Tuesday, June 30, 2015

USA: COME CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF WILLIE DIXON Wednesday, July 1, 2015 Show Time: 5pm to 8pm Concert in the Garden Area


 
COME CELEBRATE
100 YEARS OF WILLIE DIXON
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Show Time:  5pm to 8pm
Concert in the Garden Area

July 1, 2015 would have been Willie's 100th birthday. To honor this brilliant songwriter, producer, musician, and to celebrate his life and accomplishments,  Blues Heaven Foundation is holding a free concert featuring Chicago's phenomenal blues guitarist, Melvin Taylor & the Taylor Made Band. 
 
 Willie Dixon was one of the most prolific songwriters of all time with over 500 songs to his credit.  He's been referred to as the "father of the modern Chicago blues".  His songs have been recorded by hundreds of artists across all genres - the Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Tina Turner and Fleetwood Mac to name a few. Willie Dixon has been recognized by the Grammy Hall of Fame (2004), his influence in pop music was selected for preservation  by the U.S. Library of Congress National Recording Registry.  Recently, June 2015, Willie Dixon was inducted in to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.  
 
Melvin Taylor is a masterful performer, composer & producer. His extraordinary talent has taken him around the globe many times over the last 20 years. He began touring Europe at age 20 with Pinetop Perkins Legendary Blues Band. He made an immediate impact on the European circuit, and began opening for BB King for a couple of years. Melvin has performed at world class festival, theaters, held master classes at top music school and conservatories. He has 9 CD's to his credit. Please visit Melvin's website for complete history and information:
 
(formerly Chess Records Studio)
2120 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
 
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Show Time:  5pm to 8pm
Concert in the Garden Area

USA: The Christine Spero Group: Spero Plays Nyro (2015)

The Christine Spero Group | Spero Plays Nyro

 A heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest pop and jazz songwriters of the 20th century. Laura Nyro's music was covered by the Fifth Dimension, Three Dog Night, Barbra Streisand, Peter, Paul and Mary and Blood, Sweat and Tears in the 1960s and 70s.
http://www.christinesperogroup.com

Musicians: Christine Spero: voice, acoustic and electric piano; synthesizer; Elliot Spero: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, conga, percussion, flutes; Scott Petito: bass, guitar; Peter O' Brien: drums.

Tracks: Blackpatch; And When I Die; Broken Rainbow; Money; Eli's Comin'; Billy's Blues; Laura and John; Emmie; Sweet Blindness; Black Swallow; Upstairs by a Chinese Lamp; Stoned Soul Picnic; The Picnic; You Don't Love Me When I Cry.




FRANCE/EGYPT: Mohamed Abozekry & Heejaz Extended ‎– Ring Road (JazzVillage 2015)




http://www.mohamedabozekry.com


Ring Road (Bonus Track Version), Mohamed Abozekry

Double Bass – Hugo Reydet
Guitar – Guillaume Hogan
Piano – Ludovic Yapaudjian
Tabla, Cajón, Daf, Goblet Drum [Derbouka] – Anne-Laure Bourget

USA: Jazz Journalists Association Honors Its Own:Chicago Writer-Broadcaster Neil Tesser Wins2015 Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Journalism Award




Jazz Journalists Association Honors Its Own:
Chicago Writer-Broadcaster Neil Tesser Wins
2015 Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Journalism Award

Neil Tesser, a Chicago-based jazz journalist, broadcaster, author, educator, former chair of the board of trustees of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences (NARAS) and current board member of the Jazz Journalists Association, was honored with the JJA's 2015 Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Journalism Award on Tuesday, June 16 at a cocktail reception at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City. Tesser's Award topped 2015 JJA Jazz Awards for excellence in media, winners of which were announced at the party.

Tesser may be best known as program host and producer of Miles Ahead and Listen Here!, independently syndicated daily radio programs; as a contributor to publications including the Chicago Reader, USA Today and the Examiner.com, and as author of The Playboy Guide to Jazz. He joins a distinguished roll call of Lifetime in Jazz Journalism honorees: Stanley Dance, Nat Hentoff, Dan Morgenstern, Ira Gitler, Gary Giddins, Gene Lees, Bob Blumenthal, Howard Mandel, Francis Davis, Doug Ramsey, Mike Zwerin, Don Heckman, Bill Milkowski, Amiri Baraka, Willard Jenkins and W. Royal Stokes.

