Acclaimed Composer/ Trombonist Ed Neumeister & his NeuHat Ensemble new CD "Wake Up Call"

Acclaimed Composer/ Trombonist Ed Neumeister & his NeuHat Ensemble Release their Latest Album “Wake Up Call”

Esteemed composer, arranger, conductor and trombonist, Ed Neumeister, in association with his jazz orchestra, The NeuHat Ensemble is proud to announce the release of his newest album “Wake Up Call”. The Album Comprised of eight original compositions, “Wake Up Call” reflects the angst and worry that many members of today’s diverse communities encounter on a much too regular basis. It represents the need for change - the need for a wake up call - in society, as humanity itself heightens the ever growing worldwide concern for mother earth and her inhabitants. “Wake Up Call” serves as a showcase for Neumeister’s expertise as a composer, arranger and conductor rather than a trombone soloist, as he appears on just two tracks. In contrast to many jazz albums, Ed veers away from the usual strong focal point of improvisation, and instead, perhaps because of his classical music background, directs his ensemble to interpret the compositions from an ensemble point of view. He is a composer and conductor and this is the core genesis of the music on this album. Although “Dog Play” and “Reflection” both allocate sections to group improvisation and interaction, the universally-lauded composer tends to avoid the jazz tradition of solo improvisation. The first and last tracks of the album, “Birds of Prey” and “Wake Up Call” are both through-composed. Now in his mid-60s, Neumeister continues to create music that, although rooted in the tradition, explores new sounds and sonic landscapes. A year since Neumeister’s last release “Suite Ellington” (Universal/Poa), “Wake Up Call” presents its listener with a string of thought-through, exemplary compositions. These eight tracks have been in the works for just under a quarter-century, with the oldest, “Locomotion” composed back in 1995 for a big band in Denmark. Alongside everything else that this album stands for, genre-spanning “Wake Up Call” conveys Neumeister’s wealth of knowledge and influence of a range of music including jazz, classical, world and funk. Throughout his career, Neumeister has been exposed, as both a listener and musician to a variety and diversity of music, and as a result, now regards himself as having a particularly wide scope as both a composer and performer. “Wake Up Call” was recorded in just two days back in September 2014, at Systems Two Recording Studios, Brooklyn. The opening track, “Birds of Prey” presents its listeners with a style of writing which is sometimes dense but always clear, and it exemplifies what composer-arranger Gary McFarland said was the most valuable writing lesson he learned from Gerry Mulligan: “Build for climaxes.” With Neumeister’s admiration for Duke Ellington in mind, this opening track aptly reflects the spirit of a little-known 1941 recording by Juan Tizol and Ellington, titled “Moon Over Cuba”. Continuing the Ellington thread is “Dog Play,” a feature for Billy Drewes, who is one of four former bandmates of Ed’s (the others being Dick Oatts, Rich Perry, and John Riley) from the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and who is an undersung master of several reed instruments, including the clarinet heard here. The other pieces display additional dimensions of Neumeister’s writing prowess. “New Groove” highlights the instantly identifiable tenor saxophone of Rich Perry. “Reflections” lives up to its title: a slow-motion “concerto for jazz orchestra” that nonetheless moves forward compellingly and with more than a trace of introspection. “Deliberation” is a complete change in texture, with thick, parallel block harmonies. The soloists here are the singular alto saxophonist Mark Gross, and Neumeister. “Wake Up Call” is a fitting conclusion to the CD as well as a worthy title track. In essence, it sums up everything that Neumeister has attempted to achieve with these eight varied original compositions, composer-arranger and saxophonist, Bill Kirchner explains. The NeuHat Ensemble The NeuHat Ensemble, based in New York City, was established in 1983. It began as just an octet, and through many various incarnations, has developed into a prestigious jazz orchestra. Throughout the years, it has always maintained its standard of high-quality all-star members, which at one point, included Grammy winner, Joe Lovano, esteemed composer, pianist, teacher, Kenny Werner, multi-instrumentalist Don Byron and widely acclaimed percussionist, Jamey Haddad. Rather than viewing this group as a big band, each of these talented musicians regard The NeuHat Ensemble as a jazz orchestra, making it their mission to combine each individual voice, color and texture in a myriad of ways. Ed Neumeisters Notes: Many would regard Ed as a thoroughly motivated and driven musician. Although one could argue that honing your talent as a trombonist, to no matter how high a level, is not the most direct pathway to jazz stardom, Ed has continuously displayed his determination in succeeding in this particular career path. As well as receiving praise from notables such as trumpeter Randy Brecker and the late composer-conductor-historian Gunther Schuller, eminent saxophonist and educator Dave Liebman has called Ed “one of the best trombone players on the scene.” His drive as a composer is also evident from his daily routine as he begins each day of creativity and writing at 5am! It is through this exceptional willpower and musical merit, that he has become an accomplished composer, arranger and bandleader. Wake Up Call is Funded in part through a generous grant from the Aaron Copland Recording Program. Wake Up Call is supported in part by New Music USA’s CAP Recording Program, made possible by endowment funds from Mary Flagler Charitable Trust. Ed Neumeister was born in Topeka Kansas and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 50’s and 60’s. He began playing music at the age of 5 with trumpet. He switched to trombone when he was nine. He was a longtime fixture on the San Francisco Bay Area music scene. After moving to New York in 1980, Ed performed for 15 years in the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and 19 years with the Mel Lewis Big Band (which during Neumeister’s tenure became the multi Grammy-nominated Vanguard Jazz Orchestra). Other renowned artists he performed and recorded with include Jerry Garcia, Gerry Mulligan, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. Not limited stylistically he also collected experience by performing with classical orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Ballet. In 1992, Ed toured for the first time as a guest soloist in Europe. Since then he has been invited extensively as a conductor and guest soloist in Europe and US. Many of these invitations include composition commissions because of his unique mixing from the traditions of Big Band Jazz and Contemporary Classical. His arrangement of A Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square was nominated for a Grammy Award. Through his conducting and composing activities Ed established, among others, a regular relationship with the Metropol Radio Orchestra (Netherlands) and the Budapest Jazz Orchestra (Hungary). Since 2007 Ed has also been active in the film music business. He has contributed orchestrations for films such as Inception, Sherlock Holmes, The Dark Knight and the 2012 Academy Awards. Ed Neumeister was Professor of Jazz Trombone at the University of the Performing Arts, Graz Austria 1999 – 2017, and is now based in New York City. Now Ed Neumeister Ensemble Brasil:

