Category Archives: News

WorldMusicMix: Two Giants of Smooth Jazz Release Their New Single “Wake Up”

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Two Giants of Smooth Jazz Release Their New Single “Wake Up”

The upcoming June 7th will see the world of Smooth Jazz and Funk eagerly welcoming the release of “Wake Up,” the new single from two prominent European guitarists: the international artists David Margam (Spain) and Horst Lippitsch (Austria)

“Wake Up” symbolizes a rebirth, an awakening to life after difficult times, offering a message of hope and
renewal. This single stands out for its elegant sound that masterfully fuses the genres of Funk, Smooth
Jazz, and RnB, reflecting the mastery and distinctive style of both artists.

“Wake Up” is not just a musical composition, but a statement of resilience and positivity. Every note and chord is designed to inspire and motivate those who listen to this masterpiece.

“Wake Up” will be available on June 7th on all streaming platforms and for digital download.

David Margam, renowned for his virtuosity and his ability to convey emotions through his guitar, has been a central figure in the Smooth Jazz scene in Spain. Horst Lippitsch, on the other hand, is acclaimed in Austria and internationally for his impeccable technique and musical versatility.
Together, they create a unique synergy that promises to captivate listeners worldwide.

Fans of both artists and lovers of Smooth Jazz & Grooves are invited to join this musical journey
celebrating life and rebirth.

Available on all digital platforms on June 7, 2024

www.drfunkproducciones.com

WorldMusicMix

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024: EYM Trio: Nouvel album Casablanca

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EYM Trio
Nouvel album Casablanca
Disponible chez Kollision Records
Un an après l’album Bangalore avec la chanteuse indienne Varijashree Venugopal, EYM Trio poursuit ses explorations nomades avec Casablanca, un disque disponible sur le label Kollision Records. Pour ce cinquième album, EYM Trio se recentre sur une création à trois, comme une nécessité de retour aux sources après s’être nourrit de tant d’aventures et de collaborations.

Composé d’Elie Dufour au piano, Marc Michel à la batterie, et Yann Phayphet à la contrebasse, le EYM Trio s’amuse avec des éléments de langage de musiques venant des quatre coins du monde, le tout dans des métriques innovantes laissant place à une grande liberté d’interprétation. A eux trois, ils créent un univers captivant, amusant et surprenant qui invite avec légèreté au voyage et au lâcher prise.

EYM Trio a choisi Casablanca comme nom d’album car c’est dans cette ville que les trois musiciens ont rencontré le dessinateur Simon Lamouret qui illustre tout l’album. 

Pour regarder et diffuser la vidéo de Casablanca (Nomad’ Session) :https://youtu.be/MdhIUL0gLbM?si=cvzRdIG14ZRh8J_8

Ce cinquième album Casablanca reflète l’état d’esprit nomade du EYM trio et nous embarque dans un jazz mélodique qui se joue des frontières. Il se veut dans la continuité du projet Nomad’ Sessions initié en 2019.

Elie Dufour écrit au piano la musique spécialement pour le groupe, sans directives précises. Elle est faite pour être remodelée en permanence en toute confiance par la sensibilité de chacun. On y retrouve certaines influences qui lui sont chères : les musiques bulgares, tziganes et orientales au sens large…

Cet album est l’occasion de dévoiler en avant première une innovation pianistique. Elie Dufour a profité du confinement avec Robert Kieffer, pour créer une pédale mécanique, acoustique, ayant pour but de muter la partie centrale du piano et ainsi de pouvoir avoir accès à des modes de jeu inédits. Elle est omniprésente sur l’album Casablanca, donnant au piano la capacité de sonner comme un nouvel instrument, proche du oud et des instruments à cordes pincées.

Considérons cet album comme un voyage sonore accompagné avec justesse par le dessin, laissant place à un rêve de concert dessiné.

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JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024

WorldMusicMix: Meet Manuela Sánchez Goubert: Redefining Latin American Folklore With Heartfelt New Single “Mamá”

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New York City, May 2024 — Manuela Sánchez Goubert, a fresh and compelling voice in the
music world, is thrilled to announce the release of her new single, “Mamá,” released on May
25th on all major streaming platforms ahead of her debut album release this August. This track
exemplifies Manuela’s reinvention of Latin American folklore, blending traditional sounds with
modern influences.

“Mamá” is a heartfelt and evocative song that pays tribute to all mothers and nurturers, including
Manuela’s mother, who instilled in her the belief in the healing power of music.

