tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89069442854163614722024-03-14T10:56:55.459-07:00Errand Girl For JazzJoy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-81365036779930396522011-07-09T17:25:00.000-07:002011-07-09T17:26:48.764-07:00Pianist Danny Green Performance Schedule Update<strong><span>Performances with my band</span></strong>:<br /><span><strong><br />July 10</strong></span> - <a href="http://twenty20grill.com/" target="_blank">Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar</a> at the Sheraton (Carlsbad)<br />Jazz Brunch Performance from 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.<br />Featuring Rob Thorsen (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)<br /><span><strong><br />July 20</strong></span> - Clairemont Library - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.<br />Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)<br /><span><strong><br />July 26</strong></span> - North University Community Branch Library - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.<br />Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)<br /><span><strong><br />August 18</strong></span> - Oceanside Museum of Art<br /><a href="http://oma-online.org/calendar.html" target="_blank">333's Jazz at the Museum</a> - 7:00 P.M.<br />Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass), Julien Cantelm, plus special guest TBA.<br /><span><strong><br />September 10</strong></span> - <a href="http://obmusicfest.org/" target="_blank">The Jazz88 Ocean Beach Music and Art Festival<br /></a>My quartet will be playing two sets at different locations. More info TBA.<br /><strong><br />November 3</strong> - Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Theater - 7:30 P.M.<br />Featuring Justin Grinnell and Julien Cantelm.<br /><strong><span><br />Solo Piano Performances</span></strong>:<br /><br />I will be performing at the <a href="http://www.marineroom.com/" target="_blank">Marine Room</a> in La Jolla on July 15, 22 & 29 from<br />7:00 - 10:00 P.M.Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-17712286868875408702011-06-20T15:14:00.000-07:002011-06-20T15:18:19.360-07:00Pianist Danny Green Performance Schedule<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdOv6ZUkTJDMWjVNLrK2RI9LRNkgyQHxjMHFc04lLkyCarJOLfgd9rU1KhHyxlMMsn7kfa07kkABTBCzdGn7WweVJikbMzf_XW8hNU9LpGv9s28xg03iOLtXQ07wonkdzP6vZTrUlwRQ/s1600/Danny_0620_SV.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdOv6ZUkTJDMWjVNLrK2RI9LRNkgyQHxjMHFc04lLkyCarJOLfgd9rU1KhHyxlMMsn7kfa07kkABTBCzdGn7WweVJikbMzf_XW8hNU9LpGv9s28xg03iOLtXQ07wonkdzP6vZTrUlwRQ/s320/Danny_0620_SV.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620429391905189858" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong>July 10</strong></span> - <a href="http://twenty20grill.com/" target="_blank">Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar</a> at the Sheraton (Carlsbad)<br />Jazz Brunch Performance from 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.<br /><strong><span style="font-weight:normal">Featuring Rob Thorsen (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)<br /></span></strong><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong><br />July 20</strong></span> - Clairemont Library - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.<br />Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong><br />July 26</strong></span> - North University Community Branch Library - 6:30 - 7:30 P.M.<br />Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass) and Julien Cantelm (drums)<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong><br />August 18</strong></span> - Oceanside Museum of Art<br /><a href="http://oma-online.org/calendar.html" target="_blank">333's Jazz at the Museum</a> - 7:00 P.M.<br />Featuring Justin Grinnell (bass), Julien Cantelm, plus special guest TBA.<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline"><strong><br />September 10</strong></span> - <a href="http://obmusicfest.org/" target="_blank">The Jazz88 Ocean Beach Music and Art Festival<br /></a>My quartet will be playing two sets at different locations. More info TBA.<br /><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline"><br />Solo Piano Performances</span></strong>:<br /><br />I will be performing at the <a href="http://www.marineroom.com/" target="_blank">Marine Room</a> 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:<br />June 18 & 24<br />July 15, 22 & 29Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-56628389540313879812011-05-15T21:24:00.000-07:002011-05-15T21:32:27.983-07:00The Wahya Consort Premieres “Mingus and Beyond” at The Ojai Arts Center<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjLzA0mif_NsHnxfO8k3sEJrrPcq8mZ38dk01PgQ2MdcpiAzevZq-mrjuujFOyuAvS5x2gDtn7NuKDmRJxUfgszfl0qJBOTl0XUUb6NZkQZjeebS33Pr9dX86nRN5WlSZ1pdZrsVFxMU/s1600/WAHYA_CONSORT_IMAGE_5-15.