Other recipients of 2015 JJA Jazz Awards in media categories included Wall Street Journal contributor Marc Myers for his blog Jazz Wax; Herbie Hancock and Lisa Dickey for their book Herbie Hancock: Possibilities;
Ashley Kahn for his liner notes to John Coltrane's Offering: Live at Temple University (Resonance); Nate Chinen, columnist for JazzTimes and contributor to the New York Times for excellence in writing; Brandon Bain for the video "#WeCan'tBreathe: A Peaceful Protest"; Andrea Palmucci for his photograph of pianist Kenny Barron with bassist Dave Holland and Christian McBride, program host of "Jazz Night In America," a collaboration of WBGO,
Jazz at Lincoln Center and National Public Radio.

The Jazz Awards recognized excellence in journalistic platforms, as well -- AllAboutJazz.com won Website of the Year, and JazzTimes for Jazz Publication (as several speakers noted, the distinction is wearing thin). Winners of all 2015 Jazz Awards, including those for musicians in instrumental categories, are posted at www.JJAJazzAwards.org.

The 19th annual JJA Jazz Awards was a public event attended by writers, photographers, broadcasters, videographers, new media professionals as well as a noted international cadre of musicians, presenters, producers, agents and publicists. An introductory fanfare was performed by the West African duo Fula Flute (Bailo Bah and Sylvain Leroux); singer Antoinette Monaco performed a swinging medley around the theme "Jazz Woman to the Rescue," accompanied by pianist Danny Mixon; bassist-singer Mimi Jones' led a quintet featuring Mark Shim on electronic wind controller, keyboardist Miki Hayama and guitarist Marvin Sewell.

Howard Mandel, president of the Jazz Journalists Association (a non-profit 501 (c) 3 professional organization), remarked on the event's tri-fold focus: Women in jazz, the music's African roots, and jazz pianists. The JJA's New York City Jazz Hero, bassist and Women Got Chops Fest organizer Kim Clarke, received her award from JJA development director Susan Brink; MCs were freelancer writer and broadcaster Angelika Beener and Linda Yohn, music director of WEMU Ypsilanti MI. Besides Weston – widely credited for connecting jazz to Africa, and the composer of "African Lady," arranged by the late Melba Liston, a recording of which was played during the ceremonies -- pianist Jason Moran was on hand to accept his Award as Musician of the Year; pianist  Arturo O'Farrill was lauded for his Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra; pianist Geri Allen observed from a front table, Greg "Organ Monk" Lewis worked the room, and the JJA's Pianist of the Year, Kenny Barron, also took home Awards for Duo of the Year – his partner is bassist Dave Holland – and Record of the Year, Barron and Holland's The Art of Conversation.

Other musician winners of Jazz Awards will receive their engraved statuettes at their concerts around the U.S. this summer. Sponsors of the Jazz Awards initivate the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable, Jazz at Lincoln Center, BMI, Berklee College of Music, the New School Jazz Program, the Jazz Institute of Chicago, SFJazz, MCG Jazz, Earshot Jazz, the Jazz Foundation of America, Mack Avenue, Motema Music, ECM, Sunnyside, Thirsty Ear, Resonance and Mosaic Records, independent publicists Ann Braithwaite, Scott Thompson and Jim Eigo of Jazz PromoWorks; the Estate of Miles Davis, Minton's and Brother Thelonious Belgian Abbey Ale. Publicists Carolyn McClair, a JJA board member, welcomed ticket holders and guests; Jana LaSorte worked as stage manager.

For further information about the Jazz Journalists Association and the JJA Jazz Awards, contact Howard Mandel at
President@JazzJournalists.org.

 










Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services T: 845-986-1677 E-Mail:
jim@jazzpromoservices.com
http://www.jazzpromoservices.com/

USA: New Book: From Timbuktu to the Mississippi Delta

From Timbuktu to the Mississippi Delta
How West African Standards of Aesthetics Shaped the Music of the Delta Blues (Revised First Edition)
By Pascal Bokar Thiam, Ed.D.


Paperback ISBN: 978-1-63487-105-1, 154 pages
©2015
Digital Review Copy-Sneak Preview-Adopt For Your Class
Click HERE

The Music is so varied that we still have no real idea what African music is.

I do know this, though: When an African touches an instrument, whether that African is an extension like Louis Armstrong or a master healer from Morocco or Mississippi, that instrument becomes an African instrument.

