Adi Meyerson releases debut album "Where We Stand" + upcoming shows

Bassist & Composer Adi Meyerson Announces the Release of her Debut Album “Where We Stand”

Bassist and composer Adi Meyerson is proud to release her debut album Where We Stand TODAY! Alongside the distinct stylings of special guest vocalist and guitarist Camila Meza, Where We Stand features stalwart tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm, trumpeter Freddie Hendrix, pianist Mike King and drummer Kush Abadey. Where We Stand, signified by the title track, and as a whole, represents times of uncertainty and change. Through this dynamic music, Meyerson displays how these particular moments, although unpredictable and ambivalent, can sometimes also carry a feeling of excitement and anticipation. For Meyerson, the album title feels relevant to her, both as an individual and as a part of the current social climate we all live in today. The release of Where We Stand will be celebrated at The Jazz Standard, located at 116 E 27th St, New York on Sunday, July 1st at 12pm, as part of their Smokestack Brunch Series. Adi Meyerson’s nine-track opus is at once reflective and celebratory. Written over half a decade, Where We Stand takes its inspiration from Meyersons’ five years living in New York City, where she has established herself as a staple on the downtown scene. Although difficult to pinpoint specific experiences that inspired these compositions, Meyerson knows that every day and every encounter somehow found its way into the music. “Music is a way of telling one’s life story and that’s what I try to do every time I play and compose.” While “A “D” Train”, written on a flight back to NYC was interestingly given its name as a clever way to help people pronounce the composer’s name correctly, the opening track off the album “Rice & Beans” was written while Meyerson sat on a beautiful beach in Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica. “TNT” was written with some of Meyerson’s closest friends in mind, while “Eunice” was composed for Nina Simone, after the bandleader became inspired by the legendary vocalist’s life and personality. Similar to “A Touch of Grey”, “Holes” and “Unfinished Business”, “Little Firefly” is dedicated to all the people on this planet that left before it was time for them to go. Although it is the oldest song out of the nine tunes that Meyerson wrote, it became one of the most relevant compositions throughout her life. Featuring Camila Meza on vocals and guitar, “Little Firefly” was also the bassist’s first experience with lyric writing. Written two weeks before recording, the title track of the record became a new door to a new period, musically. The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music graduate is thrilled to be joined by this ensemble, who collectively bring her vision to life. Each of these musicians have a unique sound that skillfully and appropriately interprets the music. While Meyerson appreciates the strong, lyrical and energetic frontline of Freddie Hendrix and Joel Frahm, she also admiringly acknowledges both the sensitivity and fire that Kush Abadey and Mike King contribute to the rhythm section. Special guest Camila Meza adds a distinctive flair that brings this ensemble together. While the accomplished vocalist delivers the title track with sincere emotion and dynamic, Meza also exhibits her versatility and elegance on “Little Firefly”.  Upon hearing Meza over three years ago, Meyerson immediately knew she was the perfect person to sing the track. “I could really hear her singing it. The tone of her voice is so beautiful and unique, with a little bit of that darkness I was looking for for that song.” In addition to her New York City chronicles, Where We Stand also serves as a celebration of life in honor of her late father. Following his untimely death, Meyerson turned to writing as a way to cope. She explains, “it helped me to acknowledge that life goes on and that positive experiences are still part of it.” While this album documents Meyerson’s life experiences throughout the past five years, Where We Stand is an album that is very much about the music as a whole. While showcasing each musician in the band, Meyerson simultaneously ensures that the music actively maintains a cohesive collective sound that presents each individual song to the highest standard and authenticity. Upcoming shows: today 6/7/2018, 7 pm, FAT CAT, NYC; 6/19/2018, 6 pm, CORNELIA ST. CAFE, NYC; 7/01/2018, 12 pm, JAZZ STANDARD (CD RELEASE), NYC Notes ADI MEYERSON: Adi Meyerson received her first musical training at the prestigious "Charles A. Smith Jerusalem High School of the Arts" on bass guitar at the age of 14.  After graduating from high school, Adi started playing the upright bass in the search of a new sound that was more appropriate for Jazz. Three months later, Adi was accepted to the prominent collaborative program between "The Center of Jazz Studies (CJS)" at the Israel Conservatory of Music and "The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music". There she had the Privilege to study and play with some of Israel's finest musicians such as Amit Golan, Amos Hoffman, Ofer Ganor, Danny Rosenfeld, Erez Bar Noy, Yuval Cohen and many others, as well as the opportunity to carry out the equivalent with international jazz legends such as Jimmy Cobb, Mulgrew Miller, Peter Bernstein and Eddie Henderson. In August 2012 Adi moved To New York to continue her studies at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, where she graduated from in 2014. She received an opportunity to study with some of the great masters of the style such as Reggie Workman, Ron Carter, Charles Tolliver, Kirk Nurock, Billy Harper, Bob Cranshaw and many more. Since Moving to New York, Adi has played with many local greats such as Joel Frahm, Joe Magnarelli, Steve Nelson, Charli Persip and many others around NYC venues such as Mezzrow, Smalls Jazz Club, Fat Cat, Smoke Jazz, Minton's, Zinc Bar, Dizzy's Coca Cola, and others. She has recently toured the US and Central America and recorded with the Champian Fulton band for Positone Records. Adi also leads her own band, The "Adi Meyerson Band" and performs regularly in NYC and the east coast.

