Errand Girl For Jazz

Pianist Danny Green Performance Schedule Update

2011-07-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

Performances with my band:

July 10 - Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar at the Sheraton (Carlsbad)
Jazz Brunch Performance from 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Featuring Rob Thorsen (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)

July 20 - Clairemont Library - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)

July 26 - North University Community Branch Library - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)

August 18 - Oceanside Museum of Art
333's Jazz at the Museum - 7:00 P.M.
Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass), Julien Cantelm, plus special guest TBA.

September 10 - The Jazz88 Ocean Beach Music and Art Festival
My quartet will be playing two sets at different locations. More info TBA.

November 3 - Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Theater - 7:30 P.M.
Featuring Justin Grinnell and Julien Cantelm.

Solo Piano Performances:

I will be performing at the Marine Room in La Jolla on July 15, 22 & 29 from
7:00 - 10:00 P.M.

Pianist Danny Green Performance Schedule

2011-06-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

July 10 - Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar at the Sheraton (Carlsbad)
Jazz Brunch Performance from 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Featuring Rob Thorsen (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)

July 20 - Clairemont Library - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)

July 26 - North University Community Branch Library - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)

August 18 - Oceanside Museum of Art
333's Jazz at the Museum - 7:00 P.M.
Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass), Julien Cantelm, plus special guest TBA.

September 10 - The Jazz88 Ocean Beach Music and Art Festival
My quartet will be playing two sets at different locations. More info TBA.

Solo Piano Performances:

I will be performing at the Marine Room in La Jolla on various Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10 P.M. throughout the summer. As of now, these are the dates I will be there:
June 18 & 24
July 15, 22 & 29

The Wahya Consort Premieres “Mingus and Beyond” at The Ojai Arts Center

2011-05-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

Creative and Improvised Jazz Supports

The Humane Society of Ventura County

An exciting day of jazz events includes The Wahya Consort making their debut with a premiere of, "Mingus and Beyond," on Sunday June 12, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Ojai Arts Center located at 113 South Montgomery Street in Ojai.

The Wahya Consort includes vocalist Ellen Johnson, pianist Bevan Manson, percussionist Brad Dutz and bassist Rick Shaw performing music of Charles Mingus, original compositions and lyrics, and free improvised music.

The Consort, in support of the Ojai Music Festival occurring the same day featuring composer and conductor Maria Schneider's 18-piece big band and soprano, Dawn Upshaw, is providing a discount for their concert to anyone attending the festival.

The name "Wahya," Cherokee for wolf, was specifically chosen by the group to represent the extraordinary beauty and expressions of nature through their musical compositions that focus on original, creative and improvised music with elements of jazz, classical, and world music.

The Consort will be donating the proceeds of their ticket sales to the Humane Society of Ventura County.

Single tickets for the Wahya Consort are $15.00 for regular admission and $7.00 with an Ojai Music Festival pass. To reserve or purchase single tickets for the Wahya Consort performance call 805-272-8125 or go to info (at) JazzInOjai.com. To purchase Ojai Music Festival passes and receive a discount on the Wahya Consort concert, go to www.OjaiFestival.org. For more information go to www.JazzInOjai.com or Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/3cswdfb

About The Wahya Consort Musicians:

The Wahya Consort is a group of seasoned musicians stretching the boundaries of jazz, classical and improvised music. The name “Wahya,” (pronounced way – ya) Cherokee for wolf, was specifically chosen by the group to represent the extraordinary beauty and expressions of nature that inspires the music they create. Together they contribute their talents through the instrumentation of vocals, percussion, piano, bass and occasional special guest artists. Whether they are collaborating on inventive improvisations, renditions of jazz classics or creating original compositions and lyrics, the Wahya Consort brings a conscious dimension to group performance. The members of the group include: Brad Dutz, Ellen Johnson, Bevan Manson, and Rick Shaw.

We're Back!

2011-05-15T21:20:00.001-07:00

We've been on a little hiatus in the past few months.
Sorry if you missed hearing from us.

Our new direction is not only promoting artists through our services but with some new media concepts in collaboration with others.

We are also going to be opening up our blog to reviews of CDs, live performances, videos, books and more!

Thanks for checking in with us and we hope to bring you information about some great artists projects and events.

Improvijazzation Nation Magazine Review of E.J. Antonio

2010-12-19T21:59:00.000-08:00

Review: http://zzaj.freehostia.com/wordpress/?page_id=190

E. J. Antonio – RITUALS IN THE MARROW; RECIPE FOR A JAM SESSION:

This spoken-word CD is one of the best musical adventures I’ve been on this year… some of that certainly has to do with my penchant for words (as many of you know, I started out performing poetry, oh so many years ago). E.J. makes her words come ALIVE, especially on pieces like the opener, “Foreign Monkey“… these aren’t “cutesy” 4/4 rhymes, either… this song/poem has genuine GUTS! Many late-nite sessions around the world come back to mind as I listen to “Every Old NY Jazz Club” – can FEEL the smoke drippin’ off the horns, saxes & bass as E.J. guides us through the haze. If the harp/vocal call-response on “Pullman Porter” doesn’t reach right out & touch you – you might as well be Elliot Ness – unTOUCHable! I’ve no doubt we will be hearing lots more from Ms. Antonio – this gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at /www.ejantoniobluez.net/ Rotcod Zzaj

If Time Stood Still Review from All About Jazz

2010-10-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

By Jerry D'Souza Read entire review here: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=37638

Norman Johnson was in high school in Jamaica when he heard George Benson and became interested in the guitar. He says that he was mesmerized by Benson, and though he figured that he was too old at 16 to begin playing an instrument he went ahead. Later studying at the Hartt School of Music with Jackie McLean and Brian Keane, his influences grew to include Wes Montgomery, Earl Klugh, and Andres Segovia. Segovia fostered his love for classical music and, along with Klugh, the nylon-string guitar.

Johnson is comfortable in several styles. He realizes them through different lineups, with the underlying factor being his enunciation. He is a clean and nimble player who imbues a lyrical sonority to his textures.

Johnson balances themes and tempos well enough through his playing and arrangements. It certainly augurs well for the future which, hopefully, will produce more fine music.

For more about Norman Johnson go to: http://www.NormanJohnsonGuitar.com

Jazz Station - Vocal CD of the Month - "Dancing with Johnny"

2010-09-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Jazz Station
Arnaldo DeSouteiro

Vocal CD of the Month Linda Ciofalo: "Dancing with Johnny" (Lucky Jazz) 2010

Rating: *****
A very pleasant surprise, full of surprises thanks to the creative arrangements (by pianist John DiMartino and Linda herself) and, of course, the lovely vocal & instrumental performances.
On this self-produced release, Ciofalo is backed by Grammy winner - and a current member of the CTI All Stars 2010 Band - Brian Lynch on trumpet, John DiMartino (piano), John Benitez (bass), Ernesto Simpson (drums), Little Johnny Rivero (percussion), Paul Meyers (nylon string guitar), Chieli Minucci (electric guitar) and Joel Frahm (tenor & soprano saxophones).

A Johnny Mercer Songbook -- showcasing the lyricist's genius with such diverse partners as Victor Schertzinger, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael, Henry Mancini, Robert Emmett Dolan, Gordon Jenkins, Ralph Burns, Woody Herman & Rube Bloom -- couldn't go wrong in terms of repertoire, but what makes this CD really so special is the fresh appeal of each & every track, with Linda Ciofalo's bell-clear beautiful voice shining throughout the 52-minute program of 13 tunes, all recorded in a single session, on October 20, 2009 in NY.

My personal favorite tracks are the exciting latin-tinged scores of "Tangerine" (on which the intoxicating percussion work of Little Johnny Rivero, combining congas & timbales, sounds like a meeting of Mongo Santamaria with Tito Puente) and "That Old Black Magic," both also featuring Lynch (undoubtedly one of the Top 5 trumpeters in the contemporary jazz scene) and Frahm.

But there are many other highlights, such as the Diana Krall-like sensual approach to "Talk To Me Baby" (done as a slow bossa nova, with Paul Meyers, a veteran of Thiago de Mello's Amazon band, playing acoustic guitar a la Joao Gilberto) and the up-tempo bossa take of "Day In, Day Out," again embellished by Meyers' syncopated guitar beat.

The magnificent "Early Autumn" becomes a quasi-bolero, "Skylark" receives a bluesy feel with Minucci evoking memories of the late Eric Gale, and "P.S. I Love You" (a song that Diana Krall has been singing on her current "Quiet Nights" tour and plans to record on her next album) appears here with Rivero adding bongos to add a soft latin spice to this sumptuous Gordon Jenkins ballad. Pure delight!
For additional infos and pics, please check: http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesouteiros.blogspot.com/2010/06/linda-ciofalos-new-cd-tribute-to-johnny.html

POET E. J. ANTONIO DEBUTS CD featuring Christian McBride

2010-09-07T22:08:00.001-07:00

Poet E.J. Antonio envisioned her debut CD, Rituals in the marrow: Recipe for a jam session, as an “in-the-moment jam session.” This recording is a unique blend of spoken words that dance with the sonic diversity of instruments as they wind their way through the genres of jazz, blues, gospel, r&b, and Afro-Latin rhythms. “I often go to live jazz performances,” spoke Antonio, “and write down the images that come to me from listening to the music and watching the musicians’ physical reactions to the music. These genres of music and this gift of words have influenced me my entire life. My bones have absorbed these sounds, move to these sounds, and rest in these sounds.” Blues, jazz, r&b and pop music were staples of Antonio’s life growing up in Spanish Harlem. So was her fascination for words and gospel influences that were a direct result of watching her grandmother Lucille, a Pastor of Gospel Temple Church of Christ, work on and preach her sermons.

The musicians on this project were chosen because of their creative improvisational skills and extraordinary ability to “listen” to each other. Antonio’s concept was to keep an element of surprise and risk, so all the tracks are live collaborations with no rehearsals. On the first track, renowned jazz artist Christian McBride along with Christopher Dean Sullivan (acoustic bass), Saco Yasuma (bamboo sax), and Joe Giardullo (reeds) resonate together to form the tension egg of sound necessary to make the birthing of the poem “foreign monkey” possible. Trumpet player Eddie Allen becomes the foil in “bluesman/truth be told,” while Tyehimba Jess on harmonica is the “in-your-face” gospel sound bolstering the voice in “Pullman porter.” “Sound rhythium” musician Michael T.A. Thompson (drums) and Joe Giardullo (flute) are complimented by Sullivan who uses his acoustic bass as a percussion instrument bringing home the Afro-Latin sound in the danceable “ballad mambo.” Track number eight was inspired by the music of June Kuramoto and the sounds of the koto instrument. The bamboo sax of Saco Yasuma with the French horn treatment by Mark Taylor add the perfect touch of serenity and introspective to “koto suite.” Every track, with words that drip like honey from Antonio’s mouth, is clearly live improvisation at its best.

E.J. Antonio is a 2009 fellow in Poetry from the New York Foundation for the Arts and a recipient of fellowships from the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Cave Canem Foundation. She has appeared as a featured reader at several venues in the NY tri-state area, such as Cornelia Street Café, the Bronx Council on the Arts First Wednesday reading series, the Calypso Muse Reading Series, the Hudson Valley Writers Center, the Harvard Club, WBAI’s broadcast Perspectives, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, the Bahai Center, Hunter Mountain Arts Festival, the Bowery Poetry Club, the Port Chester Art Fest 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Home Base Project, the York Arts Center, the Latimer House Museum, and the Howl Festival.
Her work appears online at www.thedrunkenboat.com, poetz.com, and roguescholars.com, and has been published in various Journals and magazines; including, African Voices Literary Magazine, Amistad Literary Journal, Terra Incognita, Black Renaissance/Renaissance Noire, Mobius: The Poetry Magazine, The Mom Egg Literary Journal, One Word/Many Voices: A Bi-Lingual Poetry Anthology, and Torch. Her work is forthcoming in The Encyclopedia Project. The Premier Poets Chapbook Series published her first chapbook, Every Child Knows, in the Fall of 2007, and she is one of the featured poets on the CD, Beauty Keeps Laying It’s Sharp Knife Against Me: Brant Lyon and Friends.

“I use my work to bring attention to the commonalities we share as human beings, and to shed a light on the idea that there needs to be a place for a different kind of spoken word; that the collaboration of music and poetry is still a viable art form. Some call this jazzoetry, others call it pojazz, and others call it poemusic or spoken word. Whatever the title, it is clearly not just jazz or poetry, but something that resonates in the heart, something that causes a person to slow down and listen.”

and now, somebody
will sing you a praise song
a revival song
a song
buoyant / full of the blues and the jazz and the hymn
of struggle fraught from one continent to another and back
to the beginning
where the ocean carves
skeletons to gauze / unraveling
it sings
praises to your dead
while you push
on and on and on and on and on...
writing new choruses to Amazing Grace
how sweet the sound…
we sing
sing
sing
(from “pullman porter” by E.J. Antonio)

For more information go to, www.EjAntonioBluez.net.

Norman Johnson Reviewed on Improvijazzation Nation

2010-08-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Norman Johnson - IF TIME STOOD STILL:

Improvijazzation Nation Rotcod Zzaj
Issue # 105 - http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z105Reviews.htm

Includes reviews for at least 36 other artists

If the words "laid-back" & "groove" fit the mood you're in, you'll definitely want to listen to this debut CD from Norman... the opening track,"It's Time To Fly" will set the mood for the rest of the 10 highly-inspired tracks, no doubt. Norman's got a cast of players far too long to itemize here, so you'll have to buy the CD to get that. He's been around for many years, playing with folks like Dave Brubeck, Harvie S (also reviewed in this issue) & Phil Wilson, just to name a few; he shows on this CD that he has a marvelous talent for making music that will enchant your ears and capture your heart instantly. I just loved "Always and Forever," which takes us back to a magical time when music was an inspiration (think Wes, think Wes, think Wes). It was the soulful "Can I Get An Amen" that captured my vote for favorite, though... it will make a believer out of you, no doubt! I've no doubt that we'll be hearing lots more from Mr. Johnson in the next few years, and I'm truly looking forward to that. I give him a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, and an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.96.

Interview with Gteen Screen Author, Jeff Foster

2010-08-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

Jeff Foster had the pleasure of being interviewed by Michael Ray Dresser for his online radio program “Dresser After Dark” to discuss his book, “The Green Screen Handbook."

Mr. Dresser is known to interview experts and authors over a range of topics and took interest in Jeff's book for technology.

The interview airs tonight, August 5, at 7:00pm PDT on BlogRadio at Dresser After Dark, along with several other authors and topical experts.

You can also hear the interview at: Jeff_Foster-Dresser-Radio_8-4-10.mp3

or get the book or contact Jeff at: www.pixelpainter.com

If Time Stood Still Debut From Guitarist Norman Johnson Releases August 10, 2010

2010-07-26T00:15:00.000-07:00

"Time Stands Still" For Guitarist Norman Johnson's Distinctive Debut Contemporary Jazz CD Release

READ ENTIRE PRESS RELEASE:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/jazz/guitar/prweb4281054.htm

Ojai, CA (PRWEB) July 26, 2010 If Time Stood Still, called "an album with a sumptuous groove. . . with a style in the best traditions of Wes Montgomery and George Benson," is the debut solo release from guitarist Norman Johnson slated to be released August, 10, 2010 on the Pacific Coast Jazz label. From enjoyable rhythmic concepts to the mysterious, sultry melodies that frame Johnson's distinctive sound, this recording integrates the best of contemporary and traditional jazz. With over twenty recordings as a sideman, playing with highly respected musicians (Dave Brubeck, Jerry Bergonzi, Bill Mays, Harvie S., Phil Wilson and Steve Gadd) along with composing and recording music for corporate clients, this release puts Norman Johnson in the spotlight he truly deserves.

If Time Stood Still is well worth the wait with exceptional original songs that incorporate Latin and contemporary jazz grooves and a special arrangement of the Pat Metheny cover tune, "Always and Forever. "There are five different types of guitars used on this recording, a string quartet on the title cut, and a wide range of instruments that include, Tyler VanOstrand (bass), Ken Fischer (piano), Chris Herbert (sax and flute), Steve Davis (trombone), Josh Bruneau (trumpet), including drummers, Bob Forte, Arti Dixson, Anthony Cusano, Chris Lemp drums and percussionists, Martin Obeng, Greg Allan and Eric Galm."The songs and arrangements allow each musician to create interesting parts and improvise," commented Johnson. "I would like people to hear this recording for what I intended it to be, good songs played by fine musicians, accessible to everyone whether you love jazz or not."

