sábado, 30 de mayo de 2015

Pat Bianchi New CD "Higher Standard" + Upcoming Appearances

Pat Bianchi
New CD
"Higher Standard"
Pat Bianchi-organ
Craig Ebner-guitar
Byron Landham-drums

+ Upcoming Appearances

NEW CD


(21-H Records 001) Street Date: June 5, 2015
The time honored legacy of jazz is to look upon its heritage to build its future. The remarkable organist Pat Bianchi is totally dedicated to that tradition, and in full evidence on his extraordinary new CD, A Higher Standardon 21-H Records.
“My goal for this album – like all my others – is to find material that is going to challenge me, but won’t lose the energy, intent and feeling that is associated with the great jazz organists and their recordings.”

Clearly he has met that challenge. With his outstanding arrangements and the shared commitment of the other members of his trio – guitarist Craig Ebner and longtime associate Byron Landham on drums – Pat delivers a scintillating and captivating set of 10 sonic landscapes that defy what might be expected from an organ trio. Building upon Larry Young’s liberation of the instrument from its previous confines, Pat combines fiery adventurousness with a highly lyrical imagination – equally at play on beautiful ballads and blazing drivers… and everything in between. Block chords, smears, single note runs that rival the powerhouse energy of Cecil Taylor, and shimmering musicality are all woven together seamlessly to tell his stimulating stories, but never losing sight of the sense of swing and celebration that keeps the music focused on the audience’s enjoyment.

Pat’s virtuosity is met head-on by his colleagues, with the fluid and spirited playing of Ebner flawless in both his soloing and support; and Landham always vigorously exhilarating and vividly inventive. Together they create a synergy and unity of intent that makes every piece a fully realized and perfectly delineated sculpture of sound.

The repertoire is delightfully varied both in its sources and intent. Jazz classics, a couple of popular tunes, and a pair of Broadway show tunes combine with two Bianchi originals – all brewed together into a seamless whole like continuous episodes of an enthralling story.

Pat’s originals include Will of Landham a surging, dramatically-etched burner with an angular unison line. Marked by a horn-like organ solo with Dolphy-esque intervals and runs and a scorching guitar solo, it closes on ascending/descending rolling hills over blazing drumming from its namesake. Blues Minus One is an audaciously syncopated, buoyant jaunt with a daring organ solo that maintains its blues core without being in any way limited by it.

The jazz classics include Horace Silver’s Blue Silver in a deliciously laid back and respectfully blue mood; John Coltrane’s Satellite with a dynamic organ solo of briskly syncopated chords and sparkling runs; a gentle and appropriately introspective take on Bill Evans’ Very Early; and a romping version of Oscar Pettiford’s Bohemia After Dark. 

The Broadway gems include Victor Youmans’ Without a Song (from the 1929 show GreatDay) that opens the album in a brisk groove, built on Pat’s vibrant bass pedal bottom. Leonard Bernstein’s score for On the Town provides the exquisite Some Other Time, delivered with the filigreed poignancy it deserves.

Sergio Mendes’ Brasil ’66 hit So Many Stars unfolds atmospherically on cymbal swells, with the Brazilian feel slowed to a tantalizing gait, as gentle as a misty rain in a tropical forest. And Stevie Wonder’s From the Bottom of My Heart closes this brilliant album on a soulfully impassioned, backbeat driven and infectiously rhythmic note.

In addition to his five previous albums as leader or co-leader, Pat’s performing history includes a litany of jazz giants. A member of the great Pat Martino’s current ensemble, Bianchi has also worked frequently with the legendary Lou Donaldson, as well as George Coleman, Houston Person, Tim Warfield, Red Holloway, Harvey Mason, Mark Whitfield, Javon Jackson, Chuck Loeb, and so many more… all of which has had a tremendous influence on what he feels is essential to bring to the table as a leader.
“I have spent a long time being a sideman to some incredible musicians and they have all taught me that as a musician/leader I need to hold myself and my music to a higher standard.”

A Higher Standard most definitely lives up to that objective.

