ERIC DARIUS IS NOT LOOKING BACK

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Listening to Eric Darius’ new album, “Retro Forward,” you can believe the title to be true. After ten years in the business, he is not looking back. Well… not really. As an extension of himself, he drew inspiration from the music of those whom he admired from the past and fused that essence with who he is evolving into. In doing so, he allows his fans to enjoy a refreshing vibe from the Eric Darius they love, and new fans are climbing on board. Like a painter gazes at a blank canvas in preparation to create, Darius embraced forging forward into the unknown. He moved into a new world, reinventing himself and his music by working with producers Tony Dixon and Blu2th–both who, by the way, weren’t familiar with his music. Together, they created everything from the anthem driven title song, “Retro Forward,” to a dance tune, ballads, and two covers–one on which he sang and the other being Pharrell’s “Happy.” It has been so successful that it has made it to the Top 25 Billboard; a giant leap but one that he was sure would help bring forth music for everyone. In my opinion, Eric’s success at taking on the unfamiliar and pushing the envelope is exciting and welcome. I asked him what would best describe what he has accomplished with “Retro Forward.” His response: “a breakthrough.”

Listen to Eric describe his journey:

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JOEY SOMMERVILLE: EVERYTHING BUT AN “OVERNIGHT SENSATION”

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What do you get when you release an album enriched with songs–some of which were written over a decade ago? You get Joey Sommerville’s latest album, “Overnight Sensation.” With over 20 years of experience, Joey is still motivated to pour his heart and soul into every song because he is keenly aware that he has a gift that is meant to be shared through music. Although the industry has changed significantly over the years, Sommerville remains comfortable in his skin and true to his craft. Joey brings his music to life when performing, fueled by energy from the crowd. It helps that he is not a shy kind of guy. He shares the sentiment of most musicians that music is meant to be felt. From start to finish, “Overnight Sensation” is a powerhouse of music that can be overwhelmingly felt. Each song, leading with the title track and first single, “Overnight Sensation” sends the listener on a whimsical journey amassed with emotional twists and turns. The album was produced by Joey along with Jeff Lorber on a couple of songs–definitely a match made in heaven. Also lending their talents to the album are Earl Klugh, Jeff Bradshaw, Elan Trotman, and Eric Essix. Each collaboration enhances the treasure trove of songs in Joey’s vault. You will be spell bound after listening to “Overnight Sensation” and taking the heartfelt musical journey led by Joey.

I had an awesome interview with Joey:

 

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THE “REESONZ” ACCORDING TO DAVID MCLORREN

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What would the soundtrack to your life sound like? For David McLorren, it sounds like “Reesonz.” There are 11 reasons for the eclectic collection of songs on this album. For David, the reasons range from making a statement to being true to himself. His music is comprised of the melodies of his life. They are also melodies that tell a story and inspire; they inspire listeners to take an introspective look into their lives and gain a deeper understanding. Although McLorren is well rounded and versed in chemistry, technology, and a few instruments, it is music that he sees as he looks at his life. Drawing inspiration from family, God, and circumstances, David is marching to his own drum and being the best him he can be.

Real conversation between David and I:

Reesonz

 

PETER WHITE MAKES ME “SMILE”

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If you want to lift your spirits and feel incredibly good, then sit back, relax, and listen to Peter White’s new CD, “Smile.” It is a bountiful collection of soul-stirring songs that will have you pressing repeat. Although “Smile” is Peter’s 14th album, and his career has spanned 40 decades, he remains driven by his fans’ appreciation for his music. When asked if he had a formula for making an album, his response was, “I have to be moved”–by the music that is. Peter reached into his vault of previously written songs to create this masterpiece. “Smile” has lots of personal touches that make it extraordinarily special for many reasons–one of them being that White was joined by some of his dear friends in music: Rick Braun, Mindi Abair, Euge Groove, Philippe Saisse, Nate Phillips, Ramon Yslas, Stevo Theard, and his daughter, Charlotte. Furthermore, it includes a song for the birthday of a friend’s daughter (Jordan), a song in honor of Barry White, and a tribute to Mason Williams. “Smile” has a song for everyone and is sure to be a fan favorite.

