Dear jazzreview music community - Just this August my debut, 'Cycles Of Fusion' was released. The music style blends elements of jazz, rock, blues, and funk into groove-based compositions featuring retro/vintage keyboards & atmospheric soundscapes over loop/sample-based rhythm section arrangements. I have made the track "Eternal Boundaries" available here for free download. Hope you'll enjoy it.

Although she didn’t play Newport or London, multiplatinum chanteuse Basia delighted American audiences from coast to coast during a successful 20-city concert tour that concluded in Seattle last week (October 5) with a sold-out show in support of her newly released From Newport to London: Greatest Hits Live…And More album. The month-long trek that visited major U.S. cities also registered sell-outs in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Sacramento and San Juan Capistrano.

A contemporary jazz giant whose power and passion have made the soulful saxophonist into one of the genre’s most consistent chart-toppers in the 25 years since he released his solo debut, Richard Elliot salutes the instrumental jazz-funk legends from his formative years in the 1970s & 80s that influenced his brand of music on In The Zone, which was released today by Artistry Music (Mack Avenue Records). Elliot wrote and produced his 16th solo album with fusion pioneer Jeff Lorber.  

John Colianni is a gifted pianist with a strong interest in swing and early bebop. Jazz is a very historically conscious genre, even as it is always moving forward. Still, even among the most historically minded contingent of modern jazz, Colianni sounds positively old-fashioned. The pianist keeps one foot squarely in a 1940s swing aesthetic, and, by the sheer joy of his playing, he obviously deeply loves the music he is drawing from. That said, one is not likely to confuse this recording with a swing recording from the 1940s. Colianni has a modern flair that is apparent both in his harmonically complex solos and his occasionally involved compositions. Even at its most complicated though, this music is always swinging, and swinging easy at that.

Upcoming masterclasses in Tuscia, Italy by Tuscia In Jazz.  

  Rick Braun, in October 2011 issue of JazzTimes magazine, admitted what those who are in the smooth jazz business end have known for a while, notably the demise of commercial radio and its commercial music business.  He admits the good side of this is that, “there’s no pressure on the artists to come up with radio-play hits anymore.”  With both of the above facts now in play, there has been a mad scramble going on among record companies and artists.

Firmly rooted in the sort of challenging post-bop, pre-free modern jazz epitomized by the pre-electric Miles Davis Quintet of the mid-1960s, and – perhaps – the early 70s ECM sound, the music of Nordic Connect is nonetheless quite un-stodgy and rich in interesting 21st Century influences and flavors. The compositions largely, written by pianist Maggi Olin (though Ingrid Jensen, Christine Jensen and Jon Wikan each chip in some), at times, recall some of the mid-to-late 60s and early 70s Blue Note recordings by Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, as they branched out from Miles' musical orbit. As in Miles' and Shorter's music, a key feature of “Spirals” is the blurring of lines between the front line and the rhythm section. There's also a playfully relaxed, experimental spirit here that you won't hear on a lot of today's modern jazz recordings. A cooperative project involving musicians who are either from Scandinavia, or have Scandinavian ancestry, Nordic Connect also adds ethnic flavors from entirely different settings to create sophisticated, intriguing music that is completely contemporary.

Though the late 90s Exotica / Space Age Bachelor Pad Music mini-trend of the late 90s and early 2000s is long over, vibraphonist Brian O'Neill continues to make original music in this vein under the Mr. Ho's Orchestrotica moniker. Listening to the band's sophomore effort, “Third River Rangoon,” I couldn't help but wonder if he wasn't selling himself short. Many correctly associate exotica with mood music, a hip sort of sound to have on in the background while the primary order of business is sipping a Mai-Tai and eating sushi. From the first track on “Third River Rangoon,” it's clear that there's much more going on here than one would typically hear on any given Martin Denny or Les Baxter LP. Even the CD title, with its backhanded reference to Gunther Schuller's 'Third Stream Music,' suggests that O'Neill and company have loftier goals than merely updating mildly interesting background music from the 1950s.  