Fingerprints, Dream Life CD, Review from The Smooth Jazz Ride

2010-07-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

Fingerprints New Release,
Dream Life - Review:

Ronald Jackson
TheSmoothJazzRide.com

Dream Life, the fifth release from this very competent contemporary jazz band, Fingerprints, seems to cover more turf than just contemporary jazz as it shows off a fine blend of genres and styles ranging from old school soul to a Brazilian touch.

Read the entire review at: http://www.thesmoothjazzride.com/Fingerprints.html

How Much Do Music Artists Earn Online?

2010-07-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

How Much Do Music Artists Earn Online?

I ran across this interesting article about the earnings of digital music from musicians/artists. Sad to say, it's not a surprise but certainly demonstrates how difficult it is to make a living in the music business today.

Which is why it's important to stay flexible and prolific along with finding alternate revenue sources besides CD/digital sales.

The entire article with graphs is at this link: http://tinyurl.com/y99238f

Music Publicity 101 and then some...

2010-07-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

I just read this very good short piece on music publicity. These are some of the things I tell my own artists and thought I'd share them with you.

The article is from the DIY musician blog written by Mike King of Berklee College of Music.
For those of us out in the world doing music publicity I appreciate his concise information on some important items. A press kit is very important and how it is constructed.

To read the entire article go to:
http://tinyurl.com/yzrld66

Mike's comments on what constitutes a good promo kit/press kit are the following:
- a bio
- press release
- an advance or finished product
- link to high res photos
- press quotes

I constantly tell new artists and seasoned artists how important these elements are to the press.
After you read the article you can add my extra comments.

My Comments

Bios - I would like to comment along with Mike's article that it is important to not only have a bio but a story that would be of interest to the press. There are a billion CDs floating around out there today and what will make yours most appealing is a compelling story either about the project or about you. It's important that you have someone who can REALLY write well and create your story. It's probably best not to do that on your own because you may not be able to "see" your own story.

Photos - Please make sure your photos are in focus! It's best to consult with someone who really understands what makes a good press photo. Not your brother who happens to take some good shots with his camera. You need a photo that complements your story and is in sync with your project. Not something that you took 10 years ago.

Press quotes - Don't include entire reviews! Just short one or two line statements that are positive and support your story.

Press release - You must know how to write a proper press release. This is important if you want to get the best out of it. Again, leave it to the pros if you don't know how or learn.

Advance or finished copy - Please don't send a finished copy of a recording that was done more than 6 months to a year ago. The press does not like receiving old recordings under the guise that they are a new release. I have had several clients NOT tell me their recording was older and it has not been good for them. If you do want to send something older than be honest. Put that information in your press materials or when you contact them. They will appreciate it and some will even review if they have an area for older CDs. If they like it enough they will review it but you must tell them in advance.

If any of you from the press/media would like to contribute your thoughts as to what would help you working with indie artists, labels and publicists please contribute to this blog.

Thanks ... and happy pr.

Joy

Bradley Leighton - Soul Collective Review

2010-07-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

SmoothJazzVibes.com
By Ronald Jackson

Flutist Bradley Leighton has covered a lot of turf in his career as far as citing musical influences is concerned. He’s covered Charlie Parker and even rolled through a little Tower of Power. Here on his 2008 release, Soul Collective, the flutist seems to travel back to his Back to the Funk release as he unleashes some coolly rhythmic and oft funky material on us.
The album runs the gamut for groovable tracks. The opening cut, “It’s On,” has a really nice hook and decidedly smooth yet funky feel while “Café Con Leche” has that appealingly rhythmic and exotic Latin touch. Funk takes center stage with “Wake Up Call” and its sassy swagger. Covers like “She’s Gone,” “Ode to Billy Joe,” and “Keep That Same Ol’ Feeling” are dealt with adeptly and with precision. Vocalist Paula Prophet, who is expected to release her debut sometime this year, offers her “That Man,” which has that early Motown/Martha Reeves kinda groove, and it works…well.  With guest help from Greg Adams, Tom Braxton, Jason Miles, Evan Marks, and Tom Scott, this project came gift-wrapped and set to please. It’s quite obvious that the stellar gathering prompted the album’s name and character.  It’s amazing what the flute has been able to offer in the world of jazz. From Laws to Najee to Zonjic to Leighton and many more, we have come to experience the texture and sweetness that the instrument adds to the genre. Soul Collective speaks to just how fortunate we are to have that experience.

The History Of Jazz Fusion on MOJA Radio to Celebrate the 4th of July!

2010-06-28T02:13:00.000-07:00

Lots of great things happening at MOJA Radio and one that caught our attention was, The History Of Fusion!

www.mojaradio.com

This coming Sunday is our great American Holiday The 4th of July and on MOJA Radio they will be celebrating with an exclusive 4-hour special “THE HISTORY OF JAZZ FUSION!”

From 3-7 PM Eastern time (Noon-4 PM Pacific) you’ll hear all four hours of The History of Fusion, Part One, The Birth of Fusion, Part Two, The Super-Groups of Fusion, Part Three, The Solo Stars of Fusion, and Part Four, Fusion –the Second Decade.

So listen this Sunday, The 4th of July for “THE HISTORY OF JAZZ FUSION,” only from MOJA Radio!

Norman Johnson, Pacific Coast Jazz Artist, Releases Debut CD “If Time Stood Still”

2010-06-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Slated for Street Date of August 10, 2010

San Diego, CA – June 15, 2010 – If Time Stood Still, the debut solo release from guitarist Norman Johnson on the Pacific Coast Jazz label, is an exquisite expression of music that has been waiting to happen. From sonic grooves reminiscent of Wes Montgomery and George Benson to the mysterious, sultry melodies that frame Johnson’s distinctive sound, this recording integrates the best of contemporary and traditional jazz. With over twenty recordings as a sideman, playing with highly respected musicians (Dave Brubeck, Jerry Bergonzi, Bill Mays, Harvie S., Phil Wilson and Steve Gadd) along with composing and recording music for corporate clients, this release puts Norman Johnson in the spotlight he truly deserves.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to represent the debut CD, If Time Stood Still, from such a talented and experienced artist,” says Donna Nichols, founder and president of Pacific Coast Jazz. “This CD is way overdue for Norman who is a high caliber musician and composer.” Nichols’ label has teamed up with publicist Joy Foster of SV Media and radio promoter Adam Leibovitz at ASL Music Media for access to international media buying and radio promotion.  If Time Stood Still is well worth the wait with exceptional original songs that incorporate Latin and contemporary jazz grooves and a special arrangement of the Pat Metheny cover tune, “Always and Forever. “There are five different types of guitars used on this recording, a string quartet on the title cut and a wide range of instruments that include, Tyler VanOstrand (bass), Ken Fischer (piano), Chris Herbert (sax and flute), Steve Davis (trombone), Josh Bruneau (trumpet), including drummers, Bob Forte, Arti Dixson, Anthony Cusano, Chris Lemp drums and percussionists, Martin Obeng, Greg Allan and Eric Galm.“The songs and arrangements allow each musician to create interesting parts and improvise,” commented Johnson. “I would like people to hear this recording for what I intended it to be, good songs played by fine musicians, accessible to everyone whether you love jazz or not.“ For more information and interviews with Norman Johnson, visit www.NormanJohnsonGuitar.com or contact Joy Foster at SVMedia@svmediarelations.com or 310-487-0048.

 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.

Linda Ciofalo’s West Coast Tour Features Her CD Tribute To Johnny Mercer, Dancing With Johnny

2010-06-22T17:43:00.001-07:00

(New York, NY June 22, 2010) –Linda Ciofalo makes her West Coast tour to sing selections from her latest CD, Dancing With Johnny. Ciofalo understands how to deliver a great lyric and on Dancing With Johnny, a special tribute to Johnny Mercer, she shines. Since Mercer is known for his endless brilliance as a first class writer of over 1,000 songs, Ciofalo is breath taking in her element. The songs showcase her tasteful vocal style and Ciofalo allows the strength of the material to serve as the musical foundation upon which her strong, yet distinct vocals sit comfortably as the centerpiece of this timeless collection of standards. But what makes this recording even more rewarding is that all of the compositions have a Latin twist that spark the desire to move to each memorizing Mercer lyric. Deep rooted in the South, Mercer’s award winning songs paint exquisite images of nature, romance, haunting memories and love. “Johnny Mercer’s lyrics dance on a singer’s lips,” said Ciofalo. “His words are intoxicating and a sheer pleasure to sing.”

Dancing With Johnny also features Grammy winner Brian Lynch (trumpet) and stellar musicians such as John DiMartino (piano), John Benitez (bass), Ernesto Simpson (drums), Little Johnny Rivero (percussion), Paul Meyers (nylon string guitar), Chieli Minucci (electric guitar and effects) and Joel Frahm (saxophones). The Mercer material is a welcome addition to Ciofalo's repertoire, which ranges from such diverse sources as bluesman John Lee Hooker to Broadway’s Rodgers and Hammerstein. What a bold statement to her versatility that her voice can be both hard-hitting and gutsy or lend itself to pure romance. Andrea Canter of JazzPolice.com writes, "Her vibrant swing can turn gloom into joy; her storyteller’s passion recounts love lost and found; her voice moves easily from sultry to salty to sassy.”

Stops on her West Coast tour include Tula’s in Seattle (June 25), Jazzvox Concert with Randy Halberstadt in Camano Island, WA (June 27), Rasselas Jazz Club with the David Udolf Trio in San Francisco (June 29) and on July 1st at the Crowne Plaza in the Brasserie Jazz Lounge where Linda will be joined by some of Los Angeles's premier musicians, Otmaro Ruiz (piano), John Belzaguy (bass) and Jimmy Branly (drums).

Linda’s love for Mercer songs started early on when she had to learn songs for a big band and after being introduced to the famous Mercer hit “Skylark” she was swept away because of the beauty of the lyrics. “Singers have a special gift,” said Ciofalo in a recent interview “because we get to use words along with the music. In fact, it’s our job to deliver those lyrics with emotion and sincerity.” Linda has been devoted to Mercer’s music doing programs for many years that feature the great artist’s lyrics and music. She was hoping to release this CD on his centennial but just missed it by one year. Commented Ciofalo,“It was my intent to tribute Johnny Mercer with a recording which is both romantic and moving. We hope it will make your heart feel like dancing” For more information go to, www.LindaCiofalo.com

Jaki Mathews Interviews Bradley Leighton on Jazz Workshop

2010-06-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Bradley Leighton can be heard today talking with Jaki Mathews on her Jazz Workshop radio show at www.fmbdmsradio.net.

Jazz Workshop regular programming airs Monday through Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm and Saturdays from 2 -5 pm EST.

Bradley Leighton Interview on The Jazz Intersection

2010-06-06T18:52:00.001-07:00

Listen to Bradley Leighton's Interview
on The Jazz Intersection
with James Harber.

www.TheJazzIntersection.org

Check out the "Music For Life Tour" at www.BradleyLeighton.com

Interview with Tom Braxton on The Jazz Intersection

2010-05-31T12:23:00.001-07:00

Listen to Tom Braxton's interview with James Harbor on The Jazz Intersection.

Braxton's single release, "Open Road" from Endless Highway CD official radio play date.

http://www.thejazzintersection.com

Tom Braxton "Open Road" Single Hits Radio May 31st

2010-05-28T00:31:00.000-07:00

"Open Road" The summer single from the CD Endless Highway

"The album draws attention to Braxton's mellifluous tonality and easy flowing narrations as he displays multiple tiers to his talent as a composer, producer and arranger . . . When Braxton puts himself into his music he does so with everything he has. His jovial mood in the tracks pumps positive vibes into the listener's ears and puts one in a very bright state of being . . . Endless Highway radiates happiness in every track." - JazzTimes

"Open Road" is the perfect summer release for your vacation road trip or family get-a-way. And while you're listening you may even catch a concert as Tom Braxton hits the "open road" to perform at various venues around the country.

"Open Road" is one of the tracks from his latest release "Endless Highway" on the Pacific Coast Jazz label. Joined by an outstanding array of musicians, this recording is a toe-tapping, colorful, groove-oriented excursion with a sophisticated urban flavor that will make you feel like dancing and singing all day long.

Braxton has shared the stage with renowned artists including Dave Koz, Rick Braun, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Miller, Wayman Tisdale, Luther Vandross and Phillip Bailey. He has opened concerts for Norman Brown, Boney James, Najee, Dave Brubeck, Cab Calloway, Spyro Gyra, The Rippingtons, David Benoit, Pieces of a Dream, Michael Franks and The Crusaders. Braxton has been featured in media and publications such as JAZZIZ, Smooth Jazz News, CBS's The Saturday Early Show, BET's Jazz Central, TBS, TNT, ESPN, CNN, NBC's Inside Stuff and others. He recently made his first European tour in the Netherlands as an "Ambassador of Jazz" sponsored by Smooth Jazz Europe.

CURRENT PERFORMANCE DATES:
June 6 - Capital Jazz Festival - Columbia, MD
June 20 - Catalina Bar & Grill (with Keiko Matsui) - Hollywood, CA
June 22 - Wilson Creek Winery - Temecula, CA
July 7 - KJZS 92.1 FM Live Jazz Night - Orozko Lounge - Reno, NV
July 8 - Harlow's - Sacramento, CA
July 15 - Close Up 2 - Chicago, IL
Aug 21 - Spaghettini's - Seal Beach, CA
Aug 28 - Smooth Jazz at South Shore - Michigan City, IN
Sept. 25 - Smooth Contemporary Jazz Festival - Hengelo, The Netherlands
Oct. 29 - American Smooth Jazz Awards, Michigan City, IN
Jan 16-30 - The Smooth Jazz Cruise (2 weeks) - Caribbean

Bradley Leighton Adds More Cities to His "Music For Life" Tour

2010-05-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

“You may have never heard the flute played like this until you’ve heard Bradley Leighton,” wrote Susan Frances of JazzReview.com. “He turns the flute into whatever instrument he wants it to be.”

A remarkable performer, Bradley Leighton kicks off his summer “Music For Life” tour schedule on June 5th at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre in Oceanside, CA and continues on bringing his fire and flair as one of the featured artists at the Carlyle Club for the Pacific Coast Jazz label’s All Stars Concert on June 11th. The event hosts a hot line up of musicians that include: Art Sherrod Jr, Ronny Smith, Al Williams III and a special guest appearance by Washington D.C. recording artists, Saltman Knowles. With all of these talented, swinging and funky musicians on one stage it is a guaranteed good time for all.

Then on June 13th Leighton is the featured artist at the Takoma Park Jazz Festival along with five-time Downbeat Best New Artist winner, Jeremy Pelt and the D.C. All-Stars, led by Chuck Redd. For the first time this year, the Takoma Park Jazz Festival will present a free master class with Pelt, Leighton and Redd on their respective instruments. As a Yamaha Performing Artist and flute coach, Bradley is known for his dedication to education in the arts and has developed his own workshop program, “Music For Life,” that inspires all ages to embrace the study of improvisation.

Other stops along the way are listed below. For more information about the “Music For Life Tour” go to, http://www.BradleyLeighton.com or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

“Music For Life Tour” performance schedule:

June 5 – 7:30 p.m. Sunshine Brooks Theatre, Oceanside, CA, http://www.sunshinebrookstheatre.com
June 11 - 8:00 p.m. Pacific Coast Jazz All Stars Concert at The Carlyle Club, Alexandria, VA, http://www.thecarlyleclub.com
June 13 -1:00 p.m. The Takoma Park Jazz Festival, Takoma Park, MD, http://www.tpjazzfest.org/index.html
June 17 -7:30 p.m. The Greenwich, Cincinnati, OH www.the-greenwich.com
June 18 - 10:00 p.m. Wilbert's Music, Cleveland, OH, http://www.wilbertsmusic.com
June 20 -7:00 p.m. Vonn Jazz, Colombus, OH http://www.vonnjazz.com
June 22 - 7:30 p.m. Benny’s Pizza, Marysville, OH
June 23 - 7:00 p.m. Cosmopolitan Bar, Des Moines, IA
June 25 - 11:30 a.m. Ames Summer Festival, Ames, IA
June 25 - 7:00 p.m. Java Joe’s, Des Moines, IA
June 26 - 5:00 p.m. Omaha Summer Arts Festival, Omaha, NE, http://www.summerarts.org/2010prefestival/
July 16 - 7:00 p.m. Coronado Library, Coronado, CA, http://www.coronado.ca.us/
August 7 - 4:00 p.m. Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival, Mobile, AL, http://www.gcehjazzfest.com/
September 25 - 11:30 am. Smooth Jazz & High Desert, Adelanto, CA.

Bradley Leighton Brings Fire and Flair on his Music For Life Tour

2010-04-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

(Ojai, CA April 26, 2010) – “You may have never heard the flute played like this until you’ve heard Bradley Leighton,” wrote Susan Frances of JazzReview.com. “He turns the flute into whatever instrument he wants it to be.”

