying power in the realm of pop, soul and gospel as well.” –The Urban Flux

Gregory Porter, Real Good Hands

The heavily buzzed Be Good has surpassed expectations of fans and critics alike, many of who hail it as even better than the critically acclaimed Water. Writes All About Jazz, “If Water heralded the arrival of the next big name in vocal jazz, then Be Good makes it clear that Porter still has plenty to say”. On “Real Good Hands” Porter speaks from the heart as the soulful spirit of the ’70s, epitomized by such artists as Lou Rawls and the Chi Lights, echoes forth in style.

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Kenny Barron -][- SWAMP SALLY – [Verve, 2012] –

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African African, Arranger, Composer, Kenny Barron, Latin American, Mino Cinelu, Percusionist, Pianist, Verve

Kenny Barron, SWAMP SALLY

Kenny Barron -][- SWAMP SALLY –Mp3– [Verve, 2012]

This album is quite unique and it deserves your attention even if unfortunately it is out of print actually. Well, if you find it used, you can buy it with confidence. It has been recorded in 1995 and it’s not a common Jazz album with piano, double bass and drums. Here you have the fantastic Kenny Barron at the piano obviously, but he plays keyboards and double bass too and the incredible Mino Cinelu who plays a lot of different instruments (mandolin, banjo, guitar, keys, drums, percussions, additional sounds effects … and he sings too in a couple of tune). It is a collaboration of these two artists exclusively. The result is a very strange album, very entertaining and incredibly well played and written. The world of this album is surely Jazz, but there a lot of different flavours inside that take the music here and there. -[Excerpt: Jazzcat | Customer Review | Amazon]-

::: SOURCE: Amazon.com :::

Dianne Reeves ]|[ MUSIC FOR LOVERS [Blue Note Records]

Tags

African American, Dianne Reeves, Female Vocalist, Jazz

Dianne Reeves - MUSIC FOR LOVERS

Dianne Reeves ]|[ MUSIC FOR LOVERS -(MP3)- [Blue Note Records, 2007] -|- Album Review

Depending on personal taste it may or not be difficult to access but there’s about a dozen notable female vocalist on the jazz scene that knows their craft and how to work a song and audience effortlessly and Dianne Reeves is absolutely one of them.

Unfortunately without liner-notes or album description on my MP3 album I have no earthly idea who initially produced, composed, played, or compiled these wonderful pieces. “MUSIC FOR LOVERS” in essence captures the splendor of the stunning and mesmerizing vocal style of songstress Dianne Reeves. This amazing album is one in a series of compilations released on Blue Note Records. Generally these types of recordings is great introduction to an artists body of work if you haven’t had the opportunity to listen to their music other then radio, Internet or at a friends house.

As the title suggests, this recording is particularly marketed for couples to embellish these gorgeous gems on a quite evening for two as they partake in a bottle of their favorite wine, conversation, and exquisite gourmet dinner. Eventually they will snuggle up near the fireplace on a cold winter night to enjoy this comforting palette of songs which includes “My Funny Valentine, That Day, You Taught My Heart to Sing, Speak Low, and In Your Eyes.” If these jewels arouse your curiosity and appetite for good music then I’m quite sure you’ll appreciate the quality of lyricism, arrangements and terrific interplay that could possibly establish just the right mood and atmosphere for you. —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

Lonnie Liston Smith & Cosmic Echoes -][- EXPANSIONS [RCA Records]

Tags

Art Gore, David Hubbard, Donald Smith, Lawrence Killian, Lonnie Liston Smith

Greetings fellow jazz enthusiasts, it’s been awhile since I’ve posted music in reference to the “Weekend Spin or Flux Music Essentials.” The other day I was listening to “CELESTIAL PRIDE” by bassist Avery Sharpe from his upcoming album “Running Man” expected release April 12th, 2011. For some reason “EXPANSIONS,” a seventies classic by the incredible keyboardist named Lonnie Liston Smith crossed my mind. Amazingly, “EXPANSIONS” still resonates with such power yet its timeless grace is unmatched even today has the same affect on me as the first time I heard this record in 1975. —Rob Young

Lonnie Liston Smith - Expansions

Lonnie Liston Smith & Cosmic Echoes -][- EXPANSIONS – [RCA Records, 1975]

This man is as passionate, spiritual, melodic and sensuous on the keyboards as the impressionist renoir was on canvas. Lonnie Liston Smith paints a multitude of colors and rainbows in his divine interpretation of improvisation. This second Cosmic Echoes release is truly off the planet, how can we forget the ensemble that catapulted Lonnie Liston Smith into his greatest success in the 70’s, with musicians such as David Hubbard, Cecil McBee, Lawrence Killian, Art Gore, and the unforgettable one two combination of brother extraordinaire Donald Smith.

