Cassandra Wilson Signs to eOne Music, New album, ‘Another Country,’ to be released June 5

JazzTimes: eOne Music has announced a new, worldwide deal with singer/songwriter/arranger Cassandra Wilson. Wilson’s new studio album, Another Country, will be released on June 5.

A majority of the songs on the new album were written by Wilson herself, or co-written with her collaborator, guitarist and producer Fabrizio Sotti. The album was recorded in Florence, Italy and New Orleans, and is described in a press release as “largely guitar-based.”

Trinidadian jazz guitarist Clifford Charles takes on the world

Trinidadian jazz guitarist Clifford Charles is about to take on the world with his home grown brand of silky smooth jazz music. And, his fans are convinced of his intent.
He performed at some of the flagship music festivals such as Jazz Artist On The Greens, We Beat Jazz, Jazz Point, and Tobago Jazz Festival. He has shared the stage with Randy Crawford, Joe Sample, and the Drifters. Clifford is by no means resting on his laurels not by a long shot.
He has a new CD entitled "Songs From Deep Within" which was recorded and produced by the artiste himself. Clifford says that the creative process for this CD came from a good feeling that he had from within himself based on all the positives that surrounded him.
Caribbean and international music audiences can expect from Clifford Charles nothing less than a tapestry of smooth jazz expression, created from the very soul of the artiste!
The goal of this new project, he said, is that it brings wider acceptance among the international jazz community which includes jazz radio, jazz festivals in the USA and Europe, jazz fans, jazz promoters, distribution and a possible record deal

Chick Corea, “The chameleon of jazz”, accepts another two Grammy Awards

Chick Corea, “The Chameleon of Jazz” because of the wide variety of format he plays, accepts two golden statuettes at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards last Sunday in Los Angeles, bringing his total Grammy haul to 20.

Awarded Best Improvised Jazz Solo for “500 Miles High” and shared the Best Jazz Instrumental Album with Stanley Clarke & Lenny White for the Forever album.

Other winners in the jazz category were Terri Lyne Carrington for The Mosaic Project (Best Jazz Vocal Album); and the Christian McBride Big Band for The Good Feeling (Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album).

Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse won the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category for their take on "Body and Soul." Bennett also won the Best Traditional Pop Album category for Duets II, perennial winner Pat Metheny, took home a Grammy in the New Age category for What's It All About.

WBGO Jazz88 preserving, promoting and presenting jazz in the New York tri-state area

Radio WBGO FM is an independent, community-based, public radio station proported to be one of the bastions of the art of jazz in the New York tri-State area. Broadcasting since 1979 from studios in Newark, New Jersey, the mostly jazz radio is heard 24/7 free-to-air on 88.3 FM, via the Internet and mobile applications.

“ Fans from around the globe tune in for jazz, blues, R&B shows on the weekend, and award-winning news. Jazz88 has won the "Keeping the Blues Alive" Award and twice won the Gavin Report's "Jazz Station of the Year" Award“ .

A National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate, WBGO is the third most listened to public radio station in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area and has a significant history of success with the weekly JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater currently carried by over 130 stations nationwide.

“ Jazz 88's dedication to preserving the uniquely American art form of jazz for future generations has spawned a Children's Jazz Series, now in its eleventh year. The series offers eight free concerts that are presented annually by top-name musicians who develop their programs specifically for young people”.

Dobet Gnahore: From Africa with energy

Michael Reckord, Gleaner Writer

The statement that Ivory Coast's Grammy Award winner Dobet Gnahore is the most energetic singer ever to perform in Jamaica cannot be proved. But it could be true.

To take the title, Gnahore would have to beat the numerous high-voltage dancehall, soca and rock performers who have entertained audiences in the island. That fact should give music fans who did not see Gnahore's concert at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts on Sunday evening an idea of how exciting the show was.

Gleaner Review @ http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20111026/ent/ent7.html

Dobet Gnahore sparkling performance at the Phillip Sherlock Centre (UWI) in Jamaica

Dobet Gnahore is compared to Africa's great legends... gave amazing performance in Jamaica

Dobet Gnahoré, Africa's new voice, a dancer and percussionist from the Ivory Coast, has been compared to genre legends and cultural ambassadors like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masakela.

But, she's a rarity who on stage exudes an inner strength and commanding presence. She is mesmerising even before she opens her mouth to sing. With such voice filled with emotion and range Dobet, it is said, moves through ranges of heartfelt ballads, funky stuff, and danceable songs all performed in a wide range of African styles.

Dobet Gnahore dances and the true depth of her amazing talent shines through. Acrobatically she leaps across the stage in rapid quick movements and at just 24 years old she seems to have gotten it all, an exceptional voice, amazing dance skills and the engaging aura reserved for artistic greats.