A remarkable performer, Bradley Leighton kicks off his summer “Music For Life” tour schedule with fire and flair by being one of the featured artists at the Carlyle Club for the Pacific Coast Jazz label’s All Stars Concert on June 11th. The event hosts a hot line up of musicians that include: Art Sherrod Jr, Ronny Smith, Al Williams III and a special guest appearance by Washington D.C. recording artists, Saltman Knowles. With all of these talented, swinging and funky musicians on one stage it is a guaranteed good time for all. Then on June 13th Leighton is the featured artist at the Takoma Park Jazz Festival along with five-time Downbeat Best New Artist winner, Jeremy Pelt and the D.C. All-Stars, led by Chuck Redd. For the first time this year, the Takoma Park Jazz Festival will present a free master class with Pelt, Leighton and Redd on their respective instruments.

As a Yamaha Performing Artist and flute coach, Bradley is known for his dedication to education in the arts and has developed his own workshop program, “Music For Life,” that inspires all ages to embrace the study of improvisation. Other stops along the way on the tour include the Museum of African American History in Detroit, Wilbert’s Music in Cleveland, the Omaha Summer Arts Festival in Omaha, the Coronado Library in California and the final stop on August 7th at the Gulf Coast Ethnic and Heritage Festival in Mobile, AL. For more information about the “Music For Life Tour” go to, http://www.BradleyLeighton.com or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

“Music For Life Tour” performance schedule:

June 11 - 8:00 p.m. Pacific Coast Jazz All Stars Concert at The Carlyle Club, Alexandria, VA, http://www.thecarlyleclub.com
June 13 -1:00 p.m. The Takoma Park Jazz Festival, Takoma Park, MD, http://www.tpjazzfest.org/index.html
June 17 - 6:00 p.m. The Museum of African American History, Detroit, MI, http://www.maah-detroit.org/
June 18 - 10:00 p.m. Wilbert's Music, Cleveland, OH, http://www.wilbertsmusic.com/
June 20 -7:00 p.m. Vonn Jazz, Colombus, OH http://www.vonnjazz.com/
June 26 - 5:00 p.m. Omaha Summer Arts Festival, Omaha, NE, http://www.summerarts.org/2010prefestival/
July 16 - 7:00 p.m. Coronado Library, Coronado, CA, http://www.coronado.ca.us/
August 7 - 4:00 p.m. Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival, Mobile, AL, http://www.gcehjazzfest.com/

About Bradley Leighton
Bradley Leighton has a unique and powerful sound bringing a fire and flair not usually heard nor expected from a flutist. Jim Santella of the LA Jazz Scene wrote, “he exhibits the musical virtuosity that has carried his career around the world.” His style of swing evolved from listening to the big, hi-octane bands of Kenton, Herman and Ferguson in the 60's-70's while his funkiness derives from years of listening to Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Brecker Brothers and countless other soul/R&B acts. With four highly respected recordings under the Pacific Coast Jazz label and numerous features on other artist’s CDs, Bradley has established himself as one of the worlds premier flute players.

His recording projects Just Doin’ Our Thang (2005,) Back To The Funk (2006) and his most recent CD, Soul Collective (2009,) were nominated “Best Jazz Album of the Year” by the San Diego Music Awards Academy and continue to receive national radio airplay and promotion. Bradley has performed across the US and internationally as both sideman and bandleader for over twenty-five years. Leighton has opened for the Greater Hartford Jazz Festival (featuring artists Joyce Cooling and Gerald Albright) and has headlined for the Gainesville Jazz Festival, Tacoma Wine and Jazz Festival, Rancho Mirage Art Affaire. He continuously performs at recognized clubs like Brooklyn Jazz Café in Dallas, Scat Jazz Lounge in Houston, Humphrey’s, Anthology and Dizzy’s in San Diego along with a multitude of clubs and festivals across the United States. This summer he’ll be performing at the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, the Takoma Park, MD Jazz Festival, Wilbert’s in Cleveland, the Museum of African American History in Detroit and The Carlyle Club in Virginia as part of his “Music For Life Tour.”

A Yamaha Performing Artist since January 2006, Leighton is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm of music as a clinician and educator. Besides teaching private lessons and being a flute coach at the Music Magnet School, Oak Park Elementary in San Diego, Bradley leads workshops and clinics for musicians of all skill levels, including, "Jazz Improvisation for the Classically Trained Flutist," and "Music For Life - Improvisation for the Adult Amateur Musician.” Bradley is a member of the Board of the San Diego Flute Guild and a participating member of the National Flute Association as well as the leader of the Rancho Penasquitos Flute Choir and the Penasquitos Jazz Flute Choir. He also devotes his time to performing for a number of philanthropic organizations in San Diego.

For more information: www.BradleyLeighton.com or www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

A Special Musical Tribute For Mother’s Day: From A Mother’s Heart CD

2010-04-19T01:18:00.001-07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIT19xTNrY

From A Mother’s Heart compilation CD has been called “a unique tribute to mothers” and “a thoughtful gift that offers more love and sentiment in eleven tracks than any greeting card.”

From A Mother’s Heart CD is rich with stories and musical imagery honoring each artist’s mother or their appreciation for mother earth through mostly original compositions. The CD includes a respected roster of musical artists like jazz icon Sheila Jordan, whose musical relationship with Charlie Parker inspired her to innovate jazz vocals and saxophonist Don Braden, who worked with jazz legendary greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard and Roy Haynes. Other artists that contributed to the project are guitarist John Stowell, vocalists Judi Silvano, Barbara Sfraga, Ellen Johnson, Ann Belmont. pianist/vocalist Mala Waldron (daughter of the late great Mal Waldron) and Peggy Duquesnel along with world music group Brasil Brazil, featuring Ana Gazzola and Sonia Santos.

The songs on this compilation are from the genres of jazz, world music, singer/songwriter, pop and there is even a guitar soundscape with poetry. 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).” Each one has an individual message; some using lyrics while others capture the essence of their mothers through pure instrumental tones.

From A Mother’s Heart project encourages purchases through digital downloads to help promote a green environment and is available through iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon. There is a pdf download about the project that gives each artist's dedication to their mother and a printable CD cover to make a gift of the CD for your mother at: www.FromAMothersHeart.com. This is truly a one of a kind, special project to honor motherhood, women, family and mother earth,” spoke recording artist and producer Ellen Johnson, “we hope these songs will be joyfully shared with your mother or help heal the loss of your mother.”

For more information visit www.FromAMothersHeart.com or see the video on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIT19xTNrY.

All About Jazz Grand Opening Specialty Store

2010-04-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

AllAboutJazz has partnered with Mosaic Records to launch a Jazz specialty store: shop.allaboutjazz.com.

While you have choices about where to purchase music, we do hope that you support sites that specialize in jazz. AAJ intends to earn your support at Shop.AllAboutJazz through their dedication and service to Jazz fans.

They have combed through the tens of thousands of jazz products and have picked the best available material focused on jazz. While they do have much on the site to choose from, they will be adding different labels, musicians and various products as the site evolves.

They intend to send regular updates on new product offerings, sales and other opportunities from their store, and will also highlight activities at the AllAboutJazz.com including download of the day, featured interviews and other Jazz related news.

We support and send them our congratulations!

Eclectic Jazz Quintet, The Outer Bridge Ensemble, Make Their Washington D.C. Debut At Blues Alley On March 29th

2010-03-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

In these days of contrived and over commercialized music it’s refreshing to discover a group like The Outer Bridge Ensemble.

Known as eclectic modern creative jazz that grooves with a soulful attitude, the Outer Bridge Ensemble weaves uncommon genres together like tango, funk, klezmer, punk, avant-garde, Indian music and classical music while maintaining solid and deliberate grooves.

Individually the members of the Quintet have performed with such musical luminaries as Ray Charles, Sonny Rollins, Hank Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Wheeler, Sean Jones and Gerald Wilson. Called “an ensemble of considerable talent” by Keyboard Magazine, the ensemble performs original music with key elements from the jazz tradition highlighting diverse textures, unique instrumentation, with inventive rhythmic meters and inspiring ensemble interaction.

The Outer Bridge Ensemble is pianist/composer Steve Hudson, saxophonist Mark DeJong, bassist Pascal Niggenkemper, drummer Jerome Jennings and percussionist David Freeman.

On Monday, March 29th they will make their Washington D.C. debut at Blues Alley Jazz Supper Club located at 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW with two shows at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM and tickets priced at $18.00. For more information or to reserve tickets contact (202) 337-4141 or http://www.bluesalley.com. For more information about The Outer Bridge Ensemble go to: http://www.outerbridgeensemble.net.

The Outer Bridge Ensemble was born in New Jersey in 2003 with a core group of musicians led by pianist and composer Steve Hudson, drummer Jerome Jennings, percussionist David Freeman and saxophonist Mark DeJong. This modern creative jazz group successfully weaves uncommon genres together like tango, funk, klezmer, punk, avant-garde, Indian music and classical music while maintaining solid and deliberate grooves. What really makes the Outer Bridge Ensemble a cutting edge group is the high level of musicianship combined with original music. Audiences all over the world respond enthusiastically to their unique concept of the group sound, compositions and the level of interaction within the ensemble.
Individually the members of the Quintet have performed with such musical luminaries as Ray Charles, Sonny Rollins, Hank Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Wheeler, Sean Jones and Gerald Wilson. Collectively they have opened for and collaborated with Kenny Werner, John Scofield, Steve Bernstein, James Zoller, Oscar Noriega, David Braid, Craig Brenan, Claire Daly, Achille Succi and coming in June 2010 they will open for Roy Hargrove at the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Featured on a regular basis in the New York City club scene, the group has toured Italy and Canada (with assistance from the Canada Council for the Arts) being featured at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival and SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.
The Outer Bridge Ensemble has three CD’s that incorporate the core group: The Outer Bridge and Seamless (with Steve Hudson as leader) and The Unknown (with Mark DeJong as leader). Hudson's composition “Mingus Moon” from The Outer Bridge was a finalist in the 2003 International Songwriting Competition, selected among 11,000 entries and "Klezmer" from Seamless, a composition written by Freeman, was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2007 International Songwriting Competition. Steve Hudson released his own CD in 2009, Shine, which included the Outer Bridge Ensemble core group Jerome, David, Mark along with Mike Noordzy, Peter Eldridge, Oscar Noriega and James Zollar. The Unknown was nominated for Best Jazz Recording of 2008 by the Western Canadian Music Awards.

Sheila Jordan/Ellen Johnson Workshop Featured in Ventura County Star Article

2010-02-18T01:01:00.000-08:00

Jazz Stylist To Help Singers At Workshop

by Alicia Doyle

February 17, 2010

Ventura County Star

Called one of the most consistently creative of all jazz singers, Sheila Jordan thinks of herself as a messenger of this music.

On Sunday, Jordan will be in Ventura to co-lead a three-hour workshop with Ellen Johnson, a vocalist and educator from Ojai who teaches clinics, private vocal lessons and jazz workshops.

The following Saturday, Jordan will head to the San Fernando Valley to give two performances at Vitellos in Studio City with renowned jazz musicians Alan Pasqua, Peter Erskine and Tom Warrington.

Read entire article: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/feb/16/jazz-stylist-to-help-singers-at-workshop/

WASHINGTON CITY PAPER REVIEW: Saltman Knowles, Yesterday's Man

2010-01-27T13:56:00.000-08:00

Review by Michal J. West
January 27,2010

LINK: http://tinyurl.com/yd2lqgz

Yesterday’s Man is the third album by D.C.’s Saltman Knowles,the latest stop on the group’s neverending quest for melody and hooks. This time, pianist William Knowles and bassist Mark Saltman lead an unusual octet that features a steel pan drummer (Victor Provost). Adventures in instrumentation aside, Yesterday’s Man is the slickest Saltman Knowles production yet. More importantly, though, it’s a tour de force for singer Lori Williams-Chisholm, the band’s only constant besides its namesakes. As always, her joy in singing is unshakable, even on less-than-joyful tunes like “They Don’t Really Care for Us,” but her silken delivery and exceptional timing make up a lot of that ground and help convey the darker moods. Better still are her scatting and improvisations on “Blues for Sale” and “08 Bossa,” among others, where a remarkable talent for rhythmic sounds and melodic variation come through. Yesterday’s Man is a worthy document of one of the District’s most consistently high-quality ensembles.

Also: Nothing official yet, but if history is an indicator, you can expect a CD release gig or two at HR-57 in the very near future.

SALTMAN KNOWLES OFFICIAL RELEASE OF YESTERDAY'S MAN CD TODAY!

2010-01-26T00:51:00.000-08:00

SALTMAN KNOWLES RELEASES
YESTERDAY'S MAN

TODAY!
January 26, 2010

Read official press release at: http://prlog.org/10504432

San Diego, CA – January 26, 2010 –. Bassist Mark Saltman and pianist Mark Knowles present their new CD release, Yesterday’s Man, hitting the streets on January 26th 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. For a review copy, interviews or other media issues contact: Joy Foster, svmediarelations@gmail.com.

BLOGCRITICS REVIEW OF YESTERDAY'S MAN - SALTMAN KNOWLES

2010-01-24T18:49:00.000-08:00

REVIEW - Saltman Knowles
Yesterday's Man
Release date - January 26, 2010

Reviewed by Kit O'Toole
Blogcritics.com

Saltman Knowles review is published and can be found at http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-saltman-knowles-yesterdays-man/

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.

To Read the Entire Review Go To: http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-saltman-knowles-yesterdays-man/

NO TREBLE WELCOMES MARK SALTMAN!

2010-01-22T20:52:00.000-08:00

No Treble Magazine welcomes their newest columnist, bassist and composer, Mark Saltman.

Bottoms Up: Melodies in Bass
By Mark Saltman
Jaunary 17, 2010

I’m here to discuss melodies in the bass: bass lines as part of tunes and great melodies written by bass players, and maybe a few surprises thrown in. In this column I’ll be discussing one of the all time great bass players in history who also penned more than a few tunes that we should be familiar with.

To Read the Article: http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2010/01/18/bottoms-up-melodies-in-bass/

SALTMAN KNOWLES REVIEW: Yesterday's Man

2010-01-18T19:58:00.000-08:00

NoSoloSmoothJazz.com: in Spanish
English translation through Google:
January 12, 2010
by JAVIER GARCIA ESCAMEZ

The bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles jazz up the duo known as Saltman Knowles, who also have, as usual, with the vocal contributions of singer Lori Williams-Chisholm. On the 26th of January, is now selling recording their new material which will be entitled "Yesterday's Man" and can be heard on all radio stations from 11 January. The album is released by the label Pacific Coast Jazz Records and contains a total of 10 unreleased tracks. Saltman Knowles is the leading exponent of Jazz. Without leaving the genre classic format try to upgrade to today's time and certainly will not disappoint, nor to the purist, and we like the more contemporary jazz. It should be noted that the album is very well balanced, instrumental music and vocals are practically hand in hand. A new feature to highlight in this new album of Saltman Knowles is the presence of the musician Victor Provost, an expert in handling the instrument called "Soprano Steel Pan". The first theme that opens the album bears the title "Theme In Search Of A Film" and represents the interests of the duo performing music for soundtracks. The vocalist Lori Williams-Chisholm adds a voice to songs like "Cry," "What Was I To You", "Blues For Sale", "Folk Song," "They Do not Really Care For Us," "Yesterday's Man "and" 08 Bossa ". As regards the participation musical is remarkable the presence of saxophonist Brian Settles and Antonio Parker, trumpeter Doug Pierce and drummer Jimmy "Junebug" Jackson. We can not fail to note the excellent musical contribution of the musicians invited to the album, and underlines the trumpet Doug Pierce on tracks like "Cry" or "Shesh" and Antonio Parker saxophone and Brian Settles on "What Was I To You" and "08 Bossa", respectively. As regards the composition of the themes, Mark Saltman composed "Shesh", "Blues For Sale", "Folk Song," "They Do not Really Care For Us" and "Yesterday's Man", while William Knowles is responsible for writing songs like "Theme In Search Of A Film", "Cry," "What Was I To You", "08 Bossa" and "East Orange Blues". Clearly this album up to fifty percent, a proportion that also occurs in the interpretation of the instruments they play. The album is produced by Mark Saltman and William Knowles, both musicians taking charge of the executive production of it. "Yesterday's Man" was recorded, mixed and mastered by Bob Dawson at Bias Studios in Springfield city in the U.S. state of Virginia. Ultimately, Contemporary Jazz at the highest level.

