Jazz Artist

MARK ETHEREDGE IS “CONNECTED”

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Keyboardist Mark Etheredge, armed with a diverse musical background, has come full circle and is set to release the instrumental album he has always wanted to. On February 28, 2016 at Spaghettini’s near Los Angeles, Mark will have a CD release party for “Connected.” Paul Brown produced the much anticipated album and was featured on two of the ten songs, including the title track. Guitarist Chuck Loeb of Fourplay is also a featured artist on the project. As of January 11, 2016, the first single and title track “Connected” was the number one most added song on the BDSradio Smooth Jazz Chart.  “Connected” is the result of Mark’s message about humanity. Unfortunately, like so many other young people in our society, Mark experienced being bullied and developed a sense of being disconnected. Overcoming those feelings and empowering himself, Mark musically expressed it all with “Connected.” He recognizes our differences and expresses how we are all still “Connected.”

Listen as Mark shares his story:

Mark Etheredge

WE’RE “TAKING ANOTHER LOOK” AT LEGENDARY RAMSEY LEWIS

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With a career spanning decades, over 75 albums, 3 GRAMMY’S, and other countless honors, Ramsey Lewis has sustained a presence that only true icons possess. His early love for the piano turned into an illustrious career of doing what he loves to do. Ramsey has been able to make music that impacts an entire genre of music and has done so while collaborating with the very best musicians in music. Ramsey’s recent audacious moves are truly indicative of a legend with more work to do. One of those ventures is establishing his own label: Ramsey’s House, distributed through SONY/Red. Additionally, on July 24th, 2015, Ramsey released his latest album “Taking Another Look – Deluxe Edition” on his label. Ramsey’s House will be home to Ramsey and other jazz artists. “Taking Another Look – Deluxe Edition” is a reincarnation of sorts of Ramsey’s 1974 album “Sun Goddess,” including exceptional covers of “Betcha By Golly Wow” and “Living For The City.” The addition of three bonus songs featuring Dr. John, the funky group Kung Fu, and the band TAUK complete the Deluxe Edition. Ramsey says, “this album is definitely among the top five.”

Listen as the legendary Ramsey Lewis and I converse about his past and present:

Ramsey Lewis

 

AN EVENING WITH CHANTE MOORE

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Chante Moore and I talk about her latest album “MOORE IS MORE,” her book “Will I Marry Me,” a new stage play based on the book, and her upcoming album. Enjoy the video for the full interview.

 

ROB TARDIK IS RELISHING THE “MOMENTS”

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In just a few days, multidimensional eclectic guitarist Rob Tardik will release his fifth album, “Moments.” That same day (November 13, 2015), he will also showcase the album at a release party at Spaghettini’s. Rob–once named the Canadian Smooth Jazz Guitarist of the year–is very intentional with his music. “Moments” very vividly emulates Rob’s musical maturity over the years as well as his ability to consistently connect with people. Every album is written to take the listener on a journey; a journey that is positive and uplifting. Rob wholeheartedly believes that we all experience defining moments in life that define us as individuals. “Moments” is a reflection of some of those experiences for Rob. Rob wrote and produced “Moments” with Steve Oliver, Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, and Nate Harasim. The extensive collection of songs features Will Donato and Walle Larson. The first single, “Sip and Salsa,” is gaining popularity on the airways.

Listen to Rob and I discuss “Moments” in depth:

Rod Tardik

A TASTE OF “AND COFFEE” WITH MARCUS ANDERSON

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For the love of music and coffee, Marcus Anderson created the perfect experience. “AND Coffee” is not only a delight for music lovers but also aptly titled with a play on the saxophonist’s last name. The life of a musician is without a doubt hectic, and there is definitely a need at times for a quick pick-me-up. With that realization, Marcus started drinking coffee, and an idea was born. He developed his own brand of coffee, consisting of four flavors: Passion Blend, Cup of Joe, Hazelnut, and Cappuccino Strut. The collating new album “AND Coffee” is the perfect accompaniment to his coffee. Accordingly, every song on the album is titled synonymously with coffee. As with the different types of coffee, the songs on “AND Coffee” vary in style. Marcus featured his colleagues Nicholas Cole, Lin Rountree, Matt Marshak, Julian Vaughn, and SHOWCASE.

Sit back with a cup of coffee, and listen as Marcus shares the story:

Marcus Anderson (2)

A TASTE OF “AND COFFEE” WITH MARCUS ANDERSON

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For the love of music and coffee, Marcus Anderson created the perfect experience. “AND Coffee” is not only a delight for music lovers but also aptly titled with a play on the saxophonist’s last name. The life of a musician is without a doubt hectic, and there is definitely a need at times for a quick pick-me-up. With that realization, Marcus started drinking coffee, and an idea was born. He developed his own brand of coffee, consisting of four flavors: Passion Blend, Cup of Joe, Hazelnut, and Cappuccino Strut. The collating new album “AND Coffee” is the perfect accompaniment to his coffee. Accordingly, every song on the album is titled synonymously with coffee. As with the different types of coffee, the songs on “AND Coffee” vary in style. Marcus featured his colleagues Nicholas Cole, Lin Rountree, Matt Marshak, Julian Vaughn, and SHOWCASE.

