Jeff "Siege" Siegel announces release of new album London Live

OUT TODAY on Artists Recording Collective (ARC) Featuring The Jeff “Siege” Siegel Quartet Release Shows: August 28: John Birks Gillespie Theater – B’ahai Center of New York, NYC September 6: Release Show at Zinc Bar, NYC September 8: Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival, Albany, NY September 22: Release Show at Rosendale Cafe, Rosendale, NY Drummer and composer Jeff “Siege” Siegel is proud to release London Live, the fourth album from his esteemed quartet on Artists Recording Collective (ARC) TODAY! Featuring Erica Lindsay on tenor saxophone, Francesca Tanksley on piano and the new and exciting addition of Vienna-native Uli Langthaler on bass, The Jeff “Siege” Siegel Quartet recorded London Live - their second live recording - at Pizza Express Jazz Club, London on the closing night of their fourth European tour as a group in 2010. This eight track opus, which includes six originals - three by Siegel, two by Lindsay and one by Tanksley - alongside Coltrane’s “Peace on Earth” and the African American spiritual “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me”, is penned by the stalwart drummer as a “hard hitting 60’s set”. On November 3, 2010, having left their last destination on tour in Europe (Marktoberdorf, Germany – Bavaria), the quartet took the train to Munich, flew to London, made their way into the city, got lost, had a taxi adventure and eventually found their way to their hotel.    In an unfortunate coincidence, the city’s metro went on strike shortly after their arrival, meaning that many people who would have come to the show at Pizza Express Jazz Club couldn’t make it out of fear of not having a way home. Nevertheless, the group closed their European tour that night in London after two weeks in Germany and Austria and as it conveniently turned out, were given the opportunity to have this concert recorded and videoed. The album opens with Erica Lindsay’s “Meet Me at the Station”, a composition on which the saxophonist reflects upon life on the road. With the inclusion of  “Peace on Earth” and “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me”, Siegel pays homage to two inspiring musicians, whom he has had the pleasure of working with. “Peace on Earth” – a John Coltrane tune – was introduced to Siegel by master saxophonist Dave Liebman, with whom the renowned drummer performed back in 2009 in The Hague, Netherlands at the IASJ. “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me”, arranged by the late, great multi-instrumentalist Arthur Rhames, whom Siegel worked with upon his entrance to New York City in the early 1980s, is performed here in a Latin style as opposed to rubato/swing, reminiscent of how Siegel performed it in the Arthur Rhames Quartet. Inspired by the tuning and drum solo of Elvin Jones from the composition “The Drum Thing” on Coltrane’s “Crescent”, “Crescent Sound” is Siegel’s original composition and ode to the legendary saxophonist. “M Song” is a ballad in honor of the drummer’s wife of 34 years, Myra, while “A New Freedom” is a moving piece written by Francesca Tanksley that, in her words “..offers a sense of freedom – a freedom of the spirit”.  “Art’s Message” is a composition, evocative of the Jazz Messengers, led by the legendary drummer Art Blakey.  