Author Archives: JWQ

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025: George Solonos and John Waugh-Quietly in Mind

Posted on by

Acclaimed saxophonist John Waugh (best known for his role as a sideman to the globally renowned band “The 1975”) and celebrated guitarist/composer George Solonos are excited to announce the release of their new single, “Quietly in Mind“. This highly anticipated track serves as the lead single from their forthcoming EP, “Reverie”, slated for release in early 2025.

Drawing from the rich traditions of Jazz and World music, “Quietly in Mind” highlights Waugh’s evocative saxophone artistry, seamlessly paired with Solonos’ virtuosic guitar playing and cinematic production. The result is an immersive soundscape that bridges contemporary jazz and atmospheric storytelling, offering listeners a transcendent musical experience.

Following the resounding success of their previous EP, “Dive”, which held the top spot on the iTunes Jazz Charts for an impressive two weeks, this dynamic duo returns with a project that promises to captivate audiences with its bold artistry and genre-defying compositions.

About the Artists

John Waugh: Renowned for his work as a sideman to The 1975, Waugh’s saxophone mastery has earned him a reputation as one of modern music’s most compelling instrumentalists.

George Solonos: A gifted guitarist and composer from Cyprus, Solonos has collaborated with industry legends including Quincy Jones, Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe), and Boy George, solidifying his status as a versatile and innovative artist.

Key Highlights

Previous Success: Their EP Dive not only captured critical acclaim but also dominated the iTunes Jazz Charts for two weeks.

Innovative Approach: Known for blending Jazz and World music with cinematic elements, Waugh and Solonos craft works that resonate deeply with global audiences.

Quietly in Mind will be available on all major streaming platforms starting December 13, 2024. Be sure to stay tuned for the follow-up email containing the streaming link, so you can experience the next chapter in this remarkable duo’s musical journey.

Contact Information

For press inquiries, interviews, or additional details:

kristova_zuzana@hotmail.com

Stay Connected

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/george_solonos
https://www.instagram.com/jwaughsaxophone

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1CDXAP9M1UIQxwLhLNRLjs
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5xTAiA0ZfdnmJuBJIg9WKG

Website: George Solonos | new music
Session Saxophonist – John Waugh

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024: Patricia Bonner(France)-Chronicles of Time 

Posted on by
Patricia Bonner-Chronicles of Time
Patricia Bonner

Nouvel album
Chronicles of Time : Tango, Jazz & Beyond
Musique de Jean-Michel Proust
Sortie le 29/11/2024 chez Teranga Production 

En concert le 27/11/2024 au Studio de l’Ermitage à Paris
Après What Is There To Say sorti en 2011 et A Song For You, coffret 5 Cds paru en 2016, la chanteuse de jazz Patricia Bonner est de retour avec l’album Chronicles of Time : Tango, Jazz & Beyond sur une musique de Jean-Michel Proust.
Sur Chronicles of Time, le jazz se mêle au tango et à la chanson pour suspendre le temps autour du timbre de voix inimitable de Patricia Bonner. La chanteuse nous présente ici un répertoire totalement original de chansons dont elle a écrit les paroles.
Elle a fait appel à Jean-Michel Proust pour les compositions et la direction artistique. Ce dernier s’est entouré de deux orchestrateurs : Chloë Pfeiffer (cheffe d’orchestre et arrangeuse de tango) et Jean-Marc Fritz (chef d’orchestre et arrangeur de jazz) afin de concevoir un répertoire sur mesure pour servir l’exceptionnelle interprète (et autrice) qu’est Patricia Bonner
.Les seize titres de l’album sont imprégnés de la la fougue, la passion, la danse, la musique, un subtil mélange de corps, d’âme et de cœur qui hantent le Jazz et le Tango, comme un hommage aux musiques de Michel Legrand, Astor Piazzola,  Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf,  Charles Trenet, Claude Nougaro, Pierre Barouh et Nina Simone. 

Patricia Bonner est de retour avec l’album de chansons originales Chronicles of Time : Tango, Jazz & Beyond. On retrouve la chanteuse bien entourée pour ce nouvel album qui fait suite à la sortie d’ A Song For You, coffret sorti en 2016 regroupant 5 cds, à savoir A Day In New Orleans, A Time For Love, Un jour tu verras, Moon River et Feelin’ Good.