¡¡Amor & Jazz!!

www.adimeyersonmusic.com

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Howard Gladstone - New Release "HOURGLASS" on Sonic Peach Music

Howard Gladstone HOURGLASS  Toronto Singer/Songwriter Featuring   Laura Fernandez & Tony Quarrington  Genre: Contemporary Folk, Roots/Rock

Toronto singer-songwriter Howard Gladstone released HOURGLASS - his fifth album of original contemporary folk/roots music in the U.S.A. on June 15, 2018. Three years after spinal surgery Howard Gladstone has returned to music with a higher level of commitment and inspiration, and deeper understanding of its' healing power. Gladstone has written songs that reflect a quiet despair, but answered by a message of hope, perseverance and optimism. The songs on HOURGLASS have resonated well with early reviewers, audiences and international radio airplay. The album sparkles with an occasional Latin accent from accomplished vocalist, pianist, songwriter Laura Fernandez and guitar licks from the virtuoso fret-burning Tony Quarrington. Acoustic bass master George Koller shines throughout. In 2017, Gladstone along with Laura Fernandez founded Sonic Peach Music, an independent record label. Demonstrating Sonic Peach Music's commitment to audio fidelity, HOURGLASS was recorded in 192kHz/24bit resolution by Peter J. Moore, Grammy®-winning recording and mastering engineer (The Basement Tapes), using the Calrec microphone made famous in the Cowboy Junkies's groundbreaking Trinity Sessions. HOURGLASS is envisioned as a traditional album with side A (tracks 1-5) featuring all acoustic instruments, while side B (tracks 6-9) adds drums (Bob Scott), electric guitar plus instrumental surprises including electric sitar and large vocal chorus. Howard Gladstone: vocal, acoustic guitar Laura Fernandez: vocal Tony Quarrington: guitars, vocal George Koller: bass Bob Scott: drums Peter J. Moore: engineering and mastering    Release date: JUNE 15, 2018 Label: Sonic Peach Music

Howard Gladstone - "My Heart Won't Let Me Keep Still" (Live)

¡¡Amor & Jazz!!

www.howardgladstone.com        www.sonicpeachmusic.com

www.scottthompsonpr.com      scott@scottthompsonpr.com

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New CD: Shawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow “Music In My Mind” + Upcoming Live Appearances

Shawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow     “Music In My Mind” New CD

