Category Archives: News

World Music Mix: Ewerton Oliveira & Yatê(Brésil/France) Album: NanÁfrica

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Ewerton Oliveira & Yate-NanAfrica

Ewerton Oliveira & Yatê(Brésil/France)- NanÁfrica
Composer : Ewerton Oliveira
Album Name : NanÁfrica
Label : Lira Music Records
Year of release : 08 juillet/July 2022
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NanÁfrica est une composition du pianiste, compositeur, musicologue et pédagogue Ewerton Oliveira, en hommage au grand percussionniste brésilien Naná Vasconcelos. Naná et Ewerton viennent de la même ville : Recife, au Nord-Est du Brésil. Quelques générations séparent ces deux artistes, mais un même regard de la musique les rassemble : créer, dépasser les frontières, croiser les genres musicaux et se réinventer. Les compositions d’Ewerton Oliveira racontent des histoires, proposent des ambiances, rendent hommage, font appel à une mémoire lointaine, des traditions africaines qui sont mélangées au jazz ou à une écriture musicale contemporaine.

NanÁfrica is a composition by pianist, composer, musicologist and pedagogue Ewerton Oliveira, as a tribute to the great Brazilian percussionist Naná Vasconcelos. Naná and Ewerton come from the same city: Recife, in the northeast of Brazil. A few generations separate these two artists, but the same vision of music brings them together: to create, to go beyond borders, to cross musical genres and to re-invent themselves. Ewerton Oliveira’s compositions tell stories, offer atmospheres, pay homage, appeal to distant memories, African traditions that are mixed with jazz or contemporary musical spices.

Ewerton Oliveira & Yate-Yate

Ewerton Oliveira & Yatê(Brésil/France)-Yatê
Composer : Ewerton Oliveira
Album Name : NanÁfrica
Label : Lira Music Records
Year of release : 08 juillet 2022
Website
CD Store
YouTube

Yathê, ou Iatê, qui signifie : « Notre façon d’être, notre façon de parler » ; est une langue indigène parlée par le peuple Fulni-ô, qui vit dans la municipalité d’Águas Belas, au sud-ouest de l’État du Parnambuco. La composition « Yatê », écrite par le pianiste et compositeur brésilien Ewerton Oliveira, est une magnifique manière de rendre hommage à une partie de ses origines. Ce single en version « Live Session », apporte une interprétation qui ouvre un espace à la spontanéité, et un dialogue typique du « live ». Yatê :Notre façon de nous exprimer, notre façon de résoner, notre meilleure façon d’être.

Yathê, or Iatê, which means: “Our way of being, our way of speaking”; is an indigenous language spoken by the Fulni-ô people, who live in the municipality of Águas Belas, in the southwest of the state of Parnambuco. The composition “Yatê”, written by the Brazilian pianist and composer Ewerton Oliveira, is a magnificent way to pay homage to part of his origins. This single in the “Live Session” version, offers an interpretation that opens up a space for spontaneity, and a typical “live” dialogue. Yatê: Our way of expressing ourselves, our way of resonating, our best way of being.

World Music Mix

Coke Michel Sextet in Concert Thu, June 9, 2022, Austin, TX

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Coke Michel Sextet in Concert

 Performing compelling music with origins in jazz, classical, folk, extended technique, and improvisation, The Alex Coke Carl Michel Sextet features musician/composers Alex Coke on woodwinds and guitarist Carl Michel. Together with Austin Symphony’s principal harpist Elaine Barber, Liminal Sound Series producer Bob Hoffnar on pedal steel, first call jazz bassist Dr. James Suter, and talented Austin percussionist Carolyn Trowbridge on vibes, the sextet will perform at the Draylen Mason Studio at KMFA on Thursday June 9, 2022 at 7:30pm.

This unique ensemble is an outgrowth of Coke and Barber’s popular weekly Driveway Concert Series that ran from April 2020 through June 2021 in response to music gigs and gatherings being curtailed as a result of the pandemic. The duo performed outdoors, socially distanced, with each member of the sextet individually in turn, appearing as special guests. Playing music as a gift to their local neighborhood at first, the project took shape as the possibilities for meetings indoors returned.

The Monday night concerts made way for rehearsals, new composition, and the formation of an unusual and very accomplished performing and recording ensemble. They released their first CD together, The Emissary, in October 2021 to good reviews and now a year after the final driveway concert, a second CD is in the works.

As a founding member of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra with many projects and recordings to his credit, Emmy Award winning composer Carl Michel had this to say : “The 6tet is a welcomed opportunity to work again with my friend Alex Coke. The “driveway concerts,” that were presented by Elaine Barber and Alex to their neighborhood, provided a way to collaborate with other musicians over the course of the pandemic shutdown. That process initiated the formation of the 6tet, a unique collaboration of instruments with some great musicians. This collaboration has opened up my palette in composition and arranging for these individuals.”