Lastly, “First Movement” is the quartet’s take on Erica Lindsay’s original composition from her 1989 debut album, which first drew Siegel to her writing: “I identified so much with the style of her writing and she remains one of my favorite composers.” On this experience as a whole, Siegel notes, “we were able to have this concert recorded and videoed and we hope you enjoy the experience of hearing a band after performing several nights on tour. The luxury of working every night together is unfortunately a rare thing these days so we were grateful for this opportunity [to record live] on our 4th European tour as a band, with the new addition of Uli”. Jeff Siegel Notes: Drummer/Composer Jeff “Siege” Siegel is a veteran of the New York Jazz scene and has worked with a virtual “who’s who” of artists. He came onto the New York scene in 1980-83 as a member of the quartet of the legendary multi-instrumentalist Arthur Rhames.  After six years with the group Second Sight, which featured trumpeter Dave Douglas, Siegel became a member of the Sir Roland Hanna Trio from 1994-’99. From the years 1990 – present he has co-led several touring ensembles as well as The Jeff “Siege” SiegelQuartet.  Simultaneously, from 2001 – 2015 Siegel was also a member of the Lee Shaw Trio with whom he also produced several cds and a dvd. Besides leading his own quartet/quintet/sextet, Jeff is a member of the Levin Brothers band and tours and records with them regularly. In addition, Jeff has performed/and or recorded as well with an array of international artists in his travels including European artists Johannes Enders, Esa Pietila, Nils Wogrom, Jaromir Honzak, Harry Sokol, Torsten Goods, Julian and Roman Wasserfuhr, Cecile Verny , Michael Lutzeier,  Nick Smart, Kirke Karja, South African trumpeter Feya Faku, singer Tutu Puoane and The South Africa Tribute Big Band and Brazilian and Argentinian musicians such as, Filo Machado, Robenare Marques, Marcelo Jesuino, Raphael Simpaio and Ale Demogli. Siegel’s diverse career has also led him to perform and/or record with legends such as Ron Carter, Kenny Burrell, Jack DeJohnette, Pat Metheny, Benny Golson, Frank Foster, Sheila Jordan, Helen Merrill, Mose Allison, John Medeski, Stefon Harris, Kurt Elling, Ravi Coltrane, Ryan Kisor, Steve Wilson, John Medeski, Dena DeRose, Dave Liebman, Pete & Tony Levin, Steve Turre, and many others. He has worked in the avant-garde world as well with artists such as Wadada Leo Smith, Baikida Carroll and Esa Pietila. He has performed over 30 European tours including four as leader of the Jeff “Siege” Siegel Quartet and several others as co-leader at various festivals, concert venues and clubs. His touring has also led to performances and clinics throughout the United States, South Africa, South America, China and Canada. As an educator, Siegel is a faculty member at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, Western Connecticut State University, and The State University of New York at New Paltz. He holds a Masters Degree in Jazz from Queens College where he studied composition with Jimmy Heath.  He has been the recipient of several grants from Meet the Composer and endorses Canopus Drums, Beato Bags and Vic Firth Drum Sticks. ¡¡Amor & Jazz!! www.jeffsiegel.com www.lydialiebmanpromotions.com   lydia@lydialiebmanpromotions.com www.jazzglobalbeat.blogspot.com      jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com