Accompanied by his New Tomorrow band plus special guests, saxophonist Shawn Maxwell presents captivating original tunes on his latest release,Music In My Mind   Chicago-based reed maven Shawn Maxwell takes listeners on a jazz journey with his brand-new CD, Music In My Mind   On Music In My Mind, saxophonist/clarinetist/flutist Shawn Maxwell presents an exciting mix of 10 new compositions, ranging from straight-ahead jazz to the free and far out to funk and fusion, all rendered with skill, taste, warmth and originality. This is the eighth album of originals for Maxwell, and once again he displays the talent, creativity and imagination that have built an enthusiastic international audience for this Illinois native son. Joined by his band New Tomorrow on this latest CD, Music In My Mind,Maxwell presents an excellent sampler of his far-reaching capabilities as a bandleader, and highlights the stellar contributions of his musical cohorts. The saxophonist/clarinetist/flutist is joined by New Tomorrow stalwarts Victor Garcia on trumpet and flugelhorn, Matt Nelson on piano and keyboards, Junius Paul on acoustic and electric bass, and Phil Beale on drums. The core New Tomorrow band is supplemented on this fresh offering by special guests, including vocalist Dee Alexander, trumpeters Chad McCullough and Corey Wilkes, electric bassists Patrick Mulcahy and Tim Seisser, vibraphonist Stephen Lynerd, and drummer/percussionist Kalyan Pathak. The Joliet, Illinois-born Shawn Maxwell was exposed to a wide variety of music from his youngest years; he recalls that hearing Pete Fountain made him want to play the clarinet. It was love at first note—as soon as Shawn picked up an instrument, he knew he wanted to pursue a life in music. As he discovered more about jazz in high school, he realized he’d found his musical home. Maxwell has been a mainstay of the Chicago jazz scene since his high school days. Critic Neil Tesser has described his tone in glowing terms: "His alto timbre sits in a lineage exemplified by past giants like Jackie McLean and Eric Dolphy, and by such latter-day players as Arthur Blythe and Steve Slagle." But Maxwell can’t be pigeonholed as solely a Chicago musician. The saxophonist has steadily developed a broad following far beyond his Midwest roots, starting with the release of his first album in 2004. He maintains a busy national and international touring schedule, and has gigged and recorded with a quartet and a 10-tet, Shawn Maxwell’s Alliance, as well as with New Tomorrow. Maxwell has been lauded for his composing skills from the get-go, and he acknowledges finding inspiration in a diverse lineup that includes Guns N’ Roses, Duke Ellington, Art Pepper and Cannonball Adderley. Writing music always seemed like a natural creative outlet to the saxophonist, who notes, “As jazz musicians, we’re composers every time we take a solo.” Music In My Mindhighlights include: “He Gone”: Introspective and mellow, grounded by the spare, intense drumwork and ethereal flute. “Our Princess is in Another Castle” is frisky and engaging, with a hypnotic beat. It’s a treat to hear how singer Dee Alexander shines in this setting. The title track, “Music In My Mind,” bursts with fun and creativity, hinting at classically inspired themes. Check out the leader’s exciting saxophone work, as well as Victor Garcia’s shimmering flugelhorn solo. With its brilliant writing, sax styling and energy, there’s something about “Glamasue” that evokes but never imitates Arthur Blythe on the cusp of the 1980s. There’s an engaging development of tension and tempo, driven by the depth of Tim Seisser’s electric bass. With Music In My MindShawn Maxwell proves once again that he is in the front line among today’s most versatile and creative jazz talents. Expect to be surprised and delighted by his music for years to come.   Shawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow   “Music In My Mind” (Origin)   Street Date: May 18, 2018   Shawn Maxwell - alto saxophone/clarinet/flute,  Dee Alexander - voice (tracks 1, 2 & 4),  Victor Garcia - trumpet/flugelhorn (tracks 2 & 8),  Chad McCullough - trumpet/flugelhorn (tracks 1, 3, 4, 5 & 9),  Corey Wilkes - trumpet (tracks 6 & 10),  Matt Nelson - piano/Rhodes,  Patrick Mulcahy - electric bass (tracks 6 & 10),  Junius Paul - electric & acoustic bass (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 & 8),  Tim Seisser - electric bass (tracks 3 & 9),  Phil Beale – drums,  Stephen Lynerd - vibraphone (track 5),  Kalyan Pathak - Duff drums, Paiste Cup Chimes, Djembe, Percussion (track 7)   Upcoming Events May-June 2018 Glendale Jazz Festival – Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow May 25 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Glendale Jazz Festival, 424 Sappington Rd St Louis,  MO  63122 United States + Google MapShawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow performs at the Glendale Jazz Festival Find out more » Westsylvania Jazz & Blues Festival – Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow May 26 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Westsylvania Jazz & Blues Festival, N 7th St Indiana,  PA  15702 United States + Google MapShawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow performs at Westsylvania Jazz & Blues Festival Find out more » Constellation – Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow May 31 @ 8:30 pm - 11:00 pm Constellation, 3111 n. Western Chicago,  IL  60618 United States + Google MapShawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow celebrates the release of their new album on the Origin label. Find out more » June 2018 Black Dolphin – Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow June 7 @ 8:30 pm - 11:30 pm Black Dolphin, 1813 Grand Blvd Kansas City,  MO  64108 United States + Google MapShawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow celebrates the release of their new album at Black Dolphin in Kansas City Find out more » Cafe Paradiso – Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow June 8 @ 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm Cafe Paradiso, 101 N Main st Fairfield,  IA  United States + Google MapShawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow performs celebrating the release of their new album. Find out more » The Washington – Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow June 9 @ 8:00 pm The Washington, 306 Washington Street Burlington,  IA  52601 United States + Google MapShawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow celebrates the release of their new album at The Washington Find out more » Andy’s Jazz Club – Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow June 15 @ 9:30 pm - June 16 @ 1:00 am Andy’s Jazz Club, 11 E Hubbard St Chicago,  IL  60654 United States + Google MapShawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow celebrates the release of their new album at Andy's Jazz Club Find out more » Andy’s Jazz Club – Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow June 16 @ 9:30 pm - June 17 @ 1:00 am Andy’s Jazz Club, 11 E Hubbard St Chicago,  IL  60654 United States + Google MapShawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow celebrates the release of their new album at Andy's Jazz Club Find out more » An Die Music – Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow June 20 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm An Die Music, 409 N Charles St  Baltimore,  MD  21201 United States + Google Map Shawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow celebrates the release of their new album at An Die Music Find out more » The Shrine – Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow June 21 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm The Shrine, 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd  New York City,  NY  United States + Google Map Shawn Maxwell's New Tomorrow performs celebrating the release of their new album.