In Spanish:
El bajista Mark Saltman y el pianista William Knowles conforman el dúo jazzístico conocido como Saltman Knowles, que además cuentan, como ya viene siendo habitual, con la aportación vocal de la cantante Lori Williams-Chisholm. El día 26 de Enero se pone a la venta su nuevo material discográfico que lleva por titulo “Yesterday´s Man” y que ya se puede escuchar en todas las emisoras de radio a partir del 11 de Enero. El álbum está publicado por el sello discográfico Pacific Coast Jazz Records y contiene un total de 10 temas inéditos. Saltman Knowles son el máximo exponente del Jazz actual. Sin alejarse del formato clásico del género tratan de actualizarlo a los tiempos de hoy y desde luego no van a decepcionar, ni a los más puristas, ni a los que nos gusta el Jazz más contemporáneo. Hay que señalar que el álbum está muy bien equilibrado, música instrumental y voz van prácticamente de la mano. Una de las novedades a destacar en este nuevo trabajo discográfico de Saltman Knowles es la presencia del músico Victor Provost, un experto en el manejo del instrumento llamado “Soprano Steel Pan“. El primer tema que abre el álbum lleva por titulo “Theme In Search Of A Film” y representa el interés del dúo de realizar música para bandas sonoras. La vocalista Lori Williams-Chisholm le pone voz a temas como “Cry”, “What Was I To You”, “Blues For Sale”, “Folk Song”, “They Don´t Really Care For Us”, “Yesterday´s Man” y “08 Bossa”. Por lo que se refiere a la participación musical hay que destacar la presencia de los saxofonistas Brian Settles y Antonio Parker, el trompetista Doug Pierce y el batería Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson. No podemos dejar de señalar la excelente aportación musical de los músicos invitados al álbum, así destaca la trompeta de Doug Pierce en temas como “Cry” o “Shesh” y los saxos de Antonio Parker y Brian Settles en “What Was I To You” y “08 Bossa”, respectivamente. Por lo que respecta a la composición de los temas, Mark Saltman compone “Shesh”, “Blues For Sale”, “Folk Song”, “They Don´t Really Care For Us” y “Yesterday´s Man”, mientras que William Knowles se encarga de escribir temas como “Theme In Search Of A Film”, “Cry”, “What Was I To You”, “08 Bossa” y “East Orange Blues”. Claramente componen el álbum al cincuenta por ciento, proporción que igualmente se da en la interpretación de los intrumentos que tocan. El disco está producido por Mark Saltman y William Knowles, encargándose ambos músicos de la producción ejecutiva del mismo. “Yesterday´s Man” fue grabado, mezclado y masterizado por Bob Dawson en los Blas Studios de la ciudad de Springfield, en el norteamericano estado de Virginia. En definitiva, Jazz Contemporáneo al más alto nivel.

SALTMAN KNOWLES REVIEW: Yesterday's Man

2010-01-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION

http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z98Reviews.htm

Saltman-Knowles - YESTERDAY'S MAN: Music from these folks is always welcomed here at IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION... we reviewed their "Return of the Composer" CD in issue #94. Knowles keyboards and Saltman's bass are just as vibrant on this new 10-song album... there are a whole host of other players here, but their other regular player is vocalist Lori Williams-Chisolm, whose vocals shine again this time. That's particularly true of her singing on tracks like "Cry"... at about 6:11 into the 7:10 piece, she rolls into a scat that's among the best I've ever heard... will bring a tear of joy (or more) to your eye, for sure. The funk-poppin' beat of the bass helps a great deal on the lead-in to "Shesh", but as always, they bring it right back to the jazz that's at the core of all their musical adventures... great piece, to be sure. Their music is all original, so there's no chance that you'll be challenged with tired covers of someone else's jazz vision... the energy is high and the talent just flows from these folks! My favorite cut was "Blues For Sale" an original from Saltman that puts that bass right out there where it belongs - driving this kickin' tune that they said (in the liner notes) has "a bit of bug juice in the percussion solo"... not sure exactly what they meant there, but this tune is superb jazz that will get your spirit movin'! Actually, though, the whole production is a winner, & I give it a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, to be sure. "EQ" (energy quotient) rating is 4.93. Get more information at www.saltmanknowles.com Rotcod Zzaj

TOM BRAXTON #4 ON SMOOTH JAZZ NOW TOP 30 CHART

2009-12-08T23:50:00.000-08:00

"That Wayman Smile" has moved up to #4 (from #5) on the Smooth Jazz Now Top 30 Chart.

http://www.smoothjazznow.com/top%20Albums/index.html

Mark Saltman: Yesterday's Man Finds Inspriation in Socially Relevant Events

2009-12-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

Mark Saltman Interview at Jazzreview.com: http://www.jazzreview.com/article/review-7504.html

Finding Inspiration in Socially Relevant Events Article by: Susan Frances

The duo of bassist Mark Saltman and keyboardist William Knowles makes music that finds optimism through the crackles made by life’s sorrow and despair. Saltman draws inspiration for his compositions from such tragedies as the devastation of New Orleans after being hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the scars left by The Holocaust which prompted the title track for the duo’s latest CD, Yesterday’s Man. Accompanied by vocalist Lori Williams-Chisholm, Yesterday’s Man is club-room jazz with music that is warm and intimate massaging an upward slant etched into every track. Yesterday’s Man is the follow up to the group’s debut disc and features the crisp rattling beats of pan-steel player Victor Provost and drummer Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson. Saltman describes how the recording of Yesterday’s Man came together and the group’s aspirations for their music.

Read the entire review at link above.

TOM BRAXTON IN TOP 10 OF "JAZZ ALBUMS THAT ROCK" 2009

2009-12-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

Capital Jazz Radio presents the first annual list of Top 10 Jazz Albums That Rock for 2009. Congratulations to Richard Elliot for receiving top honors for 2009 for his Rock Steady album. Tracks from all the Top 10 albums will be featured this month on Capital Jazz Radio, along with our usual mix of uptempo contemporary jazz and instrumental funk. Following is the complete Top 10 list:

http://www.CapitalJazz.com/radio

TOP 10 "JAZZ ALBUMS THAT ROCK" OF 2009

1) Richard Elliot - Rock Steady
2) Various Artists - InstruMental Institution
3) Brian Culbertson - Live From The Inside
4) Marcus Johnson - Poetically Justified
5) Brian Bromberg - It Is What It Is
6) Tom Braxton - Endless Highway
7) Down to the Bone - Future Boogie
8) Greg Adams - East Bay Soul
9) Elan Trotman - This Time Around
10) Eric Bolvin - Workin' It

Capital Jazz Radio streams 24 hours-a-day in 128k CD-quality stereo, with a mix of funky jazz unlike anything you'll hear elsewhere. Featured artists include Down to the Bone, Incognito, Marcus Miller, Roy Ayers, Spyro Gyra, Ronny Jordan, Jeff Lorber, Paul Hardcastle, Urban Knights, and much more.

Mimi Jones in the current issue of JAZZIZ!

2009-12-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

Check her out on page 42 "Independent Culture" and also on page 32

http://www.jazziz.com/pageflip/issue/Sonny%20Rollins%20Nov%2009/

The Brazilian Jazz Collective: A Unique Collaboration of Music On Tour In California

2009-11-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

READ ENTIRE STORY HERE: http://tinyurl.com/ybd6ntp

The Brazilian Jazz Collective, featuring Danny Green (piano), Ami Molinelli (percussion) and Eva Scow (mandolin), will begin their first California tour to present their unique collaboration of music on Sunday, November 29, 2009. The group performs an energetic mixture of originals laced with the repertoire of Chico Pinheiro, Guinga, Jovino Santos-Neto, and Chick Corea. The three musicians normally lead their own groups and come from a variety of different musical backgrounds, which creates an exciting blend of rhythms, melodic concepts and interpretations.

The Brazilian Jazz Collective will be appearing:

November 29th at Spazio in LA
December 2nd at Anthology in San Diego
December 4th at Red White and Bluezz in Pasadena
December 5th at Hero’s in Fresno
December 6th at Anna’s Jazz Island in Berkeley
December 9th at Steamer’s Café in Fullerton

For more specific information about the tour go to: http://www.myspace.com/brazilianjazzcollective.

Four Star Review for Saltman Knowles New CD Yesterday's Man

2009-11-17T22:09:00.000-08:00

Nathaniel Rolnick – MuzikReviews.com

November 10, 2009

Read entire review at: http://www.muzikreviews.com/reviews.php?ID=836

Bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles previous album was titled It’s All About the Melody and clearly they still believe that. Yesterday’s Man boasts ten original songs (five by each partner) chock full of warm, satisfying melodious craft. Yesterday’s Man boasts ten original songs (five by each partner) chock full of warm, satisfying melodious craft. The duo bandleaders revere traditional melody, the musical choice of a bygone type of man who, according to their press release, “dressed well, was articulate…had sophisticated tastes, integrity, a much longer attention span, and most of all…listened to good melodic music.” Ok, so maybe they have a slight case of nostalgia. Melody and substance are timeless and they show it.

TOM BRAXTON COVER STORY FOR SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS!

2009-11-03T00:30:00.000-08:00

TO READ ENTIRE STORY GO TO:

http://www.smoothjazznews.com

By Brian Soergel

Tom Braxton knew he needed to craft a tribute song to his good friend Wayman Tisdale for his seventh solo CD, Endless Highway. Tisdale was battling cancer, but his eternal optimism inspired Braxton and everyone else who knew him––his family, friends and fans. The saxophonist contacted frequent collaborator Jay Rowe, and together they drew the outline of a song. After hearing of the tribute, Tisdale told his good friend that he’d perform on it.

But it wasn’t to be. On May 15, after a courageous two-year battle that saw Tisdale lose a leg to cancer, the smooth jazz bassist and former college and NBA great died unexpectedly. After mourning Tisdale and being caught in a funk for a time, Braxton knew he had to finish the tune and asked Braylon Lacy to perform Tisdale’s bass parts.

“Braylon played in Wayman’s band for a few years,” Braxton said. “A lot of people will think that it’s Wayman when they hear it. When I heard the mix of it for the first time, my wife and I started crying because it sounded so much like Wayman and I playing together.”

The completed song, “That Wayman Smile!” is the centerpiece of Endless Highway, another groove-friendly CD from the smooth jazz saxophonist on the Pacific Coast Jazz record label.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE AT:
http://www.smoothjazznews.com

Tom Braxton CD Release Events in California

2009-10-23T01:43:00.000-07:00

Tom Braxton Los Angeles and Northern CA performance dates:

Thu., Nov 12 - Los Angeles, CA
94.7 The Wave's Live Jazz Thursdays CD Release Party
Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens
6:00 p.m

Sun., Nov 15 - Long Beach, CA
The Cellar
The ONE SOUL Jazz Series (Hosted by U-Nam) CD Release Party
6:00 p.m.

ALSO:

Sat., Nov 14 - Stockton, CA
Le Bistro Jazz Club

"Smooth jazz with bite from the vet sax man, this set kicks off in high gear, not worrying about fitting the format and is about as far from wall paper as you can get . . . this is an enjoyable winner that was made as a great soundtrack for cruising with the top down, even if only in your own headphones. An enjoyable ride no matter how you take it, this is certainly a must to check out." ~ Chris Spector ~ Midwest Record

"Endless Highway . . . is packed with superior sax work that epitomizes the very essence and spirit of smooth jazz. Braxton has an affinity for the whole spectrum of jazz . . . some of the silky runs, scale work, and feel often found in the world of straight-ahead jazz artists while keeping that smooth bounce prominently displayed. Tom Braxton . . . clearly is a student of the 'fine china' of good jazz, and it's on full display here." ~ Ronald Jackson ~ The Smooth Jazz Ride

"It's the fifth solo release from one of the most respected and loved sax men in Smooth Jazz, and it's absolutely his best album to date! Tom Braxton is a treasure, both as a musician and as a human being . . . ENDLESS HIGHWAY is filled with that 'sweet sound' and positive energy we've come to expect from this incredibly talented composer, producer, and musician. It's an absolute delight, from first note to last . . . This is a must-have album for your Smooth Jazz collection." ~ Scott O'Brien ~ SmoothJazz.com

Tom Braxton ~ WINR Artist of the Month
Tom Braxton Featured on Daystar Television Network
Tom Braxton Performs at Wayman Tisdale's Induction Into Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

TOM BRAXTON CD ENDLESS HIGHWAY LAUNCHES TODAY WITH WINR CD ONLINE PARTY!

2009-10-06T01:17:00.000-07:00

TOM BRAXTON RELEASES HIS NEW CD -
ENDLESS HIGHWAY
on Pacific Coast Jazz

JOIN THE ONLINE RADIO PARTY AT WINR!!! http://www.smoothjazz4u.com/playing.html?buster=0.5954018796328455

TOM BRAXTON - ARTIST OF THE MONTH: The entire CD will be played and Tom will discuss the making of "Endless Highway" at 10 AM and 7 PM (CST)

"It's the fifth solo release from one of the most respected and loved sax men in Smooth Jazz, and it's absolutely his best album to date! Tom Braxton is a treasure, both as a musician and as a human being . . . ENDLESS HIGHWAY is filled with that 'sweet sound' and positive energy we've come to expect from this incredibly talented composer, producer, and musician. It's an absolute delight, from first note to last . . . This is a must-have album for your Smooth Jazz collection."
~ Scott O'Brien ~
SmoothJazz.com

"Endless Highway . . . is packed with superior sax work that epitomizes the very essence and spirit of smooth jazz. Braxton has an affinity for the whole spectrum of jazz . . . some of the silky runs, scale work, and feel often found in the world of straight-ahead jazz artists while keeping that smooth bounce prominently displayed. Tom Braxton . . . clearly is a student of the 'fine china' of good jazz, and it's on full display here."

~ Ronald Jackson ~
The Smooth Jazz Ride

"Smooth jazz with bite from the vet sax man, this set kicks off in high gear, not worrying about fitting the format and is about as far from wall paper as you can get . . . this is an enjoyable winner that was made as a great soundtrack for cruising with the top down, even if only in your own headphones. An enjoyable ride no matter how you take it, this is certainly a must to check out."

~ Chris Spector ~
Midwest Record

SMOOTHJAZZ.COM CALLS TOM BRAXTON'S "ENDLESS HIGHWAY" HIS BEST CD TO DATE

2009-10-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

TOM BRAXTON Endless Highway Pacific Coast Jazz

LINK TO REVIEW: http://smoothjazz.com/loft/#tbraxton

It’s the fifth solo release from one of the most respected and loved sax men in Smooth Jazz, and it’s absolutely his best album to date! Tom Braxton is a treasure, both as a musician and as a human being. The late Wayman Tisdale, his mentor and close friend, once said, “When I’m on the road, Tom is the saxophonist I want to have with me . . . I love that sweet sound he gets on the horn.” ENDLESS HIGHWAY is filled with that “sweet sound” and positive energy we’ve come to expect from this incredibly talented composer, producer, and musician. It’s an absolute delight, from first note to last, and the first radio single, “That Wayman Smile” is a loving tribute to his friend and someone he logged many hours with on the road. This is a must-have album for your Smooth Jazz collection. I know Wayman is very proud! ~ SCOTT O'BRIEN

ELLEN JOHNSON SINGS MINGUS...and more

2009-10-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

Called "superior jazz singing by an artist of the highest quality" by Jazz Journal International, Ellen Johnson will be sharing her unique style and repertoire of jazz vocals joined by San Diego jazz artists, pianist Rick Helzer and bassist Rob Thorsen. The concert is scheduled for Thursday, October 15 with one show at 9:00 PM at Tango Del Rey located at 3567 Del Rey Street, San Diego. The admission price is $15 General and $10 for students with an ID. For more information call 858-581-1114 or go to http://www.TangoDelRey.com for tickets. The concert will feature the music of Charles Mingus along with a tribute to jazz vocal icon, Sheila Jordan. Ellen recently featured both of these artists’ music on her CD These Days, writing lyrics to Mingus compositions and doing a duet with Ms Jordan on her song “The Crossing.”

This concert reunites Ms Johnson with her longtime musical partner, pianist Rick Helzer, Professor and Associate Director of Jazz Studies at San Diego State University and Rob Thorsen, whose current CD Lasting Impression was released this year on the San Diego based Pacific Coast Jazz label. Ellen, who is currently working on an all Mingus project, has written the lyrics to three Mingus compositions and recorded five songs with the permission of Sue Mingus. This event is co-sponsored by the San Diego Jazz Musicians Guild whose goal is to support and encourage a higher quality of Jazz education, appreciation and understanding in the community. For more information contact President Karin Carson at http://www.sdjmg.org. This event is also part of “Daniel Pearl World Music Days,” an entire month of worldwide "Harmony for Humanity" concerts in memory of the death of Wall Street Journal Reporter Daniel Pearl reminding the world of the principles by which Danny lived, the universal power of music and our shared humanity.

