WTJU 91.1 FM

New Jazz & Blues News – 8/24/2021

New Jazz:

Band Of Other Brothers – Look UP! (Ear Up): “BAND OF OTHER BROTHERS is excited to announce their new and second collection of music, “Look Up!”, available August 13, 2021 on Ear Up Records. A veritable cross-genre “supergroup,” the group consists of Jeff Coffin on saxophones/woodwinds (Dave Matthews Band, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones), Jeff Babko on keyboards (James Taylor, Toto), Will Lee on bass & vocals (Late Show w/ David Letterman, The Brecker Brothers), Nir Felder on guitar (solo albums, Terri Lyne Carrington) and Keith Carlock on drums (Steely Dan, Sting).
From the album notes, a bit of history about the band: 15 years ago, Jeff Babko and Jeff Coffin teamed up with drum pioneer Vinnie Colaiuta in Hollywood, CA at the legendary West Coast jazz studio Sage & Sound for “Mondo Trio” (Abstractlogix 2007). Bill Milkowski wrote of that recording, “Those three voices combine for one resounding burst of kinetic energy and inspired playing on the volatile jam-oriented “Mondo Trio”. Looking for another excuse to join forces, the two Jeffs realized that drummer Carlock had just relocated his family from New York City to Nashville, where Coffin is based. They thought this might be a great reason to record in Nashville, but Babko wanted to expand from the trio format. “After listening to a lot of Pat Martino while reading his biography,” Babko explains, “I thought of Will Lee, who is on Pat’s 70’s ‘Starbright’ album, and who I’d met at Letterman and also had a shared University of Miami connection.” Babko continues, “What Will brings to a band is a deep groove, an innate urgency and excitement, and a lifetime of experience and utter hipness.” The Martino deep dive also inspired Babko to add a voice on guitar. “I’d met Nir when he was playing with Chuck Mangione like 100 years ago,” he explains, “and knew immediately we had to make some noise together. He’s so special.”
Christening themselves Band Of Other Brothers, the group recorded their first album, “City Of Cranes” (Ear Up Records, 2016) at the world renowned Blackbird Studios in Nashville, with superstar engineer Niko Bolas. “It really did feel like a band immediately,” says Babko. “We trucked along at a blistering pace, recorded an album in 2 days and even squeezed in a Taylor Swift concert.” After the record was released, the band performed two sold-out annual January engagements in Los Angeles, as well as a week long standing-room-only stint in Manhattan at the Iridium.
This live playing further solidified the group of musicians as an actual “band”, and as a bonded 5-way friendship. In March of 2020, Felder suggested to the guys that it might be time to get back on the horse and write and record some more, and the other four band members jumped at the chance. In addition to Babko and Coffin, Will Lee composed three songs for what would become Band Of Other Brothers’ sophomore release, “Look Up!” For Lee’s beautiful “Cassie”, he enlisted bass colleague Stanley Clarke to contribute an acoustic bass solo, a highlight on the record. Lee also contributed “Freedom March,” a spirited tribute to the life of civil rights leader John Lewis, and the group’s first vocal on Babko’s nod-and-a-wink “Right Now Blues”. Other songs include Babko’s Steely Dan-esque “Painfully Oblivious”, and his tribute to late guitarist Chuck Loeb, “Chuckles” (featuring scorching vibes by Nick Mancini). Coffin provided the funk-soaked “The Rabbit” and an edgy tribute to the late Steve Grossman. Jazz listeners also should enjoy the 1970’s McCoy Tyner influenced title track.” Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this release.

