8 string guitarist Fred Fried is reviewed in the August edition of Jazz Times page 76, by Bill Milkowski.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Fred Fried is reviewed in the August issue of Jazz Times
8 string guitarist Fred Fried is reviewed in the August edition of Jazz Times page 76, by Bill Milkowski.
Woody Witt makes Bob Parlocha's Top 40 list 4 times!
Woody Witt's new CD, "First Impression" is making just that a wonderful impression on Bob Parlocha. He has listed Woody in his top 40 listing 4 times in a row!
6/10 at #13 http://www.jazzwithbobparlocha.com/top40/061010_jazz_releases.html
5/27 at #11 http://www.jazzwithbobparlocha.com/top40/052710_jazz_releases.html
4/29 at #30 http://www.jazzwithbobparlocha.com/top40/042910_jazz_releases.html
Richard Blake continues to top the charts at RMR
Richard Blake a NJ based guitarist continues to top the RMR national jazz radio chart for a total of 5 weeks in a row, this week landing at #4.
The CD, Richard Blake Plays Midtown at Midnight,
captures Blake’s unmistakable style and sound. This
album is a must for anyone who loves guitar; who
enjoys chord melodies with improvisations; and can
“feel” the artist and his passionate, flawless
technique.
100 Degrees at Midnight Reviews Lawrence Lebo
Lawrence Lebo: Don't Call Her Larry, Volume 3, American Roots (2010)
Written By: C. Michael Bailey
For the most obsessive-compulsive of us, receiving
a "Volume 3" of anything series without the previous
volumes can cause certain discomfort, particularly
if the said Volume 3 is as fine as singer Lawrence
Lebo's Don't Call Her Larry, Volume 3, American Roots. Having secured delivery of the other two
volumes, I am presently considering Volume 3, which will become a part
of a larger review of all volumes in All About Jazz.
Lawrence Lebo is a musical minimalist intent on framing
American Roots music as its indivisible subatomic pieces,
in the case of Volume 3 blues, jazz, folk and western
swing. Her approach is deconstructive, and effort to
strip away 50 years of interpretive veneer to expose
the original genres in their most basic forms. One could
cast her as a musical theologian formulating her
systematic theology from the canon of American
Music and not be far off of exactly how important.
Lebo is at her absolute best in the most stripped
down of formats. Her duets with bassist Denny
Croy reveal a keen ear for the music and
presenting it in such a way allows the listener
to the essence of songs, the lyrics and the
For the most obsessive-compulsive of us, receiving
a "Volume 3" of anything series without the previous
volumes can cause certain discomfort, particularly
if the said Volume 3 is as fine as singer Lawrence
Lebo's Don't Call Her Larry, Volume 3, American Roots. Having secured delivery of the other two
volumes, I am presently considering Volume 3, which will become a part
of a larger review of all volumes in All About Jazz.
Lawrence Lebo is a musical minimalist intent on framing
American Roots music as its indivisible subatomic pieces,
in the case of Volume 3 blues, jazz, folk and western
swing. Her approach is deconstructive, and effort to
strip away 50 years of interpretive veneer to expose
the original genres in their most basic forms. One could
cast her as a musical theologian formulating her
systematic theology from the canon of American
Music and not be far off of exactly how important.
Lebo is at her absolute best in the most stripped
down of formats. Her duets with bassist Denny
Croy reveal a keen ear for the music and
presenting it in such a way allows the listener
to the essence of songs, the lyrics and the
swing. An example is "On Time," a sexy managerial
take on what one appreciates most in a, er, "employee."
Playful, smart, stripped to the bone, Lawrence Lebo's
pilgrimage back to America is in full swing.
take on what one appreciates most in a, er, "employee."
Playful, smart, stripped to the bone, Lawrence Lebo's
pilgrimage back to America is in full swing.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Midwest Record Recap Reviews Lawrence Lebo and Harvie S
Volume 33/Number 236
June 25 2010
MIDWEST RECORD
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
Copyright 2010 Midwest Record
BLUE BAMBOO
HARVIE S/Cocolamus Bridge: This bassman has been able to step up and hit them to all fields for over 30 years and he isn’t about to lose his eclecticism now. With a new Texas jazz crew, he opens up sounding like Ry Cooder on bass and let’s things flow from there. A solidly creative date that has killer chops at the core that the players don’t allow themselves to trip over, sitting down jazz has a new flag to wave here. This is one creative cat that should never be taken for granted as this lovely audio painting is top shelf stuff throughout.