“This song is a testament to how music can heal, and is a tribute to mothers everywhere,” says
Manuela. “Everything I am, I owe to my mom.”

“Mamá” showcases a fusion of cumbia rhythm with contemporary elements, creating a sound
that is both timeless and contemporary. Manuela’s voice, rich with emotion and authenticity,
leads the listener on a journey through the heart of Latin American folklore.

About Manuela and her band
Manuela and her band belong to a new generation, who–inspired by the folkloric traditions of the
50’s–propose new compositions with a modern touch, nourished by jazz reharmonizations.
Manuela is a Colombian artist who combines jazz with Latin American folklore, creating a
cosmopolitan sound. She studies at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute led by Maestro Danilo
Pérez and Patricia Zárate, where she hones her social activism skills by engaging in community
outreach programs, participating in social justice initiatives, and collaborating on projects that
use music as a tool for social change. Furthermore, she is an ambassador for the Latin Grammy
Cultural Foundation and participates in the Foundation’s 2024 “Leading Ladies of
Entertainment” Program.

Born and raised in the Colombian Andes, Manuela moved to New York City as a teenager, where
she was introduced to the jazz scene by mentors like Lucía Pulido and Lauren Kinhan. She has
performed in major venues around the world, including the Panamá Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln
Center, and Radio City Valencia alongside world-renowned artists such as Andrés Cepeda,
Luciana Souza, Olga Román, and New York Voices.

These are her band members:
Juan Diego Panadero is a Colombian clarinetist sponsored by Légère, a two-time Latin Grammy
winner, and a star of the Disney+ series “The Low Tone Club,” currently completing his studies
at Berklee College of Music.

Sebastián Guerrero, a bassist from Medellín, graduated from Longy School of Music and EAFIT,
contributing to diverse musical projects across genres like jazz, tropical, and hip hop as a bassist,
arranger, and producer.

Juan Sebastián Ramírez Cubides is a versatile Colombian percussionist in both symphonic and
popular percussion. He graduated from the Universidad Nacional in Bogotá, Colombia, and is
currently studying world percussion and music production at Berklee College of Music.

Federico Aristizábal is a Colombian drummer, percussionist, and guitarist from Medellín,
recognized for his versatility and musicality, having won multiple music competitions and
performed with notable musicians.

Luana Brazzán, a young drummer and percussionist from Arequipa, Peru, fuses Afro-Peruvian
and Andean rhythms with jazz, and founded the all-women Afro-Peruvian jazz band Magenta
Jazz, active in festivals and concerts.

Simón Martínez is an Ecuadorian pianist, composer, producer, and arranger focused on Latin
American alternative music, who studied at Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Berklee
College of Music, and is the music director of the Latin American Student Association at
Berklee.

Felipe Álvarez is a Chilean music producer and guitarist, a Berklee graduate, who has performed
with Latin Grammy winners and currently teaches music and music production at the Mattapan
Teen Center.

What’s Next for Manuela?
On May 25th, “Mamá” was released as the lead single, with the full album of original songs set
to drop in August. Manuela and her band will embark on an international tour in mid-August,
performing on the East Coast, as well as in Colombia (Bogotá, Medellín), Ecuador (Quito), and
Peru (Lima). If you’d like to support Manuela and her band, check out her fundraising page.

“Manuela’s profound understanding of Latin American rhythms and her innovative jazz
interpretations set her apart as a truly remarkable artist,” says Danilo Pérez, Grammy
Award-winning pianist and composer, “Her work is both a homage to her heritage and a bold
step into the future of music.”
“She has a creative vision that is mature and steeped in merging her traditional background with
what interests her in the colorful world she is surrounded by,” says Lauren Kinhan of New York
Voices.

For interviews, guest list, and further information, please contact MSG Management at msg.management.co@gmail.com


Website
Support Manuela
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WorldMusicMix

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024: Scott Murphy(UK/Hong Kong)-“a dream of form”

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“a dream of form” is an idea conceived while the inspirational music of legendary pianist Fred Hersch performing solo in Hong Kong washed over Scott Murphy which got out of hand very quickly! Before Scott even had a chance to work out what music he wanted to record musicians, engineers and a studio were booked.

A frantic period of creativity took place wherein Scott composed the music for the LP over a short couple of weeks in which he also had performances in China, multiple shows at Hong Kong’s largest Jazz festival and attempted to renew his passport against the clock.Thankfully for this project Scott had booked musicians the musical skill and excellence of whom was beyond reproach.

