Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius Rises to #22 This week on Jazzweek World

Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius Continues to 

Win Hearts and Ears Across the Globe

This Week Moving Up the Jazzweek World Chart to #22

KARIBU is Elizabeth’s third release as a band leader, and with this CD, Elizabeth’s vision has
fully arrived, conveying her belief that now, more than ever, we are presented with the opportunity
to join together and celebrate humanity, by exploring the breadth and richness of the world’s
cultures and traditions through the arts.

Elizabeth has played and composed many styles of music and KARIBU is a fulfilling expression
of the group’s joyful and optimistic hybrid. The performances and chemistry of the players
project a powerful message, a journey that results in a human bonding and deeper passion for the
cultures portrayed in each composition.

KARIBU is produced by Stu Kuby. Stu has been responsible for the creation and production of music for a wide variety of artists including: Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, Whitney Houston,Roberta Flack,
Michael Bolton, Doctor John, Aretha Franklin, Michael MacDonald, Gladys Knight, Al Jarreau,
Aaron Neville, Herbie Hancock, Paul McCartney, and beyond.

Nathaniel Reichman serves as chief recording engineer and sound mixer. Nathan’s work can be heard on television and in the classical-music concert hall in his affiliations with composers Philip Glass, Ahrin
Mishan, JohnLuther Adams, and Michael Small.

Elizabeth has integrated her travels and life experiences into her music and the result is a cohesive and pleasurable fluency. Though sprinkled with jazz influences, KARIBU fuses the sounds of the globe into its fabric, creating a universal voice of ‘new world’. Each cut has its own unique story; “Karibu” is
a welcoming song to this delightfully textural collection. “Malaika Mlongo” is a soothing lullaby, while “Adhiambo,” is a special name given to Luo girls in Kenya who are born after dusk. This is a song dedicated to Elizabeth’s young friend Susan Adhiambo Odoyo. Its unique sound transports you immediately to another place.

“Bica” is whimsically titled after a fabulous cheese from Portugal; this lively Brazilianflavored
cut brings together beautiful melody and a great samba groove.. Inspired by the rain, “La Lluvia,” gives a nod to Chopin and his Raindrop Prelude within a lush jazz-harmony context. “O Feche” is an inspirational tune featuring Zorkie’s vocals that joyfully uplifts.

“Mbizerere” is based on a traditional mbira song from Zimbabwe. “La Danse” is inspired
by Elizabeth’s work with dancers, and this piece makes an epic journey from its classical
beginning to West Africa and back within its surprising arc. In closing, the Bill-Evans inspired
“Aire” was written for Elizabeth’s life partner, her husband Andrew for their wedding day.

With KARIBU, Elizabeth and her co-conspirators have created a collection of inspiring pieces
that conjure up new worlds, new mysteries and new musical pathways--join them as they take you on a stirring expedition.

Marty Williams is reviewed by Gapplegate Guitar & Bass Blog

Marty Williams' Old School Soul Jazz: "Long Time Comin'"

Marty Williams works within a style most definitely old-school. He has a piano approach that owes something to the original funk players (the gospel-soul tinged sensibility of Horace Silver and Bobby Timmons, etc.). He sings in a soulful husky voice that reminds just a little of Gil Scott-Heron. 

Then he has a rootsy band of himself on piano, plus guitar, bass and drums. So in a way his music is an extension of those small group outings of Les McCann or Mose Allison. His Long Tome Comin" (In A Moon Bay Records) album hits a spot that to me refreshes that style and refreshes the ears like a sorbet between courses (not that I have the life-style right now that involves such niceties).

He covers a good selection of pop standards ("Love for Sale"), jazz standards ("Monk's Dream"), rock standards ("Come Together"), soul-jazz standards ("Compared to What"), soul standards ["Brother (Where Are You")], and he does it all in his own down-home, swinging way. The band sounds like they've been playing together for a while too. They are a well-oiled tight-loose organization that has room for Eric Swinderman's guitar and Marty's piano. There is some interesting rearranging too--like on "Monk's Dream."