When a person is touched by African music, from his skin to his soul, that person has become Africanized. Perhaps this is the true meaning of universal: something foreign that reminds you of your deepest self.

Dr. Thiam has made a major contribution and this book should be in every school and home.

Randy Weston
Composer & Pianist
NEA Jazz Master
 

Praise

In this beautifully crafted and timely book about music, Dr. Pascal Bokar Thiam guides us straight to the serious questions of the origin of Jazz and Blues throughout a long journey across West Africa. This book is a must read for those who care not only about music, but are also interested in social justice, colonization and slavery.
Magueye Seck, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology
Curry College


Pascal Bokar Thiam journeys us back to root sources, visiting ancient string, voice and cultural traditions of Africa that shed revealing light on the birth of the blues.
Willard Jenkins (www.openskyjazz.com)
Arranger of African Rhythms: The autobiography
of NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston
 (2010)


...makes the most compelling argument for the African roots of blues and jazz. Dr. Pascal Bokar Thiam not only documents the trans-Atlantic crossings of West African musical practices, but he demonstrates that an entire aesthetic philosophy survived the Middle Passage. This book ought to be mandatory reading for anyone remotely interested in modern music and its ancient lineage.
Robin D. G. Kelley, PhD
Author of Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times
of an American Original
 (2009)
Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity
University of Southern California, Los Angeles
 
Description
From Timbuktu to the Mississippi Delta explores how West African standards of aesthetics and sociocultural traits have moved into mainstream American culture and become social norms.
I was curious to know why African Americans (and the country as a whole, for that matter) began clapping on beats two and four, and why we’d get dirty looks if we were caught clapping on the wrong beat. I had a desire to know why the identity of the music of our nation, with its majority population of European descent, had the musical textures, bent pitches, and blue notes of Africa. I wondered why a sense of swing developed here that was closer in syncopation to African culture than to the classical music of Vienna or the Paris Opera. And finally, I wanted to know why our nation’s youth moved suggestively on the dance floor with their hips—movements that are closer in aesthetics to African dance than to ballet. The journey began on the banks of the mighty Niger River.
 
Biography
Pascal ThiamDr. Pascal Bokar Thiam as he is know in academia or Pascal Bokar in the Jazz and World music arenas is on faculty in the Performing Arts and Social Justice Department of the University of San Francisco.
his most recent CD "Guitar Balafonics" received 4 stars in Downbeat Magazine May 2015 and praises from the national and international press.
 
 
In the News

Other Cognella titles by Pascal Thiam:





NEW CD
Pascal Bokar “Guitar Balafonics”


Pascal Bokar-Guitar & Vocals on all tracks
Art Maxwell-Flute & Soprano Sax
Aaron Germain-Bass
Eric Tillman-Piano
Leon Joyce-Drums
Daria Niles-Vocals on “Solitude”
El Hadj Mbor Faye-Sabar
Eddie Duran-Guitar on tracks 6 & 8
Madaline Duran-Flute on tracks 6 & 8
Cheikh Tayirou Mbaye-Sabar on tracks 6 & 8


More Info
 Dr. Pascal Bokar Thiam is available for lectures, conversations, festivals and concerts.
Kindly contact; Barbara Collin at 324-556-1046 Collinartists@gmail.com 
www.pascalbokarthiam.com






Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services T: 845-986-1677 E-Mail: jim@jazzpromoservices.com http://www.jazzpromoservices.com/

Monday, June 29, 2015

NETHERLANDS/FRANCE: Alex Coke's Upcoming Shows




klezmo 

New Dates-Klez-Edge (Klezmokum): “Klez-Evergreens Project Extended” 2015
July 5, 15:00uur

LJG Synagoge, 20:30, Zuidelijk Wandelweg 41, Amsterdam Zuid

19 July Gallery Hoeveoverslot 16:00uur Slotweg 42 , Egmond aan den Hoef

New arrangements and compositions of some timeless and great material by composers who have used Jewish themes or modes in their compositions. Highlights include “Yiddish Blues” (from 1919!), John William’s “Theme from Schindler’s List”, A Wayne Shorter composition “Indian Song”, extended and is now entitled “Indian Judaic Song”, “Jews and Gypsies Suite II”, “Araber Tants” (early 20th century Jewish composition–a tribute to Arab Culture). Harold Arlen (Hyman Arluk) and Truman Capote’s piece: “A Sleepin Bee”, the dynamic Chassidic pieces “Nigun–Zhuritze Chlopotzi”, and “Ketsad M’rakdin”, and 2 lovely pieces from Fiddler On the Roof: “Sabbath Prayer’, and “Sewing Machine”. We are a pioneer in Klezmer/Balkan/Jazz.. (Since 1989).

