DEAN Outward Bound Independent
London’s Donald Dean has pushed outside the box once again… this time OUTWARD BOUND is the name of his musical offering… a sensuous journey fusing many genres of music from all over the world utilizing different vibes and musical textures ranging from ambient to edgy. The saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, who goes by his surname says about the new recording “This album is a culmination of all my musical past… a soundscape in style and content… a fusion of jazz, soul, rock and Afro Latin rhythms.” OUTWARD BOUND artfully zigs and zags with live improv on top of looped sampled drums as well as live drums, electronica and acoustic instruments and vocalists interpreting Dean’s emotions and words. The visual artist brings unique sensibilities to his music… deep, artful, colorful! Dean says it best himself, “If your into music and not hype, if you want to hear something outside the norm, this is the music for you.”
GROOVE55 Á la Carte 123jam.com
Another excellent release from Canadian contemporary jazz group Groove55, A LA CARTE offers a strong collection of fusion jazz originals that are exactly what the Smooth Jazz format needs more of… rich, tasteful, musically powerful jazz that is smooth, yet compelling. Groove55’s compositions have enough complexity to be intriguing to the true jazz aficionado, but are also easily accessible to the casual Smooth Jazz fan. It really creates a perfect world for the listener. As I mentioned when I reviewed their previous release, “En Route,” this Montreal-based quartet (Yves Adam - saxes, Jacques Mignault - keys, Yves Nadeau - basses, Daniel Lemay – drums/percussion, plus guitarist Christian Proulx featured on selected tracks.) reminds me of the ensemble vibe of Spyro Gyra and Urban Jazz Coalition. That, believe me, puts them in good company! My expectations were high after enjoying the music from “En Route.” A LA CARTE has exceeded them!
HOMELESS BALLOON Oriental Spaces 24 Chillout
From Oslo, Norway comes a profound musical adventure from Homeless Balloon… ORIENTAL SPACES. On 24 Chillout Music, the 75-minute album is filled with world fusion grooves, electronic and acoustic performances, beautiful melodies, and mostly chilled out and ambient soundscapes. The brainchild of Norwegian composer Helge Krabye, Homeless Balloon has become critically acclaimed worldwide for its cinematic depth and intriguing musical textures. ORIENTAL SPACES is one of six recordings for the Homeless Balloon project and one of our favorites with accessible musical experimentation. Songs like the dreamy “Daughters of Allah,” the percussive “Rwanda” and the sensitive “Alaska” are great examples of the musical diversity on this album. Fans of Enigma, Deep Forest, Enya and Vangelis will truly appreciate the musical exploration of ORIENTAL SPACES… intricate, alluring and captivating! Homeless Balloon drifts thoughtfully through a deep musical experience!
BRIAN HUGHES Fast Train to a Quiet Place Sylvan House Music
All aboard the FAST TRAIN TO A QUIET PLACE… the mesmerizing new album from one of our all time favorite contemporary guitarists, Canada’s Brian Hughes. He’s always had a masterful way of writing expansive yet accessible songs, garnering a tremendous amount of radio airplay over the years while equally being acclaimed for his 22 years of performing and recording with world renown vocalist Loreena McKenntt. This seductive, highly anticipated new release features ten new, cinematic selections showcasing Brian on electric and acoustic guitars, electric sitar, Celtic bouzouki, guitar synth and electric bass. His first studio album since 2003, this is unquestionably Hughes at his best and most creative. The fast train whirs with rhythm and speed, covering exciting musical ground influenced by Bossa Nova, Rock, Latin, Blues and Gospel. While the quiet place is enchanting, dabbling in acoustic, exotic instrumentation such as Flamenco and East Indian. Grab a ticket, get on board!