¡¡Amor y Jazz!!

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Bryant/Fabian/Marsalis "Do For You?" CD Release Show Monday, August 7th Trumpets!

Bryant/Fabian/Marsalis "Do For You?" CD Release Show Monday, August 7th Sets 7:30pm and 9:30pm @ Trumpets 6 Depot Square Montclair, NJ 07042 www.trumpetsjazz.com Available on iTunes

Artist: BRYANT /  FABIAN / MARSALIS Title: do for you? Label: CAP Records ArtistWebsite: www.christianfabian.com Release Date: JULY 4 2017 UPC Code: 6-30183-10572-0 Track Listings w/composer credit and track time  1. Five Minute Blues (Fabian) 4:39 2. Never Again (Marsalis) 5:14 3. Of A Certain Age (Bryant) 6:21 4. The Cat Hatter (Bryant) 6:07 5. Do For You? (Fabian) 5:49 6. If You Never Come To Me (Jobim) 6:25 7. Resolvence of the Old (Fabian) 6:30 8. Weather Forecast (Bryant, Fabian, Marsalis) 5:46 9. Moxie Inside (Bryant) 6:21 10. Hey It’s Me You’re Talking To (Victor Lewis) 4:30 Musicians: Lance Bryant: tenor sax and vocals Christian Fabian: bass Jason Marsalis: drums Gates Thomas: keys on Track #3 & #6 Lance Bryant and Christian Fabian met in the Lionel Hampton Big Band, and were brought up like Jason Marsalis in old school jazz roots. And they religiously practice the first commandment of the old school: “Thou shalt give the audience a great show!” do for you? is proof that jazz roots grow into exciting new tunes, thrive in new times, and produce new jazz masters. The album showcases new compositions by Bryant and Fabian, with a tune by Marsalis, and the Trio’s collective mastery and virtuosity is consistently front and center. These artists have not only mastered every corner of the tradition—they can do anything. The virtuostic Bryant on saxophone, a groovy solo by Fabian mixing funk and hip-hop flavor, expert punctuation by Marsalis on drums, lightning speed as quick and exciting as it is clean—they can do anything. Of A Certain Age by Bryant, with its nostalgic ballad feel and an artful performance by the Trio, could easily pass for a jazz standard. The Band never loses its tightness...through impressive solo fills from Marsalis, Fabian’s gloriously clear pizzicato, pitch bends and grooves...Marsalis’ skillful Brazilian rhythms and timbres...unrelenting and funky drum and bass grooves, blazing saxophone melodies...the Band keeps surprising and amazing, and leaves us wowed. From the liner notes by — Kabir Sehgal & Latin Grammy Award® winner New York City, June 2017  ¡¡Amor y Jazz!!

