Featured on RadioOjai.com

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"

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

“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.

"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

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www.ellenjohnson.net.

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.

Performance: Jazz Vocalist Ellen Johnson

(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

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

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)