FEBRUARY 2010 DAVE HOLLAND ARTIST OF THE MONTH Internationally renowned bassist/educator/composer Dave Holland began playing the double bass as a teenager. He studied with the principal bassist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra who recommended him to the degree program at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. At Guildhall, Holland gained experience in a variety of styles, from orchestral music to New Orleans jazz to bebop and beyond. In 1966, he began playing with many of the musicians with whom he would collaborate over the next two decade. Holland acknowledges being influenced by Mingus, LaFaro, Jimmy Garrison and Gary Peacock at this point in his career. Holland also became interested in many 20th century classical composers, especially Bela Bartok. Holland played London clubs with England's top jazz musicians, as well as visiting dignitaries like Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster and Joe Henderson. In 1968, Miles Davis heard him at Ronnie Scott's and asked him to join his band. During his stint with Davis, Holland recorded In A Silent Way and Bitches Brew. Two years later, he co-founded the group Circle with Chick Corea, Anthony Braxton, Barry Altschul and later formed the Gateway Trio with drummer Jack DeJohnette and guitarist John Abercrombie. Today, Dave Holland’s ensembles receive duly deserved accolades wherever they appear. Audiences have enjoyed his music performed by the Dave Holland Quintet, the Dave Holland Big Band and now, the Dave Holland Octet. Holland’s debut release with his octet is titled PATHWAYS and features Chris Potter on tenor and soprano saxophones, Robin Eubanks on trombone, Steve Nelson on vibes/marimba, and Nate Smith on drums. Added to the front line are other Holland collaborators Antonio Hart on alto saxophone, Alex Sipiagin on trumpet and Gary Smulyan on baritone saxophone. YESTERDAY YOU SAID TOMORROW CHRISTIAN SCOTT Christian Scott’s YESTERDAY YOU SAID TOMORROW is the kind of recording that you’ll have no problem  listening to over and over again. It’s the GRAMMY-nominated trumpeter’s  fourth release on Concord Jazz and features guitarist Matthew Stevens, pianist Milton Fletcher, Jr., bassist Kristopher Keith Funn and drummer Jamire Williams. As with his previous releases, Scott makes sure to entertain while he informs. The 10-tracks on the recording give you the impression that the 27-year old songwriter/trumpeter/arranger  has just begun to share the depth and greatness of his musical gifts. Make sure you listen with open and unbiased ears to “KKPD” a track filled with dark harmonies and tense competing polyrhythms. The melodic second track, “Eraser” (my personal fav) resets the tone of the album and gives the listener a new starting point for the subsequent tracks. The title comes from a saying by Scott’s grandfather which was his way of emphasizing the importance of the work at hand and making The most of the time to complete it. Christian Scott learned this lesson well and gives one of the most important performances of his career – referencing everything he liked about the music from the Sixties as well as taking aim at certain injustices, issues and dilemmas that challenge us today. Soaring trumpet lines, muted bluesy melancholies, plaintive wails, and deep resonant riffs, this CD has it all. Yes, it’s like that.  Buy it today. Please click on the CD cover image.    Click image to buy EMERGENCE EMERGENCE Roy Hargrove  Roy Hargrove’s impeccable musicianship and consummate artistry has made him a deserving candidate for the international acclaim he has received since his emergence in the late 1980s. The Grammy-winning artist is proudly immersed in the jazz tradition and has offered his fans several ensembles that have evolved jazz music from long-gone eras to a different status in today’s technically savvy world. Whether it’s with his straight ahead, hard-bop Roy Hargrove Quintet, Crisol, his Afro-Cuban ensemble, his funk-oriented RH Factor, and now his hard-swinging Roy Hargrove Big Band, Roy Hargrove has set off a craze for jazz that has lasted in a very real way. EMERGENCE (released by Groovin’ High/Emarcy), is Hargrove’s first documented recording on the record label with his exemplary young big band and the mechanisms for their stardom are set in place if only because of the musical challenges implicit in mastering the big band idiom and the great material Hargrove has arranged and written for the band. The music includes an array of colorful swinging tunes, beautiful ballads and Latin descarga.  Hargrove as a soloist is at his best throughout this amazing recording offering great technical and artistic perfection on such priceless jazz standards as “My Funny Valentine” and “September In The Rain.” On the former, Hargrove’s mellow trademark intonations are passionate, romantic, and beautifully transform his audience into willing receptors of his gentle feelings. Hargrove proves to be more than a brilliant balladeer on trumpeter/flugelhorn on “September In The Rain.” Here he is swinging hard, out front on muted trumpet, and makes one sit up and take notice of the sweet tone of his vocal chops! The call-and-response with the band definitely marks his assured command of the 20-piece big band. Roberta Gambarini, whose beautiful voice is spotlighted on “Everytime We Say Goodbye,” deftly conjures up intimate emotions and moods before she eases into the dance hit “La Puerta” which she sings in Spanish. As for the big band itself, because they draw on many sources of inspiration, it is sure to go on to immense success because of the accomplished musicians’ energy and versatility. Their precision and passion on “Tschpiso” as well as their fluid beauty on “Trust” will certainly enamor any true big band fan to their musicality.  The Roy Hargrove Big Band is an important addition to Hargrove’s repertoire and the current music scene because of the individual musicianship as well as the arranging style of Hargrove.  The band has several talented soloists and also includes several members of Hargrove’s classic quintet- Gerald Clayton piano, Justin Robinson on alto and flute, drummer Montez Coleman, and bassist Danton Boller.  