Sunday, January 31, 2010

2010 GRAMMY Winners

WINNERS ON BOLD

Category 9
Best Pop Instrumental Performance

(For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, without vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)

Besame Mucho - Herb Alpert
Track from: Anything Goes — Live
[Concord Jazz]

Throw Down Your Heart - Béla Fleck
Track from: Throw Down Your Heart: Tales From The Acoustic Planet, Vol. 3 — Africa Sessions
[Rounder]


The Fire - Imogen Heap
Track from: Ellipse
[RCA Records / Megaphonic Records]

Phoenix Rise - Maxwell
Track from: Blacksummers' Night
[Columbia]

Funk Joint - Marcus Miller
Track from: Marcus
[Concord Jazz/3 Dueces Records]

Category 10
Best Pop Instrumental Album

(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of INSTRUMENTAL tracks.)

In Boston - Chris Botti
[Columbia]

Legacy - Hiroshima
[Heads Up International]

Potato Hole - Booker T. Jones
[Anti]

Modern Art - The Rippingtons Featuring Russ Freeman
[Hear Music]

Down The Wire - Spyro Gyra
[Heads Up International]

Category 14
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)

A Swingin' Christmas - Tony Bennett
[Columbia]

Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden - Michael Bublé
[143/Reprise]


Your Songs - Harry Connick, Jr.
[Columbia]

Liza's At The Palace - Liza Minnelli
[Hybrid Recordings]

American Classic - Willie Nelson
[Blue Note]

Category 19
Best Rock Instrumental Performance

(For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, without vocals. Includes Rock, Hard Rock and Metal. Singles or Tracks only.)

A Day In The Life - Jeff Beck
Track from: Performing This Week...Live At Ronnie Scott's
[Eagle Records]


Warped Sister - Booker T. Jones
Track from: Potato Hole
[ANTI]

Playing With Fire - Brad Paisley
Track from: Play
[Arista Nashville]

Mr. Surfer Goes Jazzin' - Brian Setzer Orchestra
[Surfdog Records]

Now We Run - Steve Vai
[Favored Nations Entertainment]

Category 44
Best Contemporary Jazz Album

(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of INSTRUMENTAL tracks.)

Urbanus - Stefon Harris & Blackout
[Concord Jazz]

Sounding Point - Julian Lage
[Emarcy/Decca]

At World's Edge - Philippe Saisse
[E1 Music]

Big Neighborhood - Mike Stern
[Heads Up International]

75 - Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate
[Heads Up International]

Category 45
Best Jazz Vocal Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)

No Regrets - Randy Crawford (& Joe Sample)
[PRA Records]

Dedicated To You: Kurt Elling Sings The Music Of Coltrane And Hartman - Kurt Elling
[Concord Jazz]


So In Love - Roberta Gambarini
[Groovin' High/Emarcy]

Tide - Luciana Souza
[Verve]

Desire - Tierney Sutton (Band)
[Telarc Jazz]

Category 46
Best Improvised Jazz Solo

(For an instrumental jazz solo performance. Two equal performers on one recording may be eligible as one entry. If the soloist listed appears on a recording billed to another artist, the latter's name is in parenthesis for identification. Singles or Tracks only.)

Dancin' 4 Chicken - Terence Blanchard, soloist
Track from: Watts (Jeff "Tain" Watts)
[Dark Key Music]


All Of You - Gerald Clayton, soloist
Track from: Two-Shade
[ArtistShare]

Ms. Garvey, Ms. Garvey - Roy Hargrove, soloist
Track from: Emergence
[Groovin' High/Emarcy]

On Green Dolphin Street - Martial Solal, soloist
Track from: Live At The Village Vanguard
[CamJazz]

Villa Palmeras - Miguel Zenón, soloist
Track from: Esta Plena
[Marsalis Music]

Category 47
Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group

(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of INSTRUMENTAL tracks.)

Quartet Live - Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Steve Swallow & Antonio Sanchez
[Concord Jazz]

Brother To Brother - Clayton Brothers
[ArtistShare]

Five Peace Band Live - Chick Corea & John McLaughlin Five Peace Band
[Concord Records]


Remembrance - John Patitucci Trio
[Concord Jazz]

The Bright Mississippi - Allen Toussaint
[Nonesuch]

Category 48
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album

(For large jazz ensembles, including big band sounds. Albums must contain 51% or more INSTRUMENTAL tracks.)

Legendary - Bob Florence Limited Edition
[MAMA Records]

Eternal Interlude - John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble
[Sunnyside]

Fun Time - Sammy Nestico And The SWR Big Band
[Hänssler Classic]

Book One - New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
[World Village]


Lab 2009 - University Of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band
[North Texas Jazz]

Category 49
Best Latin Jazz Album
(Vocal or Instrumental.)

Things I Wanted To Do - Chembo Corniel
[Chemboro Records]

Áurea - Geoffrey Keezer
[ArtistShare]

Brazilliance X 4 - Claudio Roditi
[Resonance Records]

Juntos Para Siempre - Bebo Valdés And Chucho Valdés
[Sony Music/Calle 54]


Esta Plena - Miguel Zenón
[Marsalis Music]

Category 74
Best Traditional World Music Album

(Vocal or Instrumental.)

Ancient Sounds - Rahim Alhaj And Amjad Ali Khan
[UR Music]

Double Play - Liz Carroll & John Doyle
[Compass Records]

Douga Mansa - Mamadou Diabate
[World Village]


La Guerra No - John Santos Y El Coro Folklórico Kindembo
[Machete Records]

Drum Music Land - Ten Drum Art Percussion Group
[Wind Music]

Category 75
Best Contemporary World Music Album

(Vocal or Instrumental.)

Welcome To Mali - Amadou & Mariam
[Nonesuch]

Throw Down Your Heart: Tales From The Acoustic Planet, Vol. 3 — Africa Sessions
Béla Fleck
[Rounder]


Day By Day - Femi Kuti
[Mercer Street Records]

Seya - Oumou Sangare
[Nonesuch]

Across The Divide: A Tale Of Rhythm & Ancestry - Omar Sosa
[Half Note Records]

Category 83
Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media
(A Songwriter(s) award. For a song (melody & lyrics) written specifically for a motion picture, television or other visual media, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)

The Climb (From Hannah Montana: The Movie)
Jessi Alexander & Jon Mabe, songwriters (Miley Cyrus)
[Walt Disney Records; Publishers: Vistaville Music, Hopeless Rose Music, Music Of Stage Three, Mabe It Big Music.]

Decode (From Twilight)
Josh Farro, Hayley Williams & Taylor York, songwriters (Paramore)
[Summit Ent./Chop Shop/Atlantic; Publishers: WB Music Corp/But Father, I Just Want To Sing Music/Josh's Music/FBR Music, Meaux Hits/Hunterboro Music, Rimutaka Music.]

Jai Ho (From Slumdog Millionaire)
Gulzar, A.R. Rahman & Tanvi Shah, songwriters (A.R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer & Vijay Prakash)
[N.E.E.T./Interscope Records; Publisher: KM Musiq.]

Once In A Lifetime (From Cadillac Records)
Ian Dench, James Dring, Amanda Ghost, Beyoncé Knowles, Scott McFarnon & Jody Street, songwriters (Beyoncé)
[Music World Music/Columbia; Publishers: B-Day Publishing/EMI April Music, Amanda Ghost Bucks Music Group Ltd./EMI Blackwood, Red Ink Music Ltd., Ian Dench Music/Songs of Kobalt Music, Chrysalis Music.]

The Wrestler (From The Wrestler)
Bruce Springsteen, songwriter (Bruce Springsteen)
[Columbia; Publisher: Bruce Springsteen.]

