Joey Alexander Jazz news A propos A funny thing happened to Joey Alexander over the past five years, a whirlwind period during which he became the most brilliantly precocious talent in jazz history—that is, a renowned festival and concert-hall headliner; the youngest musician ever nominated for a Grammy Award in a jazz category; and a media favorite who’s earned a profile on 60 Minutes, a front-page profile in the New York Times and other premier coverage. As heard on WARNA, his new major-label Verve Records debut, he’s simply become one of the most expressive and thrilling pianist-composers currently at work in jazz. Alexander’s precocity can still stun concertgoers, but his music, including original work and personalized interpretations of great songs, has now taken its rightful place in the spotlight.
Antibalas Jazz world A propos Le collectif musical connu sous le nom d’Antibalas (espagnol pour pare-balles ou anti-balles) a été conçu à Mexico et formé à Brooklyn New York. Le premier noyau du groupe était composé du fondateur du groupe Martín Perna et comprenait plus tard plusieurs autres membres (Gabriel Roth, Michael Wagner, Del Stribling aka Binky Griptite, Victor Axelrod, Fernando Bugaloo Velez, Anda Szilagyi) des Soul Providers / Dap Kings groupe, effectuant leur premier concert en mai 1998 au St. Nick’s Pub à Harlem NY.
Kenny Barron Jazz icons A propos Honored by The National Endowment for the Arts as a 2010 Jazz Master, Kenny Barron has an unmatched ability to mesmerize audiences with his elegant playing, sensitive melodies and infectious rhythms. The Los Angeles Times named him “one of the top jazz pianists in the world” and Jazz Weekly calls him “The most lyrical piano player of our time.”
Belmondo Dead Jazz Jazz stars A propos Less a tribute than an interpretation, less a rereading than a resurrection, Deadjazz revives the music of the Grateful Dead, the legendary band of the psychedelic years. Drawing on a cult repertoire and supported by musicians who have forged unfailing ties with the Belmondo brothers over the decades, this collective project is akin to an immersion in a crucial moment in the history of music: when jazz was electrified by the rhythms of rock and rock freed itself from the shackles of song through improvisation. Developed with two mirrored keyboards, like the two guitars at the heart of the Grateful Dead machine, this adventure vibrates to the sound of the distorted timbres of the Fender Rhodes and other Farfisa instruments that made up the sound of the sixties, masterfully piloted by Laurent Fickelson and Eric Legnini. Lionel Belmondo has conceived the repertoire as songs that open up to improvisation and feature solos that are as explosive as they are illuminating. Carried along by the striking strokes of Dré Pallemaerts, undisputed master of twists and turns, and Thomas Bramerie's ironclad double bass, Jerry Garcia's songs return from the dead, resurrected from their inspired breaths by the Belmondo brothers, Lionel on fiery saxophone and Stéphane on lyrical trumpet. From cosmic sparkles to funky grooves, from anthemic ballads to sonic deflagrations, from mystical blues to hippie ritornello, Deadjazz offers a series of stations along the Grateful Dead's grandiose path. Whether you're a jazz sun worshipper or a fire thief on a rock mountain, the trip is guaranteed. Vincent Bessières
James Carter Jazz stars A propos Master James Carter will release his Blue Note Records debut James Carter Organ Trio: Live From Newport Jazz, a thrilling live performance of Carter’s imaginative soul jazz reinvention of Django Reinhardt that was captured at the 2018 Newport Jazz Festival. Hear the track “Melodie Au Crepuscule” which is available to stream or download today. “To hear saxophonist James Carter is to be blown away,” stated the Washington Post, hitting the nail on the head. From moonlit ballads to funky workouts to the most cerebral kind of post-bop, in an intimate club or on a sprawling festival stage, the Detroit-born saxophonist can seem to deliver all of jazz history in a single set.
