Saturday, April 18, 2009

Ellen Johnson Featured Event on RadioOjai.com



The Ojai Moment with Lisa and Matt: Matt Spins & Tweets

http://radioojai.com/2009/04/18/the-ojai-moment-with-lisa-and-matt-matt-spins--tweets.aspx


Lisa talks to Matt about the joys of spinning at Bryant Street Gym, Lisa's Lab chews up Simon and Garfunkel and Matt is tweeting on Twitter. Current events: Ellen Johnson 4/24, Elvis in Ojai 4/25 and The Ojai Tennis Tournament 4/23-26.


"Johnson has released a challenging, sophisticated and successful album that raises the standard of modern jazz singing by at least one notch. While other singers are rehashing the great American songbook, Johnson is puttinng it through the meat grinder and crea(ng a whole new menu.”
‐George Harris, All About Jazz

“Ellen Johnson's These Days is one of the best albums to be heard from a no‐nonsense jazz singer in the past year; she and her recording are worthy of serious consideration for placement in the 2007 DownBeat Cri1cs Poll.”
‐Frank‐John Hadley, DownBeat

"As "These Days" proceeds the soul of Ellen Johnson emerges, and she leaves no doubt about the wide range of her talents.In addition, the album reminds us of the fresh ideas, impressive technique and passion for the music that Ellen Johnson offers listeners. "These Days" is a true delight. “
‐Bill Donaldson, Jazz Improv

“Ellen Johnson’s new release “These Days” is a complete breath of fresh air. Johnson who is not afraid to go where no vocalist has gone before presents a CD of taking chances. A standing ovation for Ellen Johnson. Thank you for showing the world of Jazz vocals that there is so much to explore.”
‐James Rosen, Inside Connection

"The blue‐eyed blonde is gorgeous and so is her voice. She has very firm intonation, unique jazz phrasing and can scat well."
‐Harvey Siders, JazzTimes

RAMANA VIEIRA - CD of the Day in Brazil!


CD of the Day
Ramana Vieira: "Lágrimas de Rainha / Tears of a Queen" (Pacific Coast Jazz) 2009

by Arnaldo De Souteiro










http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesouteiros.blogspot.com/2009/03/cd-of-day-ramana-vieira-tears-of-queen.html

After Mariza, now we have Ramana Vieira as the most creative "fadist" in the current scene, bringing a breath of fresh air to the Portuguese fado tradition, which she updates marvelously. An impassioned singer, with the right dose of drama and expressiviness, as well as adding elements of jazz and Brazilian music in the beautiful arrangements, on "Tears of a Queen" she gives new life to songs made famous by the legendary songstress Amalia Rodrigues, to whom Ramana herself dedicates one of the most haunting tracks of the album.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

SALTMAN KNOWLES CD RELEASE PARTY FOR "RETURN OF THE COMPOSER"


This Weekend! Don't miss this...
“a brilliant example of all that is good in contemporary jazz”


Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th from 9 PM to 1 AM ($12 cover)
At: HR57 located at 1610 14th St. NW, Washington, DC.


CHARTS AT #8 on JAZZ WORLD WEEK

The Saltman Knowles Quintet, known for their long-term artist collaborations that serve up melodically alluring and rhythmically infectious music, will feature Mark Saltman (bass), William Knowles (piano), Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson (drums), Antonio Parker (saxophone) and the soulful and unique instrumental sounds of vocalist Lori Williams-Chisholm. For more information about the CD release event go to http://www.HR57.org or call 202-667-3700. For information on purchasing the CD or more about Saltman Knowles go to http://www.SaltmanKnowles.com or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.