Category 84
Best Instrumental Composition

(A Composer's Award for an original composition (not an adaptation) first released during the Eligibility Year. Singles or Tracks only.)

Borat In Syracuse
Paquito D'Rivera, composer (Paquito D'Rivera Quintet)
Track from: Jazz-Clazz
[Timba Records]

Counting To Infinity
Tim Davies, composer (Tim Davies Big Band)
Track from: Dialmentia
[Origin Records]

Fluffy
Bob Florence, composer (Bob Florence Limited Edition)
Track from: Legendary
[MAMA Records]

Ice-Nine
Steve Wiest, composer (University Of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band)
Track from: Lab 2009
[North Texas Jazz]

Married Life (From Up)
Michael Giacchino, composer (Michael Giacchino)
Track from: Up — Soundtrack
[Walt Disney Records]


Category 85
Best Instrumental Arrangement

(An Arranger's Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)

Emmanuel
Jeremy Lubbock, arranger (Chris Botti & Lucia Micarelli)
Track from: In Boston
[Columbia]

Hope
Vince Mendoza, arranger (Jim Beard With Vince Mendoza & The Metropole Orchestra)
Track from: Revolutions
[Sunny Side Records]

Slings And Arrows
Vince Mendoza, arranger (Chuck Owen & The Jazz Surge)
Track from: The Comet's Tail: Performing The Compositions Of Michael Brecker
[MAMA Records]

Up With End Credits (From Up)
Michael Giacchino, arranger (Michael Giacchino)
Track from: Up — Soundtrack
[Walt Disney Records]

West Side Story Medley
Bill Cunliffe, arranger (Resonance Big Band)
Track from: Resonance Big Band Plays Tribute To Oscar Peterson
[Resonance Records]


Category 86
Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)

(An Arranger's Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)

A Change Is Gonna Come
David Foster & Jerry Hey, arrangers (Seal)
Track from: Soul
[143/Warner Bros.]

Dedicated To You
Laurence Hobgood, arranger (Kurt Elling)
Track from: Dedicated To You: Kurt Elling Sings The Music Of Coltrane And Hartman
[Concord Jazz]

In The Still Of The Night
Thomas Zink, arranger (Anne Walsh)
Track from: Pretty World
[AtoZink Music]

My One And Only Thrill
Vince Mendoza, arranger (Melody Gardot)
Track from: My One And Only Thrill
[Verve]

Quiet Nights
Claus Ogerman, arranger (Diana Krall)
Track from: Quiet Nights
[Verve]


Category 89
Best Album Notes


The Complete Louis Armstrong Decca Sessions (1935–1946)
Dan Morgenstern, album notes writer (Louis Armstrong)
[Mosaic Records]


Dance-O-Mania: Harry Yerkes And The Dawn Of The Jazz Age, 1919–1923
Mark Berresford, album notes writer (The Happy Six)
[Rivermont Records]

Gonzo: The Life And Work Of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson — Music From The Film
Douglas Brinkley & Johnny Depp, album notes writers (Various Artists)
[Legacy Recordings]

My Dusty Road
Ed Cray & Bill Nowlin, album notes writers (Woody Guthrie)
[Rounder]

Origins Of The Red Hot Mama, 1910–1922
Lloyd Ecker & Susan Ecker, album notes writers (Sophie Tucker)
[Archeophone Records]

Category 91
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical
(An Engineer's Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses.))

Ellipse
Imogen Heap, engineer (Imogen Heap)
[RCA/Megaphonic Records]

Gossip In The Grain
Ethan Johns & Dominic Monks, engineers (Ray LaMontagne)
[RCA Records]

My One And Only Thrill
Helik Hadar & Al Schmitt, engineers (Melody Gardot)
[Verve]

Safe Trip Home
Jon Brion, Grippa, Greg Koller & Jim Scott, engineers (Dido)
[Arista]

Swan Feathers
Richard Alderson, Chris Allen, Roman Klun, Lawrence Manchester, Rob Mounsey, Jay Newland & Gordie Sampson, engineers (Leslie Mendelson)
[Rykodisc]

Category 95
Best Engineered Album, Classical
(An Engineer's Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.))

Britten: Billy Budd
Neil Hutchinson & Jonathan Stokes, engineers (Daniel Harding, Nathan Gunn, Ian Bostridge, Gidon Saks, Neal Davies, Jonathan Lemalu, Matthew Rose, London Symphony Chorus & London Symphony Orchestra)
[Virgin Classics]

Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10
Peter Laenger, engineer (Michael Tilson Thomas & San Francisco Symphony)
[SFS Media]


QSF Plays Brubeck
Judy Kirschner, engineer (Quartet San Francisco)
[Violinjazz Recordings]

Ravel: Daphnis Et Chloé
Jesse Lewis & John Newton, engineers (James Levine, Tanglewood Festival Chorus & Boston Symphony Orchestra)
[BSO Classics]

Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 15
John Newton & Dirk Sobotka, engineers (Valery Gergiev & Orchestra Of The Mariinsky Theatre)
[Mariinsky]

Category 102
Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without Orchestra)

(Award to the Instrumental Soloist.)

Caroline Goulding
Caroline Goulding (Christopher O'Riley & Janine Randall)
[Telarc]

Chopin
Maria João Pires
[Deutsche Grammophon]

Journey To The New World
Sharon Isbin (Joan Baez & Mark O'Connor)
[Sony Classical]


Oppens Plays Carter
Ursula Oppens
[Cedille Records]

Sonatas & Etudes
Yuja Wang
[Deutsche Grammophon]

Category 106
Best Classical Contemporary Composition
(A Composer's Award. (For a contemporary classical composition composed within the last 25 years, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year.) Award to the librettist, if applicable.)

Crumb, George: The Winds Of Destiny
George Crumb (James Freeman)
Track from: Crumb: American Songbooks 2 & 4
[Bridge Records]

Higdon, Jennifer: Percussion Concerto
Jennifer Higdon (Marin Alsop)
Track from: Alsop Conducts MacMillan, Adès, & Higdon
[London Philharmonic Orchestra]


Pärt, Arvo: In Principio
Arvo Pärt (Tõnu Kaljuste)
Track from: Pärt, Arvo: In Principio
[ECM New Series]

Sierra, Roberto: Missa Latina 'Pro Pace'
Roberto Sierra (Andreas Delfs)
[Naxos]

Wyner, Yehudi: Piano Concerto "Chiavi In Mano"
Yehudi Wyner (Robert Spano)
Track from: Wyner, Yehudi: Orchestral Works
[Bridge Records]

Category 107
Best Classical Crossover Album
(Award to the Artist(s) and/or to the Conductor.)

A Company Of Voices: Conspirare In Concert
Craig Hella Johnson, conductor; Conspirare (Tom Burritt, Ian Davidson & Bion Tsang)
[Harmonia Mundi]

Jazz-Clazz
Paquito D'Rivera Quintet (Trio Clarone)
[TIMBA Records]

The Melody Of Rhythm
Leonard Slatkin, conductor; Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer (Detroit Symphony Orchestra)
[E1 Music]

QSF Plays Brubeck
Quartet San Francisco
[Violinjazz Recordings]

Twelve Songs By Charles Ives
Theo Bleckmann; Kneebody
[Winter & Winter]

Yo-Yo Ma & Friends: Songs Of Joy And Peace
Yo-Yo Ma (Odair Assad, Sergio Assad, Chris Botti, Dave Brubeck, Matt Brubeck, John Clayton, Paquito d'Rivera, Renée Fleming, Diana Krall, Alison Krauss, Natalie McMaster, Edgar Meyer, Cristina Pato, Joshua Redman, Jake Shimabukuro, Silk Road Ensemble, James Taylor, Chris Thile, Wu Tong, Alon Yavnai & Amelia Zirin-Brown)
[Sony Classical]


Category 109
Best Long Form Music Video
(For video album packages consisting of more than one song or track. Award to the Artist and to the Video Director/Producer of at least 51% of the total playing time.)