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjLzA0mif_NsHnxfO8k3sEJrrPcq8mZ38dk01PgQ2MdcpiAzevZq-mrjuujFOyuAvS5x2gDtn7NuKDmRJxUfgszfl0qJBOTl0XUUb6NZkQZjeebS33Pr9dX86nRN5WlSZ1pdZrsVFxMU/s320/WAHYA_CONSORT_IMAGE_5-15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607165566640907506" border="0" /></a><br /> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#404040;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family:arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style="">Creative and Improvised Jazz Supports<br /></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family:arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><i style=""><span style=" Times New Roman";">The Humane Society of Ventura County<br /></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-family:arial;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; font-family: arial;"> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#404040;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} p {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:#404040;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> </p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">An exciting day of jazz events includes <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">The Wahya Consort</b> making their debut with a premiere of, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">"Mingus and Beyond," </b>on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Sunday June 12</b>, 2011 from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m</b>. at the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Ojai Arts Center</b> located at 113 South Montgomery Street in Ojai.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Wahya Consort includes vocalist <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Ellen Johnson</b>, pianist <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Bevan Manson</b>, percussionist <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Brad Dutz</b> and bassist <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Rick Shaw</b> performing music of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Charles Mingus</b>, original compositions and lyrics, and free improvised music.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Consort, in support of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Ojai Music Festival</b> occurring the same day featuring composer and conductor <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Maria Schneider's 18-piece big band</b> and soprano, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Dawn Upshaw</b>, is providing a discount for their concert to anyone attending the festival.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">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.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Consort will be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">donating the proceeds of their ticket sales to the Humane Society of Ventura County. </b><br /></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Single tickets for the Wahya Consort are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">$15.00 for regular admission</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">$7.00 with an Ojai Music Festival pass</b>. To reserve or purchase single tickets for the Wahya Consort performance call <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">805-272-8125</b> or go to <a href="mailto:info@JazzInOjai.com">info (at) JazzInOjai.com</a>. 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 <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=uoqtbccab&et=1105176564387&s=0&e=001Rk9nU2_qFCSkrezJXVxfiHpr_dd5SM7-Yomo4zfbwJ5QKjPvN9JNQFMsQ9mSHPrwE3EeExhv9zGSAnhodl7BGIFbjFQ_J0d4w6nStRzQ_f-2WZqVJBopRA==">www.JazzInOjai.com</a> or Facebook at <b style=""><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=uoqtbccab&et=1105176564387&s=0&e=001Rk9nU2_qFCSkrezJXVxfiHpr_dd5SM7-Yomo4zfbwJ5QKjPvN9JNQFMsQ9mSHPrwE3EeExhv9zFbTzJRSD9e_a9Tro_gDRwUuhyOJFy3GS2DISmcf1q4rg==">http://tinyurl.com/3cswdfb</a></b></span></p><p style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=uoqtbccab&et=1105176564387&s=0&e=001Rk9nU2_qFCSkrezJXVxfiHpr_dd5SM7-Yomo4zfbwJ5QKjPvN9JNQFMsQ9mSHPrwE3EeExhv9zFbTzJRSD9e_a9Tro_gDRwUuhyOJFy3GS2DISmcf1q4rg=="><br /></a></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi- Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:boldfont-size:100%;color:windowtext;" > </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="mso-bidi- Times New Roman";font-size:11.0pt;color:windowtext;" >About The Wahya Consort Musicians:</span></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi- Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:boldfont-size:100%;color:windowtext;" >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. </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi- Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-weight:boldfont-size:100%;color:windowtext;" > </span></p><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: arial;font-family:";font-size:100%;color:windowtext;" ></span> <p></p>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-89663959147965835622011-05-15T21:20:00.001-07:002011-05-15T21:24:04.208-07:00We're Back!We've been on a little hiatus in the past few months.<br />Sorry if you missed hearing from us.<br /><br />Our new direction is not only promoting artists through our services but with some new media concepts in collaboration with others.<br /><br />We are also going to be opening up our blog to reviews of CDs, live performances, videos, books and more!<br /><br />Thanks for checking in with us and we hope to bring you information about some great artists projects and events.Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-398800838917994832010-12-19T21:59:00.000-08:002010-12-19T22:07:24.622-08:00Improvijazzation Nation Magazine Review of E.J. Antonio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBnSLj6hDbk1ulcBE2xHWobFyPOJuZ74aOj_laAoeDKRNVZWdlrU8yLGjQhbOp5eMMGgQ4kq37uAqoGIG1wpYpun_2VvPw0aOkxHj14u9hWf7Jk1zQQvjvO_1Y8N42MVykSRFUXgfgFA/s1600/EJ+Head+shot+small.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBnSLj6hDbk1ulcBE2xHWobFyPOJuZ74aOj_laAoeDKRNVZWdlrU8yLGjQhbOp5eMMGgQ4kq37uAqoGIG1wpYpun_2VvPw0aOkxHj14u9hWf7Jk1zQQvjvO_1Y8N42MVykSRFUXgfgFA/s320/EJ+Head+shot+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552641596371813634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Review:<a href="http://zzaj.freehostia.com/wordpress/?page_id=190"> http://zzaj.freehostia.com/wordpress/?page_id=190</a><br /><br />E. J. Antonio – RITUALS IN THE MARROW; RECIPE FOR A JAM SESSION:<br /><br />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<em></em>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-74849165041846423182010-10-03T20:12:00.000-07:002010-10-03T20:20:21.212-07:00If Time Stood Still Review from All About Jazz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOWQhaLE3C0l3VcsSg0SegU2ZQSLsHBYkjAGdemZvnf09iSkwLsMxjW9PCf2DQJJ0EGpQQDGqZD1aE6pOAcr3Y5ST0vVmLEwhS9C9Rb8YnVS4aKxQ4aU_UqUPRGy3ihGI1yLLZQeQplM/s1600/-1_small.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOWQhaLE3C0l3VcsSg0SegU2ZQSLsHBYkjAGdemZvnf09iSkwLsMxjW9PCf2DQJJ0EGpQQDGqZD1aE6pOAcr3Y5ST0vVmLEwhS9C9Rb8YnVS4aKxQ4aU_UqUPRGy3ihGI1yLLZQeQplM/s320/-1_small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524024660047833298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">By Jerry D'Souza</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Read entire review here: </span> <a href="http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=37638"><span style="font-weight: bold;">http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=37638</span></a><br /><br /><span class="article_title_list"><span class="article_title_list"><span class="body_text"><span class="article_title_list"><span class="article_title_list2"><span class="article_title_list">Norman Johnson was in high school in Jamaica when he heard <a href="http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=3789">George Benson</a> 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 <a href="http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=9283">Jackie McLean</a> and Brian Keane, his influences grew to include <a href="http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=9528">Wes Montgomery</a>, <a href="http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=8430">Earl Klugh</a>, and Andres Segovia. Segovia fostered his love for classical music and, along with Klugh, the nylon-string guitar. <p>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.<br /></p><p>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.</p><p>For more about Norman Johnson go to:<a href="http://%20www.NormanJohnsonGuitar.com"> http://www.NormanJohnsonGuitar.com</a><br /></p></span></span></span></span></span></span>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-66927877446600417252010-09-16T12:14:00.000-07:002010-09-16T12:19:56.605-07:00Jazz Station - Vocal CD of the Month - "Dancing with Johnny"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQFuTk5NZkZzvenodJTdk1g7B9g2Dnk4A6RJDKVrhqWV-b_wp_PyNu6nCskyUOzk-SpB5GEz7H3glZ9hFbaCoNvacxOjhrjj12LmXEoEWUpUaQkH74M5i5MpvYhP5z1h_CjgeYZwkwkM/s1600/Linda+Ciofalo.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQFuTk5NZkZzvenodJTdk1g7B9g2Dnk4A6RJDKVrhqWV-b_wp_PyNu6nCskyUOzk-SpB5GEz7H3glZ9hFbaCoNvacxOjhrjj12LmXEoEWUpUaQkH74M5i5MpvYhP5z1h_CjgeYZwkwkM/s320/Linda+Ciofalo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517592893419943570" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Jazz Station<br />Arnaldo DeSouteiro<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vocal CD of the Month</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Linda Ciofalo: "Dancing with Johnny" (Lucky Jazz) 2010</span></span><br /><br />Rating: *****<br />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.<br />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).<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">For additional infos and pics, please check: </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesouteiros.blogspot.com/2010/06/linda-ciofalos-new-cd-tribute-to-johnny.html">http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesouteiros.blogspot.com/2010/06/linda-ciofalos-new-cd-tribute-to-johnny.html</a><br /><br /><br /></span>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-77499438522292687642010-09-07T22:08:00.001-07:002010-09-07T22:13:15.850-07:00POET E. J. ANTONIO DEBUTS CD featuring Christian McBride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YJzIO9TE_U2pE9nwmPbxWcW9vrlxxF-je1cJ9VdfmQVvLRho3fETviYX4tMA90MPAiMb6Y7BI3ZIm81Vooac8EYNef6-pS2od1yX67JhonP32MsC7bxuaa_XBWr_yyctBy80QvIVR6g/s1600/EJ+CD+Cover+small.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YJzIO9TE_U2pE9nwmPbxWcW9vrlxxF-je1cJ9VdfmQVvLRho3fETviYX4tMA90MPAiMb6Y7BI3ZIm81Vooac8EYNef6-pS2od1yX67JhonP32MsC7bxuaa_XBWr_yyctBy80QvIVR6g/s320/EJ+CD+Cover+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514405406890012770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br />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.