Carmela Rappazzo New CD “Howlin’ At The Moon” + Upcoming Live Appearances

Appearing Live With Oscar Rossignoli-piano, Jasen Weaver-bass, Gerald T. Watkins Jr.-drums, Steve Lands-trumpet plus guests Friday, September 7th The New Orleans Jazz Museum 400 Esplanade Ave New Orleans, LA 70116 www.nolajazzmuseum.org Friday, September 28th Buffa’s Lounge 1001 Esplanade Ave New Orleans, LA 70116 www.buffasrestaurant.com

CARMELA RAPPAZZO “HOWLIN’ AT THE MOON” The quietly expressive singer teams up with New Orleans jazz musicians to introduce eight new songs plus an inventive revival of “Lullaby Of The Leaves.” Artist: CARMELA RAPPAZZO Title: HOWLIN’ AT THE MOON (Self Produced) Artist Website: www.carmelarappazzo.com/  Release Date: SEPTEMBER 07, 2018 UPC Code: 191924799467 Track listing and Running Time  1. Genie In A Bottle Carmela Rappazzo 4:00 2. Keyhole Carmela Rappazzo 4:13 3. Haunted Carmela Rappazzo 5:55 4. Howlin’ At The Moon Carmela Rappazzo 2:46 5. Rush Of Heat Carmela Rappazzo 4:14 6. State Of Grace Carmela Rappazzo 6:28 7. Lullaby Of The Leaves Joe Young/Bernice Petkere 4:22 8. Revenge Carmela Rappazzo 3:17 9. Making My Way Back To You Carmela Rappazzo 4:27 Carmela Rappazzo- vocals. Oscar Rossignoli – piano. Jasen Weaver – bass. Gerald T. Watkins Jr.- drums. Steve Lands- trumpet. Jeronne Amari Ansari – sax. Mark McGrain – Trombone on ‘Keyhole’, ‘Howlin’ At The Moon’. Steve Glenn – Tuba ‘ Howlin’ At the Moon’. Mark Carroll and Paul Sanchez – backing vocals on ‘Howlin’ At The Moon’. Mahmoud Chouki – Lutar on ‘State of Grace’. Pete Snell – Guitar on ‘Genie In A Bottle’. Carmela Rappazzo, a veteran jazz singer/songwriter, has experienced and observed a great deal about life during her periods living in New York, Los Angeles, New Mexico and New Orleans. She has the rare ability of being able to transform personal stories into memorable music. Howlin’ At The Moon, her sixth recording, pays tribute to her new adopted hometown of New Orleans, her friendship with the late Margaret Whitton (who inspired some of the songs), and her own episodic life which usually has had jazz as its soundtrack. On Howlin’ At The Moon, Ms. Rappazzo is joined by a swinging and supportive rhythm section (pianist Oscar Rossignoli, bassist Jasen Weaver, drummer Gerald T. Watkins Jr.), trumpeter Steve Lands, saxophonist Jeronne Amari Ansari and several guests, most notably Mahmoud Chouki on lutar during “State Of Grace.” “Genie In A Bottle” introduces Carmela’s distinctive and playful voice in a story that asks if having a genie grant her wishes would result in having all of her problems solved and happiness taking over. Pete Snell guests and takes a quirky guitar solo that adds to the mood. “Keyhole” is a sensuous tale about seeing what happens behind closed doors while the dreamy atmosphere of “Haunted” relates the singer’s painful memories of a past love. “Howlin’ At The Moon,” a New Orleans parade tune with exuberant trombone from Mark McGrain, features the narrator cutting loose from the past, losing her inhibitions, and simply having a great time. “Rush Of Heat” is a swinger that states that having a strong physical attraction is not necessarily love. “State Of Grace,” a spiritual piece in memory of Margaret Whitton, very effectively features Chouki’s lutar and Ansari’s soprano. “Lullaby Of The Leaves”, “Revenge”, a delicious tale of getting even with someone who did the singer wrong, and “Making My Way Back To You” (which has Carmela’s mellow vocal contrasting with the lyrics about a tumultuous journey) conclude the well-rounded and continually intriguing program. Born and raised in New York, Carmela Rappazzo heard classic music from an early age with her father and five uncles being swing musicians. She performed in off-off Broadway Theater and a few independent films before moving to Los Angeles. While in L.A. she worked with several notable film directors and also sang in local clubs with top jazz musicians. She made her recording debut with Black And White (a standards album with the Jon Mayer Trio) and Regarding Frank (a tribute to 1950s Frank Sinatra) with the legendary pianist Paul Smith. Carmela started writing songs, formed her own trio, and recorded mostly new songs on The Girl Who Dreams Out Loud. Her fourth album, Joseph City, mixed together fresh versions of standards with her own originals. During her period in New Mexico, Carmela acted in local theater productions and worked on the feature film A Bird Of The Air. Her 2013 CD Myths and Legends is comprised mostly of her songs about strong and difficult women, and love gone wrong. A storyteller of picturesque tales and an appealing singer, Carmela Rappazzo is heard at her most creative and appealing on Howlin’ At The Moon, introducing memorable and personal songs that discuss topics that can be related to by a wide audience.

¡¡Amor & Jazz!!

www.carmelarappazzo.com

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Scott Martin "Alone At Sunset" August 27th Release - 50% to Donation!