In Boston
Chris Botti
Jim Gable, video director; Bobby Colomby, video producer
[Columbia]

Johnny Cash's America
(Johnny Cash)
Robert Gordon & Morgan Neville, video directors; Robert Gordon & Morgan Neville, video producers
[Columbia/Legacy]

Anita O'Day — The Life Of A Jazz Singer
(Anita O'Day)
Robbie Cavolina & Ian McCrudden, video directors; Robbie Cavolina, Melissa Davis & Ian McCrudden, video producers
[AOD Productions]

Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy World Tour Live
Keith Urban
Chris Hicky, video director; Blake Morrison, video producer
[Capitol Nashville]

The Beatles Love — All Together Now
(Various Artists)
Adrian Wills, video director; Martin Bolduc & Jonathan Clyde, video producers
[Apple/Capitol]

Kurt Elling's "Dedicated to You" wins GRAMMY for Best Vocal Jazz Album!

SPECIAL EDITION: 52nd GRAMMY Awards 2010
And the GRAMMY goes to . . .
~ KURT ELLING ~
Best Vocal Jazz Album

"Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman" (Concord Jazz), also voted one of the Top 10 Vocal Jazz Albums of the Year in the 31st Annual Jazz Station Poll, on which Kurt Elling also placed as # 1 Best Jazz Male Singer, with his DVD "Live in Montreal" being voted among the Top 10 Jazz DVDs of 2009. For more details, please check:
http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesouteiros.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-jazz-of-2009.html

Bravo & many, many congratulations, Kurt!

Watch the Pre-Telecast Awards Ceremony streaming live 1:00-4:00 pm PST Sunday, January 31.or the archived podcast available
1:00-4:00 pm PST Sunday, January 31.
or the archived podcast available on line through February.
Kurt's GRAMMY Award comes about 1:25 into the show.

Kurt co-hosted this live GRAMMY awards show with Tia Carrere
and performed Billie Holiday's God Bless the Child with Lalah Hathaway.
Their duet comes about 1:48 into the show. Join Kurt's many fans on Facebook & Myspace

Meet the GRAMMY man, John Billings, Sr.,
who lovingly handcrafts the GRAMMY statues, in these two short video interviews: The GRAMMY Man, Part 1 (9:50) The GRAMMY Man, Part 2 (6.22)

Watch Kurt's five-minute video about "Dedicated to You," with clips from the live performance at Lincoln Center where the album was recorded in January 2009. Songs include "Dedicated to You," "Autumn Serenade," "All or Nothing at All," and "Lush Life."
Dedicated to You video
"Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman" is available @ Amazon.
List Price: $18.98
Amazon Price: $14.99 Buy Now

Claus Ogerman wins GRAMMY as Best Arranger!

(Claus Ogerman conducting for Diana Krall in 2001)

My dear friend, living legend genius Claus Ogerman, just won his second GRAMMY Award, the first one since his victory in 1980 for the arrangement of "Soulful Strut", from George Benson's "Livin' Inside Your Love" 2-LP set released in 1979.

Now, in 2010, Claus was awarded in the category "Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist" for his superb score for the title track of Diana Krall's "Quiet Nights" album. In the past four decades, Claus had been nominated 16 times, for his work on tracks by such artists as João Gilberto ("Besame Mucho"), Antonio Carlos Jobim ("Wave", "O Boto", "Saudade do Brasil"), Astrud Gilberto ("Day By Day"), Freddie Hubbard ("Lazy Afternoon") and many others, as well as for tracks from his albums as a leader.

GRAMMY® 2010
"Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist"
This GRAMMY category nominates only Singles or Tracks.


Winner:
Quiet Nights
Claus Ogerman, arranger (Diana Krall)
Track from: "Quiet Nights" [Verve]
The other nominees:

A Change Is Gonna Come
David Foster & Jerry Hey, arrangers (Seal)
Track from: "Soul" [143/Warner Bros.]

Dedicated To You
Laurence Hobgood, arranger (Kurt Elling)
Track from: "Dedicated To You: Kurt Elling Sings The Music Of Coltrane And Hartman" [Concord Jazz]

In The Still Of The Night
Thomas Zink, arranger (Anne Walsh)
Track from: "Pretty World" [AtoZink Music]

My One And Only Thrill
Vince Mendoza, arranger (Melody Gardot)
Track from: "My One And Only Thrill" [Verve]
For detailed info about Claus' career, visit the fantastic website "The Work of Claus Ogerman" created by music historian B.J. Major:
http://bjbear71.com/Ogerman/Claus.html

Grammys für Ogerman, Elling, Corea & McLaughlin

Amerika ist das Land des Showbiz. Und deshalb ist ein Spektakel wie die Grammy-Verleihung immer ein großes Ereignis im Fernsehen ebenso wie in der nationalen und internationalen Presse. Gestern Nacht ging im Staples Center in Los Angeles zum 52. Mal die Verleihung des wichtigsten Schallplattenpreises der Welt über die Bühne und es gab spannende, einmalige Musikmomente zu erleben.

Ergreifend zum Beispiel war das Duett der Soul-Diva Mary J. Blige mit dem Star-Tenor Andrea Bocelli, zu denen sich außerdem der Filmmusik-Star David Foster gesellte. Sie hatten sich einen Klassiker des Songwritings vorgenommen - Simon & Garfunkels "Bridge Over Troubled Water", was bei dieser Gelegenheit übrigens auch ein Ständchen zum 40. Geburtstag dieser unsterblichen Melodie war – und gemeinsam bewegende Augenblicke vor die Kameras gezaubert. Der Erlös der Aktion kommt der humanitären Hilfskräften in Haiti zugute, eine Studio-Version des Songs ist über iTunes zum Download verfügbar. Und ein besonderer Link führt zu einem Video, in dem sich Blige und Bocelli über den Song und ein paar Dinge mehr unterhalten.

Bei der eigentlichen Verleihung kamen dann Künstler zu Ehren, die wie Kurt Elling schon lange einmal einen Grammy verdient hatten. Bereits seit den späten Achtzigern gilt der Sänger aus Chicago als einer der besten und kreativsten Künstler seines Fachs. Nun darf er sich über den Grammy für das "Best Jazz Vocal Album" freuen, der ihm für das Tribute an John Coltrane und Johnny Hartman "Dedicated to You" verliehen wurde.

Ebenfalls ein Grammy ging an zwei Weltmeister ihres Fachs, den Pianisten Chick Corea und den Gitarristen John McLaughlin, die mit ihrer All-Star Band die Zeiten des kraftvollen Fusion-Sound wieder hatten aufleben lassen. Sie bekamen den Preis in der Kategorie "Best Jazz Instrumental Album" für das Doppel-Album "Five Peace Band".