Ellen has recorded three of her own renowned CD’s, These Days, Chinchilla Serenade and Too Good To Title and is featured on several compilation CDs including: Illuminations, From A Mother’s Heart, and Jazz Improv Magazine. Her most recent release These Days, was called "one of the best albums to be heard from a no-nonsense jazz singer" in her feature article in Downbeat Magazine by Frank -John Hadley and a "sophisticated and successful album that raises the standard of modern jazz singing by at least one notch" by George Harris in All About Jazz. Just recently No Treble Magazine said that These Days, which features seven tracks of bass and voice duets with Darek Oles, "should be in every bassist's collection."

Ellen has performed, recorded and studied with many exceptional musicians including Charles McPherson, Louie Bellson, Bobby McFerrin, Roy McCurdy, Don Braden, Larry Koonse, John Clayton, Jay Clayton, Cameron Brown and her dear friend and mentor jazz icon, Sheila Jordan. Her amazing range, unique jazz phrasing, improvisational skills and imaginative vocal style delights audiences at concerts, festivals, colleges, and venues all over the world. Ellen, who enjoys wearing different hats, is a songwriter, lyricist, publisher, educator, creativity coach, writer, actress and the founder of Sound Visions Media Group which distributes, promotes and produces a roster of jazz artists and publishes educational CDs including You Sing Jazz, Vocal Builders, and The Vocal Warm Up CD. A former resident of San Diego, Ellen received her Master's Degree from San Diego State University, completed further studies at UCLA Extension Music Business Certificate program and has been on the faculties of California Polytechnic University at Pomona, University of San Diego (Old Globe MFA Program) and other colleges. She was one of the founding members and President of the Jazz Vocal Coalition (JZVOC), President of the San Diego Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Vocal Representative for the California Chapter of the IAJE and the Jazz Editor for Singer & Musician Magazine. Besides her professional recording and singing engagements she teaches jazz vocal workshops and private vocal coaching. She can be reached through her website at http://www.ellenjohnson.net or http://www.SoundVisionsMedia.com.

TOM BRAXTON #1 Most Added Radio !!!

2009-09-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

Smoothjazz.com: # 1 Most Added; SPINcreased Top Ten List (+31) !

see link: http://www.smoothjazz.com/charts/recap.php

WRVU/Nashville, TN
KQXT/San Antonio, TX (Sunday jazz show on A/C station)
WQQQ/Sharon, CT
WBCP/Champaign-Urbana, IL
KSHK/Kauai, HI (jazz show)
WVOD/Manteo, NC
WMLX/Lima, OH
Smoothjazz.com/Internet

Radioio.com/Internet

Wayman Tisdale To Be Inducted In State Jazz Hall of Fame

2009-09-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

The late Wayman Tisdale will be inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in October. CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World file

By JIM WATTS World Scene Writer
Published: 9/16/2009 11:50 AM

LINK TO ENTIRE ARTICLE BELOW

Hear the tribute song dedicated to the late Wayman Tisdale on the new release by jazz artist, Tom Braxton on "Endless Highway"

"That Wayman Smile!"

Pryor, Duhon and Wiley will perform at the Oct. 21 gala, along with guest artist Tom Braxton, saxophonist and long-time collaborator with Tisdale.

Western swing pioneer Bob Wills and Wayman Tisdale, the former all-star basketball star who become one of the top artists in contemporary smooth jazz, are among the 2009 inductees to the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.

Also being honored at the celebration, which will take place Oct. 21 at the Jazz Depot, 111 E. First St., will be former Tulsa World music writer John Wooley, local guitar hero Steve Pryor, up and coming vocalist Olivia Duhon, and minister and musician Stephen Wiley. Chuck Cissel, artistic director of the Jazz Hall of Fame, announced this year’s honorees at the press conference Wednesday at the Jazz Depot.

Cissel also announced that jazz legend Dave Brubeck will be the honorary chairman for the Jazz Hall of Fame’s 2009-2010 membership drive. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Brubeck’s best-selling album “Time Out,” which contained such classic tunes as “Take Five” and “Blue Rondo a la Turk.”

Much of this year’s Hall of Fame Induction revolves around the life and legacy of Tisdale, who died May 15 after a battle with bone cancer. Tisdale, who will be the 2009 Jazz Inductee, “was someone who was very close to our hearts here at the Jazz Hall of Fame,” Cissel said. Tisdale was a star athlete first at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, then at the University of Oklahoma. He won a gold medal as part of the U.S. team at the 1984 Olympics, and played for 12 years in the NBA. He began his career as a jazz musician in 1995 and released eight albums, the last — 2008’s

“Rebound” — that was recorded after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Tisdale was also the first ever recipient of the Legacy Tribute Award from the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. His widow, Regina, will serve as honorary chairperson of the 2009 Induction Gala, along with Grady Nichols and Cassandra Gaines.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE - http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=269&articleid=20090916_371_0_Wester234674

TOM BRAXTON HIGHLY ANTICIPATED CD "ENDLESS HIGHWAY" TO RELEASE ON OCTOBER 6, 2009

2009-09-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

Saxophonist and composer Tom Braxton's latest release, Endless Highway, takes you on the ride of your life.

Joined by an outstanding array of instrumentalists and vocalists, this recording is a toe-tapping, colorful, groove- oriented excursion with a sophisticated urban flavor that will make you feel like dancing and singing all day long. Endless Highway, his second release on the San Diego-based Pacific Coast Jazz label, lifts Braxton to a new level of artistry as he pays homage to his friend and mentor, professional basketball player and bass guitarist, Wayman Tisdale, who recently lost his battle with cancer. The highly anticipated new recording is scheduled for national release on October 6, 2009.

"We're excited to have the opportunity to represent Tom Braxton's most impressive CD to date. This new disc highlights Braxton as a composer, producer and arranger along with six of his original compositions that feature his effortless transition from soprano, alto and tenor saxophones to showcasing his versatility on piano, keyboards and flute," said Donna Nichols, founder and president of Pacific Coast Jazz.

Nichols' label has teamed up with publicist Joy Foster of SV Media Relations and radio promoter Cliff Gorov at All That Jazz for access to international media buying and radio promotion.

Braxton has shared the stage with renowned artists including Dave Koz, Rick Braun, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Marcus Miller and Luther Vandross along with opening concerts for Norman Brown, Boney James, Dave Brubeck, Cab Calloway, David Benoit and The Crusaders. He has been featured in media and publications such as JAZZIZ, Smooth Jazz News, CBS's The Saturday Early Show, BET's Jazz Central, CNN, NBC's Inside Stuff and many others.

Without a doubt, Endless Highway will drive Tom Braxton to the top of the charts while we take a trip with his inspiring tunes at home or on the road. So get ready to pack your bags, roll down the windows and crank up the volume in the “Braxton tradition," says Tom. “Creating music that brings people joy is my mission in life." Looks like he has accomplished his mission on “Endless Highway."

"Best Jazz Album of the Year" Danny Green's "With You In Mind"

2009-09-11T13:35:00.001-07:00

www.DannyGreen.net

www.PacificCoastJazz.com

San Diego, CA – September 11, 2009 - San Diego-based independent record label, Pacific Coast Jazz (PCJ), is proud to report its artist, Danny Green, won “Best Jazz Album of the Year” from the San Diego Music Foundation in their 19th annual awards ceremony, last night at Viejas Concerts in the Park, San Diego, CA. With You in Mind is Green's debut solo release and it received extensive airplay in stations around the globe beginning in January 2009.

With You In Mind was co-produced with Allan Phillips and features Justin Grinnell (bass), Dylan Savage (drums), Allan Phillips (percussion) and Tripp Sprague (soprano saxophone). With ten original compositions and one cover, Green combines both Brazilian and Latin influences, cradled in mainstream jazz and classical nuances.

“While other PCJ artists have been nominated in the past, this is our first win. We are extremely proud of all of our artists and this demonstrates our ongoing commitment to high quality independent artists,” says Donna Nichols, founder and president of Pacific Coast Jazz. Nichols’ label along with publicist Joy Foster of SV Media Relations and radio promoter Neal Sapper at New World N’Jazz were the team to bring Green’s music to the marketplace in 2009.

Another PCJ artist, Bradley Leighton, was also in the running in the same category for his 2008 release “Soul Collective,” the third Leighton release to receive a nomination from the same organization. “PCJ is thrilled to have this kind of talent on our roster,” said Nichols.

The annual Awards show has raised over $500,000 since its inception in 1991. These funds have been used to assist Handicapped Teen Centers, to fund arts programs within the San Diego Unified School District and to fund the placement of music equipment into schools within San Diego County.

Pacific Coast Jazz, founded in 2003, is a boutique jazz label that also offers artist management services. All PCJ artists are distributed worldwide by MVD Audio/Big Daddy Music. For more information on Pacific Coast Jazz, please visit: www.pacificcoastjazz.com. For media information or interviews with Danny Green, please contact: Joy Foster at SV Media Relations at: SVMediaRelations@gmail.com or 310-487-0048. Visit Danny Green’s website at: www.dannygreen.net.

Ellen Johnson Gets Most Highly Recommended from Improvijazzation Nation

2009-09-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

IMPROVIJAZZATION Nation
Issue #94 Reviews
by Rotcod Zzaj aka Dick Metcalf
http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z94Reviews.htm

Ellen Johnson - THESE DAYS: Female jazz singers are often "lumped" in a category (for reviewers, anyway) that says "later"... I don't know why that is, but know it often happens. A part of that could be the simple fact that there are many... well, in Ellen's case, letting the dozen tunes on her newly released CD "just slide" would be a mistake for anyone enthralled with true artistry. We reviewed another CD she produced ("A Mother's Heart) in issue #91, & were very impressed with her skills there, too. It is, of course, her voice that makes the difference & catapults the music on "These Days" to the top of the stack... what you hear is fresh & soulful, without pretense or gimmickry - excellent expression on every note! One of the most powerful tracks for this listener was "Inspiration "... simply beautiful, with great guitar by Larry Koonse & bass that stands right behind her penetrating vocal performance from Darek Oles! Oles bass lead-in on "You Don't Know What Love Is " is perfect for Ellen's silky & intimate style when she starts singing... another performance that will stay in your ears for months & years to come! In the overall, there is a real "slinky" quality to Johnson's voice that is so inviting you won't be able to move on to anything else until you've listened to the whole tune... & then the next track... & the next... & so on & so on. "These Days" is a definite jazz winner for all, players & listeners, & gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from this little corner of the jazz world! Get more information at www.ellenjohnson.net/ Rotcod Zzaj

NO TREBLE REVIEWS ELLEN JOHNSON "THESE DAYS" CD

2009-08-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

A look back at Ellen Johnson’s “These Days”
by Evan Kepner

FULL REVIEW AT: http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2009/08/12/a-look-back-at-ellen-johnsons-these-days/

These Days has been on the shelves for a bit, but it should be in every bassist’s collection.

Ellen Johnson performs with bassist Darek Oles to create beautiful mixtures of voice and bass. It is not an exclusively duet album, other featured artists include Shelia Jordan, Roy McCurdy, Larry Koonse and Ana Gazzola.

The album was dedicated to Johnson’s friend and mentor, Shelia Jordan. Jordan was one of the early innovators with vocal and bass duets and began her first duet work with bass legend Charles Mingus. Johnson also shares a passion for Mingus and his work, evident by her arrangements of “Noddin’ Ya Head Blues” and “Nostalgia in Times Square,” where she adds lyrics to both songs (with the permission of Sue Mingus).

MIMI JONES - REVIEWS AND MORE!

2009-08-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

JAZZIZ MAGAZINE ONLINE ADDITION:
http://tinyurl.com/lcwul9 pages 34 and 42

NEW RELEASES:
For Bass Players Only - http://www.forbassplayersonly.com/NewReleases.html

Dirty Linen Magazine (Folk & World) - http://www.dirtylinen.com/linen/143/143newrel.html

LATEST REVIEWS AND INTERVIEWS:
JazzReview.com by Susan Frances:
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-20683.html
Singer-songwriter-bassist Mimi Jones captures a part of world music that creates a genesis of ethnic musical influences which exhibit a tinge of Latin-soul, smooth funk, and soft jazz arias in her music. Her latest recording, A New Day, will have you waltzing in the kitchen of your home through the scintillating glides of her bass in “Fast Lane,” and tapping your feet to the swampy guitar pickings of “Watch Your Step” as Jones’ vocals shimmer with a gospel-toned inflection. Her music inspires an inner peace and a reverence for notes that take their time in pouring out. A New Day is Mimi Jones’ debut, and it is a fine piece of work for her to make her entrance onto the world stage. The title of the CD, A New Day, expresses hope and optimism, which are an intrinsic part of Mimi Jones’ philosophy on life. Her music shows flexibility and a sense of worldly influences, which only an international artist would understand how to integrate. She makes it all look so easy. READ ENTIRE REVIEW click link above

INTERVIEW WITH MIMI JONES: Improvijazzation Nation by Dick Metcalf
http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z93Interview.htm

More Reviews,etc:

Featured in No Treble Magazine
http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2009/06/18/mimi-jones-debut-album-a-new-day/

Pick of the Year: Most Creative Artist:
Improvijazzation Nation by Dick Metcalf
http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z92Reviews.htm

John Book, This Is Book's Music:
http://www.thisisbooksmusic.com/2009/07/01/review-mimi-jones-a-new-day/

Ken Franckling's Jazz Notes:
http://kenfrancklingjazznotes.blogspot.com/

Jazz Journalist, Bruce Crowther at Swing2bop.com:
http://www.swing2bop.com/reviews.html#290

Muzikman:
http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:9KETz94vfRYJ:www.zimbio.com/member/muzikman+mimi+jones+a+new+day&cd=21&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari

Smooth Jazz Therapy:
http://smoothjazztherapy.typepad.com/my_weblog/cd_reviews/

Digital Media Jet:
http://digitalmediajet.com/category/latest-music-news/

Master Guitarist, John Stowell Brings His Unique Sound to Ojai with Concert & Workshop

2009-08-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

featuring special guest vocalist,
Ellen Johnson

Friday, August 14 (8 PM - 11 PM)
at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Saturday, August 15 (Noon - 2 PM)
at Vocal Visions Studio
info@vocalvisions.net

A world class guitarist, John Stowell is known internationally as a musician with a unique sound supported by a sophisticated harmonic concept. As a result John has shared the stage with some of the most respected musicians and singers in the world including Milt Jackson, Lionel Hampton, Paul Horn, David Friesen, and many others. John will be performing in concert with guest vocalist, Ellen Johnson, on Friday August 14 at the Ojai Valley Inn located in Ojai at 905 Country Club Road. There will be two shows, one at 8 PM and one at 9:30 PM. On Saturday, August 15th from noon to 2 PM, John will present a guitar workshop. The workshop will not only cover guitar techniques but will be open to singers who are interested in observing his accompaniment style (assisted by vocalist Ellen Johnson). For more information on how to register please contact info@vocalvisions.net or 805-272-8125.

John Stowell began his successful career in the early 1970's with private study with guitarist Linc Chamberland and pianist John Mehegan. Both men were valuable mentors to John, allowing him to play with them as he progressed in his development. Several years later he met bassist David Friesen in New York City, and they formed a duo that recorded and toured prolifically for seven years, with performances in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. In 1983, John and David joined flutist Paul Horn and Paul's son Robin Horn (on drums) for a historic tour of the Soviet Union. This was the first time in forty years that an American jazz group had been invited to play public performances in Russia. In 1993, 1995, and 1998 John returned to Russia, playing in numerous cities. His two sold-out performances in Kursk may have been the first appearances there by an American jazz musician.

John continues to tour, record and teach internationally spending half of his time in the New York scene and the other in scenic Portland, Oregon. He has been Artist-In-Residence at schools in Germany, Indonesia, Argentina, and in the United States and Canada. He served as assistant director and performer in Oregon Public Broadcasting's PDX Jazz Summit in 1991, and since 1995 has been a contributing columnist for a number of magazines, including "Downbeat", "Guitar Player", Canadian Musician", "Soundcheck" (Germany), and "Guitar Club" (Italy). John is featured along with bassist David Friesen on the soundtracks of two Academy Award Nominated short films (Will Vinton Studios, Portland, OR, and Bosustow Studios, Los Angeles, CA). The album "Through the Listening Glass" with David Friesen was chosen one of the Ten Best Jazz Albums of the Decade by the Los Angeles Examiner and John was chosen Talent Deserving Wider Recognition by Downbeat's International Critic's Poll in 1978 and 1979. He has also been featured in Japan's "Swing Journal”, "The Jazz Guitar" (Ashely Mark Publishing, England), and the Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz (Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler) along with appearances on BET Jazz Discovery and Guitar Series television shows.