This album along with Visions of a New World which was the sucessor to Expansions are truly remarkable in style and innovativeness, you can feel the power of his presence as he speaks volumes of spiritual fortitude and oneness, Donald Smith vocals on “My Love” is inspirational and erotic. His vocal talents have not received the accolades he deserves, check Donald Smith out on Lonnie Liston Smith’s album “Renaissance”, the cut is “Starlight and You”, when you hear this cut you’ll see what I mean, this man’s voice is so very erotic, and sensuous with deep spiritual intonations, you just got to give it up. I often wonder what has happen to Donald Smith, I am so happy that his brother included him in the creation of the Cosmic Echoes, and I am so very pleased to see the reissue of such wonderful and unique compositions, treat yourself to a truly wonderful solitary experience and check out who I call the renoir of the keyboards, you will not be disappointed. —Terry Keppard | Amazon Customer Review

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

Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra -][- 40 ACRES and A BURRO [ZOHO]

Tags

Arturo O'Farrill, Jazz, Latin Music, Piano

Arturo O'Farrill - 40 ACRES and A BURRO

Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra -][- 40 ACRES and A BURRO – [ZOHO, 2011] – MUSIC REVIEW –

New York based and internationally known Grammy winning composer/pianist Arturo O’Farrill returns with another spirited blend of Latin jazz at its finest titled “40 Acres and a Burro” on ZOHO MUSIC. As history buffs, you should be acquainted with this term “40 Acres and a Mule” (other than Spike Lee brand) being that the origin of the phrase goes back to 1865 when confederacy was occupied by the Union and therefore promised the slave’s farmland for them to potentially (illusive) earn a living on once they were freed. Fast forward, no wonder the GOP is ill tempered about the Black farmers and Native Americans finally got what was due to them (defeat and payback dwells in the heart of the oppressors).

The highly-acclaimed pianist Arturo O’Farrill ushers in a comprehensive collection of lively Afro-Latin jazz which subsequently provides a wealth of heartfelt music which gives jazz aficionados the opportunity to clinch, savor and enjoy this amazing musical extravaganza from my Latin brother’s perspective.

Freddie Hubbard -][- HUB-TONES [The Rudy Van Gelder Edition]

Tags

African American, Freddie Hubbard, Jazz, Trumpet

Greetings jazz lovers, I can’t believe it we’re in the mist of the Superbowl weekend. Due to the per-game activities it’s time to gather up all the essentials to make this festive and most celebrated weekend all worth our time and effort …. Black and Yellow baby, go Steelers!! Subsequently, I’m elated to change the atmosphere a bit and pull from the vault one of my favorite trumpeters the late Freddie Hubbard’s 1962 classic on Blue Note Records “HUB-TONES.” As always, have a safe and prosperous weekend! —Rob Young

Freddie Hubbard - HUB-TONES (The Rudy Van Gelder Edition) - 1962

Freddie Hubbard -][- HUB-TONES – [Blue Note (The Rudy Van Gelder Edition), 1962]

In 1962, Freddie Hubbard was a full time member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, but he still had enough time to record three solo albums — “The Artistry of Freddie Hubbard” for the Impulse label, and “Here To Stay” and “Hub-Tones” for Blue Note. While the former two derive a lot of their sound from that unmistakable Messenger style, “Hub-Tones” draws it feel from two of Hubbard’s collaborations from a few years earlier — “Free Jazz” and “Ole Coltrane.” On “Hub-Tones,” Hubbard utilizes the paths of freedom forged by Ornette and ‘Trane, but stays grounded to the classic Blue Note sound.

Joining Freddie on this October ’62 session are James Spaulding (who unfortunately was never given the chance to record his own album for Blue Note, but was an important contributor to Grant Green’s “Solid,” Bobby Hutcherson’s “Components” and Wayne Shorter’s “Schizophrenia” among others) on alto sax and flute, Herbie Hancock on piano, Reggie Workman on bass and Clifford Jarvis on drums. Hubbard made many great albums for Blue Note, and “Hub-Tones” is as good as any of them. —Michael B. Richman | Amazon.com/Reviewer

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

Herbie Hancock ]|[ MAIDEN VOYAGE (The Rudy Van Gelder Edition)

Tags

African American, Herbie Hancock, Jazz, Piano

During our musical journey we’re consistently faced with a plethora of options and resources to explore music within various context, genres and perspectives on our quest to discover or even rejuvenate our spirit to embellish something new and refreshing. Sooner or later we’ll find ourselves attracted to the sonically intriguing sounds of “MAIDEN VOYAGE” from the genius and incomparable artistry of the legendary Herbie Hancock along the way! —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

Herbie Hancock - MAIDEN VOYAGE

Herbie Hancock ]|[ MAIDEN VOYAGE – (The Rudy Van Gelder Edition) – [BLUE NOTE, 1965]

The players on Maiden Voyage are essentially those of the Miles Davis band – but how different from Miles’ records it sounds and feels! In 1965, Herbie Hancock’s leadership and vision were rapidly taking shape.

This album placed Hancock firmly in the company of the great jazz musicians. He had proved his mettle as an innovative and individual pianist on such excellent records as Wayne Shorter’s Speak No Evil (Blue Note, 1964) and Miles’ E.S.P. (Columbia, 1965), both recorded only months before. Now he led a group he knew intimately, and wrote enduring pieces for the date that were to become admired for decades to come.