Und dann ist da noch einer, der immer wieder in den Trophäen-Listen aufgetaucht, aber trotzdem zu den großen Unbekannten im Hintergrund des Tagesgeschäfts gehört. Denn Claus Ogerman hat sich nie in den Vordergrund gestellt, mit seinen Arrangements aber den Sound von Antonio Carlos Jobim ebenso geprägt, wie den Ensembleklang von George Benson. Nun war er wieder für Diana Krall am Werk und bekam einen Grammy für sein Arrangement von "Quiet Nights" aus dem gleichnamigen Album der Jazz-Diva.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Sofia Tosello @ NPR Soundcheck

Sofia Tosello (pictured during the release party of the "Alma y Luna" CD @ The Jazz Gallery, Jan 28th, 2010) was featured in a live performance and interview for NPR Soundcheck WNYC RADIO recorded January 27th! Singing with Pavel Urkiza, Octavio Brunetti, Pedro Giraudo and Yayo Serka! http://www.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/episodes/2010/01/27/segments/148955

R.I.P.: Joyce Collins

(born May 5, 1930, Battle Mountain, NV, USA;
died January 3, 2010, North Hollywood, CA, USA)

http://www.artsjournal.com/rifftides/2010/01/joyce_collins_1930-2010.html
Reminiscences about Joyce Collins published by jazz historian Doug Ramsey on his essential blog.

A short bio by Scott Yanow from All Music Guide:
A fine pianist/vocalist based in the Los Angeles area who has also been a popular jazz educator, Joyce Collins was with the Frankie Carle band (1954) and with Oscar Pettiford (1955) before settling in Los Angeles. She worked regularly with Bob Cooper at the Lighthouse in the late '50s and recorded a trio album for Riverside in 1960. Collins toured Europe and Mexico with her trio, gigged with Benny Carter, recorded with the Gene Estes Big Band (1969), and toured with Paul Horn in 1969, but has mostly worked locally including in the studios. She played and recorded with Bill Henderson and led record sessions for Discovery (1981) and Audiophile (1990). ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Obama: "You have to see this"

Dear Arnaldo:

According to our records, you currently live in California's 30th Congressional District.

Yesterday, the President stood in front of a gathering of House Republicans and took questions for more than an hour, urging them to put aside partisanship and work together for the good of the country. MSNBC described it as going straight into "the lion's den."

He was inspiring.We've highlighted some of the key moments and trust me, it's worth checking out.
Once you do, please pass this along to everyone you know.

This is the sort of honest dialogue and political courage that we all need to move our country forward.

Let's do it together,

Mitch Stewart - Director, Organizing for America

P.S. -- There's our own Q&A session for OFA supporters with President Obama coming up on Thursday, February 4th. Click here to submit a question now: http://my.barackobama.com/HouseVideo

Friday, January 29, 2010

Gina Saputo live @ Steamers tonite!

TONITE! January 29, 8:30P-1A $8
GINA SAPUTO
Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe
138 W. Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
714-871-8800


Jazz vocalist, Gina Saputo (pictured above by Christine Doumet), returns to Steamers this FRI night . The Eugene, Oregon born singer began her musical training at the age of seven in the prestigious Oregon Children's Choir. She has been recognized in Oregon's All State Choir, the All Northwest Choir, USC's Concert and University chorus, and the world famous Oregon Bach Festival Youth Academy Choir.
Gina was introduced to jazz by her father and quickly developed a passion for the genre.

She was, and still is, hooked on the vocals of Carmen McRae, Ernestine Anderson, Lena Horne and Ella Fitzgerald. Gina started her professional jazz career at 16, fronting her own group, the Gina Saputo Jazz Quartet. This group played numerous gigs in Eugene's top jazz clubs and restaurants. She has been featured with Mike Denny and the University of Oregon Music Faculty All Stars, the SHS big band, the James Tarpinian trio, Group Therapy, with Shelly Berg and Frank Potenza, and the Chris Wong trio.

Gina relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. She is now a junior in the Thornton School of Music at University of Southern California. Currently, she is a vocal student of Carmen Bradford, Jennifer Barnes and Tierney Sutton. She is also in the Studio Vocal Jazz ensemble at USC, a participant in the Jazz Outreach program, and hosts her own jazz show on KSCR radio. She has also sung backup vocals for Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Neenna Freelon, Bonnie Raitt, Phil Driscoll and Louie Bellson.

R.I.P.: Helvius Vilela

(born December 26, 1941 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
died January 28, 2010 in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil)

Brazilian pianist/composer/arranger Helvius Vilela Borges (pictured above by José Ricardo Velozo) played with such Brazilian artists as Miucha, Marisa Gata Mancha, Carlos Lyra, Nana Caymmi (having also performed with the Familia Caymmi group at the Montreux Jazz Festival), Paulinho da Viola, Baden Powell, Toquinho, Elizeth Cardoso, Milton Nascimento, Edu Lobo, Nana Caymmi, Chico Buarque, Nilvado Ornelas, Yana Purim, Paulo Moura, Carlos Malta, Vittor Santos, Chico Batera, Sebastião Tapajós, Baden Powell, Eliana Pittman, Taiguara, Alceu Valença, Tito Madi, Quarteto em Cy, Wagner Tiso and, most recently, Ana de Holanda.

In the 60s, he was a member of the groups Tempo Trio (alongside Paulo Horta and Pascoal Meirelles) and Vox Populi. Vilela also recorded a cult album as a leader, "Planalto dos Cristais," engineered by Toninho Barbosa at Sonoviso Studios and released as an independent project in 1982. The self-titled "Tempo Trio" album, recorded for Odeon's London label in 1965, includes Milton Nascimento's first recorded tune, "... E A Gente Sonhando," and was reissued on CD in 2006 by the Paradise Masters label. "Vox Populi", originally released on the Musidisc label in 1969, re-appeared on digital format by the London-based label What Music, featuring Helvius Vilela, Fernando Leporace, Guto Graça Melo, Gegê de Souza, Laudir de Oliveira, Amaury Tristão, Tavinho and Marisa.

The "Tempo Trio" CD can still be purchased on Ebay:
まさにジャズ・ボサ黄金期を謳歌していた1965年当時、ピアノ・トリオ最高峰の一つと謳われた伝説的グループ「テンポ・トリオ」の激レア・アルバムが遂に世界初CD化!! テンポ・トリオは当時のジャズ・ボサ・シーンの中心であったリオ、サンパウロではなく、後のブラジル音楽飛躍の一翼を担うミナス・ジェライスで結成。メンバーは現在も活躍する名手パスコアル・メイレリス(dr)、ロー・ボルジェスで知られるミナス音楽名家ボルジェス・ファミリーのピアニスト、エルヴィウス・ヴィエラ・ボルジェス(※後にVOX POPULIに参加)、 そしてトニーニョ・オルタの実兄パウロ・オルタ (ベース)というサプライズ的な強力布陣。レパートリーは同時期にジョンゴ・トリオの演奏で一世を風靡した名曲 「O Menino Das Laranjas」をはじめ、エドゥ・ロボの傑作ボサ「Aleluia」「Boranda」、マルコス・ヴァーリの「Tudo de Voce」「Terra de Ninguem」など、セレクトの素晴らしさは折り紙つき。ボッサ・トレス、サンバランソ・トリオなどに匹敵する、ハード・ドライヴィングなバランソで揺さぶるJAZZYな空気が全編を駆け抜ける至高の逸品。オリジナル・アナログは未だに$400前後の高値で取引されるという希少性の高さも含め、まさに禁断のCD化と言える超注目アイテムの登場!!

For more details (in Portuguese):

Tonite @ Bypass: Fashion Girls Party by California Fitness & Wellness

Bypass Genève
Carrefour de l’Etoile 1
1227 Les Acacias Genève

Thursday, January 28, 2010

New jazz film: "They Died Before 40"

Many people may have heard of Charlie Parker, who died at 34. But others, such as Herschel Evans, who died before reaching 30, are very little known and their stories untold. For example, Jo Jones, drummer and an integral part of the Count Basie band for many years, has called Evans the greatest musician he ever played with. He said that Evans made everyone he played with better.