Klez-Edge is: 
Alex Coke (Austin Texas/Amsterdam) Saxophones and Flute
Larry Fishkind (New York City/Amsterdam) Tuba
,
Roberto Haliffi (Tripoli Libya/Amsterdam) Drums
Burton Greene (Chicago/Amsterdam) Piano


paris 

Brooklyn Session: McLean, Coke, Harney

John McLean, Alex Coke and Rich Harney
in an evening of
Jazz
Blues
Be-Bop
Bossa and more…

Brooklyn Cafe
31, rue des Batignolles, Paris
Thu, July 9, 2015 20:30

ITALY: Fabrizio Bosso-Duke (Verve 2015)


 copertina album

Tracks: I let a Song Go Out of My Heart; Caravan; In A Sentimental Mood; It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing); Medley: Black and Tan Fantasy/ Jeep's Blue; Solitude; Perdido.

Musicians: Fabrizio Bosso: trumpet, flugelhorn; Julian Oliver Mazzariello: piano; Luca Alemanno: double bass; Nicola Angelucci: drums; Paolo Silvestri Ensemble: Fernando Brusco: trumpet; Claudio Corvini: trumpet; Mario Corvini: trombone; Gianni Oddi: alto saxophone; Michele Polga: tenor saxophone; Marco Guidolotti: baritone saxophone.

"A well-conceived and fascinating homage to an icon, Duke is European Trumpet Master Fabrizio Bosso's explosive coming out party to an American legend."  Edward Blanco/allaboutjazz

TURKEY: Turkish jazz veteran Emin Fındıkoğlu kicks off 2015 İstanbul Jazz Festivaln

Festival kicks off! 
The İstanbul International Jazz Festival is kicking off its 22nd edition on Saturday evening with a live performance by veteran Turkish jazz pianist and composer Emin Fındıkoğlu, unrolling a 19-day program of 35 concerts in various venues around the city.


Marcus Miller is at the festival with 'Afrodeezia'

Marcus Miller has a message for festival audience before his concert on Thursday, 2 July at Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre.
Jools Holland is at the festival with his orchestra


Jools Holland, also known with the cult TV show on BBC2, has a message for festival audience.
http://caz.iksv.org/en


.

USA: First Jazz Music Video Using Entire Drone Footage Features Ellen Johnson's Latest Release Form & Formless

Fiona Flanagan's Fable (feat. John Stowell) 


BERKELEY, Calif., June 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- With the commercial drone industry taking off with endless applications Sound Visions Media, located in the San Francisco East Bay, is actively using the technology to create a variety of video productions. Their first music video leads the pack with an entire project consisting completely of aerial drone footage and improvised vocal jazz music. The track "Fiona Flanagan's Fable," is off the new release Form & Formless by west coast vocalist Ellen Johnson featuring guitarist John Stowell. YouTube Link

USA: Scott Henderson Live 2016 dates and the new album "VIBE STATION"

SCOTT HENDERSON BAND
with
SCOTT HENDERSON - guitar
TRAVIS CARLTON - bass guitar & ALAN HERTZ - drums

(ERNEST TIBBS - bass guitar; only on July 24)

USA/MEXICO TOUR 2015
Fri, July 10 - Studio City, Los Angeles, CA (Baked Potato)
Fri, July 24 - Santiago de Quéretaro, Mexico (Festival Internacional Jazz de Verano)
Thu Sep 10 - Chicago, IL (Reggie's) w/Marbin
Fri, Sep 11 - Chicago, IL (Reggie's) w/Marbin
Sun, Sep 13 - Austin, TX (Wobeon Festival, Ironwood Hall)
Wed, Sep 16 - New York, NY (The Iridium)
Thu, Sep 17 - New York, NY (The Iridium)
Sat, Sep 19 - Auburn Hills, MI (Callahan's)
Sun, Sep 20 - Auburn Hills, MI (Callahan's)

