Paul Hardcastle -][- 19 BELOW ZERO – [Universal UK, 2012 | Import] –

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Composer, Keyboards, Paul Hardcastle, Producer, Universal UK

Paul Hardcastle, 19 BELOW ZERO

Paul Hardcastle -][- 19 BELOW ZERO – [Universal UK, 2012 | Import]

2012 two CD release from the British keyboardist, songwriter and producer. Paul Hardcastle rose to the top of the charts with his global hit ‘19‘ in the early ’80s. A ground breaking record at the time, Paul’s in-studio experimenting gave him a place in history as a pioneer of electronic production. His classic record ’19’ was #1 in 13 countries and led to the formation of Simon Fuller’s empire, 19 Management.

This double compilation album, which features nine brand new tracks, sees Paul at his best and includes; his sensational collaboration with Marvin Gaye, “Rainforest / What’s Going On”, an as yet unreleased original version of ’19’ and a brand new Sunday Morning mix of the legendary track by Rob Da Bank. The album also introduces his daughter Maxine Hardcastle on vocals. Kick back and take it easy to Disc One with a collection of tracks made to accompany sunrises and sunsets. Disc Two will up the tempo with some smooth tunes perfect for mooching around. Fontana.-[Editorial Review | Amazon.com]-

Verve Recording Artist Brian Culbertson Nominated at 2013 NAACP Image Awards for “Outstanding Jazz Album”

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44th Annual NAACP Image Awards, Brian Culbertson, Composer, Keyboardist, NBC, Noel Gourdin, Producer, Rex Rideout, Stokley Williams, Verve Music Group, Verve/Universal, Vivian Green

Brian Culbertson

(Los Angeles, California – December 17, 2012) On Friday, February 1st, NBC will air the 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards at 8pm/EST, celebrating accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film. Contemporary jazz artist and multi-instrumentalist Brian Culbertson has been nominated for Outstanding Jazz Album alongside Jeff Bradshaw, Marcus Miller, Kenny Garrett and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Makaya McCraven -][- SLIT DECISION – [Chicago Sessions Ltd., 2012] –

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Andrew Toombs, Chicago, Chicago Sessions Ltd., Cold Duck Complex, Composer, Drummer, Hungarian, Makaya McCraven, Nick Eipers, Producer, Tim Seisser, University of Massachusetts, university of massachusetts amherst

Makaya McCraven, SPLIT DECISION

Makaya McCraven -][- SLIT DECISION –Mp3– [Chicago Sessions Ltd., 2012]

Born in Paris October 19th 1983, to drummer Stephen McCraven and Hungarian folk singer Agnes Zsigmondi, Makaya McCraven has internationally toured, performed and recorded with jazz greats such as Bobby Broom, Archie Shepp and Charles Neville. In high school, Makaya was co-founder of the band Cold Duck Complex. They released 3 records and toured throughout the Northeast, opening for major national acts and gaining a loyal fan base. Cold Duck Complex became a campus favorite at the the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where they opened for 50 Cent, Rhazel and Reel Big Fish. As a music major at the University, Makaya played in the University Jazz Orchestra and earned 3 Downbeat student awards.

Philippe Saisse -][- Dorian’s First Christmas – [Dorian 2000 Music, 2012] –

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Composer, Dorian 2000 Music, Keyboardist, Philippe Saisse, Pianist, Producer

Phillippe Saisse, DORIAN’S FIRST CHRISTMAS

Philippe Saisse -][- Dorian’s First Christmas –Mp3– [Dorian 2000 Music, 2012]

No other Christmas celebration will ever have as big an impact on our family as Christmas 2004. Its particular significance was due to the fact that it was the first that our son Dorian really became aware of Santa Claus, making the list, checking it twice, mailing it.

The look on his face come Christmas morning was out of this world: his expression of total disbelief at the sight of all the gifts he had on his list was truly something that no other Holiday Season will ever inspire. We will never see that look of utter bewilderment. That moment was so moving that I strolled down to my studio (which in those days was in the basement of our house) and started playing the piano, tunes inspired by the feeling of Christmas as seen through our son’s eyes.

Guitarist KEVIN EUBANKS Showcases Breadth of Artistic Influences on New Mack Avenue Records Release, “The Messenger,” Available February 19

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Alvin Chea, Bill Pierce, Composer, Duane Eubanks, Guitarist, Joey De Leon, Kevin Eubanks, Mack Avenue Records, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Producer, Rene Camacho, Robin Eubanks

Kevin Eubanks, THE MESSENGER

Album Features Eubanks’ Working Quartet:
Billy Pierce, Rene Camacho, and Marvin “Smitty” Smith

Special Guest Appearances by Joey De Leon, Jr.,
Alvin Chea, and Brothers Robin & Duane Eubanks

::: Stream Tracks From THE MESSENGER :::

With his second Mack Avenue Records release, The Messenger, acclaimed guitarist Kevin Eubanks continues to explore his own unique musical vision. This vision offers the listener an opportunity to share a musical journey that truly exemplifies where Eubanks is at this stage of his illustrious career; one that, for over three decades, has seen him incorporate into his creative process a willingness to embrace the broad spectrum of his musical experience, while continuing to seek out new vistas.

