How do I begin telling the story of Dwayne “Smitty” Smith? Well, I can start by saying that the artist from Washington, DC is kind, and humble. He’s also a writer, producer, and super talented bassist. It was in middle school that Smitty realized his love for the bass guitar. He heard a fellow classmate playing “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder and asked him to teach it to him. Amazingly, he not only learned the song, but played it perfectly with one finger. WOW!!! A bassist was born, and a stellar career soon followed. He moved to LA and quickly became the bassist to call. Not only would he work on the local scene, but would work with artists like Gerald Albright, Teena Marie, Anita Baker, and Kirk Whalum. Just to name a few. He was fortunate enough to spend 7 years with the legendary band The Isley Brothers. He continues to collaborate with other artists and has released his sophomore project titled “Stories.” This CD has something on it for everyone. Smitty beautifully covers “People Make The World Go Round”, and offers other songs that will have you swaying to funky grooves, and listening intently.
Jazz Rescue: All-star concert set for August 2nd to benefit the Yarnell 19
Phoenix, Arizona (29 July 2013) – Jazz relief is on the way for victims of the recent Yarnell fire. The M.U.S.I.C. Foundationof Arizona and Arizona Jazz Festivalproducer Brad Laughlin have teamed with Phoenix City Council Member of District 8 Michael Johnson and Alan “AP” Powell to assemble a galaxy of contemporary jazz stars to perform a benefit concert for the families affected by the tragic fire, including the 19 families of the fallen firefighters and those who lost homes. The show featuring a bevy of hitmakers will be held this Friday, August 2nd at 7 PM at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets are on sale now atwww.arizonajazzfestival.com or by calling 602-244-8444. The minimum donation per ticket is $50.00 although digging deeper is encouraged.
The All-Star Jam will feature contemporary jazz and R&B luminaries George Benson, Brian Culbertson, Peter White, Euge Groove, Warren Hill, Michael Lington, Eric Darius, Jessy J and Dominic Amato along with other surprise guests.
“Dating back to (Hurricane) Katrina, BTWconcerts (producer of the Arizona Jazz Festival) has been donating funds whenever and wherever these devastating natural disasters occur, but this one, the Yarnell fire, happened right in our own backyard thus we had to do something significant to help our local community. We’re working with the local government and the firefighters to raise much needed funds. The artists generously agreed to waive their performance fees and the Orpheum Theatre stepped up to donate the venue. We’re (BTWconcerts) covering the costs to bring the artists in so that we can donate every dollar from ticket sales to assist the families of the fallen firefighters and those who lost their home,” said Laughlin.
“This is a tremendous loss for our community and we need to continue to support the families of those 19 firefighters not just today, but even years from now. We reached out and gathered an all-star line-up of jazz artist from across the country who wanted to help and all of them have waived their fees so we could give everything we make this night to the families and children of fallen firefighters,” said Johnson.
All of the proceeds will aid the victims of the Yarnell fire disaster through the 100 Club of Arizona, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides immediate financial assistance to families of public safety officers and firefighters who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty, and provides resources to enhance their safety and welfare.
The M.U.S.I.C. Foundation of Arizona purchased tickets and has set them aside so the families of the fallen firefighters can attend and be part of the evening.
Brian Culbertson with his 7 foot Mason & Hamlin Model BB Grand Piano that was auctioned June 8, 2013 to benefit the GRAMMY Foundation
Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway raises a significant sum to benefit The GRAMMY FOUNDATION®
Mason & Hamlin grand piano the big ticket auction item that helped double last year’s donation to support music education programs in schools
Napa, Calif. (25 July 2013): Enthusiastic bidders and generous event sponsors packed the Lincoln Theater in Napa, Calif. on June 8th during Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway to raise an impressive $66,000.00 at a fundraising auction and wine reception to benefit The GRAMMY Foundation® more than doubling last year’s take. With over 3,000 jazz and wine enthusiasts gathered from across the nation for the 5-day festival, Brian Culbertson auctioned off theMason & Hamlin 7-foot model BB grand piano that he used to record many of his chart-topping contemporary jazz albums, including “It’s On Tonight,” “Bringing Back The Funk,” “A Soulful Christmas,” and “XII.” The highly-esteemed piano that was also featured in a number of Culbertson’s videos was donated by festival sponsor Mason & Hamlin.
