Saturday, May 26, 2012

DVD of the Month - "Mahavishnu Orchestra: Live in France 1972"

DVD of the Month
Mahavishnu Orchestra: "Live in France 1972" (Headliner) 2012

Mahavishnu's first concert ever in France! 80 minutes, color, 5.1 Dolby Digital
A stunning open-air performance by John McLaughlin (6-string & 12-string double neck guitar), Jan Hammer (Fender Rhodes & Mini Moog), Rick Laird (electric bass), Billy Cobham (drums) & Jerry Goodman (violin).
Includes "Birds of Fire," "Meeting of the Spirits," "You Know, You Know," "The Dance of Maya," "One Word," "Resolution," "Sanctuary" and "Awakening". Simply historic and groundbreaking fusion!

"Jazz 'n' More" - May/June 2012

2012 Mai/Juni
JAZZ'N'MORE SPECIAL 80 Jahre George Gruntz

FLASHES
– Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching geht an Kaspar Ewald
– Joachim-Ernst-Berendt-Ehrenpreis
– Youssou N'Dour wird Kulturminister von Senegal
– SWR Jazzpreis 2012: Manfred Bründl
– Pro Helvetia – Engagement für Jazz-Festivals
– Nachwuchs-Jazzpreis Burghausen geht an Raphael Jost
– Freiburger Blues Association e.V.

FAREWELL
– Ueli Staub
– Lucio Dalla
– Horst Weber
– Barbara Buchholz
– Hazy Osterwald
– Raymond Court
– Verstärkerpionier Jim Marshall
– Joki Freund
– Louisiana Red

REVIEWS
– Das "Intakt"-Festival im New Yorker Jazzclub "The Stone" – Eine geballte Ladung "Swissness"
– Steve Coleman & Five Elements beim Jazzfestival Bern
– Stanser Musiktage 15. – 21.4.2012 – Indische Talas, heisse Grooves – und eine 240köpfige Saxophonorgel
– 20 Jahre Jazzaar Festival – 12. – 14.4.2012
– Candye Kane – Blues Now – 15.3.2012
– Ivano Fossati – Ein Rücktritt mit Stil und Format 22.2.2012
– 13. Bluesfestival Basel 27.3. – 1.4.2012
– Jazzfestival Basel 2012 – Branford Marsalis und Trio Vein
– 7. Édition Jazz à Carthage, Carthage Thalasso Resort, Tunesien, 5. – 15.4.2012
– Johnny Winter im Z7 in Pratteln – eine Art Versöhnung
– 2. European Blues Challenge, Berlin, 16./17. März

PREVIEWS – 23. Schaffhauser Jazzfestival 2.–5.5.2012 – Schweizer Frühlingskollektion Schaffhauser Jazzgespräche
– Italos im Anmarsch, 16.5./23.5./5.7.2012
– 4. Summerblues Basel, 29.6.2012
– taktlos Zürich 2012, 11.–13.5.2012 Frischer Wind und frische Songs
– 23. Blues Baltica/Bluesfest Eutin D, 17.–20.5.2012
– 30 Jahre Südtirol Jazzfestival – Alto Adige, 29.6.–8.7.2012
– Afro-Pfingsten, 25.–27.5.2012
– 9. Bluesfestival Baden, 12.–19.5.2012
– Int. Boogie Woogie Festival Lugano, 18.–20.5.2012
– Jazzfestival Bern, 13.3.–19.5.2012
– INNtöne, 25.–27.5.2012
– Blues'n'Jazz Rapperswil /Jona, 29.6.–1.7.2012
– 41. Moers Festival, 25.–28.5.2012
– JazzAscona, 21.6.–1.7.2012
– 24. Jazz Tage Lenk, 13.–22.7.2012 – Täglich frisch zu geniessen
– Blue Balls Festival Luzern, 20.–28.7.2012
– Montreux Jazz Festival, 29.6.–14.7.2012
– Festival da Jazz St.Moritz, 13.7.–13.8.2012

SPEZIAL ZKB-Jazzpreis-Finale 2012 am 1. Juni im Moods Zürich
Das Niveau der teilnehmenden Bands wird von Jahr zu Jahr höher und der ZKB-Jazzpreis hat in den vergangenen Jahren enorm an Renommee gewonnen. Zu Recht gilt er als DER Jazzpreis in der aufstrebenden Szene. Die Gewinnerliste der Vorjahre liest sich wie ein Who is Who der jungen Schweizer Jazzszene und beweist die Nachhaltigkeit dieses Events. Einstige Gewinner sind heute fester Bestandteil der jungen Etablierten und feiern mittlerweile auch internationale Erfolge. So zum Beispiel Tré, Colin Vallon Trio, Marc Perrenoud Trio oder Hildegard lernt fliegen. Man kann gespannt sein, welche Band dieses Jahr den wertvollen Preis gewinnen wird. Am 1. Juni werden sich die drei Finalistenbands an einem spannenden Abend messen und die kompetente Fachjury wird den Gewinner küren. Die Preissumme für die Siegerband ist 10'000 Franken, für Rang 2 gibt es 3000 Franken, der 3. Rang ist mit 2000 Franken dotiert. Die Siegerband erhält zudem die attraktive Möglichkeit, am Eröffnungsabend des Festivals jazznojazz im ZKBJazzClub zu spielen. Von Peewee Windmüller