14
ON THE AIR
LAWRECNE LEBO/Don’t Call Her Larry V. 3-American Roots: This delightfully eclectic vocalist takes another left turn on her latest set card digging up more of a blues and folk set card than on past efforts. With a very intimate, close in feel to the recording, Lebo is right in the room with you delivering a personal, up close performance that takes you back to the blue lights in the basement vibe and makes you want to say things like ‘daddio’. A solid diversion that proudly goes it’s own way, Lebo is in control of her action and it’s a smart move for the listener to sit back and let her do her thing if those ears want to derive maximum enjoyment. Well done.
9654
Carol Morgan is featured on Jim Wilke's
Public Radio International Jim Wilke's "Jazz After Hours" bestows the honor of being featured for the 14 th week to the Carol Morgan Trio.
Woody Witt lands on Bob Parlocha's Top 40 list for the 3rd time!
Woody Witt lands on Bob Parlocha's Top 40 list for the 3rd time!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Jennifer Zarine is reviewed by Girl Singers
Jennifer Zarine
Fresh Made Cuppa Tea
So many sound so alike in this genre – that’s not the case here.
A saucy romp through standards both old and new, Jennifer Zarine
displays not only her theatre background, but the rare ability to dial
it back for the recording studio without losing the emotion.
Covering a lot of territory, from the Nat King Cole classic
“Orange Colored Sky,” to Mick Jagger’s “Paint It Black,” Ms. Zarine
and the guys manage to put their own stamp on this material, and
stand out from that crowd.
The “guys” include Ben Gallina on bass, Brady Miller on drums,
Eric Lindberg guitar, Eric Stephenson on cello, Josh Rutner on sax,
and Red Wierenga on keyboards – including an accordion. Mr. Rutner’s
background work on “Paint It Black” had me following him instead of
the vocal for a while – it’s that good; and Mr. Wierenga has a nice turn
on the medley, “Smile-I’m All Smiles.”
Other favorites include “Bye Bye Baby,” and Smokey Robinson’s
“The Way You Do The Things You Do.” The lullaby “Sleep,” is an original
penned by Ms. Zarine that fits nicely with this group of eclectic
classics – assembled like a Chinese Puzzle into a work of finished art.
Well played, this disc is very highly recommended.
Ellen Honert is reviewed by Jazz Times
Featured Artist: Ellen Honert
Reviewed By: Wilbert Sostre
CD Title: Hummingville
Year: 2010
Record Label: Mill Station Records
Style: Jazz Vocals
Musicians: Ellen Honert (vocals), Frank Martin (piano and hammond organ),
Jose Neto (guitar), Pedro Eustache (flute), John Peña (bass), Alex Acuña
(drums and percussion).
Review: When a vocalist surround herself with quality musicians like
pianist Frank Martin, guitarist José Neto, flutist Pedro Eustache, bassist
John Peña and drummer, percussionist extraordinaire Alex Acuña, you
got the feeling she must be good. And Ellen Honert is really good.
Hummingville, the second album from this Netherlands native is a
collection of good songs and amazing musicians.
Honert fine vocals and elegant phrasing captivates you from the
first track, the samba like, Hummingville, A Honert delightful original
song about the excitement of falling in love. The music style of Storylines,
another Ellen original, is reminiscent of the jazz influenced singer, Basia.
Ellen wrote four additional songs on this CD, Restless, Tall Trees, the
French lyrics of Le Phare and Two Steps, a track with a reggae groove,
showing her versatility as a composer. Frank Martin classy piano intro in
the song Life Talks leads to one of Ellen most heartfelt interpretations.
Hummingville includes also a nice version of Sting I was brought to my
senses and a lovely interpretation of Chiara Civello Here is everything.
But is on Milton Nascimento Bridges where Ellen shows her vocal range
moving with ease between those high and low notes.