Peter and I chat about music, fans, and his superpower:

Peter White
Peter White

AL DEGREGORIS DID IT “ALL IN GOOD TIME”

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When you start playing piano at age four and over time evolve into a multi-instrumentalist all while still a young man, your future has promise. Al DeGregoris simply wanted to be like his older family members he witnessed performing in a band. He had to have it, and so he went after it. To his advantage, Al not only honed his talent but also learned the technical side of music and owned his own recording studios. Armed with an arsenal of talent and skills, DeGregoris’ collaboration with Nils and Jeff Lorber on “All In Good Time” was majestic. Significantly different from his first two albums, Al describes “All In Good Time” as “organic.” It was recorded live with some of the finest musicians in the industry.

Al and I discuss the new album and what he admired most about working with Nils and Lorber:

Al DeGregoris
Al DeGregoris

AL DEGREGORIS DID IT “ALL IN GOOD TIME”

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When you start playing piano at age four and over time evolve into a multi-instrumentalist all while still a young man, your future has promise. Al DeGregoris simply wanted to be like his older family members he witnessed performing in a band. He had to have it, and so he went after it. To his advantage, Al not only honed his talent but also learned the technical side of music and owned his own recording studios. Armed with an arsenal of talent and skills, DeGregoris’ collaboration with Nils and Jeff Lorber on “All In Good Time” was majestic. Significantly different from his first two albums, Al describes “All In Good Time” as “organic.” It was recorded live with some of the finest musicians in the industry.

Al and I discuss the new album and what he admired most about working with Nils and Lorber:

Al DeGregoris
Al DeGregoris

KIKI EBSEN’S GIFT

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For parents, rebellion is not what we want to see in our children. However, we will experience it at some point. For Buddy Ebsen, his daughter, Kiki’s venture into rebellion would ultimately lead her into a future full of musical success. Kiki Ebsen decided to ignore her father’s request to pursue a career as a jazz singer and instead, chose to find her own way, indulging in the pop music world. Her talents as a singer/songwriter were undeniable and proved to get better with time. A future in entertainment was Kiki’s destiny. After all, she grew up in the limelight of her father’s success as an actor. After he passed, Kiki began to reflect on the desires of her father and, eventually, fulfilled the desires of his heart. As an expression of love for her father, she honored him with the “Scarecrow Sessions.” It is precisely the type of project that would have made her father proud. Over the years, Kiki has been evolving as an artist and has found her voice. She recorded “Scarecrow Sessions” in her own time, in her own voice, and in her truth. Working with David Mann to produce this project helped shape it into a masterpiece of songs that everyone can relate to. Additionally–making this recording even more incredible–were musicians Chuck Loeb, Henry Hey, John Patitucci, and Clint de Ganon.

Kiki and I talk about “Scarecrow Sessions,” set for release on September 30th:

 

KIKI

I HEAR PATRICK BRADLEY

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On the day of the release of his third album titled “Can You Hear Me“, Patrick Bradley was thrilled that fans would finally hear his new project. Bradley has spent his life playing music; he taught himself at an early age. His instrument of choice was the organ, and he displays his keen skills playing the Hammond organ on this album. The sound he projects is profoundly crisp and is a pleasure to hear. It is a rare opportunity to hear a Hammond organ played in music these days. Although Patrick has a career as a business man working for Whole Foods Market, he has never strayed from his love of music. He has always written songs and is fortunate to have made three albums. Patrick wrote this album with the concept in mind of blocking out the noise that surrounds us all of the time along with the idea of having his music speak louder. The title and first radio single is a reflection of that premise. The song and title (“Can You Hear Me”) came to him at once as he wondered if his late mother could hear his music. Making this album even greater, he joined forces with producer Jeff Lorber whom also produced his second album “Under The Sun.” Together, their chemistry is the perfect formula for making music magic. “Can You Hear Me” features Dave Koz, Rick Braun, and Eric Marienthal. Also adding their musical chops to the project are Jimmy Haslip, Gary Novak, David Mann, Dwight Sills, and Michael Thompson.