COVER STORY Kenny Garrett –Seeds for the Future
Location: Casino Basel. Unter dem Hotel, hinter dem scheppernden Saal mit den Spielautomaten befindet sich eine überraschend stilvolle Bühne mit Club-Atmosphäre, wo an einem Donnerstag im späten März Kenny Garrett auf dem Programm steht. Der bescheidene Saxofonist, der seit fast drei Jahrzehnten die internationale Szene subtil prägt, rauscht an uns vorbei zum Soundcheck. Der Interviewtermin sei ihm nicht übermittelt worden, aber er finde sicher noch Zeit, um mit uns zu reden, ruft er uns durch die Bar zu. Knapp zwei Stunden später sitzt er uns gegenüber, erstaunlich frisch und munter. Von Christof Thurnherr

INTERVIEW Ulrich Gumpert & Günter Baby Sommer
Niemand wird stärker mit der Entwicklung des freien Jazz im Osten assoziiert als Uli Gumpert. Das vom Berliner Pianisten mitgegründete Quartett Synopsis (heute Zentralquartett) war 1973 Initialzündung für die Entwicklung einer freien Szene in der damaligen DDR. Gleichzeitig hat sich Gumpert mit Workshop-bands und Soloprogrammen einen beachtlichen Namen geschaffen. Von Reiner Kobe

STORY Kreativ-explosives Vermächtnis – Zweiter Teil der e.s.t.-Sydney-Sessions vorgelegt
Die Neuausrichtung des Klaviertrios im Jazz, das ist wohl eines der grossen Verdienste von Pianist Esbjörn Svensson, Bassist Dan Berglund und Schlagzeuger Magnus Öström – kurz e.s.t. Doch Stillstand ist der Tod, das wussten die drei nur zu gut. Deshalb fassten sie auf ihrer fast weltumspannenden Tournee zu Beginn des Jahres 2007 in Sydney den Entschluss, ins berühmte Studio 301 – 1926 gegründet und damit eines der ältesten der Welt – zu gehen und dort ohne Druck und ohne Plan miteinander zu jammen. Von Franz X.A. Zipperer

INTERVIEW Urs Leimgruber – Das Abenteuer "Jetzt"
Improvisierte Musik: Selten gelingt sie so kühn und radikal wie mit Urs Leimgruber, Barre Phillips und Jacques Demierre. Das Trio hat eine brandneue CD und geht auf eine grössere Schweizer Tour. Von Pirmin Bossart

INTERVIEW Chick Corea – Lust auf Abenteuer
Chick Corea und Gary Burton treffen sich seit 40 Jahren regelmässig, um auf Tour zu gehen oder ein neues Album einzuspielen. "Hot House" heisst das neuste Werk. In einem Interview, das wir anlässlich ihres Auftrittes im KKL Luzern führten, erzählt Chick Corea, was ihn mit Gary Burton verbindet und was ihm klassische Musik -bedeutet. Von Pirmin Bossart

PROMO Blues'n'jazz Rapperswil – Ein musikalischer Festschmaus
Ein Joe Louis Walker oder William White sind Entrees erster Güte, Seven, Nigel Kennedy und Popa Chubby exquisite Hauptspeisen und Beverley Knight und The Commodores leckere Desserts. Das blues'n'jazz rapperswil-jona 2012 ist ein musikalischer Festschmaus – und zudem brillant dekoriert.

PORTRAIT Feigenwinter 3 – Konvergierende Persönlichkeiten
Bereits seit gut fünf Jahren spielt der Basler Pianist Hans Feigenwinter im Trio mit Wolfgang Zwiauer am Bass und Arno Troxler am Schlagzeug. Auf der neuen CD "Vanishing Point" treiben die drei ihr Können einen Schritt weiter in Richtung Kohärenz. Von Christof Thurnherr

PORTRAIT Alessandro d'Episcopo: Stella Crescente
Soeben ist auf dem Altrisuoni-Label die neue CD "Solare" des in der Schweiz lebenden -italienischen Pianisten Alessandro d'Episcopo erschienen. Anlässlich seines Konzertes in der Widder Bar sprach er mit JAZZ'N'MORE über sein Leben als Musiker und Pädagoge in der Schweiz sowie sein Verhältnis zu Italien. Von Gino Ferlin

PORTRAIT ROVA Saxophone Quartet – zwischen Spontaneität und Komposition
John Raskin, Larry Ochs, Andrew Voight und Bruce Ackley, vier Saxofonisten in San Francisco, taten sich für einen speziellen Auftritt beim Musikfestival am Mills College 1978 in Oakland/CA zusammen. Diese unerwartet positive Erfahrung bewog sie weiterzufahren. Inzwischen sind es mehr als 35 Jahre, und das Quartett hat – zwischen den Stilen – mit einem umfangreichen Opus zum Thema Improvisation und Komposition einen bedeutenden Beitrag geleistet. Von Jürg Solothurnmann

PORTRAIT Christoph Gallio – Dem "Do-it-yourself"-Prinzip verpflichtet
Der Schweizer Saxofonist Christoph Gallio zählt zu den Jazz-Unikaten, die fernab ephemerer Moden konsequent ihr Ding durchziehen. Von Tom Gsteiger

PORTRAIT Erb goes Chicago
Er spielt und tut, veröffentlicht CDs auf dem eigenen Label, sucht Begegnungen, neuerdings auch in Chicago: Der in Luzern lebende Saxofonist und Bassklarinettist Christoph Erb ist ein subtiler Maniac: vier Alben in einem halben Jahr, und alle sind nahrhaft. Von Pirmin Bossart

PORTRAIT Jazz zwischen Gestern, Heute und Morgen – Rolf & Joachim Kühn und die totale Improvisation
Die Geschichte hinter dieser Platte reicht eine ganze Weile zurück, bis ins Jahr 1967. Pianist Joachim Kühn und Klarinettist Rolf Kühn spielen zusammen mit dem John-Coltrane-Bassisten Jimmy Garrison und dem Schlagzeuger Aldo Romano auf dem Newport Jazz Festival ein intensives Konzert. Von Franz X.A. Zipperer

