Jazz Artist

MARIEA ANTOINETTE SPEAKS “STRAIGHT FROM THE HARP”

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Harpist Mariea Antoinette is gracefully leaving an indelible impression in smooth jazz. Classically trained on the harp, Mariea knew it was undeniably the instrument for her at the age of twelve. She has been playing for over thirty years and has always wanted to take her playing into a different stratosphere. “Straight From The Harp” bolsters a smooth fusion of jazz, funk, and R&B, blazing a new trail for herself and those to come after her. The journey has definitely been the reward for Mariea. Her concept for “Straight From The Harp” came from wanting to introduce a fresh, unique sound that could be heard in a different way. Mariea enlisted producer Allan Phillips to help bring her vision to life. The special edition of the Billboard Top 5 album will be released on September 25, 2015. Also joining Mariea on the album is violinist Karen Briggs who adds her twist to the first single, “Walk the Walk.” Mariea’s parting words of wisdom were: “practice compassion.”
Listen as Mariea and I talk history, music, and more:

maria antionette

MARIEA ANTOINETTE SPEAKS “STRAIGHT FROM THE HARP”

Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

Harpist Mariea Antoinette is gracefully leaving an indelible impression in smooth jazz. Classically trained on the harp, Mariea knew it was undeniably the instrument for her at the age of twelve. She has been playing for over thirty years and has always wanted to take her playing into a different stratosphere. “Straight From The Harp” bolsters a smooth fusion of jazz, funk, and R&B, blazing a new trail for herself and those to come after her. The journey has definitely been the reward for Mariea. Her concept for “Straight From The Harp” came from wanting to introduce a fresh, unique sound that could be heard in a different way. Mariea enlisted producer Allan Phillips to help bring her vision to life. The special edition of the Billboard Top 5 album will be released on September 25, 2015. Also joining Mariea on the album is violinist Karen Briggs who adds her twist to the first single, “Walk the Walk.” Mariea’s parting words of wisdom were: “practice compassion.”
Listen as Mariea and I talk history, music, and more:

maria antionette

TALKING “NIGHT SESSIONS” WITH NICHOLAS COLE

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“Unapologetic” and “innovative” both describe Nicholas Cole precisely. His youthful yet old soul approach to music is a welcomed breath of fresh air. His presence in contemporary smooth jazz is undeniable. Having a number one song from his last album, “Endless Possibilities,” didn’t steer him to play it safe, but quite the contrary. Nicholas went into the creative writing process of his latest album, “Night Sessions,” with specific goals. He knew who he wanted to collaborate with and feature. Among the list of enlisted talent: Anthony Saunders, Julian Vaughn, Kayta Matsuno, and Steve Cole. Nicholas was also very clear that he wanted to infuse elements of different genres into “Night Sessions.” In doing so, he created a fresh new sound without limitations; he has managed to captivate listeners seventeen years old and older. Nicholas has opened a door in jazz music that will lead to the future. As of September 8, 2015, his first single, “Mary Ann,” was number one on Billboard Smooth Jazz songs chart, and “Night Sessions” was number seventeen for top Smooth Jazz albums–not bad for the album that was released on August 21, 2015. In addition to his solo career, Nicholas is a member of “Generation Next” with his peers Lebron Dennis and Lin Rountree. The sky is the limit for Nicholas Cole.

As per our usual conversation, Nicholas and I keep it real. Listen:

Nicholas Cole

CAROL DUBOC CAN SEE THROUGH “COLORED GLASSES”

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“Hypnotic,” the first single from Carol Duboc’s latest album, “Colored Glasses,” is the perfect description of the collection of original songs being released on September 18, 2015. Carol collaborated again with her friend and colleague, Jeff Lorber, to produce “Colored Glasses.” And what better way to complete a new album than to once again enlist the talented Jimmy Haslip, Michael Thompson, and Vinnie Colaiuta? Additionally, Eric Marienthal, Hubert Laws, and Paul Jackson, Jr. added their special touches to the long-time anticipated new album. Carol is lyrically gifted, and her uncanny ability to tell stories is a part of her charm. “Colored Glasses” tells the story of someone in love who sees and has seen love through “Colored Glasses”–a little something everyone can relate to. Writing this album has been therapeutic for Carol, empowering her to remove any “Colored Glasses” she has ever worn. Carol recorded a video for the song “Wavelength,” and she was joined by her band live on the sands of Venice Beach. Little did she know that a few onlookers would join them, giving it even more life. Admittedly, Carol had a fantastic time sharing that time with colleagues and strangers, all coming together for a common cause. The end result: perfectly befitting the song, a long line of people on the beach doing one long wave. Carol has an album release on September 18th at Hollywood’s Baked Potato and will be joined by Lorber, Haslip, and Thompson.

Listen to Carol and I discuss love, lost, and the healing power of music:

Carol Duboc

 

BOB JAMES AND NATHAN EAST GIVE US “THE NEW COOL”

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Cool: precisely the way I describe the new album from Bob James and Nathan East titled “The New Cool.” The new album will be released on September 18, 2015. James and East step into duo mode with pure ease; that is to be expected since the two have been friends and musical collaborators for over 25 years. Individually and collectively as part of the legendary group, Fourplay, Bob James and Nathan East have been making music for a very long time. It was the obvious next step for the two of them to embark upon a journey together doing what they do best. As friends and collaborators, the ease of which the two fused their talents with just a piano and upright bass was masterful. That camaraderie and spirit shines forth in every note of every song on “The New Cool.” It is comprised of an array of original songs and a few covers of some good old favorites, like Willie Nelson’s “Crazy” on which Vince Gill delivered stellar vocals. East describes the project as an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and present the music as pure and unplugged as possible–no filters, no barriers, and no rhythm section to hide behind. The result is a recording like none other you’ve heard from either of them as well as a beautiful representation of two legendary artists and their friendship.