Patrick and I talk about the evolution of “Can You Hear Me”:

 

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The stars align for Joey Sommerville’s “Overnight Sensation”

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The stars align for Joey Sommerville’s

“Overnight Sensation”

 

More than 20 years in the making, the soul-jazz trumpeter’s fifth album, due October 28, features Earl Klugh, Jeff Lorber, Jeff Bradshaw, Elan Trotman and Eric Essix.

Atlanta, Georgia (25 September 2014): Behind every musical overnight sensation are years of toiling away in rehearsal halls, recording studios and sweaty nightclubs meticulously honing one’s craft. In trumpeter Joey Sommerville’s case, it’s more than two decades of writing, recording and touring to cultivate his following and establish his presence on the national scene. On October 28, the award-winning soul-jazz musician, songwriter and producer will release a new collection of songs that he’s been working on as far back as 1993 that will comprise his fifth album, “Overnight Sensation,” slated for release on his Jayvox imprint. The title track will crank up the party when it is serviced to radio stations for airplay at the end of this month.

Sommerville’s forte is serving as an impresario of fun and funky frolics and pretty harmonies that touch the heart. He wrote or co-wrote nine of the disc’s ten tracks and produced the entire session sharing production duties on two cuts with fusion icon Jeff Lorber. Like a ringmaster who skillfully unifies the eclectic acts of a three-ring circus, the trumpeter who also plays flugelhorn, piano, keyboards, synth bass and drum programming on the record has scripted a colorful collection of short stories with his horn serving as the common thread binding gripping chapters in contemporary and straight-ahead jazz, R&B, hip hop and rock.

“In this era of singles downloads, I still believe in the concept of albums and a cohesive body of music,” said the Atlanta, Georgia-based Sommerville, who will perform at an album launch gig there on October 30 at the Suite Food Lounge. “I’ve always wanted to record these songs and I really like them, but they didn’t fit on previous projects. They were all inspired by real life experiences thus they have meaning. The long journey that is a music career is a marathon, not a sprint, and the timing finally came around for these songs to be recorded for the first time. Surprisingly, they fit together despite being written over a long period of time and the variety in their sound and style.”

Sommerville’s trumpet seduces on the sensuous “Desire” highlighted by gossamer guitar from legend Earl Klugh. Venturing in a divergent tangent, Sommerville tosses a bone to Jeff Bradshaw on a raucous and imaginative take on “Caravan,” a scintillating thrill ride that Duke Ellington never would have seen coming. “Red Cups Up” is a playful party anthem while Sommerville surprises when he steps to the mic on the stunner “I Just Wanna Be With You” on which his husky voice quivers and cracks with raw emotion while crooning an autobiographic story of romance to his wife. A spiraling Lorber groove, “The Next Big Thing” is a tightly-wound R&B-jazz-funk mélange illumined by Sommerville’s trumpet and quirky synth along with a touch of sax from Elan Trotman. The elegiac “Rebecca of Birmingham” was penned years ago after Sommerville’s grandmother passed and is graced by a stirring blues-jazz guitar eulogy from Eric Essix. “Karma” induces reflection during the straight-ahead jazz exercise after which Sommerville closes the album with the throwback R&B instrumental “Forever” followed by the boisterous “The Passport Life.”

A spotlight soloist on the Grammy-nominated and Juno Award-winning album “Alegria” by Cirque du Soleil, Sommerville’s 2007 release “Like You Mean It” won the American Society of Young Musician’s All That Jazz Award in 2009. His trumpet artistry was featured on Hidden Beach Recordings’ “Unwrapped Volume 4” and he’s written and produced a Top 20 single for Bob Baldwin and an album by Rhonda Smith that features performances by Prince, Sheila E. and gospel icon Fred Hammond. Sommerville is a high-octane performer who is a regular at festivals and on music cruises. Outside of music, he can be heard voicing spots for BMW, Coke, Ford, the U.S. Army and more. Additional information can be found at www.JoeySommerville.com.

The songs contained on the “Overnight Sensation” album are:

“Overnight Sensation”

“Desire”

“Caravan”

“Red Cups Up”

“I Just Wanna Be With You”

“The Next Big Thing”

“Rebecca of Birmingham”

“Karma”

“Forever”

“The Passport Life”