George Duke | Deja Vu By Randy Mahon Keyboard master/songwriter/producer, jazz legend George Duke, returns with his latest project on his own BPM imprint, distributed through Heads Up International (A division of the Concord Music Group), “Deja Vu”. George takes his listeners back to his late ’70’s/’80’s era Funk/Soul sound. …
Bob Baldwin | Never Can Say Goodbye (A Tribute To Michael Jackson)
by George Strand
A year after the passing of the late, greatest entertainer of the world, Mr. Michael Jackson, pianist Bob Baldwin celebrates his legacy with a compelling tribute. The recording, “Never Can Say Goodbye” from Trippin N Rhythm Records, highlighted many of the biggest singles that had reached maximum chart status on Billboard.
Herbie Hancock | The Imagine Project by Randy Mahon Jazz great, pianist Herbie Hancock, releases another project that will undoubtedly win him another Grammy Award …… this time in the “World Music” category. Released on his own imprint, Hancock Records, “The Imagine Project”, the album takes the tone of the …
Lenny White | Anomaly When you hear the name Lenny White, what’s the first thing that comes to mind ? Return To Forever drummer extraordinaire ? Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew” drummer ? Producer ? Songwriter?, etc. ? …. Well, you’re correct on all fronts. Lenny White delivers a brand new authentic …
Hulon | First Impressions
by Terrill Hanna
It didn’t take took too long for saxophone artist Hulon to make a firm decision to release “First Impressions” in a state or period where jazz music is being challenged, more so the term ‘smooth jazz’, in the music industry. And he should not worry so much about the tag or term being associated to his music. This release carried a great range of contemporary jazz sounds, orchestrated with a wellness of peace, a rift of soul & a channel of fluid deliveries coming from Hulon and a solid support of his studio musicians.
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.