EUROPEAN TOUR 2015
(more info to be announced soon)
Thu, October 8 - Uppsala, Sweden
Fri, October 9 - Uppsala, Sweden
Sat, October 10 - Moscow, Russia
Sun, October 11 - Astana, Kazakhstan
Tue, October 13 - Tromso, Norway
Wed, October 14 - Tromso, Norway
Thu, October 15 - Munich, Germany
Sat, October 17 - Delemont, Switzerland
Tue, October 20 - Bologna Italy 

SOUTH AMERICAN TOUR 2015
(more info To be announced soon)
Fri, October 23 - Valparaiso, Chile
Sat, October 24 - Colina, Chile
Sun, October 25 - Puerto Montt, Chile
Mon, October 26 - Santiago, Chile
Thu, October 29 - Rancagua, Chile
Fri, October 30 - La Paz, Bolivia
Sat, October 31 - Lima, Peru
Mon, November 2 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tue, November 3 - Cordoba, Argentina
Thu, November 5 - Azul, Argentina
Fri, November 6 - Rosario, Argentina
Sat, November 7 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Sun, November 8 - Montevideo, Uruguay
Mon, November 9 - Mar Del Plata, Argentina

November 10/11/12/13/14/15 - more shows to be confirmed soon. Stay tuned.
***********
For bookings in the USA, Canada, Central America, The Caribbean and Africa:
Leonardo Pavkovic @ Moonjune Music • Email: noanoamusic (at) moonjune (dot) com

For bookings in South America, Asia, and Europe:
Alejandro Orellana @ The Art Media • Email: artemedios (at) gmail (com) com
 
 
 
 
 
SCOTT HENDERSON's brand new studio album "Vibe Station"
 
 
 
For all publicity inquiries related to this album, please contact Billy James @ Glass Onyon PR
(828) 350-8158 | e-mail: glassonyonpr@gmail.com | www.glassonyonpr.com
 
 
BUY THE ALBUM
 
 


Scott Henderson's impressive work over the years as co-leader of the group TRIBAL TECH, leader of his own ground breaking trio, and sideman to some of the best jazz artists of their generation, including the great Joe Zawinul, has elevated him to the front ranks of both Jazz and Blues. Besides being a world class player and premier composer, Scott's trademark is his beautiful tone and striking ability to blend Blues, Rock, Funk, and Jazz, creating a soulful and unique voice on the guitar.

"Henderson wreaks havoc on his guitar amid howling bottleneck notes, multihued chord voicings and ungodly hype-mode licks atop the rhythm section's slamming grooves and agile progressions. He often harmonizes with bassist Travis Carlton and during a variety of movements the trio summons an Armageddon with supple and heightening choruses within the prog-metal domain." - Glenn Astarita, All About Jazz

"Vibe Station reminds us once again of what an unbelievable talent Scott Henderson truly is. If you haven't yet discovered the genius of this remarkable guitar player, now is the perfect time to do so." - Peter Pardo, Sea Of Tranquility
 
 
 
 
Guitarist Scott Henderson's 5th solo project exhibits elements of jazz, rock & blues, but has a bigger variety of textures and tones. The new all instrumental CD features bassist Travis Carlton (son of Larry) & drummer extraordinaire Alan Hertz. Henderson speaks of the new work as the most challenging project of his career. Says Scott, “I'm really excited about this record because our trio has been touring a lot and that energy came through on all the performances. The music is still blues-based, but also has a lot of harmonic content. The big change is no vocals, which challenged me as a guitarist to write material which can be played in a vocal way on the guitar, while incorporating my own chord-melody style. I think fans will enjoy the scope of this record because it has elements of blues, rock, jazz and funk. There's something for everyone here.” Scott also said that the majority of the songs are layered with multi guitar tracks, utilizing many different guitars, pedals, amps and speaker combinations, making it the most textural and versatile sounding album he's ever done. Travis Carlton on bass and Alan Hertz on drums make this project and live show very much groove-based. Says Scott, “I need to see people moving in their seats. I'm not interested on putting on an intellectual show for musicians only. I don't believe I need to dumb down the music to appeal to people who aren't musicians, because when Travis and Alan play together, the groove is going to attack you whether you're a musician or not”. Scott Henderson's impressive work over the years as co-leader of the group TRIBAL TECH, leader of his own ground breaking trio, and sideman to some of the best jazz artists of their generation, including the great Joe Zawinul, has elevated him to the front ranks of both Jazz and Blues. Besides being a world class player and premier composer, Scott's trademark is his beautiful tone and striking ability to blend Blues, Rock, Funk, and Jazz, creating a soulful and unique voice on the guitar.