Buy Hargrove's #1 hit, EMERGENCE right now. Just click on his image. SONGS AND STORIES GEORGE BENSON   When you think of George Benson, a smile immediately comes to your face because, if you’re a fan of his, you immediately hear his great guitar playing and commensurate vocals resonating through what has become the soundtrack of many lives. He ranks among the many pioneers of smooth jazz and has become a major exponent of the smooth movement.  With SONGS AND STORIES, Benson and his team offer listeners a collection of songs written by some of the most prolific songwriters in modern times and features  an array of the finest artists on the contemporary jazz scene today. Guest artists Lee Ritenour, Norman Brown, Lalah Hathaway, Patti Austin, Tom Scott and Gerald Albright, among others, brought their exceptional talents to the sessions which provided a great haven for their ideas. Produced by GRAMMY winners John Burk and Marcus Miller, George Benson’s follow up to his 2006 GRAMMY winner GIVING IT UP is sure to please Benson’s legions of smooth jazz fans not only because of the exemplary guests who participated in the project, but because George’s  masterful guitar playing makes it all worth listening to. On “Sailing” his guitar is definitely pure as driven snow but his comping vocalese is just as easy. He scats on the radio hit “Living In High Definition” which was written specifically for the project by Lamont Dozier. George changes direction and then takes it to a romantic level on “Exotica” a great song written by Marcus Miller who also plays bass guitar (maybe a hollow body piccolo Dean Exotica model?) on the song.  “One Like You,” written by Smokey Robinson and David Garfield, has its own melodic beauty and great harmony.  Bill Withers came out of retirement and wrote “A Telephone Call Away” especially for George.  Rod Temperton’s “Family Reunion” rounds out the trilogy of compositions written especially for SONGS AND STORIES.  Commercial prospects look good because of George’s different brand of smooth cool, lighter sounds,  relaxed swing and great guests.  Buy SONGS AND STORIES here at the SOTJ store. Just click on the CD cover.   CLICK ON IMAGE TO PURCHASE THE CD SO IN LOVE Roberta Gamborini Roberta Gambarini is definitely in touch with her feelings on SO IN LOVE, a 14-track gem that provides the acclaimed vocalist a chance to exercise her extraordinary interpretative skills. Now at a good, creative stage of her career and thanks to the Midas touches of producer/manager Larry Clothier and jazz collaborator Roy Hargrove, the Italian native taps into the essence of such revered songs as Cole Porter’s “So In Love,” “Get Out of Town,” and “From This Moment On” as well as such great love songs as “Crazy,”“Estate” and “I See Your Face Before Me.” These Great American Songbook standards have provided Gambarini with a better way to communicate with her exceptionally talented collaborators – Roy Hargrove and James Moody – as well as Gerald Clayton on piano, Montez Coleman on drums, Jeff Hamilton, Chuck Berghofer and others. Glamorous as well as talented, Gambarini’s sensitive approach  to these songs is sure to bring a smile to your face and give you the incentive to light a few candles and snuggle up to someone you love. With a beautiful, intimate voice that is destined and ripe for the high-paying, high-prestige sophistication of the supper club circuit (a la Celine Dion), Roberta Gambarini has the style and class that is sure to appeal to a wide array of audiences who can relate to her choice of material. SO IN LOVE  is an excellent CD and  should be in your collection. Buy SO IN LOVE now. Click on the CD cover. I Like Men Carol Welsman   Carol Welsman, the multiple award-winning vocalist/songwriter offers her listeners a new interpretation of Peggy Lee’s most enjoyable hits. I LIKE MEN: REFLECTIONS OF MISS PEGGY LEE features Welsman singing original compositions co-written by Lee such as the title track, “I Love Being Here With You,”“Johnny Guitar,” and “Angels On Your Pillow,” as well as Great American Songbook standards  by Porter,  Rogers & Hart and Jerome Kern. Carol Welsman has a very seductive voice that keeps things interesting on her intimate acoustic ballad titled “Remind Me,” while in an instant, she changes tempo to deliver the classic Peggy Lee favorite titled “Fever.”  This song is world renowned and Welsman makes it her own – capturing its essence at the piano and with her captivating vocals. Accompaniment from Pat Kelley and Pierre Cote on guitar, Rene Camacho on bass, Jimmy Branly on drums/cajon, Kevin Ricard and Cassion Duarte on percussion, Ken Peplowski on clarinet and Tom Scott on saxophone makes I LIKE MEN a real lovely way to burn! Buy yours from the SOTJ store. Simply click on the CD cover.   Click on CD cover to buy the recording 4A James Moody   Saxophonist  James Moody, pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Todd Coolman and drummer Lewis Nash swing, sway and soothe on Moody’s latest offering for IPO Recordings titled 4A. James Moody sounds great on such classic jazz tunes as “Secret Love,” “Round Midnight,” and “Stablemates” among other wonderful Great American Songbook standards. Kenny Barron’s original “Voyager” is melodic and harmonious and sounds as great as ever while “Without A Song” is swinging and “Stella By Starlight” is given a Brazilian bossa nova flavor.  Whether James Moody is playing the soprano, alto or tenor saxophone, he does so with deep resonance and wit and he’s still blowing great after all these years!   Click image to purchase BLUES FOR YOU BLUES FOR YOU Jeff Golub Contemporary jazz guitarist Jeff Golub has kept the music charts ablaze with a variety of hits that keep his fans tuning in to his great music. 