Paul Jackson Jr.
Stories From Stompin’ Willie
(M and P Music Factory)
A Record Refection by A. Scott Galloway
As a sideman, super guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. has been responsible for many memorable musical moments…from his enigmatic rhythmic stabs on Angela Bofill’s “Tell Me Tomorrow” to the ethereal ghosting flavor he brought to “Maputo” by Bob James & David Sanborn.
Frank McComb | Soulmate: Another Love Story
by Peggy Oliver
When one decides to zone in on their deepest wishes to play music on a super serious level, the dedication and discipline immediately start kicking in, no matter what disappointments lied ahead. After observing his aunt play the piano, Frank McComb was signed up for piano lessons, even though it lasted just three hours.
Maxwell | blackSUMMERS’night
Columbia Records
Review penned by Brent Faulkner
In the music world, seven years can be likened to an eternity. The changes that occur in such a period of time tend to be monumental. During Maxwell’s seven-year hiatus between 2009’s Grammy-winning LP BLACKsummers’night and current LP blackSUMMERS’night, R&B has changed considerably.
Will Downing | Black Pearls
Shanachie Entertainment
by Peggy Oliver
When the judges on various talent competitions pound out the fact that the vocalist’s song choices are so critical, it can be quite annoying or it can be a vocalist’s secret weapon in gaining success. Then when those careers start taking shape in the right direction, this one piece of advice frankly ends up being a vocalist’s best friend.
William Murphy | Demonstrate
by Peggy Oliver
When the most respected praise and worship leaders finds themselves in troublesome times or finds an inspirational thought that sincerely affects them personally, their wherewithal to reach for their pen to birth special songs is meant to overflow in a positive direction.
Marquis Hill | The Way We Play
Concord Jazz
by Brent Faulkner
It’s arduous being innovative when so much innovation has materialized in the past. Particularly in jazz, with so many prodigious pioneers, finding a truly distinct lane and showcasing similar innovative spirit is intimidating. It’s not intimidating for Chicago trumpet standout Marquis Hill, who proves he’s a musical force to be reckoned with on latest album The Way We Play, his first for Concord Jazz.
Byron Miller | Psycho Bass
by Peggy Oliver
When a supporting musician is noticed for a memorable contribution on a major star’s hit project, that can transform into the ultimate door opener for their own artistic platform. The jaw dropping bass guitar solo heard around the funk world on George Duke’s “Reach for It” in 1977 belonged to an up and coming, self-proclaimed funkmeister in Byron Miller. The then nineteen year old, who was mentored by the legendary keyboardist Duke, was more than well on the way to a much respected place amongst the bass playing community.
Shirley Caesar | Fill This House
by Peggy Oliver
Advance Review – Album Coming June 3rd, 2016
When one has traveled the long hard road towards an effective music and pulpit ministry, there needs to be the accompanying tribulations behind the scenes so they can share their testimonies to their audiences. Celebrating fifty years in focusing her singing talents solely for the Lord, Shirley Caesar has sang many a song on top of preaching many a sermon while battling and praying through the personal spiritual wars.
Whitney McClain | Nothing to Lose EP
by Peggy Oliver
There is no question that Portland, Oregon has established a healthy music community outside the city walls, recently represented by the eclectic jazz vocalist/musician Esperanza Spalding. That aside, the urban scene in the Rose City for the most part remains under the nationwide radar.
Theo Croker and DVRK Funk | Escape Velocity
by Peggy Oliver
When musicians are ready to hit the professional pavement, many are willing to hone their craft with studio time or side work to make all their financial ends meet while gaining more notoriety in the industry. Born into jazz royalty as the grandson of trumpeter Doc Cheatham, Croker was naturally inspired to follow his own, unique trumpet virtuosity. After graduating from college, Theo Croker moved to Shanghai China, where a melting pot of musical cultures awaited him.
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