<br /><br />“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.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and now, somebody</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">will sing you a praise song</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">a revival song</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">a song</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">buoyant / full of the blues and the jazz and the hymn</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">of struggle fraught from one continent to another and back</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">to the beginning</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">where the ocean carves</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">skeletons to gauze / unraveling</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">it sings</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">praises to your dead</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">while you push</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">on and on and on and on and on...</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">writing new choruses to Amazing Grace</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">how sweet the sound…</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">we sing</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">sing</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">sing</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(from “pullman porter” by E.J. Antonio)</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">For more information go to, www.EjAntonioBluez.net.</span></span>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-3544519783739262422010-08-25T12:10:00.000-07:002010-08-25T12:16:54.140-07:00Norman Johnson Reviewed on Improvijazzation Nation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJySn2gEm9TO3q5PkUXQ0TeH8TU1onwYHDMDEA35J-gPMJD48i4hchbCF7HIYHK8Gv70mC5oUEZ_-uXPMS3Jr04D-c-VwuBVU6Ok0HvNIOwB-5XT07jgQ4fxjzkuRqv8fbA-aZTokdaU/s1600/-1_small.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJySn2gEm9TO3q5PkUXQ0TeH8TU1onwYHDMDEA35J-gPMJD48i4hchbCF7HIYHK8Gv70mC5oUEZ_-uXPMS3Jr04D-c-VwuBVU6Ok0HvNIOwB-5XT07jgQ4fxjzkuRqv8fbA-aZTokdaU/s320/-1_small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509428099810059842" border="0" /></a><br />Norman Johnson - IF TIME STOOD STILL:<br /><br />Improvijazzation Nation Rotcod Zzaj<br />Issue # 105 - <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z105Reviews.htm">http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z105Reviews.htm</a><br /><br />Includes reviews for at least 36 other artists<br /><br />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.Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-34383448852030500252010-08-05T12:49:00.000-07:002010-08-05T12:59:58.948-07:00Interview with Gteen Screen Author, Jeff Foster<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUiGhK5kzPP2_puDKX_mZXu2PbyBy6bsbCwAY5j0Dq1tw-hugdx7ZnBQ1N2N-tZneBj01JwdKYUR5JiYzAAiiY9OXQXQ-Ze1dOxLEqnMzNkbFvXCXcwZPcJpWcDodcBtHCa_EAiWikmA/s1600/TalkRadio-MRD.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUiGhK5kzPP2_puDKX_mZXu2PbyBy6bsbCwAY5j0Dq1tw-hugdx7ZnBQ1N2N-tZneBj01JwdKYUR5JiYzAAiiY9OXQXQ-Ze1dOxLEqnMzNkbFvXCXcwZPcJpWcDodcBtHCa_EAiWikmA/s320/TalkRadio-MRD.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502017502177044946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszBIT2P2neZWCsrlm3InBSK5VMa_i4cniWSYbced8EFo1YexZyHOUp5r4Az2JlNoZBxiZtiUo6OGaElx0iROFJHI7ICBFa3Jc5uBFuLKqOKsOrmXT9y8H4QZVLHmj9BTFo3oTUhyphenhyphenC47c/s1600/TalkRadio-MRD.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />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."<br /><br />Mr. Dresser is known to interview experts and authors over a range of topics and took interest in Jeff's book for technology.<br /><br />The interview airs tonight, August 5, at 7:00pm PDT on BlogRadio at Dresser After Dark, along with several other authors and topical experts.<br /><br />You can also hear the interview at: <a href="http://pixelpainter.com/Jeff_Foster-Dresser-Radio_8-4-10.mp3">Jeff_Foster-Dresser-Radio_8-4-10.mp3</a><br /><br />or get the book or contact Jeff at: <a href="http://www.pixelpainter.com">www.pixelpainter.com</a>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-24619092237053633052010-07-26T00:15:00.000-07:002010-07-26T00:21:27.045-07:00If Time Stood Still Debut From Guitarist Norman Johnson Releases August 10, 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7ZViy3FNW9dYfIbwYaXfji3hAKeqeNB8k42EkdTShyphenhyphenexGFbmOD_K7ipyjIg83NnR6Y9IZVIXpyzpQLG-ztom07KxYOaiXl5_Cny0OGTVUqv_JWn-kHoTMgyXmYllIcf6NfuOUkiJHC4/s1600/If-time-stood-still-cover-w.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7ZViy3FNW9dYfIbwYaXfji3hAKeqeNB8k42EkdTShyphenhyphenexGFbmOD_K7ipyjIg83NnR6Y9IZVIXpyzpQLG-ztom07KxYOaiXl5_Cny0OGTVUqv_JWn-kHoTMgyXmYllIcf6NfuOUkiJHC4/s320/If-time-stood-still-cover-w.