Tom Lagomarsino, Executive Vice President of Mason & Hamlin Piano and PianoDisc, was thrilled that one of their exclusive handmade pianos, which are still built in the United States, was the coveted centerpiece of the auction. “We are honored to partner with Brian (Culbertson) and the wine and jazz communities to sponsor this great fundraiser to benefit The GRAMMY Foundation. We all recognize the essential need for music education programs in schools as well as the value of preserving our cultural heritage in both music and art. Together, we can truly make a difference.”
Mason & Hamlin pianos are acclaimed for their even touch, consistent action, and well-balanced tone, and are Culbertson’s exclusive piano choice. He describes them as having “the purest and richest tone on the market – period. To make great music, it always starts with an amazing instrument. That’s why I’m excited about exclusively playing Mason & Hamlin,” said Culbertson, the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway’s Founder and Artistic Director, a passionate music education advocate.
The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture — from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals. The foundation works to bring national attention and support to important issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education.Kristen Madsen, The GRAMMY Foundation’s Senior Vice President, expressed her sincere appreciation for the tremendous support. “The value of this generous donation from Mason & Hamlin and Brian (Culbertson) can certainly be calculated in the number of grants to schools and students it will facilitate. But equally important is the vision it reflects of a promising future, where music takes a central position in the vibrancy of our communities. We are delighted to have such remarkable support.”
The Napa Valley Jazz Getaway is a not-to-be-missed interactive lifestyle experience at which fans share their passion for wine and jazz with the star studded lineup of concert performers while dining, during wine receptions and tastings, autograph sessions, a golf tournament and at casual post-concert hangs. The third annual festival will be held June 11-15, 2014 and will again include an auction to benefit The GRAMMY Foundation. Additional information is available atwww.NapaValleyJazzGetaway.me.
About Mason & Hamlin
Mason & Hamlin is one of America’s oldest names in piano making and a pioneer in piano design and manufacturing technology. Mason & Hamlin builds its high-end, handmade pianos in its factory in Haverhill, Mass. and its line of vertical and grand pianos is sold in countries around the globe. Seewww.masonhamlin.com
The legendary Jazz Alley has been around for over 30 years. It’s a premier dinner club that has hosted legendary artists like Oscar Peterson, and Dizzy Gillespie. Before there was Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, John Dimitriou opened Blues Alley in Washington, DC. He then moved back to Seattle and subsequently opened 2 jazz clubs. Soon thereafter, he decided to close the 2 and create 1. Thus, the birth of Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley. The Jazz Alley opened in 1979. It’s a venue you must attend if you’re in the Seattle, WA area. You can count on an encounter with musical artists every week. The Jazz Alley hosts a variety of artists offering music for everyone to enjoy. They’ve since relocated to accommodate more people, while still maintaining the feeling of an intimate club. There is no bad seat in the house, and now they’ve expanded to include a mezzanine. The venue holds 350 people, and are the Nation’s 3rd longest running dinner club of its kind. While enjoying the music coming from a state of the art sound system, you can also dine. The menu includes mostly a Northwest cuisine. For convenience you can make cocktail and dinner reservations when attending a show. I think fine cuisine and great music make a wonderful combination. John realizes that music is forever changing and embraces that change by showcasing music that doesn’t fall under the umbrella of jazz. It’s a way of introducing new music and artists as well as gaining new and different audiences.
