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

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.

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

(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.

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

“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.

SALTMAN KNOWLES - CD RELEASE PARTY

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.

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

“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.

SALTMAN KNOWLES - CD DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK

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.

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

“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.

THE NEW VOICE OF PORTUGUESE WORLD MUSIC: RAMANA VIEIRA

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.

PACIFIC COAST JAZZ LABEL NEW RELEASES

PACIFIC COST JAZZ (PCJ) Label presents:

Danny Green "With You In Mind"
Release Date: January 20, 2009
www.DannyGreen.net

Saltman Knowles "Return of the Composer"
Release Date: February 10, 2009
www.SaltmanKnowles.com

For press review copies or interviews contact:
SV Media Relations
SVMediaRelations@gmail.com

Radio Promotion:
Neal Sapper, New World N' Jazz

San Diego Pianist Danny Green Joins Pacific Coast Jazz

San Diego, CA – October 9, 2008 - San Diego-based independent record label, Pacific Coast Jazz (PCJ), announces the addition of San Diego-based Brazilian jazz pianist, Danny Green, to their roster of distinctive artists. Green’s own independent label, Alante Recordings, will now be an associate label under the Pacific Coast Jazz umbrella.
This affiliation anticipates the release of Green’s first solo release With You In Mind, slated for a street date of January 20, 2009. “The quality of Danny’s work is outstanding and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to high quality independent artists,” says 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 Neal Sapper at New World N’Jazz and will give Alante Records access to international media buying and retail distribution.

Clearly Danny Green has managed to carve out a place for himself in the lineup of young San Diego jazz artists who have a pulse on keeping the tradition of jazz piano alive while stepping boldly into the future through the use of cultural sounds and world music rhythms. With You In Mind is Danny’s debut solo outing and was co-produced with Allan Phillips and features Justin Grinnell (bass), Dylan Savage (drums), Allan Phillips (percussion) and Tripp Sprague (soprano saxophone). In With You In Mind Danny Green combines both Brazilian and Latin influences and cradles them in mainstream jazz and classical nuances. As a result of Danny’s musical influences his sound comes across to listeners as a pianistic mixture of Bill Evans, Brad Mehldau, Danilo Perez, and Ravel with original compositions emerging from the sincerity of his soul. “A beautiful addition to our artist roster,” added Nichols.

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. Visit Danny Green’s website at: www.dannygreen.net

Meet Sound Visions Media & Pacific Coast Jazz

I'm busy, as usual at SV Media Relations, spreading the word about all the great musicians at Sound Visions Media (http://www.SoundVisionsMedia.com).
I also want to introduce you to another wonderful label, Pacific Coast Jazz (http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com).

Both of these companies have amazing artists in the genres of jazz, world music, improvised music, smooth jazz, inspirational and anything they think is quality music in those areas.

Some of the new releases and events for both of these companies that we are helping to promote includes:

Danny Green, "With You In Mind" (Pacific Coast Jazz)
Don Braden, "Gentle Storm"
Judi Silvano, "Cleome: Live Takes"
Sheila Jordan's 80th Birthday Celebration at Dizzy's in New York
Educational releases: "You Sing Jazz" and "Modern Chord Melody" by John Stowell

We''ll be updating you on all of these projects in the days to come.
If you have already heard some of these releases let us know what you think.
If you are a journalist and would like to receive a review copy please contact me and I'll be happy to be your errand girl for jazz.