Taking an ostentatious leap of faith, Scott reached out to Janek Gwizdala; a bassist and composer he had admired since he’d first heard Janek’s “Live at the 55 Bar” album as a teenager. Gwizdala is one of the preeminent bassists of contemporary times with a back-catalogue of genuine world quality. He’s also an exceptionally versatile musician with the artistry to come into the studio one day after arriving in Hong Kong (and without meeting any of the band) and lift the music effortlessly to another level.

Scott turned to two of his favourite local collaborators to complete the group featuring Hong Kong’s most creative and adroit keyboardist Daniel Chu and arguably Asia’s number one drummer in
Padget “Fresh Kid” Nanton III. Daniel is a sound explorer who’s creativity can be heard throughout “a dream of form” and, indeed, any project he is involved with.While Fresh is quite simply the most in- demand drummer in Asia and the absolute engine room of this LP.

The session for “a dream of form” took place in just four hours live without rehearsal or time to attempt multiple takes.This recording is an animated example of four musicians in a room with a common goal and level of respect for improvised music as well as one another.The sheer quality of Janek, Daniel and Padget shines through with every second of this LP and cements it as a unique work featuring musicians at the top of their profession.

Recorded at Avon Studios with Thomas Lo (4231 Music), mixed in Scotland by Gus Stirrat (Solas Studios) and mastered by Peter Beckmann (Technologyworks) in London, this LP is an international collaboration of some of contemporary Jazz music’s most well regarded and exciting young talents.

website CD Store

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024

WorldMusicMix: Gavin Harrison / Antoine Fafard(UK)-Perpetual Mutations (2024)

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Perpetual Mutations is an original album project released in July 2024, following the first collaboration between Gavin Harrison and Antoine Fafard, entitled Chemical Reactions, which debuted four years prior. Perpetual Mutations showcases an eclectic blend of musical arrangements and includes contributions from nine collaborators representing various nationalities and continents.

As it was in the first effort, all the music on this album is entirely performed and excludes any programmed instruments. The joint instrumental musical effort was put together with the clear intention of not repeating the exact same sonic textures featured in the first album and keep looking for different and original musical possibilities. For instance, Perpetual Mutations introduces classical guitar and piano, instruments absent in the 2020 album. In addition, some of the pieces feature the Rhodes piano, the soprano saxophone (performed by Jean-Pierre Zanella), as well as handpans and log drum instruments. The song Objective Reality is a piece which is led by Rodrigo Escalona on the oboe in an unusual trio format.

Some strings are also featured as lead instruments on the album, with two pieces – Deadpan Euphoria and Pentalogic Structure – where the cello has a dominant presence (performed by Joasia Cieslak and Isodora Filipovic) and on Viral Information 101 where violinist Ally Storch takes the lead. To conclude the list of contributors,

Dale Devoe – an alumni from the Stan Kenton Orchestra – provided some brass ensembles on three tracks, performing all the trombone and trumpet parts.

The pacing of Perpetual Mutations on all nine pieces takes the listener into various moods and atmospheres. Directly related to the eclectic and ever changing instrumentations used from one piece to the next, the album can’t be easily summarized as one identifiable entity. However, the playing of Harrison and Fafard on every piece is the common thread that unifies all the music on the album.

Harrison’s unmistakable sound and personal approach to the drums are evident throughout, while Fafard’s composition and playing style on the bass and guitar contribute to unify the project. Perpetual Mutations offers a fusion of musical styles and sonic textures that complements the first effort Harrison and Fafard put out four years previously.

The intention of this project is to stretch out artistic possibilities and contribute to expanding the musical spectrum. Gavin Harrison’s work with Porcupine Tree, King Crimson and The Pineapple Thief is well known to progressive fans around the world. Harrison has authored several instructional drum books and DVDs and has received multiple awards from various publications.

Fafard has been releasing his music for over 20 years. He has collaborated with some of the world’s most respected and influential players, including Vinnie Colaiuta, Jerry Goodman, Gary Husband, Simon Phillips and Todd Sucherman. Fafard’s music has been praised for its intricacy and originality by his peers.

Released in 2024, Perpetual Mutations is distributed by Amplified Distribution in the US and Code 7 in the UK.