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498111648562180210" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; font-style: italic;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Time Stands Still" For Guitarist Norman Johnson's </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Distinctive Debut Contemporary Jazz CD Release</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">READ ENTIRE PRESS RELEASE:</span><br /><a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/jazz/guitar/prweb4281054.htm">http://www.prweb.com/releases/jazz/guitar/prweb4281054.htm</a></span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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."<br /><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial Black,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><br /></span></span>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-22713289038256663882010-07-23T12:42:00.000-07:002010-07-23T12:48:30.999-07:00Fingerprints, Dream Life CD, Review from The Smooth Jazz Ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnx1SmOR7jkHbKSpaaN2IW4wn9G7VBM4QPmJ9TFo3SdEKgoAAg2MT3AuMERkf2_EZzWOjRGw0qdXIIU-gGW0Esnno4KdzBDMxvkpFaZbiIJCeUwsIif0aEPXvYqFgwW42yxKsk-ICxuWI/s1600/DreamLife_small.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnx1SmOR7jkHbKSpaaN2IW4wn9G7VBM4QPmJ9TFo3SdEKgoAAg2MT3AuMERkf2_EZzWOjRGw0qdXIIU-gGW0Esnno4KdzBDMxvkpFaZbiIJCeUwsIif0aEPXvYqFgwW42yxKsk-ICxuWI/s320/DreamLife_small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497190314815261410" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fingerprints New Release,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dream Life - Review:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ronald Jackson</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TheSmoothJazzRide.com</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">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.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Read the entire review at:</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.thesmoothjazzride.com/Fingerprints.html" target="_blank"> http://www.thesmoothjazzride.<wbr>com/Fingerprints.html</a></span>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-80174031242611142442010-07-13T18:15:00.000-07:002010-07-13T18:31:09.079-07:00How Much Do Music Artists Earn Online?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-c_7yPiKNTB-KnPdQI9cSxUptowvE8UD2ccRFRd-RWPtLd3svDPgFRQNf09Nl8r9p3scx6wScr9LbE5GCV_wb8FS4PUaUQlyTg5wzCIvxYRWzDby64UXIborSnsMRNFJDDkEhjMCLoA/s1600/ErrandGirl_Trans-300.png"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-c_7yPiKNTB-KnPdQI9cSxUptowvE8UD2ccRFRd-RWPtLd3svDPgFRQNf09Nl8r9p3scx6wScr9LbE5GCV_wb8FS4PUaUQlyTg5wzCIvxYRWzDby64UXIborSnsMRNFJDDkEhjMCLoA/s320/ErrandGirl_Trans-300.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493567910095764258" border="0" /></a><br />How Much Do Music Artists Earn Online?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Which is why it's important to stay flexible and prolific along with finding alternate revenue sources besides CD/digital sales.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The entire article with graphs is at this link:</span> <a href="http://tinyurl.com/y99238f"><span style="font-weight: bold;">http://tinyurl.com/y99238f</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-51803791147299174592010-07-08T12:39:00.000-07:002010-07-08T13:06:02.317-07:00Music Publicity 101 and then some...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BPEZPJ0Y6B5LyIA94nmIJZoqEu-3LBn41B65z9JlYrJlRaNYiGxWpihWZtfePClVbJXYKpzIYAaTr-9rAv1V0qgUb0DyTEJI7ihIHjsjgFUiPY_hS48WTWsrXTlvB8ce7FNhOZ2smZ4/s1600/ErrandGirl_Trans-300.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BPEZPJ0Y6B5LyIA94nmIJZoqEu-3LBn41B65z9JlYrJlRaNYiGxWpihWZtfePClVbJXYKpzIYAaTr-9rAv1V0qgUb0DyTEJI7ihIHjsjgFUiPY_hS48WTWsrXTlvB8ce7FNhOZ2smZ4/s320/ErrandGirl_Trans-300.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491627373295104610" border="0" /></a><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The article is from the DIY musician blog written by Mike King of Berklee College of Music.</span><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">To read the entire article go to:<br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/yzrld66">http://tinyurl.com/yzrld66</a></span><br /><br />Mike's comments on what constitutes a good promo kit/press kit are the following:<br />- a bio<br />- press release<br />- an advance or finished product<br />- link to high res photos<br />- press quotes<br /><br />I constantly tell new artists and seasoned artists how important these elements are to the press.<br />After you read the article you can add my extra comments.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Comments</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bios</span> - 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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Photos</span> - 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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Press quotes</span> - Don't include entire reviews! Just short one or two line statements that are positive and support your story.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Press release</span> - 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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Advance or finished copy</span> - 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Thanks ... and happy pr.