For more information, visit www.patbianchi.com 

Pat Bianchi Upcoming Live Appearances


Monday, June 1, 2015
Pat Bianchi w/The Alessandro Florio Trio @ Illuminarti
Caserta, (Italy) - Map 
Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages 
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Pat Bianchi w/The Pat Martino Trio @ Jazz Standard
116 E 27th St., 11th Fl., New York, NY (United States) - Map 
Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages 
Friday, June 12, 2015
Pat Bianchi w/The Pat Martino Trio @ Jazz Standard
116 E 27th St., 11th Fl., New York, NY (United States) - Map 
Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages 
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Pat Bianchi w/The Pat Martino Trio @ Jazz Standard
116 E 27th St., 11th Fl., New York, NY (United States) - Map 
Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages 
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Pat Bianchi w/The Pat Martino Trio @ Jazz Standard
116 E 27th St., 11th Fl., New York, NY (United States) - Map 
Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages 
Sunday, June 28, 2015
We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival
Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Map 
Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages 
Monday, June 29, 2015
We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival
Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Map 
Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages 
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival
Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Map 
Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages 
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival
Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Map 
Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages 
Thursday, July 2, 2015
We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival
Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Map 
Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages 
Friday, July 3, 2015
We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival
Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Map 
Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages 
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Pat Bianchi Trio CD Release feat. Byron Landham and Dave Stryker @ Dazzle
930 Lincoln St., Denver, CO (United States) - Map 
Set: 7:30 PM
All Ages 
Friday, July 17, 2015
Pat Bianchi Trio CD Release feat. Byron Landham and Dave Stryker @ Dazzle
930 Lincoln St., Denver, CO (United States) - Map

Saturday, August 15
Pat Bianchi Trio feat. 
 feat. Byron Landham and Craig Ebner
Rochester NY

Media Contact
Jim Eigo

Jazz Promo Services
jim@jazzpromoservices.com     www.jazzpromoservices.com
jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com

jueves, 28 de mayo de 2015

Steve Wilson & Wilsonian's Grain new CD "Live in New York: The Vanguard Sessions"


Steve Wilson Sets First New Album Release in 12 Years; ‘Steve Wilson & Wilsonian's Grain Live in New York: The Vanguard Sessions’
 Jazz saxophonist Steve Wilson has confirmed his first new album release in over 12 years: ‘Steve Wilson & Wilsonian's Grain Live in New York: The Vanguard Sessions’ signs with Random Act Records. The new CD will feature tracks recorded live at the Village Vanguard on May 24 & 25, 2014, and will showcase Wilson along with the great talents of Orrin Evans on piano, bassist Ugonna Okegwo and Bill Stewart on drums. 

In addition to being Wilson’s first headlining release since 2003’s ‘Soulful Song’, the upcoming album marks a number of other ‘firsts’: Wilson’s first time doing a live recording as a leader, first time recording at the historic Village Vanguard, and first time/debut recording with his ‘go-to-band’, Wilsonian's Grain. The project was also partially financed thanks to the support of 214 contributors to Wilson’s first-ever Kickstarter campaign. 

Wilson's goal for the recording was to capture the distinctive vibe of performing in the Village Vanguard. The room is famous for it's wonderful, warm sound, and Wilson's aim was to capture that essence for the listener. To add to that, the tracks on this recording were chosen and sequenced to reflect his approach to planning a live concert set. Wilson wants fans to “sit back, push play, close your eyes, and enjoy this live experience in the comfort of your own home.”

Track listing: 
Well You Needn't – Thelonious Monk 
Spot It You Got it - Orrin Evans 
Chrysalis – Steve Wilson 
Perry street – Steve Wilson 
Spheresophically – Steve Wilson 
If I Were a Wind of Spring - Migiwa Miyajima 
Patterns - Joe Chambers


Wilson’s long-time Manager, Laura Hartmann of LVanHart Artist Productions, comments: “I didn't get it. When Steve first told me of his idea for a quartet: Orrin Evans, Ugonna Okegwo and Bill Stewart, I didn't get it. But, after the first gig, I was a devout believer. These guys are perfectly mismatched, and are each such creative instigators, their performances are just thrilling. This band is a most adventurous group of musicians, who allow Steve's voice as leader to be heard loud and clear. The root of the music is within the tradition, but be warned, they are anything but traditional! I am so happy for Steve that he's been able to document this band. There will be more believers when they hear it!” 

Scott Elias, President of Random Act Records, said: “Random Act Records is extremely proud to release master saxophonist/composer/bandleader STEVE WILSON's forthcoming album "Wilsononian's Grain - Live in New York." Steve is one of the preeminent jazz musicians of our time. He has absorbed all the knowledge of prior generations, and has expanded the language to make it uniquely his own. This album is a compelling experience: It captures the feeling of attending a live set by supremely talented players, presented at the most venerated jazz club in the world.” 