INTERVIEW: MIMI JONES - IMPROVIJAZZATION Nation

2009-08-03T02:12:00.000-07:00

"This CD gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, as well as the "PICK" of the YEAR for "most creative artist"!
- Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation Nation

IMPROVIJAZZATION Nation - Issue # 93
- interview by Dick Metcalf

From the opening bar of Mimi's debut CD, "A New Day", reviewed in issue #92, I knew this was someone we HAD to interview for this magazine... not only an extremely gifted & talented composer/player, but a real "person" as well. I've a feeling we will all be hearing a LOT more from Mimi - I know I will! I want to thank her, too, for taking the time to write up a very revealing & personable interview for us!

Read the interview at:
http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z93Interview.htm

Ellen Johnson & Scott Hilzik Special Blend of Jazz

2009-07-31T01:16:00.000-07:00

Ellen Johnson, vocals
&
Scott Hiltzik, piano

Jazz Duo

At the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa
Saturday, August 1st

"Johnson raises the standard of modern jazz singing by at least one notch." - George Harris, All About Jazz

Innovative Figure in the Evolution of Modern Jazz, George Russell Dies at 86

2009-07-28T00:16:00.000-07:00

Composer, theoretician, pianist George Russell passed away this evening, July 27, 2009 at approximately 9:10 pm from complications due to Alzheimer’s.

George Russell was a hugely influential, innovative figure in the evolution of modern jazz, the music's only major theorist, one of its most profound composers, and a trail blazer whose ideas have transformed and inspired some of the greatest musicians of our time.

For full article at Jazz.com http://tinyurl.com/mhbyxz

George Russell's book, The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization, first published in 1953, was the first theoretical contribution to come from jazz, and was responsible for introducing modal improvisation which resulted in the seminal recording of Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue." Since it's publication, there have been scores of books on the market which have "borrowed" bits of the Concept's information, but there is only one original.

"[The Concept] was the great path-breaker for Miles Davis and John Coltrane's modality."
- Joachim Berendt, The Jazz Book.

Sheila Jordan: On the Scene at the Montreal Jazz Festival

2009-07-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Epoch Times
by Ori Dagon

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/19635/

Aiming to please, the organizers of le Festival International de Jazz de Montreal always include something for everyone, whether it’s a free concert by Stevie Wonder or decidedly non-jazz bait like classic rocker Joe Cocker, R&B legends Kool & The Gang, or reggae originators Rocksteady. Despite the crossover fare, for those of us who live for jazz, there was plenty to be excited about this season.

Legendary bebop singer Sheila Jordan returned to the Upstairs Jazz Club. The youthful 80 year-old Detroit native who scats from her heart once again wowed the crowd with her sublime senses of rhythm and humor, evidenced by an ability to improvise lyrics that rhyme time after time. The inimitable Lady Bebop was accompanied by a fantastic trio of resident musicians—Jeff Johnston on piano, David Watts on bass and John Fraboni on drums.

Montreal famed jazz broadcaster and journalist Len Dobbin suffered a fatal stroke toward the end of the festival. Here is pictured at the festival with legendary bebop singer Sheila Jordan at the Upstairs Jazz Club, which serves as a festival venue. (Ori Dagan)

MIMI JONES: PURE TALENT - Review by John Books

2009-07-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

THIS IS BOOK'S MUSIC

REVIEW: Mimi Jones’ “A New Day” by John Books Published July 1, 2009

To read entire review: http://www.thisisbooksmusic.com/2009/07/01/review-mimi-jones-a-new-day/

Bassist/vocalist Mimi Jones has released a great album called A New Day (Hot Tone Music) and she is seen on the cover with her left hand on the neck of a stand-up bass.

But as I played this album a number of times, I’m thinking to myself that Miss Jones should be playing on The Today Show, The Carson Daly Show or even Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. In other words, she is deserving of mainstream success and I’ll tell you why. The music on A New Day is like a cross between Cassandra Wilson and Me’Shell NdegeOcello, not so much in their vocal style or tone but in the passion they put into their music.

In 2009, marketing can make the worst sounding music sound like the best thing you ever heard in your life. But marketing cannot take away pure talent, and Mimi Jones is someone who has this in abundance

Mimi Jones: Pick of the Year for Most Creative Artist

2009-07-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

Mimi Jones "A New Day " Review

Improvijazzation Nation by Dick Metcalf http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z92Reviews.htm

Mimi Jones - A NEW DAY: We seldom "push" CD's to the top of the review stacks, but ev'ry once in a while, the first listen (just kinda') DICTATES that our thoughts about the music we're hearing MUST be written down in/of the moment.

It's an odd comparison, in a certain sense, but it's like the very first time I listened to a Joni Mitchell album... I knew that the artist's vision was part of a new paradigm... & Mimi Jones composes & plays a blend of bluesy jazz on this debut CD that IS the "new music" (release date is September 15th, 2009, so get it NOW)! Her bass work is strong & solid, and her vocals reach right down to the depths of your soul... it's not like she's trying to sell you her soul, either... no tricks, just highly talented compositions that fuse together all the elements, all the influences she's had (whether in this incarnation or previous ones) into something you will desire to listen to - over & over & over again!

There is also a (sort of) "Prince-like" quality to some of the tunes, like "Suite Mary", but with a totally jazz bent, & no gimmicks - just a soaring horn front joined by a delicious Wurlitzer section, all underpinned by Mimi's driving bass lines.... simply grand! It was actually the second track in, "Watch Yo Step", with one of the gutsiest guitar blues leads I've ever heard & a totally husky vocal by Ms. Jones, that gets played numerous times daily... absolutely my favorite track on the CD... if it was just blues, it would probably be kind of "ordinary", but this is one of the jazziest pieces I've ever heard.

This Ms. Mimi is someone you will be hearing from for a long time to come - & remember, you heard that here first! This CD gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, as well as the "PICK" of the YEAR for "most creative artist"! Get more information at http://mimijonesmusic.com/music.html or at www.myspace.com/miriamsullivan & be sure to tell Mimi that Zzaj sent you, please. Rotcod Zzaj

FRIEND TO JAZZ - LEN DOBBINS DIES

2009-07-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

We were sad to hear of the passing of one of the great supporter's of jazz music, Len Dobbins.
Len dedicated his life to the music and the musicians and he will be greatly missed.

We had the great pleasure of having Len support our artists on his radio show, especially his dear friend Sheila Jordan. Len was approachable, pleasant, helpful and loyal to the music and the musicians. It was ALWAYS a pleasure to work with him.

Our sympathies go to his family and friends.

For more about Len please check this link out from the Montreal Gazette.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Jazz+broadcaster+Dobbin+dies/1774555/story.html

In A World of Female Bassists, Mimi Jones Sets the Bar With Her Debut CD “A New Day”

2009-07-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

(New York, NY June 29, 2009) With the musical world buzzing about Esperanza Spalding it’s no wonder that the timing is perfect for the release of yet another extraordinary female bassist, composer and vocalist. Introducing Mimi Jones and her debut CD “A New Day” (Hot Tone Music) set for release on September 15th, 2009.

Mimi Jones recently gave a sneak preview of her debut CD during the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival at the prestigious Kennedy Center along with performances featuring the world's top female jazz artists including: Anat Cohen and the Anzic Orchestra, Janis Siegel, Carmen Lundy, the Maria Schneider Orchestra and Esperanza Spalding. Mimi’s inspiring debut recording,” A New Day” is bursting with original compositions seamlessly melting from one song to another and caressed by the warmth of her sultry voice. The music is a rich assortment of rhythmic statements, musical textures, and compositional variations all flawlessly executed by Mimi Jones (acoustic bass, electric bass, vocals, composer, arranger, and assistant producer), Marvin Sewell (acoustic and electric guitars), Miki Hayama (piano, key board and Wurlitzer), Marcus Gilmore (drums), Lucianna Padmore (drums on tracks 1 and 11) and Ambrose Akinmisure (trumpet).

The title of the CD speaks of embracing a changing world with a positive point of view while maintaining the courage to move forward just as the new persona and alter ego, Mimi Jones, was transformed from “side man” Miriam Sullivan in order to fully express her individual messages of change and personal evolution. Songs like “Fast Lane,” “Spiral,” “Watch Your Step” and “Mighty Time” send those messages by allowing the music to take shape without fear of definition and genre restriction. The concept is to cross borders and to reach out to a broader perception of time, space and rhythm. Mimi’s philosophy is profound, yet simple, “It’s important to me that this music is for everyone. I believe that I have a calling to heal and make people feel good so I want to pass on what comes to me musically. Hopefully this music will make our world a little bit better.” For more information go to http://www.MimiJonesMusic.com or contact Joy Foster at SV Media Relations – SVMediaRelations@gmail.com.

Miriam Sullivan (aka Mimi Jones) was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx by parents that descended from Barbados and St.Croix, which explains why Mimi has so many musical influences that flow easily through her compositional style. A graduate from Manhattan School of Music Conservatory she studied early on with world-class bassist, Lisle Atkinson and saxophonist Charles Davis at the Jazz Mobile Workshop. She also studied, attended workshops or mentored with Barry Harris, Ron Carter, Milt Hinton, Dr. Billy Taylor, Yusef Latif, Max Roach, and Latin bass techniques with Guillermo Edgehill. Since then “side man” Miriam Sullivan (aka Mimi Jones) has gone on to share the stage with such talents as the great Lionel Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Rachel Z, Sean Jones, Kenny Barron, Jesse Davis, Ingrid Jenson, Kevin Mahogany, Denis Charles, Joshua Redman and Onaje Allan Gumbs just to name a few. She has even toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States.

In 2003, Miriam Sullivan co founded the group ”Jazz Sabroson” with drummer Antonio De Vivo and was commissioned by the Kennedy Center and Department of State to participate in the international program of cultural exchange performing in Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Barbados, Jamaica, Nevis and the Dominican Republic. The group was elected in 2006 by the Department of State and Jazz at Lincoln Center to participate in the Rhythm Abroad Program, this time traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco and Algeria. Later on Miriam returned to Mali with guitarist Steve Bloom, where the two diligently worked with Malian students of all ages, exploring the possibilities of musical expansion, and gladly partaking in the cultural exchange. Miriam explains that going into the motherland of Africa is always a heart-felt experience and continues to change her outlook on life. She constantly looks for new opportunities in which to aid her brothers and sisters abroad as well as at home with her own organization “The Girls Group” located in the South Bronx.

A recurring face since 2000 at the Kennedy Center’s annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival in Washington D.C. as Miriam Sullivan (playing in bands led by pianist Rachel Z and Joanne Brackeen), Mimi Jones brought her own project to the stage on May 14, 2009 premièring her debut release, “A New Day.” Mimi Jones has already appeared at the Kitano Hotel, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, the Puffin Foundation, and Sista’s Place. She was recently the featured artist on the cover of “No Treble Magazine”, the “Pick of the Year” for most creative artist by Dick Metcalf of “Improvijazzation Nation” and Chris Spector of “Midwest Record” said, “she’s got a lot on the ball and it seems like this is only the beginning.”

For more information go to http://www.MimiJonesMusic.com or contact Joy Foster at SV Media Relations – SVMediaRelations@gmail.com.

Thanks for the music...

2009-06-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

I don't generally write personal posts but it was sad to hear of the untimely death of Michael Jackson. It makes us all realize the importance of music in our lives and what people leave behind in their creativity.

So many great musicians, not as famous as Michael Jackson, have left us so much incredible music that with each one that passes through this world it is sad to see them go.

As the world mourns an iconic pop music person of our century our hearts look forward to the next troubadour to touch our souls.

Rest in peace with all the other great musicians Michael.

Mimi Jones Featured on No Treble

2009-06-19T13:59:00.001-07:00

Mimi Jones debut release,
"A New Day"
Featured on No Treble
(The Site for Bass Players)

http://www.notreble.com/

Mimi Jones, a talented bassist, vocalist and composer, will release her debut album A New Day with an eclectic mix of compositions that blend across musical genres. Evan Kepner shares his views of this upcoming album.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.notreble.com/buzz/

JazzTimes Suspends Publication

2009-06-09T00:02:00.001-07:00

Sorry to say that JazzTimes is on hiatus for who knows when.
Once again, another publication bites the dust.
Just hoping that the music will still be heard, written about,
reviewed and acknowledged.

Thanks JazzTimes for all you gave to the many musicians and fans all over the world!
SV Media Relations

An Important Message From JazzTimes

By JazzTimes

To our readers and members of the jazz community:

JazzTimes has temporarily suspended publication of the magazine and has furloughed the bulk of its staff while it finalizes a sale of its assets. The brand and operation will undergo reorganization and restructuring in order to remain competitive in the current media climate. Print publishing is expected to resume as soon as a sale is closed. New information and statements will be posted at www.jazztimes.com as they become available.

Thank you for your patience during this challenging period.

JazzTimes Management

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

2009-05-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

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)

REVIEW: FROM A MOTHER'S HEART

2009-05-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

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

Yoshi's Oakland Presents Fado Sensation, Ramana Vieira

2009-05-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

"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

REVIEW: SALTMAN KNOWLES - "RETURN OF THE COMPOSER"

2009-05-13T01:23:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-05-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

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."

Ellen Johnson Featured Event on RadioOjai.com

2009-04-18T15:15:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-04-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-04-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

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.

BLOGCRITICS MAGAZINE REVIEW of RAMANA VIEIRA CD "Lagrimas De Rainha (Tears Of A Queen)"

2009-03-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

Written by Kit O'Toole
FROM BLOGCRITICS MAGAZINE

Published March 23, 2009

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2009/03/23/0707452.php

Listening to Ramana Vieira’s album Lágrimas De Rainha (Tears of A Queen) provides an instant education in fado, a form of Portuguese folk music. Perhaps Vieira summarizes it best on “Amália,” a tribute to the late “Rainha do Fado,” or “Queen of Fado,” Amália Rodrigues. “We longed to hide in all your sorrows/This is life, this is love/This is fado,” Vieira croons.

Put simply, fado evokes intense emotion, namely heartache, disappointment, and melancholy. According to Fado.com’s history of the genre, “fado performance is not successful if an audience is not moved to tears.” Fado’s origins date from the 19th century, possibly from an African dance. In the 20th century Lisbon’s working class adopted the music, chiefly as a tool for expressing their frustrations and sadness. Singers called fadistas performed the songs in brothels, saloons, street corners, and in poor Lisbon areas. In order to communicate feelings of heartbreak, singers crooned over a Portugese guitar and one classical guitar; current fado incorporates other instruments such as piano, violin, and accordion (see World Music Central’s excellent history of fado).

As Vieira emphasizes on her album, the undisputed fado legend is Rodrigues; from the 1940s until her 1999 death, her name became synonymous with the music. According to World Music Central, Portugal’s prime minister called for a three-day period of mourning after Rodrigues’s death. This event demonstrates the music’s importance in the country.

Vieira continues Rodrigues’s legacy by introducing wider audiences to fado. “United in Love,” which she composed and performed at the 2006 Winter Olympics, best exemplifies her attempt to appeal to a modern audience. Piano and soaring electric guitar accompany her English language lyrics. The aforementioned tribute to Rodrigues, “Amália,” is sung primarily in English. A standout track, Vieira pours her soul into the words, letting listeners experience the depth of her admiration for the legendary singer.

Other highlights include “Coimbra,” a lovely 1939 song (and Rodrigues standard) made more accessible through heightened percussion and cello. “Fado Marujo (Fado of the Sailor)” features intricate classic guitar picking and swaying beat that contrast with the lyrics’s sadness. “Povo Que Lavas No Rio (People That Wash in the River)” also speeds the tempo of the original ballad, but Vieira’s mournful voice retains the song’s melancholy. The Spanish guitar dominates, with Jeffrey Luiz’s rapid strumming and picking astounding the listener.

Fans of world music should enjoy “Maria Lisboa,” with a beat and guitar work reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club. An original tune, “My Country Portugal,” provides a rest from the album’s sad tone. Sung in English, the song celebrates Portuguese culture, particularly from Vieira’s Portuguese-American perspective. The samba beat, along with Vieira’s joyful vocals, invite audiences to dance.

The remaining ballads represent more traditional fado; according to Tears of A Queen’s liner notes, the album gets its title from a Portuguese Romeo and Juliet-type story. In 1355, a maid and her employer, the son of the king of Portugal, fell in love. Their love was forbidden, leading to the maid’s execution by public stoning. The son never recovered from her death, even after ascending to the throne. The tale inspires various star-crossed fado songs, including the album’s title cut and “Lágrimas Caladas (Silent Tears),” another original composition. The bottom line: fado fans should enjoy the melodramatic tone of these tracks.