Pour ce nouveau disque, Patricia Bonner retrouve à la réalisation et à la composition Jean-Michel Proust avec qui elle avait déjà collaboré sur deux précédents albums. Cela faisait longtemps que Patricia Bonner nourrissait l’envie de mêler le tango et le jazz. “Si l’on regarde leurs parcours, jazz et tango ont des univers très croisés, ils viennent de la rue, je les retrouvais à Buenos Aires où j’allais très souvent dans les années 80. Le tango, comme le jazz, évoque la sensualité, la suavité, la sentimentalité avec, en plus pour le tango, une note de gouaille et de fatalité” a-t-elle expliqué.

En trois langues, anglais, espagnol et français, l’album Chronicles of Time nous fait voyager de New York à Buenos Aires et à Paris. Le disque brasse les souvenirs (Dis, Te Souviens-tu ?, Memories), et la quête de soi (Soy, Je M’aime), évoque le printemps (It is Spring) et toujours la nostalgie du temps qui s’enfuit (Cette larme à l’instant).

‘Les chansons racontent des moments de vie heureux ou malheureux : le parcours d’un être humain, dès son enfance et tout au long de sa vie. J’ai voulu ainsi retracer la notion du temps qui s’écoule différemment selon les étapes de la vie. C’est sans doute suite à la période du Covid, et aussi peut-être parce que je n’ai plus 20 ans, que j’ai voulu exprimer quelque chose sur le temps, ce temps qui est là et qui n’est plus là, les notions de subjectivité, d’espace et de respiration qu’il contient… Voilà, c’est cela l’histoire de Chronicles Of Time : Tango, Jazz & Beyond !”

En concert le 27/11/2024 au Studio de l’Ermitage à Paris

Site officiel  Facebook 

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024

WorldMusicMix: Espace Impair(France) – Valse en U (2024)

Posted on by
Espace Impair
Nouvel album Valse En U
Sortie le 15/11/2024  chez Booster Music
Espace Impair est de retour le 15 novembre en digital et le 16 novembre en physique avec l’album Valse en U. Composé de Gérald Lacharrière (flûte), Matthieu Buchaniek (violoncelle), Frédéric Volanti (piano & mélodica), ce trio virtuose qui ne ressemble à personne est né d’une envie commune de composer dans un langage musical qui n’a pas de frontière, entre classique, jazz et musique du monde.

Couronné en 2022 par le Prix du Jury au Tremplin Jazz en Nord, par le Prix du public au Tremplin Avignon Jazz et finaliste du tremplin Jazz à Vienne, Espace Impair a enregistré l’album Valse en U au Studio La Buissonne. On y retrouve neuf titres très variés qui forment un voyage intemporel entre courbes mélodiques et hypnotisme répétitif, où les valses n’ont plus 3 temps et les O se transforment en U.

Mélange subtil entre les univers du classique et du jazz, nourri par les rythmes et harmonies du monde, le premier album d’Espace Impair, nous emmène dans un voyage singulier, contrasté et onirique, qui rappelle l’esprit musical d’Henri Texier, Enrico Pieranunzi ou Steve Reich. Premier extrait, on se laisse emporter par Uzivaj, inspiré par les lacs et montagnes de Slovénie.
Constitué de 3 musiciens pour qui le langage musical n’a pas de frontières, Espace Impair joue avec les codes du jazz, de la musique savante occidentale, de la pop et des musiques traditionnelles, en s’inspirant de la démarche du third stream. Conforté dans cette direction par des rencontres marquantes (Vincent Courtois, Jacques Vidal, Pascal Schumacher, Frédéric Chatoux…), le trio constitué de Gérald Lacharrière (flûte), Matthieu Buchaniek (violoncelle), Frédéric Volanti (piano & mélodica) propose une synthèse de ces influences à travers des compositions originales mêlant harmonieusement l’improvisation à l’écriture.

La particularité de la formation flûte/violoncelle/piano colore un univers singulier et poétique, où l’on peut croiser les ombres de Texier, Pieranunzi, Garbarek, Reich…

L’album Valse en U, enregistré par Gérard de Haro au Studio La Buissonne interroge par sa singularité poétique et nous entraine entre jazz et improvisation dans un espace féérique où l’imaginaire se développe à l’écoute de mélodies simples et colorées, rythmées et dansantes, tout en suivant l’esthétique et les influences qui lui sont propre : la musique minimaliste et les rythmiques impaires. 