Tracks: Hummingville, I Was Brought To My Senses, Storylines,
Intro Life Talks, Life Talks,Here is Everything, Restless, Bridges, Intro
Le Phare, Le Phare, Two Steps, Some Time Ago, Tall Trees.
Artist's Website: http://www.honertmusic.com
Jennifer Zarine is reviewed by Jazz Times
Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre
Featured Artist: Jennifer Zarine
CD Title: Fresh Made Cuppa Tea
Year: 2010
Record Label: Independent
Style: Jazz Vocals
Musicians: Jennifer Zarine (vocals), Ben Gallina (bass), Brady Miller
(drums), Eric Lindberg (guitar), Eric Stephenson (cello), Josh Rutner
(sax), Red Wierenga (piano, accordion)
Review: With the first notes of the first track Orange Colored
Sky, you got the feeling that Fresh made cuppa tea, the new
album from singer Jennifer Zarine, is going to be a fun ride.
Fresh made cuppa tea is a delightful mix of Jazz standards with
jazzy arrangements of Rock classics.
Jennifer Zarine vocals are playful, sexy and funny but always
sincere. No doubt she enjoyed working on this album. The funny
lyrics and folksy arrangements of The Kinks' Have a Cuppa Tea
and the playful vocals on the French song, Boum will surely
bring a smile to your face.
There is something for everyone on Fresh made cuppa tea.
The swinging, vintage Jazz sounds of Orange Colored Sky.
The beautiful, heartfelt vocals and classy phrasing of Something
Cool, You’re my thrill, Smiles, Bye bye baby and That’s all. The
entertaining version of The way you do the things you do and the
cool, modern jazz arrangements of the Rolling Stones Paint it Black.
But besides being a wonderful singer, Jennifer is also a good
songwriter. Listen to the enchanting music and vocals of Sleep,
a lovely song that feel almost like a lullaby. Jennifer Zarine voice
and music is definitely cool and fresh just like a fresh made cup of tea.
Tracks: Orange Colored Sky, The Way You Do The Things You
Do, Something Cool, Have a Cuppa Tea, You're My Thrill, I need
you to turn to, Boum, Paint it Black, Smile/I'm all smiles, Sleep,
Bye bye baby, That's all
Artist's Website: http://www.jenniferzarine.com
Carol Morgan is reviewed by Jazz Times
06/27/10 • Albums • By Wilbert Sostre
CD Review: Carol Morgan Trio - Opening
Featured Artist: Carol Morgan Trio
Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre
CD Title: Opening
Year: 2010
Record Label: Blue Bamboo Music
Style: BeBop / Hard Bop
Musicians: Carol Morgan (trumpet), Harvie S (bass),
Rich DeRosa (drums), Woody Witt (sax)
Review: Carol Morgan is a fabulous trumpet player with great
tone and technique. She is also a composer, author and college
professor. A Julliard graduate, Carol discography includes two
CDs as a leader, Classic Morgana and Passing Time with the
Carol Morgan Quintet. On this album Carol leads his own trio,
featuring bassist Harvie S and drummer Rich DeRosa.
The first track, Opening Line is a Carol original composition in a
Bebop style with impressive fast runs on trumpet. Carol shows
her nice tone on Horace Silver Nica’s Dream a piece that feels
like a bolero, but then changes into a swinging tempo.
Bud Powell's Celia is another Bebop style piece that takes
you back to the Bird and Dizzy era. Carol, Harvie and Rich swing
hard on this one.
Dark Continent is an original by drummer Rich DeRosa
with a nice groove a la Afro Blue and good harmonies on
trumpet with special guest Woody Witt on sax. Like
someone in love is a ballad played beautifully by Carol.
There are similarities in tone and phrasing with Miles Davis
on these slow pieces. But then again which trumpet player
has not been influenced by Miles?
Kenny Dorham Prince Albert is another swinging track
with the best bass solo by Harvie S. Woody exchange some
nice improvisations with Carol and both play good harmonies
on Harvie original Sizzle. Rich DeRosa Calypso Blue ends
up this wonderful CD with a combination of Calypso rhythms
and bebop melodies.