¡¡Amor & Jazz!!

https://www.shawnmaxwell.com       www.originarts.com

jim@jazzpromoservices.com                    www.jazzpromoservices.com www.jazzglobalbeat.blogspot.com                         jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com

Gregory Generet & Richard Jonhson Announce the Release of "2 Of A Kind" (6/4)

Vocalist Gregory Generet & Pianist Richard Johnson Announce their Debut Collaboration “2 Of A Kind” Due Out  June 4th 2018 on AFAR MUSIC

New York, New York - Vocalist Gregory Generet and pianist Richard Johnson are proud to announce the Monday, June 4th release of their debut collaborative album, 2 Of A Kind. Featuring some of New York City’s finest musicians including Freddie Hendrix on trumpet, Jonathan Beshay on tenor and soprano saxophone,  Barry Stephenson on bass and Henry Conerwayon drums, 2 Of A Kind is filled with traditional classic swing, reminiscent of John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman’s collaborations. 2 Of A Kindacknowledges the great legends of jazz, while maintaining focus on future horizons and perspectives. Collectively, this talented duo create a sound that leaves audiences captivated and wanting more. 2 Of A Kind is a twelve track compilation of six reimagined classic gems and six original compositions written and arranged by Richard Johnson. With Johnson’s dynamic writing perfectly showcased and brought to life by Generet’s vocals, 2 Of A Kind presents the listener with a fresh, optimistic perspective for the future of this music. With the original composition “We Can Make a Change” particularly in mind, 2 Of A Kind is a feel good record that strives to present a positive outlook when plans and expectations take an alternative route. Gregory Generet has been performing internationally to sold-out appearances and now it’s time to bring the swing home. Alongside maintaining a three year residency at Smoke Jazz Club, the talented vocalist has earned the respect of the New York jazz scene by performing at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola and Rose Hall (Jazz at Lincoln Center), Joe’s Pub, The Highline Ballroom, The Kitano and Feinstein’s at the Lowes Regency. Nominated by New York City’s Hot House jazz magazine as Best Jazz Vocalist and a three time Emmy winner, Generet began working with Johnson at Jazz at Lincoln Centre Doha (Qatar) where they quickly became a household collaboration in the Middle East. Having spent close to three years working overseas, Generet and Johnson developed a huge repertoire of music that is now coming to light in the United States. Making it to the final four on internationally renowned TV show “Chopped”, Generet is also known to be a talented cook, alongside his successful music career! Born in Pittsburgh, the home of jazz greats Art Blakey, Ray Brown, Jeff "Tain" Watts and Ahmad Jamal, Richard D. Johnson has strong territorial jazz roots. Schooled by some of the most legendary jazz musicians and studying at some of the most esteemed institutions of music, the pianist and arranger has cultivated a rich and pedigreed musical background. Following his tenured musical education, Johnson was invited to become a member of Wynton Marsalis' Septet and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. After completing his time with JALC (2000-2003), Richard became the musical director for the National Basketball Association in Atlanta, GA and presented an impressive 92 season games.  During this same period he also had the privilege of being named United States Jazz Ambassador 6 separate times. Mentored by Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, Johnson explains that these three icons paved the way for his innovative approach to music to be formed and moulded. Johnson actively honors the greats of the past, absorbs their legacy, and then creates and presents music that maintains a strong, positive outlook to the future. ¡¡Amor & Jazz!! www.gregorygeneret.com          www.rjjazz.com www.lydialiebman.com      lydialiebmanjazz@gmail.com www.jazzglobalbeat.blogspot.com       jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com

REVIVE Music announces the May 11th release of Yes Today, the debut from Harlem-based music collective Freelance