Terence Blanchard – Absence (Blue Note): From the album notes: On August 27, Terence Blanchard will release Absence, a stunning new album that pays tribute to legendary composer and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Featuring the acclaimed trumpeter with The E-Collective—pianist Fabian Almazan, guitarist Charles Altura, bassist David Ginyard, and drummer Oscar Seaton—and the Turtle Island Quartet led by violinist/artistic director David Balakirshnan with Gabe Terracciano on violin, Benjamin von Gutzeit on viola, and Malcom Parson on cello, the album presents pieces written by Shorter as well as original compositions by Blanchard and members of his band.
“I’m proud to have a chance to visit some of the music that has shaped my musical identity,” says Blanchard. “Pairing Wayne Shorter’s music with original works from The E-Collective along with the sonic colors of The Turtle Island Quartet has been an amazing experience. Wayne has said before ‘Jazz means I Dare You,’ so why not dare to be creative and pay homage at the same time,” said Blanchard. The release of Absence comes at an especially prolific time for Blanchard whose opera Fire Shut Up In My Bones will open the 2021-22 season of The Metropolitan Opera in New York City on September 27, making it the first opera by a black composer in the 136-year history of the Met. In addition, Blanchard has just wrapped-up scoring Spike Lee’s upcoming and much-anticipated HBO documentary about New York City, NYC Epicenters 9/11-2021½ which will premiere this Fall.” Click here to listen to the opening song.

Royce Campbell – Cool School (Moon Cycle): From the album notes: “For his 35th recording as a leader, the veteran guitarist Royce Campbell decided to pay homage to the era of music he grew up with and help establish his own sound and style as a composer and musician. “Cool School” is a tip of the hat to the cool jazz of the 1950s, Royce hopes that during these troubled times we live in, these new tunes will help listeners relax and at least for the duration of the CD, forget about the troubling events taking place now.“Cool jazz” emerged in the 1950s as a sub-genre of jazz.” (https://www.kuvo.org/new-music-monday-brandee-younger-lisa-hamilton-royce-campbell/) In Campbell’s words, “Cool School is my take on cool jazz and its relaxed feel with melodic solos. While not all of these tunes are strictly cool jazz – this album includes a bossa nova – they still capture the essence of cool jazz. And you’ll have to admit that bossa nova is cool in its own way. These songs are all my original compositions, many of which have been languishing in drawers and boxes for years. After decades recording mostly standards, I decided to change course a bit and return to more of my own music. Bob Bowen (bass) and Marlon Foster (drums) are seasoned veterans, whom I have been playing with for over 20 years.” I regret I am not able to find a sample from this release to share.

Bernard Foonman – Storyboard (Door Tree): This release is the music for a story that represents a potential film. The story is in the lyrics. You can listen to the songs by checking out the songs on below. These are the players: Stuart Casson (lead & rhythm guitars, bass, percussion), Neil Doherty (rhythm guitar, vocals, percussion), John Hage (drums, piano, percussion), Andy Mason (saxophones) with Maureen Daw vocals on The Legend Proper. Click here to listen to “Backyard Funk” from this set.

Steve Gadd Band – At Blue Note Tokyo (BFM Jazz): “On Dec 18, 2019, Steve Gadd took the stage at the Blue Note in Tokyo Japan with Jimmy Johnson on bass, Walt Fowler on trumpet, guitarist David Spinozza and newer member Kevin Hays on keys and vocals as The Steve Gadd Band. What followed is an amazing recording that showcases the players stunning musicianship in a masterclass of style, expertise and taste. For the first few songs on the recording, Gadd sits naturally back in the pocket. “Doesn’t she know by now” is a great example of Gadd’s masterful control and ability to groove and give his band such a solid platform from which to shine. The casual slip into a halftime funk vamp is the perfect feel to loosen up the audience for what is to come. “One Point Five” comes in smooth with a Latin groove floating under Walt Fowler’s beautiful trumpet work. Woven together with Hays’ piano lead, the band cruises between Latin and fusion breaks. It’s here that Gadd emerges from the pocket to demonstrate his spellbinding ability to play outside the measure. You find yourself holding your breath with the crowd as he pulls the rug out from under you again and again. This really captures the transcendental nature of Gadd’s playing that has always proved so captivating and exciting for audiences. “Way Back Home” is the grand showcase of not only the amazing talent Gadd has brought to the stage but also his ability to really drive the band with subtlety and true dynamics. From Fowler’s dancing trumpet lines to Spinozza and Johnson exchanging wicked solo discussions to the churning piano lead that brings the listener to the dynamic mountain crest, you can practically feel the audience overcome with the energy in the final moments of this tune. And here comes Gadd, the dynamic maestro, building from that simple early groove to a thunderous New Orleans Jazz revival explosion. What I appreciate most about this recording is how I feel like a part of the audience. This night comes to life and I find myself there riding every wave (a real testimony to the mixing). This last year was a heartbreaking year for all of us with no live shows. This performance is such a homecoming for the soul and a testament to Mr. Gadd and his band for bringing it to life and giving us all a chance to be brought to the edge of our seats, at the Blue Note, on an intimate and electric evening. Check out this promo for the performance at the Blue Note.”

