Bob Mintzer Big Band’s “For the Moment”: New MCG Jazz CD Due June 19

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Alex Acuna, Bob Mintzer, Chico Pinheiro, MCG Jazz, Peter Erskine, Russell Ferrante, Saxophonist

Big bands and the music of Brazil: For Bob Mintzer, these two limitless creative reservoirs have fed his musical imagination since he was emerging as a prodigiously gifted teenage saxophonist. His latest MCG Jazz album, “For the Moment,” combines these formative forces with an ingenious program of Brazilian jazz for the Grammy Award-winning Bob Mintzer Big Band.

Bob Mintzer Big Band, FOR THE MOMENT

Richmond, CA (PRWE May 29, 2012)- The Grammy Award–winning Bob Mintzer Big Band has explored diverse styles of music in its illustrious 25-year recording history—from New York and Afro-Cuban to Count Basie and John Coltrane. On the band’s new MCG Jazz CD, “For the Moment,” which is scheduled for release June 19, saxophonist/composer/arranger/bandleader Mintzer puts the spotlight on Brazilian music.

Various Artists -[|]- Miles Espanol [Entertainment One Music, 2011 | Review]

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Alex Acuna, Antonio Sanchez, Bob Belden, Carles Benavent, Chick Corea, Edsel Gomez, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Jack DeJohnette, Jazz, Jerry Gonzalez, John Scofield, Ron Carter, Sammy Figueroa

Greetings jazz enthusiasts, the weekend has finally arrived for some of us we’re entangled in the chill of this winters bliss. As always, thanks a bunch for hanging out with us at The Urban Flux!

Various Artists, Miles Espanol

Various Artists -[|]- Miles Espanol -(MP3)- [Entertainment One Music, 2011 | Review]

Even though we’re midway into the first month of the year, I’m honored to reflect on some recordings I have spent time on numerous occasions last year. For instance, being that I love adore new music I was blessed to immerse myself in this riveting, fresh yet approachable Latin influenced project that paid tribute to the legendary Miles Davis.

Although marginally restructured the compositions on this rendition of “Sketches of Spain” are persevered to retain its original content yet they are challenged to explore uncharted territory. Interestingly enough, you’ll find a welcome twist of multifaceted nuances underscored in the fabric of these gems will keep you returning for more. Appropriately titled “Miles Espanol,” this project is evenly shaped and divided from a Latin Jazz perspective was conceived, mended and produced by the incomparable Bob Beldon.

Vince Mendoza & Metropole Orchester -][- Fast City: A Tribute To Joe Zawinul [Import]

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Alex Acuna, Amit Chatterjee, Jazz, Peter Erskine, Victor Bailey, Vince Mendoza

Vince Mendoza & Metropole Orchester - FAST CITY

Vince Mendoza & Metropole Orchester -][- Fast City: A Tribute To Joe Zawinul [Import-Zyx Music, 2010]

I first came across these on youtube-they are great to watch, with a core group of Zawinul alumni, including Victor Bailey on bass, Alex Acuna percussion, Amit Chatterjee on guitar and vocals, and Peter Erskine drums, you know this is a smokin’ band. Jim Beard does the keyboard duties and an excellent job he does indeed. The Metropole Orchestra is one of the best around and with gorgeous and highly detailed arrangements by Vince Mendoza (who also conducts,) this is a superb homage to the master. Mr Z would’ve been very proud of this record. In many ways I prefer this set to the Absolute Ensemble’s Zawinul album, mostly because I just like the choice of tunes and the arrangements better.

Of course if Mr Z had been around to play on this as he did on the Absolute’s equally great CD, it would’ve been mind blowing. I own a copy of this concert on DVD and much of this is taken from the same live concert as the one from German TV-high energy, ridiculously tight and wonderfully recorded to boot. There are several tracks that were from a performance at the North Sea Jazz Festival which are just as great. Erskine and Bailey make it all feel good, so even with a large ensemble which could have been rather unwieldy, this set swings like a mofo. A must have for Zawinul and WR fans. —Brian Whistler | Amazon.com

Original Release Date: November, 9 2010

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