SWISSJAZZORAMA Das SwissJazzOrama auf neuen Wegen
2011 befand sich das SwissJazzOrama in einer schwierigen Lage. Diese wurde durch Interessenkonflikte und Meinungsverschiedenheiten im Vorstand hervorgerufen. Es war nicht mehr möglich, die bis dahin geleistete Arbeit in den gewohnten Bahnen weiterzuführen. Eine Neuorganisation des Vereins musste grundsätzlich überdacht werden, wollte man die an der Generalversammlung gefassten Beschlüsse umsetzen. Im März 2011 beauftragte die GV den Vorstand, die Öffnung des Archivs für Jazz und verwandte Musikarten in der Schweiz vorzubereiten und in diesem Sinne gesamtschweizerisch mit öffentlichen Institutionen zusammenzuarbeiten. Wo stehen wir heute? Von Christian Steulet

NEW PROJECTS Reibung an musikalischen Ruhepolen – Michael Neff huldigt dem schönen Jazz
Michael Neff setzt mit seiner Gruppe auf entspannte und entspannende Töne. Das hält er auch durch, wenn es mal ein wenig lauter wird. Seine Trompete und sein Flügelhorn klingen dabei so schön, lyrisch und leicht, dass sich die Frage aufdrängt, darf Jazz schön klingen? Er darf. Vor allem dann, wenn Michael Neffs Ruhepole so viel weiter tragen als mancher rohe musikalische Kraftakt. Von Franz X.A. Zipperer

Claudio Pontiggia – Symphonischer Jazz mit World-Akzenten
"Emola", die zweite CD der zehnköpfigen Formation LABOttega, ist die Fortsetzung des 2007 unter der Regie des Tessiner Hornisten Claudio Pontiggia initiierten Projekts. Das spannende Album verbindet Jazz mit westafrikanischen Rhythmen und keltischen Melodien. Von Toni Varela

UNSUNG HEROES Mike Osborne
Der britische Altsaxofonist Mike Osborne (1941–2007) war ein "Wahnsinnsmusiker", der aufwühlende Expressivität mit einem reichhaltigen rhythmischen und melodischen Vokabular zusammenbrachte. Leider wurde Osborne, der zwischen 1974 und 1976 acht Mal in Willisau auftrat, von inneren Dämonen geplagt. In diesem Artikel rufen Niklaus Troxler, Bruno Rub, Dieter Ulrich und Omri Ziegele die Erinnerung an einen grossartigen Musiker wach, der als Mensch im Kampf gegen eine schwere psychische Erkrankung aufgerieben wurde. Von Tom Gsteiger

ANDERS HÖREN Vera Kappeler Teil 2
Johannes Anders präsentiert spannende Hörbeispiele an Vera Kappeler

BLUES’N’ROOTS
INTERVIEW Women Power – Candye Kane & Laura Chavez
Eigentlich war ein Interview mit der schillernden Blues-Diva Candye Kane geplant. Doch der Jetlag, verbunden mit Candyes fragiler Gesundheit, liess vor ihrem Konzert anlässlich der Blues-Now!-Serie nur ein kurzes Gespräch zu. Dafür legte die Sängerin JAZZ'N'MORE nahe, auch ihrer jungen, hochtalentierten Gitarristin Laura Chavez näher Betrachtung zu schenken. Von Marco Piazzalonga

INTERVIEW
Lindi Ortega, Country & Blues-Sängerin aus Kanada, weilte zum ersten Mal in der Schweiz. In einem Showcase im altehrwürdigen Zürcher Club Mascotte. Die Protagonistin hat ihren Stil, konsequent bedient sie sich eigener Songs: etwas Folk, Country-Bluegrass, sowie auch Rock´n´Roll. Sie erzählen Geschichten aus dem Leben. Seit über zehn Jahren und immer noch als Shooting Star gehandelt, geht Ortega ihren Weg; Herzschmerz, verpasste Freundschaften, falsche Plattenverträge, doch jedes Elend und jede Widrigkeit lassen sie unbeirrt. Lindi Ortega bleibt eine gelassene, sympathische, freundliche und ausdrucksvolle Sängerin. Von Heinz Sollberger

"MOJO" - May 2012

Featuring: Roberta Flack, Small Faces, Humble Pie, Steve Marriott, Lost Soul, Jack White, Ramsey Lewis, Norah Jones, Madonna, Peter Hammill, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Dr. John, Jerry Lee Lewis, Caetano Veloso & David Byrne etc

"Uncut" - May 2012

Featuring: Jack White, Pete Townshend, Lloyd Cole, Happy Mondays, Richard Thompson, Ty Segall, Christy Moore, Alex Chilton, Gregg Allman, Bruce Springsteen, Public Enemy, Nic Jones etc

"OOR" - May 2012

Featuring: Jack White, The Kyteman Orchestra, Dr. John, Philip Glass, Madonna, Macy Gray, Destine, Santigold, De La Soul, Patrick Watson, Rufus Wainwright, Isbells, Michael Kiwanuka etc

"Jazz Thing" - April/May 2012

Featuring: Kenny Garrett, Ahmad Jamal, Dr. John, Branford Marsalis, Toots Thielemans, Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Sheila Jordan, Clare Fischer, Amadou & Mariam, Quantic, Aki Takase, Silje Nergaard, Joachim & Rolf Kühn, Esperanza Spalding, Quadro Nuevo etc.