EUGENE K Just A Hint Independent
JUST A HINT is one of the freshest and brightest new recordings to come along in some time, from guitarist Eugene K. The Russian-born recording artist covers a wide variety of genres that make up the mix of music known as ‘Smooth Jazz,’ including Latin rhythms, Chill Out grooves and Contemporary Jazz. To his credit, Eugene has been submerged in music study since he was just 12-years-old with 4 years invested at the Moscow College of Music. Currently residing in the UK, Eugene K is now a well-known composer and producer of original music for films, commercials, television and radio. The new Smooth Jazz album, JUST A HINT is jammed-packed with 12 new tracks… all brimming with heartfelt melody and rhythmic excitement. We are elated about what is soon to be an illustrious career in the world of Nu Jazz for this soulful composer and producer!
LR-60 & Mr. MOODS Ultraviolence Independent
A very chilled out vibe emotes from LR-60 & Mr. Moods’ collection of tunes on ULTRAVIOLENCE… industrial sexy if you will. I love the way chill and lounge-inspired music is heading. Gone are the days when there was just a cold pulse and soulless beat… maybe it’s the warmth of LR-60’s divine trumpet playing (Skip Warren) or the intoxicating rhythms from Mr. Moods (Christian Denis)… for sure the melodic direction of ULTRAVIOLENCE sets a deep groove for fans of ambient jams. This is a project that will transport you to a super relaxed atmosphere with the highest quality musicianship and production. Fans of future jazz, nu jazz and thrill-to-chill jazz will love ULTRAVIOLENCE! It’s a must have addition for that icy cool collection of killer music you have.
KENNARD RAMSEY Somos Roxboro Entertainment Group/Bungalo Records
I’m excited to introduce you to a most fascinating collection of world music textures from a fascinating… some would say enigmatic… Hollywood composer/multi-instrumentalist… Kennard Ramsey. You’ve heard his music many times before, in motion pictures, documentary films, and television shows. “Fortunes of War,” “Hairshow,” “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Lincoln Heights” and “The X-Files” are but a handful. Mr. Ramsey’s debut for Stanley Clarke’s new Roxboro label is an auspicious one, and begs for much more from this incredibly talented gentleman. Eclectic would be the word to describe SOMOS (literal translation – We Are), and it’s timing is perfect. It’s fresh, innovative, dynamic, and it’s an incredibly captivating soundscape for the Smooth Jazz listener. I dare you not to be entranced and ultimately addicted to this music. It’s absolutely amazing. And yes, Stanley Clarke plays acoustic and electric bass on the date. Kennard Ramsey’s SOMOS is an absolute must-have!
PAOLO RUSTICHELLI Soul Italiano Next Age Music
Acclaimed eclectic music composer and instrumentalist, Paolo Rustichelli moves Smooth Jazz forward in its evolution with his soulful, new single “Funky Love.” A cinematic, joyful, smooth and seductive, innovative musical celebration! This exciting new song is his 2nd single from the soon to be released album SOUL ITALIANO. Son of three-time Oscar nominee, movie soundtrack composer, Carlo Rustichelli, Paolo started his career at 16. He has become one of the most influential composers in Chill Out music; his song “Capri” featuring Miles Davis, was remixed by a UK DJ in the early 90’s and earned a place as one of the first songs in the House music movement. Paolo is globally renown for his pioneer work in fusing rock and jazz and producing for and recording with Santana, Miles, Herbie Hancock, Andy Summers and many others. Carlos Santana said in an interview with Billboard, "Paolo Rustichelli's music is a soundtrack for life!" La dolce vida!
KIM SCOTT Crossing Over Lenoah Records
Get ready for some tasty urban-flavored Smooth Jazz flute from Birmingham, Alabama’s incredibly talented Kim Scott. From hauntingly beautiful melodies to festively funky grooves, Ms. Scott’s exceptional tone and polished technique will leave you wanting more from this brilliant player. Kim’s musical background and training comprise both classical and jazz. She tours extensively, and her live performances include both appearances with her flute and harp ensemble, Kimoni Duo, and as a featured soloist with myriad combos and orchestras. Ms. Scott is currently Chair of the Department of Music at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, where she teaches flute. You’ll certainly be able to hear just how exceptional her playing is when you take a listen to CROSSING OVER. If you’re a fan of jazz flute, as I am, then this one is definitely a must-have for your collection... a most impressive album debut from flute diva Kim Scott!