  With his ensemble, Viewpoint, Stix Hooper returns to the stage in a rare appearance, Friday, October 28, 2011 at Zipper Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Viewpoint is a progressive instrumental based project and is one of Hooper’s many musical endeavors. With special guest, Hubert Laws, 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award Honoree, along with others, this concert will showcase Hooper’s many eclectic and varied talents.

The Pascal Niggenkemper Trio released Urban Creatures in 2010. The CD was recorded at the Loft Koln, Germany in 2008. Niggenkemper a double bassist leads the band and is the producer

"Nefertiti" taken from the solo piano album "Solopiano Vol. 2" By Bernt Moen

New solo piano album from Norwegian pianist Bernt Moen

New solo piano album from Norwegian pianist Bernt Moen.

New trio album from Norwegian pianist Bernt Moen.

Los Angeles, CA September 21, 2011 – Chart topping jazz guitarist Richard Smith and internationally awarded, classical guitarist Francesco Buzzurro announced today their  first West Coast tour to support their new recording, Un Mondo, Due Chitarre. 

Hello jazzreview music community! I am keyboard and electric guitar player Chris Rossi out of the Boston, Mass. area on the Net Dot Music label - an Internet based independent record label specializing in instrumental fusion: all-instrumental music that blends several styles and genres. My music style blends elements of jazz, rock, blues, R&B, and funk into groove-based compositions featuring retro/vintage keyboards & atmospheric soundscapes over loop/sample-based rhythm section arrangements. If you enjoy jazz rock, jazz fusion, ambient jazz, some progressive rock or other related instrumental music fusion, you will probably connect with my music.

Anyone with a yen for well-played, hard-swinging, original hard-bop is going to love Alexander McCabe's "Quiz." McCabe, a young alto saxophonist who's spent time backing Ray Charles and Chico O'Farrill, is accompanied by an all-star band that includes the fantastically creative Philly native Uri Caine on piano, the rock-solid bass of Ugonna Okegwo, and either of two dynamic drummers – Rudy Royston (known for his sterling work with Ron Miles, he's Jon Irabagon's drummer of choice these days), and ex-Joshua Redman and Joanne Brackeen skinsman Greg Hutchinson.

Smooth jazz sax-player Jessica Spinella (aka Jessy J) was born in Portland, Oregon and with her sizzling new album, 'Hot Sauce', is really covering all the bases. It finds Jessy embracing her Latin heritage with tracks such as 'Meant To Be' but also includes Will Young's pop hit 'Leave Right Now' and Duke Ellington's 'In Sentimental Mood'. All in all 'Hot Sauce' is a fine amalgam of spicy jazz seasoned with zesty Latin rhythms.

Jeff Richman is a professional guitarist with a 35 year career in performance guitar, composing, arranging and recording.  He has produced 16 solo albums and toured worldwide.

Hello jazzreview music community! I am keyboard and electric guitar player Chris Rossi out of the Boston, Mass. area. Just this August my debut, 'Cycles Of Fusion' was released. The music style blends elements of jazz, rock, blues, and funk into groove-based compositions featuring retro/vintage keyboards & atmospheric soundscapes over loop/sample-based rhythm section arrangements. I have made the track "Reflection" available here for you all to download and hopefully enjoy.

“EXEGESIS…is poised squarely at the bulging edge of the musical comfort zone.” – JazzReview.com To sample mp3s and purchase the album visit http://exegesisonline.com/exegesis_frameset_music.html. Electronic jazz ensemble, EXEGESIS, bridges the gap between modern music technology and improvisation in its latest album The Harmony of the Anomaly (Dems Dem’s Demos).  As the title suggests, the album showcases the group’s own unique blend of heterogeneous soundscapes including electronic jazz, live samplers, interactive music software, and complex compositions.  With the help of Gretchen Parlato’s smooth vocals and guest drummers Greg Gonzalez, Mark Guiliana, Robert Perkins, and Mark Ferber, The Harmony of the Anomaly boasts a well-pedigreed collection of artists and eclectic sounds. 

Greta Panettieri just came out with a new song called 'View from the moon'. View from the moon is an interesting mix between old and contemporary music. The song recalls the sound of the old swing orchestras through a powerful brass arrangement bringing the listener 'back in the days' with the '40s stile vocal harmonies of the background vocals. The result is a refreshing mix of a sophisticated 'Euro Swing' sound and a danceable kick drum on the downbeat.

