Tuesday, May 26, 2009

"BRASIL BRAZIL 3" CD IN TOP 20 ON GLOBAL VILLAGE


GLOBAL VILLAGE
KMUW FM 89.1, Wichita
Chris Heim - Host/Producer

www.kmuw.org

Ranked #21 nationally AQH Share/Top 30 Cume Rating



Monday – Friday, 9pm
Weekdays midnight, 9am, 2pm, 7pm - KMUW HD2
Global Village new releases show Fridays - KMUW HD2

TOP 30 – June 2009
1. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (Honest Jon’s)
2. Various – Panama! 2 (Soundway)
3. Eva Ayllon – Kimba Fa (Four Quarters/Times Square)
4. Aggrolites – The Aggrolites IV (Hellcat)
5. Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks – Tangled Tales (Surfdog)
6. Various - Gozalo! Vol. 2 (Vampisoul)
7. Tiempo Libre – Bach in Havana (Sony Classical)
8. Various – Twenty First Century Twenty First Year (Luaka Bop)
9. Novalima – Coba Coba (Cumbancha)
10. Ersatzmusika – Songs Unrecantable (Asphalt Tango)
11. Occidental Brothers Dance Band International – Odo Sanbra (Occidental Brothers)
12. Grant Geissman – Cool Man Cool (Futurism)
13. Orquestra Imperial - Carnaval Só Ano Que Vem (Totolo)
14. Scotty Barnhart – Say It Plain (Unity Music)
15. Playing for Change – Songs Around the World (Hear Music)
16. Various – Salsa (Putumayo)
17. Brasil Brasil – Brasil Brasil 3 (Yellow Green)
18. Cecilia Noel – A Gozar! (Compass)
19. Marianne Faithfull - Easy Come Easy Go (Decca)
20. Bela Fleck - Throw Down Your Heart (Rounder)
21. Chicago Afrobeat Project – Off the Grid (CAbP)
22. Los Straitjackets - The Further Adventures of Los Straitjackets (Yep Roc)
23. Easy Star All-Stars – Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band (Easy Star)
24. Los Fabulosos Cadillacs - La Luz del Ritmo (Nacional)
25. Geoffrey Keezer – Aurea (Artist Share)
26. Fareed Haque + the Flat Earth Ensemble - Flat Planet (Owl)
27. Omar Sosa - Across the Divide (Half Note)
28. Roger Davidson and Raul Juarena - Pasion Por La Vida (Soundbrush)
29. King Sunny Ade – Seven Degrees North (Mesa)
30. Oumou Sangare – Seya (Nonesuch)

Sunday, May 24, 2009

REVIEW: FROM A MOTHER'S HEART




IMPROVIJAZZATION Nation
REVIEW by Dick Metcalf
http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z91Reviews.htm

Sound Visions Media
http://www.soundvisionsmedia.com
Available at iTunes, CD Baby and Sound Visions Media

Sound Visions Media
- FROM A MOTHER'S HEART: There are some very familiar jazz players/singers (for me) here, like Judi Silvano, & John Stowell, paying tribute to moms everywhere... especially poignant for me on a personal level since my mother passed only a couple years back. Even though my mom was more "church-oriented" in her musical tastes, I've no doubt that she would smile down on these tunes as she listened to them, as they are full of life and the gentle caring attitudes that most of us associate with our mothers. The most impressive thing about this collection is that it's got real energy - there's not a dull or "sappy" cut in all 11 tunes; that can't be said for many of these assemblages, but spirit fills each of the pieces. I glommed right on to Judi Silvanos' "Bougainvillea", probably because I've listened to (& reviewed) her music so many times. Strangely enough, though, it was a composition from Mala Waldron called "Ellie" that captured the "favorite" spot for me... it will just bounce you along through the magical scats & supremely spirited piano playing. This CD isn't just for "mom's day", by any stretch of the imagination... you can play it anywhere, anytime, & I imagine those of you who wander about with IPODS attached to your ears will play my favorite track & all of the other cuts over & over & over again. I give this a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (which is kind of a "first" for a tribute album). Get more information at http://errandgirlforjazz.blogspot.com/ Rotcod Zzaj

Monday, May 18, 2009

Yoshi's Oakland Presents Fado Sensation, Ramana Vieira


"No one in the United States is doing more to breathe new life into Fado than Ramana Vieira, a sultry, dramatic singer."
-Andrew Gilbert, San Francisco Chronicle