"Jazzism"

Featuring: Yuri Honing, Etta James, ICP, Katie Melua, The Kyteman Orchestra, Dianne Reeves, Gabor Szabo, Tower of Power, Marcin Wasilewski Trio et al.

CD Compilation of the Month - "Sanscapes One"


CD Compilation of the Month
"Sanscapes One" (MELT 2000)

Compiled by Phil Meadley
Mastered by Chris Lewis @ Heathside Nautillus Room

The proceeds from the publishing royalties of this CD go to the participating San families from the various corridors in Gobabis (Namibia) who contributed to the original recordings used for the remixes included on this album, and to the head organisation WIMSA and the Omaheka San Trust that operated locally to improve their education, health, and creating jobs and shelter. Contact: info@melt.co.za

Featuring Anna Goute, Rai Gupta, Kirk DeGiorgio, Animal Radio, Mehdi Haddab, Krishna Booker, Rashid Duke (George Duke's son), Dub Trees, Gambit, Smadj, Absolute Zero, Soul Drummers, Bob Holroyd, Zena Edwards

Enhanced CD of the Month - "Pops Mohamed Presents Bushmen of the Kalahri"

 
Enhanced CD of the Month
"Pops Mohamed Presents Bushmen of the Kalahari" (BW/EFA)

This enhanced CD - recored by engineer Peter Thwaites in the Kalahri desert - contains original music and film from the arth's earliest surviving race to take you to the very roots of trance.
For more info on the Bushmen, please contact wimsareg@africa.com.na
To make a contribution, whether it be of money, food or clothes, kindly contact Omaheke San Trust via ost@iafrica.com.na
Produced by Pops Mohamed
Executive Producer: Robert Trunz
Video Footage & CD Enhancemenrt: Dick Jewell

Friday, May 18, 2012

Gina Saputo live @ Steamers, tonight!

Tonight, Friday's "Lover's Soire" at Steamers is gonna rock! Join us to savour Gina Saputo's talent with Matt Politano (piano), David Miller (bass), Matt Mayhall (drums) & special guest Larry Salzman (percussion) @ Steamers, May 18, 8:30pm-1am. $8 cover- 2 drink min. All ages!

Gina Saputo @ Steamers Jazz Club
138 W. Commonwealth Blvd.
Fullerton, CA
Ph: (714) 871-8800

Gina will be singing fresh arrangements of yesterday and today's top 40 hits...you've never heard them like this before. Including Adelle's "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You", Sia's "Soon We'll Be Found", Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love", Regina Spektor's "Consequence of Sounds", Pink Floyd's "Money", Colby Callait's "Fallin For You", Christina Perry's "Jar of Hearts", Fiona Apple's "Criminal", Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah", Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" and many of Gina's originals.

Jazz vocalist Gina Saputo 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 has also sung backup vocals for Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Neenna Freelon, Bonnie Raitt, Phil Driscoll and Louie Bellson. Her first CD, "Gina Saputo" was recorded with vocal sessions produced by Grammy award nominated vocalist Tierney Sutton, who said, "Gina has the talent as well as the passion to stretch and think outside the box." Featuring Grammy nominated pianist Gerald Clayton. After two successful tours of Japan, her CD has climbed to #3 on the prestigious Swing Journal charts, and has received rave reviews. She was a guest professor at Gwangju University in South Korea, and toured Japan a second time with Grammy nominated pianist Bill Cunliffe. Come share an evening of excessive music loving!

PRESS
"One of our favorite vocalists in the contemporary jazz scene, LA-based young diva Gina Saputo...she likes to sing in Portuguese, scatting and phrasing in a very creative way, sometimes sounds like the missing link between Carmen, Basia (check his own groovy "Explain," on which she also emulates Billie), Flora and Tierney. Not to be missed." - Arnaldo DeSouteiro, Jazz Station

"Gina Saputo. In a crowded field of young female jazz singers, Saputo’s soaring vocals and rhythmic lift suggest that she’s ready to step up from the pack." - Don Heckman, LA Times & The International Review of Music

CD Reissue of the Month - "George Gruntz: Classics / Jazz Goes Baroque Vols. 1 & 2"


CD Reissue of the Month
George Gruntz: "Classics" (EmArcy) 1964-1965/2012

Rating:
***** (musical performance)
***** (original recording & mix)
***** (digital remastering)

Two historical George Gruntz's albums reunited in a single CD by master producer Matthias Künnecke for Universal's JazzClub series. Includes complete data, the original liner notes written by Siegfried Schmidt-Joss and Gruntz himself, with artwork by Knut Schötteldreier and photos by Siegfried E. Loch, who produced the original LPs engineered by Peter Kramper @ Philips-Tonstudio (Meistersaal) in Berlin.

The first album, "Jazz Goes Baroque," was recorded on April 27 & 28, 1964, featuring ten works -- of such composers as Telemann, Couperin, Händel, Rameau, Pachelbel and Corelli -- adapted & jazzified by German jazz maestro George Gruntz, who exclusively plays (superbly!) harpsichord throughout the session. Besides his brilliant improvisations, flutist Emil Mangelsdorff and reedman Klaus Doldinger (of later Passport fame, here heard on clarinet & soprano sax) also shine, supported by the impeccable rhythm section of Peter Trunk (acoustic bass) and Klaus Weiss (drums).