Tracks: Opening Line, Nica's Dream, Celia,
Dark Continent, Like Someone in Love, Prince Albert,
Sizzle, Calypso Blue
Record Label Website: http://www.bluebamboomusic.com
Artist's Website: http://www.carolmorganmusic.com
Fred Fried is reviewed by Jazz Times
Featured Artist: Fred Fried
Title: Core 3.0
Year: 2010
Record Label: Ballet Tree Jazz Productions
Style: Contemporary Jazz
Musicians: Fred Fried (guitar), Michael Lavoie (bass), Miki Matsuki (drums)
Review: On his new album Core 3.0, Fred Fried take full advantage, harmonically
and melodically of his new custom 8-string guitar. This guitar has a low
A string below the low E and a high A string above the high E. These additiona
l strings enable Fred “to produce chord voicings on the high end without sacrificing
the bass”.
Jazz is improvised music so even though all compositions are by
Fred Fried, all three musicians contribute equally to the wonderful music on
this album. Miki Matsuki on drums and Michael Lavoie on bass provide
a solid rhythm background to Fred Fried compositions and piano like phrasing.
Some of the music on Core 3.0 has a strong Bebop influence, including
Leanne’s Number, a piece with interesting changes in tempo and powerful
bass playing by Michael Lavoie. The track Henry reminds me harmonically
and melodically of Coltrane My Favorite Things.
The ballad Mycha’s Labyrinth starts with beautiful arpeggios on
guitar followed by good melodic improvisations. On Cloud Dancer the
intro sounds like a lullaby and then change into a nice swinging groove.
Michael Lavoie plays the main melody and also plays the first solo on the
track Melody Four, another swinging piece with Fred exchanging improvisations
with Miki Matsuki on drums.
A brazilian influence may be heard on Weather Changes with a cool
Bossa feeling and April’s March reminiscent of Jobim classic Chovendo na Roseira.
For these amazing musicians the composition is the most important thing and
it surely shows all through this album.
Tracks: Leanne's Number, Henry, Mischa's Labyrinth, Cloud Dancer,
Melody Four, Sadie, Weather Changes, April's March, The things you do
Artist's Website: http://www.fredfried.com
Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Woody Witt - is Chartbound at Jazzweek
Woody Witt, continues to rack up positions on the national jazz radio charts - #10 at CMJ (4 weeks), #39 RMR Jazz Chart w/e 5-21-2010 and Chartbound at Jazzweek. Witt is also enjoying features on the Public Radio International show Jim Wilke's "Jazz After Hours," along with two top 15 chart positions with Bob Parlocha's syndicated show.
Harvie S is Chartbound at Jazzweek, his first week in promotion
Legendary bassist Harvie S sails up the chart his first week in radio promotions and hits the Chartbound jazz chart.
Sylvia Bennett - 7 weeks on the Jazzweek World Chart
Former vocalist for Lionel Hampton - Sylvia Bennett continues to win hearts across the US, Canada and Internationally. 7 weeks on the Jazzweek World chart peaking at # 22.
Mark Piszczek - 3 weeks on CMJ Jazz Chart
Composer Mark Piszczek is winning listeners across the U.S. and Canada peaking at #22 on the CMJ Jazz Chart, and landing at #39 for a total of 3 weeks.
CMJ JAZZ CHART ISSUE #1157
| 36 | - | - | 36 | 1 | HERBIE HANCOCK | The Imagine Project | Hancock |
| 37 | 34 | - | 34 | 2 | LISA HILTON | Nuance | Ruby Slippers |
| 38 | - | - | 5 | 14 | SOULJAZZ ORCHESTRA | Rising Sun | Strut |
| 39 | 37 | 22 | 22 | 3 | MARK PISZCZEK | Bamboo Philharmonic | Blue Bamboo |
| 40 | 18 | 29 | 18 | 3 | PAUL DUNMALL AND CHRIS CORSANO | Identical Sunsets | ESP-Disk |
Woody Witt keeps the pace on the CMJ Jazz Chart
Woody Witt keeps his pace on the CMJ Jazz Chart, peaking at #10 overall and this week landing at #18 for a total of 4 weeks on the chart so far....