Yes Today marks the first release of REVIVE Music’s independent label division

REVIVE Music is thrilled to announce the May 11th release of Yes Today, the debut album from Harlem-based music collective Freelance. The first release under REVIVE Music’s independent label division, Yes Today is a genre-defying 13 track opus that serves as a spiritual reflection on the struggles faced by people of color in modern America. Distilled from Freelance’s signature, dynamic live performances Yes Today is a lush, groove-dominant clinic in the power of seizing the moment and saying “Yes Today!” Yes Today will be previewed this Thursday, April 5, at Nublu, located in New York’s Lower East Side, as part of Freelance’s monthly residency, which has been playing to sold-out rooms throughout the city for the past several months. On May 10, the group will return to Nublu to celebrate Yes Today’s official release. Freelance features an all-star lineup of musicians that regularly accompany Grammy Award winning artists such as Robert Glasper, Solange, Estelle, Esperanza Spalding, Terence Blanchard, Bilal, Terrace Martin, Lalah Hathaway, and more. Comprised of founding leaders Smithsoneon (vocals) and Ausar the Ambassador (keyboards) along with Craig Hill (saxophone), Yasser Tejeda (guitar) and David “Dj” Ginyard (bass) and Justin Tyson(drums), Freelance’s sound is born from the sonic footprints of Mint Condition, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead, and Robert Glasper. Also featured on a number of tracks is harpist Brandee Younger, organist Mitch Henry and acclaimed trumpeter (and band mentor) Darren Barrett who is highlighted on “Band Plays On”, among others. The album was mixed by world-class producer and drummer Charles Haynes aka Chally Mikes. Yes Today is a collection of songs that speak to the evolution of Freelance and their myriad influences. The genre-defying collective lend their ideals and polychromatic musical aesthetic to the tasks of speaking truth to power, pushing the envelope with forward production and capturing the energy of their live shows on record. Funded by a Kickstarter campaign and revenue generated by the band, Yes Today found Freelance returning to their undergraduate stomping ground to record at the Herd Studio in Boston. Their first full album of original music, the wide-ranging project is a demonstration of the band’s versatility that combines feather light arpeggios, booming percussive statements and triumphant fanfares with ease. Yes Today is their multifaceted contribution to the trap and pop dominant lexicon of millennial black music. With it they challenge the popular narrative and travels leagues toward realizing their goal of making people “fall in love with the idea of a band again.” The energy of Yes Today is perhaps best exemplified in the album’s lead single, “Band Plays On”. Premiered on March 30th via Revive.com, “Band Plays On” pulls music cues from Michael Jackson’s “Off The Wall” while speaking to the feeling we all experience when our favorite song magically alleviates the worries of everyday life. On the infectious single, which was mixed by Grammy-award winning engineer Ben Kane, each member of Freelance is highlighted; Smithsoneon’s powerful vocals and Ginyard’s carefully placed bass fills and provide an anchor while Ausar the Ambassador’s synth patches add lush textures. Tejeda’s steady guitar work and Tyson’s distinctive drum groove compliment the EWF-esque gorns led by Hill. Other standout tracks include the post-punk empowerment anthem “Why Wait”, which channels a J Dilla join and Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Really Care About Us”, and the album’s eighth offering “What We Fear”, which is Freelance’s response to extrajudicial violence.

"Band Plays On" Official Video

The release of Yes Today marks REVIVE Music’s launch of its independent label division. “...To launch this venture with such brilliant musicians and songwriters is exactly the path to take the REVIVE Music Group to places unimagined.  We are so proud to be a part of bringing this great project to the world via our platforms.” says industry veteran and EVP of REVIVE Music GuyRoutte. To date, REVIVE has released three albums under its imprint with BlueNote Records which has featured an astonishing array of featured artists which include Otis Brown III, Bilal, Gretchen Parleto, Derrick Hodge, Marcus Strickland, Meshell N’Degeocello, Keyon Harrold, Brandee Younger, Casey Benjamin, Raymond Angry, Justin Brown and many more. Their 2015 RCA Nina Simone Revisited partnered release produced by Robert Glasper featured artists Lauryn Hill, Usher, Mary J Blige, Gregory Porter, Common, Alice Smith, and more. About REVIVE Music Group Revive Music launched in 2006 as a boutique live music agency that specializes in producing genre-bending, creative-concept live music shows that tour worldwide with the purpose of educating and inspiring audiences about artistic and authentic forms of music. In effort further provide an advocacy platform for musicians, Revive launched the leading online journal for the burgeoning jazz community dedicated to their musicianship, artistry and creative expression as a part of Okayplayer.com in 2010 and in 2013 launched their label imprint on Blue Note Records, signing some of today’s most gifted and progressive jazz artists. ¡¡Amor & Jazz!! www.revive-music.com             meghan@revive-music.com www.lydialiebman.com      lydia@lydialiebmanpromotions.com www.jazzglobalbeat.blogspot.com      jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com