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

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Vocalist Teri Roiger - "GHOST OF YESTERDAY: Shades of Lady Day" + Shows

Vocalist - Pianist - Lyricist - Composer - Teacher Teri Roiger   "GHOST OF YESTERDAY: Shades of Lady Day" Teri's Latest Release Dot Time Records

New York based vocalist Teri Roiger recently released her fourth recording as a leader, "GHOST OF YESTERDAY: Shades of Lady Day", a heartfelt tribute to Billie Holiday. Since Ms. Holiday provided the initial spark that led to a lifelong commitment to jazz, this one is especially personal to Teri. "GHOST OF YESTERDAY: Shades of Lady Day" was released on Dot Time Records on Billie Holiday's birthday (April 7, 2017). Liner notes by Kabir Sehgal. "The multi-faceted brilliance of Billie Holiday is served up sizzling hot by the multi-talented Teri Roiger - a match made in jazz heaven!" - Kabir Sehgal, author & Grammy-winning producer.   Track Listing: 1. Lady Day and John Coltrane (4:21) (Gil Scott-Heron) 2. (I Don't Stand A) Ghost Of A Chance (3:39) (music: Victor Young, lyric: Bing Crosby & Ned Washington, lyric to Lester Young's solo: Teri Roiger) 3. What A Little Moonlight Can Do (3:49) (Harry Woods)  4. You Don't Know What Love Is (7:46) (music: Gene de Paul, lyric: Don Raye)  5. Fine and Mellow (5:43) (Billie Holiday, lyric to Lester Young's solo: Teri Roiger) 6. Them There Eyes (3:24) (Maceo Pinkard, Doris Tauber, William Tracey, lyric to Ella Fitzgerald's solo: Teri Roiger)  7. It's Easy To Remember (5:13) (music: Richard Rodgers, lyric: Lorenz Hart)  8. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans (5:09) (Eddie DeLange & Louis Alter)  9. Lady Day (4:46) (music: Leroy Johnson, lyric: Teri Roiger)  10. Ghost Of Yesterday (5:14) (Irene Wilson & Arthur Herzog,Jr.)  11. These Foolish Things (5:15) (music: Jack Strachey & Harry Link,  lyric: Eric Maschwitz...aka Holt Marvell)    12. Lady Sings The Blues (2:43) (music: Herbie Nichols, lyric: Billie Holiday)  The Band: The new recording features Wayne Hawkins (piano), John Menegon (bass), Steve Williams (drums) + The Visitors: Roswell Rudd (trombone), Jay Collins (baritone and tenor sax), Steve Gorn (clarinet & bansuri flute), Rebecca Coupe-Franks (trumpet), Mark Dziuba (guitar) & Abdou Mboup (percussion).

"Teri has an intuitive laid back sense of time reminiscent of Abbey Lincoln & Betty Carter but with her own uniqueness." - Jack DeJohnette (NEA JazzMaster) "Powerfully moving...segacious warmth...impressively deep..." - Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes    "She is made for those who still understand the meaning of the term the real thing." - Stanley Crouch (Author/Cultural Critic) "Roiger has a voice like the finest bittersweet chocolate full of rich, dark, contradicting flavors that miraculously blend to create one of the most original vocal instruments in decades." - Playboy Magazine "Billie Holiday provided the initial spark leading to my commitment to a life in jazz! On this multi-dimensional project I celebrate and honor Lady Day's legacy by showing the many facets of Billie...her ebullient joy, her rebellious spirit, her rich sensuality, and the depth of her blues. Included on the recording are songs made famous by Ms. Holiday, songs written by Ms. Holiday, and some very moving songs about Ms. Holiday, including some of my original lyrics. This recording brings me full circle." - Teri Roiger