 
BUY THE ALBUM, SUPPORT THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC
 
 
MoonJune Music:
Booking & Management  
(partial booking roster)

Allan Holdsworth 
Management and exclusive worldwide booking.
All inquiries with MoonJune Music. Limited tour availability only in 2016.
www.thearealallanholdsworth.com

Stick Men (Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, Markus Reuter)
Exclusive worldwide booking, except Europe.
Availability in 2016: April/May (USA/Canada); August (USA/Mexico).
Levin Brothers (Pete & Tony Levin's jazz band)
Exclusive worldwide booking. All inquiries with MoonJune Music.
Availability in 2016: February (North-East USA); June (Mexico, Central & South America)
The Monday Night Band (The Gil Evans Orchestra Alumni)
directed by Pete Levin,
featuring Chris Hunter, Alex Foster, John Clark, Tom Malone, Dave Bargeron,
Dave Stryker, Mark Egan, Danny Gottlieb plus special guests
Exclusive worldwide booking. All inquiries with MoonJune Music.
Availability in 2016:  Please inquire.
www.petelevin.com

Scott Henderson
Exclusive USA, Canada, Central America, The Caribbean, Africa booking.
Availability in 2016:  Please inquire.
For all other territories inquire with The Art Media Agency.
www.scotthenderson.net​

Boris Savoldelli
Exclusive worldwide booking (except Italy & Russia). All inquiries with MoonJune Music.
Availability in 2016:  Please inquire.​

Soft Machine Legacy (John Etheridge, Theo Travis, Roy Babbington, John Marshall)
or Soft Machine Legacy with special guest Keith Tippett
Management and exclusive worldwide booking.
Availability in 2015/2016:  Please inquire.​

www.johnetheridge.com/softmachinelegacy

Beledo
Management and exclusive worldwide booking. All inquiries with MoonJune Music.
Availability in 2015/2016:  Please inquire.​
www.beledo.com

Chad Wackerman, Gilad Atzmon, Nicolas Meier, Asaf Sirkis, 
​Mark Wingfield, Dewa Budjana, Dwiki Dharmawan,
simakDialog, Tohpati, Marbin, Dusan Jevtovic, XaDu, PFM.
​Availability in 2015/2016:  Please inquire.​

Sunday, June 28, 2015

SPAIN: Arturo Serra - Nebulosa (Newsteps records 2015)



01. Reminder Blues
02. Rain Steps
03. Nebulosa
04. Cifu
05. The Sealer
06. Small Confussion
07. A Point in the Desert
08. Body
09. Bobby and Shiva
10. Arturo Serra
11. Arturo Serra
12. Garden City
13. Saint Bull
14. Rain Steps (Alternate Take)

Newsteps records

ITALY: CAMPUS FILOMENA, SERCI GIORGIO - SCARAMOUCHE (EGEA 2015)

cover_scaramouche-1
UKVIBE Review Filomena Campus & Giorgio Serci ‘Scaramouche’ (EGEA) 4/5

Internationally revered and respected Sardinian free improviser/lyricist/Jazz vocalist Filomena Campus and award winner Sardinian guitarist, composer, arranger Giorgio Serci recently launched their latest album ‘Scaramouche’ at a critically and publically acclaimed showcase at London’s Pizza Express, Jazz Bar. This luxuriously packaged CD is reminiscent of those classical musical gate-fold box-set LP’s of yesteryear – but much, much more lush. The striking and vibrant cover art – created by fellow Sardinian and Internationally famed Painter/Sculpture, Giuseppe Carta – radiates the warmth of the Sardinian sunshine. That same striking and vibrant lushness is thankfully carried through to each ear-pleasing recording of this refreshing ten track offering. Although now based in London, both Filomena’s and Giorgio’s Sardinian roots ooze out on this rich recording. The term ‘Scaramouche’ refers to 16th century masked theatre performances of the’Commedia dell’arte all’ improvviso’(comedy of the very creative ability of improvisation). In fact it is Ms Campus’ theatrical background and ‘creative ability of improvisation’ and lyrical interpretation which resonate fervently throughout the album.

http://www.filomenacampus.com

USA: Steve Johns “Family” CD Release Friday, July 10th @ Trumpets Shows at 8 pm & 10 pm

Steve Johns
“Family”
CD Release
Friday, July 10th
@ Trumpets
Shows at 8 pm & 10 pm 

