An album of all original compositions. One vocal tune surrounded by 11 instrumentals. Powerful and melodic music with passionate guitar playing.
Author Archives: JWQ
JazzWorldQuest 2023: Robin McKelle – Impressions of Ella
| Robin McKelle Nouvel album Impressions of Ella Sortie le 02/06/2023 chez naïve / Believe |
| Robin McKelle revient au jazz avec le disque Impressions of Ella, qui comprend onze standards immortalisés par Ella Fitzgerald. Accompagnée de Kenny Baron au piano, Peter Washington à la basse et Kenny Washington à la batterie, la chanteuse Robin McKelle est de retour au sommet avec cet album dédié à sa plus grande influence musicale, Ella. Prévu pour le 02 juin 2023 sur le label naïve, l’album Impressions of Ella est un hommage aussi inspiré que personnel à la First Lady of Swing. D’Embraceable You en passant par April in Paris, How High is the Moon, My One and Only ou Taking a Chance on Love, on retrouve sur Impressions of Ella la chanteuse Robin McKelle très inspirée et qui parvient à donner souffle à ces classiques intemporels. L’album révèle une Robin McKelle plus expérimentée et avisée que jamais. Plus de 15 ans après son premier album, elle est enfin prête à affronter la charge émotionnelle de ces standards du jazz.“ Ma voix a mûri, et moi aussi. J’ai senti qu’à ce moment de ma vie, ces paroles avaient un sens pour moi. Impressions of Ella est comme un retour à la maison pour moi. Comme une réunion familiale après des années de séparation. Une reconnexion avec la musique qui m’a nourrie pendant toutes mes années de formation musicale, et qui furent largement influencées par Ella Fitzgerald” a-t-elle expliqué. Pour regarder et diffuser Embraceable You :https://youtu.be/MP1jZ0m-8zA |
De la country au R&B, Robin McKelle a consacré toute sa carrière à explorer l’immensité de la musique américaine. Avec Impressions of Ella, l’artiste chevronnée renoue avec son premier amour : le jazz.
En 2006, son premier album éponyme Introducing Robin McKelle explorait une douzaine de standards intemporels des années swing (“Come Rain or Come Shine”, “Night and Day”, “On the Sunny Side of the Street”). Pour son dernier album, McKelle s’inspire de sa plus grande influence artistique : Ella Fitzgerald. “Cette idée m’est venue parce qu’Ella a été ma première introduction au jazz vocal. J’ai tant appris de sa façon de chanter. Son swing et son interprétation résonnent en moi.”
Pour donner vie à cette idée, Robin fait appel à un tout nouveau trio de musiciens de jazz renommés : le batteur Kenny Washington, le bassiste Peter Washington, et le grand Kenny Barron au piano. “Je n’étais pas intimidée à l’idée de jouer avec eux, bien que leurs CV soient vraiment impressionnants. Je me demandais simplement si j’allais être au niveau, et si nous allions nous entendre. C’était une chance inouïe de pouvoir chanter à leurs côtés”.
La rencontre entre un chanteur et un musicien est peut-être l’une des unions les plus profondes et extraordinaires de la musique. Kenny Barron, virtuose du piano jazz, le sait mieux que quiconque. Ayant fait ses armes en tant que sideman pour Philly Joe Jones et Dizzy Gillespie, il a enregistré plus de 50 albums, sur plus de cinq décennies.
Avec Impressions of Ella, Robin McKelle ne tente pas de tout réinventer ni de limiter son potentiel d’expression créative. Tout en faisant l’éloge de notre “First Lady of Song”, l’album marque pour Robin un inéluctable passage à l’âge adulte, à un moment de sa carrière où son travail acharné porte enfin ses fruits.
En tournée :
04 Mai 2023 – Bruxelles (BE)
06 Mai 2023 – Courtrai (BE)
17 Mai 2023 – Deauville (FR)
15 Juin 2023 – Chatellerault (FR)
28 Juin 2023 – Ajaccio (FR)
11 Juil. 2023 – Chambery (FR)
14 Juil. 2023 – Maspalomas (FR)
21 Juil. 2023 – Narbonne (FR)
02 Aout 2023 – Marciac (FR)
13 Aout 2023 – Annecy (FR)
12 October 2023 – Reims (FR)
04 Nov 2023 – Bordeaux (FR)
10 Nov 2023 – Rouen (FR)
11 Nov 2023 – Conilhac-Corbières (FR)
World Music Mix: Neal Bowen(USA)-Album: Kamikaze Think Thank (Blue Canoe Records, 2023)
Neal Bowen’s music showcases his abilities not only on bass, but guitar, keys, and in production. With the contributions of drummer/producer Jason Cooper and trumpeter/arranger Tom Clary, Neal’s debut album Kamikaze Think Tank is a tribute to his musical heroes that have become a part of his musical voice and vision. Echoes of Weather Report, Dixie Dregs, and Steely Dan can be heard throughout.