Dobet Gnahore is arguably African music’s most exciting young talent.

Dobet Gnahore Live @ AB Brussels!
Dobet Gnahore musicians:
Dobet Gnahoré : vocal, percussions
Colin Laroche de Féline : guitars, vocal
Clive Govinden : bass, vocal
Boris Tchango : drums, percussions, vocal

Karen Smith O.D.: Jamaican jazz vocalist extraordinaire

Karen Smith, Jamaican jazz vocalist extraordinaire, has been described as a performer with a combination of smooth sophistication and sprightly energy who never fail to deliver a knockout performance.

The warmth and clarity of her vocal styling and easy mastery of musical genres in the range of pop and jazz, reggae and R&B has earned the cabaret star an ardent fan base. Invested with her country’s insignia, Commander of the Order of Distinction O.D.(Officer Class)for service in the field of music, Smith’s top class acts not only charms her cross-genre audiences but also made her a nine-time winner of the Jamaica Music Industry (JAMI) Awards and numerous other accolades.

Karen Smith gave an excellent show and left her audience demanding more… by the end of her stint on stage [she]once again proved that she is a Jane of all genres and master of all… - says Jamaica Gleaner.

Performance as is reputably described is not exclusive to Jamaica; Karen Smith weaves her class, style, movements and voice too across the United States, Canada and throughout the Caribbean.

Stevie Wonder tribute to Miles Davis opens London's O2 concert

Legendary R&B great Stevie Wonder captured live at London’s O2 Arena before a capacity crowd of 15,000 on September 30th 2008 opening his “Live at Last” concert with Miles Davis “All Blue”

[Jamaican guitarist] Seretse Small leads 10-hour album recording [of Jazz for Hope 2011]

The 10-tracks Jazz For Hope 2011 CD, a pre-recorded studio album that preceeds the annual Jazz for Hope (United Church) concert held July 2011, is the latest production by All About Jazz guitarist and Griot Music head Seretse Small.

Jazz for Hope 2011, recorded at Harry J studio in Kingston on a 10-hour deadline, is a treasure trove of love songs, gospel jazz, jazz standards, and interpretations of Jamaican music.

Produced by Small, the made for charity CD project engaged the services of Jamaica's talented but mostly unsung musicians in saxophonist Ian Hird, vocalist Andrew Lawrence, Dale Haslam (bass guitar), Aaron Vereen (percussions), Kamla Hamilton and Kenrick Lawrence (keyboards), Obed Davis (drums)and leader Seretse Small (guitar).

See full story @ JAZZ FOR HOPE 2011!

Jamaica's Jolly Boys covers Amy Whitehouse defining Rehab hit

Esperanza Spalding captured live at Montreaux Jazz Festival 2011

Sonny Rollins takes top honors at Jazz Awards

NEW YORK – Saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins isn't slowing down at age 80, winning musician of the year honors at the Jazz Awards.

Rollins, currently touring New Zealand, was also named best tenor saxophonist at Saturday's awards ceremony at the City Winery club - AP

Swedish jazz-influenced band played Ocho Rios Interantional Jazz Festival

Swedish group Mynta performed in Kingston at the opening of the 21st Annual Jamaica Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival and at the Fathers Day closer in Ocho Rios.

Mynta presents an eclectic mix of rhythms with band members coming from diverse places such as India, Africa, Latin America, Cuba and Brazil.

Celebrating over 30 years of making music, the group, founded in 1979 by Swedish bassist Christian Paulin, has evolved from its original make-up as a typical jazz band into one of the world's top ensembles, creating a true fusion of jazz-influenced world music.

Mynta has performed at several major festivals in Dubai, India and China, as well as Hungary, Belgium and Denmark

Piano legend Monty Alexander receives proclamation from Broward County

Sunday, May 22, was declared Monty Alexander Day in Broward County following the outstanding performance of internationally acclaimed jazz performer, Monty Alexander, C.D., during the first annual Reggae Jazz Fusion (Maxi Priest, A. J. Brown) at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.

Broward County Commissioner, Dale Holness presented a proclamation in honor of the 50th anniversary of the piano legend, which has earned him a place in the top five jazz artistes in Hal Leonard’s book titled: ‘The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of all Time.’- South Florida Caribbean News

Anthony Wilson: A sensitive, gifted accompanist, formidable guitar soloist,

Born May 9, Anthony Wilson’s career in jazz began auspiciously, and as a creative artist he continues to expand and impress. His first, self-titled CD received a Grammy nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Recording in 1998; his second CD “Goat Hill Junket” was featured prominently on many jazz critics' Top-Ten lists for that year; and his third CD “Adult Themes” earned a rare “5 stars” in Downbeat Magazine.