CMJ JAZZ CHART ISSUE #1157
| 16 | 17 | 19 | 4 | 9 | HOT CLUB OF DETROIT | It's About That Time | Mack Avenue |
| 17 | 26 | - | 17 | 2 | AZAR LAWRENCE | Mystic Journey | Furthermore |
| 18 | 29 | 10 | 10 | 4 | WOODY WITT | First Impression | Blue Bamboo |
| 19 | 11 | - | 11 | 2 | SUN RA | College Tour Volume One | ESP-Disk |
| 20 | 32 | 6 | 1 | 16 | MOSE ALLISON | The Way Of The World | Anti |
| 21 | - | - | 21 | 5 | LITTLE WOMEN | Throat | Aum Fidelity |
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Lawrence Lebo is Reviewed by Cashbox Magazine
BLUES Reviewed 06-23-20
Lawrence Lebo
Don't Call Her Larry, Volume 3: American Roots
There is always room at the top for great blues. In the
jungle of music out there, with all the monkeys and
elephants closing in on you, it can be refreshing to have
a blues bird sing in your ear. Lawrence Lebo is such a bird,
and she can sing in my ear whenever she wants to.
"Don't Call Her Larry, Volume 3" completes the blues
trilogy Ms. Lebo has been working on with style. A brilliant
collection for young and old, the songs evoke the past
masters while inspiring the next wave of blues greats to
follow suit. Easily the best album in the genre I have heard this year.
With equal parts Etta James and Bonnie Raitt, Lawrence
Lebo's voice is made for the ages. She would have packed
them in 60 years ago at the most happening spots out there,
and her style should translate into quick chart dominance today.
Harvie S is Reviewed at Cashbox Magazine
JAZZ Reviewed 06-23-20
Harvie S, Cocolamus Bridge
The smooth sounds of bass driven jazz are on display with "Cocolamus Bridge", the latest from Harvie S. Packed with tracks to open the mind and refresh the soul; Harvie S showcases the skills he has used during a career spanning three decades.
The Massachusetts born Harvie S makes use of his Houston connections with "Cocolamus Bridge." A hypnotic mix of all the best elements of modern jazz, the album is a benchmark recording, suitable for placement on jazz radio stations, along with a ride on a bullet train to the top of the charts.
Jazz is rapidly regaining its proper place among the best American music has to offer. With stalwarts like Harvie S leading the way, I can imagine a new jazz renaissance happening sooner than later. Get your copy of "Cocolamus Bridge" tonight, and enjoy it with a jazz fan or two.
Christopher Llewellyn Adams -
4.5 Stars
Richard Blake is Reviewed by the Ashbury Park Press/Times-Beacon Newspapers
Barnegat jazz guitarist Richard Blake makes his mark on the charts
BY JESSICA INFANTE • STAFF WRITER • JUNE 21, 2010
Asbury Park Press, Times-Beacon Newspapers, Barnegat and Long Beach Island
BARNEGAT — When independent guitarist Richard Blake opened his e-mail earlier this month and read that his album was ranked second on a national jazz radio chart, he was stunned.
"I just stared at it," he said. "Then, a piece of me said, "Why not?' "
Blake's album, "Richard Blake Plays Midtown at Midnight," spent two weeks at No. 2 on the Roots Music Report's national jazz list without a record label's support — something Kari Gaffney of Kari-On Productions, which promotes Blake's work, called quite an achievement.
"For an independent artist to be charting on a national jazz radio chart is a huge accomplishment," she said. "I think it's really a testament to his playing and the style that he's presenting."
Blake, who has lived with his wife and daughter in Four Seasons at Mirage since 2001, credits his guitar teacher, Chuck Wayne, with what people have told him is a unique touch.
"The physics of this is: The less movement (of the strumming arm) you have, the faster you play and the more control you have," he said. "I basically only move the knuckle of my thumb and the upper knuckle of my index finger. I use the other three fingers to accompany myself."
The album features covers of "Norwegian Wood," "Things Ain't What They Used to Be," "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" and "Harlem Nocturne," which Blake said has seen the most airplay.