Dimitriou’s is host to the Pacific Jazz Institute which is a non-profit organization that’s geared to educating and introducing youth in the area to jazz. They offer workshops that are sometimes led by artists. There are many reasons why Dimitriou’s has received accolades such as being one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world.
I say, be careful, you could easily become spoiled by the intimacy of the Jazz Alley.
There are so many words to describe the multi-talented Kelvin Wooten. In fact, there are so many, that it’s challenging to limit my perspective to just a few. Growing up, music was always a part of his life, whether it was at home or in church. In middle school, when he decided to actually pick an instrument to play in the school band, he chose the Baritone. That was only the beginning of what Kelvin was going to accomplish in his future. After his freshman year at Alabama A&M University, his life was forever changed. As some would say, he was in the right place at the right time. He was doing what he loved to do when unbeknownst to him, someone heard him playing the guitar in the background and asked to speak with him. That someone was the one and only Raphael Saadiq. Kelvin was asked to fly to LA, and that was the beginning of his illustrious career. He’s a multi-instrumentalist, writer, arranger, and producer. He’s worked with some of the best in the business. This year, he received a Grammy nomination with Anthony Hamilton for Best R&B Album. He’s produced music that has sold more than 10 million albums, yet he also makes the time to give back and be a part of his community in Alabama. I could honestly go on and on about Kelvin and what he’s accomplished. However, I’ll let his work speak for itself.
There’s no questioning the talent of guitarist Eric Essix. Straight from his southern roots, and true to who he is, Eric brings his music to life. It’s full of soul, funk, gospel, and blues. He doesn’t limit himself to just being a guitarist. He’s a musician that’s not afraid to take chances, and reach for the stars. His talent knows no boundaries, and his music is timeless. Eric is enjoying the success of his current self titled CD “Eric Essix”, while also working on a project with the group Southern Gentlemen.
You can’t think about Matt Marshak without thinking of musical diversity. He’s a guitarist from Long Island that grew up listening to Rock n Roll, and playing some blues and R&B. While in High School he was mentored by some teacher’s that guided him into the world of jazz. For that, he’s ever so thankful. Matt is skilled at fusing his music with specific instruments to create the exact sound he wants. Creating music that is diverse and colorful is what Matt Marshak does. Thus, his latest CD is titled “Colors of Me.” It’s funky, fun, and full of life.
Although Marshak is passionate about making music, he’s just as driven to give back and share his gift for great causes. He goes into the schools and talks with kids about music. He is also a supporter of Multiple Sclerosis, and Autism Awareness.
I sat down with Matt after a energy packed performance recently. He opens up during our conversation.
Q. Hi Matt, how are you after the wonderful show you performed tonight in Winston Salem, NC?
A. I’m doing just well, and it was a great time tonight. Happy to be with you here.
PBN: The weather gave us a break at 75degrees. I’m sure it was cool for you.
Matt: I had a good time. I left hot and steamy New York in the 90’s so this was a nice break from that.
Q. I saw you working the crowd. Could you feel the energy coming from the crowd?
A. It was a good time, yes. I saw some folks smiling, and some kids laughing. So we had a good time out there.
Q. Coming from your home in Long Island, and listening to Rock n Roll, how did you end up transitioning to jazz?
A. It was an evolution. You know you grow up with one thing, and then suddenly things are presented to you in different kinds of music. Certain experiences and I kept getting exposed to jazz music. Went out to a couple shows and I was hooked. Went to see George Benson and Larry Carlton and these people really changed my whole musical mindset.
Q. Around what age were you?
A. This was late teens. So I started pretty late, and then I knew at that point that was what I wanted to do. I was thankful for the rock beginnings and I haven’t abandoned it but jazz has become my life.
PBN: Tell me how your teachers in High School inspired you.
Matt: I had a couple good teachers that inspired me to follow whatever unique qualities I had and to focus on the style. They exposed different music to me. That was good because it opens up your mind to all the other languages of music.
