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Urban Jazz

Alex Acuña | Gifts


 
Percussionist extraordinaire Alex Acuña takes a tour of his musical roots and more for his latest release, Gifts
 
Those who are go-to musicians are willing and able to utilize their skills to lead, enhance and be flexible in whatever musical environment that is set before them. Alex Acuña absolutely fits this description as a drummer/percussionist whose contributions defy any category.

Tony Hightower | Legacy


 
Jazzman Tony Hightower continues the road to his future Legacy with his second release
 
When an artist dedicates their recorded labor of love for a beloved family member, especially one who was highly impactful in their musical aspirations, the feeling can be quite mutual. Singer/songwriter/musician Tony Hightower fully recognized his mother Theresa Hightower (who passed in 2018) made a world of difference – professionally and personally.

Musicologist A. Scott Galloway Reflects on the Last Concert He Experienced Before the COVID-19 Crisis Lockdown


 
Herbie Hancock Symphonically Reimagines the Possibilities of His Civil Rights Era Compositions “I Have a Dream” & “Ostinato” with Gustavo Dudamel and The Los Angeles Philharmonic
 
by A. Scott Galloway
 
On Thursday March 5th, a day I was not in the best of health, I dragged myself downtown to Disney Hall to see a Herbie Hancock concert.
 
Now, at 55 years old, I have had the good fortune to have seen Mr. Hancock plenty of times over the years all over southern California.

Boney James | Solid


 
Contemporary Jazz Icon Boney James proves he is Solid once again for his upcoming CD
 
UPDATE MARCH 31st: Street Release Date has been updated to June 12th.
 
Sometimes it does not hurt to seek music that supplies good medicine to the soul when the stress levels are high. If music can play a healing role in that capacity, Boney James is fully locked no matter what he plays.

Second Outing from Corea McBride & Blade Finds Trio as Virtuous and Versatile as Ever


 
Chick Corea / Christian McBride / Brian Blade
Trilogy 2
(Concord Jazz)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
 
At 78-years-young, pianist/composer Chick Corea has assembled, led and cultivated a number of uncannily synergistic groups – large and small, acoustic and electric – in several sub genres of music classified as “Jazz.” Among his more recent alchemies is Trilogy, the Chick Corea Trio featuring bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade.

Stern and Lorber Find Equal Footing at Level Eleven


 
Mike Stern – Jeff Lorber Fusion
Eleven
(Concord)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
 
On paper, the pairing of stalwart New York guitarist Mike Stern (veteran of the Miles Davis, Steps Ahead and Blood Sweat & Tears bands – to name just three) with studio slick Oregon-native/West Coast transplant keyboardist Jeff Lorber seems like oil and vinegar- highly unlikely to mix.

Poncho Sanchez | Trane’s Delight


 
Latin jazz veteran Poncho Sanchez returns to the studio after a 7 year absence with Trane’s Delight, a hearty thank you to his hero, jazz pioneer John Coltrane
 
The love affair was launched when he was only 11 years – staring intently at John Coltrane’s self-titled 1962 album. After he saved some money to make that monumental purchase, Poncho Sanchez gathered his drums and congas and played along with the album that guided his musical spirit.

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