After 25 years on the San Francisco jazz scene, Marty has arrived. Long Time Comin' is an apt description of it all. He makes music that makes me glad he's here. 

Frank Butrey Holds Strong at #13 for his 4th week

Frank Butrey Holds His Own Among A Sea of Major Labels

Philadelphia based guitarist Frank Butrey offers a wide array of techniques, colors and unpredictability on his offering, Malicious Delicious. From stirring sensitivity to romping in-your-face explorations, Butrey is a compelling guitarist and a distinctive composer. Butrey’s tone is certainly all his own, the closest description would be; mix the fiery speed and agility of Pat Martino, the harmonic complexities of Chick Corea, the exploration of sounds and raw bite of Hendrix and the grooving abilities of Carlos Santana and you can start to imagine Frank Butrey, but be prepared – he is certainly all that and more.

Joined by a stellar line-up of players lending their interactive support, the group expertly executes Butrey’s motivic ideas. Tony “Stickman” Wyatt on drums and Clifton Kellem on acoustic and electric bass are a solid rhythm section for Butrey to expound his ideas upon. Butrey is also joined by percussionists Tom Lowery (tracks 3 & 5), Doug “Pablo” Edwards (track 6), Joe Ruscitto (track 3), Leonard “Hub” Hubbard on electric bass formerly of The Roots (track 8), long time collaborator Warren Oree on acoustic bass (track 6), Umar Raheem on soprano sax (track 6) and Greg “Ju Ju” Jones on drums (track 6). Malicious Delicious is a burning CD, one guaranteed to satisfy any guitar aficionado and beyond.

Ekendra Das enjoys top slots on two CMJ Charts for CMJ issue #1193

Ekendra Das Strikes a Chord With
Two CMJ Charts

and

Ekendra Das is a multi-percussionist and drummer whose relationship with the drum goes back to his childhood. He often jammed with the musicians that played at the Blue Cornet night club managed by his father in New York. Musicians like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespe and others. Ekendra’s uncle, a famous Katherine Dunham dancer, arranged for Ekendra’s first recording, singing and playing percussion on a Harry Belefonte recording. The spark was lit; music and the drum became a huge part of Ekendra’s life.

Ekendra went on to study drumming and music under various teachers from all styles. Ekendra worked the New York music scene after college, working with artists like Kashif, Living Color’s Vernon Reid, JazzMobile all stars, sax man Carlos Garnett, Pharaoh Saunders, Nat Aderly Jr.,  and a special performance with Dizzy Gillespe. Broadway shows and major dance companies also used his percussive skills. When Ekendra was offered a job working in Africa he took it as an opportunity for first hand drum and percussion study of Africa percussion. This also found

him playing with African artists like Sonny Okoso, Kofi Ghanaba, Banda and Congolese artist Africa One. Ekendra decided to visit India on a vacation and fell in love with the music and returned several times to study both music and philosophy. Ekendra has played Indian percussion for artists both recording and live performances.

Ekendra began a refreshed music career after returning to the States, playing and recording with Fertile Ground, David Bach, Raheem Davaughn, Mary Ann Redmond, Imani, Tim Eyerman, Caje Mosaic, Bottomland, Amikaelya, Anthony David, The D.C. Mass Choir, Havana Select, Frank Macomb, Brian Culbertson, Marcus Johnson Project, Al Williams, Scott Ambush, Julie Dexter and others; including international artists Chucho Valdes, Susana Baca,

Marixtrell, Armand Ntep, Rashik Priya, Los Munoquitos, Filipe Villamil and Emekeke.

One of the most inspiring moments was playing the Smithsonian Institute tribute to Celia Cruz with Havana Select. Ekendra has for the last eleven years been the percussionist for the soul/  jazz and world music, group Fertile Ground, recording and touring the world and sharing stages with everyone from BB King to the Black Eyed Peas.