May 26, 2009
8:00 & 10:00 pm


Pacific Coast Jazz Artist:
RAMANA VIEIRA AND ENSEMBLE

Performing music from the new release,
"Lágrimas De Rainha"


Yoshi's in Oakland

510 Embarcadero West,
Jack London Square

510.238.9200
Tickets $18
http://www.Yoshis.com


_________________________________________________________________
Check out Ramana's Radio Interview
May 19, 2009

5:20 pm

KKUP 91.5 FM
Afrikan Jahmal Dayvs show
Listen to tracks from the new release "Lágrimas De Rainha"

http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com
http://www.RamanaVieira.net


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

REVIEW: SALTMAN KNOWLES - "RETURN OF THE COMPOSER"


JAZZ IMPROV MAGAZINE – NEW YORK


By Nick Mondello


PERSONNEL: Mark Saltman, double bass/composer; William Knowles, piano/composer; Lori Williams- Chisholm, vocals; Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson, drums; Alvin Trask, trumpet; Robert Landham, saxes

Pacific Coast Jazz Label


What is it about bass player-composers? While predominantly dwelling in the harmonic-rhythmic foundation of the jazz composition, bassists such as Charlie Haden, and of course, the Dali Lama of bassist composers, Charles Mingus, have given the jazz world some of its most intriguing, memorable compositions. In this highly engaging CD, Return of the Composer, Mark Saltman continues and lives up to that basso profundo compositional tradition – but he’s not alone.

Saltman’s compositional colleague on this date, pianist William Knowles, also steps up to the plate here with a fine foursome of neat originals seemingly steeped in the best Horace Silver tradition. The result of this compositional collaboration, combined with the talents of the rest of this ensemble, is a terrific array of intelligent, involving music. With ten original selections, each with a driving, catchy rhythmic undercurrent, Saltman, Knowles and cohorts make the most of the composed platform they are provided.

Not surprisingly, the rhythmic ribbons on many of the selections are engaging from the bottom up, but, are never clichéd. Bassist Saltman, the savvy composer that he is, knows what will drive and what might turn rhythmically stale and melodically non-supportive. Knowles knows this all too well, too. Pianist William Knowles‘s playing is outstanding, never stepping on either vocal or ensemble toes. Vocalist Lori Williams-Chisholm has a beautiful, soprano voice that is pitch-pure. Since all the selections here with the exception of the closer “Pain Management”, have no verbal lyrics, Williams-Chisholm’s intonation, sense of swing and ensemble “playing” need to be perfect – and they are. Horn input from the exciting Robert Landham on saxes and the very talented Alvin Trask on trumpet are noteworthy. Both solo con brio y alma throughout. Drummer Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson pushes and prods nicely throughout the session.

The rhythmic mix here is extremely good. There is a high degree of esprit evident. Although each selection is highly listenable and involving, of particular interest are the hustling “Bellport,” the triple-metered “It’s Been a Mad Spring,” and the stealthy “Creepin’ Up”. The production and recording values are excellent. With such expertise in their respective comp skills, I wondered as to why there is not a ballad selection included. With what Saltman and Knowles have in their compositional knapsack and with the wonderful vocal talent displayed by Williams-Chisholm and ensemble excellence displayed, I’d wager it would be another stellar performance, as is this effort.

I hope the composers’ return again – very soon.


Thursday, May 7, 2009

A Unique Way To Honor Your Mother This Mother's Day


Just in time for Mother's Day, introducing a special, one of a kind compilation download CD, "From A Mother's Heart," to honor women, motherhood, family and mother earth.

Available at: iTunes, CDBaby, and Sound Visions Media

"From A Mother's Heart" is a musical tribute featuring mostly original compositions written by the artists who perform them and each one is dedicated to their own mother. In an effort to be Eco-friendly and keep this project kind to "mother earth" the CD is available exclusively as a download through digital media sources like iTunes, CDBaby.com and Sound Visions Media.

"We want this CD to honor our mothers and mother earth" spoke recording artist and producer Ellen Johnson, "so we have to start making the necessary changes for ourselves and our planet by doing all we can to be environmentally conscious." Sound Visions Media is encouraging the media to embrace this concept by offering review copies as mp3's. It's clear that the public is more than ready to accept the idea of downloading music and getting the information about the project online instead of in a CD case.