RUSLAN SIROTA Ruslan Roxboro Entertainment Group
I have always felt a little secluded and perhaps conspicuous in my musical diversity… until now. Ruslan Sirota proves that pensive pop vocals with classic jazz elements can and does exist in the same universe! Sting whet our appetites for this back with Zenyattã Mondatta... coincidentally or perhaps not, there’s a beautiful cover of “Sister Moon” here. The mostly instrumental debut is open and honest… Ruslan’s playing touches me. The young pianist has toured the world with some of the biggest names in jazz and pop… Seal, Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke… hence the inclusion on Clarke’s debut of Roxboro Entertainment Group. The Uman-born musician moved to Israel at the age of 10 and was exposed to American Jazz when he started to find his own voice as an artist. This is authentic, moving music as Ruslan traverses from contemporary to classic with great ease, making inspiring and diverse stops along the way!
SPYRO GYRA A Foreign Affair Amherst Records
I’ve been playing Spyro Gyra’s music for 33 years… since “Shaker Song” was released as the first radio single from their self-titled debut (vinyl) album in 1978 on Amherst Records, which remarkably, is where the band has returned with this compelling new release. A few nights ago I caught this true supergroup live at Jazz Alley in Seattle, where they featured tracks from A FOREIGN AFFAIR. After the goose bumps subsided, I realized that, without a doubt, this band sounds better than ever. The chemistry among leader/saxman Jay Beckenstein, keyboardist Tom Schuman, guitarist Julio Fernandez, bassist Scott Ambush, and drummer Bonnie B (the new guy… at five years) is incredible. Their sound is brilliant, the new songs from A FOREIGN AFFAIR are some of the strongest I’ve ever heard from them, and the whole experience couldn’t have been more inspiring. A FOREIGN AFFAIR, with influences from the Caribbean, South America, Japan, India and Mexico and featuring special guest vocalists Keb'Mo' and Arijit Singh, might very well be Spyro Gyra's best work yet. In a word, WOW… as in Watch Out World!
URBAN LAUNCHING PAD Urban Launching Pad Series 1 QDB Music
A cool concept involving a great Internet hang (UrbanLaunchingPad.com) designed by top designers, a killer compilation CD (Series 1) featuring Toronto’s best R&B, Pop and Smooth Jazz artists and hip lifestyle merchandise. Urban Launching Pad is the brainchild of Toronto songwriter Mark Webster who has gathered together an A-Team of exceptional vocalists featuring Paul Knight, Jenny James, Yukio and Jasmin Bailey all produced by Canada’s premier pianist and composer Eddie Bullen. Urban Launching Pad Series 1 serves up a chilled out soundtrack of smooth songs that lend themselves perfectly to a weekend of entertaining and late night vibes. Smart lyrics, soulful vocals and world-class production with clean packaging and smart branding makes Urban Launching Pad a very contemporary project that is grounded in grooves… Blast off today!
WALDINO Waldino Goes Latino LoveGypsies.com
Everything you love about Mexico, South America and Espania comes to life in vivid color on Waldino’s latest recording WALDINO GOES LATINO! The inspiration is the vibrant culture of the Latin lifestyle… Waldino’s music on this festive and moving project reflects lively, upbeat and exotic rhythms utilizing Spanish guitar liberally and effectively along with seductive beats and percussion. You’ll find an abundance of Chill Out vibes with Latino grooves on infectious tunes including the joyful title track, “Waldino Goes Latino,” and “At the Casa,” a song reminiscent of the legendary 70’s band War… “Latino Fire” is a smoldering and intriguing piece… and you’ll also find a couple of delicate numbers here, “A Moment in Spain” and a beautiful ballad, “Spanish Soul.” One never knows how or where the spirit is going to move Waldino, but we always know when… right now… this moment, he’s concocting another stunning adventure! Perfecto!
