Jazz Soul Seven Release “Impressions of Curtis Mayfield” on BFM Jazz

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Bob Hurst, Curtis Mayfield, Ernie Watts, Henry Gibson, Phil Upchurch, Russ Ferrante, Terri Lyne Carrington, Wallace Roney

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB.com) – Curtis Mayfield ranks among the most important and influential artists of the past century, the definition of soul both as leader of the Impressions and as a solo artist. As a singer and musician, his pure tone melted hearts and as a songwriter, he was peerless, a voice of African-American pride as well as a man whose insights into the ways of the heart spoke to generations.

Jazz Soul Seven, IMPRESSIONS OF CURTIS MAYFIELD

Mayfield’s impact on artists of all persuasions is incalculable, and jazz musicians have long found much in his words and melodies to inspire new interpretations. Impressions of Curtis Mayfield (available everywhere April 17th) is a new collection of a dozen reimaginings of some of the late, great soul man’s most potent compositions, recorded by a collective of jazz aces calling themselves the Jazz Soul Seven: Terri Lyne Carrington–-drums, Russ Ferrante—piano, the late Master Henry Gibson—percussion, Bob Hurst—bass, Wallace Roney—trumpet, Phil Upchurch—guitar, and Ernie Watts—saxophone. Each of these players is a giant in his or her own right, who brings to these timeless songs a lifetime of experience and knowledge. Produced by Brian Brinkerhoff, co-produced by Upchurch, and recorded by Andy Waterman at The Bakery in North Hollywood, California, Impressions of Curtis Mayfield forces a rethink of just how rich and durable is the catalog of Curtis Mayfield, who passed away in 1999, more than nine years after suffering a paralyzing accident that never stopped him from spreading his message.

William Parker -][- I Plan To Stay A Believer: The Inside Songs of Curtis Mayfield [AUM Fidelity]

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African American, Bass, Bassist, Curtis Mayfield, Jazz, William Parker

William Parker - I Plan to Stay a Believer

William Parker -][- I Plan To Stay A Believer: The Inside Songs of Curtis Mayfield – [AUM Fidelity, 2010]

I Plan To Stay A Believer is the definitive document of William Parker’s The Inside Songs of Curtis Mayfield project, comprised of exuberant concert recordings spanning the past decade (2001-2008). The project features interpolations of the mighty songbook of soul music legend Curtis Mayfield by an equally mighty 8-piece band, occasionally accompanied by highly inspired choirs.

Bassist/composer William Parker is among the most active and highly regarded musicians performing today. This is the first project in his 35-year career devoted to the music of another composer. Curtis Mayfield was a prophet, a preacher, a revolutionary, a humanist, and a griot. Words that all apply to William Parker himself. Included here are two pieces from the group’s very first 2001 performance in Paris with a chorus of 90 children, and another pair from New York in 2008 which feature a full gospel choir.