Category Archives: United States

USA/TX Alex Coke Carl Michel Sextet- November 30 at the Draylen Mason

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Photos: KT Yarbrough

Alex Coke -Carl Michel Sextet

WEDNESDAY November 30, 2022 
7:30pm
41 Navasota Street
Austin TX 78702

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alex-cokecarl-michel-sextet-tickets-404669827347

Saxophonist / flutist Alex Coke and guitarist Carl Michel bring together an exciting sextet of busy Austin musicians including Austin Symphony’s principal harpist Elaine Barber, pedal steel player Bob Hoffnar (Liminal Sound Series), first call double bassist James Suter, and popular percussionist Carolyn Trowbridge performing and recording compelling music.

With origins in jazz, classical, folk, extended technique and improvisation this live performance and recording includes new arrangements of music by Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Valentyn Silvestrov, and Paul Motian with new music by Coke, Michel, and Hoffnar in the mix.

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.

World Music Mix: TapRoots(USA)-Song for the Ocean (featuring I-Shea)

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TapRoots-The Resonance Within

TapRoots(USA)-Song for the Ocean (featuring I-Shea)
Composer: Matthew King / TapRoots
Album name: The Resonance Within (2022)

This is a song dedicated to the Ocean Mother of the Yoruba Pantheon, Yemaya. The track ebbs and flows like the great tides and moods of this Orisha of the Oceans herself … a cool breeze on the tropical waves.
It is just a small taste of what is to come with our upcoming album, The Resonance Within.

WEBSITE

WORLD MUSIC MIX

World Music Mix: Russ Hewitt(USA)-Chasing Horizons(2022)

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Russ Hewitt(USA)-Chasing Horizons(2022)

Russ Hewitt(USA)-Chasing Horizons(2022)

On Chasing Horizons virtuoso Texas-based guitarist Russ Hewitt integrates a diverse palette of Latin and world music in a selection of ten original compositions that define his entire artistic career to date. The album’s beauty stems from an extraordinary synthesis of sensitivities and abilities that speaks directly to the listener’s heart and leaves an enduring impact.

Beyond the technical mastery and distinctive melodicism Russ displayed on his previous three albums, lies a genuine inventiveness he infuses to every track of the new album. The Latin-Flamenco vibe that permeates his music is skilfully infused into each song in a unique way, giving the album the appearance of a collection of hits.

In addition to a band composed of high-class musicians, the present album features a couple of famous guest guitarists, the end result being a cohesive concept where every component fits together perfectly.

The album takes off with Allende on a Spanish Rumba Flamenca note, setting the stage for the exciting program that follows. Hewitt playing is concise and sharp, building the melody with what can be called “refined clarity”.

The title track Chasing Horizons, features guest guitarist Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme) playing in full synergy with Hewitt on an energised composition with a nouveau flamenco tinge with outstanding bass work from Bob Parr.

On Vivir Libre, the guitarist shares the spotlight with Marty Friedman(ex-Megadeth), a real joy to hear both musicians interpolate their skills through dazzling solos.

Amor Perdido is a beautiful merging of guitar and strings thanks to the participation of the Bucharest All-Star Orchestra. Interesting how the symphonic dimension enhances the emotional touch of the guitar.

The contemplative Luminous features the guitarist weaving an unforgettable bright and shiny melody. 

Gently swinging, Sunset Samba welcomes the guest musician Jorge Strunz (Strunz & Farah), the Brazilian breeze emerges with delicacy, we hear a fiesta of joyous spirits.

Luna is a composition of sheer beauty where sadness and joy mix together in a timeless cinematic narrative.

Cubalia Cafe with guest Ardeshir Farah (Strunz & Farah) spreads a Cuban perfume delicately fused in the texture of the song.

Serein-a nicely well-structured piece with a reflective, dreamy side with a superb arrangement.

Ending the album, Return to Simitai reveals an intricate melodic line flowing along the fusion between the guitar and the exotic sonority of the zither performed by the Vietnamese virtuoso Tri Nguyen.

All in all, Chasing Horizons is one of those refreshing albums to uplift the spirit, a real gem to delight the soul and beneficial for any music therapy!