Jared Hall – Seen On The Scene (Origin): “Seattle trumpeter Jared Hall presents his second recording as a leader and debut on Origin Records – an exciting program featuring original compositions and classics by Tadd Dameron. Along with alto saxophonist Vincent Herring and his Seattle-based rhythm section of pianist John Hansen, bassist Michael Glynn, and drummer Matt Jorgensen, Hall explores a variety of moods and themes. “Thinker” is full of jovial curiosity in honor of the birth of his son, “Seen on the Scene” is urgent & urban, and Francis Lai’s “Theme from Love Story” is rich with romantic poignancy. On Dameron’s compositions, Jorgensen’s drums propel Vincent Herring’s soaring solo on “Mating Call,” while Hall pairs with pianist John Hansen for an intimate reading of “If You Could See Me Now.” Since moving to Seattle in 2015 after receiving his DMA from Miami’s Frost School of Music, Hall has been a dynamic addition to the scene while expanding his international reach through education and performances.” (https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82828) Hall offers five original songs, covers of three from Tad Dameron and a new arrangement of “Theme From Love Story” on this set. Hall’s trumpet is accompanied by Vincent Herring (alto sax), John Hansen (piano), Michael Glynn (bass) and Matt Jorgensen (drums). Click here to listen to samples of two songs from this set.

Steve Million – What I Meant To Say (Origin): “When Steve Cardenas first played with the original Three Friends band (me, Arnold Young on drums, Jeff Rendlen on bass) in the late ’70s in Kansas City, Mo. it was a rent party for an artist’s loft. We decided not to play any tunes and totally improvised everything that night. It was magical. That was when the new Four Friends band was born. It was also the first time and Steve and I ever played music together. We still talk about that night.” Some time later, Million and Cardenas played together and reminisced and wanted to bring the group together again, still remembering the joy of playing as a unit and have reformed the group nearly forty years later. The magic is still there as you can verify by the  success of this release. Million brought in all new music composed for the group and once again the music shines wonderfully! Click here to listen to two samples from this set.

Ray Obiedo – Latin Jazz Project, Vol. 2 (Rhythmus Records): Ray Oviedo (guitar, keys) has created a wonderful blend of Latin jazz featuring numerous players and blends that begin and end in the heart of Latin music. Obiedo composed all but one song on this set and the flow is luscious! Other players include Peter Horvath (piano, keys), David K Mathews (keys), Michael Spiro (guitar, guiro, shakers, maracas), David Belove (bass), Phil Hawkins (drums), Erik Jekabson (flugelhorn), Rita Thies (flutes), Phil Hawkins (drums, steel pans), Sheila E. (congo), and many more. Beautiful and inviting music throughout! Click here to listen to 
“Beatnik” from this recording.

Senri Oe – Letter To N.Y. (Self-produced): “When you wake up in the morning, you can hear the voices of birds, and when you open the window, the sound of the wind is soothing. They all turn into music in this room where I live now. At the beginning of the pandemic, I was at a loss in a tremendously dark tunnel.But after I learned how to live day by day, mindfully, I started to find the birth of soul-shaking events which I have never experienced each day.” (Liner notes) Click here to listen to the opening piece, “Letter to N.Y.”.