Its follow-up "Jazz Goes Baroque 2 - The Music of Italy" (cut on March 17 & 18, 1965) focuses on Italian composers Vivaldi, Monteverdi, Albinoni, Frescobaldi, Pergolesi, Zipoli, Pasquini, Francesco Durante, Benedetto Marcello and Scarlatti. Gruntz remains on harpsichord, sharing the spotlight with four flute players: Leo Wright (the man from Jobim's debut Verve album in 1963, "The Composer of Desafinado, Plays"), Sahib Shihab (who would later record on Raul de Souza USA debut, "Colors," produced for CD reissue by Arnaldo DeSouteiro), Raymond Guiot (then the lead flutist of the Paris Opera) and Stefan von Dobrzynski (who appeared by courtesy of the Radio Free Berlin Orchestra). They are backed by drummer Daniel Humair (by then a member of the Swingle Singers vocal ensemble) and, once again, bassist Peter Trunk. The joy of music on its essence.

Box Set of the Month - "Jazz World Electronica"

Box Set of The Month (3 CD-Box set)
"Jazz World Electronica" (Vivid Audio) 2012

Rating: ***** (musical performance & sonic quality)

Compilation Produced by Robert Trunz

Featuring:
Jazz - Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Yana Purim, Heraldo do Monte, Jessica Lauren, Byron Wallen, Sipho Gumede, Simpiwe Matole, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa
World - Amapondo, Busi Mhlongo, Max Lässer, Deepak Ram, Madala Kunene, Mabi Thobejane, Ricky Olombelo, Robert Doc Mthalane, Boris Salchack, Christy Doran, Shiyani Ngcobo, Airto Moreira, Banda de Pífanos
Electronica - Eyedentity (Diana Booker & Krishna Booker), Black Coffee, Kalahari Surfers, Greg Hunter, Sanscapes, Soul II Black, Pops Mohamed, Monde Mkhizwana, Spring Hill Jack, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, S.H.A.N.A.

At the centre of JAZZ are Brazil's revolutionary vocalist Flora Purim, her sister Yana Purim (performing a duet with guitarist Quarteto Novo's guitar legend Heraldo do Monte on "Romance de Amor," a track inspired by Paul Desmond's version on his CTI masterpiece "Skylark" album), Flora's husband - percussion genius Airto Moreira - and artists who came to the label because of a direct or indirect involvement with them. Airto and his participation in many projects laid the musical foundation and direction of MELT 2000. As a consequence of the artistic freedom granted by the label boss Robert Trunz unique new styles and collaborations in the 90's evolved with a.o. the cream of UK Acid Jazz like Byron Wallen, Andrew Missingham & keyboard wiz Jessica Lauren. The label's work, under the initial guidance of Airto Moreira, is represented by late South African heroes like Sipho Gumede & Moses Taiwa Molelekwa who were strong pillars of the 90's resurgence of a vibrant local Jazz scene that led to the birth of the Cape Town Jazz Festival. Airto Moreira's 1989 sessions with his Miles Davis era mates Herbie Hancock & Stanley Clarke in Santa Barbara were released in 1994 and Sterophile chose the track “Nevermind” for their Test CD 3.

Many of MELT 2000's South African WORLD artists joined the label as a result of Robert Trunz's dedicated work in the new democratic era between 1993 and 2009 to promote the suppressed or largely ignored musical heritage of the many South and Southern African tribes. This compilation features songs by the late Zulu diva and songbird Busi Mhlongo, the angelic voice of Lungiswa from Cape Town who appears on a recording with Swiss guitarist Max Lässer.
Madala Kunene, Mabi Thobejane, Amampondo and Shiyani Ngcobo are well travelled and these days highly respected guardians of traditional music - a heritage long ignored in South Africa until globally promoted by MELT 2000. Tuvan throat singing is one particular variant of overtone singing practiced by the Tuva people of southern Siberia. Shaman and overtone singer Boris Salchack & Christy Doran worked with Airto Moreira on a unique album from which we present a track herewith.

Airto not only produced Ricky Olombelo's album - an amazing singer and percussionist from Madagascar but also took it upon him to help promote the music of the lesser known Brazilian region of Pernambuco with folkloric groups like the Banda de Pifanos - all presented on this compilation. Deepak Ram came to the attention of the World Music lovers with KITU - a track produced and licensed by MELT 2000 for the first in a series of famous BUDDHA BAR compilations which established World Music and its ambient and electronic derivatives in millions of homes across the globe.

The Electriconica MELT adventure into melting world music with electronic beats started with the 1996 release of the epic album Music With No Name Vol.1 featuring remixes by Smith & Mighty and Spring Heel Jack. Inspired by the remix pioneers of the Northern hemisphere young South African producers started KWAITO first and then evolved into Deep House which by 2008 became No.1 seller with rising international star Black Coffee, a forming member of the early S.H.A.N.A. Group. After Busi Mhlongo lost her fight against breast cancer the nation's young artist queued to remix her work following a trail of earlier Busi remixes by Soul II Black, Monde Mkhizwana, Castro B and Black Coffee riding the airwaves in South Africa. Other successful local SA artist in the Electronica section include Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, Kalahari Surfers and Pops Mohamed. The hip-hop, trip-hop sector is represented by LA outfit Eyedentity formed by Diana Booker (Airto & Flora's multi-talented daughter) and her husband Krishna Booker (Walter Booker's soon), aka Chill Factor and praised for his recent work with Sergio Mendes.

DVD Compilation of the Month - "Flora Purim, Airto & The Melt 2000 All Stars: The Music Videos"

DVD of the Month
"The Music Videos" (Melt 2000)

Rating: ***** (musical performance & sonic quality)

Produced, Directed & Edited by Michael Cross
Executive Producer & Liner Notes: Robert Trunz

Featuring: Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Diana Brooker, Krishna Booker, José Neto, Byron Wallen, Busi Mhlongo, Bafo Bafo, Fana Zulu, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, Shaluza Max, Andrew Missingham, Vusi Khumalo, Madala Kunene, Juno Reactor, Amapondo, Ohm, Zim Ngoawane et al.

