Thanks for the music...

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

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

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

Rest in peace with all the other great musicians Michael.

Mimi Jones Featured on No Treble

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

http://www.notreble.com/

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

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

JazzTimes Suspends Publication

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

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

An Important Message From JazzTimes

By JazzTimes

To our readers and members of the jazz community:

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

Thank you for your patience during this challenging period.

JazzTimes Management

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

GLOBAL VILLAGE
KMUW FM 89.1, Wichita
Chris Heim - Host/Producer
www.kmuw.org

Ranked #21 nationally AQH Share/Top 30 Cume Rating



Monday – Friday, 9pm
Weekdays midnight, 9am, 2pm, 7pm - KMUW HD2
Global Village new releases show Fridays - KMUW HD2

TOP 30 – June 2009
1. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (Honest Jon’s)
2. Various – Panama! 2 (Soundway)
3. Eva Ayllon – Kimba Fa (Four Quarters/Times Square)
4. Aggrolites – The Aggrolites IV (Hellcat)
5. Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks – Tangled Tales (Surfdog)
6. Various - Gozalo! Vol. 2 (Vampisoul)
7. Tiempo Libre – Bach in Havana (Sony Classical)
8. Various – Twenty First Century Twenty First Year (Luaka Bop)
9. Novalima – Coba Coba (Cumbancha)
10. Ersatzmusika – Songs Unrecantable (Asphalt Tango)
11. Occidental Brothers Dance Band International – Odo Sanbra (Occidental Brothers)
12. Grant Geissman – Cool Man Cool (Futurism)
13. Orquestra Imperial - Carnaval Só Ano Que Vem (Totolo)
14. Scotty Barnhart – Say It Plain (Unity Music)
15. Playing for Change – Songs Around the World (Hear Music)
16. Various – Salsa (Putumayo)
17. Brasil Brasil – Brasil Brasil 3 (Yellow Green)
18. Cecilia Noel – A Gozar! (Compass)
19. Marianne Faithfull - Easy Come Easy Go (Decca)
20. Bela Fleck - Throw Down Your Heart (Rounder)
21. Chicago Afrobeat Project – Off the Grid (CAbP)
22. Los Straitjackets - The Further Adventures of Los Straitjackets (Yep Roc)
23. Easy Star All-Stars – Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band (Easy Star)
24. Los Fabulosos Cadillacs - La Luz del Ritmo (Nacional)
25. Geoffrey Keezer – Aurea (Artist Share)
26. Fareed Haque + the Flat Earth Ensemble - Flat Planet (Owl)
27. Omar Sosa - Across the Divide (Half Note)
28. Roger Davidson and Raul Juarena - Pasion Por La Vida (Soundbrush)
29. King Sunny Ade – Seven Degrees North (Mesa)
30. Oumou Sangare – Seya (Nonesuch)

REVIEW: FROM A MOTHER'S HEART

IMPROVIJAZZATION Nation
REVIEW by Dick Metcalf
http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Z91Reviews.htm

Sound Visions Media
http://www.soundvisionsmedia.com
Available at iTunes, CD Baby and Sound Visions Media

Sound Visions Media - FROM A MOTHER'S HEART: There are some very familiar jazz players/singers (for me) here, like Judi Silvano, & John Stowell, paying tribute to moms everywhere... especially poignant for me on a personal level since my mother passed only a couple years back. Even though my mom was more "church-oriented" in her musical tastes, I've no doubt that she would smile down on these tunes as she listened to them, as they are full of life and the gentle caring attitudes that most of us associate with our mothers. The most impressive thing about this collection is that it's got real energy - there's not a dull or "sappy" cut in all 11 tunes; that can't be said for many of these assemblages, but spirit fills each of the pieces. I glommed right on to Judi Silvanos' "Bougainvillea", probably because I've listened to (& reviewed) her music so many times. Strangely enough, though, it was a composition from Mala Waldron called "Ellie" that captured the "favorite" spot for me... it will just bounce you along through the magical scats & supremely spirited piano playing. This CD isn't just for "mom's day", by any stretch of the imagination... you can play it anywhere, anytime, & I imagine those of you who wander about with IPODS attached to your ears will play my favorite track & all of the other cuts over & over & over again. I give this a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (which is kind of a "first" for a tribute album). Get more information at http://errandgirlforjazz.blogspot.com/ Rotcod Zzaj