Scott Martin Alone At Sunset   50% To Donation! Release Date: August 27th A New Model For A Record Label Liberian Handshake Jazz Piano & Vocal Driven

Liberian Handshake: A connection that began with the snap of a finger. This exuberantly musical greeting discovered visiting Peace Corps volunteers in Liberia, Africa became the namesake of a record label dedicated to supporting charitable causes. Working with a Peace Corps teacher in the rural, seaside community of Grand Cess inspired the goal of establishing a fund to help motivated students attend college.  Sales of our release, Scott Martin, Alone at Sunset, will donate 50% of net proceeds to educational outreach in Liberia in partnership the non-profit,  More than Me. Future releases will aid with other worthy causes chosen by the artists involved.

ALONE AT SUNSET Pianist Scott Martin has brought together a vibrant group of singer-songwriters and instrumentalists to create a collection of new, original jazz standards. Recorded at the legendary Carriage House in Stamford, Connecticut by Grammy®-winning producer/engineer Jay Newland (Norah Jones, Gregory Porter, John Scofield),  Alone at Sunset shimmers with energy and excitement that pull you inside the music, into the performance. Drawing on influences spanning Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner,  Scott Martin wrote the music for Alone at Sunset and invited his favorite singers to write lyrics based on their impressions of the songs. The result is an album of a wonderful variety of voices, moods and colors unified by the pianistic and compositional style Scott brings to each piece. Blending a pop esthetic from his early work with Carly Simon, Mariah Carey and cross-over jazz artists like Michael Brecker and Steps Ahead with his love of the classic jazz of the 50s and 60s, Alone at Sunset offers new music that sounds both fresh and timeless.

Credits: Scott Martin - piano  Myles Sloniker - bass Alwyn Robinson - drums Danny Meyer - sax  Vocalists: Josefina Mendez, Robert Johnson, Wellington Bullings, Ayo Awosika, Dechen Hawk & Tom Weiser  Produced by Scott Martin with Jay Newland, co-producer Recorded and mixed by Jay Newland  Mastered by Mark Wilder at Battery Studios Recorded at the Carriage House, Stamford CT *With additional vocals at Alcheh and Hunt, Bouder, CO, Elliot Hunt, engineer. More info, click here.

Liberian Handshake Records, click here.

¡¡Amor & Jazz!!

www.scottmartin.com

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Charles Pillow Pays Homage to Miles Davis on "Electric Miles"

Charles Pillow Large Ensemble Pays Homage to the Electric Era of Miles Davis Available now on MAMA Records! “He brings something new, something substantial to Miles' so very important music that is the blood of modern jazz." - Jerry Gordon, WPRB Coinciding with the 50 year anniversary of Miles Davis’ 1969 album Bitches Brew, saxophonist, flutist and arranger Charles Pillow celebrates the music of the jazz legend within the 1969-72 period. With the support of his 17-piece ensemble, Pillow draws attention to the music that featured jazz stalwarts such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Lenny White, Jack DeJohnette, John McLaughlin, Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, Dave Liebman and Dave Holland. Electric Miles centers around compositions from Bitches Brew, Jack Johnson, and In a Silent Way - all skillfully arranged for big band. The sound of Bitches Brew - the bass clarinet and multiple keyboards - was unheard of at the time. Almost every aspect of this 1969 release was new; the loose, yet guide-post like structures in the music, the post production techniques that Teo Macero used putting it together, the fact that it was a double album, even the liner notes, all pointed to a new direction in jazz. Commemorating this seminal recording, the Charles Pillow Large Ensemble is joined by special guest saxophonist and Miles Davis alum Dave Liebman on “Black Satin” and “Yesternow”. Trumpeters Tim Hagans and Clay Jenkins are featured as the Miles voice alongside Michael Davis on trombone and Pillow on both alto saxophone and alto flute. Powered by the rhythm section of drummer Jared Schonig and bassist Chuck Bergeron, the band is an array of seasoned pros peppered with younger up and coming musicians. Filling out this ensemble is Colin Gordon (alto sax, soprano sax, flute), Luke Norris (tenor sax, clarinet), CJ Ziarniak (tenor sax), Karl Stabnau (bass clarinet), Abe Nouri (trombone), Jack Courtright (trombone), Gabe Ramos (bass trombone), Tony Kadleck (lead trumpet), Charlie Carr (trumpet), Julian Garvue (electric piano), and Mike Forfia (acoustic bass on “Sanctuary” and “In a Silent Way”). Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pillow studied at Loyola University before pursuing his Masters Degree in Jazz Studies at the prestigious Eastman School of Music, in Rochester, NY. Since moving to NYC in 1987, he has appeared on over 100 recordings with both jazz and pop luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Mariah Carey, Jay Z, Luther Vandross, Paul Simon, Michael Brecker, Bruce Springsteen, John Scofield, Tom Harrell, Dave Liebman, David Sanborn, to name a few. In addition to an active performing and recording schedule, he is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Saxophone at the Eastman school of Music.