For those unfamiliar with fado, Tears of A Queen provides an interesting lesson in Portuguese culture. Vieira obviously remains committed to the musical form and wishes to update it for modern listeners. Traditional fado fans may not appreciate the introduction of electric guitar and bass, but Vieira never neglects the genre’s origins. To visit Portugal without leaving home, pick up Vieira’s new album and be transported.

“THE NEW VOICE OF PORTUGUESE WORLD MUSIC,” RAMANA VIEIRA, CD RELEASE EVENT

2009-03-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

“LÁGRIMAS DE RAINHA (Tears Of A Queen)”

At the142 Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley, CA

(Mill Valley, CA, March 17, 2009) Called “a rising star in World Music” by the San Francisco Examiner, vocalist Ramana Vieira will bring her unique style of Fado music to the 142 Throckmorton Theatre on Saturday, April 18th at 8:00 PM to celebrate the release of her new CD “Lágrimas De Rainha (Tears Of A Queen)” on the Pacific Coast Jazz label. Ramana Vieira has solidified her place as one of the premier world music artists who understands the tradition of
Portuguese Fado singing, a melancholy and often-mournful music similar to the American blues, yet continues to creatively construct a path into the future by combining new musical textures and original compositions. Ramana will be accompanied by her amazing ensemble of musicians that include: Marcie Brown (cello), Alberto Ramirez (bass guitar),Jeffrey Luiz (classical guitar), Stephen La Porta (drums/percussion), and special guest musicians Benito Cortez (violin) and Didier Bouvet (guitar).

On the new CD, “Lágrimas De Rainha”, Ramana paints sonic pictures that support her desire to invent a fresh Fado sound blooming from the ground of her own Portuguese family roots. Many of the songs on the recording are inspired by Ramana’s main influence, Amália Rodrigues, known as the "Rainha do Fado" ("Queen of Fado") and who is attributed to popularizing the Fado worldwide. According to Ramana, “nobody else is doing what we are doing with Fado. Take the feel and groove of Shakira and the melodic textures of Dulce Pontes and that is how I would describe our music.”

The 142 Throckmorton Theatre, located at 142 Throckmorton Ave. in Mill Valley, CA, is founded on the philosophy that theatre, music, dance, film, poetry, visual and related arts are essential components of a rich and rewarding life, and an indispensable part of human inspiration and education. Tickets are $25.00 general admission/$35.00 for reserved seating and can be purchased by calling (415) 383-9600 or online at http://www.142throckmortontheatre.com/tickets.php.

For more about Ramana Vieira visit: http://www.RamanaVieira.net or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

He's got Brazil in mind (among other things)

2009-03-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Jazz pianist Danny Green is exploring 'different harmonies and melodic forms'

By George Varga Pop Music Critic, San Diego Union Tribune

2:00 a.m. March 15, 2009

“For me, music is another form of communication,” says jazz pianist Danny Green. (Laura Embry / Union-Tribune) -

Although they won't be married here until June, Emily Kohl has already inspired a unique wedding and pre-wedding present rolled into one from her fiancée, San Diego jazz pianist Danny Green.

Not only did Green write his stirring ballad, “With You in Mind,” for her, he also made it the title track of his impressive debut album, which was jointly released in January by two locally based labels, Alante Recordings and Pacific Coast Jazz.

The song “With You in Mind” will also be performed live as the wedding processional music for Kohl, although Green won't be playing it himself at the ceremony on Coronado.

“I'll kind of be busy standing up there with the rabbi,” said Green, who has asked one of his former UCSD music professors, Kamau Kenyatta, to do the honors for him on piano.

Equally adept at jazz, classical and various Brazilian styles, Green uses his 11-song album to showcase his passion for borders-leaping genres. But even in its most intricate moments, his music never sacrifices soul for technique or substance for flash.

“I used to play a lot more flashy and hurt my hands from doing too much,” said the San Diego native, who graduated from UCSD in 2004, lives in Normal Heights and averages up to five performances a week. “So, when I started geting into Brazilian music, I made it a key point to get away from using flashy tricks and to play with more substance.”

READ ENTIRE INTERVIEW HERE:

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/mar/15/1a15view192046-hes-got-brazil-mind-among-other-thi/?zIndex=66698

CARNAVAL WITH BRASIL BRAZIL

2009-03-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

Sonidos y Mas: Carnaval with Brasil Brazil

By Ernest Barteldes in Miles-tones, Sonidos y Mas
Houston Press

Tuesday, Feb. 24 2009 @ 11:52AM

www.brasilbrazilshow.com

Formed by veteran Brazilian singers Ana Gazzola and Sonia Santos, Los Angeles-based band Brasil Brazil celebrates the music of their native country with an elaborate show that includes several standards and original songs - a formula they devised when they first started the project over a decade ago as the U.S. hosted the 1994 soccer World Cup.

They have since been touring massively, appearing at various festivals around the globe with an upbeat, rhythm-filled show that narrates the history of Brazilian music through song. They have yet to make a stop in Houston, but told Rocks Off they would very much enjoy doing so.

The duo has recently released its third self-titled CD, which includes classics like "One Note Samba," and "A Felicidade" (from the soundtrack of Black Orpheus) alongside a bossa-nova take on Nirvana's "Come As You Are" and Nat King Cole's "L-O-V-E." As on previous discs, the tracks blend into each other without interruption - pretty much as they do live.

Rocks Off recently caught up with Ana Gazzola via e-mail...

READ ENTIRE INTERVIEW HERE:

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2009/02/sonidos_y_mas_carnaval_with_br.php

SALTMAN KNOWLES - CD RELEASE PARTY

2009-03-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON DC JAZZ QUINTET, SALTMAN KNOWLES, CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF “RETURN OF THE COMPOSER” CD
A Musical Voyage with a Unique Approach

(Washington, DC – February 24, 2009) Called “a brilliant example of all that is good in contemporary jazz” the Saltman Knowles Quintet, a Washington DC based band on the Pacific Coast Jazz label, will celebrate the release of their fifth CD, “Return Of The Composer” on Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th from 9 PM to 1 AM ($12 cover) at the venue HR57 located at 1610 14th St. NW, Washington, DC. 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.

According to Saltman Knowles: "What makes this record different from other jazz recordings is the use of “vocalese” (using the voice as another instrument) and our color sensory system of composition. We're lucky that we can have both an instrumental sound, like a straight swinging quintet, as well as a vocal sound. The music we write is melodic, harmonically dense, and swinging. 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." On “Return Of The Composer” Mark Saltman and William Knowles uniquely use the voice of Lori Williams-Chisholm as an instrumental texture. Her voice executes complex melodies while avoiding the cliché of standard vocal presentations to create the icing on the cake of this delicious voyage of musical expression.

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.

Featured on RadioOjai.com

2009-02-26T00:12:00.000-08:00

Guitarist John Stowell

Featured on RadioOjai.com
http://radioojai.com/2009/02/25/john-stowell-the-river-is-near.aspx

From his CD "Swan Tones, Volume 1," John Stowell's "The River Is Near" is one of 13 songs John plays on the album on a custom made Soloway Swan LN6 No-Hole Bolivian Rosewood top Guitar. The CD is available for download at Sound Visions Media.

SPECIAL CONCERT AND WORKSHOP with John Stowell
Guitar Mastery and Improvisation Techniques
featuring vocalist, Ellen Johnson

Sunday, March 1, 2009
Concert: 4 PM - 5:30 PM, Workshop: 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Ojai Location, LIMITED SEATING SO RESERVE NOW!
$50 for workshop and concert, $10 for concert only
info@SoundVisionsMedia.com
www.soundvisionsmedia.com
www.johnstowell.com
www.ellenjohnson.net

CD OF THE DAY - "BRASIL BRAZIL 3"

2009-02-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

Jazz Station
Arnaldo DeSouteiro

http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesouteiros.blogspot.com/2009/02/cd-of-day-sonia-santos-ana-gazzola.html

CD of the Day
Sonia Santos & Ana Gazzola: "Brasil Brazil 3" (Yellow Green Productions) 2009

Full of intoxicating Brazilian grooves a la Sergio Mendes, this third CD collaboration between the California-based Brazilian singers Sonia Santos & Ana Gazzola. Includes songs by Edu Lobo ("Casa Forte"), João Donato & Gilberto Gil ("Bananeira"), Antonio Carlos Jobim ("One Note Samba," "Só Danço Samba," "A Felicidade"), Luis Bandeira ("Que Bonito É") and Lenine ("Jacksoul Brasileiro"), plus Ana's own "Em Frente ao Mar" as well as remakes of Kurt Cobain's Nirvana hit "Come As You Are" and of veteran easy-listening meastro Bert Kaempfert's muzak theme "L-O-V-E"

Gazzola does a surprising appearance playing alto sax (much better than Fernanda Porto, of course...) on "Jazz 'n' Samba", the English title for "Só Danço Samba" after Norman Gimbel added English lyrics. The energized back-up band includes keyboardist Pablo Medina, bassists Antonio Santana, Paulo Gustavo & Fernando Ralo, drummers Cristiano Bertolucci & Sandro Feliciano, guitarists Grecco Buratto & Angelo Metz, harmonica player Ron Kalina et al.

“THE NEW YOUNG LION OF JAZZ,” PIANIST DANNY GREEN CD RELEASE PARTY AT ANTHOLOGY

2009-02-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

“With You In Mind” Considered A Brilliant Musical Statement

San Diego, CA February 19, 2009: Called “a brilliant musical statement” by jazz critics nationally, pianist Danny Green celebrates his debut release, “With You In Mind,” and brings his unique blend of jazz and world music rhythms music to Anthology on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7:30 PM. The band features Justin Grinnel (bass), Dylan Savage (drums), Tripp Sprague (sax) and special guest guitarist, Peter Sprague. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online at http://www.Anthologysd.com or through the box office at 619-595-0300. Anthology is located at 1337 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101.

A native of Southern California, Danny Green launched his debut CD “With You In Mind” on the Pacific Coast Jazz (PCJ) label on January 20, 2009 and since that time the CD has debuted at #18 the first week on Jazz Week Radio charts and #1 most added. The critics are applauding his work calling him “the new young lion of jazz” and comparing him to other jazz icons with comments like, ‘the album shows that he will no doubt become one of the more important musicians and names in jazz, perhaps becoming this generation's equivalent of Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, and Dave Brubeck..." At twenty-seven years old Danny Green has managed to carve out a place for himself in the lineup of young jazz artists who seem to have a pulse on keeping the tradition of jazz piano alive while stepping boldly into the future through the use of cultural sounds and rhythms. For more information on Danny Green or Pacific Coast Jazz, please visit: http://www.DannyGreen.net or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

2009-02-15T17:22:00.000-08:00

"With Every Kiss"
(From A Mother's Heart CD)
by Ellen Johnson

featured on RadioOjai.com

http://tinyurl.com/careol

RadioOjai.com is featuring the original music of Ellen Johnson in lieu of her upcoming performance on Wednesday, February 18th (8 PM - 11 PM) at the Ojai Valley Inn located in Ojai, CA.

The CD was one of 11 songs from the download only CD, "From A Mother's Heart" which is a musical tribute to mothers, mothers day and mother earth. The song "With Every Kiss (Song For Frances)" was dedicated to Ellen's mother along with the rest of the songs dedications to each artist's mother or to a cause for mother earth.

Ellen Johnson, described by Bruce Crowther of Jazz Journal International as “superior jazz singing by an artist of the highest quality”, has three critically acclaimed CD’s (These Days, Chinchilla Serenade and Too Good To Title). “These Days”, dedicated to jazz icon Sheila Jordan, was called “one of the best albums to be heard from a no-nonsense jazz singer” (Frank –John Hadley, DownBeat ) and a “sophisticated and successful album that raises the standard of modern jazz singing by at least one notch” (George Harris, All About Jazz). The CD features two duets with Sheila Jordan and continues her bass and voice innovations with beautiful interplay with bassist Darek Oles, guitarist Larry Koonse and drummer Roy McCurdy. Ellen has performed, recorded and studied with many other exceptional musicians including Charles McPherson, Louie Bellson, Bobby McFerrin, Wiliie PIckens, Jay Clayton and John Clayton. Her amazing range, unique jazz phrasing, improvisational skills and imaginative vocal style delights audiences at concerts, festivals, colleges, and venues all over the world. Ellen is also a songwriter, lyricist, publisher, educator and is the founder of Sound Visions Media Group which distributes, promotes and produces a roster of jazz artists and publishes educational CDs including “You Sing Jazz” and “Vocal Builders”. Ellen received her Master’s Degree from San Diego State University and has been on the faculties of California Polytechnic University at Pomona and the University of San Diego among other colleges as well as jazz vocal workshops and private coaching. She can be reached through her website at www.ellenjohnson.net

www.ellenjohnson.net

www.ellenjohnson.net.

SALTMAN KNOWLES - CD DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK

2009-02-15T17:01:00.000-08:00

JAZZ WAX

by Marc Myers

(Marc Myers is a New York journalist and historian)

http://www.jazzwax.com/

CD discovery of the week. Take a listen to Saltman Knowles' new album, Return of the Composer. I wasn't familiar with this Washington, D.C. group—formed by bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles. And as readers know, I don't tend to go for too many current releases, mainly because so much sounds the same today, and passion and emotion seem to be in short supply.

But this CD is different. There's a special depth and poetry here, especially with the penetrating voice and vocalese of Lori Williams Chisholm [pictured]. Think Jean Carne, Flora Purim and Miriam Makeba. Chisholm's wordless vocals manage to be carefree and urgent. Throughout the album, Chisholm uses her voice like a clarinet and flute, surfing the tricky melodies written by Saltman and Knowles, delivering a rich, soulful energy.

There's a fusion feel to this album, but with samba overtones, which is probably why I like it so much. And the other musicians—Alvin Trask (trumpet), Rob Landham (alto sax) and Jimmy Junebug Jackson (drums)—are solid. Every note has meaning.

I actually came upon the album by accident and fell in love with it—and Chisholm's voice—immediately. Listen to tracks here and learn more about Chisholm here. I see that Return of the Composer is now available as a download at iTunes.

Performance: Jazz Vocalist Ellen Johnson

2009-02-13T00:24:00.000-08:00

(Ojai, CA February 12, 2009): Called "superior jazz singing by an artist of the highest quality" by Jazz Journal International, Ellen Johnson, will be sharing her style of jazz vocals on Wednesday, February 18 from 8 PM to 11 PM at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa (Neff Room) located at 905 Country Club Road in Ojai or contact http://www.ojairesort.com/. Ellen has has three critically acclaimed CD's (These Days, Chinchilla Serenade and Too Good To Title). "These Days", was called "one of the best albums to be heard from a no-nonsense jazz singer" (Frank -John Hadley, DownBeat) and a "sophisticated and successful album that raises the standard of modern jazz singing by at least one notch" (George Harris, All About Jazz).

Ellen has performed and recorded with many exceptional musicians including Charles McPherson, Louie Bellson, Bobby McFerrin, Roy McCurdy, Larry Koonse and jazz icon Sheila Jordan. Her amazing range, unique jazz phrasing, improvisational skills and imaginative vocal style delights audiences at concerts, festivals, colleges, and venues all over the world. Ellen is also a songwriter, lyricist, publisher, educator, creativity coach and is the founder of Sound Visions Media Group which distributes, promotes and produces a roster of jazz artists and publishes educational CDs including "You Sing Jazz" and "Vocal Builders". Ellen received her Master's Degree from San Diego State University and has been on the faculties of California Polytechnic University at Pomona and the University of San Diego among other colleges as well as jazz vocal workshops and private coaching. She can be reached through her website at http://www.ellenjohnson.net or http://www.SoundVisionsMedia.com.

Press: Ellen Johnson "These Days"

Chosen as one of the top three jazz vocalists for 2006 with Diana Krall and Dianne Reeves
-Arnaldo DeSouteiro, Tribuna Bis Rio de Janeiro

"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 putting it through the meat grinder and creating 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 Critics 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

"I have to comment on the fine instrument Ellen possesses for the jazz idiom in that she sings a repertory of musical interpretation and isn't afraid to associate with adventurous, experimental and contemporary jazz musicians as with the likes of her wonderful bass soloist Darek Oles... All of this filtered through her wondrous voice."
-George W. Carroll, Ejazz News

"This album will please those who can appreciate this unique format for the lady can definitely sing."
-Edward Blanco, Ejazz News

"In the end, "These Days" is not only a moving testament to the personal journey of Ms. Johnson's life, but also an enjoyable introduction to two great singers of depth and spirit: Ellen Johnson and her mentor, Sheila Jordan."
-Brad Walseth, JazzChicago.net

LIVE REVIEW: "... impressive in that, no matter how she stretches the form, she never neglects lyrical content. Her current "These Days" (Vocal Visions Records) signals a mature plateau for a special singer."
- Kirk Silsbee, "Jazz Critic's Choice" - Los Angeles City Beat 2007

Grammy Jazz Winners- Don Heckman's Thoughts

2009-02-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

Although you don't see the jazz awards given out on prime time TV, (don't get me started me on that), this year the pre-Grammy awards were presented online through the Grammy website. Hopefully this will be a way to get more attention to our jazz brothers and sisters and perhaps they might start playing the music on the show too.