Ekendra continues to teach workshops and clinics as well as private instruction. Ekendra is also a member of PASIC and the Drum circle facilitators’ guild. WR108 is a musical experience, a sound track to life.

Kanuck, Carlo De Lorenzi enjoys his 3rd week at CMJ

Carlo De Lorenzi enjoys his 3rd week on the CMJ Jazz Chart

On the Toronto and Northern Ontario music scenes for over 30 years, keyboardist Carlo De Lorenzi has
composed, performed and recorded with a diverse collective of musicians and bands. Recent collaborations include performing and/or recording with: Practical Blues, Compass Rose, guitar virtuoso Jason Sadites, East Coast Music Award nominee Dave Carroll, the Sons of Maxwell, and Kris MacFarlane (Great Big Sea). He has also performed and arranged for several stage shows and musicals.

Carlo De Lorenzi has been playing piano and keyboards professionally since he was in high school. His first exposure to music at age four came from watching his older brother dazzle audiences with his accordion playing wizardry. Carlo took classical piano lessons from a gifted and inspiring teacher from age 5 but became interested in pop and jazz around age 12 - Carlo relates “I always had the impulse to want to learn the tunes sung by crooners on my parent’s hi-fi stereo rather than practice my etudes and sonatas.”

Carlo’s songwriting bridges the genres of pop, jazz, and world music. His major influences include: Bruce
Hornsby, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea and Bob James. Carlo’s versatility has been captured in his latest recording Four Seasons in One Recess. Converging a community of highly talented, emerging and established musicians, the ten song CD contains a savory and invigorating collection of melodies and rhythms.

Northern Ontario keyboardist Carlo De Lorenzi announces the release of his new CD Four Seasons in One Recess. A collection of ten original songs spanning a veritable spectrum of influences from jazz and R&B
to pop, reggae and world music, Four Seasons in One Recess marks Carlo De Lorenzi’s first solo project.
The blend of vocal and instrumental tunes on the recording showcases De Lorenzi’s song writing and
musicianship. An assembly of both well established and young dynamic artists are featured on the project including Jason Sadites (WEVE, Behind the Laughter) on guitar, Brendan Colameco of Neverest on
drums and a guest appearance by multi-East Coast Music Award winner Dave Carroll (United Breaks Guitars) on “Blue Sky Down.”

Danielle Reich hits the #1 Top Jazz Adds Slot for CMJ issue #1193

Danielle Reich Locks Down the #1 Slot on the

CMJ Top Jazz Adds Chart 

This Year’s Kisses marks the introduction of vocalist Danielle Reich. She is warm and inviting, completely unaffected and organic; Reich delivers the lyric with copious confidence that immediately makes you forget this is her debut CD. Produced by trumpeter extraordinaire Carol Morgan, This Year’s Kisses features lush arrangements and a stellar line up. Morgan clearly understands the qualities of Reich’s voice and as her producer, she has done a wonderful job of creating a creative and supportive ensemble that lends itself to an outstanding debut.

Reich has an innocent quality to her voice which shines through on ballads and slow-midtempos such as ”If I Loved You,” “How Long Has This Been Going On,” “Alone Together,” “Crazy He Calls Me” and “At Seventeen.” Her phrasing has an almost Billie Holiday overtone which lends itself to her intimate style.

Cuts like “Sabor A Mi” sung in Spanish and “Ne Me Quitte Pas” sung in French highlight Danielle’s instinctive ability to easily convey in multiple languages. Messages of love, joy, anguish and innocence all masterfully conveyed by a supremely talented players; Carol Morgan (trumpet), her tone and phrasing are unmatched, Andrew Lienhard on piano glides across the ivories with rich harmonies and supportive chords, Seth Paynter on tenor sax has a round and inviting tone that creates the right amount of texture on each track, David Craig on bass glues the ensemble together with on target intonation and perfectly placed colors;
complimented by drummer Daleton Lee, the rhythm section carries each track through tender brushes to unabashed swinging delights. All in all, what a delightful debut offering, one that leaves the listener in a great position of discovering a new talent worth the listen.

