The Jazz Defenders - Memory in Motion - ITI Music
Dave Bass - Trio Nuevo - Dave Bass Music
DeeAnn - It's My Time - Hart 2 Heart
It’s My Time is a story of one woman’s journey to find faith and hope after losing her firstborn son; sung by a stunning DeeAnn we’ve not yet heard. Start pouring the fine wine. Squeezed grapes produce better wine. DeeAnn gives of herself to such a degree that she elicits tears and gasps and goose bumps from audiences. In her lyrics, she writes of inner struggle, of redemption, a woman’s perspective, supposition and self-love. More beautiful than ever, in a twenty-plus-year-career, DeeAnn releases, a new collection of American jazz and folk classics that is reminiscent of Popular hits from the 1940’s to the 2000’s. It is dedicated to her late son William Tompkins. DeeAnn took flight as a country singer and now returns to pay homage to her first love of Jazz and Pop. A self-described “mother and human being first” DeeAnn is a timeless voice, but for those who have felt pain, and who still stand shining light, against all odds. With a voice that is big, rich and gorgeous, a mind that is intelligent, and a heart that transforms suffering into beauty, DeeAnn sings for our enlightenment, for our souls.
Jane Scheckter – I'll Take Romance – Doxie
Vocalist Jane Scheckter is a mainstay on the New York City music scene. A Bistro Award winner and a five-time MAC award nominee, she has been wowing audiences with her velvet voice at major New York venues, including Birdland, Birdland Theater, the Metropolitan Room, the Iridium and Lincoln Center Jazz at Rose Hall. Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote of her “bright clear voice with a brassy edge and a luscious, rounded vibrato, meticulous phrasing, a sultry lower register… and she swings!” Scheckter is now releasing her fifth CD, I’ll Take Romance, a collection of 17 tunes from the Great American Songbook and beyond. I’ll Take Romance comprises smart, cosmopolitan love songs that have been covered by many artists over the years. But Scheckter breathes new life into these chestnuts with her warm voice and conversational style, creating the perfect confluence of sophistication and emotional depth. Rather than choose songs that are world-weary or filled with unrealized longing, Scheckter, who has been married for over 40 years, chose songs that reflect the maturity and insight garnered from a long, happy marriage. With Scheckter’s subtly sultry voice backed by superb musicians, I’ll Take Romance shows that some love songs, like love itself, have a timeless quality.
Afro-Café - Afro-Café Vol 1 – BassLine Live
Duke Jones presents his heartfelt new album, Afro-Cafe Vol 1. Delivering an awe-inspiring sound and featuring a string of legendary artists, Afro-Café Vol 1 is a celebration of diverse Jazz, Soul, and African music styles. Released on the artist’s brand-new boutique label, the album is a compilation of classic songs retrieved from the vaults of Bassline Live record label. Swiftly gaining recognition for its unique approach to bringing together legendary artists to record in world-class studios, Bassline Live is a matchless record label. The label masters are one-of-a-kind recordings that capture some of the most amazing musical moments, rife with emotion, color, and character. State of the Art pristine quality recordings done with legendary studio engineers such as Los Angeles engineer Dave Rideau and New York/London born Beatles Abby Road album engineer Malcolm Addy.
Lynne Arriale Trio - Being Human - Challenge Records
On her latest release, pianist Lynne Arriale and her trio mates address a troubled, divided world with an exquisite suite of optimistic, deeply felt compositions. Being Human, pianist-composer Lynne Arriale’s 17th album as a leader, is her fourth for Challenge Records International. Being Human, a suite of 10 original compositions, celebrates the ways that our lives are enriched by acts of passion, courage, conviction, love, persistence, heart, soul, curiosity, faith and joy. Featuring bassist Alon Near and drummer Lukasz Zyta, the album explores these life-affirming facets of humankind. Many of the songs are dedicated to people who’ve inspired Arriale, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai. “I wrote this suite in response to the division and turmoil in our world,” Arriale says. “The music focuses on qualities we all share, that define our humanity. I hope this album will be uplifting and convey a sense of unity and optimism. The dedications reflect my admiration for those who I feel personify the traits that inspired the music.”