En concert le 16/11/2024 à Croix à L’Auditorium Debussy

 Facebook  Instagram  Lien digital

WorldMusicMix

USA, MA: New Bedford JazzFest Presents: Feel the Funk!

Posted on by

New Bedford JazzFest (NBJF) proudly announces JazzFest 2024: Feel the Funk! on Saturday, November 23, from 8:00 10:00 pm. Doors will open at 7:00 pm. JazzFest 2024 will offer two live bands and the space for folks to groove and dance, as well as a cash bar and snacks available for purchase. New Bedford JazzFest is excited to host its event in its newly renovated venue, the historic Steeple Playhouse, located at 159 William Street in downtown New Bedford.

General admission tickets are $25 in advance, (until November 15) and $35 from November 16 until 2 hours before the doors open on November 23. All tickets are available at newbedfordjazzfest.com or steepleplayhouse.org. The festival takes place rain or shine, as it is indoors. The building is completely accessible to all, and there is free parking on the street, as well as in the adjacent parking lot and Elm Street Parking Garage.

This year’s headliner is the Brian Thomas and the BT Allstars featuring Melissa Bolling. The New England based band delivers a fast-paced, power-packed feast that they dub Big Band Funk.
Opening the show will be Joaquim Santos and The Dope Lotus, who will fill the dance floor with distinctive soulful vocals and tight funky grooves, all grounded in authentic musical roots. General admission seating will be available behind the dance floor.

World Music Mix: Sarantos(USA) – Hate to see you Happy

Posted on by

Sarantos – Hate to see you Happy
Sarantos
“Hate To See You Happy”
ISRC: QMHDU2300010

Sounds Like: Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story)
Mood: enthusiastic
Genre: comedy, classical, folk, world
130 BPM, fast tempo, Musical Key D Major / Eb Major
Lead inst: Vocals
Track Length: 2:37

Sarantos says, “Inspired by the theatrical genius of Andrew Lloyd Webber, “Hate to See You Happy” brings playful wit and a dash of dramatic flair. And yes… it’s part of a musical I’m secretly crafting!

Sarantos – Hate to see you Happy (Original Mix)
This song is inspired by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It’s playful, witty and yeah, it’s part of a musical that I’m writing.

MTS

World Music Mix

USA, Austin, TX: Dreaming Hildegard-A Collaborative Work by Christopher Hynes and Alex Coke

Posted on by

Cloud Tree Gallery presents the world premiere of Dreaming Hildegard, the latest collaborative work by Alex Coke and Christopher Hynes. Inspired by 11th-century mystic and visionary Hildegard of Bingen, Hynes’ paintings and Coke’s music create a world of sight and sound that is spiritual, meditative, and thought provoking. This show is not to be missed!

On opening night, Friday Oct. 11th at 8pm, MAE trio (Masumi Jones, drums, Alex Coke, flutes, tenor saxophone, and Elaine Barber, harp) perform the World Premiere of Coke’s Dreaming Hildegard for the opening of Hynes’ art show.

Opening Reception: Friday, October 11
doors at 7pm, music at 8pm
Art on display in the gallery
Oct. 11 – Nov. 2, 2024,
Monday thru Saturday 12-5pm.

WorldMusicMix: Billie Davies(USA)-Thinking of Marie Laveau

Posted on by

Billie Davies-Thinking of Marie Laveau

Billie Davies to release a single, recorded in 2016 in New Orleans at her Terrytown studio, scheduled for release on September 27, 2024.