Sit back with a cup of coffee, and listen as Marcus shares the story:

Marcus Anderson (2)

FOURPLAY’S “SILVER,” A REMARKABLE 25 YEARS

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Fourplay: a legendary group that needs no introduction, much like its iconic band members Bob James, Nathan East, Harvey Mason, and Chuck Loeb. The rarity of a group sustaining longevity and success for twenty five years is virtually unheard of these days. Even more remarkable, each member is successful and has amazing careers individually. To celebrate the timeless essence of this group, Fourplay will release “Silver” on November 20th, 2015. “Silver” is a collection of all original songs quite apropos by representing silver in some manner. Former members of the group Larry Carlton and Lee Ritenhour were asked to join the project for this monumental recording. Additionally, long time friend of the group Kirk Whalum lent his one-of-a-kind sound to “Silver.” Bob, Nathan, Chuck, and Harvey share an undeniable cohesive bond and share language that illuminates with every note they play.

I spoke with guitarist Chuck Loeb about the groups’ “Silver” anniversary:

Fourplay_Silver_36688_5x5_RGB

 

KEIKO MATSUI “LIVE IN TOKYO”

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The highly anticipated “Live In Tokyo” collectors’ CD/DVD was released on October 2, 2015. With it being her first in over a decade, Keiko’s desire was to give her fans the experience of a lifetime. She incorporated the best stage production and asked her friends Chuck Loeb and Kirk Whalum to join her. Keiko describes her Homecoming show in Japan on May 23, 2015 as surreal. Aside from being an impeccable artist, Keiko is also a known humanitarian. She dedicates much of her life and music to bringing awareness to various causes around the world. As her latest album, “Soul Quest,” continues to blossom and take on new life every time she performs it, Keiko is continuing to tour, sharing the “Live In Tokyo” experience with fans.

Listen to Keiko describe her incredible experience:

Keiko live

“THE MOSAIC PROJECT: LOVE AND SOUL”…TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON IS STELLAR

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Terri Lyne Carrington granted the wishes of her fans around the world.  On August 7th, 2015, she released the follow-up to the GRAMMY award winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album “The Mosaic Project,” “THE MOSAIC PROJECT: LOVE AND SOUL.” The stellar all-female ensemble consists of extraordinary vocalists and astounding musicians. Adding intrigue by his own request is the undeniable voice of Billy Dee Williams, garnishing the project with spoken word. “THE MOSAIC PROJECT: LOVE AND SOUL” is Terri’s expression of the language between men and women. In creating so, she also added a voice message from her dear friend, the late George Duke. The list of exceptional artists featured include: Natalie Cole, Oleta Adams, Lizz Wright, Chaka Khan, Chante Moore, Valerie Simpson, Nancy Wilson, Paula Cole, Jaguar Wright, Ledisi, Lalah Hathaway, Rachel Z, Patrice Rushen, keyboardist Geri Allen, saxophonist Tia Fuller, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, and bassists Linda Oh and Meshell Ndegoecello. To say that is a lot of powerful talent on one project is an understatement. Terri as drummer, composer, producer, and singer created a project that was reflective of her love of R&B and Jazz. The twelve song album consists of six covers and six originals. She paid homage to great classics and singers of all time such as Frank Sinatra, Bill Withers, Ashford and Simpson, Patrice Rushen, and Duke Ellington. I asked her what she couldn’t do after learning that she also plays guitar, bass, and keyboards on some of the songs.

I am in awe of her talent. Listen, and you will be too:

Mosaic_Project_LOVE_And_SOUL

“ONE WORLD” AS TOLD BY JESSE COOK

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Spanish guitarist Jesse Cook is an international artist who is known for traveling and recording all over the world. It’s not that it was so much his plan to do so; it just so happened that during his travels, he fell in love with the various sounds different cultures had to offer. Coming from a classical, flamenco, and jazz background, Jesse already possessed his own style and sound. He admittedly gets excited about music from around the world. His ninth album, titled “One World,” is a reflection of what the world sounds like to him. Before being re-released in the United States on October 2, 2015, “One World” had already debuted at number one in Jesse’s homeland, Toronto, both on the jazz and the world music charts. Amassed with vast knowledge of music and instruments from around the world, Jesse created a melting pot of guitar, jazz, flamenco, pop, and gypsy. He very beautifully weaves a tapestry of influences together, putting the focus on the world. For Jesse, making music resembling other places and times that fit together like puzzle pieces into the music of here and now is what it is all about. After the U.S. release of “One World,” Jesse is embarking on a concert tour.

Jesse and I talk about the language of music heard through the worlds eyes:

Jesse Cook