Wilsonian's Grain’s first gig was at the Kennedy Center Jazz Club, October 17, 2008. It was recorded by NPR and appeared on JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater the week of April 2, 2009. They also appeared on WBGO's The Check Out with Josh Jackson, recorded at the Village Vanguard in March of 2010. They have performed together regularly in the years since. 

Here we present a short video of Steve Wilson where his mastery is evident to the fullest:



Upcoming Wilsonian's Grain 2015 perfomances:

6/3/201512pm-1pmGateway Complex
1 Gateway Center
Newark, NJ
Steve Wilson Quartet with Vic Juris, Jay Anderson, Billy Drummond
6/2/2015 thru
6/6/2015
Birdland
315 West 44th St
New York, NY 10036
with Maria Schneider Orchestra
6/9/2015Mezz Row
163 West 10th Street
NY, NY 10014
with Geoffrey Keezer
6/19/20158:00pmSymphony Center
220 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60604
Special Guest with Dana Hall Quintet
6/27/2015Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz festival
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Springs, NY
Steve Wilson & Wilsonian's Grain
7/3/20156:00pmThe Barnes Foundation
2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Steve Wilson/Lewis Nash Duo
7/5/20157:00pmNorwood VIllage Green Band Shell
Bernard Ave.
Norwood, NY
Guest Artist with All Star Big Band
7/6/2015Crane School of Music
Potsdam, NY
Guest Clinician
7/19/2015 thru
7/26/2015
Centrum
Port Townsend, WA
Residency Clinician
7/29/20158:00pmKaufman Concert Hall 92nd Street Y
92nd St & Lexington Ave.
NY, NY
Jazz & Sondheim Side by Side with Bill Charlap, Renee Rosnes, Ann Hampton Calloway, Sean Smith and Matt Wilson
8/1/20151-2pmNewport Jazz Festival
Fort Adams State Park
Newport, RI
with Maria Schneider Orchestra
8/2/2015Newport Jazz Festival
Newport, RI
with Billy Childs Quartet
8/3/2015 thru
8/8/2015
Samba Meets Jazz
Bar Harbour, ME
Artist in Residence
8/21/2015 and
8/22/2015
8:00pm & 10:00pmJazz @ Kitano
66 Park Avenue, East 38th St
New York NY 10016
Steve Wilson/Lewis Nash Duo
8/18/2015 thru
8/23/2015
7:30pm & 9:30pmJazz Standard
116 E. 27th Street
NY, NY 10016
with Ron Carter Big band


www.lvanhart.com    laura@lvanhart.com
www.randomacrecords.com       randomacrecords1@gmail.com
jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com

martes, 26 de mayo de 2015

Thursday May 28 Steve Johns with Strikezone Rec CD release "Family" at Kitano, NY and others events!


Steve Johns
“Family”
CD Release
Thurs, May 28th
Jazz At Kitano
Shows at 8 pm & 10 pm

Steve Johns-drums
Debbie Keefe Johns-saxophones
Daryl Johns-bass
Dave Stryker-guitar
Bob DeVos-guitar


Jazz At Kitano - New York
66 Park Ave. at East 38th St.
New York, NY 10016
For reservations call: (212) 885-7119
Shows at 8 pm and 10 pm 
http://kitano.com/

Watch A Special Message from
Bassist Daryl Johns

Upcoming Live Appearances
 
07/10/15 Johns FAMILY CD release event @ Trumpets 8:00pm Montcliar, New Jersey 
08/13/15 Johns FAMILY CD release event @ Birdland 6:00pm Manhattan, NY   
Artist: STEVE JOHNS
Title: FAMILY 
Label: STRIKEZONE RECORDS 8811
Artist Website: www.stevejohnsjazz.com
Release Date: MAY 5, 2015
UP Code: 888295228718

Track listing, track times 
1. Sleepwalk (Johns) w/Dave Stryker 6:51 
2. So You Say (Holmes) w/Bob DeVos 6:39 
3. Shadowboxing (Stryker) w/Dave Stryker 7:26 
4. Bogie And Bacall (Johns) w/Dave Stryker 7:17 
5. Came To Believe (Stryker) w/Dave Stryker 6:21 6. Mixing (Moreira) w/Dave Stryker 4:37 
7. DKJ (Johns) w/Bob DeVos 6:55 
8. Shell Game (DeVos) w/Bob DeVos 6:48 
9. Chunk (Johns/Holmes) w/ Bob DeVos 3:28 