2009 is no exception. Golub has expanded his creative horizon with a stunning jazz/blues breakthrough recording titled BLUES FOR YOU. Produced by the legendary producer John Porter, the CD has Golub exploring the blues and R&B roots taht he has developed over years of touring and recording with such greats as Rod Stewart, Peter Wolf, John Waite, Dar Williams and so many more. BLUES FOR YOU (E1 Music) features Shawn Pelton on drums, Tony Garnier on bass, and Kenny White on keyboards. Shawn Colvin and Marc Cohn round out the rhythm section. Unlike his previous recordings, Golub added four vocal compositions on BLUES FOR YOU. Billy Squier sings on "Everybody Want You," while Mark Cohn adds his vision to "I Don't Worry About A Thing." Peter Wolf makes a bold statement on "Rooster Blues" and John Waite sings his heart out on "Lost Mind." Overall, these great artists add another dimension to Golub's searing guitar licks. Jeff Golub has recorded and released six solo albums and three albums as the leader of Avenue Blue. Before heading out on his own, Jeff worked as a sideman to a number of successful pop and rock artists including Rod Stewart and Billy Squier. For more information, log on to www.jeffgolub.com Click image to buy the CD. ¡Bien, Bien! Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet has definitely redefined the modern trombone player’s role in Latin Jazz. With his second release titled ¡Bien, Bien!  it’s clear that the ‘bone’ is an instrument that listeners can appreciate when a master such as Wallace is in charge of interpreting some of jazz’s best melodies, harmonies and rhythms. Joined by his band mates Murray Low on piano, David Belove on bass, Michael Spiro on percussion, and Paul van Wageningen on trap drums, Wallace makes this CD  hotter than hot with all kinds of Latin rhythms. Wallace offers an array of great Latin jazz, rhythms and song forms playing everything from “Freedom Jazz Dance” as an Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba, to Ellington’s lush, romantic, masterpiece “In A Sentimental Mood” as a Bolero, to givng Sonny Rollins’ “Solid” an Afro-Cu-bop treatment. Special guests Julian Priester and Dave Martell (also on trombones) make “Building Bridges” and “¡Going Up!” exciting and new. Vocalists Kenny Washington and Orlando Torriente also lend their special visions on “Freedom  Jazz Dance” and make this outing worth listening to over and over again. Wallace’s own “Playa Negra” is a great cha-cha-cha and is an ode to the town and beach of Playa Negra in Costa Rica.  Out front and sounding great, Wallace and his West Coast amigos have satisfied this writer’s taste for Latin Jazz and its sumptuous rhythms and song forms with a brand new ingredient as the main flavor.  Check it out at the SOTJ store. Click on image to buy Positootly POSITOOTLY! John Beasley   Veteran pianist/composer/arranger John Beasley has released his second offering on Resonance Records and it’s awesome. POSITOOTLY! Is an all star session that features several format featuring the dynamic interplay of drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, bassist James Genus, percussionist Munyungo Jackson, GRAMMY –winning trumpeter Brian Lynch and saxophonist Bennie Maupin. Beasley wrote 7 of the compositions and added 3 happening covers: “Dindi,” “Tanguedia III,” and “So Tired.” The recording opens with Beasley’s driving, hard-bop “Caddo Bayou” before segueing into the title track. “Positootly!” swings and features Beasley’s lyrical piano playing. Jobim’s “Dindi” is as beautiful as ever and is rendered in a 5/4 tempo that is a testament to Beasley’s arranging skills. Overall, POSITOOTLY! reaches the same high standards as Beasley’s 2008 LETTER TO HERBIE. Check it out. Click on the CD cover to purchase POSITOOTLY! VIRTUE Eldar Eldar continues to amaze with his latest offering titled VIRTUE. The gifted pianist affirms his position at the forefront of contemporary jazz with this virtuosic follow-up to his 2008 GRAMMY-nominated RE-IMAGINATION. VIRTUE is a fitting soundtrack to Eldar’s life and features Armondo Gola on bass and Ludwig Afonso on drums along with guest appearances by Joshua Redman, Nicholas Payton and Felipe Lamoglia.  The harmonic language, melodic syntax and rhythmic codes of each composition show the musical growth of the prodigious pianist who at 22 has relocated to the vibrant music hub of New York City. Eldar's most compelling performances are “Exposition,” “Blues Sketch In Clave,” and “Blackjack." However,  all of the compositions are sure to  enliven his most ardent fans and new concert-goers.  This is a MUST HAVE for all serious jazz lovers. Click on the image to purchase the CD. Click on CD cover to purchase GOOD DAY Peter White   Acoustic guitar master Peter White brings his world-class melodic riffs to his latest Peak Records release called GOOD DAY. The recordings features all original songs and features the versatile keyboardist/programmer/songwriter DC, Philippe Saisse who plays vibraphone on the title track. This song has a killer groove and a great melody that stays with you long after the track is over. Saisse plays a great solo on the song and really makes a difference with this new instrumentation. “Bright” is dedicated to Waymon Tisdale who to White was so positive and uplifting. The songs says it all and you’re sure to love it. “Ramon’s Revenge” has an epic cinematic quality that tells a tale of two rival Spainards vying for the affection of the same woman.  The Flamenco rhythms are exciting and fiery and blend well with the  intense percussion. The is one of Peter White’s most versatile recordings and it should be in your record collection. Check it out. Click on the image to purchase the CD.   Click image to purchase ALL IT TAKES ALL IT TAKES Rick Braun Rick Braun's latest CD is an inspired masterwork of contemporary jazz that celebrates the unique relationships he has with band members,  his wonderful wife, and collaborators Philippe Saisse, Jeff Lorber and Marc Antoine. On ALL IT TAKES, the award-winning trumpeter uses the power of his instruments  to transform and take your aural pleasures to another level. This recording has the quality and standards of Braun’s previous award-winning CDs and it keeps the musical possibilities happening and versatile. Braun worked with co-producer/co-songwriter Phillipe Saisse on the bulk of the songs including the title track and the sexy, cool, opening tune titled “Tijuana Dance?” “Puerto Allegre Jam” is the kind of descarga that will have you on the dancefloor, but if you''ve lost your groove, then this song will definitely help you get it back! Marc Antoine guests on guitar and the vocals of Vanessa Falabella add the spice of life to this great song. Saisse’s keyboard solo provides just the right cue for Braun to keep this jam going. You're sure to love this song.  