Featuring:
Bass, Keys, Guitar, Programming: Neal Bowen
Drums: Jason Cooper
Trumpet: Tom Clary
Saxophone: Jim Spake
Trombone: Victor Sawyer
B3 Organ, Synth: Pete DeGloma
Mixing/Mastering: Neal Bowen, Jason Cooper
JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023: Sarah Lancman & Quatuor Hanson (France): Album: Le pouvoir des mots
Sarah Lancman returns with a sixth album, “Le pouvoir des mots” (The Power Of Words) borrowing a majestic sweetness in which she reconnects with her love of the piano by singing on original compositions inspired by the world of Michel Legrand, Charles Aznavour as well as that of the musical comedies of the 60s, thus mixing her love for Jazz & the Chanson tradition on arrangements signed by Philippe Maniez. Accompanied by the prestigious Quatuor Hanson and special guests, Belgian-New Yorker guitarist Jean Francois Prins, as well as the rising jazz star, the saxophonist Louis Billette, this new opus will be released in spring 2023 : MAY 26TH 2023.
Yuval Ron Trio European Tour 2023/4
Guitarist Yuval Ron is going on a European tour with his trio in 2023/4. Yuval Ron Trio‘s style can be described as Cinematic Fusion as it combines elements of live playing, extensive instrumental compositions and a big, film-like background production of orchestral lines, soundscapes and sound effects. The show will mainly feature tunes from his latest album, Somewhere In This Universe, Somebody Hits a Drum which featured Marco Minnemann on drums, in new live trio rearrangements.
Currently confirmed tour dates:
APR 09 Zoetermeer, NL / Progdreams Festival
APR 21 Berlin, DE / Peppi Guggenheim
APR 22 Haan, DE / RRC Prog Night
MAY 26 Berlin, DE / Karneval der Kulturen
JUN 01 Tel Aviv, IL / Tmuna Theater
JUL 06 London, UK / Sci-Fi Rock Night
JUL 07 Abingdon, UK / Prog For Peart
NOV 15 Göppingen, DE / Jazz in Göppingen
NOV 16 Jena, DE / (TBC)
NOV 17 Leipzig, DE / naTo
NOV 18 Fürstenfeldbruck, DE / Subkultur
JAN 28 2024 Berlin, DE / Berlin Prog Night
FEB 23 2024 Hamburg, DE / Hamburg Prog Night
More info & tickets: https://www.yuvalron.com/live
Band Lineup:
Yuval Ron – guitar, vocals
Victor Nissim – bass
Yatziv Caspi – drums
JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023: Igor Willcox Quartet (Brazil) – Live at Bansko Jazz Festival 2022 (Bulgaria)
The Brazilian Igor Willcox Quartet‘s spectacular live performance, Live at Bansko Jazz Festival 2022 (Bulgaria), took place during that year’s Bansko Jazz Festival. The four virtuosos are known for their innovative musicianship, outstanding interaction, and captivating groove, and the new release perfectly captures the intensity and vibrancy of this stunning live performance . We hear a collection of catchy songs that were previously released on studio albums, now enhanced by the sparkling spontaneity propelled by the band’s drummer and leader, Igor Willcox, who is performing at his peak along his brilliant fellow musicians. He effortlessly switches between fast and slow rhythms, adding interesting rhythmic improvisations, mixing texture and dynamics with his known virtuosity. The album abounds in clever and entertaining solos. Erik Escobar on keys has impressive solo interventions of great impact on “Brotherhood” , “Message From Another Dimension” , UFO, “The Scare” “Thankful” and “Room 73”. Super-Saxophonist Wagner Barbosa is all over the place unleashing his creative force either interacting with his band mates or charming us with amazing solos on “North City” and “Room 73” just to mention a few . Glecio Nascimento on bass takes the spotlight on “North City”, “Room 73”. Overall this is an album for jazz fusion enthusiasts who will be excited to listen to a concert unique in inventiveness, dynamics and mastery.
THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF THIS ALBUM…
This album has a special meaning for us. It’s the result of 3 concerts that we did in Eastern Europe. We visited fantastic countries including Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Serbia. The people were friendly and accommodating. We were well received and celebrated!!! Bansko Jazz Festival was our first concert. A
grand festival with an impressive setup allround. A picturesque, cozy, and mountainous city with polite and attentive people, rich in culture.
It was so exciting! Certainly, one of the best shows we’ve ever done, and the memories will last
a lifetime! To everyone from Bansko, thank you for the kindness, we hope to be back soon!
Special Thanks to:
Iliana Ivanova, Nikolina Mihailova and all of Bansko Jazz Festival staff, Branislav and all of Nisville Jazz Festival staff, Primoz and Imago Sloveniae.
To my dear brothers, wonderful musicians and human beings: Erik Escobar, Wagner Barbosa,
and Glecio Nascimento. Thanks for always delivering your best! Love you, my brothers!