Blake, who began playing guitar at 10, composed its sole original, "Transfer Station at 3 a.m.," while working the nightclub circuit in Union City at age 15. It began as the song Blake's band, The Nocturnals, played going into breaks and at the end of the night. The tune caught on, and soon all the bands performing in Transfer Station-area clubs covered it as the crowds poured into the Union City streets at closing time.
Laurie Blake first noticed her future husband sneaking up the down-designated staircase at their high school, habitually tardy because he played in nightclubs until the wee hours six nights a week. His hip musician persona didn't faze her, though.
"I just thought he was such a geek," she said with a laugh.
With a powder blue convertible and a bright red guitar, Blake said most girls were pretty impressed, but not Laurie.
"You were the first woman to give me grief," Blake said to her.
With an independent album landing on national charts four times in four weeks, the next stop could be a record deal.
"There's no such thing as "you can't.' If you don't try it, you'll never know," Laurie Blake said of how she supports her husband's musical career. "If you don't try it, you'll never know."
Ellen Honert is Reviewed by Jazz Inside Magazine
Ellen Honert Soars on Hummingville
Jazz Inside Magazine
Written By: Susan Frances
Genre: Jazz – Contemporary
Personnel: Ellen Honert – vocals, Frank Martin – piano and Hammond organ, Jose Neto – guitar, Pedro Eustache – flute, John Pena – bass, Alex Acuna – drums and percussion
Tracks: Hummingville, I Was Brought To My Senses, Storylines, Intro: Life Talks, Life Talks, Here Is Everything, Restless, Bridges, Intro: Le Phare, Le Phare, Two Steps, Some Time Ago, Tall Trees
Singer Ellen Honert embraces the lambent vibrations of Latin-jazz on her new recording Hummingville from Mill Station Records demonstrating the smooth sensibilities of a merengue dancer and the caressive strokes of bossa nova-laden harmonies. Honert’s tracks are showered in glistening guitar arias and elegantly ruffled piano keys projecting reflective moods counterweighed by buoyant Latin-bowed palpitations.
The Brazilian-pearled flutters of the title track are wrapped in catchy beats which manifest into a classic merengue rhythm. The slow rolling grooves which pontoon “I Was Brought To My Senses” are adorned in gently pleated piano trills that form a swathe of calming aspens, which switch to a club vibe in “Life Talks.” The reposing tempo of “Here Is Everything” is led by soft melodic lifts and reclines as Honert stipulates, “Walking on my way from you / The sun is gone / And all my thoughts turn blue / While I go down this road alone / Finally, I’m just taking my time / To carve our past into a stone.”
The torchlight ambience of “Le Phare” is harnessed in meditative strokes cradling Honert’s sensual vocals as she sings the lyrics in French. Where “Le Phare” conjures up images of Edith Piaf’s Paris, the Latin-tinged ripples of “Restless” allude to evenings in Barcelona, and the reggae-tempered grooves of “Two Steps” bolster a Caribbean breeze. The sedate trundle in the guitar chords along “Some Time Ago” flex in sync with Honert’s lounging vocal furls, and the graceful swagger of “Tall Trees” is clothe in vestiges of luminescent aesthetics.
Honert takes her time on these tracks, savoring every moment along the ascents and reclines in the melodic passages. Supported by keyboardist Frank Martin, guitarist Jose Neto, flutist Pedro Eustache, bassist John Pena, and drummer Alex Acuna, Ellen Honert delivers an album that stimulates the finer sensibilities as the music is modulated to produce reflective moods and conditioned to travel towards feeling positive.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Thought for the day - Share it!
You have the power to achieve the best. Allow it. You have a purpose that comes directly from your authentic essence. Accept it, acknowledge it, explore it, and allow it to flow into every corner of your world.
Striving and fighting only hold you back. Now it is time to live every moment with the positive power you know you have. Now is the time to love and to fulfill the beauty that you know can be. Now you can let authentic life flow. The problems hold you back only because you see them as problems. Now it is time to see every circumstance as the opportunity that it is. Every desire, every hope, every longing is already fulfilled by your possibilities. Now is the time to live them fully.
Woody Witt - is Chartbound at Jazzweek
Woody Witt is Chartbound at Jazzweek the National Jazz Radio Chart.
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