Musicians: 
Steve Johns-drums, Debbie Keefe Johns-saxophones, Daryl Johns-bass, Dave Stryker-guitar,
Bob DeVos-guitar

Produced by: Dave Stryker Engineered, Mixed, and Mastered by: Chris Sulit at Trading Eights Studio, Paramus NJ Aug. 26 2014
 
“Steve Johns is a master drummer and bandleader. His bass playing son Daryl Johns and saxophonist wife Debbie Johns are amazing. Stellar debut and Steve proves, drummers are musicians, and pretty good producers too. Great musical Family” —Lenny White
 
A tightly knit modern quartet with a great feel, original tunes, arrangements and soloists! —Randy Brecker
 
After three decades as a key contributor to groups led by some of jazz’s greatest luminaries, Steve Johns has at last made his first recording as leader. In an era when it seems that every aspiring young jazz player, whether ready or not, feels the need to come out with his or her own recording, for someone of Steve’s abilities and experience to wait so long is almost unheard of. 
 
Why now?
 
Steve explains: “I’ve reached this pivotal point in my life where our son, [bassist] Daryl Johns, is leaving home to attend the Manhattan School of Music. I wanted to capture our magic as a musical family in a bottle before he left for college. So my CD idea was born.” 
 
Apart from the stellar music, what makes Family so compelling is that it is “family.” Joining Steve are his wife, the talented saxophonist Debbie Keefe Johns, and their son Daryl, at eighteen, already one of the most sought-after bassists in jazz. Guitarists Dave Stryker, who produced the recording, and Bob DeVos contributed greatly to the project’s success. While not related, Steve considers them “like family.”
 
Steve Johns’ recording debut as leader is an auspicious one and well worth the wait. And while he’ll undoubtedly continue to enhance the work of others, I hope he’ll step into the spotlight more often to showcase his own unique talents as player and composer. As Dave Stryker observes, “The best compliment you can give a musician is that he sounds like himself. Steve’s been around long enough so that he’s developed his own sound; he’s not trying to be anything other than Steve Johns, which is the way it should be. 

Steve Johns’ recording debut as a leader is an auspicious one and well worth the wait!

(edited from Ed Berger’s liner notes)
   
NATIONAL PRESS CAMPAIGN: 
JIM EIGO, JAZZ PROMO SERVICES
272 State Route 94 South #1, Warwick, NY 10990-3363
Ph: 845-986-1677 / Fax: 845-986-1699 Cell / text: 917-755-8960 Skype: jazzpromo 
“Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels, venues and events.”
 
 
NATIONAL RADIO CAMPAIGN: 
KATE SMITH PROMOTIONS of CHICAGO 814.482.0010 katesmithpromotions.kate@gmail.com 


AVAILABLE FROM:
www.stevejohnsjazz.com / CDBaby / Amazon / iTunes

jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com

jueves, 21 de mayo de 2015

2015 JJA JAZZ AWARDS HONOR MUSICAL EXCELLENCE RANDY WESTON...




2015 JJA JAZZ AWARDS
HONOR MUSICAL EXCELLENCE
RANDY WESTON
PRAISED FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

NEW YORK – The Jazz Journalists Association has announced winners of its 2015 JJA Jazz Awards for musical excellence in calendar year 2014 http://www.jjajazzawards.org/p/2015.html, and released details about its annual public Jazz Awards party, at the Blue Note Jazz Club, 131 W. 3rd St., NYC, on June 16, from 3 pm to 5:30 pm. Tickets are available at http://members.jazzjournalists.org/event-1939958.