Tracklisting:
1.Busi Mhlongo - Uganga Nge Ngane
2.Bafo Bafo - Zimpi Zombango
3.Fana Zulu Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, Airto Moreira, Jose Neto, Shaluza Max, Byron Wallen and Andrew Missingham - Hungry on Arrival
4.Moses Taiwa Molelekwa - Spirits of Tembisa
5.Vusi Khumalo - Dusk to Dawn
6.Madala Kunene - KonkoMan
7.Zim Nqqwana & Shaluza Max - Amagaduka (Migrant Workers)
8.Bafo Bafo - Manje
9.Juno Reactor - Feel the Universe
10.Amampondo - SengÙ Inkomo
11.Flora Purim - Light as My Flow
12.Bafo Bafo - Jim
13.Juno Reactor - God is God
14.OHM - Slow
15.Moses Taiwa Molelekwa - Darkness Pass 1

Friday, May 11, 2012

Amanda Carr live @ Piano Mill, this Saturday

THIS WEEKEND EVENT with AMANDA CARR FREE PERFORMANCE at PIANO MILL Saturday, May 12th @ 4pm
"The Soundboard Performance Stage" Piano Mill, Rockland, MA
OPEN HOUSE /FREE ADMISSION "Le Creme de Les Femmes"

Come and help Amanda Carr celebrate this new location and music venue. Live Music from 11AM to 7PM including performances by Guitarist, Jon Finn, Al Halliday from "The Hurricanes", Suzanne McNeil, Tim Mahoney and other musical guests.
For complete performance line-up and times visit: PIANO MILL 217 Centre Ave. (Rte. 123) Rockland, MA 02370
Phone: 781-982-8880 info@PianoMill.com www.PianoMill.com (Free Parking on site)

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Scot Albertson live in NY, May 11

This Friday, May 11, singer Scot Albertson will be performing a 2-set concert @ Engelman Recital Hall at the Baruch College Performing Arts Centre, featuring pianist Keith Ingham on the first set, and Sedrick Chouckron (sax & flute) and Ron Jackson (guitar) on the second part. The repertoire includes songs from Scot's latest CD, "Vibination," as well as material from his previous releases. $15.00 Tickets are available with code BPAC15 Call the Box Office or use Code online Box Office: 646.312.5073 OR below Link http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/bpac/calendar/event.php?id=788

Book of the Month - "Urszula Dudziak"


Book of the Month
"Urszula Dudziak" biography by Wyspiewam Wam Wszystko (Kayax Music) 2012

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

SHM-CD of the Month - "Lalo Schifrin: Towering Toccata"


SHM-CD of the Month
Lalo Schifrin: "Towering Toccata" (CTI)

Rating:
**** (musical performance)
**** (sonic quality)

Produced by Creed Taylor
Arranged & Conducted by Lalo Schifrin
Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder @ Van Gelder Studios (Englewood Cliffs, NJ) in Oct-Dec 1976

Featuring: Lalo Schifrin, Clark Spangler, Anthony Jackson, Will Lee, Steve Gadd, Andrew Smith, Ralph MacDonald, Sue Evans, Eric Gale, John Tropea, Joe Farrell, Jeremy Steig, Burt Collins, Urbie Green, John Blair, Ronnie Cuber, Gerry Niewood et al.

Vocal CD of the Month - "Sara Leib: Secret Love"


Vocal CD of the Month
Sara Leib: "Secret Love" (OA2 Records) 2012

Rating:
**** (musical performance)
***** (sonic quality)

Produced by Matt Pierson
Recorded (by Meredith McCandless), Mixed & Mastered (by Fabrice DuPont) @ Flux Studios, NYC, in January 2011

Featuring: Sara Leib (vocals & arrangements), Taylor Eigsti and Aaaron Parks (piano & keyboards), Harish Raghavan (bass), Eric Harland (drums), Richie Barshay (percussion & tabla) and Dayna Stephens (tenor sax)

At its core, jazz is a music of personal expression, a concept that singer Sara Leib clearly embraces. On her new CD, "Secret Love," -- the glowing-toned mezzo-soprano gives an array of classic and contemporary material fresh, distinctive sounds.

One way that Los Angeles native Leib gives a new slant to her repertoire is to render some tunes in unusual time signatures. Cole Porter's "Night and Day" switches from 6/4 to 5/4 every eight bars, while Rodgers and Hammerstein's "It Might as Well Be Spring" has one bar of 6/4, then one of 5/4. Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster's title track alternates between 7/4 and 4/4. (Each was originally written in 4/4.)

Some songs are slightly reworked, with "So This Is Love," Al Hoffman's waltz for the Disney classic film Cinderella, done as a samba, and Ann Ronell's evergreen blues ballad, "Willow Weep for Me," given a boisterous funk arrangement.

The CD also contains more straightforward readings, like Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love," Ben Harper's "With My Own Two Hands," and the ballad, "The Way You Behold," written by Jonathan Richards with lyrics by Leib. Leib arranged all the songs save the title track, which was conceived by two friends from her undergrad days at the New England Conservatory of Music: pianist Jed Wilson and vocalist Heather Masse, now a member of the Wailin' Jennys.

"I never really set out to go, 'I'm gonna make this more complex,'" Leib says of the CD's direction. "I started to think that if I'm gonna do a song, I should do it in a way that's a little bit original. I don't think the idea necessarily is to make something more complex, but to come up with some sort of theme or some way that I think might reflect the meaning of the lyrics in a different way, either more true, less true, more sarcastic, reinterpreted."