I still would like to see them give at least one or more of these awards on the prime time show. Expose the public to some jazz music so that we can have a bigger audience. What a slight to the music that is inherently American from the roots up and has influenced all pop/rock styles in one way or another. The Grammy's need to embrace their heritage.

Again, it takes the people to make the changes happen. Join the Grammy's and become a voting member and make your voice heard.

For more about the winners please check out one of LA's great jazz journalists, Don Heckman, on his blog:
http://irom.wordpress.com

February 8, 2009
Here, There & Everywhere: The Jazz Grammy Awards
From the "International Review Of Music" blog

http://irom.wordpress.com/2009/02/08/here-there-everywhere-the-jazz-grammy-awards/

New Reviews from JazzReview.com

2009-02-03T23:32:00.000-08:00

RAMANA VIEIRA
"Lagrimas De Rainha - Tears Of A Queen"
JazzReview.com Link to review: http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-20269.html
By Susan Frances

Vocalist Ramana Vieira is perched beautifully between torchlight blues and operatic fires. Her latest release Lagrimas de Rainha, which translated in English is Tears Of A Queen, has Spanish/ Portuguese overtones with Gypsy-tinged accents and smooth jazz pruning. Her songs are chin-deep in Fado imagery, a style of music that is melancholic and tells stories about heartache and disappointment similarly to the blues. Vieira’s vocals have a poetic resonance that makes the listener hang on every word and feel for the stories being told in the verses without possibly even understanding what is being said. Vieira’s songs transcend language barriers through her expressive style and smooth vocal textures. This is music that you can imagine being sung in the streets of Lisbon, the commercial hubs of Madrid, and the piazzas of Florence. The songs appeal to the masses and infiltrate the senses in a way that breathes warmth into the soul and supplies a healing salve over wounds. (CLICK LINK TO READ MORE)

BRASIL BRAZIL
"Brasil Brazil 3"

JazzReview.com Link to review: http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-20268.html
By Susan Frances

Harmony singers, Sonia Santos and Ana Gazzola live up to the idyllic expectations of Brazilian-jazz music on their third release appropriately titled Brasil Brazil 3. The two ladies front the samba-club group Brasil Brazil, which has in tow keyboardist Pablo Medina, bassists Antonio Santana, Paulo Gustavo and Fernando Raio, drummers Cristiano Bertotucci and Sandro Feliciano, and guitarists Grecco Buratto, Angelo Metz, Ze Nogueira de Sa. Their repertoire is feathered with the sounds of special guests like harmonica player Ron Kalina, requinto artist Rafael Chato Rios, and congas musician Lula Aftro-Brasil.

The band wraps Brazilian-jazz in foils of Latin-scat vocals, Afro-Cuban rhythms, Caribbean-soul bling, club jazz grooves, and spicy swing. (CLICK LINK TO READ MORE)

GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS PORTUGUESE FADO SENSATION, RAMANA VIEIRA

2009-01-27T01:01:00.000-08:00

“THE NEW VOICE OF PORTUGUESE WORLD MUSIC,”
RAMANA VIEIRA, AT THE GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS
In An Evening Of Portuguese World Music

Modesto, CA, January 22, 2009: Called “a rising star in World Music” by the San Francisco Examiner, vocalist Ramana Vieira will bring her powerful and unique blend of Fado music to the Gallo Center for the Arts on Friday, February 13, 2009 at 8:00 PM with tickets ranging from $25 to $45. Ramana Vieira has solidified her place as one of the premier world music artists who understands the tradition of Portuguese Fado singing and continues to creatively construct a path into the future by combining new musical textures and original compositions along with her amazing ensemble of musicians that include: Marcie Brown (cello), Alberto Ramirez (bass guitar), Jeffrey Luiz (classical guitar), Steve La Porta (drums/percussion), Benito Cortez (violin) and other special guests.

This performance premieres the excitement for the soon to be released CD, “Lágrimas De Rainha (Tears Of A Queen)” on the Pacific Coast Jazz label. The emotional concept of “Lágrimas De Rainha” paints sonic pictures that support Ramana’s desire to invent a fresh Fado sound blooming from the ground of her own family roots. Ms. Vieira will give a sneak preview of these songs in the outstanding community venue, The Gallo Center for the Arts, known for setting a new standard for all the arts, education, and entertainment for the entire Central California region by producing shows of the highest quality and diversity.

The Gallo Center for the Arts is located at 1000 I Street in Modesto, CA or go to their website at:
http://www.galloarts.org/Events or call: 1-877-488-3380 to reserve tickets. For more about Ramana Vieira visit: http://www.RamanaVieira.net or http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com.

MARK SALTMAN: COMPOSING WITH COLOR

2009-01-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

SALTMAN KNOWLES
"RETURN OF THE COMPOSER"

CD RELEASE FEBRUARY 10

Although bassist Mark Saltman has not been diagnosed with synaesthetic experiences, his compositions are written using color theory, sense perception and intuition. “I came up with my system based on how I hear tonalities,” Mark offered in a recent interview, “for example the brightest tonalities match the brightest colors just like on the color wheel. The difference between others and mine is that I equate 'c' (the key with no sharps and flats) to yellow, the brightest color, and 'Gb or F#' (the key with the most sharps and flats) to the darkest color or dark purple. This also corresponds with black and white keys on the piano.”

On his soon to be released CD, “Return Of The Composer” Mark uses this color sensory system in writing his original songs in collaboration with pianist William Knowles. The idea of composers looking at sounds in terms of colors is not new and in fact many past musicians have alluded to this concept including; Duke Ellington, Franz Liszt and Oliver Messiaen. According to medical studies these uncommon sensory experiences are examples of synesthesia, when two or more senses cooperate in perception. Once dismissed as imagination or delusion, metaphor or drug-induced hallucination, the experience of synesthesia has now been documented by scans of synesthetes' brains that show "crosstalk" between areas of the brain that do not normally communicate.

However, not everyone agrees on what colors correspond to what pitches which leaves the research open for debate. Mark Saltman says his songs are “related to traditional color theory” and he uses the same relationships on the color wheel when composing. “I also believe that my own color/music theory can be related to Eastern Philosophy where it is believed that certain colors are associated with channels and lines that exist around all of us.” An example of how Mark uses this method can best be heard in his compositions from “Return Of The Composer”, “Homeland” and “Shalom and Salaam.”

Please contact SVMediaRelations@gmail.com to interview Mark Saltman.

Danny Green Charts at #18 First Week of Radio

2009-01-22T23:32:00.001-08:00

Pacific Coast Jazz Artist:

Danny Green Debut CD, "With You In Mind" Charts at #18 on Jazz Week for first week of radio airplay. The CD was #1 most added to play lists.

New World 'N Jazz Radio Promotion

See list in All About Jazz:

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=28799

Danny Green "With You In Mind" Debut CD Released January 20

2009-01-19T22:18:00.001-08:00

Danny Green Releases Debut CD "With You In Mind"
Just in time for the Obama Inauguration

Danny Green's new debut CD, "With You In Mind" (Pacific Coast Jazz label) is getting quite the attention. His first week of radio airplay put him at #18 on Jazz Week charts and his reviews have been praising this new young talent.

Check out the most recent review on Blogcritics by Kit O'Toole at:
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2009/01/19/102150.php

Southern California jazz pianist Danny Green may be just 27, but his musical training began at the tender age of five. Through high school, college, and private instruction, Green became well-versed in jazz, classical, and Latin music genres. Previously he produced and collaborated with the Caballero Verde Quintet on their 2007 release Past Due. Now he puts his extensive experience to good use in his debut solo CD, With You in Mind, a promising outing that should please jazz fans.

Playing mostly original compositions, Green’s classical training shows in his preciseness, yet the joy of jazz and Latin rhythms still surface. “Jellyfish,” one of the best tracks off the CD, is an appealing samba with Green’s confident, authentic Latin piano merging with intricate percussion. Latin grooves continue with cuts like “Doctor Pasta,” “Baiao Pra Voce,” and “Gigi,” with the latter being a perfect showcase for Green’s speed and dexterity. These tracks encompass his thorough study of Latin music, having worked with several world musicians as well as California’s Brazil Camp program.

He switches gears with the title track, a moody piece reminiscent of Theolonius Monk’s “Round Midnight.” Green’s gorgeous chords create a lush, romantic atmosphere. Again, his classical and jazz backgrounds blend beautifully, lending to his intricate yet soulful playing. “Lullaby for a Poet” shows a delicate side, with Green’s piano alone carrying the beautiful tune. Nowhere is his classical background more evident than on this track.

“Panic Nap” represents yet another sound departure, this time focusing on modern jazz. The beginning cacophony of notes and percussion signal a different tone, with the bass line driving the fast tempo. Green’s keyboard solo suggests fusion a la Miles Davis’s 70s outings. More fusion occurs in “Suite for the Americans” (the only song Green did not compose), an homage to the U.S.’s melting pot of music and culture. Just a hint of the blues can be heard among the exotic rhythms and Green’s precise playing, with fluctuating tempos and motifs thrown in the pleasing mix.

With “Take Five,” Dave Brubeck proved that jazz and classical could coexist. Green continues this combination with With You in Mind, and jazz fans will enjoy his invigorating piano work. This CD marks the beginning of an ambitious artist and is definitely worth a listen.

THE NEW VOICE OF PORTUGUESE WORLD MUSIC: RAMANA VIEIRA

2009-01-06T02:09:00.000-08:00

Ramana Vieira Joins Pacific Coast Jazz Label;
“Lágrimas De Rainha (Tears of a Queen)” slated for March 24

San Diego, CA – January 5, 2009 - San Diego-based independent record label, Pacific Coast Jazz (PCJ), announces the signing of Bay Area-based Portuguese Fado singer, Ramana Vieira. The agreement anticipates the release of their new CD, “Lágrimas De Rainha (Tears Of A Queen),” slated for a street date of March 24, 2009.

“We’ve been looking for a top quality world artist for our label for quite some time,” says Donna Nichols, founder and president of Pacific Coast Jazz. “Ramana has solidified her place as an artist who understands the tradition of Fado singing and continues to creatively construct a path into the future by combining new musical textures and original compositions.” Nichols’ label has teamed up with the publicity team of SV Media Relations and radio promoter Neal Sapper at New World N’Jazz for access to international media buying and radio promotion.

Ramana’s rich, musical artistry combined with her unconventional original style have transported audiences throughout the world with highlights that include: opening for Grammy nominated fadista Mariza; performing her original song “Unido Para Amar” for the 2006 Winter Olympics video montage; making her international debut with RPT TV Portuguese network; and chosen to sing for the Grammy’s 50th Awards special Music Cares benefit to honor Aretha Franklin. Ramana’s first appearance of the New Year will be on January 14th, at the state-of-the-art performing arts venue, Monterey Live located at 414 Alvarado Street in Monterey, California. Concert begins at 8:00 pm and tickets can be purchased by calling 877-548-3237.

Pacific Coast Jazz, founded in 2003, is a boutique 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 and interviews with Ramana Vieira, visit www.ramanavieira.net or contact SV Media Relations at SVMediaRelations@gmail.com.

BRASIL BRAZIL 3 CD Release March 3rd

2008-12-27T20:04:00.000-08:00

Brasil Brazil New CD Release!

"Brasil Brazil weave a brand of jazz that fits seamlessly into the fabric of world music. Their show is energetic and inspiring,
not to mention musically remarkable."
-Leta McLaughlin - OC Weekly/ Orange County

"With a lavish splash of color this happy ensemble educates and entertains with the best of Brazilian Jazz".
-Mark Bialczak - Herald American Post/ NY

Internationally renowned singers, Ana Gazzola & Sonia Santos, once again bring the liveliness and flavor of Brazilian music and culture to their new CD release, “Brasil Brazil 3.” This is the third CD under this name which includes, “Brasil Brazil 1” and “Brasil Brazil 2” and these native Brazilian song birds have recorded solo CDs (“Sorte” for Sonia Santos and “Brazilicious” for Ana Gazzola) along with two DVD’s, ”Brasil Brazil Live At The Syracuse Jazz Festival” and “Brasil Brazil LA Live.”

With their strong rhythmic African roots, these two experienced vocalists have put together a band of top quality musicians from the North and South of Brazil that includes an exciting and colorful stage show. The musical authenticity and versatility of the Brasil Brazil band is spiced with Latin and African drumming tinged with a hint of jazz, contemporary and original arrangements that present all the rhythms and faces of this colorful and tropical culture. The addition of a variety of unique percussion instruments played skillfully by these high energy ladies and their band members leaves audiences of all ages entertained and educated about the music of Brazil and the music of their souls.

Both Sonia and Ana had successful musical careers in Brazil before they decided to venture out into the international world music scene. After extensive touring, they met in Los Angeles, realized they had the same goals and formed their own successful company, Yellow Green Productions. Their current release, “Brasil Brazil 3”, is a joyful experience continuing to demonstrate the spiritual conviction of union, love and peace that is the trademark of their performances.

For more about Brasil Brazil go to: www.BrasilBrazilShow.com
Distributed by City Hall Records and available at iTunes and CDBaby.com

Saltman Knowles Review: Blogcritics.org

2008-12-27T00:46:00.000-08:00

Music Review: SaltmanKnowles - Return of the Composer

Written by Kit O'Toole
Published December 22, 2008

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/12/22/024553.php
Blogcritics.org - published by Eric Olsen
Blogcritics is an online magazine, a community of writers and readers from around the globe.

Fans of modern jazz should seek out SaltmanKnowles’ newest release, Return of the Composer. The Washington, D.C.-based jazz group includes Mark Saltman (bass), William A. Knowles (piano), Lori Williams Chisholm (vocals), Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson (drums), Rob Landham (alto saxophone), and Alvin Trask (trumpet). The band cites Billy Strayhorn, Horace Silver, and Charles Mingus as major influences. This somewhat free-form type of jazz pervades their fourth release.

The group makes heavy use of vocalese throughout the album, with Williams Chisholm’s voice becoming another instrument on such cuts as “Bellport,” where she trades lines with the saxophonist. During the Brazilian-tinged “A Study in Purple,” her voice complements the elaborate percussion. Her soulful vocals add a touch of soul on “Seeds and Deeds,” while Jackson’s drums and Saltman’s bass provide a driving, almost funky beat.

While vocalese is prominently featured, the deft instrumental skills of the band still impress. “Homeland” features an extended (and blazing fast) saxophone solo by Landham, and “Shalom and Salaam” works due to the tight syncopation of Knowles, Landham, Trask, and Saltman. Once again the saxophone and piano solos are the true standouts, their improvisation accompanying but never dominating the driving beat and melody. Trask occupies the spotlight on the midtempo “Disfavor,” his muted trumpet skillfully navigating the frequent tempo fluctuations. Landham and Trask trade lines, never overshadowing the other’s playing.

The lone track featuring actual lyrics, “Pain Management” serves as a welcome respite from the scatting and instrumental songs. The tune begins as a lament, suddenly launching into a ripping saxophone solo. The real star of “Pain Management,” though, remains Jackson’s intricate percussion. He consistently impresses with his ability to smoothly change the tempo throughout the song without any abrupt transitions.

SaltmanKnowles enjoys performing as a “cohesive unit,” and Return of the Composer exemplifies this statement. The musicians complements one another, letting a player solo while the others play an accompanying melody or beat. Williams Chisholm appears very comfortable with singing vocalese, her scatting providing the perfect instrumentation or flourish for various songs. It’s refreshing to hear straightforward modern jazz performed by some excellent artists, encapsulating traditional improvisation while occasionally injecting some soul and funk into the music. Any fan of modern jazz will enjoy Return of the Composer, and it will be interesting to see how SaltmanKnowles continuously evolves in the jazz genre.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2008-12-22T00:55:00.001-08:00

Wishing all of you a very Happy Holiday season.

Thanks for all your support of our artists and for keeping the music alive!

From all of us at SV Media Relations

Look for our future releases coming in 2009:
Danny Green, "With You In Mind" - Release date January 20th
Saltman Knowles, "Return of the Composer" - Release date February 10th
Brasil Brazil, "Brazil Brasil 3" - Release date February 27th
Ramana Vieira, "Lagrimas De Rainha (Tears of a Queen)" - Release date March 24th
(Christmas tree image from: http://www.freefoto.com)