Ron Burris – Jazz Never Felt So Good – Ron Burris Jazz
This is Ron Burris’ third CD as an independent artist, and, as the title implies—he has never felt better. Ron has selected some excellent musicians to assist him in bringing out the different qualities of these eight standards and one original song on this CD. To get things started, Ron and the guys offer a fresh rendition of Coltrane’s Impressions. The entire group plays with passion to the very last note. Additionally, Kendrick Freeman, drum solo and drumming throughout adds to the beauty of this selection. “Never Felt So Good”, the title of the CD, is a simple tune, that is meant to express the wonderful feeling I have for this song and the entire CD. It is meant to be simple, but expressive. At the end of the piece, John and I exchange simple phrases that match the title of the song- and at the very end, I can be heard stating, “It Never Felt So Good. The beauty of music in our lives, allow us to be thankful for what we do have, and rejoice. Life is not perfect, but music makes it feel so much better.
Albare – Beyond Belief - Alfi Records
This album is a journey through Albare’s rich musical landscape. His guitar, as always, is not merely an instrument but a voice that speaks of life, experiences, and the unspoken narratives of the heart. The collaboration with his long-@me collaborator, pianist Phil Turcio, is in full display here; you are in the presence of two masters having a musical conversation to the delight of the listeners. Beyond Belief invites listeners to immerse themselves in a world where melody reigns supreme, offering a unique experience that is quintessentially Albare. Beyond Belief is produced by Albare and his long-time colleague and collaborator Phil Turcio. This duo’s partnership in the studio brings a richness and depth to the album, highlighting a shared vision that has been refined over 30 years of collaboration. Phil Turcio: Piano, Phil Rex: Bass, Pablo Bencid: Drums, Lionel Cole: Vocalist.
Craig Malcor - Between Sounds - Intrajazz
After 24 years of what he calls “selling the dream to help people make music”, Craig Malcor is now living the dream by making his own music. With the help of producer Mike Parlett, he has assembled a “dream team” of brilliant LA players. Malcor’s classy trumpet sound is a joy, and his melodic solos and leads are remarkable for their taste and restraint. Beginning with the Starsky & Hutch funk of “The Opener”, Between Sounds takes the listener on a journey through Malcor’s compositional mind – music that, having waited patiently to emerge, is now ready to jam! Each track has its own story to tell, using a musical language that combines elements of classic 1970s funk with more contemporary grooves. Malcor’s arrangements are tight and assured, piloted by Jon Papenbrook’s powerful, soaring lead trumpet. For the last 40 years, Bob Sheppard’s saxophone mastery has graced the work of many jazz icons and continues to impress on this album. Ido Meshulam’s trombone solos on “Out of the Rain” and “Repetition & Reflection” are a welcome new discovery for this writer. Matt Hornbeck delivers some great rock-tinged solos on “New Horizons” and “Love Unconditionally” featuring Alex Nestor’s soulful vocals. Producer Parlett, managing to play while pushing buttons and faders, delights with his nimble soprano and baritone sax solos. The groove provided by drummer David Zarlenga and percussionist Ronnie Gutierrez is solid, even when Malcor throws some unusual time signatures or changes of feel into his compositions. Bassist Adam Cohen has the rare talent of keeping the rhythm grounded while playing superbly melodically. Mitch Forman’s piano and keyboards are a special pleasure throughout, especially the two solo piano tracks “In Times of Trouble” and “Mitch’s Reflection”. “Between Sounds” is a bottle of brandy that has been sitting in a cellar for 24 years. Open. Consume. Enjoy.
Greg Murphy - You Remind Me - Whaling City Sound
Greg Murphy, the revered pianist and composer, unveils his transcendent musical masterpiece, You Remind Me. This deeply moving tribute is a celebration of enduring love and the timeless essence of life’s most precious moments. Murphy’s fourth release on Whaling City Sound and his seventh as a leader, this album intricately weaves together diverse musical landscapes into a seamless tapestry of emotions. Recorded primarily at the esteemed Van Gelder Studios, Murphy leads an exceptional ensemble, featuring the foundational prowess of Obasi Akoto on bass and the rhythmic finesse of Steve Johns on drums. The album’s emotional depth is further enriched by the artistry of Zach Brock‘s mesmerizing violin and the captivating vocals of Malou Beauvoir and Frank Lacy. Reflecting on the album’s inspiration, Murphy shares, “Love is timeless…” He dedicates this musical opus to his late wife Nancy, the beautiful soul behind his creative vision. “Nancy’s spirit reminds me every moment of every day that love transcends everything…,” he adds, illuminating the profound essence that permeates every note of the album. You Remind Me is a multifaceted exploration of fleeting moments in time, a symphony resonating with the vibrant energy of love, cooperation, and hope for a better world. Murphy’s visionary arrangements and technical expertise shine through, carrying forward the legacy of the jazz tradition while embracing a modern, collaborative approach.