<br /><br />JoyJoy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-72066989265374160692010-07-05T13:52:00.000-07:002010-07-05T14:00:02.032-07:00Bradley Leighton - Soul Collective Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAwXADLhEbnYHlRf8eYUnHVeQ2gfHeE_Y23kOw21wYCRboQjxB0xcVqbsLNaBPgWM5jh1EJn9vp8tgT2RPRJWdb_GmtqW2Ja972W3FygrR1WQytlY0NbDR-DJ0HMOAjj-NRSSDMcI0yA/s1600/Soul+Collective+300_.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAwXADLhEbnYHlRf8eYUnHVeQ2gfHeE_Y23kOw21wYCRboQjxB0xcVqbsLNaBPgWM5jh1EJn9vp8tgT2RPRJWdb_GmtqW2Ja972W3FygrR1WQytlY0NbDR-DJ0HMOAjj-NRSSDMcI0yA/s320/Soul+Collective+300_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490529279538870002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SmoothJazzVibes.com</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">By Ronald Jackson</span></span><br /><br />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.<br />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.Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-16317673576203317202010-06-28T02:13:00.000-07:002010-06-28T02:22:43.010-07:00The History Of Jazz Fusion on MOJA Radio to Celebrate the 4th of July!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkUf-wIjgER8scwvq1FLgVMwpy0vwOGYfVDPmDRLsTU8oM2TXxQNZ0es62skRx9rJtD20say1Fp8Zov857rmDVNjoTHay9FBX_W60PPrvU8YxMbncvPLUYdm2brQM13fz4oN930NRxwY/s1600/MOJA+RADIO.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 62px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkUf-wIjgER8scwvq1FLgVMwpy0vwOGYfVDPmDRLsTU8oM2TXxQNZ0es62skRx9rJtD20say1Fp8Zov857rmDVNjoTHay9FBX_W60PPrvU8YxMbncvPLUYdm2brQM13fz4oN930NRxwY/s400/MOJA+RADIO.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487752469188364066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />Lots of great things happening at MOJA Radio and one that caught our attention was, The History Of Fusion!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://mojaradio.com/">www.mojaradio.com</a></span></span><br /><br />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!”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />So listen this Sunday, The 4th of July for “THE HISTORY OF JAZZ FUSION,” only from MOJA Radio!Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-76826561759152969082010-06-22T17:46:00.000-07:002010-06-22T17:50:25.875-07:00Norman Johnson, Pacific Coast Jazz Artist, Releases Debut CD “If Time Stood Still”<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWWsFU8OSera5DZ6I9POO5G92T800-v2y74IFqJeCaod-_uDmB1hvWGLEGpEUqcMRYKxibJS9IYRt8t_FMsgpmjAyF729dED6l8rtablzfYGS2p-Ja3aTUENZHfmXdq9th6aSRnp3jro/s1600/CDCoverJohnsonIfTimeStoodi.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 364px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWWsFU8OSera5DZ6I9POO5G92T800-v2y74IFqJeCaod-_uDmB1hvWGLEGpEUqcMRYKxibJS9IYRt8t_FMsgpmjAyF729dED6l8rtablzfYGS2p-Ja3aTUENZHfmXdq9th6aSRnp3jro/s400/CDCoverJohnsonIfTimeStoodi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485764663239673554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Slated for Street Date of August 10, 2010</span></span><br /><br />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.<br /><br />“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.<br /><br /> 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.Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-81616135602571507402010-06-22T17:43:00.001-07:002010-06-22T17:45:43.389-07:00Linda Ciofalo’s West Coast Tour Features Her CD Tribute To Johnny Mercer, Dancing With Johnny<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FOj5UUz2obCOu7RH6uL7sGqKrKuf4KExFd5tjNnrfIajJ4zlVsKPhdp3SlUyYqIRHeV3P2QaW3IOLpeUZN0MN4kuBXxU65c_LVd8sDT4A4dp0Ik2gU2Tqaw8eM2aapvGYjm-uEMMV8U/s1600/Linda+Ciofalo.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FOj5UUz2obCOu7RH6uL7sGqKrKuf4KExFd5tjNnrfIajJ4zlVsKPhdp3SlUyYqIRHeV3P2QaW3IOLpeUZN0MN4kuBXxU65c_LVd8sDT4A4dp0Ik2gU2Tqaw8eM2aapvGYjm-uEMMV8U/s320/Linda+Ciofalo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485763589146388066" border="0" /></a><br />(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.”<br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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).<br /><br />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.comJoy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-73477732036415397402010-06-09T11:15:00.000-07:002010-06-09T11:22:21.254-07:00Jaki Mathews Interviews Bradley Leighton on Jazz Workshop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSjI1Rq7rCvfzeWxkLNVBy-zeJhUCGqOigfuYtdp1PH7-_aaHsdJ91eJaABehNr-S4atGSyj-9j0dI8xdbGXv6KUDottLslyzcj2FshKTX4R1q72LXZw7JVFpudi9luz6VVy-o4Y4u14/s1600/Leighton-for-pr.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSjI1Rq7rCvfzeWxkLNVBy-zeJhUCGqOigfuYtdp1PH7-_aaHsdJ91eJaABehNr-S4atGSyj-9j0dI8xdbGXv6KUDottLslyzcj2FshKTX4R1q72LXZw7JVFpudi9luz6VVy-o4Y4u14/s320/Leighton-for-pr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480840662539502738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bradley Leighton can be heard today talking with Jaki Mathews on her Jazz Workshop radio show at </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.fmhdmsradio.net/">www.fmbdmsradio.net</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span></span><br /><br />Jazz Workshop regular programming airs Monday through Friday from 12 pm to 3 pm and Saturdays from 2 -5 pm EST.