The title track sets the tone for the whole record: subtle, measured, contemplative. It’s the first solo opportunity for the perpetually underrated George Coleman, who displays virtuosity without arrogance, elegance without contrivance, depth of feeling without sentimentality.

Impeccably orchestrated pieces like “Little One” and the closing “Dolphin Dance” establish Herbie Hancock as the complete musician: inimitable pianist, creative composer, charismatic leader, supreme stylist. –Ricard Giner | Customer Review

..:: Source: Amazon.com ::..

Eric Harland -][- Voyager Live by Night [Space Time Records]

Tags

African American, Drums, Eric Harland, Jazz

Eric Harland - Voyager Live by Night

Eric Harland -][- Voyager Live by Night – [Space Time Records, 2010] – the weekend spin –

Alright drum enthusiast, I’m ecstatic to announce that I’ve recently become familiar with a powerful new voice in jazz Eric Harland. Were have I been you say? Please understand, some folks (?me?) are a little slow.

Discovered by multi-Grammy Winner Wynton Marsalis, the native Texan has been pounding the kit on more albums then I could have possibly imagined. Moreover, for those of you who still collect CD’s you’ve probably seen his name appear in the liner-notes on recordings with folks like Stefon Harris (Black Action Figure), Terence Blanchard – (Let’s Get Lost and Wandering Moon) McCoy Tyner, (Land Of Giants) and a host of noteworthy musicians.

On “Voyager Live by Night,” Harland sonically pushes the envelope. He approaches each tune with power and finesse to artfully demonstrate his treacherous playing skillfully without apology throughout this multifaceted set of accessible compositions that should more then satisfy the hungry ears and discriminating tastes of modern jazz aficionados. —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

For more info about this amazing talent, please visit Eric Harland.com.

Metheny | Mehldau [Nonesuch]

Tags

Brad Mehldau, Guitar, Jazz, Pat Metheny, Piano

Metheny - Mehldau

Metheny | Mehldau – Metheny & Mehldau – [Nonesuch, 2006] – Review –

It’s almost shameful on my part, but I’m finally getting around to delving into this amazing record by two of the most astounding voices in their own right to feature the renown yet prolific composer and guitarist Pat Metheny and equally talented nu-bop fusionist of his generation Brad Mehldau on piano.

After all, it’s years of working around tireless recording and tour schedules to be able to merge the intricacies of their collective voicings into one integral adventure as they join sonically to record in 2006 a stunning collection of songs which intertwines perfectly in a symphony of ambient melodies, shades and above all lingering jazz sensibilities to occupy this space strategically throughout.

The opener “Unrequited” embodies the sonic tonality we’ve come to expect from this dynamic duo as soloists. Keep in mind, as the music flows gracefully with no pitfalls foreseen until the composition “Admid-6” appears to establish their ascending voices to bond perfectly as one to sparkle cohesively with splendor. The duo theme continues to quietly permeate it’s way through the mist until “Ring of Life” emerges to unfold into a refreshing and tasteful unexpected ensemble journey. Actually, the masterful interplay by the ensemble is incredible. In essence, their intriguing voices draw telepathically from years of exploring a diverse universe of music.

Of course, this outing by the duo is not so much a detour of what they normally do individually but it was inevitable they combine their harmonically atoned and introspective voices to record this phenomenal album. —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

Grand Pianoramax -][- Grand Pianoramax [ObliqSound]

Tags

Grand Pianoramax, Jazz, Leo Tardin

Grand Pianoramax

Grand Pianoramax -][- Grand Pianoramax – [ObliqSound, 2005] – Review –

To my surprise, I recently stumbled into a group called Grand Pianoramax. In fact, their self-titled project was created, produced and developed by the genius of Swiss born, and New York-bred pianist named Leo Tardin.

Tardin was the premiere winner of the Montreux Jazz Festival International Piano Solo Competition, his accomplishment of course garnered the attention of record executives at ObliqSound. Tardin collaborates with his sidekick Jojo Mayer to unleash an unexpected range of improvisational ideas through the body of relentless grooves streamlined with fibers and layers of hidden textures are decidedly stretched to the max. These fiery gems moan with excitement to deepen the canvas of music makes this outing an attractive one to embrace. As a result, the remnants of rejuvenating music caught me off guard only to expand my limited vision beyond the normal soundscape is quite fulfilling. Perhaps, this is what makes music so appealing in the first place.

If you’re like me, more often then not you find yourself encamped within the walls of familiar voices. Actually, especially during these down spirited economical times there’s nothing wrong with that. However, if you will challenge my space with something sonically potent painted with off-colored melodies and complex nuances … I’m done, absolutely toast. Notably, the expressive textures throughout are embedded with hybrid beats which shift purposely to bend, shape and unfold compositionally a wealth of progressive music makes this project a desirable one to escape with for the weekend spin and anytime for that matter. —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

At your leisure, check out Leo’s latest project “Smooth Danger.” The album title is deceiving …

..:: Source: ObliqSound ::..