The 19th annual JJA Jazz Awards celebrates Randy Weston, 89-year-old pianist, composer, lecturer, and Brooklyn-born Africanist with its top honor, the Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Award. Recording for six decades and still touring widely, Weston is a frequent presence at Jazz Foundation of America benefits and also played memorably with conguero Candido Camero at the JJA's Jazz Awards party in 2010. African Rhythms, Weston's autobiography written with JJA founding member Willard Jenkins, was nominated for the JJA's Book of the Year Award in 2011.
Piano jazz is a major focus of the 2015 Jazz Awards, as pianist Jason Moran, artistic director of jazz at the Kennedy Center, is cited as Musician of the Year, and pianists Kenny Barron, Chick Corea and composer-arranger-orchestra leader Arturo O'Farrill receive Awards in other categories. Besides being deemed Pianist of the Year, Kenny Barron with bassist Dave Holland wins the Duo or Trio of the Year Award, and their album TheArt of Conversation (Impulse!) is Record of the Year.
Guitarist Mary Halvorson and vibist Warren Wolf are first time winners of Jazz Awards, while Gregory Porter, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Pedrito Martinez, Nicole Mitchell, Christian McBride, Anat Cohen, Ambrose Akinmusire, Miguel Zenon, Brian Blade and Edmar Castañeda are among the repeat honorees.
Winners of 2015 Jazz Awards for excellence in media categories will be announced at the Blue Note cocktail party with music by bassist-vocalist Mimi Jones' band, singer Antoinette Montague accompanied by keyboardist Dannie Mixon, and Fula Flute, the duo of Bailo Bah and Sylvain Leroux. Musician winners of 2015 JJA Jazz Awards and 2015 Jazz Heroes are invited to the Jazz Awards party at the Blue Note as guests of the JJA, but must reserve tickets at http://members.jazzjournalists.org/event-1939958.
Jazz Awards winners receive engraved statuettes, presented at their
summer performances across the United States by JJA member writers, photographers, broadcasters and new media professionals. Jazz Awards winners are determined through open nominations and direct voting by members. The JJA Jazz Awards were established in 1996. Winners of all years and nominees for 2015 are searchable at www.JJAJazzAwards.org.
Major sponsors of the 19th annual JJA Jazz Awards include the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation, Brother Thelonious Belgian Style Abbey Ale, Mack Avenue, Motéma Music, ECM and Resonance Records, BMI and Berklee College of Music.

Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services  jim@jazzpromoservices.com             www.jazzpromoservices.com

jazzglobalbeat.blogspot.com            jazzcaribe@hotmail.com

lunes, 18 de mayo de 2015

STEVE SLAGLE & BILL O'CONNELL 'POWER OF TWO' CD RELEASE SHOW @ MEZZROWS...



STEVE SLAGLE & BILL O'CONNELL
 WEDNESDAY JULY 29TH 
@MEZZROWS 
3 sets 9PM -MIDNITE
163 WEST 10TH STREET
 NEW YORK CITY
CD RELEASE  FOR

'The Power of Two'


( Panorama Records)
Artist: STEVE SLAGLE & BILL O’CONNELL 
Title: THE POWER OF TWO 
Label: PANORAMA RECORDS 005
Release Date: JUNE 5, 2015
UP Code: 8 88295 24575 3
Track listing, track times 
1. Good News (Slagle) 4:10 
2. One Life (Slagle) 6:07 
3. Peri’s Scope (Evans) 3:44 
4. I’ll Wait and Pray (Valentine/Treadwell) 3:56 
5. A New Day (O’Connell) 5:07 
6. KD JR. (Slagle) 7:05 
(Written in memory of Kenny Drew Jr.) 
7. The Power of Two (Slagle) 4:26 
8. The Duke (Brubeck) 5:17 
9. Circle (Davis) 6:48 
10. Into Your Grace (Slagle) 5:25 
11. Whistling Spirits (Slagle/O’Connell) 0:56

Musicians: 
Steve Slagle-alto saxophone, flute Bill O’Connell-piano 
Alto saxophone and flutist Steve Slagle’s career on the New York City world stage has spanned the grammy winning large orchestras of Mingus, Haden and Lovano to contemporary quartets with Steve Kuhn, Dave Stryker and many more. Never before has he paired it down to a duo until now with The Power of Two.
The collaboration with pianist Bill O’Connell was a natural one after the many Latin-Jazz recordings Steve has done recently with Bill, who is the quiet giant on piano of his generation. Alone together they create some of their best, most unique work to date. At first starting the idea of this date with his tribute to the late great virtuoso pianist Kenny Drew Jr. -Steve wrote ‘KD JR.’ on the day of his friends passing—they collectively go further to create the sound of musical spirits past,present, and future.
  
  What sounds effortless is a level of musicianship that only a few achieve after decades of work in their profession: hearing the music, listening to each other and inspiring each other to create and play music that never quite existed like this before—and capturing it in a recording. We hope you enjoy and get the musical message that is within ‘The Power of Two’.
—Jack Zulack, Executive Producer, Panorama Records
World -renowned saxophone/ flutist and grammy award winning musician Steve Slagle here is paying tribute to his musical relationship with pianists both past and present. Steve’s last release on Panorama ‘Evensong’ was picked ‘top 50 cds of 2013’ by Jazztimes. As Downbeat magazine says: “Slagle and group are such masters, the music feels so good it consequently makes you feel good”. 

