Mindi Abair: In Hi-Fi Stereo (2010)

Any artist who takes his or her craft seriously will inevitably reach a point on the journey when history can no longer be overlooked. The direct line between the music of now and the music of then becomes too important to ignore, and the riches of generations past are suddenly rediscovered - and eventually reinterpreted for a new era. Saxophonist Mindi Abair has reached that critical juncture. After more than a decade of performing, songwriting and recording, she has taken a step back from the more polished sensibilities of contemporary jazz and embraced the sounds of past decades - specifically the `60s and early `70s, a period widely regarded as the golden age of R&B, soul and funk.

The result is In Hi-Fi Stereo. The album captures the raw and edgy aesthetic of that golden age, when a slab of vinyl could instantaneously put band and listener together in the same room and establish a visceral and enduring connection. Loaded with infectious grooves generated by a high-caliber crew of players, In Hi-Fi Stereo rekindles that spark for a new generation of ears.

Co-produced by Abair and R&B mainstay Rex Rideout (who also lays down keyboards on nearly every track), In Hi-Fi Stereo includes a roster of players representing the old school as well as the new. In addition to Abair's touring band, the album is seasoned with a number of guest players: veteran drummer James Gadson (a frequent session player for Bill Withers, Amos Lee and Nikka Costa), bassist Reggie McBride (Aretha, Rickie Lee Jones and Keb' Mo'), Mindi's Berklee classmate and friend Lalah Hathaway, nominated 2010 R&B Female Vocalist of the year, Ryan Collins and David Ryan Harris.

Start to finish, In Hi-Fi Stereo is something classic and something new at the same time. "It's a vintage sounding record, a modern take on a very classic sound," she says. "We didn't make your father's jazz record. We didn't set out to make an `old' record. It's not about doing what's been done before. It's about drawing on what and who inspires you, and bringing it into your world and making it your own - and then putting it out there for a new generation of people who love jazz and soul."

Tracklist:

01. Any Way You Wanna

02. All Star
03. L'Espirit Nouveau
04. Get Right
05. Be Beautiful
06. Down for the Count
07. Girl's Night Out
08. Let the Whole World Know (Sing Your Song)
09. It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World
10. Take Me Home
11. The Alley
In Hi-Fi Stereo
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Project 3: Reflective Elements (2009)

2009 release. "Reflective Elements" is the second CD for Australian trio Project 3. Comprising,Gerry Pantazis - drums, Craig Newman - bass, Simon Patterson - guitars and special guest, Phil Turcio -keyboards, the CD reflects the groups influences such as Jing Chi, Robben Ford, Michael Landau, Wayne Krantz, John Scofield and The Yellowjackets. Self produced, 'Reflective Elements' is a dynamic CD that highlights some great playing and rich compositions.

Simon began playing the guitar at the age of nine and was fairly serious by 14. He was heavily influenced by the jazz music that filtered through his Geelong home courtesy of his father’s record collection and fondly recalls his first concert experience.

He learned to read music as he learned to play guitar and that resulted in him being able to tackle many interesting guitar tasks including his nine year stint with ‘Hey Hey’.

“I’d been there for nine years “ said Simon “ I was starting to feel toward the end that possibly the band had run it’s course. I think I had an exceptionally good run. I didn’t anticipate staying there for that long anyway. By the end it was just one of many things we all did to make a living.”

“I had in mind to keep that blues aspect of things and also using the guitar in more of a vocal fashion. In the tradition of Jeff Beck where the guitar is really replacing the voice. I think to try and incorporate drum loops and a variety of guitar tones in a pure sense as opposed to a grungy pop type situation. Incorporating aspects of jazz and fusion but keeping that blues element. With many instrumental albums, they can be technically brilliant but lack soul, you’ve definitely combined both beautifully.

Tracklist:

1. Jin Krantz

2. Dubbya Fusion
3. Reflective Elements
4. Nearly Time
5. Tension
6. Jungo
7. Blow
Featuring:
Simon Patterson: Guitar
Craig Newman: Bass
Gerry Pantazis: Drums
Phil Turcio: Keyboards
Buy at AbstractLogix.com
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Musa Manzini: My Bass (2005)

This project is solely about the bass, an appreciation and homage to the bass as a solo instrument. My Bass sees Musa Manzini displaying a sense of unparalleled maturity, using the bass so soulfully and seductively to lure the listener into a sense of ease, upliftment, joy, elation, and ultimately, fulfillment. Musa has definitely established himself as a proficient bassist of note and carved himself a niche in the jazz idiom.

My Bass is a beautifully crafted project, well produced and executed. Just sit back and enjoy it. Let it touch your heart. Let it move your soul.

"Just Like Cape Town" is influenced by the Cape Town music scene. The 'jazzin' scene where couples take to the dance floor with sheer exuberance.

"Noluthando" is about a lonely guy who misses his love and wants her to return home. This is his soulful and seductive lure to win back her love.

"Tembani" is a section in Khayelitsha, Cape Flats, where Musa's parents live. This tune is influenced by this vibrant township life. It features the magic touch of Harold Wynkwart on the organ.

"Talk To Me" appeals to a lost lover who refuses to talk to her man. He assures her that he is there for her. Features Herbie Tsoaeli on vocals.

"Blue Bass" is a tribute to Musa's blue bass guitar. It's an appreciation of the bass guitar as a groove and lead instrument. The spoken word brilliance is by Antonio Lyonns.

"Bass Funtasie" showcases Musa having fun slapping on the bass. A bass interlude.

"Eyabahlonishwa" is a dedication and respect to South Africa's great piano legends. Features Africa Mkhize on piano.