PBN: You had an opportunity to play some blues and R&B while in college at SUNY.
Matt: Yes!
Q. Compared to playing jazz, which would you say is the most complex to master?
A. I think playing a contemporary form of jazz that blends everything is maybe the most complex thing, and sometimes how much to blend of each. Sometimes you can strike the perfect balance which is a certain amount of traditional jazz, certain amount of R&B, certain amount of Blues, and the funk. Getting that right formula, that’s the hardest thing.
PBN: So we’re going to go with Contemporary jazz.
Q. Upon graduating from college, did you immediately hit the music scene performing?
A. I wish I could say that I had a storybook beginning but I didn’t. I started kinda late, in my late teens, and I didn’t really have my first bit of success until I decided to go record some ideas. I always wanted to do this instrumental jazz thing, and wasn’t career minded at this point. Just wanted to document what I had done. Little did I know that the record would find its way into the hands of agents, managers, the next thing I know I was opening for Guitars and Saxes in New York City, and getting played on the radio there. At that point I said, “oh my goodness I think we’re onto something here.”
PBN: It’s clear you enjoy showing your diverse background in music.
PBN: Thus, the creation of your latest release “Colors of Me.”
Q. How did you come up with the major theme for “Colors of Me?”
A. It starts with the cover where I met a wonderful fan in Atlanta who’s so supportive. I was down visiting with them and they left the house for a moment. They had the most colorful walls I’ve ever seen anywhere. So we said let’s do a quick photo shoot while they’re not here. If it turns out good, we’ll just explain and ask permission later. So we took a bunch of photos in every different room and had all different colors. The cover is one from their kitchen. That’s Will and Maggie, great jazz fans in Georgia. So I showed them the picture and they really loved it and said it was fine we could use it. They gave me permission. At the same time I was recording music where I would just go into the studio and play anything. There were no pre-conceived ideas. Whatever came out of the guitar I put down. So it’s sorta like all the styles within. Hence, we have “Colors of Me.”
Q. Out the 10 original songs, why was “Cadillac Kid” chosen as the first radio single?
A. When we put out a single, we have a radio promoter, and the artist, and the agent. We all talk and originally the radio promoter wanted to release “Down In Deleware,” which I like the song, but I already released something similar. So I said no, I think “Cadillac Kid” is different. I’ve never done anything like this. It’s gotta a little bit of Cuban funk, and NYC bugaloo beat. What happened was they said ok. We put it out and Sirius radio picked it up and it’s been my biggest single to date.
PBN: Well that was a good choice. You were on that bugaloo beat. So you were on to something.
Matt: He wrote me back, the radio promoter and said “good call.”
PBN: You are extremely good at fusing music with certain instruments to create the sound you want.
PBN: Your touring band consists of drummer Carl Anderson, bassist Kenny Harris, and keyboardist Rodney Williams.
PBN: Describe what makes them perfect for this project.
Matt: That’s my main unit, the band I use a lot. Besides musically often, we started from way back. When no one knew about us we were playing in a little casino in rural West VA. Those were really formative years. We formed a bond in those times. Some of the moments were not glorious at all, but they were memorable at least. So what happened was, we formed a bond musically and as friends. So when we’re on stage, there’s a unity that extends far beyond the notes.
PBN: You are very busy on the road performing and sharing your music on many stages including some festivals.
Q. Do you enjoy playing the big festivals?
A. Oh yeah! It’s a lot of fun. You get to see and hear a lot of other musicians. You get to see the artists that influenced you in the first place. You get to see new artists, and be around the fans that are a unique brand of fans. Just the dedication and friendliness, and the diversity among the crowd at Jazz Festival’s is something that I really like.
PBN: You’ve come a long way Matt from 2001 when you released your debut CD “Preservation.”
