Carol Robbins “Moraga” Jazzcats-108 Street Date: August 7, 2012

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Billy Childs, Carol Robbins, Darek Oles, Gary Novak, Harp, Larry Koonse

It’s not often we have an opportunity to listen to the harp played in this context, superbly unveiled by composer and harpist Carol Robbins these For many of you I’m sure that you’re aware of this gifted musician, with her latest journey she takes jazz into a new dimension artistically with mesmerizing originals are engulfed in a sea of melodic-ism like you’ve never heard before on “MORAGA.” On this outing, she enlists some of the best in the business to perform on this project. When pianist Billy Childs name appeared, this reminded me that Carol played with Childs on his Grammy Award-winning recording “Lyric” (Jazz – Chamber Music, Vol. 1) back in 2005. Robbins adorable collection here is absolutely contagious and genuinely alluring. If you dig tightly-knitted interplay and incredible arrangements then I’m sure you’ll love this sublime offering by harpist Carol Robbins. —Rob Young | Urban Flux Media

Carol Robbins: Harp | Billy Childs: Piano | Larry Koonse: Guitar | Darek Oles: bass | Gary Novak: Drums

Carol Robbins, MORAGA

Jazz harpist Carol Robbins beautifully demonstrates her growing stature as a musician and composer on her latest CD Moraga. Her experience as a member of the Billy Childs’ Jazz Chamber Ensemble is vividly reflected in this sophisticated and distinctive project. A new freedom of expression and bold approach in her work is evident throughout. As her skill grows she continues to reveal the warmth and lyricism which has always been an integral part of her playing.

Vitello’s Jazz Club Hosts Jazz Relief for Japan/Concerts & Fundraiser Event with Support from Local Jazz Community

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Alan Pasqua, Darek Oles, Jazz, Peter Erskine, Wayne Bergeron Big Band, Yellowjackets

Los Angeles, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) April 04, 2011: Vitellos’ Jazz Club in Studio City in association with the Los Angeles Jazz Society asks the Los Angeles jazz-loving community to come out and support the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Musicians and fans will be coming together on Saturday, April 9 for an all day / all night concert event that will raise funds for the Japanese Red Cross.

Music will be provided by Los Angeles’ finest, including the Yellowjackets featuring Russ Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip, Bob Mintzer and Will Kennedy; the Grammy-nominated trio of Alan Pasqua and Peter Erskine with Darek Oles; the Wayne Bergeron Big Band; the POEM Quartet comprised of Alan Pasqua, Darek Oles, Peter Erskine and Bob Mintzer. Grammy-nominated vocalist Denise Donatelli will also be performing, as will the Vitello’s All Stars featuring Bob Sheppard, Larry Koonse, Tom Warrington and Joe La Barbara. Attendees will also be treated to “Jazzcomedian” Franklyn Ajaye; Japanese vocalist Takako Uemura; THE TRIO with pianist Terry Trotter and bassist Chuck Berghofer; cajon master & percussionist Alex Acuña; pianists Tamir Hendelman and David Arnay; guitarist Mitchell Long; bassists Larry Steen and Kevin Axt; drummers Aaron Serfaty and Ray Brinker; plus the top combo and big band from USC’s Thornton School of Music. Noted jazz radio personality Dick McGarvin will serve as host and emcee for the event.

Peter Erskine featuring Bob Mintzer, Darek Oles and Alan Pasqua -][- STANDARDS 2 (Movie Music) – [Fuzzy Music]

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Alan Pasqua, Bass, Bob Mintzer, Darek Oles, Drums, Jazz, Peter Erskine, Piano, Saxophone

Peter Erskine - Standards 2 (Movie Music)

Peter Erskine featuring Bob Mintzer, Darek Oles and Alan Pasqua -][- STANDARDS 2 (Movie Music) – [Fuzzy Music, 2010]

Music is often spoken of as forming the soundtrack of our lives. Movie score music compounds the effect, marrying melody with image, the exponential power of 24 frames per second combined with soaring tunes and magical counterpoint to provide all of us who love the movies a powerful emotional and cultural reference point, time and again. And who doesn’t love a good movie or song?

These songs are standards in both the jazz and cinematic sense.

Compiling any sort of list, however, risks sinning by omission. Nowhere does this seem more evident than in a collection of music from movies. Please forgive these sins. Each musician was invited to bring in a tune or two for the project. We played the music in concert the evening before the recording, and were encouraged by the audience’s delight in reliving these timeless melodies as told by the jazz quartet. We’re already looking forward to the next volume.