In May 2001, Groove Note Records released Wilson's “Our Gang,” a trio recording, which has also received raves in Downbeat and other publications.

Sensitive and gifted accompanist as well as a formidable soloist, Anthony Wilson has been recording and touring the world with the celebrated vocalist/pianist Diana Krall since he joined her in 2001 for her Grammy-winning CD/DVD “Live In Paris”. Recent recordings and concert appearances with the likes of Al Jarreau, Aaron Neville, and Madeleine Peyroux have served to spotlight Wilson’s growing artistry, musical maturity, and improvisational authority - All About Jazz website

Michael Franks puts finishing touches on "Time Together" album

Jazz soulman Michael Franks is in studio putting the finishing touches on his highly anticipated new album "Time Together". In an e-mail message this week the apparently delighted singer told fans
"It's been a wonderful 6 months and I can't wait for you to hear it all".

On this latest project, Michael Franks reconnected with many old friends: Chuck Loeb, Gil Goldstein, Mark Egan, Charles Blenzig, Scott Petito, Veronica Nunn, Billy Kilson, Mike Manieri, David Spinozza, Romero Lubambo, Till Brönner and Eric Marienthal to name a few.

With his last CD "Rendezvous in Rio" dropped way back in 2006, the new album, "Time Together", Franks said, will be available in a few weeks.

Monty Alexander commemorates 50 years of music with new album

SOURCE: SOMETHING ELSE!
S. Victor Aaron
via All About Jazz

Kingston, Jamaica's own Monty Alexander looms as large a figure in Jamaica's jazz world as Bob Marley does for its homegrown reggae. A virtuosic pianist in the Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson tradition, Alexander often melds Tatum and Peterson with the dancehall, calypso and reggae idioms from his homeland, and nobody does it better.

Regardless of the particular style of jazz he chooses, his piano playing lies at the heart of his artistry. He's truly a thrilling, joyful player with a flair for trills, block chord bombardments and amazing single note runs.

He avoids being overly showy due to the Peterson-like elegance in his playing style; he's a hard swinger and always respectful of tradition even when he branches away from it. This guy is a real legend.

Released March 8 ahead of his Birdland shows, Uplift, a collection of live recordings taken from assorted concerts between 2007 and 2010, isn't one of those tribute or stylistic exercise records he likes to make from time to time, and which are usually enjoyable excursions. Rather, it's straight up acoustic piano trio jazz containing a healthy mixture of standards and originals, which remains the best way to fully appreciate what a phenomenal player Mr. Alexander truly is.

Joining Alexander are Hassan Shakur on bass and either Herlin Riley or Frits Landesbergen on drums. These aren't household names, but they know well how to bolster the leader without competing for attention.

Reggae interpretation of Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" released, musicians unknown

Reggae Interpretation of Kind Of Blue, a tribute to Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue, is an album too long in waiting of which California based reggae artist manager Issa Aryanpure dubbed “one of the most unique albums of its kind”.

According to Aryanpure, in 1981, a group of Jamaican musicians got together under the direction of New York University Prof. Jeremy Taylor, a jazz musician and educator, the result a masterpiece album. It is unfortunate, however, that Taylor passed away shortly after recording this album and it was never released until 2009.

Posthumously Secret Stash Records worked with the family of Prof. Taylor to turn this project into a reality. Prof. Taylor, who was fascinated by Jamaican music for a long time, traveled to the island several times to study the home-grown music with some of the best players of the time.

In his 1979 book, “A Space Between” Taylor wrote, “My first trip to Jamaica (May 1977) was the most eye-opening musical experience of my life. I met so many incredible players who had been brushed off by the snobby musical establishment…..I had to find a way to showcase their unparalleled talent in a different medium and this was the spark that lit the fire to create this reggae tribute to Miles Davis’ best selling jazz album of all times.

Kind of Blue put it in the hands of formidable Jamaican musicians result in the unparalleled Reggae Interpretation of Kind Of Blue. The album offers 5 tracks along with a dub of each one for a total of 10 tracks!

TRACKLIST
01.So What
02.Freddie Freeloader
03.Blue in Green
04.All Blues
05.Flamenco Sketches
06.So What Dub Version
07.Freddie Freeloader Dub Version
08.Blue in Green Dub Version
09.All Blues Dub Version
10.Flamenco Sketches Dub Version

Seretse Small: one passionate guitarist

Jamaica Observer story

Watching musician Seretse Small on guitar you wouldn't have the slightest idea that guitar was not his first love! But, according to Small he really wanted to play the saxophone and then go on to drums but his dad could afford neither

" I got caught, not with a guitar bug, but a music and culture bug in the 70's primarily from being with my mother as she innovated Caribbean theatre at the Cultural Arts Centre at UWI," recalled Small about his journey into music. Read more: Seretse Small