Q. Looking back, did you have any idea your career would be where it is today?
A. You know what, no, sometimes I can’t believe it. We’ve had some moments where we’ve gotten some great opportunities like this evening here in Winston Salem to play in front of great audiences. Like I said, when we started we were playing in little bars, so to get to play in big events with great sound systems and big crowds. It’s like being a baseball player. We’ve slugged it out in the little minor league stadium, now you get the big field, the lights are perfect, the crowd is there, the base’s are nice and polished. I’m very fortunate and filled with gratitude to be able to do this.
Q. How important is it to you to “brand” yourself?
A. You know what, I think Bob James once said it. “You have to blend commerce and creativity.” So if you can do that, it’s important. Sometimes that can be a difficult for an artist. Our music is something very personal and passionate. We don’t want to compromise ourselves and our integrity. But at the same point, this is a job and a business. Marketability and branding can be done tastefully, where it’s honestly artists, but also pleasing to the end recipient.
Q. Who would you most like to collaborate with that you haven’t thus far?
A. Wow! I think at some point if I could ever have a chance to feature George Benson or Larry Carlton on a record, that would like the ultimate.
Q. Is that a goal of yours?
A. If it ever happens it happens, but I’m not going to force it.
PBN: I’m not sure if most of your fans know this about you, but you write TV jingles.
Q. How did you get into that?
A. Yes! Going back to this commerce thing, you gotta branch out sometimes. I’ve had a chance to write for baseball teams, and little songs they’ve used in their commercials. I’ve written music for children’s books, and TV commercials. A lot of different things.
PBN: You also are a huge supporter of Multiple Sclerosis and Autism awareness.
Q. Why are they close to your heart?
A. Those two causes, I’ve had fans that had family members that were affected or they were affected, so they told me about the benefits that were going on, and how I could help the cause to help people affected by MS and autism. I became very interested in how I could use my music to help these causes. It’s very fulfilling to be a part of that.
PBN: That is wonderful. You’re just a huge supporter of all things good and positive.
PBN: You also find time to go into the schools and talk with kids about music.
PBN: You’re not only a phenomenal guitar player, but you’re to be commended for understanding the importance of giving back and keeping music alive in our youth.
Q. I know you love performing in and around your hometown, as well as on stages nationwide. So what do you love most about performing in Long Island, NY? What do you do differently there that you do no where else?
A. I like to bring some of the southern energy that I gained back up to NY, and some of the stuff that I’ve picked up playing with folks from MD, south of FL and to present that to the people I grew up with. It’s a different flavor and brands of jazz, brands of funk. Sometimes I bring the band up so my fans who knew me from way back get to see me in a different light. Playing more of a R&B based or urban based jazz.
Q. What’s next for your Matt, and how can your fans keep up with you and where you’ll be performing?
A. My website is Mattmarshak.com and is updated weekly. On Facebook it’s Matt Marshak. We’re hoping to put forth a collection record. It’s been almost 10 years, 7 or 8 records. We’re going to pull off a couple songs off each. Maybe add a brand new song. I can’t believe it already. We’re going to put that out, and suddenly feeling old talking about this.
PBN: Thanks for sitting down with me Matt.
PBN: I enjoyed the show, and it was a pleasure spending this time getting an introspective view into Matt.
Q. Where are you headed next?
A. Tomorrow I’m leaving here at 4am headed to Nashville, TN.
Jeff Golub teams with jazz-rock keyboard icon Brian Auger for his first new album since losing his sight
Port Washington, New York (17 July 2013): It’s been a helluva two years since guitarist Jeff Golub released his last album, “Three Kings,” which paid tribute to blues legends B.B., Freddie & Albert King. As the record was released, the optic nerves in Golub’s eyes inexplicably collapsed leaving him blind. Adjusting to his new life meant adopting Luke, a guide dog. While attempting to catch a New York City subway last September, Golub fell onto the tracks as a train rapidly approached. He was clipped and dragged by the train as Luke and bystanders frantically attempted to help. Miraculously Golub escaped the harrowing and what could have been a fatal ordeal with only minor scrapes and bruises. Undaunted and as boisterous as ever, Golub stands defiantly, toting his guitar with Luke perched at his feet, at the crossroads of train tracks on the cover of his aptly titled new album, “Train Keeps A Rolling,” which will be released August 13th by Entertainment One Music.