“Thinking of Marie Laveau”
Closing of a series of original albums and mostly freely improvised music that was created in New Orleans: “Hand In Hand In The Hand Of The Moon”, “On Hollywood Boulevard”, “Perspectives”, “Whadeva” and “On Hollywood Boulevard (Live at The Mint in New Orleans), there was one that still had to be published and preserved for the future.
A piece of music, a work of art, created very spontaneously in 2016. It was created there with her very favorite musicians living in New Orleans and with whom she recorded many beautiful works of art and performed with many times as a trio/quartet/quintet. She wanted it published, she wanted it preserved for eternity.
Billie Davies decided to close of her time in New Orleans and the music that was created there with her magical trio with “Thinking of Marie Laveau”, one of the very first original works she recorded on her electronic drumset, they played and recorded it so very well in 2016. The same trio she later recorded “On Hollywood Boulevard” and “Perspectives” with, the same trio she performed with all over New Orleans.
While Billie and Evan were waiting for Oliver to get ready, Billie just suddenly started this play on her toms in a certain kind of a rhythmic/melodic way and a few beats later Evan got inspired and started playing the trombone and the keys… and a little bit later in the music you can hear Oliver joining in… as if everything was meant to be this way.
A totally spontaneous and freely improvised creation in the moment.
Billie was thinking and expressing her momentary feelings on the drums and as if Evan could read her thoughts he expressed an atmosphere and melodic accents as if it were meant to be, poetry. When one lets this music in, when one surrenders to it, one can see people dancing around a fire at midnight, one feels the secret inner belly of spiritual New Orleans, one feels the primeval and tribal spirits and energies that are still present today, it makes one think of Halloween and Mardi Gras… brought to your ears and fantasies by these very talented musicians in a very sultry, sensuous, rhythmic and magical way.

That is also why Billie ended up calling it “Thinking of Marie Laveau”, she felt her then, it made her think about her and about New Orleans and it still does.
She has finaly come around to publishing it to a larger audience as a single… Thank you.

—
Title: “Thinking Of Marie Laveau”
Release Artist: Billie Davies.
Release Date: 09/02/2024
Free Improvisation from the studio.
Genre: Jazz, Fusion.
Mood: Sultry, Sensuous, Tribal, Rhythmic, Spiritual.
Musicians & Composers: Billie Davies on electronic drums, Evan Oberla on keys and trombone, Oliver Watkinson on electric bass.
Recording: Mike Davies
Mixing: Mike Davies & Billie Davies
Mastering: Mike Davies
Label: Independent
Distributed in the US and Canada with ReverbNation
Published at ReverbNation, Bandcamp

09/02/2024
Billie Davies PR
http://www.billiedaviesmusic.com

WorldMusicMix

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024: PETER XIFARAS: New Album “FUSION”

Posted on by

PETER XIFARAS “FUSION”
Genre-crossing Peter Xifaras is a musical wizard who is an inventive, guitarist, keyboardist, composer, and recording producer. Fusion features Xifaras’ infectious electronic rhythms, solos from trumpeter Shunzo Ohno and electric violinist Xander Nichting, and ensembles that are funky and catchy.

MUSICIANS:
Peter Xifaras – Guitar & Keys, Shunzo Ohno– Trumpet, Xander Nichting – Violin, Max Gerl – Bass, Scott Jackson – Drums & Percussion,
Czech National Symphony Orchestra

In his career, the innovative Peter Xifaras has consistently created music that has made Billboard’s classical and crossover charts, frequently featuring mixtures of genres including spoken word, symphonic music, and jazz fusion. His latest recording, Fusion, blends together Xifaras’ guitar and electronic keyboards with the great Japanese jazz trumpeter Shunzo Ohno, the versatile violinist Xander Nichting, bassist Max Gerl, and drummer-percussionist Scott Jackson, with contributions from the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.

The opener, “Chaos,” has music that is anything but chaotic. The rhythmic vamp sets an ominous atmosphere that is accentuated by Ohno’s wa-wa electrified trumpet which hints at Miles Davis circa 1973. He takes a blazing solo on “Shunzo” over the stirring ensembles and Nichting also has a rewarding
spot. The ensemble-oriented “Wild And Free” finds Xifaras and the rhythm section setting patterns with backing by the Czech National Symphony.

“B Blues” is not actually a blues but a bluesy original with a funky vamp that is one of the release’s highlights, featuring colorful trumpet, violin, guitar and bass solos. “Think Quick” is also particularly memorable including its infectious theme and the melodic solos. “While My Guitar Weeps For Mehdi Rajabian” is a showcase for Xifaras’ guitar. Joined by strings on the medium-tempo dirge, he makes a personal, warm, and emotional statement. This unique outing concludes with more wa-wa trumpet from Ohno on the warm and nostalgic “Till We Meet Again.”

