Gregory Porter | Water
by Peggy Oliver
It can be a blessing or a curse when a major sports injury can change life’s course; more often the former, of course. Gregory Porter was singing in clubs during his college days at San Diego State University. However, it was a shoulder injury while playing football that prompted him to further his music plans.
Jeff Lorber Fusion | Now Is The Time by Randy Mahon On the first Jeff Lorber Fusion release since the stellar 1981 Arista Records project, “Galaxian”, “Now Is The Time,” we find the trailblazing keyboardist revisting a sound he helped pioneer. This time with the help of Yellowjackets’ bassist, Jimmy …
Grover Washington, Jr. | Grover Live By George Strand The great memory of Grover Washington, Jr. – An honorable musician with God-given talents and a radiant persona. His professionalism on & off the stage is something many of us have cherished throughout the years. His music is past the element …
Various Artists – C Notes for Haiti
By Peggy Oliver
It seemed like just a minute ago when a cross-section of urban entertainers from Stevie Wonder to Wyclef Jean were making music for one of several fundraisers to collect money for the aftermath of the January earthquake in Haiti. Other famous artists stepped in to produce fundraising singles on behalf of the Haiti earthquake victims. Kirk Franklin and a choir of gospel’s finest under the umbrella Artists United for Haiti asked the question, “Are You Listening.” Another superstar collective revisited the 1985 landmark anthem, “We Are The World,” also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the landmark recording.
Tia Fuller | Decisive Steps
by Terrill Hanna
The gorgeous Tia Fuller is on the scene from after blazing the roads playing sax for the world renowned diva, Beyonce. This time around she stops to chill for a minute & deliver us “Decisive Steps,” a compelling 10 track set of riveting Jazz morsels centered around an appealing cast of ‘who’s who’ in jazz: Christian McBride, Sean Jones, Warren Wolf, Maurice Chestnut, Miriam Sullivan, Kim Thompson & Shamie Royston.
Lynn Riley | Too Cool
by Terrill Hanna
Just a taste of contemporary jazz, I believe, is a statement Philadelphia native Lynn Riley wanted to leave on the minds and palates of music listeners through the album, “Too Cool”. Gently swayed with an aura of island fresh, breezy musical overtones along with a personal dedication to one of jazz’s trademark players in Grover Washington. Ms. Riley shares an inspiration to culture & influence from her extensive travels throughout various places around the planet & transcended those measures into a 10 track collection of upbeat, romantic & peaceful compositions.
Ronnie Laws | Voices In The Water by Randy Mahon On this fantastic Ronnie Laws CD “Voices In The Water”, in which the album’s title is inspired by the slave shipped journey of captured Africans brought to America over 400 years ago, is released independently through Century 22 Productions. Though …
The Uptown Band | Waiting For Her By Randy Mahon The promising 2010 debut “Waiting For Her”, from Philly area based collective known as The Uptown Band, blends a fine concoction of Jazz, Funk, Rock & Pop. Consisting of band leader Erich Cawalla on Lead Vocals and Saxophone, Co-Lead vocalist/Percussionist …
Victoria White | The Upside New Jersey born, South Carolina raised singer/songwriter/guitarist, Victoria White, releases her second solo disc, aptly titled “The Upside”. It’s a fine 11 track collection of Soul with acoustic and folk elements weaved in. Discovered & produced by 14 year Earth, Wind & Fire alum, fellow …
Mimi Jones | A New Day By Randy Mahon Mimi Jones‘ debut CD “A New Day” (Hot Tone Music) is a remarkable refreshing effort from the bassist/singer/songwriter. With the support of talented musicians, Miki Hayama on piano & keyboards, Marvin Sewell on guitar, Marcus Gilmore & Lucianna Padmore sharing drum …