A crew of top young jazz musicians plays on "Secret Love," which was overseen by veteran producer Matt Pierson and which was recorded in New York City. The participants include pianists Taylor Eigsti and Aaron Parks, bassist Harish Raghavan, and drummer Eric Harland; tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens appears on four tracks, hand percussionist Richie Barshay on five. Throughout, the musicians deliver poised accompaniment and offer provocative solos. "I was really lucky that they all said yes," notes Leib.

"Based on her previous recording and word of mouth from other musicians, I knew that Sara clearly had talent," says producer Pierson. "However, I wasn't prepared for what happened once we got into the studio. She just blew me away with her infectious spirit, pure musicianship, and incredibly deep sense of swing. But what really set her apart was her ability to integrate herself into the band, going toe-to-toe with some of the greatest instrumentalists on the jazz scene today."

Sara Leib was born in Los Angeles December 21, 1981; her father was a furniture designer, her mother a social worker. Her older brother played trumpet; years later, she mimicked the instrument's tone during wordless choruses on her first CD, 2003's self-released and warmly received "It's Not the Moon."

Leib attended L.A.'s prestigious Hamilton Music Academy, where she sang in the jazz choir and also gained a berth in the Grammy High School Jazz Choir. After two years at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, she transferred to the New England Conservatory, studying with Dominique Eade, Steve Lacy, and Jerry Bergonzi and earning a B.M. in Jazz Performance, followed by an M.M. in Jazz from the University of Southern California. She has performed throughout the world, and currently teaches at the Los Angeles Music Academy College of Music in Pasadena. Leib also gives private voice lessons and teaches classes in improvisation, singing for instrumentalists, and chart writing.

Given its depth and originality, "Secret Love" is poised to raise Sara Leib's international jazz profile.

Web Sites:
http://www.saraleib.com/
http://www.singingtv.com/

Instrumental CD of the Month - "Hailey Niswanger: The Keeper"


Instrumental CD of the Month
Hailey Niswanger: "The Kepper" (Calmit Prod.) 2012

Rating:
***** (music performance)
**** (sonic quality)

Hailey Niswanger created an indelible impression in the jazz world with the release of her 2009 debut, "Confeddie." Then 19, the saxophonist was even the subject of an enthusiastic Wall Street Journal profile by veteran jazz critic Nat Hentoff. The headline read: "This Teenager Has Got It." Now 22, freshly graduated from the Berklee College of Music and newly residing in New York City, the alto and soprano saxophone dynamo has released her second CD, "The Keeper" (Calmit Productions), on April 24.

Unlike many of her jazz musician contemporaries, Niswanger (pronounced "NICE-wonger") unabashedly embraces the deep traditions of jazz. "Today you see a lot of artists mixing and mashing genres, but I want to stay true to jazz, I want to honor it," says Niswanger, a native of Houston who was raised in Portland, Oregon. "While I listen to all kinds of music -- classical, jazz, R&B, hip-hop -- I want to be known primarily as a jazz artist." "The Keeper" certainly backs up that aim.

The CD includes eight engaging Niswanger compositions, reflecting a wealth of modern and contemporary jazz moods, as well as classics by Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Cole Porter. Her colleagues on the session are pianist Takeshi Ohbayashi, bassist Max Moran, and drummer Mark Whitfield Jr., plus, on three selections, guest trumpeter Darren Barrett. These inventive musicians are all associates from her days at Berklee, where she completed her B.Mus. in Jazz Performance late last year.

The time-shifting title track (and the album itself) is dedicated to Jeff Cumpston, her high school band director who died in a traffic accident in Zimbabwe, where he taught elementary school. The percolating "Straight Up," which reveals, as elsewhere, what an amazingly mature player Niswanger is on both alto and soprano, was written for onetime Eddie Harris trumpeter Thara Memory, an afterschool arts program instructor during her high school days. "He changed my life, speaking exactly what he felt about my playing, my behavior, everything," says the composer.

My personal favorite track, the sweetly-swinging "Norman," which showcases Niswanger's rich alto sound, is for 94-year-old Portland resident Norman Leyden, who has been an influence since the saxophonist was 10; "'B' Happy," a potent blues written for two beloved childhood toys, spotlights the crisp work of drummer Whitfield -- to whom the buoyant waltz, "Balance," is dedicated.

Speaking of pianist Ohbayashi, she could be describing the contributions of all her bandmates: "No matter what direction I decide to go in, I know he's going to pull through brilliantly." He does, and they do. Hailey Niswanger began her musical life with piano at age 5, then took up clarinet at age 8 and saxophone at age 10. She also played accordion for several years. "I was playing all the time," she says.

After graduating from Portland's West Linn High School in 2008, she entered Berklee. There she was named a member of the inaugural class (as were her bandmates Ohbayashi and Whitfield) of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, under the artistic direction of Danilo Perez. In 2009, Niswanger became the alto saxophonist in Boston's eclectic Either/Orchestra, a position previously held by Miguel Zenon and Jaleel Shaw. The first female member of the band in its 25-year history, Hailey remained with E/O until early 2012, when she moved to Brooklyn to focus on recording and developing the next phase of what is sure to be a brilliant career.

Hailey Niswanger is looking forward to an appearance at the Saratoga (NY) Jazz Festival, Sat. 6/30 (12:15 pm), with other dates to be announced very soon. <
Web Site: http://www.haileyniswanger.com/

"DownBeat" - May 2012


COVER STORY
Esperanza Spalding -- Jazz bassist/vocalist/composer Esperanza Spalding talks to DownBeat about a whirlwind year in which she won the Grammy for Best New Artist, toured the world, and recorded one of the most anticipated CDs of 2012.