Steve Trovato is a guitarist known worldwide as both a performer and educator.

Hello jazzreview music community! I am keyboard and electric guitar player Chris Rossi out of the Boston, Mass. area on the Net Dot Music label - an Internet based independent record label specializing in instrumental fusion: all-instrumental music that blends several styles and genres. My music style blends elements of jazz, rock, blues, R&B, and funk into groove-based compositions featuring retro/vintage keyboards & atmospheric soundscapes over loop/sample-based rhythm section arrangements. If you enjoy jazz rock, jazz fusion, ambient jazz, some progressive rock or other related instrumental music fusion, you will probably connect with my music.

St. Louis, Missouri (8 September 2011): Three weeks of sold-out Caribbean cruises showcasing dozens of the biggest stars in contemporary and straight-ahead jazz established Jazz Cruises as the preeminent jazz promoter on water, but a full slate of concert sponsorships on land in 2011 has made the St. Louis-based company one of the world's top jazz promoters on land and sea. This year, Jazz Cruises, the largest private music ship charter company in the world, quietly adopted the "Love It Live" manta, a philosophy with a specific purpose. "Our goal is to make sure that jazz continues to be a vital and vibrant part of the national music scene," said Jazz Cruises executive director Michael Lazaroff

Kiawah Island, SC (August 25, 2011) – Since 2004, GRAMMY®-winning guitarist Earl Klugh has been bringing world-renowned artists together with jazz enthusiasts for his one-of-a-kind weekend getaways at 2 Five-Star, Five-Diamond properties; The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The 2nd annual Weekend of Jazz at Kiawah Island will be held November 10-12, 2011 and features 3 incredible nights of music from 10-Time GRAMMY®-Winner CHAKA KHAN in a Rare and Special Jazz Performance, Multi-Instrumentalist BRIAN CULBERTSON, Saxophonist, Vocalist and Composer MINDI ABAIR, Jazz/R&B Saxophonist ERIC DARIUS, Singer, Songwriter and Pianist SPENCER DAY, Lowcountry Favorites The EAST COAST PARTY BAND, PGA Tour Champion & Golf Commentator JOHN MAHAFFEY, Your Host and GRAMMY®-Winning Guitarist EARL KLUGH, and more!

Eugene Marlow is a remarkably busy fellow. A pianist, composer, educator, and author, among his many activities is leading the Heritage Ensemble, which performs jazz arrangements of Hebraic melodies. Most of the tracks here are new arrangements of tunes previously released on an earlier album, "Making the Music Our Own" (2006). New musicians and new ideas have led Marlow to undertake a fascinating project.  

From the cartoonish cover of the CD and the name of the band, one might expect some sort of rock/jazz imitation of the Bad Plus, but that would be an error. There are elements of rock, but also of classical and folk music. This quartet's debut album consists of lush, cinematic, contemporary jazz that is difficult to categorize, but easy enough to swallow. No horns, no saxes, no burners, and no rough edges, but definitely not smooth, some might consider this chamber jazz except for the synthesizer, movie music except there's no film, or even New Age music except for the jazz sensibilities.  

Blessed with an instantly identifiable voice that made her a chart-topping, platinum-selling recording artist around the globe, Basia returned to her native Poland in June to record a live album, From Newport To London: Greatest Hits Live...And More, that will be released by eOne Music on September 13th in conjunction with a twenty-city U.S. concert tour. The jazzy title track with a European film noir air of mystery, one of three new studio recordings penned and produced by Basia and long-time collaborator Danny White, is the first radio single from the collection.

The song stylist sells out a pair of New York City shows on the eve of the release of her critically-acclaimed new album, Embraceable. Miami Beach, FL (24 August 2011): Glowing reviews have embraced the arrival of the fifth album from song stylist Nicole Henry, which was released Tuesday (August 23) by ArtistShare. On Monday night, Henry performed many of the songs from Embraceable at a pair of sold-out, standing room-only shows to enraptured audiences at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca Cola.