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial black;font-size:130%;color:#0080ff;"><span style="font-family:arial black;font-size:85%;color:#00bfbf;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><a href="http://www.fmhdmsradio.net/" target="_blank"></a>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-74805929112224168872010-06-06T18:52:00.001-07:002010-06-07T12:59:53.922-07:00Bradley Leighton Interview on The Jazz Intersection<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqce-iHkUK8w_7ynspXDv-IfNXqB3txySY_1iZ3YXokUR4SyL4Zn3Ezpdtob0E_XH6uy6FTq26GXknzrzRRt4GO8OrhzIZrOiIXeJKfj8-he8opB7V8E-kcbXbWRZyhb1NkxKb22kDIQ/s1600/Best+Orig+crp.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqce-iHkUK8w_7ynspXDv-IfNXqB3txySY_1iZ3YXokUR4SyL4Zn3Ezpdtob0E_XH6uy6FTq26GXknzrzRRt4GO8OrhzIZrOiIXeJKfj8-he8opB7V8E-kcbXbWRZyhb1NkxKb22kDIQ/s320/Best+Orig+crp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479844701768670034" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Listen to Bradley Leighton's Interview<br />on The Jazz Intersection<br />with James Harber.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.TheJazzIntersection.org">www.TheJazzIntersection.org</a></span><br /><br />Check out the "Music For Life Tour" at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bradleyleighton.com/">www.BradleyLeighton.com</a>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-44259250670613580852010-05-31T12:23:00.001-07:002010-05-31T12:35:30.991-07:00Interview with Tom Braxton on The Jazz Intersection<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wwsjgM9SLWJS0JeRTAymZ7RmmvyB_EahI4F626uURB7VWy8ivCWyCwzFUxewm5X3qUfQ3zeF1QhSaz1J76DsSYs-l-u3Vfh9qBXR1WV1ZBICWfN5xNpqbxX_IZJf02geHSgyVgBtqxo/s1600/tombraxton09-50.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wwsjgM9SLWJS0JeRTAymZ7RmmvyB_EahI4F626uURB7VWy8ivCWyCwzFUxewm5X3qUfQ3zeF1QhSaz1J76DsSYs-l-u3Vfh9qBXR1WV1ZBICWfN5xNpqbxX_IZJf02geHSgyVgBtqxo/s320/tombraxton09-50.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477517667706055330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Listen to Tom Braxton's interview with James Harbor on The Jazz Intersection.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:100%;" >Braxton's single release, "Open Road" from </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:100%;" >Endless Highway</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:100%;" > CD official radio play date.</span><br /></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><a href="http://www.thejazzintersection.com">http://www.thejazzintersection.com</a></span></span></span>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-54626960776651475132010-05-28T00:31:00.000-07:002010-05-28T00:37:15.792-07:00Tom Braxton "Open Road" Single Hits Radio May 31st<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7f5WyNg7Vlu4aFpf5raG-r6athbcLwgk7Vh-i_q0O7ZXMKC5XucygFa0qyHX-gVrq1LuSoYutghA67vLyV9bUq3E9fbdwyaS1O9lX_ggUstL8x7Zu9wLcY6I1oYOLuuOJIA2AwH3nsQE/s1600/BraxtonCover+low+res.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7f5WyNg7Vlu4aFpf5raG-r6athbcLwgk7Vh-i_q0O7ZXMKC5XucygFa0qyHX-gVrq1LuSoYutghA67vLyV9bUq3E9fbdwyaS1O9lX_ggUstL8x7Zu9wLcY6I1oYOLuuOJIA2AwH3nsQE/s320/BraxtonCover+low+res.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476221180705243250" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Open Road" </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The summer single from the CD </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Endless Highway</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">"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."</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> - JazzTimes</span><br /><br />"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.<br /><br />"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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">CURRENT PERFORMANCE DATES:</span><br />June 6 - Capital Jazz Festival - Columbia, MD<br />June 20 - Catalina Bar & Grill (with Keiko Matsui) - Hollywood, CA<br />June 22 - Wilson Creek Winery - Temecula, CA<br />July 7 - KJZS 92.1 FM Live Jazz Night - Orozko Lounge - Reno, NV<br />July 8 - Harlow's - Sacramento, CA<br />July 15 - Close Up 2 - Chicago, IL<br />Aug 21 - Spaghettini's - Seal Beach, CA<br />Aug 28 - Smooth Jazz at South Shore - Michigan City, IN<br />Sept. 25 - Smooth Contemporary Jazz Festival - Hengelo, The Netherlands<br />Oct. 29 - American Smooth Jazz Awards, Michigan City, IN<br />Jan 16-30 - The Smooth Jazz Cruise (2 weeks) - CaribbeanJoy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-58400253033484827202010-05-25T11:38:00.000-07:002010-05-25T11:45:29.693-07:00Bradley Leighton Adds More Cities to His "Music For Life" Tour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UAcefWrmsKSa44iBDeGZcKtW0TvHwoX_YfdpqJRdZ6eF0VyxtjnPi3TnNJGZgJf6u-6o0Sa5-5No3ObLnpnXy0KlrkkepaOuZhewhcQp5f5avvtXJIuCQ93OnWYYDPLwdpsqNfD4zD4/s1600/Bradley+crop.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UAcefWrmsKSa44iBDeGZcKtW0TvHwoX_YfdpqJRdZ6eF0VyxtjnPi3TnNJGZgJf6u-6o0Sa5-5No3ObLnpnXy0KlrkkepaOuZhewhcQp5f5avvtXJIuCQ93OnWYYDPLwdpsqNfD4zD4/s320/Bradley+crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475280166509042626" border="0" /></a><br />“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.”