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There's More To Music Jazz

steve allee Steve Allee Trio
Dragonfly
(OwlStudios.com)
Steve Allee Trio's "Dragonfly" showcases this exceptional jazz trio at it best. Their melodies and rhythmns create a rich sonic journay that will more than satisfy fans. Allee's piano style is intricate and alluring. He presents melodies, moods and improvisations in synch with a formidable band. Saxophonist Rich Perry is featured on several tracks.

1. "Dragonfly" - Steve Allee says how the natural world inspires his music.
2. "Bus To Belmopan" - Steve Allee describes how a bus ride became a soundtrack.
3. "Yummy" - Steve Allee describes the inspiration for this bluesy piece.
4. "Conversation with Bill" - Two conversations with Bill Evans; one real and one imagined.

Visit artist's web site: http://www.steveallee.com


© Copyright 2008, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
Dave Samuels David Samuels
Caribbean Jazz Project - Afro Bop Alliance
(Heads Up)
David Samuels, the vibraphonist-arranger of the noted Latin collective, Caribbean Jazz Project, has combined forces with the Maryland-based Afro Bop Alliance to create a stunning big band. Their self-titled release features arrangements of well-known standards and original compositions by Samuels. The result is a recording that highlights ensemble playing and improvisation at its best.

1. "Big Band" - Until now, David Samuels says he has never been in a big band.
2. "New Way of Writing" - David Samuels says writing for a big band opened new doors.
3. "Naima" - David Samuels describes his treatment of John Coltrane's classic.
4. "The Ensemble" - David Samuels says he is lucky to work with this ensemble.

Visit artist's web site: http://www.dsamuels.com


© Copyright 2008, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
Jon Hammond Jon Hammond
The NDR Sessions Projekt
(Ham-Berger-Friz Records)
Jon Hammond's "The NDR Sessions Projekt" brings the soulful jazz organist back to Hamburg to record a collection of standards and originals featuring Lutz Buchner on saxophones, Joe Gallardo on trombone and Heinz Lichius on drums. Recorded in one of Germany's best studios, the quartet present rich, heartfelt perfomances and infuse the music with a fresh and vibrant sound.

1. "NDR Sessions" - Jon Hammond says the NDR session was based on a sentimental idea.
2. "Lutz Buchner" - Jon Hammond wanted to feature saxophonist Lutz Buchner on the CD.
3. "Bass and Organ" - Jon Hammond says his style is playing bass and organ - on the Hammond.
4. "Jazz Spirits" - Jon Hammond wanted to rekindle a certain jazz spirit - and take some risks.

Visit artist's web site: http://www.HammondCast.com


© Copyright 2006, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
Eric Lewis Eric Lewis
Hopscotch
(Fortress Records)
Eric Lewis is a pianist-composer who has already made a name for himself playing with some of the biggest names in jazz: Cassandra Wilson; Wynton Marsalis; Elvin Jones and Roy Hargorve. On his first solo release, "Hopscotch," he revives the 'cool' sensibility of players who don't overwhelm the ears while giving listeners plenty of rich melodies and inviting pieces to hear and embrace.

1. "Hopscotch" - Pianist-composer Eric Lewis says he wanted a CD with sparse, rich-sounding songs.
2. "Alasum" - A beautiful ballad named after the newborn daughter of a musician friend.
3. "Less Is More" - Eric Lewis tallks about the fine art of not overplaying.
4. "Title Cut" - Eric Lewis recounts the title cut's spontaneous birth and innovative twist.

Visit artist's web site: http://www.ericlewisgroove.com


© Copyright 2005, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
Nils Nils
Pacific Coast Highway
(Baja/TSR Records)
Guitarist-producer Nils' "Pacific Coast Highway" has been making waves in smooth jazz circles. Debuting as a virtual unknown, the self-produced CD's title cut has topped the charts for weeks. Nils draws on a wider palette of sounds, grooves and melodies than many of the genre's standard-bearers. For Nils, who works in film and TV, it's been a dream come true.

1. "The Surprise" - Nils confesses he listens to much more than today's smooth jazz.
2. "Inspirations" - Nils follows his intuition and deep musical background to write.
3. "Mr. Melody" - Nils has spent years developing a voice-like guitar style.
4. "Kona Girl" - Nils describes the emotions and music in this mostly solo acoustic piece.

Visit artist's web site: http://nilsmusic.com


© Copyright 2005, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
Misha Piatigorsky Misha Piatigorsky
Trio Del Sol
(Twinz Records)
Trio Del Sol is pianist-composer Misha Piatigorsky, guitarist Freddie Bryant and percussion-flutist Gilad. Longtime friends on New York's jazz scene, the acoustic trio explores a mix of jazz and Latin-inspired melodies against backdrop of world-beat grooves. Their CD is striking, combining the subtly and detail of classical chamber music with the energy and spontaneity of improvisational jazz.

1. "Trio Del Sol" - Misha Piatigorsky says Trio Del Sol is a special project.
2. "Exploration" - The trio breaks musical boundaries to get its sound.
3. "El Penasco" - Misha Piatigorsky says a visit to Uruguay inspired this piece.
4. "Baiao da Gente" - One of Misha Piatigorsky's favorites from the recording.

Visit artist's web site: http://www.mishamusic.com


© Copyright 2005, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
Maria Schneider Maria Schneider Orchestra
Concert in the Garden
(ArtistShare)
Maria Schneider's music hovers between modern jazz and concert music. "Concert in the Garden" is filled with lush, alluring pieces that cover musical ground like a dancer fills a stage. What's also notable is Schneider managed the the entire project herself - selling it from her website, recouping costs and garnering four Grammy jazz nominations.