"African Union" was influenced by the urgent need for African unity, co-existance and understanding. A hip,

modern, funky groove featuring Erik Pilane (guitar), Percy Mbonani (sax) and Harold Wynkwart (organ).

"Lonely House" is a house style song giving a mood of open spaces and solitary reflections.

"Bass Talk" is a solo bass interlude.

"Latin Love" is an easy listening latin styled love song featuring the bass and Rhodes keyboard.

Tracklist:
01. Just Like Cape Town (6:08)
02. Noluthando (4:48)
03. Tembani (5:28)
04. Talk To Me (4:31)
05. Blue Bass (5:17)
06. Bass Fantasie (1:58)
07. Eyabahlonishwa (6:02)
08. African Union (4:34)
09. Intro - Lonely House (0:58)
10. Lonely House (5:28)
11. Bass Talk (2:30)
12. Latin Love (5:16)
13. He's The Greatest (4:31)
14. Sebenza Always (Qukula Zasha) (4:43)
15. Power Of Love (3:32)
My Bass
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Bernhard Lackner: In Between (2009)

Exactly 3 years after his debut release "Those Days", Austrian bassist/composer Bernhard Lackner comes out with his 2nd Album "In Between".

Modern Fusion jazz featuring many many great players including Adam Holzman, Chester Thompson, Jeff Coffin, Marco Minnemann, Derico Watson and many more. Recorded in Nashville, produced by Adam Nitti, co-produced by Bernhard Lackner. Check it out!!

Personnel:

Bernhard Lackner (bass);
Christian Stueckelschweiger (piano);
Scott Bernard (guitar);
Derico Watson (drums);
Adam Agati (guitar);
Doug Belote (drums);
Jeff Coffin (sax);
Scott Hallgren (keyboards);
Steve Cunningham (guitar);
Chester Thompson (drums);
De Marco Johnson (harmonica, keyboards);
Marcus Finnie (drums);
Mike Whittaker (keyboards);
Marco Minnemann (drums);
Mike Bauer (guitar);
Adam Holzman (keyboards).
Tracklist
1. Take Off Your Shoes (6:21)
2. The Next Step (6:35)
3. Maybe Another Time (6:17)
4. Twelve Years Later (6:54)
5. Almost Home (2:20)
6. In Between (6:31)
7. Being Away (7:14)
8. Thanks And See You Next Time (5:33)
In Between
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Klaus Doldinger/Passport: Live (2000)

One could suggest that the names Klaus Doldinger & Passport could be synonymous, for they really are one and the same. The driving force behind the group Passport, for almost four decades now has been Klaus Doldinger. We now add 8 more titles to our already extensive Passport catalog. All of these titles are making their U.S. CD debuts, being only available as high price import CDs if you can find them.

Tracklist
1. Sahara Sketches
2. Move
3. Green Lagoon
4. Blue Kind of Mind
5. Happy Landing
6. Lucky Loser
7. Jungle Song
8. Escape
9. Liebling Kreuzberg
10. Tatort
11. Fifty Years Late
Personel
Biboul Darouiche - Percussion
Roberto Di Gioia - Keyboards
Klaus Doldinger - Flute, Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor), Producer, Performer, Liner Notes, Cover Art
Wolfgang Haffner - Drums
Peter O'Mara - Guitar (Electric)
Patrick Scales - Bass (Electric)
Ernst Stroer - Percussion
Passport Live
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Maurice Brown: The Cycle of Love (2010)

With the release of his new album, The Cycle Of Love, trumpet virtuoso Maurice Brown takes another giant step forward as an internationally acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader, and performer. Brown's soulful melodies and infectious personality are a dynamic package that uniquely marries traditional be-bop to hip-hop. The road to The Cycle Of Love has been a long, albeit creative, trek for the Chicago native. Six years after his critically acclaimed, chart-topping debut, Hip To Bop, hit the jazz world with staggering force, Brown is back with his stellar band for his sophomore album. Maurice Brown is beginning 2010 with dates all over the word, including Jakarta, New Delhi, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. To quote the legendary trumpeter, Clark Terry: 'Brownie is the young trumpeter to watch for sure. I see young cats all over the world and Maurice has it.' And The Cycle Of Love delivers it.

Tracklist

01. Fly By Night (7:25)

02. Good Vibrations (5:31)
03. Misunderstood (5:59)
04. Time Tick Tock (5:18)
05. Merry Go Round (5:17)
06. Lovely (6:24)
07. The Cycle Of Love (5:04)
08. The Connection (4:36)
09. Daydreams (6:44)
10. Reflections (5:24)
The Cycle of Love
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Oskar Cartaya: My Music, My Friends, My Time (2004)

Rudy Mangual, Latin Beat, June/July 2004

"As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the best Latin jazz recordings of the year."

Product Description

my music – Starting with the clavé as the foundation of everything the music springs out of a lifetime of traveling the world playing, recording and creating music in a myriad of situations with an amazing blend of musicians who became -

my friends – The album is exciting and alive because of the contributions of the many brilliant musicians who gave generously of their talents including Alex Acuña, Claudia Acuña, Bobby Allende, Justo Almario, Eguie Castrillo, Luis Conte, Tito De Gracia, Alfredo De La Fe, Sheila E., Eddie Palmieri, Humberto Ramirez, Otmaro Ruiz, Michito Sanchez, Dave Valentin, Arturo Velasco, Kirk Whalum and many, many more. All who joined on the journey knew it was -

my time – It wasn’t ten years or even five years ago but now is the time. After twenty years of collaborating, composing, being the musical director, arranging etc. etc. for so many of his friends and peers now is the time for Oskar to come out front with his own vision. The results are fresh, original, and often astonishing.--Amazon

My Music, My Friends, My Time

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