Artist Websites:
www.steveslagle.com
www.billoconnell.net/dates.htm

jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com

JIM EIGO, JAZZ PROMO SERVICES
j

viernes, 15 de mayo de 2015

Guitarist Brad Myers Prime Numbers CD Release Shows

BRAD MYERS
Prime Numbers  
CD RELEASE SHOWS


CD Release Shows

We would like to invite all of you to come and celebrate this exciting CD Release with us at TWO special release parties.
Wednesday June 3rd - Brad Myers Quintet Prime Numbers CD Release Party @ Natasha's Bistro Lexington, KY
We play from 9:00 - 11:30pm $7 at the door  Great Food and Excellent beverages
Thursday June 4th - Brad Myers Quintet Prime Numbers CD Release Party @ Urban Artifact in Cincinnati, OH
We play from 8:00 - 11:30pm NO COVER CHARGE Unique beers in a great listening space
If you miss those shows, I will also be playing with Chris Barrick, Mike Sharfe, and Tony Franklin on Friday June 5th at Washington Platform from 9:00-12:00. Saturday June 6th I will be at Japp's in Over the Rhine from 6:00-9:00pm with Cameron Cochran and the Pedal Steel Jazz Trio. I will have the new CD at all of my shows from June 3rd on so feel free to come up and say hi at any of my events.
We have received one review so far for Prime Numbers and it was a good one. You can read that review here.
Look for our ads in the June issue of Jazz Times and the July issue of Down Beat.
We are also doing a national jazz radio campaign for this recording so you can feel free to request Prime Numbers on your favorite radio stations. Let us know if you hear our new CD in your area.
In addition to being available at my live shows, Prime Numbers will be available locally in Cincinnati at Shake It, Everybody's Records, Mole's Records, and other great independant record stores. It will also be available through CD Baby, Amazon, iTunes and a long list of digital music hubs starting June 2nd.

Other Gigs and News...

You can always visit www.musicbybrad.com/gig/ for the lastest updates on shows. Below are some highlights from the next month or so in addition to the CD Release shows.
Saturday May 16th Brad Myers Quintet w/ Cameron Cochran on Pedal Steel Plays Covington Maifest 6-7:30pm
Wednesday May 20th David McDonnell Group plays Northside Tavern Cincinnati, OH 9:00-12:00 No Cover
June 3rd-6th  Prime Numbers  CD Release Week (see above shows)
Saturday June 20th Brad Myers Quartet (w/Brent Gallaher, Josh Jessen, and Ron Enyard) play the Ohio Valley Food and Wine Festival Georgetown OH (Brown Co. Courthouse steps) from 7-9pm
We are always looking to take our music to new places so if you have a favorite music club for jazz that you would like to see us, please send the info our way. 
On May 1st, I proudly walked the stage at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and received my Master's Degree in Jazz Studies. It has been a challenging two years balancing the course work with my other professional and personal obligations but it has also been a very rewarding experience. Loads of thanks to my family, friends, teachers and especially my sweetheart Bentley for putting up with my long hours and stressed nerves. I look forward to the next phase of my career and of course getting some sleep from time to time.

Peace and Love, 


Brad Myers
"Prime Numbers"
(Colloquy Records 1357)
Street Date: June 5, 2015
Brad Myers-guitar, Chris Barrick-vibraphone, Ben Walkenhauer-tenor sax, Peter Gemus-bass, 
Tom Buckley-drums & cymbals, Michael Mavridoglou-trumpet #5 & flugelhorn #8, 
Dominic Marino-trombone #5


One of the most desired, but often elusive goals in jazz is to produce a distinctive group sound.  The outstanding guitarist/composer Brad Myers and his exceptional ensemble achieve that perfectly on Prime Numbers (Colloquy Records), his debut CD as a leader.  Part of that is due to the five plus years that Brad and these musicians – vibraphonist Chris Barrick, tenor saxophonist Ben Walkenhauer and the bass/drums tandem of Peter Gemus and Tom Buckley – have performed together in a variety of formats.  But the major portion is due to the obvious joy they get from playing together within the context provided by Brad’s remarkable compositions and the inspired arrangements.