WorldMusicMix

WorldJazzMix: Gershon Waiserfirer / Lenny Sendersky (Israel)-Wait Until Now(2024)

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“Wait Until Now“. It is a unique blend of ambient jazz, cinematic music, and Middle Eastern sounds, making it a very special project. We have also made a few videos for the album, which you can check out on YouTube via these links: “Wait Until Now” •

ALBUM TEASER

Gershon Waiserfirer – Electric oud / effects
Lenny Sendersky – saxophones/flute/effects

At the duet concert, Gershon and Lenny use a wide palette of musical means from minimalistic lyrics to bright, sometimes ROCK texture. And all sorts of electronic effects give the listener the feeling of a large composition on stage. Musicians create a musical canvas in which there are many genres from jazz to rock and folk.

WAIT UNTIL NOW

SUN DANCE

stream on all platforms

Gershon Weiserfirer is an Israeli multi-instrumentalist and composer.
Active participant in the Israeli music scene in almost all genres, from traditional Jewish music to improvisational music. An actor by training, he regularly composes music for film and theater and has been awarded the Israel Theater Music Prize.
Gershon Weiserfirer has shared the stage with music legends such as Bobby McFerrin, Vyacheslav Ganelin, Avishai Cohen and Israeli rock legend Berry Saharoff

Lenny Sendersky – saxophone, started his international career living and performing in Denmark for two years. In 2011, he immigrated to Israel (from St. Petersburg), where he established himself on the jazz scene, performing and successfully producing projects with the participation of Israeli, American and European jazz performers. He shared stage and recorded with Carmen Souza & Theo Pascal, Randy Brecker, Tony Romano, Joe Locke.

Website

WorldMusicMix

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024: Encuentro Music to Release Reginald Policard’s Global Jazz Album “Boarding Pass” in Label Debut

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Ron Kadish, Publicist ron@dogranchmusicpr.com

Encuentro Music to Release Reginald Policard’s Global Jazz Album “Boarding Pass” in Label
Debut

Called “the most valued Haitian pianist in the jazz scene”, versatile pianist Reginald Policard has
evolved through decades of playing different styles of music such as konpa, jazz, latin jazz and fusion
to arrive at his personal style. Together with special guests from all over the world, Reginald brings
the musical traditions of Haiti, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and American jazz to Boarding
Pass, an exciting and fresh blend of musical cultures, to be released on May 31, 2024 as the debut
release on the new Encuentro Music label.

Miami-based Encuentro Music is a music label project inspired by the traditions and flavors of the
Caribbean. Encuentro aims to be a melting pot and a musical getaway for all The Caribbean, where
artists and creatives, rhythms and sounds, tastes and colors meet and leave a mark of impactful
culture.

Boarding Pass was inspired by the fundamental idea of what Encuentro Music is – a musical meeting
between artists from different countries who all love and are inspired by the music of Latin America,
the Caribbean, and Miami. With its diverse music encounters, Boarding Pass embodies a statement
of what we can expect from Encuentro Music in the future- a message of bringing people together
through music and encouraging them to share and enjoy inspired collaboration.

Born in Haiti, Reginald Policard was introduced to music at the early age of 10. Starting in 1969,
Reginald played in Sugar Jazz before co-founding and leading the famous Caribbean Sextet, which
dominated the music scene in Haiti for many decades.

Reginald’s discography includes sixteen solo recordings and his participation in numerous projects,
including films. His album Vinn Avem was selected to be in the pool of nominees for the Latin
Grammys in 1994. Reginald enjoys playing for his fans and his mastery in the piano comes alive every
time he performs. Reginald has performed and collaborated with well-known international musicians
such as Nicole Henry, Ed Calle, Jeff Carswell, Nicky Orta, Sammy Figueroa, Leo Quintero, Joel
Widmaïer, Richard Barbot, David Fernandez, Sal Cuevas, JeanCaze, Felipe Lamoglia, David Einhorn
and more.

Boarding Pass’s special guests include Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona, who has played and
recorded with a host of modern jazz luminaries from Joe Zawinul to Pat Metheny; legendary
singer Angélique Kidjo; Sammy Figueroa, long regarded as one of the world’s great percussionists,
who has played with everyone from Miles Davis to David Bowie; Haitian-American trumpeter Jean
Caze; renowned Latin percussionist Edwin Bonilla; longtime Erique Iglesias percussionist Gilmar
Gomes; and Miami Sound Machine trumpeter Teddy Mulet.

