Pianist/Composer Donald Vega Blends Jazz, Classical and Latin Influences on Resonance Records Debut, Spiritual Nature, Available August 14

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Anthony Wilson, Bob McChesney, Bob Sheppard, Christian Howes, Christian McBride, Composer, DL Media, Donald Vega, Gilbert Castellanos, Lewis Nash, Pianist, Resonance Records, Rising Jazz Stars Foundation, Ron Carter

Ron Carter Sideman Recruits Bassist Christian McBride, Guitarist Anthony Wilson, Drummer Lewis Nash and Violinist Christian Howes for New Album

Donald Vega, SPIRITUAL NATURE

“… an exceptionally articulate pianist… Vega’s single most distinctive characteristic is his romantic lyricism.” – JazzTimes

Stream Exclusive Tracks from Spiritual Nature

While pianist Donald Vega is beginning to draw attention in jazz circles as Mulgrew Miller’s successor in the Ron Carter Trio, he makes a bold statement as a composer and bandleader on Spiritual Nature. Joined by the regal rhythm tandem of bassist Christian McBride and drummer Lewis Nash, Vega explores the marriage of jazz, Latin and classical music on his auspicious Resonance Records debut. “It’s a dream come true,” says the 37-year-old pianist of the opportunity to record with McBride and Nash. “Spiritually, this is my dream trio.” The core trio is augmented by guitarist Anthony Wilson, violinist and label mate Christian Howes, tenor saxophonist Bob Sheppard, trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos and trombonist Bob McChesney on Vega’s sophomore outing (following 2008’s self-produced Tomorrows, which also featured drummer Nash).

Violinist Christian Howes Joins with Guitarist Robben Ford On His Followup for Resonance Records, Out of the Blue, To Be Released August 10th

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Christian Howes, Jazz, Resonance Records, Violin

Christian Howes - Out of the Blue

Following a string of self-produced albums through the ’90s, virtuoso violinist and Columbus, Ohio native Christian Howes stepped into a larger arena by moving to New York, where he soon became an in-demand figure on the scene. A classically-trained player, Howes quickly earned a reputation in jazz circles by playing with the likes of trumpeter Randy Brecker, trombonist Steve Turre, guitarist Joel Harrison, pianist D.D. Jackson, saxophonist Greg Osby, drummer Dafnis Prieto, Dave Samuels’ Caribbean Jazz Project, Bill Evans’ Soulgrass, crossover pioneers Spyro Gyra and the legendary guitarist-inventor Les Paul. He made further strides in the jazz world with his 2003 recording Jazz on Sale, then revealed a more romantic side on his 2008 Resonance Records debut, Heartfelt, a lush, orchestral ballads project with jazz veterans Roger Kellaway and Bob Magnusson. Now Howes takes it up a few notches on his fiery followup for Resonance, Out of the Blue.