Nathan Eklund -][- CRAFTY CHRISTMAS – [OA2 Records, 2012 | Review] –

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Composer, Flügelhorn, Kevin-Anthony, Nathan Eklund, OA2 Records, Oscar Perez, Producer, Shawn Baltazor, Tom Dicarlo, Trumpet

Nathan Eklund, CRAFTY CHRISTMAS

Nathan Eklund -][- CRAFTY CHRISTMAS –Mp3– [OA2 Records, 2012 | Review]

As we approach the upcoming Christmas Season holiday music is beginning to emerge impeccably with expected side effects of cheer that fills the air with a fragrance draped in the spirit of love, peace and hope. Maybe it’s by happenstance regardless of our condition for our pleasure these sounds arrive with the sole purpose of inspiring us at this time of year. In this case, trumpeter, composer, flugelhorn and producer Nathan Eklund is one of those musical surprises this year for jazz (music) lovers to embrace his vision in the realm of traditional of holiday music captured in what he affectionately titled “CRAFTY CHRISTMAS” on OA2 Records.

Anthony Branker and Ascent -][- TOGETHER – [Origin Records, 2012] –

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African American, Anthony Branker, Composer, Donald Edwards, Jonny King, Kenny Davis, Mark Gross, Music Director, Princeton Professor, Producer, Ralph Bowen

“With a unique combination of depth and accessibility, Branker is able to put forth a jazz perspective steeped in soulful optimism.” – ALL ABOUT JAZZ

Anthony Branker and Ascent, TOGETHER

Anthony Branker and Ascent -][- TOGETHER – [Origin Records, 2012]

Composer and Princeton Professor Anthony Branker brings together saxophonists Mark Gross & Ralph Bowen, pianist Jonny King, bassist Kenny Davis, and drummer Donald Edwards for a powerful, swinging quintet date on his fourth Origin release.

Driven by an infectious rhythmic sensibility, lyrical melodies, and sophisticated harmonic underpinnings, this recording of soulful performances is another outstanding addition to Branker’s fast growing and musically rich discography.

Produced by Anthony Branker

::: SOURCE: Originarts.com :::

Acclaimed Alto Saxophonist/Composer RUDRESH MAHANTHAPPA Assembles New Quartet on Latest Album, “Gamak,” Available January 29 via ACT Music

Tags

Act Music, Composer, Dan Weiss, David Fiuczynski, DL Media, Francois Moutin, Producer, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Saxophonist, South Indian music

Rudresh Mahanthappa, GAMAK

Thirteenth Album Continues Mahanthappa’s
Multi-Directional Evolution as a Leader

Project Focuses on New Approaches to Synthesizing
Western and Non-Western Musical Forms & Concepts

“[one] of the finest saxophonists going . . . jaw-dropping” – Pitchfork

“…a tornado of a saxophonist and a jazz composer who has never limited himself by that descriptor.” – NPR “A Blog Supreme”

“a leading figure in innovative jazz circles . . . jazz improvisation of a global kind, as universal in its appeal as it was international in its inspiration” – Chicago Tribune

Stream Tracks From Gamak

The idea of hybridity has been central to the music of alto saxophonist/composer Rudresh Mahanthappa throughout his career. Most prominent, of course, has been his highly original fusion of east and west, jazz mixed with the sounds of his Indian heritage. But that’s too easy and linear a depiction of this open-eared and inventive composer, who has absorbed an enormous variety of music into his thinking and amalgamated it into a singular vision.

Bill Laswell -][- Means of Deliverance – [INNERHYTHMIC, 2012] –

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Bassist, Bill Laswell, INNERHYTHMIC, Producer, visionary

Bill Laswell, Means of Deliverance

Bill Laswell -][- Means of Deliverance –Mp3– [INNERHYTHMIC, 2012] –

Over the course of his illustrious career, visionary bassist-producer Bill Laswell has been one of the most prolific and restlessly creative forces in contemporary music. A sound conceptualist who has always been a step ahead of the curve, he has put his inimitable production stamp on a stunning range of important recordings by such stars as Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop, Public Image Ltd, Laurie Anderson, Brian Eno, Bootsy Collins, Motorhead, Sting, Carlos Santana, just to name a few. Probably most notable was Herbie Hancock, who co-wrote with Laswell the pivotal 1983 worldwide smash-hit single Rock-It, which introduced scratching to the mainstream, inspired a generation of turntablists and gave the great jazz pianist instant street credibility among the burgeoning hip-hop cognoscenti.

Liam Sillery -][- Priorité – [OA2 Records, 2011] –

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Composer, Jesse Stacken, Liam Sillery, MATT BLOSTEIN, OA2 Records, Producer, Thomas Morgan, Trumpet, VINNIE SPERRAZZA

“Trumpeter Liam Sillery’s Phenomenology is so natural that only one word can be used to describe it: perfect.” –DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE

Liam Sillery, Priorité

Liam Sillery -][- Priorité –Mp3– [OA2 Records, 2011] –

Following a recording that Downbeat magazine declared a “masterpiece” in it’s 2010 year-end edition, Sillery just proceeds on in doing what he does best – creating forward-looking, modern, articulate jazz with his tight knit ensemble of equally inspired improvisors.

Never creating obvious or overly predictable music, his trumpet solos are full of subtle surprises while his compositions are fresh and highly original. Sillery’s 5th solo outing on OA2 further reveals a singular artist in the prime of his artistic development.

Performers:
LIAM SILLERY: trumpet
MATT BLOSTEIN: alto saxophone
JESSE STACKEN: piano
THOMAS MORGAN: double bass
VINNIE SPERRAZZA: drums

::: SOURCE: originarts.com :::