To my beloved wife, Audrey Willcox, for giving me love and all the support for this tour. To my
mom, Sonia Willcox, and my sister Kika Willcox.
To my friends Ze Cintra, and Vanessa Tonetto for the press kit photos. To my English teacher Myrtle! Your lessons were essential for my self-confidence and they assisted me during the tour.
To my great friend and drum master Giba Favery, who kindly provided the IP&T space for our open rehearsal.
Recorded at Bansko Jazz Festival 2022, Bansko, Bulgaria. This record was made thanks to www.banskojazzfest.bg
Credits:
Wagner Barbosa: Saxophone, Aerophone
Erik Escobar – keys
Glecio Nascimento – bass
Igor Willcox – drums
Mixing and Mastering: Igor Willcox
Cover Photos: Dimitar Aleksov
Text Review: Myrtle Fourie
Sponsors:
Igor Willcox uses Nagano Drums, Domene Cymbals, Datalink Cables, Williams DrumHeads and
DrumSticks, and Power Click.
Wagner Barbosa uses Roland.
Track List:
1- 2020 (Igor Willcox)
2- U.F.O (Igor Willcox)
3- Brotherhood (Igor Willcox)
4- Message From Another Dimension (Igor Willcox)
5- North City (Igor Willcox)
6- The Scare (Igor Willcox)
7- Thankful (Igor Willcox)
8- Room 73 (Igor Willcox)
Label: Room 73 Records
Release Date: Mach/15/2023
JazzWorldQuest 2023: Ilya Dynov (USA)-Album: Bridges
Featuring: Alex Norris: trumpet, Jihee Heo: piano, Lonnie Plaxico: bass, Ilya Dynov: drums
With his debut album “Bridges”, New York-based jazz drummer Ilya Dynov reveals himself as an outstanding contender on the jazz scene, boasting credits as a formidable performer, composer, and bandleader. The music, ranging in various jazz styles, combines tradition with virtuosity and maintains a high level of creative freedom while displaying a mature sense of harmony.
The record consists of all original compositions by Dynov and features an array of world class talent out of New York. Joining Ilya Dynov on drums are the legendary bassist Lonnie Plaxico, known for his work with Art Blakey, Jack Dejohnette and Cassandra Wilson, extraordinary trumpeter Alex Norris who regularly performs with the Vanguard and Mingus Big Bands, and the exceptional pianist Jihee Heo, a rising star in the NYC jazz scene.
“Bridges” comprises 9 tracks: four in a piano trio setting, three as a quartet with trumpet, and two flavorful drum solos provide the “Intro” and “Finale” statements.
Some of the greatest highlights can be found in the song entitled “Constellation”. This intense modern jazz tune shines through the virtuosity of Alex Norris and Jihee Heo; as soloists they display an amazingly creative and rhythmically strong character undergirded by Ilya Dynov and Lonnie Plaxico.
JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023: Manuel Muzzu (Italy)- Album: From T(h)ree to Four
New bass player Manuel Muzzu‘s album it’s been released and it’s available for digital purchase and for streaming. The album it’s a concentrate of much of music contamination starting fron jazz, fusion jazz, smooth jazz, latin jazz, where the bass guitar have a most important role playing rhythm part and also melodic part. Played with different techniques, with a different sounds colours.
“Last one” it’s a pretty simple listening track with a great smooth jazz influence and it’s the first song of my last album. The album it’s a concentrate of a different styles of jazz starting from smooth jazz, fusion jazz, Latin jazz, swing and classic jazz. Awesome played by spectaculars musicians, where the bass guitar in all his shapes (4-5-6 strings fretted and fretless) have the dominant part .
JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023: Nastazio Gkoumas, Album: d Y s t o P i a
Contemporary jazz feat.
Nastazio Gkoumas guitar
Alberto Portocarrero drums
Manuel D Rodriguez trumpet
Eleni Anastasiou piano
Antony Tsangaras bass
COMPOSITIONS BY NASTAZIO GKOUMAS
USA: Alex Coke Carl Michel Sextet CD Release
Alex Coke -Carl Michel Sextet CD Release”EMERGENCE”
THURSDAY April 20, 2023 8:30pm Soundspace at Captain Quack’s 5326 Menchaca Austin TX 78745
(512)-453-3399
Join the Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet in a concert at Quack’s SOUNDSPACE rolling out the welcome mat for their second CD, Emergence. A journey of musical colours and textures from many genres of music, Emergence showcases this Austin supergroup’s creative and dynamic talents, exploring a unique combination of instruments, exciting original compositions, and new arrangements from a broad palette of influences.
The Alex Coke Carl Michel Sextet Features:
Alex Coke (Sax/Flutes)
Carl Michel (Guitar)
Elaine Barber (Concert Harp)
Bob Hoffnar (Pedal Steel)
Carolyn Trowbridge (Vibes)
Dr. James Suter (Bass)