¡¡Amor & Jazz!!

www.charlespillow.com

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Miggy Augmented Orchestra - "Colorful" Release September 6 - Peformance September 30 at Birdland!

on artistShare! Migiwa "Miggy" Miyajima Composer, Pianist, Producer Release Date: September 6, 2018 CD Release Performance:      September 30th at Birdland!

"A hidden treasure of New York." - Slide Hampton A story of inspiration. Fearless pursuit of passion. The key to living a rich and meaningful life is continuous learning and fearless and pursuit of one's passion.  Migiwa "Miggy" Miyajima stepped down as editor in chief of a magazine to become a musician at age of 30. In 2011 and 2014, she was associate producer for two Grammy® Award nominated albums of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, she received a scholarship from the Japanese government to come to New York in 2012. There, she studied with Jim McNeely and Mike Holober. She went on to lead her orchestra at Birdland in 2017, as the first female Japanese big band leader since Toshiko Akiyoshi left in 2003. In 2018, Migiwa was selected for The Slide Hampton Big Band as its conductor and associate producer. The band plays music of NEA Jazz Master, trombonist, composer and arranger - legendary Slide Hampton.  The first "Colorful" concert will be on September 30, 2018 at Birdland in New York City.

The Band Composer, Conductor, Producer: Migiwa Miyajima Trumpets and Flugelhorns: Dan Urness, David Smith, Matt Holman, Nadje Noordhuis Trombones: John Mosca, Jason Jackson, Jennifer Wharton (bass trombone), Douglas Purviance (bass trombone) Reeds: Ben Kono (alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, clarinet) Alejandro Aviles (alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, clarinet) Sam Dillon (tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet) Quinsin Nachoff (tenor saxophone, clarinet) Carl Maraghi (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet) Rhythm Section: Jeb Patton (piano, except 2 and 9) Migiwa Miyajima (piano, on 2 and 9) Jared Schonig (drums) Pete McCann (guitar) Yosuke Terao (bass) Tomoko Nagashima from Orange Pekoe (voice on 9) Jay Messina; recording Engineer/ Mixing Engineer, Greg Calbi; Mastering Engineer Recorded and Mixed at Sear Sound, NYC, USA Mastered at Sterling Sound, NYC, USA

Steinway Hall (l-r) Jason Olaine, Scott Thompson, Miggy, Elio Villafranca, Brian Camelio.

Migiwa Miyagima Notes:

Migiwa’s career path began in Tokyo on a very different trajectory—she worked as a director of real estate ads, an IT engineer, and then an editor-in-chief of a travel magazine. But in 2004, at the age of 30, she decided to become a musician. Five years later, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, a historic New York–based ensemble, recognized Migiwa’s talent and invited her to produce their Japan tour, which she has done every year since. She was associate producer for two Grammy Award nominated albums by the orchestra in 2011 and 2014. In 2012, having received a Japanese government scholarship and a Japan-US Friendship Commission Fellowship, Migiwa made her move to New York. She now leads her own big band, Miggy Augmented Orchestra. July 2017 marked Migiwa’s first appearance at Birdland. She was the first female Japanese big band leader to perform there since the legendary Toshiko Akiyoshi in 2003.  Her orchestra’s debut album Colorful will be released by ArtistShare in 2018. She also composes for various other artists and media outlets, such as, Steve Wilson, The Birdland Big Band, as well as nation-wide Japanese radio station - Nippon Hoso Broadcast.