Brulée hits the #2 slot on the CMJ Top Jazz Adds Chart

Brulée hits the #2 slot on the CMJ Top Jazz Adds Chart

Evoking the timeless composers of the past as well as contemporary tunesmiths, this is an album of tenderness, passion, juxtaposition, humor and love. Brulée, featuring Julie Weiner’s beautiful and iconic vocals and Doug Onstad’s compositions & piano interpretations, leads the listener on a musical journey of unspoken thoughts, warmth and longing from the cafés of Paris to the expansive landscape of the American song.

Brulée has created a breezy and uplifting contribution, truly jazz with a twist. Weiner uses every range of her voice to engage the listener with scatting, top register flights and articulate delivery of witty lyrics. Onstad, also a contributing vocalist to this savory offering, has a familiar and inviting style; the two create a delightful journey with a cavalcade of guest artists. Each cut is accessibly smart and creatively entertaining in a convivial setting, a perfect release to brighten your day and put a skip in your step.

Julie Weiner is a born vocalist who comes from a family of singers and musicians. Julie is also an exceptional dancer and veteran of theater, especially musical comedy, and reveals her love of lyric and melody with captivating tenderness and a heart full of soul.

She has a voice that is at once technically spot on and capable of improvisation and searing emotional declaration. Julie has a nearly three octave range and a tone of crystalline clarity, yet deep, sultry resonance in her lower range.

Doug Onstad, who has arranged all of the duo’s piano interpretations, knows how to hold the gorgeous melodies of the pair’s song book in chordal inventions that are at once classic and adventurous. Julie and Doug also perform some of Doug’s own compositions that have grown out of Doug’s love for American music: jazz, rock, classical and R&B.

Audrey Silver hits the Top Jazz Adds Chart at CMJ

Audrey Silver Hits the Top Jazz Adds Chart at CMJ

Audrey Silver is one of the most elegantly creative singers in jazz today. Known for her smooth, effortless sound, sensitive interpretations, satisfying swing, and unique approach to the American songbook, Audrey sings with a style that radiates her warm, generous personality, Jazztimes’ Christopher Loudon writes, “…her voice is like pure sterling. Her phrasing is exquisite, her clarity and enunciation on par with the great

Jo Stafford and her breath control—a talent so often, and so wrongfully, overlooked—rivals Sinatra’s.”

Audrey’s steady stream of appearances—including recent performances at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival and New York’s prestigious JVC Jazz Festival—have made her more sought after than ever. Based in New York City, she regularly performs at numerous venues including 55 Bar, Bargemusic, Sweet Rhythm,

Cleopatra’s Needle, and The Kitano Hotel. She has become a familiar face at the Metropolitan Room and recently completed a five-month engagement at Bruno Jamais Restaurant and Club.

Audrey received critical praise for her “vocal prowess” in her debut album, Here In My Arms, in which she worked with an extraordinary line-up of musicians: pianist John Cowherd, bassist Doug Weiss, drummer Gerald Cleaver, guitarist Chis Bergson, percussionist Daniel Sadownick, and David Mann on flute and saxophones. In 2009, Audrey produced her latest CD, Dream Awhile, which features many of the players that have worked with her in New York clubs throughout her career, including pianist Joe Barbato, bassist Joe Fitzgerald, guitarist Chris Bergson, and drummers Anthony Pinciotti and Todd Isler. The recording wowed critics, who lauded her thoughtful, charming, and uniquely personal interpretations of 11  lesserknown jazz standards.