If you want to enjoy some good jazz stained with a little hint of Italian touch, and played by young musicians who are about to walk a long way, then this CD is just for you. Even 3 are jazz musicians from Sicily, playing together for five years and now awarded in the final of the renowned "Chicco Bettinardi" Competition in 2010: pianist Aki Spadaro, double-bassist Gabrio Bevilacqua and drummer Emanuele Primavera all provide an accomplished and thoughtful sound, a triangular space that takes its form from the dynamic communion of intentions.

St. Louis, Missouri (22 August 2011): Anyone who has ever sailed upon The Smooth Jazz Cruise knows why it has earned the moniker "The Greatest Party At Sea." Beginning with the 2013 sailings - January 13-20 and January 20-27 - the week-long music theme cruise to the Caribbean featuring the brightest contemporary jazz stars will officially be renamed The Greatest Party At Sea. George Benson will be the special guest headliner, which will be the first time the iconic guitarist-singer has ever performed aboard a ship.

Contemporary jazz guitarist Jeff Richman announces the release date of his upcoming CD, Jeff Richman and Chatterbox: The Line Up for October 18. The Nefer Records release is Richman's 16th solo project and features Mitchel Forman on keyboards, Joel Taylor on drums and Dean Taba on bass guitar. The new CD is distributed by City Hall Records and songs will be available online at iTunes, Amazon and other music websites.  

Vibists Joe Locke and Ed Saindon Duo Vibraphone concert at Berklee College of Music   

Los Angeles, CA August 20, 2011 – Chart topping jazz guitarist Richard Smith and internationally awarded, classical guitarist Francesco Buzzurro announced today the release of their upcoming recording, Un Mondo, Due Chitarre.  The 10 song collection will be available online and in hard copy starting September 6.

At fgitst, this sounds like John Moulder's session.  He carries the melody and rides the slalom-like harmonic changes with unusual sureness and grace.  But no, Larry Gray's the leader, wrote the tunes, skis the drifts with equal assurance, and has his fair shar of solo time.  Charles Heath completes the trio with the assertive, yet supportive style of many of today's best drummers.

Hollywood, CA August 16, 2011 – Contemporary jazz guitarist Jeff Richman today announced the release date of his upcoming CD, Jeff Richman and Chatterbox: The Line Up for October 18. The Nefer Records release is Richman's 16th solo project and features Mitchel Forman on keyboards, Joel Taylor on drums and Dean Taba on bass guitar. The new CD is distributed by City Hall Records and songs will be available online at iTunes, Amazon and other music websites.  

After a number of recent recordings that were average at best, George Benson has released his best recording in well over a decade. Guitar Man reminds everyone that George Benson used to be considered the finest guitarist of his generation. An exceptional melodic improviser of the highest level and refinement, Benson plays his heart out, and the result will most certainly be one of the top 10 discs of not just this year, but probably this coming decade.

NYC Bassist/composer Matt Geraghty has recently released his 4th CD "DEPARTURES" propeling his cross pollination of jazz and world music into new territory. Bringing together musicians from Poland, India, Armenia, Russia, Brazil, New York and Chicago Matt presents 12 new internationally inspired original compositions.  "DEPARTURES" was recorded in New York City and Avatar Studios.  

Saturday, September 17th at 6pm is the date to save for an evening of jazz presented by the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) annual benefit concert event. This year’s musical guess star is veteran jazz saxophonist Alfonzo Blackwell. The event is held annually to sponsor young adult’s college education from the New Jersey area. Tickets are on sale now. Please contact the New Jersey region chapter of the UNCF at (973) 642-1955 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2011 Tanglewood Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival, September 2-4 Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired with actress Blythe Danner and special guests from the worlds of Jazz, Broadway, and Hollywood to take place September 3 at 2pm Angelique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves, and Lizz Wright Featured in Sing the Truth with all-star band Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington, James Genus, Munyungo Jackson, and Romero Lubambo on September 4 at 8pm A Latin Jazz Tribute to Cachao with Federico Britos Sextet and John Santos Sextet to take place September 3 at 8pm Coast to Coast Septet featuring NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Cobb with vocalist Mary Stalings and the Mingues Orchestra with conductor NEA Jazz Master Gunther Schuller to Perform September 4, at 2pm Festival Opens with Ulysses Quartet (6:30 pm) and the Robin McKelle Quartet and Michael Kaeshammer Sextet (8pm) on September 2 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Life award provides additional Festival Activities including Interviews with Jimmy Cobb and Gunther Schuller (9/3. At 4:15pm), Screening of Charles Mingus "Epitaph" (9/3, at 4:15pm), and Master Class with Jimmy Cobb and Coast to Coast Septet (9/4, at 12:30pm) Taking place in conjunction with the annual Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival, the Wine and Food Classic returns to Tanglewood September 1-4