Céu Jazz world A propos APKÁ! It's the joyful cry of a happy child, the one that Antonino utters when he is happy with what happens to him. Antonino is the youngest son of Céu and his partner Pupillo, a renowned drummer and co-producer (Naçao Zumbi, Gal Costa, Edgar) with the Frenchman Hervé Salters (General Elektriks) of the fifth album of the fascinating singer from São Paulo.
Avishai Cohen Jazz stars A propos Peu de voyages se sont avérés aussi aventureux et imprédictibles que le parcours musical que mène Avishai Cohen depuis plus de vingt ans
Kenny Garrett Jazz stars A propos More than any other artist in traditional jazz today, saxophonist/composer/arranger Kenny Garrett and his band are known to entice audiences to want to get up and groove. Be it in Spain where a man from Cameroon leaped up and broke out some African moves then was joined by a young break-dancer, or in Germany where a clearly classically trained ballet dancer was brought to his feet; in Poland where a fan literally jumped from the balcony onto the stage to dance, or at a festival in Barbados where music lovers got on up and grooved in the rain to “Happy People,” the spectacle is always the same: the spirit takes over and the movements come naturally. It is this spirit that Garrett has instigated and witnessed from stages around the world that fills Do Your Dance!—the saxophonist’s fourth for Mack Avenue Records.
Kinga Glyk Jazz news A propos THE QUEEN OF THE ELECTRIC BASS IS BACK "I don't sing so well, that's why I play bass," says Kinga Glyk. A surprisingly modest statement considering the interest she's been generating for the past two years. Nevertheless, the words of the Polish bassist sum up precisely the essence of her new album Feelings. With unmatched virtuosity and nonchalance, she lets her bass tell stories. Sensitive and penetrating, rich in nuances and groove, she provokes sensations. She strikes a chord with her listeners, calls upon personal stories and reflects the personality of a highly talented young woman. She also has the courage to experiment, to try new things and to grow regardless of the rules.
Harlem Gospel Choir Jazz singers A propos The world famous Harlem Gospel Choir is synonymous with power vocals, glorious sound and infectious energy. For over two decades they have been America's premier gospel choir and have toured the globe thrilling audiences with the inspirational power of black gospel music. The Choir was founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey, who got the idea for the Choir while attending a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Cotton Club in Harlem. The Choir presents, each year in November and December, the finest singers and musicians from Harlem's Black Churches and the New York/Tri-State area.
Samara Joy Jazz singers A propos With a voice as smooth as velvet, SAMARA JOY's star seems to rise with each performance. Following her winning the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, she has just completed recording her debut release, which features Samara backed by the Pasquale Grasso Trio.
Herbie Hancock Jazz icons A propos Now in the fifth decade of his professional life, Herbie Hancock remains where he has always been: in the forefront of world culture, technology, business and music. In addition to being recognized as a legendary pianist and composer, Herbie Hancock has been an integral part of every popular music movement since the 1960’s. During his tenure as a member of the Miles Davis Quintet that pioneered a groundbreaking, more expansive sound and direction in jazz, he also developed new approaches on his own recordings, followed by his work in the 70s – with record-breaking albums such as “Headhunters” – that combined electric jazz with funk and rock in an innovative style that continues to influence contemporary music to this day. “Rockit” and “Future Shock” marked Hancock’s foray into electronic dance music and included several chart-topping hits; during the same period he also continued to work in an acoustic setting with V.S.O.P., which included ex-Miles Davis bandmates Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams.
Cory Henry Jazz world A propos “The human voice is so powerful,” says Cory Henry. “When I’m singing, it’s like this extra way of connecting and communicating with people beyond what I can do just playing the organ. I’m able to convey these messages that are really important and meaningful to me through my words. Being front and center like this every night, it’s a challenge, but I’m up for it.”