Audrey is a storyteller at heart, a performer who loves connecting with her audiences. She respects the power of lyrics, but is equally fascinated by how an artist can alter the mood, meaning and impact of a song through its arrangement. Audrey has an insatiable desire to learn, a vast repertoire, years of jazz piano studies, a well-developed ear for scat and improv, and a musically open mind. These elements combine

to make Audrey a singer, bandleader and arranger who delights her audiences and fellow musicians. An avid researcher and broad listener, Audrey continuously adds to her distinctive musical vocabulary, and always surprises audiences with her delightfully original versions of jazz standards. Also inspired by

the cabaret world, she enjoys sharing anecdotes between songs, offering an unusually friendly, intimate, and enlightening jazz atmosphere.

Audrey started studying classical piano and cello as a young child, but deep down she alway wanted to be a singer. Audrey explored her love of jazz and popular song by spending hours absorbing the styles of Fred Astaire (she also studied tap) and singing along with the various Broadway musicals—such as The Pajama Game and Guys and Dolls—that comprised much of her father’s record collection. Audrey finally began to explore her vocal skills while studying at Brown University, where she founded the school’s first co-ed jazz a cappella group, The Higher Keys, for which she transcribed and arranged for the first time.

After graduation, her love of music led to employment in the marketing and A&R departments of CBS Masterworks (now SONY Classical) and then as the Director of Marketing for Chesky Records. She earned an MBA at Columbia Business School and worked as an account executive for advertising

giant Ogilvy & Mather. But eventually her deep love for jazz drew her back to singing.

In 1998, Audrey met Jon Raney (pianist and son of jazz great, Jimmy Raney). He encouraged her to pursue a career as a singer, and worked with her on a demo in 2000 alongside drummer Ronnie Zito (whose rhythmic skills drove the bands of Woody Herman and Bobby Darin) and bassist Jay Leonhart 

(a Judy Garland and Tony Bennett favorite). Audrey has also studied privately with vocal priestess Sheila Jordan, as well as Mark Murphy, Grammy nominee and four-time winner of the Downbeat Readers Poll for Male Jazz Singer of the Year.

According to Murphy, Audrey “has that rare quality of light infectious swing that lights up her tall willowy persona.” Audrey’s eclectic background and tireless curiosity continue to inform her understated, intelligent style. Inspired by numerous jazz greats including Joe Williams, Anita O’Day, and Bill

Evans, she’s also influenced by an array of musicians and styles, including pop diva Annie Lennox, Yoruban chant, the Brazilian jazz guitarist/composer Djavan, and the atonal explorations of

classical composer Arnold Schoenberg.

Ever the explorer, Audrey continues to expand her musical and creative horizons. She is currently working on numerous projects, including a show of her original songs, a recording of early jazz tunes, and a tribute to legendary vocalist Anita O’Day. Audrey is driven by a desire to give back and loves singing at senior and community centers throughout New York City. Interestingly, she feels that these performances are among her best and have changed her as a musician.

Audrey Silver is reviewed by Jersey Jazz

JERSEY JAZZ

by:  Joseph Lang

I have just added a new singer to my “gotta see her” list.  AUDREY SILVER is a New York City-based singer who flat out knows how to sing and swing.  Listen to Dream Awhile (Messy House – 102) and I dare you not to be impressed.  This young lady has purity of tone, a terrific sense of phrasing, and an obvious affinity for jazz.  Having studied with the likes of Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan, you know that she has received the ultimate in hip guidance, as is evident throughout Dream Awhile.  

The duo of pianist Joe Barbato and bassist Joe Fitzgerald are the anchors behind her vocalizing, with contributions from guitarist Chris Bergson, drummer Anthony Pinciotti and percussionist Todd Osler on a few tracks.  The program includes “The Song Is Ended,” “In the Wee Small Hours,” “Falling in Love with Love,” “Too Marvelous for Words,” “I Will Wait for You,” “So Many Stars,” “Exactly Like You,” “That’s All,” “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love,” “Day Dream” and “I Could Write a Book,” all superb standards.  Often a program like this results in just another CD of well sung songs, but you ask why do them again.  This is definitely not the case with Silver.  She has her own perspective on each selection, giving you several surprises along the way.  It is always a treat to find a new artist of this caliber to add to my listening experiences.  (www.audreysilver.com)

