Category Archives: News

World Music Mix: Neal Bowen(USA)-Album: Kamikaze Think Thank (Blue Canoe Records, 2023)

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Neal_Bowen-Kamikaze_Think_Tank

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

Blue Canoe Records

World Music Mix

World Music Mix: Hakim Jamal(UK): Album: “Music From The Mint Hotel”(2023)

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Hakim Jamal-Music From The Mint Hotel
Nixon’s Priest
Based on a lilting 3/4 piano pattern, a jazzy and melancholy track with funky electric piano, acoustic guitar and moody saxophone solo.
Hunter S Thompson: “Father John McLaughlin revelled in his role as ’Nixon’s Priest’ (see “A Stroke Of Cheap Genius”) for about a month, but his start faded fast when it was discovered he was pulling down $25,000 a year and living in a luxury apartment at The Watergate. His superiors in the church were horrified… the Good Jesuit Father was planning to marry his girlfriend. McLaughlin disappeared very quickly and nothing has been heard of him since.”

“Music From The Mint Hotel” is multi-instrumentalist, and composer Hakim Jamal aka Paul Ashley Wheatcroft`s new album, a musical spectrum that includes jazz-funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop, all expertly blended to fit the concept based on an essay by famous Beat Generation writer Hunter S. Thompson, known for his book “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” among his other best-sellers.

The album’s sonic construct gives the music an exquisite fluidity that take the listener on a cinematic journey through the stories of some fictional characters gathered during the (in)famous‘Mint 400’ Off-Road race. But one should not be familiar with Thopson’s writings to appreciate this wonderful album whose technical and artistic qualities deserve the superlative.

Each of the seventeen tracks stands on its own while seaminglessly integrated with the ensemble through a cohesive sound architecture that skillfully keeps an aesthetic balance between the retro flair and contemporary beats. Layers of instruments and vocal lines re-create the sound of the 60s along with “analog” retro vibes tastefully fused with deep seductive tempos sustained by lush bass lines.

Remarkably how the nostalgic feeling permeates the sonic ensemble as a whole, the composer built a creative bridge over time from today`s cultural perspective, and this is only one of the numerous aspects of the album that make listening to it an enjoyable listening experience.

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World Music Mix

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

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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

Yuval Ron Trio European Tour 2023/4

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

World Music Mix: Strunz and Farah (USA)-Album: Syncretic Strings

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Strunz and Farah-Syncretic Strings

Syncretic Strings
AVAILABLE MARCH 2023
Grammy-nominated acoustic guitar greats Strunz & Farah are releasing their 21st album, Syncretic Strings, in March 2023. Their blend of Latin, Middle Eastern, jazz fusion, and acoustic rock elements has been highly influential among guitarists worldwide.

Recognized for their astounding technical brilliance, melodic eloquence, and colorful and sophisticated compositions, Strunz & Farah have created a new collection of ten studio tracks full of energy and beauty. One cut, “This Could Only Be”, features surprise special guest Al Di Meola on percussion.

As the title suggests, the music offers an exuberant diversity, blending many elements into their unique guitar vision, transcending categories, and further expanding the possibilities of contemporary guitar. A new refreshing feast of color, melody, and driving rhythm from these guitar masters, among their very best yet.

“Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah play with the swiftness of a desert wind and the burning passion of a Gypsy campfire…In addition to being talented arrangers and composers, their technical mastery of the instrument – especially in terms of speed – tests the boundaries of the human capability.” – Guitar Player

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World Music Mix