Golub’s 12th solo album had to be something special and have a lot of soul. At the suggestion of his manager, Bud Harner, he teamed with British keyboard great Brian Auger for a rollicking 11-song collection of soul, jazz, blues and rock combining Golub’s raw bluesy guitar licks with Auger’s hallmark Hammond B-3 organ. Golub produced the set with Harner, a Grammy-nominated producer who shared production duties with Golub on the guitarist’s five most recent records. Anchoring the grooves were steady-as-a-rock drummer Steve Ferrone, who was an original member of the acclaimed jazz-rock ensemble Brian Auger & The Oblivion Express, and bassist Derek Frank, who also had a history playing with Auger. Augmenting the tracks were percussionist Luis Conte and a lively horn section comprised of Mindi Abair (alto sax), Nick Lane (trombone), Dave Woodford (baritone sax, flute) and Steve Madaio (trumpet). Making guest appearances on the vocal selections wereChristopher Cross, Ambrosia’s David Pack and Alex Ligertwood, who was also an original member of The Oblivion Express.
“When I was about 15 years-old, I picked up a copy of ‘Closer To It’ by Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express and it changed my life. That is why I was looking forward to doing this record. It was the first time I heard rock musicians playing jazz and it was the first time I knew you didn’t have to be a jazz musician to play jazz,” explained Golub. “The vibe of the new record is soul-jazz. It has a lot of Latin grooves – a lot of grooves period. My last couple of records have been blues records, especially the last record was straight ahead blues, but now I’m kind of going back to what I did before that with soul-jazz. No matter what I do is blues-oriented guitar, but the record itself is music that is more jazz oriented.”
The material they elected to record consists of a couple classic cuts Auger recorded with The Oblivion Express (“Happiness Is Just Around The Bend” and “Whenever You’re Ready”), a new Auger tune penned specifically for the Golub project (“Shepherds Bush Market”) and a previous unreleased Auger composition (“Isola Natale”), a pair of new songs co-written by Golub (the title track and “J&B”) and a fistful of fun covers, including Lalo Schifrin’s frisky “The Cat,” Willie Dixon’s “I Love The Life I Live,” Paul Carrack’s “How Long” spotlighting Cross, The Police’s spacy reggae dusted “Walking On The Moon” with vocals by Pack, and Curtis Mayfield’s gritty street life anthem “Pusherman,” which is the first radio single from “Train Keeps A Rolling.”
Harner said, “The whole thing with the Hammond B-3 and the guitar and the Fender Rhodes, it’s got a retro kind of funky groove type vibe. Jeff (Golub) is one of the best blues guitar players out there so this definitely has a bluesy edge to it, but it’s got more of a funky groove than the standard blues approach.”
A Copley, Ohio native who has called New York City home ever since he launched his career in the early 1980s, Golub began as an in-demand sideman who enjoyed long stints touring and recording with Billy Squier and Rod Stewart as well as Tina Turner, Peter Wolf, John Waite,Vanessa Williams, Gato Barbieri and Bill Evans. He released his debut album as a band leader in 1988 and went on to record an impressive string of chart-topping albums and radio hits with Avenue Blue and as a solo artist that made Golub a radio staple, perennial fan favorite and consistently strong concert draw in the contemporary jazz stratosphere. Additional information and a list of tour dates that Golub will play with Auger in support of “Train Keeps A Rolling” are available at www.jeffgolub.com.