Rick Braun changes the tempo and expresses his love in radiant, bold and warm tones and textures and then delivers it all to his lovely wife on the ode “Christiane.” Co-produced by Jeff Lorber this  adept song also features Lorber’s brilliant keyboard playing. “All It Takes” is a beautiful ballad that finds Braun in a pensive mood on muted trumpet delivering lovely phrases and making very profound musical statements. This song is the embodiment of elegance.  Ending the set, Braun is cooler than cool on the flugelhorn as he give major props to Freddie Hubbard on his ode titled “Freddie Was Here.” This song has style, grace and is smooth-as-silk and also reflects the excellence in Braun’s songwriting skills. Rick Braun has ALL IT TAKES to make you want to keep listening to 10 great songs that are the perfect vehicles for his great trumpet and flugelhorn chops. Click on the image to purchase ALL IT TAKES. Click the CD cover to buy Offshore Echoes Kristina   Internationally acclaimed vocalist Kristina interprets the songs of Sting, Jon Lucien, Chick Corea, and Paul Simon among others on OFFSHORE ECHOES. Embodying the influences of her upbringing and versatile musical skills, Kristina has chosen a great repertoire of songs that reflect a variety of musical styles from around the world including Africa, Brazil, USA, Cuba and Peru.  “Tea In The Saraha” opens the program. Kristina’s voice is soothing and inviting, giving her listeners a feeling of being transported to a desert Kasbah for a delightful meeting. The percussive textures of Michaelle Goerlitz provide a carpet of beautiful sounds which not only enhance Katrina’s vocals but which underline the African flavors imbued in the song. “Cherokee” the Noble and Colgems Great American Songbook standard is delivered with an Afro-Cuban beat and great instrumentation. Kristina’s multi-octave vocals are the highpoint of this great song.  Jon Lucien’s “Love Everlasting” is calm, peaceful and romantic. Kristina sings it in a Brazilian mood and with great empathy for the people in her life who have passed over.  Trombonist Wayne Wallace is featured on trombone on Chick Corea’s “Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly.”  Light and airy, and played in an Afro-Cuban style, this song just takes you there. With arrangements by Wayne Wallace and guest appearance by the great John Santos, overall, the entire CD is worth its weight in gold. Check it out. Click on the CD cover to purchase the CD. Click image to purchase the CD Umbo Weti – A Tribute to Leon Thomas Babatunde Lea   This CD exudes the post-bop spirituality of jazz and the social consciousness of  a bygone era that found music lovers basking in the peace and love movement of the Sixties  and Seventies. Known for his free jazz vocalizations – yodel singing, vocalese, and great songwriting, Leon Thomas was one of the most passionately inventive musicians of that era and with UMBO WETI – A TRIBUTE TO LEON THOMAS, Babatunde Lea pays tribute to his career and essence. Joined by Dwight Trible on vocals, Ernie Watts on tenor sax, Gary Brown on bass and Patrice Rushen on piano, Babatunde Lea unveils another layer of the joyful virtuosity inherent in Thomas’ most revered songs.  Trible’s vocals do great justice to the songs since his muse channels Thomas’ yodeling and vocalese on such songs as “Let the Rain Fall On Me,” and of course, the priceless “Creator Has A Master Plan.” The ensemble re-works “Song For My Father”by  adding new lyrics and adept vocals and takes on John Lee Hooker’s “Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom” with inventive musicality. Recorded live at Yoshi’s in Oakland CA, this double-disc recording also has video content on Disc 2. It’s  just in time and is sure to please fans of Babatunde Lea and Leon Thomas. Buy it now. Click on the image to purchase the CD.   Click on image to buy TRUE LOVE TRUE LOVE Jessy J Contemporary jazz saxophonist and breakout genre star of 2008 Jessy J keeps her fans happy with her second release for Peak Records titled TRUE LOVE. The sexy siren offers hot beats, Latin and samba rhythms, captivating melodies and the pizzaz that made her famous in such a hot mix that she is sure to increase her fan-base by thousands. Produced by mega-contemporary and urban jazz hit maker Paul Brown, TRUE LOVE has all of the ingredients of another hit for the young saxophonist.Backed on most of the tracks by Brown, keyboardist Gregg Karukas, bassist Roberto Vally, drummer Serio Gonzalez and percussionist Richie Gajate Garcia, Jessy put her unique, multi-cultural spin on 10 excellent songs that are sure to keep you on the dance floor. While the entire CD is saying somethin', my hot picks are "Tropical Rain,""Morning of the Carnival," and "True Love." Check it out. Greatness in the making. Buy TRUE LOVE today. Click on CD cover. GRAMMY Winning Artist Terence Blanchard Debuts CHOICES For Concord Jazz CHOICES is the latest offering from triple GRAMMY award- winning and multi-talented Terence Blanchard. CHOICES featuring spoken word compositions emphatically delivered by guest artist Dr. Cornel West, vocal visions from singer/songwriter Bilal, and exceptional playing by the critically-acclaimed guitarist and protégé Lionel Louke. Blanchard’s exceptional interplay with his longstanding band members is at the forefront of this great CD and is sure to garner a plethora of reactions from Blanchard’s fans. The CD is a “celebration of all that has survived” and is truly artistic with its own special brand of characteristics and musical directions. Blanchard’s art as a trumpeter/composer/producer has achieved an intellectual promise and definitely should appeal to all who truly listen deeply. Top props to Terence Blanchard, West, Louke and Bilal for their sterling appearances. Blanchard, Robin Burgess and Frank Wolf truly made all the right choices with this one! Buy CHOICES now. Click on the CD cover. Click on cover to purchase METROPOLITAN METROPOLITAN Kyle Eastwood Kyle Eastwood gets down to some great jazz business on METROPOLITAN and you’re going to love this one people. This excellent recording was co-produced by Erin Davis, (yes the son of the great Miles Davis), and Eastwood’s long time writing partner Michael Stevens.  