Who was this giant, what made him an important creative artist and why did he die so young
These are questions that this film will answer concerning Evans and many more. Also to be featured are Charlie Christian, Fats Waller, Jimmy Blanton, Bunny Berigan, Clifford Brown,
Chick Webb and Chu Berry.

Others to be included will be Bix Beiderbecke, Bunny Berigan, Fats Navarro, Oscar Pettiford, Eric Dolphy, Paul Chambers, Serge Chaloff, Sonny Berman, Frank Teschemacher, Lee Morgan
and about a dozen more.

Through archival film footage, photographs, reminiscences and expert discourse we will learn more about these artists, develop an appreciation of their artistry and reveal how and why their
careers were cut short. This film will expand our cultural heritage for this internationally renowned art form.

The film will be produced and directed by Howard E. Fischer, an attorney who represented jazz musicians and arts organizations and was the founder of the New York Jazz Museum in 1972 and its Executive Director until 1977. He also produced, wrote and directed the acclaimed film THE HOLLAND AVENUE BOYS: A SUCCESS STORY that appeared on over 50 PBS stations. DanMorgenstern, Director of the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University, a renowned jazz historian, author, editor, and archivist active in the jazz field since 1958 will be a consultant to the project.

Financial participation is available and film footage, photographs plus any documents, contacts
for family members, musicians and others who knew them are sought.

Contact:
Howard Fischer
155 West 72nd Street, #404, New York, NY 10023
(212) 579-0689
Email: hfis646942@aol.com

Casting: Season 2 of "The Colony" @ Discovery Channel

Now Casting- season 2 of “THE COLONY” (survivor like show) DISCOVERY CHANNEL

The Discovery Channel invites you to participate in an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience: in the second season of this critically acclaimed docu-reality series deemed a “social experiment”, a group of eleven strangers must co-exist in a simulated, post-apocalyptic world. The world as you know it is gone – there is no water, no food, no communication, no power. It’s now up to you and eleven strangers to fend for yourselves as you rebuild society and re-engineer the world as you once knew it.

If you understand the science of survival, if you have a skill that would help you and others survive after a catastrophe, if you are ambitious, motivated, resourceful under pressure and willing to un-tap your personal ingenuity, we are looking for you. Join us in this true test of the human spirit.

We'll be holding OPEN CALLS in: Los Angeles, Houston, New Orleans, Boulder, Denver & Dayton, OH

If interested/qualified send an email to shane@metalflowersmedia.com with:

NAME:
AGE:
PHONE:
OCCUPATION:
LOCATION (city/state you live in):
TALENTS/AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
SPECIFIC SKILLS THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO REBUILDING A SOCIETY:
RECENT PHOTO:

The hottest thing this summer could be you...

"Haze" Nightclub @ Aria
6276 S. Rainbow Blvd.
Las Vegas NV 89118

Lisa Beachy's messages from Angels; Jan 31 @ The Crystal Matrix

This Sunday Afternoon - RSVP through Meetup link to save your seat.
January 31, 2010
Time: 4 to 6PM
The Crystal Matrix
3215 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA


Description Fee: $20 per person
(Cash please - paid to to Lisa or credit through Paypal event)
When: Last Sunday of each month!
RSVP THROUGH http://www.facebook.com/l/4327d;MEETUP.com
PLEASE:
http://www.facebook.com/l/4327d;www.meetup.com/Bliss-Quest-Metaphysical-Meet-Up

In a group environment, Lisa will read for the audience, delivering messages from Angels, Spirit Guides, deceased loved ones and more to those that attend.

Please realize when attending there is no guaranteeing who will show up for you as we are working with Spirit . Make sure to bring your pen and paper to the group if you would like to take notes.
Visit Lisa Beachy's Site for more details
http://www.facebook.com/l/4327d;www.LisaBeachy.com

Sonos: Performance Archive from NPR Weekend Edition

Los Angeles vocal collective, Sonos (pictured by Beth Herzhaft), was featured on NPR's Weekend Edition last Sunday. Listen to an archive of the performance & interview with NPR's Liane Hansen at npr.org. You can catch Sonos on tour. Visit their MySpace page for a list of dates.
Sonos' debut album, "SonoSings," was released last September by the Verve Forecast label. Sonos was voted among the best acts of the year in the 31st Annual Jazz Station Poll. You can order the album at iTunes and Amazon.

Dewey Erney & Ron Eschete Trio live tonite @ Steamers, CA

TONITE THU, JAN 28, 8P-MID NO COVER
VOCALIST DEWEY ERNEY WITH THE RON ESCHETE TRIO
Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe
138 W. Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
714-871-8800


The stellar vocalist Dewey Earney has been on the Southern California jazz scene for 25 years. He has 8 critically acclaimed CDs released, with several more in the works. His vocal knowledge of the Great American Songbook is almost unparalleled. Dewey has appeared at Steamer's Cafe monthly for nearly 7 years. Few artists have been part of Southern California's jazz scene longer or with a more loyal following than vocalist Dewey Erney and guitarist Ron Eschete. Ron, with numerous recordings to his credit, both as preferred sideman and leader, has achieved well-deserved international acclaim. With his seven-string guitar and sensitive accompanist skills, he lays down the perfect foundation for Dewey's critically acclaimed treatment of the best of America's popular vocal literature. Appearing with these Steamers favorites will be Luther Hughes on bass and Paul Kreibich on drums.

Ron Escheté (pronounced ESH-tay), the consummate master of the seven-string guitar, joins 6-string bass pioneer Todd Johnson to lay the formidable foundation of the Ron Escheté Trio. With the addition of such fine drummers as Kendall Kay, Joe LaBarbera or Paul Humphrey, this trio renders mainstream jazz with a refreshing new texture.
While Escheté has long been regarded as one of the finest guitarists in mainstream jazz, he now ranks as an innovative leader for his work with this ensemble. "The Escheté trio is as polished as the classic Modern Jazz Quartet... This is a unit that speaks with a single voice. It is a voice of brilliant musical reason." - Jim Merod, Jazz News. What is most unique about the sound of this trio is the depth and texture created by the coupling of Eschetéís seven strings with Johnsonís six strings. The outcome is "a rich tapestry of melody, harmony and teamwork," says Hal Howland for Modern Drummer Magazine.
Band leader Ron Escheté was born in 1948 in Houma, Louisiana, and not surprisingly his early influences were jazz masters Jim Hall, Howard Roberts and Wes Montgomery. Escheté began playing guitar at the age of 14, joined a quartet and was working clubs in Louisiana before he had even graduated from high school. He attended Loyola University and studied classical guitar with Paul Guma. Before he had completed college Escheté was tapped to tour with Buddy Greco and he quickly established his reputation as a premier accompanist. Over the decades Escheté has worked with the greatest artists in jazz including: Ella Fitzgerald; Sarah Vaughn; Diana Krall; Dizzy Gillespie; Milt Jackson; Ray Brown and many more.
Escheté cites a 1988 gig in San Diego as a critical turning point in his career. There he began to shed his reputation as the quintessential sideman; he stepped to the center of the stage and he began exploring original material. "Long considered to be one of the finest guitarists in mainstream jazz by musicians and listeners alike, he has now taken over the reins, and 'innovative leader' might be a better appellation," says preeminent jazz critic, Zan Stewart.