Tim Reynolds & Michael Sokołowski – Soul Pilgrimage (Breezeway): “Track 7 from Soul Pilgrimage, an album of guitar and synthesizer duets by Tim Reynolds and Michael Sokolowski. Release date for the album is 8/25/2021. Homunculus is a short, trippy EDM-meets-ambient music track referencing the life-narrator that lives in our minds. As if he were real … This music is the result of a COVID-19 file-sharing project between two old friends, whose last album was 1992’s Common Margins — also released by Breezeway Records. The record is symphonic in nature, taking the listener on a journey through a panoply of moods, textures, rhythms, and melodies over a course of 8 carefully-crafted and thematically related tracks. A spell is cast over the active listener. Tim Reynolds is a celebrated guitar virtuoso — a master of both the electric and acoustic instrument (a Fender Telecaster being the instrument of reckoning here) — famous for his work with Dave Matthews and Dave Matthews Band, in addition to his longstanding trio, TR3, his solo albums and tours, and his numerous collaborations with other artists.” Click here to listen to “Efflorescence”.

Dan Siegel – Faraway Place (Self-produced): “While the coronavirus wreaked havoc to a deadly extreme, the pandemic era with its heightened quarantine measures proved to swing a double-edge sword for musicians. Many were silenced, suffering the liability of limited-to-no opportunities to perform. But on the other hand, the disease aroused many to be creative in their artistic expression. Veteran contemporary jazz pianist/keyboardist Dan Siegel took that difficult challenge during the social distancing desert to remotely assemble a group to deliver his eclectic album Faraway Place on his DSM label. It’s comprised of 11 originals that range from straight-up lyrical beauties to accordion-tinged grooves, to a baroque-like number with strings and horns. Remarkably, this is Siegel’s 22nd recording as a leader. “This is a different kind of album because of the pandemic,” says the Irvine, California-based composer and bandleader. “After writing the music in isolation, everything, with a few exceptions, was recorded separately by musicians in their home studios.” says Siegel. All of the tracks were demoed and developed rhythmically by drummers Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd at East West Studios in LA. “Those were the only sessions that I was present at,” Siegel says. “They set the music into motion with their drums. Then I sent what they did to the musicians I wanted to use and asked them to lay their parts down. What they sent back was so musical and really well-played. It only required a few modifications. I also went into the studio to record piano, and I rented an accordion for four tunes. I used contrast on the arrangements. They started sparse but then built with layers in the mix, always keeping in mind the song underneath it all. The way I see it is that I’m a composer first and I perform piano second” says Siegel. Also joining Siegel on the album are saxophonist Eric Marienthal, trumpeter/trombonist Lee Thornburg, guitarist Allen Hinds, acoustic bassist Brian Bromberg, electric bassists Abraham Laboriel and Dwayne “Smitty” Smith, percussionist Lenny Castro, and on two tracks Brazilian vocalist Rogerio Jardim…. Faraway Place is something of a trilogy. There are songs that are more accessible, Siegel says. The lead-off tune “Old School,” started out with a soulful Ramsey Lewis vibe twisted together with Lee Morgan’s “Sidewinder” hit that he made into a lyrical tune with his piano bathed in a horn wash. ”I went for a retro sound that takes left turns harmonically,” he says. His original concept for the catchy number “Tried and True” came from his love for Steely Dan…. The second part of the album has a more straight-ahead jazz tone, similar to his past recordings. “These tunes started out ECM-like with more of a groove,”…The third tier of the trilogy features two songs that bring a unique vitality to Faraway Place—something that Siegel admits won’t be commercial radio-friendly but certainly may turn heads and opens ears.” (http://dlmediamusic.com/press-releases/dan-siegel-faraway-place-available-august-13-2021/) Click here to listen to a song from this release.