¡¡Amor & Jazz!!

www.miggymigiwa.net

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Wayne Powers Album Release Party Tuesday, August 7th 7 PM - 10 PM The Union Cabaret & Grille , Kalamazoo, MI

The Union Cabaret & Grille 125 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 Event Info

Acclaimed Actor, Comedian, Voice Over Artist, Radio Personality Returns to his Jazz Vocalist Roots with New CD, “If Love Were All”    Artist: WAYNE POWERS Title: IF LOVE WERE ALL Label: KABOCKIE RECORDS Artist Website: http://waynepowers.com Release Date: AUGUST 3, 2018 UPC Code: 8-88295-77835-0    Track listing and Running Time  1. Never Let Me Go - 2:51 Livingston/Evans  2. You’ve Changed - 3:14 Carey/Fischer  3. All Of Me - 4:12 Simons/Marks  4. Body And Soul - 3:54 Green/Heyman/Sour/Eyton  5. Lush Life - 3:33 Strayhorn  6. When Your Lover Has Gone - 4:26 Swan  7. Willow Weep For Me - 4:22 Ronell  8. You Don’t Know What Love Is - 4:28 de Paul/Raye  9. If Love Were All - 2:29 Coward  10. Just in Time - 3:04 Styne/Green/Comden  11. East Of The Sun (West of the Moon) - 3:17 Bowman  12. I Only Have Eyes for You - 3:28 Warren/Dubin  13. Time After Time - 3:28 Cahn/Styne  14. Smile - 3:30 Turner/Parsons/Chaplin  Wayne Powers vocals, Ziad Rabie tenor sax, Keith Davis piano, Ron Brendle acoustic bass, Al Sergel Drums  Life goes by too quickly. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years since Wayne Powers recorded his last CD, “Plain Old Me” with his Los Angeles “Hoi Polloi” band in 1993. But simple math can be unforgiving. In the intervening quarter century, Powers’ life has been full with both the poignant and the joyous — as all lives are. Over the last few years, Wayne has been busy working on getting his “chops” back up with the idea of returning to the studio and giving voice to the last 25 years of life and love as he’s lived it and felt it. “I’ve got so much inside me still left unsung,” says Powers, “and so, with The Great American Songbook as my script, I’ve chosen some truly classic, compelling tunes which speak deeply to me and, hopefully, to you. Some you’ll know and a few you may not be familiar with — yet.”   The result is Powers’ personal yet universal saga of love lost and love found. We’ve all been there. Each tune on this album explores with authenticity a different aspect of an eternal story you’re sure to recognize. There’s a choice array of torch songs, or what Wayne and other crooners call ‘Saloon Songs’ — heartfelt ballads that will bring to mind a jukebox, wet quarters and soggy dollar bills in some dimly lit barroom. And then there are those uplifting tunes of love’s pure, unbridled joy. It’s all captured on this album. Wayne says, “I’m excited and honored to work with some top-flight jazz musicians on this live-in-studio recording: Ziad Rabie, Sax. Keith Davis, Piano. Ron Brendle, Acoustic Bass. Al Sergel, Drums.” This is a magical combination of talent that makes each of the 14 tunes sparkle and resonate in their own unique way. Powers invites you to “...share in the musical and lyrical truth, love and joy which we all brought to this special project, appropriately titled, “IF LOVE WERE ALL.” ¡¡Amor & Jazz!!   jim@jazzpromoservices.com • www.jazzpromoservices.com

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Pianist/ Composer Alex Clough Announces Release of Debut Album "Near, Far, Beyond" this saturday 08/04/2018 at Smalls Jazz Club, NYC