1. "Dance and Music" - Maria Schneider says her music is inspired by dance, storytelling and surprises.
2. "Pas de Deux" - A piece named after a ballet step features a duo in the 'solo' section.
3. "Buleria to Rhumba" - Maria Schneider used three favorite Latin rhymns to create this Grammy-nominated piece.
4. "Behind the CD" - Maria Schneider describes how she produced and distributed her CD.

Visit artist's web site: http://www.mariaschneider.com


© Copyright 2005, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
Maurice Brown Maurice Brown
Hip To Bop
(Brown Records)
Jazz trumpeter-composer Maurice Brown's "Hip to Bop" is a stunning debut. Ellis L. Marsalis, Jr. wrote the liner notes and for good reason. Brown and his quintet are playing exceptional bebop-influenced jazz with great emotion, finesse and musicality. Brown, who's in his early 20s, will surely become a fixture in the jazz world.

1. "Vision" - Maurice Brown describes how he put together his group and his first solo recording.
2. "Conceptions" - Brown says he writes for the players in his quintet.
3. "A Call For All Angels" - There's a surprising story behind this moody ballad.
4. "Wah Wah Solo" - Brown describes how he approached his solo in the CD's title cut.

Visit artist's web site: http://www.mauricebrown.net


© Copyright 2004, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
Jacob Fred Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Walking With Giants
(Hyena Records)
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey is best known for exciting live shows. In their first studio recording in three years, "Walking With Giants," pianist Brian Haas, bassist Reed Mathis and drummer Jason Smart play rich, melodic pieces that are equally composed and improvised. Jacob Fred have become modern jazz innovators.

1. "Relax" - Being relaxed was the key to recording "Waking With Giants," pianist Brain Haas says.
2. "Composers" - Brian Haas says he and his bandmates are finally playing what they hear in their heads.
3. "Reed's Muse" - Brian Haas says bassist Reed Mathis' biggest influences are great sax players and then some.
4. "Calm Before The Storm" - Brian Haas says drummer Jason Smart has an exceptional melodic sense.
5. "Two Pieces" - Brian Haas highlights two pieces on the recording that really pleased him.

Visit artist's web site: http://www.jfjo.com/


© Copyright 2004, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
Wadada Leo Smith Wadada Leo Smith
Yo Miles! Sky Garden
(Cuneiform Records)
Avant Jazz Trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith has been a composer, improvisor and music educator since the 1960s. In 1998, he joined guitarist Henry Kaiser to create Yo Miles!, to explore and expand on Miles Davis' mid-70s electric music. Their second CD "Sky Garden," features four original Smith compositions. Listers will hear how this music pushes the edges of live improvisation and anticipated acid jazz, ambient music and hip hop.

1. "Compositions" - Wadada Leo Smith says he only expected to record one piece - not fill half of the double-CD.
2. "Musical Roots" - Smith's musical roots begin in Mississippi and became global.
3. "Wah and Trumpet" - Smith describes his approach to using a wah-wah pedal with a trumpet.
4. "The Electric Band" - Smith says Miles' electric band was based on the African drum ensemble.
5. "Arranging Live" - Smith describes how he conducts the improv while playing.

Visit artist's web site: http://www.cuneiformrecords.com


© Copyright 2004, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
cheryl Cheryl Bentyne
Talk of the Town
(Heads Up)
Jazz vocalist Cheryl Bentyne has been with the Grammy-winning Manhattan Transfer for many years. But now she's released a debut solo CD of her favorite songs and it's stunning. Backed by pianist Kenny Barron, bassist John Patitucci, drummer Louis Nash and other notables, Bentyne sings with style, precision and emotion that breathes new life into jazz classics. It's hard to believe this is her solo debut.

1. "Talk of the Town" - Cheryl Bentyne says recording her first solo CD was easy from start to finish.
2. "These Songs Now" - Every song has a personal meaning, but it's not necessarily about romance.
3. "Meaning of the Blues" - Pianist Kenny Barron didn't know this song before playing this amazing version.
4. "Little Butterfly" - This song features Jon Hendrick's lyrics to Thelonius Monk's "Pennonica."
5. "Still Good Friends" - Cheryl Bentyne tells of the inspiration behind this song, the CD's close.

Visit artist's web site: http://www.telarc.com


© Copyright 2004, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
Devils band Devil's Workshop Big Band
Idle Hands
(Grantham Dispatch Records)
The 17-piece Devil's Workshop Big Band comes from Richmond, Virginia, where bandleader Stephen Norfleet the other members met while studying music at Virginia Commonwealth University. The band developed its improvisational jazz-meets-funk sound while playing weekly gigs. This first recording is a set from one of those sessions. It is filled with energetic and exuberant playing by a hot young band.

1. "The Big Band" - Stephen Norfleet describes his idea for the Devil's Workshop Big Band.
2. "One Live Set" - This live recording starts with a piece that's a wide open free jam.
3. "Not Written Down" - Most of the material isn't written down, but evolved by playing.
4. "Have A Little Faith" - Stephen Norfleet was inspired by a version of this John Hiatt song.
5. "Oh Snap" - Stephen Norfleet says why this is one of his favorite songs on the CD.

Visit artist's web site: http://www.devilsworkshipbigband.com


© Copyright 2003, BEHINDtheBEAT, Inc.
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