System 6 – Tales From The Backyard (Skipper Productions): “English-born and Los Angeles-based saxophonist Benn Clatworthy is thrilled to announce the August 13, 2021 release of Tales From the Backyard, the latest release from Clatworthy’s long-standing sextet System 6. A follow-up to 2020’s critically-acclaimed release Bennie’s Lament, Tales From the Backyard allows the listener a glimpse into composer Benn Clatworthy’s lens with music that tells personal tales and makes profound observations of a world in crisis. This album sees an updated iteration of System 6 – multi-reedist Clatworthy is joined by long-time collaborators Ron Stout on trumpet and Joey Sellers on trombone filling out the group’s front-line accompanied by pianist Bryan Velasco. The rhythm section features the new addition of Drummer Tyler Kreutel as well as 19-year-old bass prodigy David Reynoso. Yayo Morales, who filled the drum seat on Bennie’s Lament, co-produced, mixed and mastered this release – and added percussion on various tracks. Tales From the Backyard portrays a collective of stellar musicians desperate to collaborate and innovate in the face of great strife and upheaval. With the implementation of Covid-19 restrictions in Southern California, this masterful ensemble did whatever it took to stay the musical course, including holding socially-distanced rehearsals in Clatworthy’s backyard throughout the duration of the year. After months of workshopping the substantive material and creating a faultless synergy between the players, Clatworthy decided that it was time to harvest the fruit of their labor. Tales From the Backyard was recorded in its entirety in a single-day session at No Sound Studios in Pasadena, CA on March 9, 2021. Clatworthy, celebrated for his compositional prowess, penned seven out of the album’s eight tracks, presenting compositions with forward-facing hard bop sensibilities, muscular rhythmic interplay and nuanced melodic invention… From the very first downbeat of Tales From the Backyard it’s clear that this is a hard-hitting, take-no-prisoners ensemble that seamlessly blends virtuosic improvisation with fervent story-telling.” (https://lydialiebman.com/index.php/2021/06/10/new-release-benn-clatworthy-system-6-to-release-tales-from-the-backyard-on-august-13-2021/) I regret I am unable to find a sample from this release.

New Blues:

Lauren Anderson – Love On The Rocks (Self-produced): This appears to be the second release for Lauren Anderson, who is powerhouse vocalist and songwriter. I’m not able to find much information, but she has great control and is not a screamer! She is backed up by Matt Doctor (drums), Hutch (bass), Jimi Greene (guitar) and Kiran Gupta (keys) with occasional strings and guest Mike Zito sitting in on “Back To Chicago”. This is a certified Professor Bebop “Wax Devoid of Cracks”! Best to let her introduce she self! Click here to see exactly what I mean.

Robben Ford – Pure (Ear Music): “Pure is Robben Ford‘s brand-new instrumental studio album – the first one since “Tiger Walk” from 1997 – is released 27 August 2021 on earMUSIC. With nine unique tracks, the album features a “pure” Robben Ford – this guitar virtuoso who has a tremendous music vocabulary of jazz, blues and rock. ‘Pure’ is an album which seamlessly blends a soulful west coast vibe with bluesy hard rock. ‘Pure’ also features exceptional guest musicians such as Nate Smith, Toss Panos, Shannon Forest and more. Robben Ford on ‘Pure’: “‘Pure’ is unlike any recording I’ve ever done. I’ve always been a traditionalist in the way I’ve worked in the studio: bring a great band into a great room with a great engineer, track songs for three to five days, do any overdubbing necessary, then, mix and master. I started ‘Pure’ in that same way. But, somehow the influence of other musicians on the music, which is inevitable, always felt a little off. It became clear to me that I had to shape this new music myself from the ground up. My engineer and co-producer, Casey Wasner, proved invaluable in making that happen and most of the music you’ll hear in this recording was accomplished by the two of us working together in his studio, Purple House: getting the right shape and feel to the music, then adding bass and drums after the fact. Having worked in this way, I feel that ‘Pure’ is perhaps the most complete representation of my personal musical vision: previous recordings having been products of a period of development that lead to the music presented here. It’s been very satisfying to have shaped my own compositions so thoroughly and to deliver something so completely my own.” (https://www.therockpit.net/2021/robben-ford-returns-with-pure-a-brand-new-instrumental-studio-album/) Click here to listen to a teaser from a couple of songs from this disc.