For the upcoming performance and live recording, works will include new arrangements of music by Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Valentyn Silvestrov, and Paul Motian with some new compositions by Coke and Michel in the mix .

One of the first jazz ensembles to perform at KMFA’s Draylen Mason Studio, the concert on June 9 is for an all ages audience. Presale Tickets are on sale now and will also be available at the door.

Tickets

For more info and sound samples please visit:
https://www.carlmichel.com/home/alex-coke-carl-michel-sextet/
https://alexcokecarlmichelsextet.bandcamp.com/releases

This performance is made possible in part thanks to The Liminal Sound Series, dedicated to the commissioning of new works and collaborations between visionary composers and Austin, TX. based musicians and performers.

“They can drift with meditative beauty or roar with passion… their collective sound lingers in the memory.” – Jerome Wilson on The Emissary at All About Jazz

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022: Artur Tuźnik Sextet(Denmark/Poland)-Spring

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LAZY SONG – the lead single from the new album by Copenhagen-based Polish pianist and composer Artur Tuźnik features melodies of his Polish origins blended with the acoustics of Scandinavian jazz. LAZY SONG is the sound of jazz at its best, reminiscent of Charles Mingus and Nina Simone and enriched by the unique voices of six prominent figures on the Scandinavian jazz scene.  
Together with his sextet, Tuźnik presents a powerful and spiritual piece of music featuring solos from Ned Ferm on saxophone and the band leader himself on piano. 
–Album press info
SPRING – the debut album from the Artur Tuźnik Sextet – takes listeners on an engaging, reflective journey through sounds, sensations and seasons in a program featuring new music that pays homage to the bandleader and composer’s greatest inspirations. The musical voices of the carefully chosen contributing instrumentalists bring nine original tunes to life in a production that’s intimate, spiritual, and offers something for audiences of all backgrounds. 
Polish pianist and composer Artur Tuźnik (born 1989) has been based in Copenhagen, Denmark since 2008 and is one of only a few musicians to have studied at both the “classical” (Royal Danish Academy of Music) and “jazz” (Rhythmic Music Conservatory) schools in the Danish capital. His fascination with both sprawling genres is evident in his virtuosic playing, but also in his compositions. As a pianist, Tuźnik is known for his work with drummer Thomas Blachman, Thomas Agergaard, Tomasz Stanko, Chris Cheek, and Tony Malaby among many others. He’s written commissioned pieces for the Classical Days festival in Holstebro and his work as a composer has been celebrated by international audiences and reviewers alike. 
The lineup of musicians he’s selected for his sextet reads like a modern all-star band of Scandinavian-based players: American tenor saxophonist Ned Ferm, who has called Copenhagen home since 2001 (known for his work with Roswell Rudd and Kurt Rosenwinkel); Norwegians Erik Kimestad on trumpet (a member of Kresten Osgood’s Quintet), Simon Albertsen on drums (Espen Berg Trio, WAKO); Swedish trombonist Petter Hängsel (Danish Radio Big Band, Horse Orchestra); the legendary Danish bassist Anders “AC” Christensen (Paul Motian’s Electric Bebop Band, Tomasz Stanko). Each of the soloists shines on this album that is thick with highlights. 
The songs were recorded in The Village Recording Studio in Copenhagen in early 2020 (just pre-pandemic) by Thomas Vang, and later mixed and mastered by Brian Massaka. The band set up and played together in the same room – a decision made by Tuźnik in order to create a musical intimacy among the players and bring that sound to listeners. That incredible closeness is present throughout this album that absolutely sparkles with creative joy while it inspires nuanced nostalgia. 
The first four songs (Road to Nowhere, January, Spring, Tales From The Road) are all interconnected and are based on unique harmonies and forms. Material from Road to Nowhere and Spring are referenced in Tales From The Road – a solo piano piece that functions as an overview for the first part of the musical journey. The next part of the journey kicks off with the enchanting Lazy Song – a tenor saxophone feature that allows both Fermand Tuźnik to soar on the moving minor mood. Christensen plays the band into the energetic, tidal rubato flow of Monday with a meditative bass solo and the album goes to another new place on Water – a tune that follows the theme down a stream that develops into a babbling brook and later becomes roaring rapids. The album’s final selection, Monstera Deliciosa, is a return to the group’s “swing” mode. 
The Artur Tuźnik Sextet has officially arrived in 2022 with an album that reminds us of the interconnectedness of the composer’s influences and tunes that put his clear appreciation for nature, spiritualism, and musical beauty front and center. The melodic, harmonic, and structural flow of the music whisks listeners away on a journey that’s engaging, entertaining, and peppered with provocative, natural tension and resolution. SPRING deserves to be heard multiple times to fully grasp its depth, and as the detailed layers of meaning unfold with each listening experience, audiences can look forward to understanding more about the Artur Tuźnik Sextet and its musical mission. 