Saxophonist Don Braden Releases New Album EARTH WIND AND WONDER

Creative Perspective Music is proud to release Earth Wind and Wonder, the highly anticipated new project from saxophonist Don Braden. On this exciting new project, the world-renowned saxophonist explores the wide-ranging catalogue of Earth Wind and Fire and Stevie Wonder. Braden is joined by two stellar rhythm sections that include pianists Brandon McCuneand Art Hirahara, bassists Joris Teepe and Kenny Davis, drummers Cecil Brooks III and Jeremy Warren and percussionist Kahlil Kwame Bell. As a young man growing up in Louisville, Kentucky in the 1970s, Braden discovered the music of both Earth Wind and Fire and Stevie Wonder, and it immediately captured his heart, mind and soul. The esteemed saxophonist explains that “the messages within their music – built around core themes such as strength, love and joy, are imbued with African-American spirit, and yet embody a wide variety of human emotions and experience. They are delivered with power, artistry and elegance via memorable and singable melodies, rich harmonies, compelling lyrics, infectious grooves, outstanding arrangements and superb performances.” While Braden’s career grew in the direction of straight ahead jazz, he continued to listen to and study the music of his early musical heroes. Earth Wind and Wonder augments the repertoire of “contemporary standards” that Braden has accumulated over the years; jazz interpretations of his generation’s “American Songbook”. As a matter of artistic and emotional expression, Braden enthuses that his exploration of this music has been highly rewarding, stimulating and fun! The ten tracks that appear on Earth Wind and Wonder showcase the astounding versatility and adaptability of EW&F and Stevie Wonder’s legendary catalogue. Standout tracks include album opener “Fantasy” from EW&F’s All ‘n All, a grooving shuffle version of Wonder’s “Higher Ground”, a reharmonized, sultry rendition of Wonder’s “Visions”, and a stunning interpretation of EW&F’s “After The Love Is Gone”. Also noteworthy are two of Braden’s original compositions (“The Elements” and “The Wonder of You”) that take inspiration from the album’s concept. This project was completed and perfected over the course of three separate recording sessions, the first being in Summer 2014 with Brandon McCune, Joris Teepe and Cecil Brooks III. Later that year, Braden unfortunately got sidelined by a scary, potentially career-ending surgery, which, thankfully, went well. In 2016, Braden was commissioned to perform this music with the Litchfield Jazz Orchestra at the Litchfield Jazz Festival. Inspired by writing big band charts of this material, Braden got back into the studio in September 2017 to record more songs with his most recent working band: Art Hirahara, Kenny Davis, and Jeremy Warren. Finally, in early 2018 Kahlil Bell recorded percussion on several tracks. Each of these incredible musicians brought their own flair, and through their incredible support of Braden, have been amazing partners in the development of this music. Earth Wind and Wonder follows last year’s outstanding release Conversations, which featured Braden alongside Joris Teepe and drummers Gene Jackson and Matt Wilson. This critically acclaimed album went on to receive numerous accolades including a four-star review from Downbeat. Braden presents this grooving new album in the hope that his audience will become energized and inspired by the music, in a way that encourages them to listen with new ears. “This is the music that first imprinted my teenage brain, so I feel especially inspired to fly creatively with the band. Our performances, which are grooving and mellifluous but often complex and unpredictable (in classic modern jazz style), are enhanced by these well-known tunes – they remind us that jazz has and will always have roots in popular music. When played with joy and swing, these songs become a bridge into the modern jazz world.” Don Braden Notes: Don Braden is a world class musician who has recorded and toured with a number of jazz luminaries, and has produced 21 albums as a leader. He attended Harvard University as an Engineering major but decided to pursue his love of jazz, eventually being dubbed as one of the so-called “young lions” during the 1980s. Braden has written hundreds of compositions for a variety of ensembles, from duo to full symphonic orchestra, including many for TV and film. In addition he is a highly experienced jazz educator, having taught at several institutions (including Harvard University and the Litchfield Jazz Camp), and having presented numerous workshops around the world.