Jenny Davis is reviewed by Jersey Jazz

JERSEY JAZZ

by:  Joseph Lang

The northwest sector of our nation has a rich supply of fine female vocalists who are imbued with the spirit of jazz.  Among them is JENNY DAVIS, a lady who knows how to take a song, and put her own distinctive stamp on it.  Throughout the ten tracks on Inside You (Jenny Davis – 9), Davis and her partners, Chuck Easton on guitar, and occasionally on flute, and bassist Ted Enderle maintain a high level of creativity.  An added bonus is the presence of tenor saxophonist Louis Aissen on “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall.”  Her original tune, “Inside You,” rests comfortably among standards like “When Your Lover Has Gone” and “Green Dolphin Street.”  She has a romp with singing Eddie Jefferson’s vocalese lyrics to Charlie Parker’s “Confirmation.”  “Morning Glory” is a new song to me, and this selection, written by Rodgers Grant, is a pleasant discovery.  This album has interested me in hearing her previous albums.  For now, I’ll continue to give Inside You an occasional visit to my CD player.  (www.jennydavisjazz.com)

Danielle Reich is reviewed by Jersey Jazz

JERSEY JAZZ

by:  Joseph Lang

Listening to vocalist DANIELLE REICH, it is quickly apparent that she has an ear for jazz, and the chops and creativity to bring that jazz sensitivity to her singing.  This Year’s Kisses (No Label or Catalog Number) is her initial recording following years of study and performance that honed her talent to a point where her first album is one of a mature singer ready to share her artistry with a wider audience. She is supported in this by her producer, trumpeter Carol Morgan, tenor saxophonist Seth Paynter, pianist Andrew Lienhard, bassist David Craig and drummer Dalton Lee.  Her eclectic program includes standards like “On the Street Where You Live” and “Speak Low,” tunes in Spanish (“Sabor A Mi”) and French (Ne Me Quitte Pas”), a pop tune from the 1970s (“At Seventeen”), and an interesting version of “Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise,” with extensive references to Monk’s “Green Chimneys.”  Morgan ‘s trumpet adds a consistently tasteful voice to the mix.  Reich is an impressive new voice on the jazz scene, and welcome indeed.  (www.daniellereich.org)

Marty Williams In Concert - Don't Miss It!

Sweet Lu is reviewed by Cashbox

Jazz 
Lutalo "Sweet Lu" Olutosin 
Tribute To Greatness 
by: Christopher Llewellyn Adams     




The most sincere form of flattery in music is to cover the songs of those who've shaped your sound. Sweet Lu Olutosin has done his best to pay homage to the legends of music with his latest, "Tribute To Greatness." It is packed with some of the all time great tracks in music history, achieved by a master performer and fan.

Reaching back to music's all time pillars, Sweet Lu takes on Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and several others in this complete album of transcenedent hits. This album is a must have for new fans of jazz, as it gives an honest rendition of some songs sure to be tried, but never duplicated.

Of all the hits Sweet Lu takes on, his spin on Leiber & Stoller's "Kansas City" shines the best. Downshifting the song into a soul stirring ballad, Sweet Lu recreates this gem, with an entirely fresh perspective.

Make an easy point with your special someone with the gift of great music. Grab a copy of Sweet Lu's "Tribute To Greateness", and take a walk down memory lane with one heck of a singer.

