CHRISTIAN A TUNDE ADJUAH The Compelling New Release by Trumpet Sensation CHRISTIAN SCOTT

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African American, Christian Scott, Composer, Concord Records, Corey King, Jamire Williams, Kenneth Whalum III, Kris Funn, Lawrence Fields, Louis Fouche IIII, Matthew Stevens, Trumpet

“Christian Scott isn’t your typical jazz musician…The trumpet phenom is creating jazz for a younger generation…”
– New York Magazine

Christian Scott, CHRISTIAN A TUNDE ADJUAH

On July 31, 2012, Edison Award winning trumpeter-composer-producer-bandleader Christian Scott releases his compelling new album, Christian aTunde Adjuah. The follow-up to his critically-acclaimed Yesterday You Said Tomorrow isan inspired and provocative two-disc, 23-track collection. With the artist’s trumpet at the heart of most of the tunes, the album features reflective ballads, light and dreamy soundscapes, guitar-edged and rock-inflected cookers, trumpet ecstasies as well as clarion calls and anguished wails.

An intrepid explorer, Scott ups the ante on his new double album Christian aTunde Adjuah, continuing to delve into uncharted jazz territory. Scott’s band consists of guitarist Matthew Stevens, drummer Jamire Williams, bassist Kris Funn and pianist Lawrence Fields (whose piano sound is often spiced for effect by using paper on the instrument’s strings). Scott also recruited guests tenor saxophonist Kenneth Whalum III, alto saxophonist Louis Fouche IIII, and trombonist Corey King.

Kenneth Whalum III – -][- TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE

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African American, Jazz, Kenneth Whalum III

Kenneth Whalum III - TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE

Kenneth Whalum III – -][- TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE – [Kenneth Whalum III, 2010]

Fortunately to my surprise, while searching for new music I came across a relatively new voice in jazz tenor saxophonist Kenneth Whalum III. Which by the way, the gifted Whalum sounds frighteningly similar to the distinctive voice of his uncle Kirk Whalum. If you’re going to be influenced by someone, then Kirk Whalum would certainly be at the top of my list.

His debut, “TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE” is simply amazing as his father among many exceptional artist contributes to the cause to deliver a satisfying mix of soulful jazz soaked in even heavier dose of jazz on this project which will with each listen keep your attention.

We often assume when artist like Kenneth Whalum III comes on the scene he’s going to automatically duplicate the nuances, melodies and grooves we’ve heard before. Not completely so, in this case he doesn’t totally mimic his uncle after all he’s pursuing his own sound in order to establish his presence as one to reckon with now and in the future.

Kenneth is no stranger to performing live, he’s jammed with whose who in the R&B and hip-hop genres including music and fashion mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, vocalists Mary J. Blige, Al Green, Ayo, and Regina Belle to name a few. Not bad company to keep for a newcomer, his debut “TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE” as I hear it is definitely a keeper and one to seriously consider to add to your collection.

At your leisure, please visit http://web.me.com/kennethwhalum/Site/Blog/Blog.html to get more information about this upcoming star. —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

What are Your ‘FAVORITE JAZZ ALBUMS’ for 2010?

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Billy Childs, Esperanza Spalding, Gregory Porter, Jason Moran, Kenneth Whalum III, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Tia Fuller, Vijay Iyer

Cheers and seasons’ greetings my fellow jazz aficionados, “Happy Holidays“! As you know, this year end is rapidly coming to and end. Some may argue, but I must say this has been a very good year musically. With that said, I usually don’t put much thought into what album is the best or not. However, after receiving a few e-mails in reference to what I considered the “Top Jazz Albums for 2010?” I decided to scroll through the pages and withdraw some info from what’s been posted here and see what I can come up with.

Keep in mind, this list of albums are just some of my favorite recordings which by the way they’re not in a particular order. Just for the fun of it, be sure and post your favorite jazz albums in the comments section of this post.

-))- Esperanza Spalding, CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
-))- Billy Childs Ensemble, IN MOVING PICTURES
-))- Tia Fuller, DECISIVE STEPS
-))- Maurice Brown, THE CYCLE OF LOVE
-))- Kurt Rosenwinkel and OJM, OUR SECRET WORLD
-))- Kenneth Whalum III, To Those Who Believe (Added: 2/3/11)
-))- Jason Moran, TEN
-))- Christian Scott, YESTERDAY YOU SAID TOMORROW
-))- Chucho Valdes and Afro Cuban Messengers, Chucho’s Steps (Added: 2/3/11)
-))- Gregory Porter, WATER
-))- Myron Walden In This World, WHAT WE SHARE
-))- Danilo Perez, Providencia (Added: 2/3/11)
-))- Suresh Singaratnam, LOST IN NEW YORK
-))- Buselli & Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, Mezzanine (Added: 2/3/11)
-))- Howard Wiley, 12 GATES TO THE CITY
-))- Kevin Eubanks, ZEN FOOD
-))- Brad Mehldau, HIGHWAY RIDER
-))- Manu Katché, THIRD ROUND
-))- Justin Janer, FOLLOWING THE SIGNS
-))- Stanley Clarke, THE STANLEY CLARKE BAND
-))- Vijay Iyer, SOLO

Check out these valuable resources below for their perspective of what the TOP JAZZ RECORDS for 2010 are …