¡¡Amor y Jazz!!

www.donbraden.com

www.lydialiebman.com         lydia@lydialiebmanpromotions.com

www.jazzglobalbeat.blogspot.com     jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com

2018 JJA Jazz Awards Nominees Announced

2018 JJA Jazz Awards Nominees Announced 23rdAnnual Honors for Singers, Instrumentalists, Journalists Benny Golson, Ahmad Jamal, Charles Lloyd Vie for Lifetime Achievement

Nominees for the 2018 Jazz Awards the 23rdannual honors produced by the Jazz Journalists Association were announced, posted on the website www.JJAJazzAwards.org. Excellence in music and music journalism is celebrated in the 39 Awards categories, topped by Benny Golson, Charles Lloyd and Ahmad Jamal for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz, Will Friedwald, Ben Ratliff and Patricia Willard for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Journalism. All nominees are posted here: http://www.jjajazzawards.org/p/blog-page_21.html Please don't cut-and-paste the list, but share the link. Saxophonists Golson and Lloyd and pianist Jamal are revered for their compositions, improvisations and ensemble leadership as well as their instrumental works. Friedwald, an author and widely published journalist, is best known as an expert in American popular song; Ratliff, also an author, was jazz and pop critic for the New York Times for 20 years and continues freelancing articles; Willard, Duke Ellington's editorial hand for 25 years, started publishing articles and liner notes in 1950 and has consulted with government agencies as well as serving as an oral historian. Other notable details about the JJA's 2018 finalists ballot: Women continue to be more acknowledged for their contributions to jazz, as all three nominees for "Up and Coming Musician of the Year" are female, and Patricia Willard is the first ever female nominee for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Journalism; Three of four nominees for Historical Record of the Year were issued by Resonance Records; The two dominant American jazz magazines, DownBeat and JazzTimes, face-off as the sole nominees for the JJA Award for Print Periodical/Website of the Year. Jazz Awards for journalism also include blogs, books, photos, original album art, writing of the year and career achievements in broadcasting and photography. Awards for music include Record of the Year, Record Label of the Year, and honors for composers, vocalists and instrumentalists. The Jazz Journalists Association is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit association with an international membership of professional writers, broadcasters photographers, videographers and online content creators, plus their supporters. Sponsors of the JJA's 23rd annual Jazz Awards include the Jazz= Foundation of America, Berklee College of Music, the New School Jazz Program, the Joyce and George Wein Foundation, Verve and Resonance Records as well as Concord Jazz, ECM Records, Motéma Music, Sunnyside Records, Blue Note Records, High Note-Savant Records and Thirsty Ear Records; the Jazz Education Network, ASCAP, BMI, Century Media Partners, the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation and North Coast Brewing Company; the Tucson Jazz Festival, San Jose Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival and Monterey Jazz Festival; WDCB-FM; SFJazz, Jazz St. Louis, Jazz Bridge (Philadelphia), the Jazz Institute of Chicago, MCGJazz (PIttsburgh), Collective Eye Productions (Minneapolis-St. Paul); Braithwaite & Katz Communications, Scott Thompson Public Relations and Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services. These sponsors also support the JJA's 2018 Jazz Heroes /www.jjajazzawards.org/p/2018-jazz-heroes.html> campaign heralding jazz "activists, altruists, advocates, aiders and abettors" in 20 U.S. cities. 2018 Jazz Awards winners will be announced online at www.JJAJazzAwards on May 7; most will receive their engraved statuettes publicly at their summer performances across the U.S. A Jazz Awards party has been schedule for June 12, 2018, to be held at Arnold Hall of the Theresa Lang Community and Student Center, 55 W. 13thStreet, NYC. Details TBA. For further information about the JJA Jazz Awards, Jazz Heroes or the Jazz Journalists Association, please contact President@JazzJournalists.org or Jim Eigo, Jim@JazzPromoServices.com www.jazzglobalbeat.blogspot.com       jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com