Corey Harris – Free Water Way (Self-produced): This release was recorded in 2018 and features nine original songs and four traditional songs including “I Have A Mansion”,”Free Waterway”, “John The Revelator” and “Bajourou”. The label stands for “Freedom Redemption” and “International Repatriation”. Harris continues to enlighten the general population and to encourage fairness for all. Click here to listen to the songs on this release.

Tito Jackson – Under Your Spell (Self-produced): “Tito Jackson (Jackson 5) releases his second studio solo album, Under Your Spell this Friday on 6th August. The eleven-track blues album includes features from special guests: George Benson, Joe Bonamassa, Eddie Levert, Marlon Jackson, Kenny Neal, Bobby Rush, Claudette King and Stevie Wonder. Under Your Spell is an uplifting blues album which combines Tito’s Jackson 5 Motown side (Wheels Keep Turning). His new modern funk, soul and deep blues side (Love One Another, You’re Gonna Push Me Too Far, Under Your Spell) works as a really eloquent, and complementary merger. The debut single off the album, Love One Another (released 9th July) is an uplifting, harmonious bluesy antidote for today’s times of apparent division, featuring the vocals of Tito, Marlon Jackson, Bobby Rush and Kenny Neal, with Stevie Wonder on the harmonica. The main stand-out on the album has to be the cover of blues and guitar legend BB King’s 1964 classic, Rock Me Baby. Tito is joined on the song by BB’s daughter Claudette King, who is a sensational blues singer too. She really adds to the track. The album is ridden with nostalgia, taking you back to a time of blues, 70s funk, 60s Motown and soul, and by including the original legends from back in those times, it really adds that edge of authenticity. Songwriting duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who have written worldwide hits for The Jacksons, came out of retirement to write All In The Family Blues for Tito on this album.” (https://louderthanwar.com/tito-jackson-under-your-spell-album-review/) The set is an interesting and unusual offering that may take a little getting use to but it is infectious. In fact, if you ask me, I would have to say this is disc is certified Professor Bebop “Wax Devoid of Cracks”! Click here to listen to “Love One Another” and see if you don’t get hooked!

Gabe Stillman – Just Say The Word (VizzTone): “Winner of the prestigious Gibson Guitar Award at the Blues Foundation’s 2019 International Blues Challenge, Pennsylvania-based Gabe Stillman is a quiet young man who speaks through his music and has a lot to say. JUST SAY THE WORD, packed with thirteen thoughtfully crafted originals plus two covers, will further solidify Gabe’s reputation as an accomplished guitarist and now as a meaningful songwriter. Produced by Anson Funderburgh at Wire Recording in Austin Texas, JUST SAY THE WORD is a compelling listen from beginning to end, with powerful contributions from the Texas Horns and special appearances by Funderburgh, Sue Foley and Greg Izor. The lyrics and arrangements are interesting, diverse, and heart-throbbing with messages that are both personal and universal. JUST SAY THE WORD will appeal to Gabe’s vast following in the blues world while stretching the boundaries into that realm of “just great music” that defies category.” (https://www.roughtrade.com/us/gabe-stillman/just-say-the-word) “One of the most promising young blues talents on the scene today. He’s a fine songwriter, excellent guitarist and strong singer, plus he puts on an exciting, energized show. His talent has grown by leaps and bounds over the last couple years. Don’t miss him!” (Bruce Iglauer, Founder and President, Alligator Records) The players backing Stillman are Colin Beatty (bass), Ray Hangen (drums, percussion) and Taylor Streiff (B3, piano, keys). Click here for a live version the opening song on this disc, “Give Me Some Time”.

Kopasetically,

Professor Bebop