UPCOMING DATES: *Annarella's Ristorante every Wednesday night with pianist Pete Levin and bassist John Menegon*247 Malden Turnpike Saugerties, NY 12477  845-247-7289 Sunday, August 6th, 2017 Festival of the Voice! Latte Lecture Sunday - 10 a.m. Festival Lounge in the Park Phoenicia, NY  845-688-3291 TERI ROIGER & JOHN MENEGON will give a presentation at Festival of the Voice taking audience members through the History of Jazz with songs and anecdotes, with an emphasis on Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn! Saturday, August 26th, 2017 THIRSTY OWL Teri Roiger Trio - 6:30 'til 9:00 pm 184 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866  518-587-9694 Price: no cover TERI ROIGER (voice), JOHN MENEGON (bass) Tuesday, September 12th, 2017 MEZZROW Teri Roiger Trio 164 West 10th Street (basement) New York, NY 10014  646-476-4346 TERI ROIGER (voice), JOHN MENEGON (bass), piano TBD Sunday, October 8, 2017 Thelonious Monk 100th birthday celebration Senate Garage 4 N. Front Street  Kingston, NY 12401 845-802-5900TERI ROIGER (voice), JUDI SILVANO (voice), JOHN MENEGON (bass), piano and drums tba.  Saturday, November 25th, 2017 Senate Garage JazzGiving! 4 N. Front Street Kingston, New York 12401  845-802-5900

¡¡Amor y Jazz!!

www.teriroiger.com      www.dottimerecords.com        

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Jane Ira Bloom Wild Lines: Improvising Emily Dickinson + next events

New Release
Jane Ira Bloom
Wild Lines:Improvising Emily Dickinson 

Jane Ira Bloom (soprano saxophone)
Dawn Clement (piano)
Mark Helias (bass)
Bobby Previte (drums)

+ 2017 DownBeat Critics Poll
Soprano Saxophonist Of The Year

(2 CD Set Outline OTL 143)
Street Date: September 8, 2017

American original Jane Ira Bloom does it again. This time the 21st-century soprano saxophonist reimagines the poetry of 19th-century visionary Emily Dickinson in two different settings. Her new 2 Cd pack showcases her jazz quartet’s interpretation of Dickinson’s poetry and includes a second version for jazz quartet and spoken word featuring readings by popular stage & film actor Deborah Rush. After the success of her 2016 trio album release Early Americans, Bloom shifts gears with Wild Lines / Improvising Emily Dickinson (OTL143) showcasing her acclaimed quartet in dialogue with poetry in her seventeenth album and first foray into music and text. Her sound is like no other on the straight horn and she lets it fly with long-time band mates Dawn Clement (piano), Mark Helias (bass) & Bobby Previte (drums). Adding the Emily Dickinson narrative to the ensemble on disc 2 is acclaimed actor Deborah Rush. Bloom composed Wild Lineswhen she was awarded a 2015 CMA/ Doris Duke New Jazz Works commission. She was inspired to musically reimagine Dickinson when she learned that the poet was a pianist and improviser herself, reconfirming what she’d always felt in the jazz-like quality of Dickinson’s phrasing. “I didn’t always understand her but I always felt Emily’s use of words mirrored the way a jazz musician uses notes.” Wild Lines’ premiere at the poet’s home in Amherst, MA was followed by performances at the Kennedy Center and the NYPL for the Performing Arts. The ensemble then headed into Avatar Studios to record in stereo and surround-sound with renowned audio engineer Jim Anderson. The album features fourteen Bloom originals inspired by fragments of Dickinson poetry and prose mined from both her collected works and envelope poems “The Gorgeous Nothings.” The album closes with a solo rendition of an American classic, Rodgers & Hart’s ”It’s Easy to Remember.” Artist Gina Werfel contributes a stunning motion painting for the CD’s cover image. Wild Lines / Improvising Emily Dickinson illuminates why jazz critic Brian Priestly called Jane Ira Bloom “the poet of the soprano saxophone.” WINNER  2017 DOWNBEAT CRITICS POLL for SOPRANO SAX    “music of great individuality and originality that could belong to no one else” – Nick Lea, Jazzviews

Upcoming Live Appearance JANE IRA BLOOM   Wild Lines: Improvising Emily Dickinson w/Dawn Clement, Dean Johnson, Bobby Previte, & Deborah Rush Fri, Aug 11 @ 8:00 pm Buckley Recital Hall Amherst College 53 College St Amherst, MA News & Events | Jane Ira Bloom performance of "Wild Lines" | Amherst College www.janeirabloom.com

¡¡Amor y Jazz!!

Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services  jim@jazzpromoservices.com        www.jazzpromoservices.com ” Amanda Bloom amandacrossover@gmail.com  www.jazzglobalbeat.blogspot.com        jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com

Dave Stryker New Release Strykin' Ahead CD + Upcoming Live Appearances

Dave Stryker New Release Strykin' Ahead Upcoming Live Appearances Dave Stryker Strykin' Ahead (Strikezone 8815) Street Date: September 1, 2017 Dave Stryker –guitar Steve Nelson –vibes Jared Gold – organ McClenty Hunter – drums

Dace Stryker is a 2017 DownBeat Critics Poll Finalist Advance Praise For Strykin' Ahead If you have chops like Dave’s; his musical sensibilities; his uncanny ability to put together interesting instrumentations; his skill at selecting just the right band mates to make Jazz with; wouldn’t you want to work all the time, too? It becomes like anything you’re good at; you want to do it as often as possible but occasionally vary the context to keep it from getting stale. – Steven Cerra Jazz Profiles A real burner of a set, it feels like an artifact from the past, unreleased from Bluenote/Verve, but it’s modern, contemporary touches are well evident showing how a cat that’s been hitting all the right notes for all these years can’t make a false step now. - CHRIS SPECTOR, Midwest Record Editor and Publisher  I give Dave and his talented crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this one… and keep in mind that you heard it here first… this one is BOUND for the awards. - Dick Metcalf Improvijazzation Nation A mainstream record of undignified beauty. - Vittorio Lo Conte Musiczoom Artist: Dave Stryker Title: Strykin’ Ahead Label: Strikezone Records 8815 Artists Website: www.davestryker.com Release Date: September 1, 2017 UPC Code: 88829560583  Track listing, track times: 1 SHADOWBOXING Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music BMI) 5:59 2 FOOTPRINTS Wayne Shorter (Miyako Music BMI) 6:39 3 NEW YOU Dave Stryker (D.Strike Music BMI) 5:50 4 PASSION FLOWER Billy Strayhorn (Billy Strayhorn Songs Inc ASCAP) 5:33 5 STRYKIN’ AHEAD Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music BMI) 6:12 6 BLUES DOWN DEEP Dave Stryker (D. Strike Music BMI) 7:15 7 JOY SPRING Clifford Brown (Second Floor Music BMI) 8:12 8 WHO CAN I TURN TO Newley/ Bricusse (Musical Comedy Prod Inc BMI) 7:32 9 DONNA LEE Charlie Parker (Atlantic Music Corp BMI) 6:27 DAVE STRYKER guitar STEVE NELSON vibraphone JARED GOLD organ McCLENTY HUNTER drums The notion of moving forward by triangulating a space between creative and pragmatic imperatives is a consistent thread throughout Dave Stryker’s four decades in the jazz business, not least on Strykin’ Ahead, his 28th CD as a leader. Stryker augments his working trio of Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums with vibraphone player Steve Nelson, all on-board for a second go-round after their stellar contri- butions to last year’s Eight-Track II. Like the leader, Nelson is a preternaturally flexible and in-the-moment improviser with deep roots in the tradition who knows how to push the envelope without damaging the contents. Stryker internalized those imperatives on a 1984-1986 run with Brother Jack McDuff, and he received further invaluable training in the art of musical communication during a decade on the road with Stanley Turrentine, to whom he paid homage on the 2015 release Don’t Mess With Mister T. In contrast to his Eight Track II conception of putting his spin on pop hits of his formative years, Stryker returns to his long-standing practice of presenting originals and reharmonized standards from the jazz and show music songbooks. "Shadowboxing" is a burning 14-bar minor blues; his well-considered chordal variations on Wayne Shorter's "Footprints" proceed to a simmering 5/4 figure. Next is "New You" (a stimulating Stryker contrafact of the oft-played "There Will Never Be Another You"). He personalizes Billy Strayhorn's "Passion Flower," set to Hunter's insinuating bossa-funk groove. The title track “Strykin’ Ahead” has a Cadillac-racing-down-the-freeway-feel; he imbues the lovely melody of "Who Can I Turn To" with the full measure of his plush, inviting tone. That Stryker knows his Albert King is evident on the slow-drag “Blues Down Deep,” which evokes wee-hours third sets in the inner city grills and lounges of Stryker’s apprentice years. He knows his bebop, too. On Clifford Brown’s “Joy Spring,” the solo flights over Stryker’s “modernized” progressions transpire over Hunter’s drum-bass beats and crisp, medium-up four-on-the cymbal; on the chopbusting “Donna Lee,” all members springboard off a churchy vamp and Hunter’s funk-infused swing. “I’ve always wanted to write vehicles that are fun and interesting to blow over,” Stryker says. “Trying to come up with a beautiful melody that lasts is very fulfilling. Writing is a big part of my voice in this music.” Stryker is too modest to say that his voice is also a big part of jazz, to which he’s devoted a career marked by consistent application of the values that he espouses. But that’s all right—I’ll say it for him. (edited liner notes from Ted Panken)  Produced by Dave Stryker Executive Producer - Rick Simpson Engineered and Mixed by Chris Sulit at Trading 8’s Studio, Paramus NJ on June 28, 2016

