Lin Rountree

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

Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

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)

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

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

PIANIST SCOTT ALLMAN

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Pianist Scott Allman has definitely found a place amongst a new generation of rising contemporary jazz artists and deservedly so. He’s not a trained prodigy who has been playing the keyboard all his life; instead, he is a self-taught musician with a sincere love for music. Throughout his life, Scott was exposed to many different genres of music, making his musical pallet well-versed. Armed with passion and talent, Scott creates music that is positive and uplifting. As long as the music is meaningful and fulfilling to him and can give listeners a lift, then he’s done his job. He is an artist who can do it all, from composing to producing to playing. In addition, he surrounds himself with musicians who have impeccable talent such as Darren Rahn, Lin Rountree, and Phil Denny who lend themselves to his projects. Scott’s current cd, “NEXT STOP HOME,” has had significant success and was inspired by his fans. The 12 original tracks were written by Allman but were derived from photos of places around the world sent to him by others. With this amazing concept, he created music just as an artist would a painting. He’s a composer who appreciates the life inside of a song and lets it manifest in its own way; each song takes you on a journey as seen through the eyes of others.

I had a great time talking with Scott and listening as he told me the story behind each song.

Scott Allman
Scott Allman
Scott Allman
Scott Allman

PIANIST SCOTT ALLMAN

Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

Pianist Scott Allman has definitely found a place amongst a new generation of rising contemporary jazz artists and deservedly so. He’s not a trained prodigy who has been playing the keyboard all his life; instead, he is a self-taught musician with a sincere love for music. Throughout his life, Scott was exposed to many different genres of music, making his musical pallet well-versed. Armed with passion and talent, Scott creates music that is positive and uplifting. As long as the music is meaningful and fulfilling to him and can give listeners a lift, then he’s done his job. He is an artist who can do it all, from composing to producing to playing. In addition, he surrounds himself with musicians who have impeccable talent such as Darren Rahn, Lin Rountree, and Phil Denny who lend themselves to his projects. Scott’s current cd, “NEXT STOP HOME,” has had significant success and was inspired by his fans. The 12 original tracks were written by Allman but were derived from photos of places around the world sent to him by others. With this amazing concept, he created music just as an artist would a painting. He’s a composer who appreciates the life inside of a song and lets it manifest in its own way; each song takes you on a journey as seen through the eyes of others.

I had a great time talking with Scott and listening as he told me the story behind each song.

Scott Allman
Scott Allman
Scott Allman
Scott Allman

Lebron Dennis

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Lebron Dennis is not only a skillful saxophone player, but he’s arrived on the smooth jazz scene and proved he has exactly what it takes. At a young age, Lebron developed a love for the saxophone. He taught himself to play and soon became an integral part of the elite Young Sounds of Arizona. Over the years, he developed a sound that uniquely sets him apart from others. His ability to express himself with every note he plays engages his audience, transporting them into his musical world. He is the future of smooth jazz, and that future is looking very bright. Alongside Darren Rahn and Paul Brown, Lebron’s CD “SHADES” is a telling story of who he is. The title track is indicative of the shades of Lebron. His single, “Groove City,” debuted at #1 on the most added groove jazz chart. He is also a member of generation next along with his musical peers Nicholas Cole, Julian Vaughn, and Lin Rountree. In his own words: “Sound. It’s all about the sound.”

Listen, and you’ll feel his passion for the music he creates.

Lebron Dennis
Lebron Dennis
Lebron Dennis
Lebron Dennis