Musicians:
Artur Tuźnik – piano
Ned Ferm – tenor saxophone
Erik Kimestad – trumpet
Petter Hängsel – trombone
Anders “AC” Christensen – double bass
Simon Olderskog Albertsen – drums

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022
Christophe Goze Soul to Soul

Christophe Goze-Soul to Soul (2022)

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Known for his brilliant ability to blend world music with jazz and downtempo Christophe does not like to label his music and stick to one genre. “My influences have always been very wide and I never liked the idea of being stuck in one style. I’m more like a musical digital nomad who likes to freely experiment the moment as it comes. Depending where my mind has been traveling and what influences me at the time” says Christophe.

Jazz has always been a big part of his life and his guitar playing as definitely been influenced by it. “I’ve always been fascinated by the colors and sound of Jazz and as a guitarist by the technicality of this music”

Christophe Goze-At The End Of The Street

As a producer his sound is miles away from Jazz. He gets his technique & influences from Lounge, electronic music and even pop. The mix of the two is what he calls “Jazzy Lounge”

The “Reminiscence” album was a strong step into that direction . This new album “Soul To Soul” is another attempt, trying to go even a step further and reach to the planet “Smooth Jazz”. From “Jazzy Lounge” to “Smooth Jazz” the order can be very thin and a very interesting journey to travel. “I certainly enjoyed the trip and can’t wait to see where this is going to take me in the future”


SOME FACTS ABOUT CHRISTOPHE
French born & lives in Barcelona. He was signed by Virgin Japan at the age of 23 then moved to London and started to collaborate with the famous Cafe Del mar & Buddha Bar. Christophe also writes for Television & films & got nominated for Best UK Tv avert music . His latest major synch was on “The 355” movie with Jessica Chastain & Peneloppe Cruz.
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World Music Mix

d_mark_owen_respite

World Music Mix: d. mark owen(USA) – Respite(Blue Canoe Records 2022)

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d. mark owen is a multi-talented recording artist, pianist, composer, arranger, and producer. His debut album titled, “Respite” features nine original compositions with guest appearances from Derek Jones (bass) and Cameron Tyler (drums) on three songs (Anesthetic, Stretched, The Traveller).

D. Mark Owen- Anesthetic

d. mark owen not only composed, performed, and programmed every instrument on “Respite”, he also mixed and mastered this gorgeous album. d. mark owen is a rare breed and his music should be celebrated! Fans of great music will find a home with d. mark’s stunning masterpiece “Respite”.

Blue Canoe Records

World Music Mix

Ramiro Pinheiro & Ana Rossi-Outra Era

World Music Mix: Ramiro Pinheiro & Ana Rossi(Spain)-Outra Era

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Ramiro Pinheiro & Ana Rossi(Spain)-Outra Era
Album: Vivo
Composer: Raimundo Fagner & Zeca Baleiro
Label: Brasounds Productions (2022)


Ramiro Pinheiro and Ana Rossi presents “Outra Era” (Fagner & Zeca Baleiro), the first single of their next album “Vivo” (2022).
Born in Argentina, Ana Rossi began her musical training there, playing the piano in municipal and provincial schools. In the study of singing as an instrument, she has been especially interested in the Voice Craft technique, in which she has embedded her own trajectory combined with other visions. She is currently a member of Coetus, UNA, Marcelo Mercadante and his Quinteto Porteño, BREU and Gafieira Miúda, among others.

Ramiro Pinheiro is a subtle and creative acoustic guitarist from Brazil who is also a talented songwriter. He was mostly self-taught at the beginning, learning the guitar by ear before attending the Conservatório Souza Lima in São Paulo. Pinheiro moved to Barcelona (Spain) years ago and he has been an important part of the local music scene ever since, working with a wide variety of jazz and Brazilian musicians.
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World Music Mix

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022: Mike Miller(USA)- Album: Trust (Blue Canoe Records)

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Mike-Miller-Trust

Mike Miller(USA)-Mr. Moreira
Album: Trust
Label: Blue Canoe Records
Rock and Jazz Guitarist Mike Miller releases a beautiful ten song album titled Trust. Mike is best know for his work with Chick Corea, Boz Scaggs, Bette Midler, Yellowjackets, Quincy Jones and so many more. Mike brings all of his year of experience into this incredible body of work. “Trust” features guest appearances from Jimmy Haslip, Jimmy Johnson, Jimmy Earl, Scott Kinsey, Brandon Fields, Gary Novak, Marilyn Scott, Jeff Babko, Chad Wackerman, Airto Moriera and so many more talented artists. “Trust” is a must have for fans of Mike Miller which features rich original compositions, stellar improvisations and prowess interplay and technique. This is a gorgeous, inspiring album and a must have for music fans everywhere!
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USA: Rest in Peace Dennis Gonzalez 1954-2022

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Texas and the world are marking the passing of Dallas musician, teacher, radio DJ and visual artist Dennis Gonzalez who died March 15 2022.