Marty Williams is reviewed by O's Place

by:  D. Oscar Groomes


Marty Williams   -   Long Time Comin’   4/4
O's Notes: Welcome to the world of pianist, singer and producer Marty Williams, a man who has had music in his veins from an early age. Ahmad Jamal inspired him but his playing takes on a more soulful bluesy note backed by a solid rhythm section. Marty has a raspy voice but his tone is spot on lending to a unique and enjoyable character. There are a dozen standards here that you've heard before but not in this light! Guitarist Eric Swinderman does an excellent job complimenting Williams with both funky rhythms and lead lines. They swing on "On A Clear Day" but it's mostly jazzy blues. The program is strong start to finish highlighted by "Brother", "Sunny" and the title track. If you get a chance to hear this cat live, take it!

Frank Butrey is reviewed by O's Place

by:  D. Oscar Groomes


Frank Butrey    -   Malicious Delicious    3/3
O's Notes: Malicious Delicious is a collection of nine jazz-fusion tunes written all or on part by guitarist Frank Butrey.

The title track has a funky blues bent in contrast with the relaxing "Acoustic Afternoon". Things heat up on the frantic pace of "This End Up". Butrey alternates between these two modes throughout the program showing his broad array or skills.

Mary Jenson is reviewed by O's Place

by:  D. Oscar Groomes


Mary Jenson    -    Beyond     3/4
O's Notes: Mary has a soft rich voice that she attaches to eleven fresh, unique arrangements of popular tunes and a few originals. 

She employs excellent musicians including Will Kennedy (d), Alex Acuña (perc) and Frank Martin (keyboards). She opens with the vibrant "Temptation" to set the stage. We also enjoyed the hip-hop infused "Too High" and "The Lamp is Low". She concludes a good set with her own "Things My Mother Said" laced with lessons we could all use.

Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius is reviewed by O's Place

by:  D. Oscar Groomes


Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius   -   Karibu    4/4
O's Notes: Pianist Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius plays a rich form of contemporary world jazz. 


She incorporates rich textures with strings, reeds and African percussion. The music mimics the sounds of nature on many tracks. There are African vocals and vocalese on "Adhoambo" followed by a mild calypso beat on "Bica" and on our favorite, "La Danse" laced with mysterious sounds. We also enjoyed the soothing finale "Aire" capping an enjoyable set.

Peter Scherr is reviewed by O's Place Jazz Magazine

by:  D. Oscar Groomes


Peter Scherr    -   Son of August   2/3
O's Notes: Peter Scherr plays bass and composed most of the music for 
Son of August  in 2008. It is a rock-fusion CD with both racy and quiet moments leaning towards the latter. Peter's brother Tony Scherr plays slide guitar. Brad Shepik plays bass with Michael Blake on sax and Mike Sarin keeping time. 

Carlo De Lorenzi is reviewed by O's Place Jazz Magazine

by:  D. Oscar Groomes

Carlo De Lorenzi    -   Four Seasons In One Recess   3/4
O's Notes: Carlo plays the organ, piano and several other keyboards. He invites drummer Brenden Colameco, bassist Mike Scardamaglia and guitarist Jason Sadities to join him on several of ten rock-pop selections. The program is a combination of instrumentals and vocals. Steffany Venneri sings and scats against the mild funky backdrop of "Ode To Raven". We also liked "Baked Potato" including additional guitar work from Paul Colameco and the reggae beats of "Blue Sky Down" with Dave Carroll leading the vocal track.

Marty Jenson performs the music from Beyond

Mary Jenson performs the music BEYOND

Wednesday, Apr 20 8:30p

at Angelica's Bistro: Bell Theater Room @ Angelicas Bistro Llc, Redwood City, CA

Mary brings her hip fusion of Jazz, World and R&B from her new release BEYOND to the Bell Theatre, promising an evening of great music.
Joined by her Stellar Band of Top Players:
Guitarist José Neto Well known as guitarist for Steve Winwood, also worked for 20 years with Harry Belafonte.
Pianist Frank Martin has a lengthy recording and performing history. read more

Price: Online Tickets $14.00 • $18.00 at the door

Phone: (650) 365-3226

Mary brings her hip fusion of Jazz, World and R&B from her new release BEYOND to the Bell Theatre, promising an evening of great music.