         The delightful blend of the tenor/guitar/vibes frontline offers a captivating sonic canvas to paint upon, and the beautiful soundscapes created here are most compelling.  Aurally reminiscent of the beguiling sound of Grant Green’s classic Idle Moments, the musicians perform here with that same combination of relaxed authority and adventurous lyricism, but fully in the current timeframe some fifty years later.

         There is clearly a special connection between Myers and Barrick, as the guitar and vibes dance, feint, swirl, punch and counterpunch in a stunning pas de deux of harmonious interaction that produces a very effective atmosphere for creativity.  Gemus and Buckley produce their own sparkling interplay that buoys and drives the ensemble. Together they create a cohesion and substance that is both riveting in its impact and highly stimulating for the solos of Myers, Barrick, and Walkenhauer.  The tenorman’s virile tone and spirited playing on both the written lines and improvisations blends perfectly with the overall sound of the ensemble and always adds a cogent element of excitement and urgency.  As special guests, Michael Mavridoglou brings his trumpet and flugelhorn to two tracks and trombonist Dominic Marino joins in on one.

         In the true spirit of the label name Colloquy, the music is definitely conversational, with dialogues, trialogues and collective communion weaving together fascinating tales that are palpably visual and often cinematic.

         The repertoire – six Myers originals, a pair from two of jazz’ most noted composers and a terrific re-imagination of a classic standard – provides a sumptuous and scintillating context for imaginative exploration.  Brilliant juxtapositions and transitions abound, keeping an element of surprise and invention constantly at play.  Myers’ compositions are intricate, but never contrived; challenging, but totally accessible; and innovative, but consistently lyrical.  He and his colleagues embrace the music with the virtuosity it demands for its proper exposition, but also with the exuberance and jubilation that makes it soar from beginning to end.
         That Idle Moments feel is most notable on the opening track, Bentley’s Blues, a bouncy jaunt built on nicely suspended vibes and guitar and a potent bass walk, with angular vibes, soulful tenor and sprightly guitar solos… a delightful appetizer for the upcoming feast.

         There are a pair of Brazilian-tinged items.  Sunset in Curaҫao has a samba feel with its infectious melody offered in tenor/guitar unison dunked in shimmering vibes.  Boldly striking solos transform what initially seems to be a languorous pastoral piece into an atmospheric and mysterious tale.  There Is Space for Us flirts with a bossa color, adding Mavridoglou’s flugelhorn to the mix, featuring his articulate and deeply melodic solo.
         Myers’ poignant balladry is on full display on his beautiful You Are Here with guitar and then guitar/tenor unison framed in the gossamer webbing of the vibes.  At the other end of the emotional spectrum, the strikingly original Spherical is an audacious piece of constantly shifting tempos – accelerating, decelerating, burning, cooling, exploding and soaring in a spectacular display of ingenuity and excitement spiced with blazing solos of smoking vibes, blistering tenor and smoothly surging guitar, stoked by the impeccable rhythm section.

         Nowhere is the conversational context of the album more apparent than on Brad’s extended piece, the sensational Rule of Threes, a jubilant episodic sojourn with its opening richly textured theme played by trumpet, tenor and trombone bubbling over emphatic rhythms.  Shifting into a funky ostinato bass driven groove and featuring powerful solos, it moves to a roaring, grooving climax powered by vibrant horn lines.  Barrick’s dynamic use of his special custom vibrato effect – used tastefully throughout the album with hypnotically stimulating results – is particularly opulent on this piece.

         Thelonious Monk’s Evidence and Wayne Shorter’s The Big Push are impressively interpreted here, fully complementary to the album’s conceptual thrust.  The Monk classic is even more dramatically syncopated than usual – staggering and lurching forward upon the brisk percussive sizzle provided by Buckley (who suggested this exciting arrangement).  Shorter’s gem is a driving, neatly punctuated ride that features an appropriately muscular and impassioned solo by Walkenhauer.  Barrick – whose longtime collaborative relationship with Myers is reflected throughout this album - provided the arrangement.

         Barrick also provided the ingenious arrangement of Bronislau Kaper’s classic Invitation, taking a most original approach of shifting rhythmic emphasis and striking syncopation, the enchanting composition is transformed in a totally refreshing manner.  Highlighted by a vividly expressive guitar solo, the piece concludes with a splendid collective improv that closes out this extraordinary album on an exhilarating note of anticipation as to what may come next from the radiant ensemble and the formidable imagination of Brad Myers.


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