Nathan and I have a wonderful conversation about “The New Cool”:

bob james and nathan east

“STARTING OVER” ACCORDING TO CHRIS GODBER

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Chris Godber is celebrating the release of his latest project, “Starting Over.” If anyone appreciates and understands the true meaning of “Starting Over,” it is Chris. He learned very early in his life that with God and faith, new beginnings are possible. After dedicating his talent and love for playing the saxophone to God, promising to always use it for him, Godber has excelled at keeping his promise. “Starting Over” is Chris’ pathway of re-entry and rebranding himself in the world of Contemporary and Smooth Jazz. Chris worked with Caleb Middleton as producer on “Starting Over” and credits him with expanding his musical boundaries. In addition to Middleton’s work as producer and keyboard player, Godber was also joined by Adam Hawley and Lowell Hopper. Together, they created eleven original songs and a cover of “At Last.”

Chris tells me all about “Starting Over”:

Chris Godber Starting Over Album Thumbnail

IT’S A “NEW ERA” ACCORDING TO LEBRON DENNIS

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Although “New Era” is the sophomore project for saxophonist Lebron Dennis, when listening, you wouldn’t think so. Fusing playing ability and freedom of expression, Lebron proves why he has staying power. “New Era” is comprised of ten original tunes featuring Julian Vaughn, Lin Rountree, vocalist Keith Fluitt, and violinist Rachael Gehmlich. Bass player Julian Vaughn wrote and produced the romantic “Just Us” and was featured on “Spotlight.” Lin Rountree graced the smokin’ song “Give Love A Try” with his trumpet. Lebron–like many of his peers–feels that the genre is moving in a new direction. He says, “the genre needs something new and fresh.” Lebron senses the shift in demand for new artists that adds something new, subsequently gaining new contemporary jazz listeners. The future is bright for Lebron Dennis.

Lebron and I discuss music and the future:

Lebron Dennis

IT’S A “NEW ERA” ACCORDING TO LEBRON DENNIS

Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

Although “New Era” is the sophomore project for saxophonist Lebron Dennis, when listening, you wouldn’t think so. Fusing playing ability and freedom of expression, Lebron proves why he has staying power. “New Era” is comprised of ten original tunes featuring Julian Vaughn, Lin Rountree, vocalist Keith Fluitt, and violinist Rachael Gehmlich. Bass player Julian Vaughn wrote and produced the romantic “Just Us” and was featured on “Spotlight.” Lin Rountree graced the smokin’ song “Give Love A Try” with his trumpet. Lebron–like many of his peers–feels that the genre is moving in a new direction. He says, “the genre needs something new and fresh.” Lebron senses the shift in demand for new artists that adds something new, subsequently gaining new contemporary jazz listeners. The future is bright for Lebron Dennis.

Lebron and I discuss music and the future:

Lebron Dennis

KENYON CARTER PERSEVERED… NOW “GAME ON”

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Increased anticipation and excitement is brewing in the Carter household as the release date of Kenyon’s latest album, “Game On,” draws near–August 14, 2014 to be exact. The 10 song original collection was penned and produced by Kenyon and is a reflection of his musical influences. Guitarist Chuck Loeb joins him on the flirtatious title track, “Game On.” The first single, “Jammin’ On Juniper,” was most added on the Billboard chart its first week. Kenyon exemplifies strength, courage, and persistence after recovering from a car accident that injured his arm severely, proving that patience and faith will get you through anything if you simply press on. “Game On” is a beautifully inspirational conclusion to the rollercoaster journey Kenyon Carter has experienced. The best is yet to come.

Kenyon inspires me with his story:

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CECIL RAMIREZ SETS THE TONE WITH “PARTY IN THE BACK”

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The sound of Cecil Ramirez’s new album, “Party In The Back,” is reminiscent of the 80’s. It is a throwback to an era in music that he loves and that is memorable to most people. Although the album was released a year later than Cecil anticipated, friends and fans patiently waited. Cecil Ramirez is just coming from his fourth year at the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway. He performs at the welcome dinner and sets the tone for the rest of the week. Napa is beautiful for multiple reasons and often times, special for a few. The latter is true for Ramirez and his wife. They had their first date there and got engaged there. Needless to say, Napa will always hold a special place in his heart. Embracing the beauty of wine country sparked an interest in learning about wine in Cecil. Wine and music are a perfect combination. “Party In The Back” is a fun, energetic, and funky background to many of summer’s festivities. It puts you in the mood to reflect and party. Cecil wrote seven of the ten songs on the album. He collaborated with Brian Culbertson, Michael Lington, Adam Hawley, Darren Rahn, and Phil Denny. He also covered a few songs that are sure to take you back: “Remember The Time” by Michael Jackson, “Stronger Than Before,” and “Georgy Porgy” by David Paich.

Cecil and I have a great time discussing the album:

Party In The Back
Party In The Back