It brings Kyle Eastwood’s musical integrity into a brilliant spotlight that illuminates his songwriting, acoustic and electric bass genius as well as his comprehension of the various styles of this great art form. Eastwood co-wrote eight of the ten songs on the CD and each song is clean, cool and resonates right down to your tone centers. Opening with “Metropolitan,” a smooth and soulful song written by Eastwood, Stevens and Davis, Eastwood features French vocalist Camille on backing vocals alongside his infamous electric bass, Till Bronner on trumpet, Manu Katche on drums, Eric Legnini on acoustic and electric piano – all great musicians who help to shoulder the workload. Bronner offers a great trumpet solo that is sure to get this song a lot of airplay around the world because of its passionate resemblance to Miles Davis’ electrifying playing. Eastwood changes directions and adds more colors and textures on “Bold Changes,” a mid-tempo song that features Graeme Blevins’ soulful and burnished tenor saxophone playing alongside Bronner’s muted trumpet. All the while Eastwood is holding down the rhythm logic and does it with such subtle flavoring that you find yourself immersed in his subliminal moods and understated voicings. “Black Light” also provides a great place for Bronner to exercise his cool chops a la Miles Davis. This song is among the best on the CD. But don’t ever think Eastwood isn’t locked and loaded on any of these songs. “Bel Air,” a piano, bass and drums gem, provides the perfect vehicle for Eastwood’s notched up bass chops and Eric Legnini’s piano finesse. Changing directions again, one of the prettiest songs on the CD is “Song For You.” Andrew McCormack’s gentle piano grace is simply mesmerizing and provides a serene sense of peace and relaxation. Given the right attention this song could easily become a pop or jazz standard because of the lovely melody. Overall, METROPOLITAN tops Eastwood’s previous recordings and is the best jazz recording in Eastwood’s burgeoning repertoire. A MUST HAVE for all jazz collectors. Buy METROPOLITAN now.  Just click on the CD cover. BURNIN’ Paul Taylor   As one of the hottest saxophonists on the contemporary jazz scene, Paul Taylor has had an indelible presence on the jazz charts that is sure to follow with the release of BURNIN’.  Teaming up with his hit-making producing team of Barry Eastmond and Rex Rideout, this scorching set is just in time for some great summer fun.  There’s something for everyone. It’s  sexy, soulful, happy and even has  a true blue jam session! This time around, Taylor, Eastmond, Rideout opted for a tenor saxophone sound on nine of the ten great compositions heard here.  But don’t pine over not hearing  Paul’s trademark soprano and alto sax sound because his tenor  madness is  just as strong, sensuous and sexy as any of the songs he plays on the soprano and alto. One listen to “Remember The Love” will make you an instant fan of his tenor sound and keep your love jones satisfied. The good feelings continue on “Burnin’” as Taylor lays out his recipe for some soulful earfood.  He’s burnin’ up! “Side Pocket” is just as funky as the ensemble lets loose with the funky bass riffs and Taylor’s grooving harmonies.  This is such a refreshing change for Paul Taylor and his new sound on the tenor saxophone is sure to remind his fans  - both new and devoted – of his versatility and smooth genius.  Paul Taylor knows what a great groove sounds like and this time…well you be the judge. Best songs: “Burnin’” “Remember The Love,” “Juke Joint,”“So Fine.” Buy BURNIN' today. Just click on the CD cover.   Click CD cover to buy LAY IT BACK LAY IT BACK PAUL JACKSON, JR. It's been nearly six years since Paul Jackson, Jr. scored a #1 single at contemporary jazz radio with his version of "It's A Shame." Since then you've seen him deploy his chameleon-like "guitarisma" on American Idol each week and on other national television shows, including the Grammy Awards and the NAACP Image Awards. In addition to American Idol, Paul can be seen performing on America's Got Talent and Don't Forget The Lyrics. Paul composed the theme song for the NAACP Image Awards and has played on more than a dozen movie and television soundstracks including Undercover Brother, and the Martin Lawrence Show. With six albums previous released by Atlantic Records and Blue Note Records, Paul Jackson, Jr. is excited about refocusing on his solo career with the launch of LAY IT BACK, recently released on his family-owned and operated record label Branch Records. Among the talented musicians contributing to the tracks were Patrice Rushen on piano, Bobby Lyle, Alex Al on bass, vocalists James Reese and Ray Brown and The Rickey Minor Band. For more information about Paul Jackson, Jr., please visit his website at www.pauljacksonjr.com. Buy LAY IT BACK from the SOTJ store. Simply click on the CD cover. THE REAL THING Vanessa Williams Vanessa Williams’ musical career has been and continues to be a winning combination of great collaborations and chart-topping hits. With Sixteen Grammy Award nominations, millions of records sold, and hundreds of valuable entertainment industry awards, Williams’ trophy room surely commands its own corner office. Her latest endeavor, THE REAL THING, holds the top spot on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart and features great songs produced by some of the top names on the music scene today including Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Keith Thomas, Rex Rideout and Rob Mathes. The recording is a "a potpourri of breezy Latin rhythms, sultry jazz standards and dreamy pop sketches," and delves into the sophisticated contemporary jazz, pop and R&B that have been the hallmark of her dynamic musical career. One of the coolest things about Vanessa Williams’ latest release is the fact that she sings songs that mean something to her and doesn’t waste a minute conveying the emotions inherent in the