<br /><br />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 <span style="font-style: italic;">All Stars Concert</span> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Music For Life Tour” performance schedule:</span><br /><br />June 5 – 7:30 p.m. Sunshine Brooks Theatre, Oceanside, CA, http://www.sunshinebrookstheatre.com<br />June 11 - 8:00 p.m. Pacific Coast Jazz All Stars Concert at The Carlyle Club, Alexandria, VA, http://www.thecarlyleclub.com<br />June 13 -1:00 p.m. The Takoma Park Jazz Festival, Takoma Park, MD, http://www.tpjazzfest.org/index.html<br />June 17 -7:30 p.m. The Greenwich, Cincinnati, OH www.the-greenwich.com<br />June 18 - 10:00 p.m. Wilbert's Music, Cleveland, OH, http://www.wilbertsmusic.com<br />June 20 -7:00 p.m. Vonn Jazz, Colombus, OH http://www.vonnjazz.com<br />June 22 - 7:30 p.m. Benny’s Pizza, Marysville, OH<br />June 23 - 7:00 p.m. Cosmopolitan Bar, Des Moines, IA<br />June 25 - 11:30 a.m. Ames Summer Festival, Ames, IA<br />June 25 - 7:00 p.m. Java Joe’s, Des Moines, IA<br />June 26 - 5:00 p.m. Omaha Summer Arts Festival, Omaha, NE, http://www.summerarts.org/2010prefestival/<br />July 16 - 7:00 p.m. Coronado Library, Coronado, CA, http://www.coronado.ca.us/<br />August 7 - 4:00 p.m. Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival, Mobile, AL, http://www.gcehjazzfest.com/<br />September 25 - 11:30 am. Smooth Jazz & High Desert, Adelanto, CA.Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-48055867617674080052010-04-26T13:43:00.000-07:002010-04-26T14:02:56.986-07:00Bradley Leighton Brings Fire and Flair on his Music For Life Tour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_3a3GOJ20yO0TWFJ_Xe6r7XZCOJ8qkkfcUr4E8zi-xZ-BZkNtxY2HlKZ98NHDnaNDnRjS6DjpIn6p9iczX0B3iFKLO2nsnTxmstf01p8vqg70O0RHxEykQSqaYxLt_QaF2r1pp_bCEA/s1600/Leighton-for-pr.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_3a3GOJ20yO0TWFJ_Xe6r7XZCOJ8qkkfcUr4E8zi-xZ-BZkNtxY2HlKZ98NHDnaNDnRjS6DjpIn6p9iczX0B3iFKLO2nsnTxmstf01p8vqg70O0RHxEykQSqaYxLt_QaF2r1pp_bCEA/s320/Leighton-for-pr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464554183938867026" border="0" /></a><br />(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.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> “Music For Life Tour” performance schedule:</span><br /><br />June 11 - 8:00 p.m. Pacific Coast Jazz All Stars Concert at The Carlyle Club, Alexandria, VA, http://www.thecarlyleclub.com<br />June 13 -1:00 p.m. The Takoma Park Jazz Festival, Takoma Park, MD, http://www.tpjazzfest.org/index.html<br />June 17 - 6:00 p.m. The Museum of African American History, Detroit, MI, http://www.maah-detroit.org/<br />June 18 - 10:00 p.m. Wilbert's Music, Cleveland, OH, http://www.wilbertsmusic.com/<br />June 20 -7:00 p.m. Vonn Jazz, Colombus, OH http://www.vonnjazz.com/<br />June 26 - 5:00 p.m. Omaha Summer Arts Festival, Omaha, NE, http://www.summerarts.org/2010prefestival/<br />July 16 - 7:00 p.m. Coronado Library, Coronado, CA, http://www.coronado.ca.us/<br />August 7 - 4:00 p.m. Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Festival, Mobile, AL, http://www.gcehjazzfest.com/<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">About Bradley Leighton</span><br />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.<br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />For more information: www.BradleyLeighton.com or www.PacificCoastJazz.com.Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8906944285416361472.post-21020941047420972542010-04-19T01:18:00.001-07:002010-04-19T01:38:06.277-07:00A Special Musical Tribute For Mother’s Day: From A Mother’s Heart CD<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU66JrQNGa5_msbEA86zRyIZynJBi-OwKJNdPHhTbHhEhWNpaUZmRdCDhYEBrm6P-_108QdkZ5iP1hv6pzIhmnLHIhadrVP4ecccMuOfGH2f6k8mhF7NS_BlJf3WLFZ8IQVDxE7t2Nw20/s1600/FromAMothersHeart-200.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU66JrQNGa5_msbEA86zRyIZynJBi-OwKJNdPHhTbHhEhWNpaUZmRdCDhYEBrm6P-_108QdkZ5iP1hv6pzIhmnLHIhadrVP4ecccMuOfGH2f6k8mhF7NS_BlJf3WLFZ8IQVDxE7t2Nw20/s320/FromAMothersHeart-200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461760176692392866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIT19xTNrY.">www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIT19xTNrY</a><br /><br /><br /></span><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">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.”</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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: <a href="http://www.fromamothersheart.com/">www.FromAMothersHeart.com</a>. 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.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">For more information visit <a href="http://www.fromamothersheart.com/">www.FromAMothersHeart.com</a> or see the video on </span><span style="font-size:130%;">YouTube at: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIT19xTNrY.">www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIT19xTNrY</a>.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p>Joy Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00445145958237479407noreply@blogger.com0