The May 31 release of Boarding Pass follows the highly successful releases of two singles. Intense in
emotion, Melancholia expertly weaves Caribbean, African and traditional Jazz influences to highlight
the warmth and texture of this distinctive collaboration. Policard’s compositional gifts shine through
in Encuentro Theme. His catchy melodies are steeped in a deep understanding of jazz’s historical and
cultural contexts, especially its Caribbean influences. Bona’s multifaceted musicianship adds layers of
complexity and emotional depth, creating a resonant backdrop that invites listeners into a world of
rhythmic euphoria.

Boarding Pass will be available everywhere on May 31, 2024. Pre-save it here.
Encuentro Music
Harold Staco – A&R management
Info@encuentromusic.com

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024: Wil Sargisson Trio(Australia)-Jazz in Meanjin 010

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Wil Sargisson Trio-Jazz in Meanjin 010
Wil Sargisson Trio-Warm Water
Label: 4000 Records / Jazz in Meanjin
Composer:Wil Sargisson

This track is taken from the upcoming next instalment of our Jazz in Meanjin series – live recordings from jazz gig around Brisbane, Australia.

The set features many standards and interpretations but this is Wil’s own composition.

The album is on May 23rd.

Brisbane jazz pianist Wil Sargisson hails from New Zealand, where he was raised on boogie woogie, New Orleans R&B and Harlem stride piano. He began solo festival appearances at age 13 and moved to Australia at 28.

Elliott Parker and Mitch Bellert have established themselves as in-demand session musicians and teachers on the Brisbane scene. The group bonded over a shared love of the records of the Oscar Peterson Trio.

Thanks so much for listening!

website

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024: Akagera(France)-Traverse

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The AKAGERA trio released their debut album ‘Serpente’ in 2019. The subtle blend of African music and jazz laid the foundations for a new sound driven by an unconventional ensemble of instruments. Their new album, ‘Traverse’, is the soundtrack to the imaginary travel diary of three intrepid musicians forced to put a hold on their adventures.


Over a period of three years, they took time out from improvisation sessions to collectively compose a repertoire reflecting the diversity of their backgrounds and influences: classical and contemporary music for Benoit, mixed music from South America and the Caribbean for Stéphane, and African rhythms and Brazilian grooves for David, all to the backdrop of their shared passion for jazz.


The Akagera Trio is a skilled and exciting new trio. With their completely original and instrumental sounds, we are taken on a musical stroll into a world of fierce but playful jazz with innovative orchestrations.
The trio was conceived as a tribute to the album AKAGERA, which was released in 1980 by the Humair-Jeanneau-Texier trio. This new trio aims to take us on a whole new journey.


Like their illustrious predecessors, the Akagera Trio draws its influences from African music (Akagera is the name of a natural reserve in Rwanda, on border with Tanzania) as well as jazz and contemporary music.

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JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2024

Austin TX, USA Festival: Rich Harney Jazz Festival 2024

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Rich Harney Jazz Festival 2024
Friday June 7/Saturday June 8
7pm

First Presbyterian Church
8001 Mesa Blvd
Austin TX 78731

TICKETS

Join us for a Jazz Festival in memory and celebration of award winning pianist/composer extraordinaire Rich Harney.
Featuring an all star lineup of a few of Rich’s friends and collaborators playing his original music, these 2 evenings are a must for anyone and everyone who remembers Rich or is a fan of swingin’ jazz.

Friday Night, June 7 (Rich’s Birthday!) Features:

THE BEAT DIVAS
with
Mady Kaye, Beth Ullman, and Dianne Donovan /vocals,
Mitch Watkins /guitar, Andy Langham /piano, John Fremgen /bass

The ALEX COKE QUINTET
with
Alex Coke /saxophone and flutes,
Bruce Saunders /guitar, Collin Shook /piano, James Suter / upright bass,
and
Masumi Jones /drums

Saturday Night June 8 Features:

ROBERT ABERG TRIO
with
Robert Aberg /guitar featuring Buddy Mohmed /upright bass, Austin Crawford /drums
and special guest Sarah Aberg /vocals

REDD VOLKAERT BAND
with
Redd Volkaert /guitar, Floyd Domino /piano,
Nate Rowe /bass
and
Vin Mott /drums

A memorable weekend of music and fellowship you won’t want to miss!

Tickets are $20 each evening
or $30 for both Friday and Saturday.

Rich’s books and recordings will be available to peruse and purchase, as well as recordings from the weekend’s bands and musicians

The music will be swingin’…the stories will be flowing. Come out to listen and bring a friend !

Can’t attend?
Consider a donation to The Rich Harney Memorial Fund.
in support of musical performances and scholarships
that honor Rich’s contribution to the jazz and worship communities.