Joined by her Stellar Band of Top Players:
Guitarist José Neto Well known as guitarist for Steve Winwood, also worked for 20 years with Harry Belafonte. Pianist Frank Martin has a lengthy recording and performing history. His discography credits include Chris Isaak, Angela Bofill, Whitney Houston, and Al Jarreau.

Bassist Troy Lampkins’ innovative playing can also be heard on a number of recording projects with Rhiannon, The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Jenna Mammina, Michael Franti and Spearhead.
Drummer/Rapper Darian Gray is a triple-threat of rhythm, rap and spoken word. Hip-Hop drummer and lyricist this Memphis, Tennessee native has made quite a name for himself in the Bay Area, performing with Mary between tours with Booker T.

Dinner Show 8:30 pm • Dinner seating begins 7:00 pm

Danielle Reich , Ekendra Das and Brulee are reviewed by Midwest Record

MIDWEST RECORD
Volume 34/Number 145
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
Copyright 2011 Midwest Record

BRULEE
BRULEE/New Beginnings:  Here’s an under the radar set that’ll catch you by surprise.  Julie Weiner brings the classic world weariness to her vocals in the style of Annie Ross, Chris Connor, Sue Raney and the rest of those grand vocalists.  The music is purely after hours and the whole concoction is an adult listening special event.  Certainly more vibe driven than hit driven, this is like some act at some bar you tumble into by accident and it’s like they are playing for themselves.  Wild stuff that adult ears owe it to themselves to check out.  Hot stuff.

DANIELLEREICH.COM
DANIELLE REICH/This Year’s Kisses:  Hey, remember fun?  Apparently Reich does.  A Florida opera singer moves to Houston and sets the local jazz world on fire.  Happens everyday, right?  A jazzbo to the core, Reich checks in with a set of swinging standards that haven’t been over played and are welcome to hear in dusted off form.  Simply a jazz vocal treat from a thrush that’s well on her way.  Check it out.





 

EKENDRA DAS
WORLD RADIO 108/Ethnomusicology:  Not new age, not spiritual, not world beat, this is a throwback to the 60s in a lot of ways where free jazz met world sounds and eastern mysticism.  A throwback to the 60s in a lot of ways himself, this well traveled musicologist serves up a personal vision that adults in need of some trance will find quite enveloping.  Crazy but well plotted out and sure to take you someplace you’ve never been before.

Marty Williams is reviewed by Jazz Chicago

JAZZ CHICAGO
by:  Brad Walseth
Marty Williams - "Long Time Comin' "
(In Moon Bay)
Former Milwaukean Marty Williams is a fixture on the San Francisco Bay area jazz scene as a pianist, singer and entertainer. His performances have been described as a mixture of "Oscar Brown, Jr., Mose Allison, Monk and Redd Foxx" (?!) I don't know about the latter - I don't think I detected any blue language on this album (maybe he went family friendly on record?), but the other elements are certainly there. Williams' smooth, yet gravelly and well-worn, easy going, yet lively delivery is a treat, and he tickles the ivories pretty nicely too. The song list itself indicates an active and curious mind, with songs including Beatles' "Come Together," Cole Porter's "Love for Sale," "Caravan," "Monk's Dream," "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," "Sunny," "The Look of Love" and the always enjoyable Eugene McDaniels-written rave up "Compared to What" ( a hit for Les McCann). The singer/pianist is backed by guitarist Eric Swinderman - who proves a nice counterpart with an attractive bluesy feel (immediately apparent on the heartfelt opening Oscar Brown Jr. classic "Brother (Where Are You)"), intuitive drummer Ranzel Merritt and warm-toned bassists Ruth Davies and Jon Evans. Throughout this enjoyable set of R&B-flavored jazz, William's joyous personality shines through on these tracks, and I'd bet my bottom dollar he's a hoot in concert. This album is a lot of fun and the next best thing to catching him live.
www.martywilliamsmusic.com