Norman Johnson Reviewed on Improvijazzation Nation

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.

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

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

Bradley Leighton - Soul Collective Review

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.

Jaki Mathews Interviews Bradley Leighton on Jazz Workshop

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.

Interview with Tom Braxton on The Jazz Intersection

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

"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 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.

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

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.

TOM BRAXTON COVER STORY FOR SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS!

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

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!

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

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

TOM BRAXTON #1 Most Added Radio !!!

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

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

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."