songs. These songs show who she is…a consummate professional with the ability to tell her audiences a great story. “Breathless” a gorgeous ballad, opens the recording and Williams’ take will leave you so captivated that you can’t help but keep listening. The next track, “Hello Like Before” Williams’ gift for heartfelt poignancy takes center stage again. She immediately resonates with audiences again on “I Fell In.” This song is absolutely beautiful. Vanessa Williams reaches deep into the idea of love at first sight and chooses just the right nuances, harmony and rhythmic pacing to involve her listeners in this romantic tale. Overall, this is one of Vanessa Williams’ best. Five stars. Buy THE REAL THING now. Simply click on the CD cover. Jimmy Cobb Kind of Blue Jimmy Cobb's So What Band As the widely acclaimed drummer on many of Miles Davis’ most incredible recordings and the anchor of many of his ensembles, Jimmy Cobb is truly a living legend. Cobb worked in what is considered as Davis’ first great quintet that featured John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and Cannonball Adderley and which spawned the masterpiece Kind of Blue, the most popular jazz recording in history. Cobb also played on Sketches of Spain, Someday My Prince Will Come, Live at Carnegie Hall, Live at the Blackhawk, Porgy and Bess, and on many other seminal Miles Davis recordings. 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of Kind of Blue. As the only surviving member of the great Miles Davis ensemble that recorded this seminal jazz recording, Jimmy Cobb is receiving the just and widely deserved praise for his participation. Cobb is a distinctive member of many tribute bands this year and can be seen and heard in concert and at many festivals in the USA and Europe.  For more information on his touring schedule, log on to www.jimmycobb.net . Buy the 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition of Kind of Blue today. QUARTET LIVE! Gary Burton, Steve Swallow, Pat Metheny, Antonio Sanchez Gary Burton, Steve Swallow, Pat Metheny and Antonio Sanchez are the great musicians behind QUARTET LIVE!  Recorded “live” at Yoshi’s in Oakland, California in June 2007, the collective revisits songs played by the Gary Burton Quartets which had its origin in the late Sixties. They perform a passionate set of songs composed by Chick Corea, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Keith Jarrett, Gary Burton and Pat Metheny; all musicians who composed for several incarnations of Burton’s quartets. These songs are as beautiful as they are enduring especially “Sea Journey” and “Olhos de Gato” written by Corea and Bley respectively. Burton’s “Walter L” is included here as a tribute to Hank Garland who gave Burton his start. Pat Metheny’s most recognized songs “Missouri Uncompromised” and “Question and Answer” are also included on this exceptional recording. Swallow’s “Hullo Bolinas, a jazz waltz and his first composition for Burton  “Falling Grace” make this one a real keeper. QUARTET LIVE! Is definitely a must have for any Gary Burton fan and provides a great way to tune in three more very talented and exceptional musicians who contributed to the making of the recording.  Check it out now! HE AND SHE Wynton Marsalis Wynton Marsalis’ fifth Blue Note release indicates HE AND SHE is about that eternally compelling and most elemental of subjects, the relationship between a man and a woman. However, in the words of Marsalis, it’s about three things: a man, a woman and the relationship they create together (“1+1=3/You, me, and you and me.” This brilliant recording is sequenced as a combination of spoken poems that introduce original jazz waltzes that sway with the same elegance and ease as the metaphors Marsalis uses. Joined by Walter Blanding on tenor and soprano saxophones, Dan Nimmer on piano, Carlos Henriquez on bass and Ali Jackson on drums, this 22 track marvel is surely one for the ages. The entire CD is an amazing study of genres, tempos, textures, rhythms and grooves that will have you jazzed to your heart’s delight. “The Razor Rim” (a complex song that describes the complexity of a woman) provides  you, dear listeners, with  deep listening opps on which you hear Marsalis and  company play their  hearts out in a collection of tempos defined as Swinging ¾; Elvin Jones 5/4; Refined burn out 4/4; Swing Modern 4/4 Swing. How heavy is that? Man! “School Boy” a Ragtime Two, New Orleans Two Groove with Modern Swing is pure Marsalis. These compositions are deep ruminations that we can all relate to: check out Poem on track 11 that leads to “Zero.”  Marsalis’ trumpet weeps, is sorrowful and mourning for a lost love.  He uses rubato, color and textures on this ballad played in ¾ timing to describe his emotions and to convey the story behind the song. The blues, the sophistication of a jazz waltz, deep pensive thoughts, fun, romance and harmonic relationship are all here and beautifully extend themselves on HE AND SHE. Buy HE AND SHE today.  Simply click on the CD cover. Click CD cover to buy Chick Corea & John McLaughlin Five Peace Band This live two-CD set is a must have for any Chick Corea or John McLaughlin fan. The two have reunited and this time they've invited such great musicians as Christian McBride on bass, Kenny Garrett on saxophone and Vinnie Colaita (or Brian Blade) on drums to give their fans - veteran and new - a solid set of songs which spotlight their individual and collective talents. The discs offer beautiful solutions for fusion fans who have been yearning for the creative possibilities that this band offers. Corea's unparalled quality and genius on piano is definitely something to behold, while McLaughlin's dare to be different chops are as exciting as ever. Disc One opens with "Raju" an amazing song that sets your ears on fire from the opening note to the final chord. Tenor sax titan Kenny Garrett tears it up on "Hymn To Andromeda" a true burner with every band member "wide open" and filled with surprises. Christian McBride's youthful rhythms brings this next great phase of Chick and John to his generation with interesting bass logic that incorporates blues, soul, funk and fusion. On Disc Two, you get a real taste of the vintage jazz and blues that Chick keeps in his songbooks and pulls out at just the right time during this set. The 22 minute "Dr. Jackle" is followed by an extended 20 minute version of "Senor C.S." the spellbinding tribute to Carlos Santana. Memories abound on "In A Silent Way," the 1969 landmark piece Chick and John performed with Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland and Tony Williams that set their lives along amazing musical journeys that the world will never forget.  