Steve Johns-drums
Mike Lee-saxophones
Daryl Johns-bass
Bob DeVos-guitar 



Trumpets
6 Depot Square
Montclair, NJ 07042
(973) 744-2600
Upcoming Live Appearances
 
08/13/15 Johns FAMILY CD release event @ Birdland 6:00pm Manhattan, NY   
Artist: STEVE JOHNS
Title: FAMILY 
Label: STRIKEZONE RECORDS 8811
Artist Website: www.stevejohnsjazz.com
Release Date: MAY 5, 2015
UP Code: 888295228718

Track listing, track times 
1. Sleepwalk (Johns) w/Dave Stryker 6:51 
2. So You Say (Holmes) w/Bob DeVos 6:39 
3. Shadowboxing (Stryker) w/Dave Stryker 7:26 
4. Bogie And Bacall (Johns) w/Dave Stryker 7:17 
5. Came To Believe (Stryker) w/Dave Stryker 6:21 6. Mixing (Moreira) w/Dave Stryker 4:37 
7. DKJ (Johns) w/Bob DeVos 6:55 
8. Shell Game (DeVos) w/Bob DeVos 6:48 
9. Chunk (Johns/Holmes) w/ Bob DeVos 3:28 

Musicians: 
Steve Johns-drums, Debbie Keefe Johns-saxophones, Daryl Johns-bass, Dave Stryker-guitar,
Bob DeVos-guitar

Produced by: Dave Stryker Engineered, Mixed, and Mastered by: Chris Sulit at Trading Eights Studio, Paramus NJ Aug. 26 2014
 
“Steve Johns is a master drummer and bandleader. His bass playing son Daryl Johns and saxophonist wife Debbie Johns are amazing. Stellar debut and Steve proves, drummers are musicians, and pretty good producers too. Great musical Family” —Lenny White
 
A tightly knit modern quartet with a great feel, original tunes, arrangements and soloists! —Randy Brecker
 
After three decades as a key contributor to groups led by some of jazz’s greatest luminaries, Steve Johns has at last made his first recording as leader. In an era when it seems that every aspiring young jazz player, whether ready or not, feels the need to come out with his or her own recording, for someone of Steve’s abilities and experience to wait so long is almost unheard of. 
 
Why now?
 
Steve explains: “I’ve reached this pivotal point in my life where our son, [bassist] Daryl Johns, is leaving home to attend the Manhattan School of Music. I wanted to capture our magic as a musical family in a bottle before he left for college. So my CD idea was born.” 
 
Apart from the stellar music, what makes Family so compelling is that it is “family.” Joining Steve are his wife, the talented saxophonist Debbie Keefe Johns, and their son Daryl, at eighteen, already one of the most sought-after bassists in jazz. Guitarists Dave Stryker, who produced the recording, and Bob DeVos contributed greatly to the project’s success. While not related, Steve considers them “like family.”
 
Steve Johns’ recording debut as leader is an auspicious one and well worth the wait. And while he’ll undoubtedly continue to enhance the work of others, I hope he’ll step into the spotlight more often to showcase his own unique talents as player and composer. As Dave Stryker observes, “The best compliment you can give a musician is that he sounds like himself. Steve’s been around long enough so that he’s developed his own sound; he’s not trying to be anything other than Steve Johns, which is the way it should be. 

Steve Johns’ recording debut as a leader is an auspicious one and well worth the wait!

(edited from Ed Berger’s liner notes)
   

NATIONAL PRESS CAMPAIGN: 
JIM EIGO, JAZZ PROMO SERVICES
272 State Route 94 South #1, Warwick, NY 10990-3363
Ph: 845-986-1677 / Fax: 845-986-1699 Cell / text: 917-755-8960 Skype: jazzpromo 
“Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels, venues and events.”
NATIONAL RADIO CAMPAIGN: 
KATE SMITH PROMOTIONS of CHICAGO 814.482.0010 katesmithpromotions.kate@gmail.com 


AVAILABLE FROM:
www.stevejohnsjazz.com / CDBaby / Amazon / iTunes









Media Contact
Jim Eigo

Jazz Promo Services
272 State Route 94 South #1
Warwick, NY 10990-3363
Ph: 845-986-1677 / Fax: 845-986-1699
Cell / text: 917-755-8960
Skype: jazzpromo
jim@jazzpromoservices.com
www.jazzpromoservices.com