Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - And So It Goes - RMI Records
John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton and Jeff Clayton founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. While in their 20’s, John and Jeff Hamilton toured and recorded with Monty Alexander then moved on to separate big band environs. Jeff joined Woody Herman and John signed up for Count Basie. All along, Jeff Clayton had been performing and recording in Los Angeles. In 1986, the three men came together in L.A. and formed the Jazz Orchestra. In 2020, Jeff Clayton passed away after a lengthy illness. The CHJO reminds audiences that his spirit remains in every note that is played. The excitement of this powerful 19-piece band is the result of the band’s stellar performances and John’s writing. Their music is composed and arranged by John, and have garnered multiple Grammy© nominations. The RMI Records Debut of the world-renowned Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra is entitled, And So It Goes. This is the ensemble’s first full-length album in over a decade. And So It Goes features nine incredible performances of the Big Band with arrangements by John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton and other members of the orchestra. Captured in stunning clarity with Hi-Definition Digital audio, this project’s foundation harkens back to the days when an entire band played a piece in the same room. Performing with flawless execution at the same time, stamping into the recording forever, “a single moment in musical history”.
Richard Niles - Adventures For Cello and Piano - New World Classics
Composer Richard Niles unveils his genre-defying musical revelation Adventures for Cello and Piano. Renowned for his groundbreaking work in Pop (Paul McCartney, Pet Shop Boys, Tina Turner), Jazz (Pat Metheny, Randy Brecker, Bob James), Classical (Kiri Te Kanawa, Placido Domingo, Monserrat Caballe) and Soul (Ray Charles, James Brown, Michael McDonald), Niles now blends classical sophistication with contemporary audacity in his new album – duets for cello and piano that defy categorization. To play his daring new compositions, Niles has chosen masterful virtuosos. Dennis Karmazyn – Cello, Clive Dunstall – Piano, Mark Egan – Electric Fretless Bass, Ian Palmer – Drums.
Adam Schroeder & Mark Masters - CT! - Capri Records
Adam Schroeder and Mark Masters pay tribute to Clark Terry on CT! Big Band takes on fresh arrangements of 13 Terry originals! There are certain bodily movements that humans do without thinking: the expansion and contraction of the lungs, the beating of the heart, or in this case, the tapping of the foot to a deliciously slow, swinging groove. On CT!, baritone saxophonist and bandleader Adam Schroeder teams up with arranger Mark Masters to deliver a tasty baker’s dozen tunes in the Basie/Ellington/Strayhorn style, all composed by renowned trumpeter Clark Terry. Schroeder conceived of the recording as a celebration of Terry’s 100th birthday. Schroeder’s motivations for the record were heartfelt. “I wanted to celebrate what Clark gave to me and so many others around the globe for decades – musically, educationally, and as a mentor,” said Schroeder. “He was so giving, while at the same time demanding the utmost respect for the music and its process, and thus demanding that the players and listeners be present and collaborative.” That collaborative spirit and commitment to the music is evident throughout CT!, from the exhilarating solos to what Masters refers to as the “sound of surprise” of the band as a unit.
Ada Rovatti - The Hidden World of Piloo - Piloo Records
Italy-born, Long Island, New York based saxophonist and arranger Ada Rovatti delivers a captivating collection of original songs with wide-ranging thematic surprises around every corner. Her seventh album as a leader, The Hidden World of Piloo features six improvisationally rich instrumentals that include blues grooves, samba vibes, straight-up lyricism, melancholic balladry and a comedic finale. Two songs include strings; another features the dobro, a country instrument unlikely to be in a jazz song. Four Rovatti compositions showcase top-tier vocalists, including jazz-poll champion Kurt Elling, the Netherlands jazz singer Fay Claassen, German pop/jazz star Alma Naidu and fired-up R&B singer Niki Haris (the daughter of jazz great Gene Harris) who once served as a Madonna backing vocalist. They each follow Rovatti’s “impossibly ranged melodies” and settle marvelously into her phrasing.
Sylvia Brooks - Live with Christian Jacob - Rhombus Records
If the American Songbook feels like a repository of timeless wisdom, it’s because jazz vocalists breathe new life into familiar tales, interpreting the music with visceral emotional immediacy. In the case of chanteuse Sylvia Brooks, the songs serve as a barometer, marking the increasing depth she plumbs. Her evolution is evident throughout her fifth album, which was recorded at Herb Albert’s Vibrato Jazz Grill. Revisiting material from earlier releases, Sylvia Brooks Live with Christian Jacob provides both a snapshot of an artist in full command and a revelatory index of the distance she’s traveled since her impressive 2009 debut Dangerous Liaisons. All About Jazz describes Brooks as a “Master Stylist.” With her new live album, Sylvia Brooks Live with Christian Jacob, one understands why. The path that led Sylvia Brooks back to her jazz roots provided her with plenty of dramatic stories to tell. Possessing a sumptuous, velvet-rich voice, she’s earned critical raves for each of her five albums.