The wonders of Chick Corea and John McLaughlin cannot be overemphasized. Their latest installment is a premier listening experience that has Chick's best status symbols - his electric and acoustic pianos - having the last word on "Someday My Prince Will Come." This recording is a truly 'handcrafted' prize that you'll have to have in your collection. Turn it up! Available now on itunes.com and at www.chickcorea.com CLICK ON CD COVER to buy FIVE PEACE BAND. Click on CD cover to purchase DEDICATED TO YOU: KURT ELLING SINGS THE MUSIC OF COLTRANE and HARTMAN Kurt Elling Recorded LIVE in Manhattan as part of Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series, Grammy Award nominee and critically acclaimed vocalist Kurt Elling offers his fans a stunning interpretation of the music of John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman. DEDICATED TO YOU: KURT ELLING SINGS THE MUSIC OF COLTRANE AND HARTMAN is an awesome re-birth of the 1963 album titled John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman. Elling is accompanied by saxophonist Ernie Watts, the Laurence Hobgood Trio and the genre-bending Ethel Sting Quartet. Avid fans and a new generation of listeners will hear 12-great tracks featuring Elling’s amazing vocals intertwining with newly arranged works brilliantly interpreted by his collaborators. As a balladeer, Elling is highly acclaimed for his special way with lyrics, phrasings and ability to remain true to the essence of past interpretations. He doesn’t disappoint here and delivers one of today’s most important jazz works. Just one listen to his renditions of “All or Nothing At All” and “Say It (Over and Over Again)” defies any identity politics and wipes the slate clean of any note-for-note comparisons  to the original Coltrane/Hartman project. But merely hearing this CD isn’t enough to grasp the complex beauty and romantic nature of this recording.  The genius of Elling and his collaborators will make you FEEL IT. Ernie Watts’ solo on the opener is but one indication of what you, dear listener, are in for. “What’s New,” “My One and Only Love,” are so compelling and poetic that they leave you completely transformed in the way you listen to these great songs. Throughout the entire CD, Elling captivates and holds you spellbound with his stunning delivery and emphasis on quality. These sounds of timeless jazz are definitely something you’re unlikely to hear anywhere else in this. It’s altogether sensitive, sympathetic and symbiotic. Highly recommended and a MUST HAVE. Buy it today. Click on the CD cover to purchase. MORE TO SAY... (REAL LIFE STORY: NEXT GEN) Teri Lyne Carrington Grammy nominee Terri Lyne Carrington has more to say and she says it well on her follow up to Real Life Story.  On MORE TO SAY...(REAL LIFE STORY: NEXTGEN), Carrington employs an all-star roster of contemporary jazz musicians including George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Everette Harp, Patrice Rushen, Jimmy Haslip, Gregoire Maret, Christian McBride, Danilo Perez, Dwight Sills, Chuck Loeb, Walter Beasley, Anthony Wilson and Robert Irving III to help her do what she does best. Need we say more? Check out this exceptional R&B infused, jazz influenced CD that also features jazz greats Nancy Wilson and Les McCann on "Dream Come True," and "Hold Me Again, respectively. Buy MORE TO SAY now. Just click on the CD cover. Click the DVD cover to purchase NEW MORNING: THE PARIS CONCERT Mike Stern Guitarist Mike Stern, a five-time GRAMMY nominee and a pivotal figure in the later years of the Miles Davis projects, is regarded as one of the most innovative jazz musicians on any continent in the past three decades. His latest effort, an electrifying show in front of a capactiy-plus crowd in May 2008 was captured on film for posterity, and is presented in NEW MORNING: THE PARIS CONCERT. This DVD, captures nearly two hours of the fabulous concert at the celebrated club in Paris, France. Backing Stern is saxophonist Bob Franceschini, bassist Tom Kennedy and the incredible world-renowned drummer Dave Weckl.  Check it out. To buy the DVD, please click on the DVD cover. DREAM FOR ONE BRIGHT WORLD Cynthia Scott Sweet, soulful, sassy and soothing are but a few ways to describe Cynthia Scott’s latest release titled DREAM FOR ONE BRIGHT WORLD. The celebrated vocalist whose vocal artistry encompasses “the swing of jazz, the soul of R&B, and the sacred stirrings of gospel music” has been hailed for her myriad of influences which are clearly noticeable on her fifth release as a leader. The 10-track set also reveals Ms. Scott’s amazing skills as a composer of captivating musical stories that take listeners to the heart and soul of the matter – be it a love relationship, the way of the world, or a human condition such as homelessness and disease. Although Cynthia Scott’s contralto voice and versatile range are at the forefront of these great compositions, listeners are sure to tune in to these heartfelt stories behind the songs. On “The Man In The Street” Ms. Scott relays the reality of homelessness in a spoken word gem that you’ll not forget anytime soon. “Did I Know You” describes the heartbreaking medical condition Ms. Scott’s mother experienced before her death.  Ms. Scott taps into her soul and conveys those exclusive emotions with reverence and respect.  She doesn’t forget the man who discovered her and sings a wonderful tribute to him on “Shades of Ray.” The amazing Cynthia Scott is definitely open to inspiration and she makes her music joyful, sorrowful, romantic and fun. Highly recommended.  To  buy DREAM FOR ONE BRIGHT WORLD. Click on the CD cover to purchase SECRETS    Marion Meadows   Marion Meadows’ fans will be ultra-delighted with his latest release for Heads Up International, titled SECRETS.  