Official website


World Music Mix
Russ Hewitt @ JazzWorldQuest


JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022: Marilyn Scott-Album: The Landscape(Blue Canoe Records)

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Marilyn Scott-Summer Night
Album: The Landscape
Label: Blue Canoe Records


Marilyn Scott is best known for her Grammy-nominated work as a contemporary jazz musician, having performed with some of the best musicians in the world over the last few decades. The Landscape, Marilyn’s forthcoming album is no exception. Produced by Jimmy Haslip, featuring the sultry dynamic voice of vocalist/lyricist Marilyn Scott with an all-star band as a supporting cast.

Featuring:

Marilyn Scott – Vocals
Scott Kinsey (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6) – Keyboards
Russell Ferrante (track 3, 4, 6, 7) – Keyboards, Piano
Vinnie Colaiuta (tracks 4, 5) – Drums
Jimmy Branly (tracks 6, 7) – Drums
Gary Novak (tracks 1, 2) – Drums
Steve Schaeffer (track 3) – Drums
Steve Tavalione (track 1) – Soprano Saxophone
Katisse Buckingham (track 5) – Soprano Saxophone
Jimmy Haslip (tracks 1, 4, 5, 6) – Electric Bass
Logan Kane (track 2) – Acoustic Bass
Mike Valerio (track 3) – Acoustic Bass
Steve Khan (track 7) – Guitar		Michael Landau (track 4) – Guitar
Jeff Myers (track 6) – Congas
Alex Acuña (tracks 6, 7) – Percussion
The Perri Sisters (track 7) – Background Vocals
Jimmy Haslip – Producer
Marilyn Scott – Executive Producer
Rich Breen (tracks 3, 6, 7) – Mixing Engineer (c/o Dogmatic – Burbank, CA)
Scott Kinsey (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5) – Mixing Engineer (c/o Wishbone Studio – Encino, CA)
Moises Garcia (track 1 / Steve Tavaglione) – Mixing Engineer
Rich Breen – Mastering Engineer (c/o Dogmatic – Burbank, CA)
Lou Beach – Cover Artwork
Kyle Gordon – Transcriptions
Joseph Viles – Photography

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022

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

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

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!
website

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 Showcase 2022: Tony Adamo(USA)-Better Than Picasso At MidNite

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Tony Adamo-Better Than Picasso At MidNite

ony Adamo(USA)-Better Than Picasso At MidNite

Well, the blue jeaned, floppy hat wearing singing street preacher Tony Adamo is back with a new upcoming album. Here’s the first single from it, “Better Than Picasso At Midnight”, which is essentially polishing, refurbishing, new engine adding remake of the classic “Better Than Anything” and machine shopped, chopped and hopped by Tony Adamo. The original lyrics are weaved into new stream of consciousness ones which include references and rhymes ranging from George Benson to Superfly. The music itself is a mix of CTI soul with a dash of disco, tasty Breezin’ guitar licks with a mix of wacka wooka by Chris Pimentel, Turrentine toned tenor treats from saxist Rob Sudduth and Crusading keys and beats from programmer Barry Schiffman. No one delivers street corner synchronized sermons like Tony A. Start passing the plate! by George W. Harris/Jazz Weekly
Website CD Store

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022

Jazz albums released in 2022 -TriTone Asylum - The Hideaway Sessions

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022: TriTone Asylum(USA) – The Hideaway Sessions(Blue Canoe Records)

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TriTone Asylum is based in Southern California. Spear-headed by Peter Sepsis (bass) and Philip Topping (EVI). Through their unique instrumentation, they have masterfully developed an electro acoustic sound that melds Jazz, funk, and music from around the world. TriTone Asylum’s music reflects the varied musical landscape of the sounds and street rhythms of Los Angeles. Their original songs are influenced by a variety of artists including Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, Pat Metheny, as well as artists from the ECM Label.

TriTone Asylum- Grasshopper

EVI: Philip Topping
Saxophone: Ian Vo, Allen Mascari, Gary Herbig
Guitar: Andy Waddell
Keyboards: Mitch Forman, Henri Wilkinson
Bass: Peter Sepsis
Drums: Dave Johnstone
Percussion: Baba Sisso
Website

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022