When purchased through SoundVisionsMedia.com there is a pdf about the project, each artist's dedication to their mother and a download where you can print out the CD cover to give as a gift to your mother. The songs on this compilation are from the genres of jazz, world music, singer/songwriter, pop and even poetry. Each one has an individual message; some using lyrics while others capture the essence of their mothers through pure instrumental tones. From the joyous composition, "Ellie." to the intimate poem of ancient ancestors in dedication to the earth in "For My Chacoan Ancestors" the CD begins and ends with a deep understanding of the spirit of each mother's heart. Intimate ballads with tender lyrics as in "Song For My Mother", "With Every Kiss", and "You Know Me By Heart" intertwined with the humor of a mother's little girl in "Dat Dere" amidst the orchestrated and full arrangements of haunting messages in "Children's Playgrounds", Bougainvillea", I Do Remember You, and the wordless "Song For Mother (She Is Made Of Love)." There are even distant friends with a journey to the shores of Brazil and the beautiful Portuguese lyrics about the goddess of the sea.

"From A Mother's Heart" includes a respected roster of musical artists like jazz icon Sheila Jordan whose musical relationship with Charlie Parker helped her to innovate jazz vocals and saxophone great Don Braden who worked with legendary greats like Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard and Roy Haynes. Other artists that contributed to the project are guitarist John Stowell, vocalists Judi Silvano, Barbara Sfraga and Ellen Johnson along with pianists and vocalists Mala Waldron (daughter of the late great Mal Waldron), Peggy Duquesnel (adding a pop style original), world music group Brazil Brasil featuring Ana Gazzola and Sonia Santos, and singer/songwriter Ann Belmont. Every song is delicately dedicated to each musical artist's mother or mother earth.

"This is truly a one of a kind, unique project that is much needed in our changing times to honor the feminine spirit of our planet. We hope these songs will be shared with your own mother or we hope it will help in some way to heal your heart with your mother," remarked Ms. Johnson. Available at: www.iTunes.com, www.CDBaby.com or http://www.soundvisionsmedia.com.

Ellen Johnson and pianist Scott Hiltzik Duo on May 15th

The “Magic Bass Sounds” Of Mimi Jones At The Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival



Featuring a sneak preview of the debut CD release “A New Day”

http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=showevent&event=mjwil

(Washington, D.C., May 12, 2009) Mimi Jones brings her “magic sounds on the bass” to the Kennedy Center premiering her soon to be released debut CD, “A New Day” as part of the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival. Hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater, the festival marks its 14th thrilling year with three evenings of star-studded performances featuring the world's top female jazz artists including: Esperanza Spalding, Anat Cohen and the Anzic Orchestra, Janis Siegel, Carmen Lundy, and the Maria Schneider Orchestra.

Mimi Jones, a.k.a. bassist and Kennedy Center favorite Miriam Sullivan, brings a top-drawer group with her as she returns to the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival following her star turn in the 2004 event. Her much anticipated CD sneak preview performance is slated for Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 PM on the Millennium Stage at 2700 F St., NW, Washington D.C., 20556. She is also the featured bassist in the band that will be accompanying the Fifth Annual Women in Jazz Competition the following day at the Terrace Theater. The event is free and for more information on Mimi Jones go to: http://www.MimiJonesMusic.com.

New York native Mimi Jones (aka Miriam Jones) is a multi talented bassist, vocalist and composer whose elegant sound is an eclectic mix of genres based on a strong jazz foundation. In September 2009 she will release her debut CD, “A New Day,” which is bursting with original compositions seamlessly melting from one song to another and caressed by the warmth of Mimi’s sultry voice.

As a “side man” Miriam Sullivan has shared the stage with such talents as the great Lionel Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Rachel Z, Sean Jones, Kenny Barron, and Joshua Redman. A graduate from the Manhattan School of Music she has also studied and mentored with Lisle Atkinson, Ron Carter, and Milton Hinton. She has toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States and participated in the Department of State and Jazz at Lincoln Center Rhythm Abroad Program. Although Mimi plays acoustic bass, baby bass, electric bass, and numerous styles of music (including jazz, funk, hip hop, Cuban, free, folk, and pop) she thrives on remaining open to learning unfamiliar sounds. "I hope that my music sends a message of unconditional love and encouragement in order to let people know that we all experience the same things but in different ways. If we find the joy within eventually it will be all around us."