The sexy multi-instrumentalist/composer/producer teams up with songwriter Michael Broening to deliver several great hits including the radio hit “Let The Top Down.” Every great song has a “secret” deep within that the composer intends to convey to its listeners. Some say this is the backbone of every great lyric, harmony, melody or rhythm, that thing that latches on to a listener and won’t let go; that thing that keeps you humming long after the song is over. This adage is true for the title track, a mid-tempo gem that speaks to you just under the surface. Meadows’ soprano sax is in a mellow tone and filled with mysterious lingering sounds that stir the soul. “Let The Top Down” is another great song. Here Jesse McGuire provides a layer of counterpoint to Meadows’ saxophone and makes this one a real keeper as evidenced by the radio success it currently is experiencing. “Friends,” by Bobby McFerrin and “Here To Stay” by Pat Metheny both feature Brian Chartrand’s lead vocals which add a special dynamic to the recording. Overall, this is a soulful CD and one that meets the previous standards set by Marion Meadows’ chart-toppers DRESSED TO CHILL and PLAYER’S CLUB.   FUNKED UP! Candy Dulfer Candy Dulfer’s latest offering is all FUNKED UP! The sexy saxophonist gives it all she’s got complete with quotes from Prince’s funky grooves thanks to his former bassist Chance Howard, sass from Dutch rapper Pete Philly and of course the funkiest overtones ripped straight from mentor Maceo Parker by a three piece horn section that includes trumpeter Jan van Duikeren, tenor saxophonist Guido Nijs and trombonist Louk Boudesteijn. All of the songs are danceable especially “First In Line,” “Finger Poppin” and “Be Cool.” This set is definitely a party thing that should give Dulfer a top spot on the charts around the world simply because when people feel as good as she makes them feel with these awesome grooves, they’ll want to dance! FUNKED UP is all you need to keep your summer swinging so put on your dancing shoes, get out of the house and have some fun! Buy FUNKED UP today. Simply click on the CD cover. SERENATA Armik SERENATA captures Armik's virtuosic guitar artistry and impeccable techniques on eleven brand new songs. He explores fresh and uncharted territories filled with passionate new melodies, rhythms and unique harmonic approaches. Armik's sound sweep is natural, exotic and romantic as he unleashes his purest impulses and most deft inspirations on these breathtaking tracks. His works are significant and make this recording a solid, sharply focused addition to Armik s amazing repertoire and to the increasingly popular Nuevo Flamenco genre. It is one that you will surely enjoy. TO BUY THE CD, SIMPLY CLICK ON THE COVER! JAZZ IN THE GARDEN Stanley Clarke Trio Bass legend Stanley Clarke’s joyful spirituality was forged in the fertile fires of Return To Forever, Rite of Strings and a variety of great solo and collaborative projects. Lenny White has amassed an impressive resume of sideman work with hundreds of artists including his time with Clarke in Joe Henderson’s band as teens, and later with Corea, Clarke and DiMeola in Return To Forever. Hiromi, a protégé of Ahmad Jamal and Chick Corea made her recording debut only six years ago but has proved herself to be extremely knowledgeable and talented enough to jam with the likes of Clarke and White on Clarke’s latest release for Heads Up International titled JAZZ IN THE GARDEN. This CD is an art form of many dimensions driven by a mélange of musical styles. The rhythmic genius of Clarke is beautifully complimented by Hiromi and White in an array of classical, jazz, and oriental perspectives. Opening with a stirring piece called “Paradigm Shift” – an original 7 minute oeuvre from Clarke written upon the election of President Barack Obama- the program is a sure remedy for any complacent listener who has become lax in their deep listening skills. The beauty continues with the traditional Japanese folk song “Sakura Sakura” which is now filled with the percussive heartbeats of White’s drumming and rhythmic swing of Clarke’s bass and Hiromi’s amazing piano riffs. This composition is amazing because the trio has such a profound perception of each other’s intended accompaniments and improvisations even before they complete the phrasings.  “Take The Coltrane” and “Someday My Prince Will Come” are both no-nonsense offerings played as duets, with the latter’s melody played straight-ahead by Clarke on the bass with Hiromi’s lyrical piano making a beautiful complimentary solo.  JAZZ IN THE GARDEN is Clarke’s first acoustic jazz trio recording and by far one of his most versatile. Buy it today.   DYA SO Fra Fra Sound   On DYA SO (RIGHT HERE), the internationally renowned  Dutch band called Fra Fra Sound explores three topics that are big issues in Europe: migration, globalization and multicultural society. The resulting music is a rich balance of warm ensemble writing and well-integrated improvisations.  Led by Henar, the group plays an innovative set of 9 songs written by various members of the ensemble which expand on their fascination with music styles of Surinam. By incorporating modern rhythms and musical influences from the Caribbean, African drum beats and the United States (i.e., New Orleans jazz) Fra Fra Sound has expanded their appeal to a wider audience with thirsty ears. “Along the Crossroad” opens the set and immediately captivates you with its traditional African drumbeat introduction which segues into a dynamic horn vamp that reflects Efrain Trujillo and Michael Simon’s articulate interplay. The exciting colors and textures of “GK” make it a real winner. The piano solo and dynamic comping of Robin Van Geerke gives this song an additional level of inspired brilliance. Andro Biswane adds his vibrant guitar colors later in the song and as the artistic value of this song grows, the horns blaze away in tandem while Henar keeps the rhythm logic alive on the e-bass. Overall, the songs on this recording are sure to please any avid World music enthusiast. Buy the CD today. Simply click on the image.