Singer-Songwriter ABIAH Sets Forth His Musical Evolution on “Life As A Ballad,” Available August 28 on Madoh Music

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Abiah, DL Media, Keith Witty, Male Vocalist, Marvin Sewell, Pianist, Robert Glasper, Ulysses Owens Jr.

Featuring Robert Glasper, Marvin Sewell, Keith Witty,
Ulysses Owens Jr., among others

Listen to Streaming Tracks From Life As A Ballad

“…a singer with an innate ability for passionate songwriting that one cannot learn.” – Billboard Magazine

Abiah, LIFE AS A BALLAD

Ever since the untimely departure of Luther Vandross, the American pop scene has been absent of a Black American male balladeer possessed of chops beyond belief, staunch lyricism and emotional maturity. Abiah (pronounced Ah-bee-yah) more than adequately answers the call of that absence with an album and a presence that is sensuous, soulful, honest, grown-up and quite passionate about restoring vocal excellence to the contemporary airwaves.

Who is Abiah? These are the bare facts: he is a seasoned balladeer possessed of a five-and a half octave range; an established vocal coach and former Universal Republic recording artist; and he is of Ghanaian, Cuban, Native American descent, though raised in Rochester, NY.

Matt Garrison -][- BLOOD SONG’S – [D Clef Records, 2012 | Review] –

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baritone, Composer, Dezron Douglas, Greg Gisbert, Matt Garrison, Roy Assaf, Saxophones, soprano, tenor, Two for The Show, Ulysses Owens Jr.

Matt Garrison, BLOOD SONGS

Matt Garrison -][- BLOOD SONG’S – [D CLef Records, 2012 | Review] –

There are times we must simply immerse our mind, body and soul into a pool of ingenuous, fertile and uncommonly blissful sounds. You see, that’s exactly what’s been accomplished with “BLOOD SONG’S” the latest project by multitalented woodwind artist, composer and educator Matt Garrison.

“Blood Songs” is a decisive collage of nine post-modern jazz compositions. On his sophomore outing, Garrison pen six originals and adopted three songs by guests composers. These gems are empowered by a dynamic roaster of momentous artists that deploy their symmetrical voices on this vivid collection of songs produced by trombonist Michael Dease.

Multi-talented Emerging Artist BRIA SKONBERG Makes U.S. Debut With SO IS THE DAY On Random Act Records

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Bria Skonberg, Female Vocalist, ictor Goines, Jeff Lashway, John Pizzarelli, Kelly Friesen, MICHAEL DEASE, Randy Johnston, Roland Guerrero, Trumpet, Ulysses Owens Jr., Wycliffe Gordon

Bria Skonberg, SO IS THE DAY

LISTEN TO EXCLUSIVE STREAMING TRACKS FROM SO IS THE DAY

CLICK HERE TO READ AN ALBUM REVIEW IN NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Less than two years ago, trumpeter-vocalist-composer-bandleader Bria Skonberg uprooted from Western Canada and arrived in New York City. Lured by the music and those who play it so well, the already-seasoned musician hoped to thrive and to learn in the jazz mecca. The city landscape and abundance of clubs proved to be a stark contrast to the hobby farm Skonberg was raised on in Chilliwack, British Columbia, but the young musician dove in head-first, ready to make an impact with her unique, modern take on the traditional jazz and hot swing the scene was built on. Soon, in the spring of 2011, she found herself performing a highly successful first solo concert at New York’s renowned Symphony Space for the Sidney Bechet Society. During the performance, Skonberg announced that one of her resolutions for the year was to record a new album of mostly original material. With nine freshly-minted originals and three equally intriguing interpretations of well-known pieces, So Is The Day, her debut for Random Act Records, is that album.

Ulysses Owens Jr. Quintet -][- Unanimous [Criss Cross, 2012]

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African American, Drums, Jazz, Ulysses Owens Jr.

Ulysses Owens Jr. Quintet, UNANIMOUS

Ulysses Owens Jr. Quintet -][- Unanimous [Criss Cross, 2012]

Still on the shy side of 30, Ulysses Owens Jr. has garnered an international reputation as drummer of choice for Christian McBride, Nicholas Payton, and Kurt Elling, three very different personalities who are very particular in what they want to hear from the kit. On his Criss Cross leader debut, Owens Jr. convenes McBride and Payton, as well as pianist Christian Sands (even more visible for his work in McBride’s year-old-trio), rising star alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw (Roy Haynes’ main sax voice for the last five years), and trombonist Mike Dease.

The leader finds fresh approaches to various flavors of the swing timeline – Art Blakey and the refraction’s of Buhaina established by Mulgrew Miller and Bobby Watson (each a one-time employer); Tony Williams’ two phases with the Miles Davis Quintet; Ed Thigpen’s crispness with the Oscar Peterson Trio – within a 21st century context.

“Unanimous” is scheduled for release on February 21, 2012.

..:: SOURCE: Amazon.com ::..