JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023: Tony Adamo-Sun Ra Throws a Brick through a Jazz Window

Tony Adamo-Sun Ra Throws a Brick through a Jazz Window

Tony Adamo: Sun Ra Throws A Brick Through A Jazz Window
By Nicholas F. Mondello/Allaboutjazz

May 7, 2023

When one listens to the work of Tony Adamo, there needs to be a self-understanding that Adamo’s approach to jazz completely abolishes any pre-conceptions of what “singing,” “vocalese,” and “storytelling” are. His efforts are a highly-stylized ultra-hip gumbo of these things, usually overlaid over a swinging, driving rhythmic platform. His is music intense and this track is.

Sun Ra Throws a Brick Through a Jazz Window” is quintessential Adamo. In this track, we get a three-minute homage to jazz revolutionary Sun Ra with Adamo’s exciting sing-speak verbiage. The Master of the Arkestra, Sun Ra and various members of his unit tend to be frequently mentioned in Adamo’s work. He is an obvious attraction for Adamo and this tune is no exception.

The tempo is a high-grade fever and Adamo blasts his slick lyrics while tenor man Rob Sudduth of Huey Lewis and the News blows freely in the background. It’s a story-song format that has deep roots in both African and other cultures. Ra, of course, embraced multi-cultural textures within a mystical, hyped-up panoply of exotic costumes, sounds, textures, and instrumentation. Adamo, as is his stock in trade, takes on the role of hipster “griot” or tale-teller. The pungency, intrigue, and overall urgency of Adamo’s and his crew’s presentation is beguiling. It is not pretty, but rather, deeply muscular and invigorating.

Like that of the artist of whom he speaks, Adamo’s work is an acquired taste. One has to meet it halfway or more to really appreciate it. When that occurs, you realize that he is a highly talented, super-creative artist carrying heavy presence. Ra might have “broken jazz’s window with a hurled brick,” however, digging Adamo’s take on that extreme image is a vivid scene worth experiencing.

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JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023

SBO Trio (France) – Discrète élégance / Lune des Fleurs

SBO Trio – Lune des Fleurs from inzieye on Vimeo.

Thierry Collin : composition et vibraphone
Nicolas Marty : contrebasse
Thierry Bonneaux : batterie

Thierry Collin : ( Vibraphone / Composition )
Nicolas Marty : ( Contrebasse )
Thierry Bonneaux : ( Batterie )
Remerciements à mon éditeur et ami Thierry Durepaire ( Music Box Publishing ) ainsi qu’à Eric Parisi ( Tournage / Montage ) et Jean-Pascal Boffo ( Enregistrement / Mixage ).

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JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023

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)

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JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023: Sarah Lancman & Quatuor Hanson (France): Album: Le pouvoir des mots

Sarah Lancman & Quatuor Hanson-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.

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JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023: Igor Willcox Quartet (Brazil) – Live at Bansko Jazz Festival 2022 (Bulgaria)

Igor Willcox Quartet - 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

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JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023

JazzWorldQuest 2023: Ilya Dynov (USA)-Album: Bridges

Ilya Dynov-Bridges

Featuring: Alex Norris: trumpet, Jihee Heo: piano, Lonnie Plaxico: bass, Ilya Dynov: drums

Constellation

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.

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JazzWorldQuest 2023

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023: Manuel Muzzu (Italy)- Album: From T(h)ree to Four

Manuel Muzzu-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

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 .

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JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023: David Margam feat. Carlos Camilo(Spain) – Album: Immune

David Margam-Immune

David Margam presents “Immune” single ahead of his debut album. “Immune” is the perfectly sparkling new gem from multitalented guitarist/songwriter David Margam, one of the leading pioneers of the Smooth Jazz and Funk genres in Spain! Delivering an uplifting and refreshing vibe, “Immune” is the new single ahead of from 2023, the eponymous title of his debut album that is in its final mixing phase, scheduled for release in the coming months.

“Immune” is the perfectly sparkling new gem from multi-talented guitarist/songwriter David Margam one of the leading pioneers of the Smooth Jazz and Funk genres in Spain! Delivering an exhilarating and refreshing vibe, “Immune” is the new single for 2023 , the title of his debut album, which is in its final mixing phase, scheduled for release in the coming months.

“Immune” is the new composition by David Margam produced by the Cuban pianist and producer Carlos Camilo who provides some stimulating piano arrangements that raise the level of the song to a higher state with a catchy and seductive melody, the collaboration of the Spanish guitarist Andrés García on Spanish guitar brings great sensitivity to this relaxing and uplifting new piece of music. Without a doubt, a great start to the year for guitarist David Margam who finished last year in the TOP20 of the most listened to guitarists of 2022 through the Smooth Jazz Universe platform.

Guitarist David Margam is a Spanish musician from the new generation of Contemporary Jazz, known as much for his affable personality and generous spirit as for his musical taste. Born in Granada, Spain, he attributes his musical career to having worked with some incredible musicians from around the world.

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JazzWorldQuest 2023

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023: Florin Raducanu (Romania)- Fugue Fantasia for Piano

Florin-Raducanu-Classical-Jazz-Fantasia-for-Piano

Florin Raducanu (Romania)- Fugue Fantasia for Piano

Classical-Jazz Fugue Fanstasia #2” is the second Piano Fugue addressed to both classical and jazz pianists.
In any case, the elements of Bachian Instrumental Counterpoint, jazz harmony, or compositional techniques from the developmental work serve as educational elements that show how jazz and classical music share an improvisational language (present in both Bach and Gershwin).


Like the previous “Jazz Fugue #1”, the new “Fuga Fantasia #2” follows the aesthetic path started by George Gershwin, very correctly understood by Maurice Ravel (see Sonata in G for violin and piano), Leonard Bernstein or John Williams in the creation of classical-jazz symbiosis.

Florin Raducanu website Purchase musical score

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2023