Marquis Hill Jazz news A propos From his beginnings as one of Chicago’s most thrilling young trumpeters, to his current status as an internationally renowned musician, composer and bandleader, Marquis Hill has worked tirelessly to break down the barriers that divide musical genres. Contemporary and classic jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Chicago house, neo-soul—to Hill, they’re all essential elements of the profound African-American creative heritage he’s a part of. “It all comes from the same tree,” he says. “They simply blossomed from different branches.”
Hiromi Jazz stars A propos Ever since the 2003 release of her debut, Another Mind, Hiromi has electrified audiences with a creative energy that encompasses and eclipses the boundaries of jazz, classical and pop, taking improvisation and composition to new heights of complexity and sophistication.
Dave Holland Jazz icons A propos Dave Holland is a bassist, composer, bandleader whose passion for musical expression of all styles, and dedication to creating consistently innovative music ensembles have propelled a professional career of more than 50 years, and earned him top honors in his field including multiple Grammy awards and the title of NEA Jazz Master in 2017.
Delvon Lamarr Organ trio Jazz stars A propos Soul-jazz groove-machine Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio—or as it is sometimes referred to, DLO3—never would have happened without years and years of crummy gigs, and Delvon’s staunchly supportive wife, Amy Novo. The story goes that Hammond b3 organist Delvon would regularly lug his 400-pound instrument from venue to venue barely breaking even to play other people’s music, and Amy just got tired of it. She fiercely believed in Delvon’s talents, and, eventually, she made an offer he couldn’t refuse: If Delvon picked the musicians, she would take care of all the business surrounding it.
Lionel Loueke Jazz news A propos Lionel Loueke is one of the most singular, compelling and innovative artists’ on the global scene. A figure in Jazz and World Music who embodies the music’s most creative possibilities. Described by Jazz Times as a musician who’s “peers and elders deeply respect his individualism; his rhythmic capabilities and exhaustive harmonic knowledge; his ability to sing in one meter and play in another; the way he transforms the guitar into a virtual Afro-Western orchestra”. He is the ultimate original who has reached levels of individualism that many artists strive to reach.
Joe Lovano Jazz stars A propos Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer and producer Joe Lovano is fearless in finding new modes of artistic expression. With a Grammy Win for his 52nd Street Themes and 14 other nominations, he has won DownBeat Magazine ’s Critics and Readers Polls countless times as Tenor Saxophonist, Musician of the Year, Jazz Album of the Year and Triple Crowns from DownBeat. He has also gotten numerous awards from Jazz Times and the Jazz Journalists Association for Tenor Saxophone, Album of the Year and Musician of the Year.
Shai Maestro Jazz news A propos Shai Maestro (1987) is one of the most promising and talented pianists of his generation. Since his debut with his own trio in 2011, Shai has shaped a strong and unique personal identity and has portrayed an incredible musical fluidity, making Shai and his trio one of the most powerful and harmonious groups in the jazz today.
Wynton Marsalis Jazz icons A propos Wynton Marsalis is an internationally acclaimed musician, composer and bandleader, an educator and a leading advocate of American culture. He has created and performed an expansive range of music from quartets to big bands, chamber music ensembles to symphony orchestras and tap dance to ballet, expanding the vocabulary for jazz and classical music with a vital body of work that places him among the world’s finest musicians and composers.
Branford Marsalis Jazz stars A propos After four decades in the international spotlight, the achievements of saxophonist Branford Marsalis continue to grow. From his initial recognition as a young jazz lion, he has expanded his vision as an instrumentalist, composer, bandleader and educator, crossing stylistic boundaries while maintaining an unwavering creative integrity. In the process, he has become a multi award-winning artist with three Grammys, a citation by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master and an avatar of contemporary artistic excellence.
Robin McKelle Jazz singers A propos Fall 2021, Robin released a new single. How Do I Let a Good Man Down is a cover rendition of the track from the late Sharon Jones. Recorded back in 2006 for a first big band album, it was never released. 2021 was a year for a look in the vault. Vocals were recut and a killing sax solo was added by long time friend Mike Tucker. Robin McKelle is pleased to announce the February 14th, 2020 release of her latest release Alterations. Vocalist Robin McKelle delves into the catalog of some of the most celebrated women of song, interpreting these masterworks through the lens of the jazz idiom.