Mark Winkler - The Rules Don't Apply - Cafe Pacific Records
Vocalist and songwriter Mark Winkler is a mainstay on the Los Angeles jazz scene with a devoted fan base who packs his live performances. A prolific recording artist, Winkler has produced 20 previous albums, nearly one a year for the past several years. Downbeat Magazine said in their 4-star review of his 2022 release, Late Bloomin’ Jazzman, “Mark Winkler is an unsung hero of West Coast jazz. The singer and lyricist has been quietly churning out idiosyncratic hipster songs with a slightly retro feel for years.” He’s now releasing his 21st album, The Rules Don’t Apply, his most ambitious project yet. As a song stylist, Winkler’s range is wide and deep. He can swing like a horn player, touch hearts with a sensitive ballad, and deliver a humorous song with a sly wink. He captures all of these moods on The Rules Don’t Apply. Winkler wrote lyrics for eight of the original songs on the album. Mark Winkler’s music is always fun with a hipness that would not be out of place in a smoky jazz club in the 1950s, yet still keeping a contemporary edge. With its various jazz styles and different band configurations, The Rules Don’t Apply takes Winkler’s hipness to a whole new level.
Peter Hand - Blue Topaz - Whaling City Sound
Consider this your invitation to dive headfirst into Peter Hand’s Blue Topaz, set to arrive in January of 2024. Hand, a versatile guitarist, and composer hailing from the vibrant landscape of New York City, takes listeners on an enchanting voyage through his musical evolution from blues and R&B to the world of jazz. Blue Topaz stands as a testament to Hand’s prowess, featuring a myriad of original compositions, reimagined jazz standards, and vibrant Latin and Brazilian jazz pieces. Collaborating with an array of acclaimed artists, including trumpeter Eddie Allen, the soulful saxophonist Don Braden, and masterful pianists James Weidman and David Janeway, the ensemble crafts a symphony of heartfelt melodies. Underpinning this musical tapestry is bassist Harvie S and drummer Steve Johns, providing the rhythmic foundation for this lineup of jazz luminaries, including a special appearance by legendary tenor saxophonist Houston Person. His contribution adds an extra layer of depth and soul to an already stellar ensemble. Blue Topaz promises a voyage without boundaries, offering a genuine and passionate jazz experience. Embark on this captivating musical journey marked by timeless elegance and a steadfast commitment to the artistry of jazz.
Stix Bones – Olimpik Soul ft. Bob Beamon - Bone Entertainment
The inventive drummer/producer Stix Bones – who worked with the likes of Yasin Bey (Mo Def), Common, Q-Tip and Doug E. Fresh – releases his EP, Olimpik Soul; his amazing 21st century amalgamation of jazz, soul and hip-hop. Backed by his ensemble known as The BONE Squad (an acronym for Brothers of Noble Excellence) the EP showcases Bob Beamon: the 77 year-old Olympic long jump champion, who in 1968 in Mexico City, leaped to the still-standing Olympic record of 29 ft. 2 ¼ inches, in his recording debut as a percussionist. Olimpik Soul is Bones’ third EP’s that blends jazz, soul and hip-hop beats. His previous recordings include Breaks From the Soul, Vol.1 and 2 and Brooklyn Nights. Bones also released 3 albums, Bones Beats, Vol.1, Groove Like This and the Waiting For Mr. Wright Soundtrack.
Stix Bones – drums, Bob Beamon – percussion, Densen “Meighstro” Curwen – piano/synths/strings, Albert Brisbane – bass, Steven Brown – guitar, Sean Taylor (Sxntylr) – trumpet, Melvin Smith – saxophone, Abiodun Oyewole – vocals, Khadejia Bass – vocals.
Lisa Hilton - Coincidental Moment - Ruby Slippers Production
“I love the way jazz tugs at our emotions in a way no other music can: it can calmly seduce your soul or prompt you to dance,” states the award-winning composer and acclaimed pianist Lisa Hilton in the liner notes for her latest release, Coincidental Moment. “The music here reflects the cool energies and history of jazz, but definitely sounds like today.” The nine original compositions and two cover tunes are laced throughout with rich blue tones augmented by modal flights all shimmering and swinging with Hilton’s expressive touch on the piano. Coincidental Moment gracefully shares the spotlight with quartet mates Igmar Thomas on trumpet, Luques Curtis on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums and percussion. Royston’s drum mastery is evident throughout the album, but his delightful and catchy bongo rhythms are also featured on tracks Jagged Lil’ Blues and Blue Tropics. Jazz traditionalists will enjoy the retro vibes of Happily Go Luckily and Anxiety Society with their cool grooves and snappy trumpet improvisations by Thomas. The entire quartet shines on the evocative Spanish-tinged Enigmatic Adventure and infuse Everyday Anthem with a stirring gospel energy.
Willie Williams – Zig Zag - Willie Way Music
The Zig Zag jazz record is the most recent recording by Veteran Jazz man Willie Williams on Tenor and Soprano saxophones and flute. It also features an all-star band of players including the wonderful Stephen Scott on piano, Veteran Buster Williams on the Bass, and Master drummer Victor Lewis with incredible performances all around! Guest appearances by Carlos Maldonado on percussion and young lion and Willie’s son, Ace Williams on flugelhorn. The Zig Zag recording features straight ahead and progressive jazz, Latin jazz, and the beautiful ballad Dienda by the late Kenny Kirkland as well as Willie’s own dynamic compositions, Zig Zag, 2 versions of The Kindness of Strangers, short and FULL, Goo Goo Eyes, Psalm 107, One for Ace, and The intruder. This one is swinging enough to dance to. Featuring Willie Williams’ Tenor, Soprano Saxes & Flute, Stephen Scott Piano, Buster Williams Bass, Victor Lewis Drums. Additional musicians – Carlos Maldonado Percussion and Ace Williams Flugelhorn.