Sat July 29 – 8:00pm and 10:00pm Dave Stryker Quartet • Dave Stryker – guitar • Jared Gold – organ • Sylvia Cuenca-drums • Special Guest Trumpets 6 Depot Square | Montclair, NJ Sun Aug 6 – Aug 12  Dave Stryker Clinician at Samba Meets Jazz Workshop Samba Meets Jazz College of the Atlantic / Bar Harbor Maine Fri Aug 25 – 8:00pm Dave Stryker Quintet w/ Eric Alexander and Steve Nelson • Dave Stryker – guitar • Eric Alexander – tenor sax • Steve Nelson – vibraphone • Jared Gold – organ • Byron Landham – drums Northwest Jazz Festival – Lewiston NY Lewiston NY Sat Aug 26 – 8:30pm – 10:30pm Dave Stryker Quartet w/ Eric Alexander • Dave Stryker – guitar • Eric Alexander – tenor sax • Jared Gold – organ • Byron Landham – drums Nighttown – Cleveland OH 12383 Cedar Rd, Cleveland, OH (216) 795-0550 Sept 3rd- The Falcon Sept 9 -Trumpets Sept 16-jazz on Second Ave, Niewood CO Sept 23- Sidedoor  Sept 28- New Brunswick Hyatt Oct 6 - Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis IN Oct 20- Palace Theatre, Waterbury CT

¡¡Amor y Jazz!!

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The party of singer Elijah Rock on the occasion of his new CD "Gershwin for My Soul" will be on August 3, 2017 at Catalina Jazz Club

"Elijah Rock is definitely a favorite of lovers of bolero jazz", Luis Raul Montell - Jazz Global Beat

The CD:

"Gershwin for My Soul"

Elijah Rock

Tracks:

1. S'Wonderful; 2. Fascinating Rhythm; 3. I Can't Get Started; 4. How Long Has This Been Going On?; 5. Long Ago and Far Away; 6. Our Love is Here to Stay; 7. Shall We Dance; 8. Gershwin for My Soul; 9. Tchaikovsky (and other russians); 10. Love Walked In; 11. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'; 12. Isn't it a Pity?

Musicians:

Elijah Rock (vocal); Kevin Toney (piano); John B. Williams (bass); Greg Paul (drums); Jacques Lesure, John Store (guitar).

Long-dedicated to upholding and aligning himself with the first class carriage and aesthetic of timeless entertainment, singer/actor/dancer Elijah Rock is carrying the blazing torch for the legacy of George & Ira Gershwin, bringing a contemporary and decidedly African American twist to their timeless music with several forward thinking projects.

"Gershwin For My Soul" (released April 18) is the Cleveland-born baritone's brand new critically acclaimed album. Jazziz magazine marvels, "Rock brings both chops and emotion to his masculine yet sensitive delivery." Rock travelled to Thailand to star and make his directorial debut in a gorgeous music video for the lead single/title track "Gershwin For My Soul" that is bringing a sensual touch of class to video outlets around the globe. Rock and his lovely co-star cavort in the sun-dappled climes and evening breezes of Phuket interspersed with Elijah crooning about the timeless grace of Gershwin and sumptuous amour - thus Elijah's new moniker, "Mr. Romance."