Brad Mehldau Jazz stars A propos Jazz pianist Brad Mehldau has recorded and performed extensively since the early 1990s. Mehldau’s most consistent output over the years has taken place in the trio format. Starting in 1996, his group released a series of five records on Warner Bros. entitled The Art of the Trio (recently re-packaged and re-released as a 5-Disc box set by Nonesuch in late 2011).
Raul Midón Jazz world A propos “Midón has a beautifully controlled baritone that can express anything from tenderness to passion… And the guy can play.” — The Guardian Singer/songwriter and guitarist Raul Midón is on an undeniable roll. After GRAMMY® Award nominations for his two previous Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group releases – Bad Ass & Blind and If You Really Want, each for Best Jazz Vocal Album –
Jeff Mills Jazz world A propos Deeply inhabited by science-fiction, DJ, producer and artist Jeff Mills adopts its ideas, concepts, stories and esthetics from the outset. For him, Space is an obsession and his music almost becomes a musical science-fiction.
Danilo Pérez Jazz stars A propos As a solo artist and as a collaborator with jazz giants from Dizzy Gillespie to Wayne Shorter, for over three decades Grammy® Award Winning Panamanian Pianist-Composer Danilo Pérez has been lauded as one of the most creative forces in contemporary music. With Jazz as the anchoring foundation, Pérez’s Global Jazz music is a blend of Panamanian roots, Latin American folk music, West African rhythms, European impressionism – promoting music as a borderless and multidimensional bridge between all people.
Gregory Porter Jazz stars A propos We’d tell you Gregory Porter is back, but you probably already knew. You probably felt the earth rumbling, announcing the man’s bone-deep baritone, or you felt the air change as the warmth of his sound filled the atmosphere like a hug from above.
Joshua Redman Jazz stars A propos Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists to have emerged in the decade of the 1990s.
Chris Potter Jazz stars A propos A world-class soloist, accomplished composer and formidable bandleader, saxophonist Chris Potter has emerged as a leading light of his generation.
Christian Sands Jazz news A propos Christian Sands’ third recording for Mack Avenue Music Group captures and establishes him as a forceful leader in composition and conceptual vision. With Be Water, the music is akin to the element which has no form of its own, taking on the structure of whatever musical composition and performance in which it finds itself and is a universal necessity. For this recording, Sands has reunited with bassist Yasushi Nakamura and saxophonist Marcus Strickland, and is joined by trumpeter Sean Jones, trombonist Steve Davis, guitarist Marvin Sewell, and drummer Clarence Penn.
SFJazz Collective Jazz stars A propos The SFJAZZ Collective is an all-star award-winning jazz ensemble comprising eight of the finest performers/composers at work in jazz today.
Hailey Tuck Jazz singers A propos Caught between the dream of an unfettered future in Europe, gleaned from stories she devoured from her Grandmother’s book shop, and her past in Texan Baptist military boarding school, Hailey arrived in Europe twelve years ago feeling like a dragon fly caught in amber.
Oded Tzur Jazz news A propos Described by Downbeat Magazine as “A Volcano on the Ocean Floor“, Oded Tzur’s flair for mystery and narrative captivates audiences worldwide.
Lizz Wright Jazz singers A propos Acclaimed vocalist Lizz Wright is a steward of American music bringing brilliant color and vibrancy to singular original works and compositions by some of the greatest songwriters of our time. Wright has garnered widespread attention as one of the most venerable popular singers of her generation through the release of five critically acclaimed albums. From her breakout Verve debut album Salt to her forthcoming album Grace on Concord Records, Wright lives a life filled with beautiful possibilities centered on the power of song.