In 1990 Escheté teamed with a bright and daring young bass player named Todd Johnson. Johnson is now recognized as a pioneer of the six-string bass. With his custom Yamaha six-string bass, equipped with a midi pick-up, Johnson uses an innovative technique where he plays chord changes and bass lines simultaneously. Additionally, his use of the midi interface, a technology which allow his instrument to sound like many instruments at the same time, adds both harmonic color and texture that further defines his unique sound. His instrument can, quite literally, sound like an organ and a bass at the same time. As a seasoned performing artist, Todd Johnson has developed a rich philosophy encompassing his spiritual, educational and achievement-oriented sides. Johnson sees his talent as a gift to continually enhance and develop.
As an integral member of this critically acclaimed jazz trio, Johnson excels as both a supporting musician and a seasoned soloist. He is consistently cited for his contributions of skill, originality, and versatility, as well as his ability to sound as if he is simultaneously playing multiple instruments. Group leader Ron Escheté says "Todd... can sound like a second guitar player or even an organ or electric piano." Zan Stewart of the Los Angeles Times writes that Johnsonís six-string bass along with Eschetéís seven-string guitar "give the musicians an amazing range of sounds and approaches." 20th Century Guitar Magazineís Jim Fisch calls it "a delight to witness the telepathic communication between Todd and Ron seamlessly dovetailing their carefully crafted improvisation." The group is repeatedly hailed as the trio that sounds like a quartet.
The Ron Escheté Trio has recorded 5 CDs: "Softwinds," "Rain Or Shine," "Mo' Strings Attached," "Live At Rocco" and "In The Middle," the latter featuring the current line-up of Ron Escheté, Todd Johnson and Kendall Kay. The group, which performs regularly in the Southern California area, has also toured extensively in the United States.

In addition to touring and recording, both Escheté and Johnson teach music at colleges, major universities and special clinics including: California Institute of the Arts; the California State Universities at Fullerton and Long Beach; Loyola University; Golden West College; Louisiana State University at New Orleans; Musicians' Institute; North Texas State University; Spokane Falls Community College; Utah State University; and more.
Jim Merod, Jazz News says that with this group "the dedicated listener finds genuine jazz - melodic beauty joined to harmonic perfection."

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Melody Gardot: video archive from CBS Sunday Morning

Melody Gardot was featured on last Sunday's CBS Sunday Morning. In case you missed it, be sure to check out the inspiring segment featuring Melody discussing her recovery from a terrible 2003 road accident and her use of music as a therapeutic lifeline. Watch the archive of the appearance at cbsnews.com.

To date, Melody Gardot has sold over one million albums worldwide. She has been nominated for three Grammy awards and voted Best Jazz Album of 2009 by the London Times. Her CD can even be found in the locker room of Vikings football quarterback Brett Favre. Melody will be touring Australia and Europe this February, March & April. Visit her website for a list of dates.

Melody Gardot's album, My One And Only Thrill, is available now. You can order the album at iTunes Amazon

ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is casting!

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is casting all around the country. Can you help spread the word and nominate someone???

We need families who have amazing stories that inspire with a dire need for a new house. Help us find the right family.

To nominate someone or apply, please email: Ramseycasting@gmail.com

The Families:
names
Ages
City and state
Family story
House story
Photos of house and family

Frank Cano Latin Jazz Band live @ Steamers, Jan 30

THIS SAT, JAN 30, 8:30P-1A $8
FRANK CANO LATIN JAZZ BAND
Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe
138 W. Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
714-871-8800


Frank Cano - Trumpet , Benn Clatworthy - Sax
Martin Sullivan - Trombone , Papo Rodriguez - Congas
Larry Vazquez - Bass , Bryan Velasco - Piano ,
Jorge Carbonell - Timbales , Victor Baez - Bongo

Trumpeter, composer, and arranger Frank Cano a native of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico recieved his music studies at California State University Long Beach and has gone on to perform with many diverse artist in The United Stated, Canada, Mexico and Asia.

Frank performed for 3 years with legendary conguero Francisco Aguabella with Roberto Torres, Ralfi Pagan, Tony Orlando, Jose Feliciano, Marisela.

For three years Frank was the musical director for the Nosotros/Golden Eagle Awards Show. Frank's debut CD "A Beautiful Day/Un Lindo Dia" has been very well recieved in the U.S., Latin America and Europe.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Sony Holland live in LA with Theo Saunders Quartet, Jan 29 @ Culver City Radisson Hotel

On Thursday, Jan 28 @ 7pm, SH will be singing the National Anthem before the UCLA Women's Basketball Game
Then... this next Friday, January 29, don't miss SONY HOLLAND / THEO SAUNDERS QUARTET (Theo Saunders, piano: Larry Koonse, guitar:John B. Williams, bass: Tony Austin, drums)
2 Shows: 7:30 & 9:30pm - No Cover Charge! @ the Culver's Club For Jazz:
Culver City Radisson Hotel
6161 W Centinella Avenue,
Culver City, CA
Call 310 649 1776 ext.4137
Reservations Advised!

"I hope you'll join us for our shows at the Culver City Radisson this Friday. I am thrilled to be a part of this weekly jazz series produced by Merle Kreibich," says Holland. With the demise of the Jazz Bakery, the Culver Club is the only jazz "listening room" on L.A.'s west side."Acclaimed jazz vocalist Sony Holland, who recently relocated to Los Angeles, will be performing at the Culver's Club for Jazz (aka Catalina Bar & Grill) this next Friday, January 29, backed by Theo Saunders (piano), Tony Austin (drums), Larry Koonse (guitar), and the legendary John B. Williams, who has worked with everyone on the jazz scene - from Louis Armstrong, Horace Silver and Dizzy Gillespie to Airto Moreira (on the fabulous "Identity" album), Jon Hendricks, Johnny Hammond and, most recently, Natalie Cole.

"I am new to LA, so it is really nice to get to know people on the local music scene, which
is FANTASTIC. The musicians and singers are so talented here," Holland says. Raised in Minnesota, she lived in Nashville during the '90s, moved to San Francisco six years ago (where she built a cult-following among Bay Area jazz fans), and now she is in Los Angeles.

About her bassist on this gig, the one and only John B. Williams, she states: "I have seen him play with Nancy Wilson several times as she is one of my favorite singers, so I'm excited to be working with him." Btw, Sony has been compared to Nancy as well as to June Christy and Peggy Lee. It's easy to notice an influence of Tony Benett too. "Sony Holland has a warm deep voice and a very clear tone. One can always understand the words she is singing yet she is not shy to improvise," the renowned jazz writer Scott Yanow once wrote.

"Repertoire for my show will be a wide mix. Like many singers I am including more contemporary songs into my show along with the standards," she tells us. "So along with songs by Harry Warren, Johnny Mercer and Duke Ellington, there will also be songs by Rufus Wainwright ("Sansoucci"), Bob Dylan ("All I Really Want to Do"), and even a jazz/reggae version of a song by Carla Bruni & William Yeats, "Those Dancing Days Are Gone." Also, I sing a few wonderful original songs written by my husband Jerry Holland (originally from New York City) though he has written a #1 Billboard Country song" ("Friends,” recorded by John Michael Montgomery.) Hope she will also include Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You" (the theme song of Arnaldo DeSouteiro's radio show at TUPI-FM during the 80s, in a recording by Roland Hanna) and Jobim's "Meditation" on the setlist.

"Wheels": new Jamie Cullum single available now

Jamie Cullum "Wheels" - New Single Available Now! Album Out March 2, 2010

The fifth album and first new solo record in four years from Jamie Cullum, "The Pursuit," will be released in the U.S. on March 2, 2010. Jamie has just released a new single from "The Pursuit": a track called "Wheels" and it is available on iTunes now. The first single, "Don't Stop The Music," from the new album is also available at iTunes. Jamie, who has been dubbed "a one man British invasion" (Hollywood Reporter), has announced a series of U.S. tour dates in March to coincide with the U.S. release of "The Pursuit." After his string of U.S shows, he will travel to Japan in April and Europe in May & June. Visit jamiecullum.com for the list of dates.