It is but one of 12 masterful performances on the album, produced and arranged by Grammy-winning keyboardist/musical director Kevin Toney to bring the music of Gershwin into its rightful contemporary space, ably aided by bassist John B. Williams and drummer Greg Paul, plus guitarists Jacques Lesure and John Storie. The arrangements range from hiply syncopated updates on "Fascinating Rhythm" and "Our Love is Here to Stay" to Rock milking the rarely heard extended introduction to "How Long Has This Been Going On?" (before it falls like feathers into a soft brushed blues) and a version of the delightful "S'Wonderful" in a tender take that recalls the spirit of recently departed Al Jarreau. The album represents a full circle journey for Rock who started singing at 8 in church followed by his first Gershwin songs from "Porgy & Bess" at 16 at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

That connection is key to Elijah Rock reviving the music of "Porgy & Bess" in a revolutionary new presentation that takes what was originally written as an Opera then turned into a Broadway musical into a pure jazz adaptation. Utilizing the story as retold in the most recent Broadway book written by Suzan Lori Parks, with Kevin Toney's sparkling arrangements for 5-piece band and Rock in the role of "Porgy" with a scaled down cast, this "Porgy & Bess" premiered at the 300-seat Ensemble Theater in Santa Barbara, California to raves from audiences bowled over by the intimacy, the freshness and Rock's mastery.

NAACP Theater Award-winning triple threat Rock sailed into these latest endeavors on the wings of glowing acclaim for his stage performances of the characters 'Crooner' in "Words by Ira Gershwin" and of the legendary Cotton Club star Cab Calloway in the musical revue "I Only Have Eyes For You" for which he was nominated for a 2016 Ovation Theatre Award. The Glendale News raved, "Baritone Rock, with charm to spare, shifts smoothly from crisp jazz phrasings to the operatic..." The Hollywood Progressive proclaimed, "The youthful Rock, who appears in Showtime's TV series 'Masters of Sex,' is establishing himself as one of his generation's foremost interpreters and performers of The Great American Songbook."

Elijah Rock on "Gershwin For My Soul":

"Before this experience, I hadn't really embraced the balladeer aspect of my gift," Rock muses. "It was about me being vulnerable enough to know I could do it. It's been an interesting transformation for me." Ultimately, Elijah Rock will be wowing longtime lovers of Gershwin music as he cultivates a younger audience with his all-around showmanship, singing and even his paddle-n-roll style of tap dancing - lost arts all that have found in Rock a tireless cultural savior.

"I believe there is a cross demographic that this music will serve," Rock concludes. "I am grateful to Tony Bennett, Cécile McLorin Savlant, Gregory Porter, Diana Krall and Michael Bublé for their success in keeping the music relevant to today's pop world. I approach singing from a traditional perspective with a fresh twist. 'Gershwin For My Soul' not only represents America's classical music, it will give me a platform to address a lot of other things about the culture and where we all stand today."

The prestigious Catalina Jazz Club, in Hollywood, California, will receive on August 3, 2017 Elijah Rock and his musicians, later on September 7 this year the toast will be at Vitello's, in Studio City, CA.

Elijah Rock's Notes:

Actor/Singer/Writer/Producer/Dancer and self-proclaimed “Artrepreneur” Elijah Rock has left few stones unturned in his quest for performance art excellence since leaving his native Cleveland, Ohio. He not only seeks out challenging creative opportunities, he creates them – in the spotlight and behind the scenes.

Winner of the 2014 NAACP Theater Award for Best Male Equity performer in “Breath and Imagination: The Story of Roland Hayes,” Elijah Rock recently wowed critics and audiences with performances starring as Porgy in the first ever jazz adaptation of  “Porgy and Bess” (Ensemble Theatre-Santa Barbara). Rock was also Nominated for a 2016 Ovation Award for Best Featured Male Performer as the legendary Harlem show man Cab Calloway in “I Only Have Eyes For You: The Life and Lyrics of Al Dubin” (Ricardo Montalban Theater – Hollywood).  In Television, Rock appeared as a recurring guest star in the second season of the spicy Showtime Television series “Masters of Sex,” before reprising his award-winning role as ‘Roland Hayes’ at ArtsEmerson’s historical Paramount Theater in Boston (where he also sang the National Anthem at the 2015 State of the City Address for Mayor Marty Walsh in Boston Symphony Hall). As a producer, Rock has teemed up with award-winning director/writer Antwone Fisher to produce the history-rich big screen biopic “Lincoln Perry – The Life of Stepin Fetchit.”