Golub’s “Train Keeps A Rolling” album contains the following songs:
Riding the “Momentum” of a global guitar excursion “Full Circle”
Lawson Rollins releases his fourth album, which is earning airplay and praise in abundance
San Francisco, Calif. (16 July 2013): Prodigious guitarist Lawson Rollins’ “Full Circle,” a riveting 12-song aural adventure crammed with culture and masterful musicianship that was released today by Infinita Records, is like traversing the world without the hassles of modern travel. Rollins’ fourth album, which he produced with multi-platinum producer Dominic Camardella (Ottmar Liebert, Flora Purim, 3rd Force), explores the borderless expanse of captivating melodies and fascinating global rhythms while discovering multicultural sounds that play like the ideal soundtrack for an intriguing National Geographic expedition. The first radio single, “Momentum,” paced by a driving groove, frenetic fretwork and hints of Japanese folk music, has consistently been one of the most added tracks on the Billboard BDS for more than a month.
Rollins composed “Full Circle,” which mirrors his own artistic journey. On earlier releases, he crisscrossed the world on a quest to amass interesting styles to incorporate into his sonic collages that mine world music, jazz, rock, classical, folk and reggae. Along the way, he unearthed a fondness for Latin, Middle Eastern, African and Japanese sounds and instrumentation. Rollins recorded with the finest native musicians to maintain authenticity. On “Full Circle,” he decided to travel with a smaller suitcase thus packed fewer layers into the still lush tracks, which places the focus on his ensnaring melodies and body-moving grooves. He uses concise musical statements plucked with passion and precision primarily on his nylon string Spanish guitar although he also played classical, flamenco and electric guitars, keyboards and drum programming on the record. Rollins was accompanied by the same core ensemble that played on his three previous releases: Camardella (keyboards, piano), Grammy-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat, bassist Randy Tico, percussionist Dave Bryant and saxophonist/flutist Richard Hardy. Following a more direct path led Rollins back home creatively recalling his recordings from over a decade ago when he was a member of the hybrid world music duo Young & Rollins that favored flamenco, samba and rumba rhythms.
In addition to the warm reception at radio, reviewers are finding favor with “Full Circle.” Below are snippets from some of the reviews.
“While there is a delightful ebb and flow, it is the prodigious talent of Rollins’ guitar work that serves as the golden thread to bind this amazing sonic tapestry together. Other artists have attempted similar releases but the results fall short by comparison. ‘Full Circle’ cuts a wide path for world music fans, classical aficionados and jazz lovers of any genre. An amazing release and proof that when the stars are in perfect alignment, magic is indeed possible. 5 stars.” – Critical Jazz
“One of the most accomplished and creative World Fusion guitarists on the planet today…on ‘Full Circle’ Lawson arrives at something that borders on sublime, instrumental, pan-global guitar-centric jazz that is truly colorful and invigorating. Surely Lawson’s most well-rounded album yet.” – Music Web Express 3000
“…one of the most creative world music fusion guitarists in the world.” – Keys & Chords
“…this may be Lawson Rollins’ finest creation to date…you are in for one incredible audio delight.” – Mainly Piano
“…music created with passion and talent..an even dozen high-spirited tunes full of soul & groove that will haunt your playlists for a long time to come.” – Improvijazzation Nation
“Expect the unexpected as Rollins mixes Middle Eastern exotica, tango, reggae, classical, world beats and more with his trademark Latin flavours.” – Soul and Jazz and Funk
“Nimble-fingered with lightning speed and possessing a full grasp of the cultures of the world as voiced through his guitar, Lawson Rollins wears his captivating music like a second skin.” – The Smooth Jazz Ride
“The scintillating melodies are timeless and free-flowing. Anyone with an interest in acoustic guitars and instrumental music will find happiness in Lawson’s latest release.” – Inside World Music
For more information, please visit www.lawsonrollins.com where you can also watch his mesmerizing video clips that have generated over 7.5 million YouTube views.