Guitarist, singer, composer, teacher and poet Reynold David Philipsek has released a number recordings as a leader over the years. Among the artists he's worked with include Connie Evingson, Clint Hoover, The Wolverines Big Band, Glen Helgeson, and Patrick Harison. Philipsek also played with French Gypsy Jazz master Dorado Schmitt during his 2005 U.S. tour.  

Guitarist and Berkeley, California native Alex Skolnick was originally inspired to learn the guitar from listening to Kiss. His devotion, and lessons with people like Joe Satriani, to guitar excellence earned Skolnick a spot in the thrash metal band Testament. Interestingly enough, it was while with this band he discovered the music of Miles Davis. Moving to New York to pursue jazz Skolnick earned a degree from the New School, where he studied with Richie Beirach, George Garzone, and Hal Galper. In the process of school and studies Skolnick formed the Alex Skolnick Trio, which is featured on this release.  

Visionary Japanese Instrumentalist Keiko Matsui Debuts Music Video For The Title Track From Her Album The Road... Second Leg Of U.S. Tour Runs August Through October With A Special Guest Performance Aboard The Dave Koz Alaskan Cruise With over a million and a half albums sold and sold out concerts around the globe, keyboardist Keiko Matsui is a citizen of the world and one of the brightest stars in instrumental music. Earlier this year, Shanachie Entertainment released Keiko Matsui’s The Road…, her 22nd album and a follow-up to her acclaimed 2007 South African inspired Moyo.

Extraordinarily talented bassist and composer Jimmy Haslip is no stranger to jazz aficionados. Longtime bassist with the supergroup Yellowjackets, he has appeared on an almost limitless number of recordings. While Nightfall is only his fourth release as a leader, he has worked with countless other artists including Steely Dan, Tom Scott, Brenda Russell, Lee Ritenour, Eric Marienthal, Marc Antoine, Randy Crawford, Michael Franks and Jeff Lorber.

Contemporary jazz guitarist Assaf Kehati and his quartet deliver a fresh new release on "Flowers and Other Stories". This CD features very creative compositions and notable exectutions by all members of the quartet.

Kenyon Carter’s smooth jazz album, Right By My Side, creates a melodic landscape of rhythm and grooves that relaxes and re-energizes the soul. Shimmering with sounds of multiple saxophones, layered percussion, and a groovin’ rhythm section, it’s the perfect instrumental pop album to play as a background soundtrack both at home and in the workplace.

There are in Polish jazz many young and talented guitarists like Przemysław Strączek ("Light&Shadow"), Rafał Sarnecki ("Madman Rambles Again") or Daniel Popiałkiewicz ("The Hope For Tomarrow". I have just named only few players, there are more of them (check our Polish Jazz blog) and although they play excellent jazz indeed it is in all cases mainstream while my heart go closer and closer to avantgarde. That's why once I started to listen to Maciej Grzywacz "Black Wine" I immadietely become excited becouse from very first notes it is obvious that though deeply rooted in mainstream jazz tradition he flirts on this CD with more twisted and broken rhythms.

Under the Sun is the title of the outstanding contemporary jazz release on Patrick's Song Factory from the masterful keyboardist/composer Patrick Bradley.  His initial solo release, Come Rain or Shine, appeared four years ago serving as the artist's formal introduction.  On Under the Sun the artist has emancipated all his enormous creative chops to craft a modern tour de force that provides gratifying classy excellence throughout. 

Monika Herzig is an extremely creative and talented pianist. Her CD ‘Come With Me’ is replete with fabulously original tunes that take the listener on an exhilarating and rewarding journey while the title track is underpinned by a truly wonderful story.