As the Crooner in the musical play, “Words by Ira Gershwin” Rock’s participation on that musical expose’ of the legendary Tin Pan Alley genius’s, inspired Elijah to record in 2016 a contemporary twist to the music of George & Ira Gershwin via the innovative Gershwin For My Soul (produced by pianist, arranger and composer Kevin Toney of `70s Soul-Jazz band The Blackbirds). It is currently making its way up the jazz charts. Targeting performance arts centers and playhouses as well as traditional music venues, Elijah will bring a unique live presentation of this music with theatrical, staging, choreography and lighting elements that position the show as more than a stand-up vocal concert yet not quite a full-on musical. Directed by Saundra McClain (who helmed his NAACP Award-winning performance in “Breath and Imagination”), Elijah’s vision for the Gershwin project – and all of his endeavors – must be experienced to be fully understood and deeply appreciated.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Rock grew up singing in Lee Heights Community Church and as a student at University School- preparatory school for boys, from which he was discovered by The Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus and The Cleveland Opera Children’s Chorus. He was a boy soprano until his voice changed and he joined the Cleveland Singing Angels as a soloist. Thus, he fell in love with Classical Voice, Theatre Performance and later, Jazz Performance and Jazz Tap.  As a high school youth, Rock studied bel canto singing and acting at the world-renowned Interlochen Arts Camp for two summers under the tutelage of Beverly Rinaldi. In his senior year, he had the honor of being one of the first vocalists to be accepted into the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) Young Artist Program where he continued his studies with Ms. Rinaldi. It was also in Cleveland, where he studied theatre drama, dance, improvisational and sketch comedy at the Karamu House Theatre – the oldest long-running African American theatre in the country. Furthering his roots in African American forms of classical music, Elijah went on to become a soloist for the renown ‘Albert McNeil, Los Angeles Jubilee Singers,’ singing Negro Spiritual music in concert halls around the world. It’s no wonder, that when Rock discovered the likes of Paul Robeson, Roland Hayes, Earl Jeffries, Al Hibbler, Arthur Prysock, Joe Williams and Sammy Davis, Jr. at an early age, he would find his calling and devote his life to the Classical Performing Arts, Theatre and The Great American Songbook.

Rock’s diverse skill set has landed him lead roles in theatre productions off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the country. Works include starring as ‘Roland Hayes’ in “Breath and Imagination,” at the ArtsEmerson Paramount Theater in Boston and The Cleveland Playhouse (where he was recognized with Superior Achievement by the 2014 Cleveland Critics Circle Awards), August Wilson’s ‘Cory’ in “Fences,” ‘Youngblood’ in “Jitney,” “Vaudeville,” “To Be Young Gifted and Black” and ‘Ace of Spades’ in “Hoodoo Love.”  Musicals include the iconic lead role of ‘Coalhouse Walker, Jr.,’ in “Ragtime,” ‘Adrian’ in “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “Baby It’s You,” “Sophisticated Ladies,” “Paradise,” as ‘Tater’ (a World Premier Bluegrass Musical) and ‘Anatoly’ in “Chess” at the East West Players, and the ‘Crooner’ in “Words by Ira Gershwin”.  Rock’s short film “Lunch with Jeremiah” in which he co-wrote, co-produced and co-starred has screened at the 2013 Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF), 2013 NYLA International Film Festival and the 2014 Los Angeles Pan African Film Festival.

An Executive Vice President (EVP) of Artistic Services with Fantank LLC, Rock is merging Arts & Entertainment and internet technology. The start up is the worlds’ premier provider of data, news, information technology, solutions, analytics and services that gives humanity access to a network of information, people and ideas so they can make better informed decisions during their talent scouting, content consumption, talent investment, collaboration or even when simply surveying the Arts & Entertainment industry landscape around them from their desktops, tablets or mobile devices. In content production, he is a founding partner of Decipher Entertainment, which creates intellectual property through the art of cultivating rich and diverse images. Decipher constantly reevaluates between entertainment, the industry and it’s interactivity in culture. Rock is dedicated to producing content that has universal appeal and uniquely reflects our humanity. He resides both in Los Angeles, CA, and New York City.

¡¡Amor y Jazz!!

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