After spending over a decade honing his craft as both a sideman and a leader, pianist and composer Alex Clough is now proud to announce the release of hisdebut album Near, Far, Beyond. Due to be released on Friday, October 5th, Near, Far, Beyond showcases eight original tracks featuring Clough alongside David Smith on trumpet, Steve Kortyka on tenor saxophone, John Tate on bass and Jay Sawyer on drums. Arranging half of the album for piano trio and the other half for quintet, Clough presents this recording as a reflection upon his vast experiences as a musician, human and world traveler. Clough will begin the album release celebrations with a pre-release concert at Smalls Jazz Club, NYC on Saturday, August 4th at 4:30pm, as part of the Smalls Showcase Series. Over the course of performing as a professional musician for the past ten years, Alex Clough has had some time to actively reflect upon the personal significance of creating his own music. Although uncertain that there is any sort of tangible, concrete and definable “meaning” or “value” in the act, for the pianist, sharing his own music with others satisfies a personal and pure yearning. The SUNY Purchase graduate explains, “I’ve occasionally sat down at the piano and, with my most earnest efforts, written songs to put what I have thought, seen and learned in this world into sound - to make these things a little more real so I can share them with listeners. I’ve used all sorts of source material as inspiration for these compositions; ideas developed over years of improvisation, movements of dancers that I’ve accompanied, specific images and ambiences that I’ve seen and dreamed of and relationships I’ve developed over the years.  Though the album channels disparate moods, times and places, I feel that is tied together by a subtly strong thread.” Near, Far, Beyond opens with “Swirl” - a tune inspired by the powerful yet lithe aesthetics of the John Coltrane quartets of the 1960’s and Branford Marsalis groups of the 80’s and 90’s. With its titular significance linked to a street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, “Shore Road” attempts to capture the undulating, calm nature of this particular road and the waters it runs alongside.“Red Shades” is the funkiest tune on the album that takes its inspiration from the sunglasses of bassist James Robbins, a good friend of Alex’s and great bassist. While this tune isn’t a homage to James, stylistically, his shades and the personality behind them did inspire Clough to write a groovy tune that travels through different textures. Although Clough has yet to visit Cherrapunji - the northeastern state of Meghalaya in India - the eponymously named tune brings attention to the region’s famous “land bridges”. Constructed by trees grown specially to serve as natural crossings for the inhabitants of the region, the beauty of this coexistence between human and nature served as Clough’s inspiration for this piece. Another stand-out track from the album is “Free, Free, Free” - Clough’s first ever composition wrote in the spring of 2009, reflecting a cry that still rings true today. “We’re often shackled by the technological innovations we purportedly crave and I think we all really seek freedom in our lives, freedom from real or imaginary constraints thrust on us.” With the support of this talented group, Alex Clough is excited to introduce himself and share his personal reflections with listeners on this debut album. ALEX CLOUGH Notes: Alex Clough is a pianist, educator and composer born and bred in Brooklyn, NY. Exposed early on to great music, Alex took an interest in the piano and drums as a child, eventually taking lessons and participating as a high schooler in the All City Concert Band and NJPAC's prestigious Jazz for Teens Program. After graduating with a B.A. from Tufts University in Economics and International Relations and an M.M. from SUNY Purchase in Jazz Studies, Alex embarked on a still-unfolding journey to find his place in New York City's world famous jazz scene. Over the years, Alex has pursued numerous musical interests. As both sideman and leader he has played at a wide array of great venues, including Birdland, Lincoln Center, the United Nations, Le Poisson Rouge, SOBs, the Rainbow Room, Cornelia Street Cafe, Rockwood Musical Hall and Joe's Pub. He has served as musical director for Nightingale Jazz Band, Recovery House of Worship and jazz and opera vocalist Marie-Claire Giraud. Other pursuits include accompaniment work for the Metropolitan Opera Guild, dance accompaniment at Mark Morris Dance Group, NYU, Mason Gross School of the Arts and Montclair State University, and sideman work with stylistically eclectic music groups in New York City, playing styles that range from instrumental jazz to burlesque to hip hop to Iranian punk rock.

¡¡Amor & Jazz!!

www.alexcloughmusic.com

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