Peter Xifaras has had as wide-ranging a career as his music. He began having guitar lessons when he was nine, played with a rock band as a teenager, and studied classical guitar in college. After graduating, he opened a recording studio and started his record label, Music With No Expiration®. He has since
recorded as the leader of his own symphoneX orchestra®, welcoming guest artists to many of his releases. Xifaras’ music ranges from classical and fusion to cinematic and spoken word with his playing, particularly on guitar, being strikingly original. He is most proud of Children Of Conflict, an award-winning release that focuses on the need for social justice.
Fusion is Peter Xifaras’ latest accomplishment, a continually intriguing and invigorating set that is both creative and quite accessible. For listeners not familiar with his previous work, Fusion serves as the perfect introduction to his innovative music.

Web sites:
http://www.PeterXifaras.com
http://www.Symphony-X.com
http://www.MusicWithNoExpiration.com

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024

WorldMusicMix: Peyman Yazdanian(Iran) – New Album: Just About Cinema

Posted on by
Peyman Yazdanian
Nouvel album
Just About Cinema
Disponible chez Melmax Music
Quelques mois après la réédition de son Live In Lecce, l’artiste iranien Peyman Yazdanian sort Just About Cinema, un album sur lequel on retrouve onze de ses meilleures musiques de films.
Avec Just About Cinema, on savoure toute la diversité musicale, et l’intense poésie qui se dégage de son métier de compositeur, à la croisée de la musique classique, de la musique contemporaine et de la musique traditionnelle persane.
Qu’est ce qui relie Le vent nous emportera d’Abbas Kiarostrami (Grand Prix du Jury à Venise en 1999), Nuit d’Ivresse Printanière de Ye Lou (Palme d’or à Cannes en 2009), Un homme intègre de Mohammad Rasoulof (Prix Un Certain Regard en 2017) ou Climbing Iran de Francesca Borghetti (Prix du Public Trento Film Festival 2021), sinon l’immense talent de Peyman Yazdanian qui a composé la musique de plus de 70 films ?
“Ce projet  Just about Cinéma a émergélors de ma récente installation à Paris. En rassemblant des extraits de musique de films pour présenter mon travail à des réalisateurs français, dans le but d’amorcer de potentielles collaborations. J’ai eu l’idée d’en faire une compilation pour y inclure une sélection de musiques originales de films, parfois jamais commercialisées, complétée de titres déjà disponibles afin d’afficher les différentes facettes de mon écriture pour l’image” a expliqué Peyman Yazdanian pour présenter l’album déjà disponible en digital sur toutes les plateformes.
 Pour écouter le titre Wind Will Carry Us :https://youtu.be/NTskdryR-48?si=6iEqZz6pYwhyvEYq
La découverte de l’album Just About Cinema prouve que la palette musicale de Peyman Yazdanian est riche et variée, reflètant sa capacité à s’adapter à une multitude de genres cinématographiques et surtout aux attentes du compositeur, en voici quelques aspects.

Émotion et Sensibilité : Peyman Yazdanian excelle dans la création de compositions émotionnelles et sensibles qui capturent les nuances des personnages et des situations. Sa musique peut être poignante, mélancolique ou inspirante selon les besoins du film.

Atmosphères évocatrices : il est capable de créer des mélodies qui transportent le spectateur dans l’univers du film. Que ce soit un drame intense, une romance subtile ou un suspense palpitant, sa musique contribue à établir l’ambiance et à renforcer l’immersion du public.

Mélange de traditions musicales : en tant que compositeur iranien, Peyman Yazdanian incorpore souvent des éléments de la musique traditionnelle persane dans ses compositions, ajoutant une dimension culturelle et une identité distincte à sa musique.

Innovation et expérimentation : bien qu’il puisse rester fidèle à des conventions musicales éprouvées, il n’hésite pas à expérimenter avec de nouveaux sons, instruments et techniques pour créer des scores uniques et originaux.La pochette de l’album Just About Cinema est un hommage à celui qui fut un des premiers à lui accorder sa confiance : Abbas Kiarostrami, l’un des plus grands réalisateurs iraniens. Peyman Yazdanian a demandé au photographe Didier Robcis de projeter le film The Wind will carry us sur un mur, puis il s’est glissé vers l’écran comme pour ne faire qu’un avec le film, sa musique et le réalisateur. Les œuvres survivent à leurs créateurs.
 Lien digital  Bandcamp  Spotify

WorldMusicMix