FEATURES
Gil Evans -- On the centennial of his birth, DownBeat celebrates the life and legacy of the legendary composer/arranger/bandleader Gil Evans (1912-1988).

Stefano Bollani -- DB catches up with the prolific Italian pianist, who collaborated with Chick Corea on the 2011 CD Orvieto.

Jimmy Owens -- The trumpeter and 2012 NEA Jazz Master talks about his new CD, The Monk Project which include collaborations with Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Strickland and Kenny Barron.

Special Section:
Reed School -- Master Class by flutist Ali Ryerson, a Joshua Redman saxophone solo transcribed, Pro Session by James Carter, feature story on saxophonist Steve Lehman, and more in our annual reed-themed issue.

Toolshed
* Theo Wanne Mantra tenor saxophone
* Eastman 52nd Street alto/tenor saxophones
* Backun clarinet
* Powell's Silver Eagle alto saxophone Gear Box
* Vandoren Hygro reed case
* Rico saxophone mouthpieces
* Beyerdynamic TG 157c saxophone condenser mic
* Cannonball baritone sax case
* JodyJazz DVD In The Funk Zone with George Garzone

Special Section: Summer Festival Guide -- The annual International Summer Festival Guide is a definitive guide to jazz fests worldwide! Includes features on Detroit Jazz Festival, Brazil's Rio das Ostras Jazz & Blues Festival and Top Acts to see on '12 Festival Circuit.

PLAYERS
Alex Lopez (saxophone)
Marilyn Mazur (percussion)
Stephane Wrembel (guitar)
Jorge Rossy (percussion)

BLINDFOLD TEST -- David Binney

THE BEAT
* Lead Story: Porgy And Bess Broadway adaptation
* Label Profile--Intakt Records
* Small's Jazz Club membership initiative
* Vinyl Freak

JAZZ ON CAMPUS University of Louisville Jazz Festival with Eddie Gomez workshops

REVIEWS - Hot Box:
Steve Turre, Woody's Delight (HighNote)
Don Byron New Gospel Quintet, Love, Peace, And Soul (Savoy)
Johnathan Blake, The Eleventh Hour (Sunnyside)
Igor Butman Orchestra, Sheherazade's Tales (Butman Music)

Reviews:
Erik Deutsch, Demonio Teclado (self release)
Co Streiff-Russ Johnson Quartet, In Circles (Intakt)
Paolo Fresu & Omar Sosa, Alma (Ota)
Mark Mosley, TLC (self release)
Catherine Russell, Strictly Romancin' (World Village)
Luis Perdomo, Universal Mind (RKM Music)
Jerry Gonzalez, Jerry Gonzalez Y El Comando De La Clave (Sunnyside)
Martin Schulte NY Quartet, Pieces Of Astoria (JazzHaus Musik)
Tom Wetmore, The Desired Effect (Crosstown)
Ferit Ordman, Autumn In New York (Equinox)
Frank Walton Sextet, The Back Step (self release)
George Colligan, Living For The City (SteepleChase)
Chick Corea, The Continents (Deutsche Grammophon)
Ben Wendel, Frame (Sunnyside)
Elio Villafranca/Arturo Stable, Dos Y Mas (Motéma)
Pete Zimmer, Prime Of Life (Tippin)
Michael Campagna, Moments (Challenge)
Calvin Keys, Shawn-Neeq (Tompkins Square)
Tord Gustavsen Quartet, The Well (ECM)
Roscoe Mitchell, Numbers (RogueArt)
Jeff Lorber Fusion, Galaxy (Heads Up)
Talking Cows, Almost Human (Morvin)
Metta Quintet, Big Drum/Small World (Jazz Reach)
Bass X3, Transatlantic (Leo), combined review with The Clarinet Trio, 4 (Leo)
Jake Saslow, Crosby Street (self release)
The October Trio, New Dream (Songlines)
Jessica Lurie Ensemble, Megaphone Heart (Zipa)
Mark Weinstein, El Cumbanchero (Jazzheads)

Jazz:
Alexander Hawkins Ensemble, All There, Ever Out (Babel)
Empirical, Elements Of Truth (Naim)
Hession/Wilkinson/Fell, Two Falls & A Submission (Bo'Weavil)
Barrel, Gratuitous Abuse (Emanem)
McCormack & Yarde Duo, Places And Other Spaces (Edition)
Mark Hanslip & Javier Carmona, Dosados (Babel)

Blues:
Little Joe Ayers, Backatchya (Devil Down)
Lisa Mills, Tempered In Fire (Really 'n truly)
Fiona Boyes, Blues For Hard Times (Vizztone)
Ray Bonneville, Bad Man's Blood (Red House)
Heritage Blues Orchestra, And Still I Rise (Raisin' Music)
Oz Noy, Twisted Blues Vol. 1 (Abstract Logix)
Barrence Whitfield, Savage Kings (Munster)

Beyond:
Various Artists, Eccentric Soul: The Nickel & Penny Labels (Numero Group)
Various Artists, Boddie Recording Company: Cleveland, OH (Numero Group)
Lou Ragland: I Travel Alone (Numero Group)
Los Nombres: Los Nombres (Numero Group)
Wendy Rene, After Laughter Comes Tears (Light In The Attic)

Historical:
Dave Brubeck Quartet, The Columbia Studio Albums Collection (Columbia/Legacy)

Books:
Gil Scott-Heron, The Last Holiday: A Memoir (Grove Press)