Big hooks and big horns power saxman’s soulful “Pulse”
Steve Cole’s 7th album due September 17th preceded by “With You All The Way”
Minneapolis, Minnesota (15 July 2013): Rather apropos that saxophonist Steve Cole covered the soul classic “Going In Circles” on his forthcoming “Pulse” album, his 7th solo disc, which he produced and wrote with fellow sax player David Mann. Honest and organic are vital qualities to Cole, whose creative muse has gone full-circle in the 15 years since he burst onto the contemporary jazz scene with an award-winning debut disc that spawned a pair of #1 singles. The tenor saxman “returns to the basics” on the new 10-song set that will be released September 17th by Artistry Music.
“Pulse” comes out swinging with knockout punch hooks, a muscular horn section and soul-powered grooves. In contrast to his divergent 2011 album, “Moonlight,” that placed the classically-trained Cole in a lavish orchestral setting, the new record is a bounty of R&B, soul, funk, blues, gospel and hip hop jams. Cole makes concise statements constructed of big buoyant melodies and taut rhythms. No notes are wasted as the impassioned artist rides grooves tailor-fit by Mann (section saxes, flute, keyboards, synth bass, programming), noted keyboard veteranRicky Peterson (Hammond B3), wunderkind Nicholas Cole (keyboardist, synth bass, programming), Khari Parker (drums), Paul Peterson(electric bass), Rico McFarland (guitar, lead & background vocals), Bernd Schoenhart (guitar) and Nicki Richards (background vocals).Trevor Neumann (trumpet) and Dan Levine (trombone) cement the wall of horns anchored by Steve Cole and Mann.
“’Pulse’ is about finding an audience and really honoring them. I have a voice and an instrument, but my job is to entertain. It’s simple in a way: if you focus on those people right in front of you and what excites them, you win every time. My work is about moving people. If you can figure out how to do that, the rest falls into place,” said Cole about the album that is chock-a-block full of crowd pleasers and potential radio favorites.
Radio listeners will get a feel of “Pulse” when the single “With You All The Way” is serviced to programmers next month. Cole describes the tune’s warm and empowering hook as a stylistic snapshot of his hallmark sound.
The Chicago, Illinois native emerged in 1998 with the Brian Culbertson-produced “Stay Awhile,” which heralded the arrival of a hitmaker. On subsequent albums, Cole continued to crank out chart-topping singles with the reliability of a slugger. Live performances as a solo artist and high-profile sideman appearances with Culbertson, Boz Scaggs, Peter White, Jeff Lorber, Rick Braun and Larry Carlton helped make him a magnetic concert draw. Today, Cole tours as a headliner and for the past 10 years as a member of Sax Pack, a stellar sax trio completed byMarcus Anderson and Jeff Kashiwa. To support “Pulse,” he will lead his band out on the road for shows in the U.S. and abroad with dates booked into November. For more information, please visit www.stevecole.net.
The songs contained on Cole’s “Pulse” album are:
“Pulse”
“Do Your Thing”
“With You All The Way”
“Slinky”
“Going In Circles”
“Looking Up”
“Maximum Cool”
“Minty Fresh”
“Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City”
“Believe”
Catch Cole in concert on the following dates:
August 1 San Francisco, Calif. Yoshi’s
August 7 Annapolis, Maryland Rams Head On Stage
August 8 Boston, Mass. Sculler’s
August 10 Chicago, Illinois Montrose Room – IC Hotel O’Hare
August 11 Bethesda, Maryland Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club
August 18 Peconic, New York Jazz in the Vineyards Concert Series
September 13 Augsburg, Germany Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg
September 28 Denver, Colorado Soiled Dove Underground
September 29 Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas Jazz Festival
October 6 Avalon, Calif. Catalina JazzTrax Festival
October 19 & 20 Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival
November 8 Seal Beach, Calif. Spaghettini
November 9 Rancho Mirage, Calif. Rancho Mirage Art Affaire
pinkandbluenotes.com 