On Tuesday, his son Stefan announced the news of González’s passing on social media:

“I’m so sorry to inform you all, family, friends, fans of the music, fellow creatives that our Father, Grandfather, husband, force of love and light, educator, musician, artist, and beloved Shaman, Dennis Gonzalez has left this plane of existence,” Stefan posted on Twitter. “He didn’t do it without a fight and was channeling positivity until the very end.”

The jazz trumpeter, who toured, recorded and produced music internationally was also a public school educator in Dallas, encouraging creative movement within the music he taught and performed. In addition, Mr Gonzalez also kept a decades long jazz radio program going on radio station KERA called MILES OUT and forged an Oak Cliff based nonprofit, La Rondalla, to provide students access to musical instruments.

He instilled similar values in his sons, Aaron (who plays double bass) and Stefan (who plays drums and percussion) spending a lifetime playing jazz and experimental music with them and many other while making contributions to the community through education and youth programs as a family.

Dennis Gonzalez is survived by his wife, Carol, sons Aaron and Stefan, granddaughter Issy and friends worldwide.

JazzWorldQuest-Hakim-Jamal-LA-Night

World Music Mix: Hakim Jamal(UK)-Album: LA Night(2022)

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Hakim Jamal(UK)-Neon Sign
Album: LA Night
Composer: Paul Ashley Wheatcroft
Label: TakingHead TV Recordings (2022)

Hakim Jamal-Neon Sign


The new album from Hakim Jamal is inspired by the work of the great and sadly underrated Japanese Jazz-Funk musicians of the 1970s and 80s. It’s Hakim’s most uptempo album today, comprised of mostly instrumental dance/disco music with some stunning individual solos.
Streaming CD Store Website

World Music Mix

Dan Costa & Randy Brecker-Iremia

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022: Dan Costa(UK)-Iremia

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Critically-acclaimed pianist and Jazz music producer Dan Costa, is set to release ‘Iremia’ featuring legendary trumpet player Randy Brecker (The Brecker Brothers). Costa, has an impressive backlog of critically acclaimed albums, and successfully presents a high level of professionalism within his craft.

Iremia takes inspiration from the picturesque island of Paros, and meaning ‘peacefulness’ in Greek, which is perfectly encapsulated with the single’s soothing and calming nature.

Dan initially studied classical piano for six years at the Académie de Musique Rainier III in the south of France, as well as jazz, and wrote his first composition at the age of twelve. In 2010, he was awarded a diploma with merit at Sir Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in the UK. Dan’s strong interest in his Latin roots coupled with his passion for jazz led him to study at the Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espetáculo in Portugal, where he graduated in jazz piano with a Rotary Club award for outstanding achievement in 2015.

During his course, he was also awarded a merit grant to study Brazilian music at UNICAMP –Universidade Estadual de Campinas (São Paulo, Brazil). He pursued further studies at Berklee College of Music with a scholarship for outstanding achievement.

Costa has attended workshops and classes given by musical artists such as Gary Burton, Kevin Hays, Scott Colley, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jorge Rossy, Chick Corea and César Camargo Mariano. Additionally, Dan has co-directed musicals, performed with orchestras and big bands, and starred as both a pianist and composer in projects in countries such as the UK, France, Finland, Germany, Spain, Greece and the USA.

In January 2016, he recorded his debut album Suíte Três Rios in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with musicians such as Jaques Morelenbaum, Ricardo Silveira, Teco Cardoso, Rafael Barata, Marcos Suzano and Leila Pinheiro. It peaked at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Chart and Top 10 across all genres in Portugal, prior to hitting the #1slot on the CMJ Top Adds Chart in the USA and being top 10 for several weeks on Roots Music Report.

In May 2018 he recorded his second album Skyness at Arte Suono in Italy, featuring Roberto Menescal, Jorge Helder, Teco Cardoso, Custódio Castelo, Romero Lubambo, Nelson Faria and Seamus Blake, launched at Blue Note Rio in November.

In recent years from 2018 to present day, Dan’s music has received rave reviews from the likes of JAZZIZ, Rolling Stone India, Jazz FM, All About JAZZ, Down Beat Magazine, The Jazz Word and so forth.


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