Yoshi's Oakland Presents Fado Sensation, Ramana Vieira

"No one in the United States is doing more to breathe new life into Fado than Ramana Vieira, a sultry, dramatic singer."
-Andrew Gilbert, San Francisco Chronicle


May 26, 2009
8:00 & 10:00 pm

Pacific Coast Jazz Artist:
RAMANA VIEIRA AND ENSEMBLE

Performing music from the new release,
"Lágrimas De Rainha"

Yoshi's in Oakland

510 Embarcadero West,
Jack London Square
510.238.9200
Tickets $18
http://www.Yoshis.com

_________________________________________________________________
Check out Ramana's Radio Interview
May 19, 2009
5:20 pm
KKUP 91.5 FM
Afrikan Jahmal Dayvs show
Listen to tracks from the new release "Lágrimas De Rainha"

http://www.PacificCoastJazz.com
http://www.RamanaVieira.net

REVIEW: SALTMAN KNOWLES - "RETURN OF THE COMPOSER"

JAZZ IMPROV MAGAZINE – NEW YORK


By Nick Mondello

PERSONNEL: Mark Saltman, double bass/composer; William Knowles, piano/composer; Lori Williams- Chisholm, vocals; Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson, drums; Alvin Trask, trumpet; Robert Landham, saxes

Pacific Coast Jazz Label


What is it about bass player-composers? While predominantly dwelling in the harmonic-rhythmic foundation of the jazz composition, bassists such as Charlie Haden, and of course, the Dali Lama of bassist composers, Charles Mingus, have given the jazz world some of its most intriguing, memorable compositions. In this highly engaging CD, Return of the Composer, Mark Saltman continues and lives up to that basso profundo compositional tradition – but he’s not alone.

Saltman’s compositional colleague on this date, pianist William Knowles, also steps up to the plate here with a fine foursome of neat originals seemingly steeped in the best Horace Silver tradition. The result of this compositional collaboration, combined with the talents of the rest of this ensemble, is a terrific array of intelligent, involving music. With ten original selections, each with a driving, catchy rhythmic undercurrent, Saltman, Knowles and cohorts make the most of the composed platform they are provided.

Not surprisingly, the rhythmic ribbons on many of the selections are engaging from the bottom up, but, are never clichéd. Bassist Saltman, the savvy composer that he is, knows what will drive and what might turn rhythmically stale and melodically non-supportive. Knowles knows this all too well, too. Pianist William Knowles‘s playing is outstanding, never stepping on either vocal or ensemble toes. Vocalist Lori Williams-Chisholm has a beautiful, soprano voice that is pitch-pure. Since all the selections here with the exception of the closer “Pain Management”, have no verbal lyrics, Williams-Chisholm’s intonation, sense of swing and ensemble “playing” need to be perfect – and they are. Horn input from the exciting Robert Landham on saxes and the very talented Alvin Trask on trumpet are noteworthy. Both solo con brio y alma throughout. Drummer Jimmy “Junebug” Jackson pushes and prods nicely throughout the session.

The rhythmic mix here is extremely good. There is a high degree of esprit evident. Although each selection is highly listenable and involving, of particular interest are the hustling “Bellport,” the triple-metered “It’s Been a Mad Spring,” and the stealthy “Creepin’ Up”. The production and recording values are excellent. With such expertise in their respective comp skills, I wondered as to why there is not a ballad selection included. With what Saltman and Knowles have in their compositional knapsack and with the wonderful vocal talent displayed by Williams-Chisholm and ensemble excellence displayed, I’d wager it would be another stellar performance, as is this effort.

I hope the composers’ return again – very soon.