Like the exploding piano on its cover, the long-awaited new album "The Pursuit" blows away audience preconceptions with 14 smoldering tracks that seamlessly run the gamut from swinging standards and yearning singer-songwriter confessionals to 125 BPM house dance tracks and resurrected Broadway ballads. Pre-order "The Pursuit" from Amazon.

Free download of Alan Hewitt's "Shaft"

Sign up to receive news updates on Alan Hewitt and receive a FREE download of "Shaft" from the new Retroactive album. Click here.


"Alan Hewitt's album Retroactive is a musical delicacy. Luxurious, sensitive, top notch quality, a truly satisfying music." - Hans-Bernd Hülsmann (HBH), Smooth-Jazz.de

CD of the Day - Saltman Knowles: "Yesterday's Man"

CD of the Day
Saltman Knowles: "Yesterday's Man" (Pacific Coast Jazz) 2010

Release Date: January 26, 2010

Featuring:
Mark Saltman - bass
William Knowles - piano
Lori Williams-Chisholm - vocals
Jimmy "Junebug" Jackson - drums
Antonio Parker - alto saxophone
Doug Pierce - flugelhorn, trumpet
Victor Provost - soprano steel pan
Brian Settles - soprano, tenor saxophones

"Jazz combo Saltman Knowles has proven themselves a sophisticated, cohesive group that straddles the line between traditional and contemporary jazz. Their sixth release, Yesterday's Man, further blends these genres by adding a seemingly unlikely jazz instrument: the steel drum. The result is an immensely likeable album combining world influences, vocals, and elements of traditional and modern jazz styles. Jazz fans that enjoy music with a world flavor should treat themselves to Yesterday's Man. It expands listeners' horizons as to what can be considered jazz. As this album shows, the genre can encompass varied sounds and influences, even instruments such as the steel pan. Yesterday's Man represents another solid effort from Saltman Knowles, and hearing their constantly developing sound is an enjoyable experience."
- Kit O'Toole, Blogcritics.com


"Yesterday's Man is a repertoire of original tunes that glisten with the graceful curves of bebop and the plush elevating riffs of swing jazz. With Knowles at the piano and Saltman on the bass, something good is guaranteed to come from their interfacing." - Susan Frances, Jazz Times

"Yesterday's Man boasts ten original songs (five by each partner) chock full of warm, satisfying melodious craft. Their style is essentially traditional jazz. It's melodic, sentimental, hard-swinging music, with mainstream appeal and standard forms. Lori Williams-Chisholm has the sought-after combination of soul and technical prowess that reminds me of Ella Fitzgerald." - Nathaniel Rolnick - MuzikReviews.com (Four star review)


Saltman Knowles Releases Another Exciting New CD, "Yesterday's Man"
Trinidad Meets Hard-Hitting Contemporary Jazz on the Pacific Coast Jazz Label

Bassist Mark Saltman and pianist Mark Knowles present their new CD release, "Yesterday's Man," hitting the streets with a complimentary mix of jazz and world music. What makes this release most uniquely distinctive is Victor Provost's soprano steel pan instrumentation laced throughout the compositions, combining elements of the traditional music of Trinidad with the intricate and melodic song craftsmanship that represents the musical style of Saltman Knowles. Vocalist Lori Williams-Chisholm returns to provide what JazzTimes calls "her exquisite wordless vocals" encased in a sultry, smooth sound. Saltman Knowles describes the story behind the new project, "Yesterday's man dressed well, and was articulate, well-educated, and less medicated. He had sophisticated tastes, integrity, and a much longer attention span, and most of all he listened to good melodic music. Yesterday's man possessed a lot of qualities that the man of today should be striving for and some of those qualities are on this recording."

This is their sixth CD on the heels of their critically admired release, "Return Of the Composer," on the Pacific Coast Jazz Label. "We're excited to have the opportunity to represent Saltman Knowles once again after the success of the last CD," says Donna Nichols, founder and president of Pacific Coast Jazz. "This new disc blends the tradition of jazz, world and contemporary sounds while maintaining a high compositional level of musicianship." Nichols' label has teamed up with SV Media Relations for publicity and radio promoter Neal Sapper of New World 'N Jazz for access to international media buying and radio promotion. Pacific Coast Jazz, founded in 2003, is an independent jazz label that also offers artist management services. All PCJ artists are distributed worldwide by MVD Audio/Big Daddy Music. For information on Pacific Coast Jazz, visit: www.pacificcoastjazz.com. For more information about Saltman Knowles visit: http://www.SaltmanKnowles.com
Saltman Knowles is a shining example of the tradition in jazz for long-term artist collaborations. This Washington DC group is known for serving up melodically alluring while rhythmically infectious music with a sincere and emotional collection of songs. Bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles, the leaders of this seamless blending of sounds, met while attending the composition program at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and created a musical relationship with similar affections for the music of Billy Strayhorn, Horace Silver, Cedar Walton and Charles Mingus. The bond that binds the two is their mutual hunger for melodic content woven within a tapestry of harmonic emotional patterns. "It all starts with a singable melody because without that there is no glue. Then, we like to do something that sounds harmonically unique but has a groove. We enjoy writing music that evokes very strong feelings." Saltman and Knowles spent time as artists in residence for the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, received two grants from the DC Commission of the Arts and Humanities and won the Best International Jazz song in 2007 from Toronto Exclusive Magazine. Saltman Knowles have produced five CDs to date including; Stop, Look and Listen, Dream Catcher and Sandcastles all with their first group Soulservice. Then in 2007 they recorded It's About the Melody on Blue Canoe introducing the soulful appeal of vocalist Lori William-Chisholm. Their fifth release recorded in 2008, Return Of The Composer, brought them to the Pacific Coast label where they remain today. Return of the Composer continues to receive excellent reviews hitting #8 on the Jazz World Week Radio Chart. According to Saltman Knowles "What made this record different from our past releases was the use of vocalese (using the voice as another instrument). We're lucky in the sense that we can have both an instrumental sound like a straight swinging quintet as well as a vocal sound." The CD included drummer Jimmy "Junebug" Jackson, alto sax player Rob Landham and trumpeter Alvin Trask who all brought a cohesive musical unit with a strong underlying foundation, interesting melodic lines, spirited rhythms and superlative musicianship to the project.

Saltman Knowles once again stayed true to melody and original composition on their latest recording, Yesterday's Man, to be released January 26, 2010 on the Pacific Coast Jazz label. On the heels of Return of the Composer, bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles have produced a sophisticated yet rhythmically driven statement with a fresh point of view that illustrates the importance of combining intricate song craft with introspective emotion. Lori Williams-Chisholm returns to provide what JazzTimes calls "her exquisite wordless vocals" encased in a sultry, smooth sound. But what makes this release most uniquely distinctive is Victor Provost's soprano steel pan instrumentation laced throughout the compositions, combining elements of the traditional music of Trinidad with the hard-hitting contemporary jazz swing. This amazing combination of jazz and world music textures is thematic, telling a broader story of the beauty of past traditions blending with a conscious, acoustic future. As Saltman Knowles describes, "Yesterday's man dressed well, and was articulate, well-educated, and less medicated. He had sophisticated tastes, integrity, and a much longer attention span, and most of all he listened to good melodic music. Even yesterday's gangsters pulled their pants up, and took your money-not your life. Yesterday's man possessed a lot of qualities that today's man should be striving for. Some of those qualities are on this recording."

Yesterday's Man brilliantly presents a balanced combination of instrumental and vocal personalities that represent the continued commitment to melody and original composition that began fifteen years ago, when Mark Saltman and William Knowles first met in college. According to Matt Jaworski of MuzicReviews.com, "Saltman Knowles seems to have developed anddiscovered a fresh and inviting sound. Rhythmic variety, pocket, and interaction are all executed and contained in a manner that allows melody to flow unobtrusively back and forth, cradling listeners' earsfor the long haul." DrummerJimmy "Junebug" Jackson returns on this outing and exemplifies the kind of versatility and energy that characterizes each composition, complementing the bold bass work of Mark Saltman and the tasty piano comping of William Knowles. Beautiful horn solos and unusual unison combinations of vocals and steel pan are perfectly executed by Doug Pierce (trumpet/flugelhorn), Brian Settles (tenor saxophone), and Antonio Parker (alto saxophone). "Often our music is a sketch of personal situations in our lives or of those friends who are close to us. Music is our way of commenting about life."

For more information: http://www.SaltmanKnowles.com or http://www.pacificcoastjazz.com

Monday, January 25, 2010

Grand Opening of Blue Velvet in LA, Jan 28

THIS THURSDAY GRAND OPENING!!!
BLUE VELVET LOUNGE / THE FLAT POOL - DOWNTOWN L.A.
750 S. Garland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA

We are Back to Downtown Los Angeles at BLUE VELVET brought to you by NECTAR in association with the Best DJs in LA.

COME DANCE WITH US ON THURSDAYS EVERY OTHER WEEK

GRAND OPENING NEXT WEEK - ON THURSDAY JANUARY 28TH -
WITH A BI-WEEKLY ROTATION OF THE BEST HOUSE DJS IN LOS ANGELES, HOLLYWOOD & O.C.

CELEBRATING JANELLE PERRY'S BIRTHDAY! WOO HOO! IT'S SO ON!

DJS - RUFF, IGNACIO DEMARIA, STEVE PRIOR, MIKIE SMITHERS & JAIME NARVAEZ.

W/ LIVE PERFORMANCES BY MC KRM1NL DAMAGE ROCKSTAR & MC DYER, MAKING YOU DANCE ALL NIGHT LONG!

(WE'RE DOING A CROSSPROMOTION WITH STEVE PRIOR'S LOCOMOTION AT KRESS;ONE WEEK WE DO BLUE VELVET, THE NEXT WEEK WE DO KRESS, AND SO ON)

Join us for dinner, then the beats go on at 10pm.
Address: 750 Garland Ave. CA 90017

:: 21+ :: Huge Pool Patio w/Sound :: Restaurant Open till 10pm :: Bottle Service ::

For more info, menu, layout and gallery go to:
http://www.facebook.com/l/5bff3;www.bluevelvetrestaurant.com

Single of the Day - "Agnes: I Need You Now"

12" Single of the Day
Agnes: "I Need You Now" (Net's Work Italy NWI 515) 2010

Release Date: January 25, 2010
Side A
1. "I Need You Now" (Grant Nelson mix)
2. "I Need You Now" (Cahill club mix)
Side B
1. "On & On" (Alex Colle remix)
2. "I Need You Now" (Ali Payami 909 mix)

Diana Krall: "Quiet Nights" in Australia & New Zealand

2/18/2010
Westpac Arena
Christchurch, NZ
Buy Tickets

2/19/2010
TSB Bank Arena
Wellington, NZ
Buy Tickets

2/20/2010
A Day On The Green
Auckland, NZ
Buy Tickets

2/23/2010
An Evening On The Green - Kings Park
Perth, AU
Buy Tickets

2/24/2010
An Evening On The Green - Kings Park
Perth, AU

2/26/2010
Rod Laver Arena
Melbourne, AU
Buy Tickets

2/27/2010
A Day On The Green - Peter Lehman Wines Barossa Valley
Tanunda, AU
Buy Tickets

3/3/2010
Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Boondall, AU
Buy Tickets

3/4/2010
Entertainment Centre
Sydney, Australia
Buy Tickets

3/6/2010
A Day On The Green - Bimbadgen Estate Hunter Valley
Pokolbin, AU
Buy Tickets

3/7/2010
A Day On The Green - Centennial Vineyards Bowral
Bowral, AU
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3/8/2010
A Day On The Green - Rochford Wines Yarra Valley
Coldtream

For more info:
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George Garzone live in NY with Joe Cohn Trio, Jan 29

The Joe Cohn Trio featuring George Garzone Perform at Piano Due Friday, January 29

"I'm not the master of the sax, George Garzone is." - Michael Brecker

Saxophonist George Garzone, guitarist Joe Cohn and bassist Tom Kennedy come together for one special evening to create a magical mix of music at the Palio Bar @ Piano Due, 151 West 51st Street in New York on Friday, January 29 from 8 pm - 11 pm. No cover charge. For information call (212) 399-9400.

A powerful tenor saxophonist whose adventurous flights with his longtime band the Fringe have made him a legend in the Boston area, George Garzone has spent most of his life as a jazz educator. He began on the tenor when he was six, played in a family band, and attended music school in Boston. Garzone first formed his trio the Fringe (a group that in the mid-'90s also included founding member Bob Gullotti on drums and bassist John Lockwood) back in 1972. In addition, Garzone has guested in many situations, touring Europe with Jamaaladeen Tacuma and gigging with Danilo Perez, Joe Lovano, Jack DeJohnette, Rachel Z, and John Patitucci, among others.

Joe Cohn, the son of the legendary saxophonist Al Cohn, is one of the today's most creative guitarists - melodically quick witted, harmonically advanced and relentlessly swinging. He has performed with father Al Cohn, Freddy Cole, Bob Mover, Nick Brignola, Artie Shaw, Zoot Sims, Buddy DeFranco, Al Grey, Warren Chiasson, and Carmine Leggio amonf others.

Tom Kennedy has been a first call bassist on the music scene for more than 25 years. He has worked with numerous jazz veterans such as James Moody, Peter Erskine, Bill Watrous, Barney Kessel, David Sanborn, Eddie Harris, Nat Adderly, Freddie Hubbard, and Stan Kenton. An original member of the Dave Weckl Band, Tom is featured on all DWB recordings. Additional credits include performance and recordings with such greats as Al DiMeola, Tania Maria, Michael Brecker, Don Grolnick, and Steve Gadd.

"Electric Chick" @ LAST.FM

Electric Chick (Jazz Club) – Chick Corea – 在Last.fm 探索音乐Chick Corea – Electric Chick (Jazz Club) (Love Castle, Wind Danse 等). 10 首曲目 (72:42). Electric Chick (Jazz Club) 发行于2008年5月2日. Compilation produced by Arnaldo DeSouteiro for the Verve Music Group.

Lynn Riley - Upcoming Gigs

www.lynnriley.com - sample the music!

"Lynn's signature style can be described as bold, melodious, rhythmic, sophisticated and sultry. She draws you in like nothing I have experienced. No matter what the venue, you feel like you are on your living room couch watching her perform."
- Kim Yvette Stanley, Associated Content


Upcoming gigs:

Blue
Huntingdon Valley PA
Jan 30, 2010
12 - 3PM
for more info visit www.bluehairstudio.com

Christopher's
Wayne PA
Feb 10, 2010
5-7 PM
for more info visit www.christophersaneighborhoodplace.com

Platinum Grille
Philadelphia, PA
Feb. 23, 2010
7-10PM
for more info visit www.phillyplatinumgrille.com

Salt Creek Grille
Princeton, NJ
Mar 24, 2010
7-10PM
for more info visit www.saltcreekgrille.com

Bucks County Community College
Newtown, PA
March 27, 2010
7PM
for more info visit http://www.habitatbucks.org/youth_united.htm

Philadelphia Art Museum
Philadelphia, PA
April 2, 2010
5PM
for more info visit www.philamuseum.org/artafter5