ABYSSJazz - The Depth of Jazz R&B and Soul

I Called Him Morgan …

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THE LADY WHO SHOT LEE MORGAN AUTHOR LARRY RENI THOMAS ON “IN YOUR EAR” ON KPFA-FM BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA WITH HOST ART SATO 9/9/17
(Published: July 28, 2017) Source

Larry Reni Thomas, a Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based writer/radio announcer, who is the author of The Lady Who Shot Lee Morgan (KHA Books, (www.khabooks.com) and who is also featured in the documentary film “I Called Him Morgan” (www.icalledhimmorgan.com) will be interviewed on “In Your Ear” with host Art Sato, on KPFA-FM (www.kpfa.org), at 4 pm (PDT), September 9, 2017. Thomas will talk about his experience with Helen Morgan, the woman who shot Lee Morgan, whom he interviewed in February 1996, a month before her death in March of that year. Larry will also discuss his role in “I Called Him Morgan, the highly acclaimed Swedish documentary by filmmaker Kasper Collin based on the life and death of Lee Morgan.

In addition, Thomas will also talk about his book signing event at Bird and Beckett Book Store, in San Francisco, California, on September 15, 2017 and his appearance at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey California, September 16, 2017.

For more information call (510) 848-6767 or go to www.kpfa.org

More Information: www.kpfa.org

More Information: http://www.kpfa.org

FYI: The Lady Who Shot Lee Morgan is playing on Netflix

… where does your favorite jazz artist fall on this week’s Groove-O-Meter!!!

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Jazz
Jazz is a form of western music involving the fusion of traditional european and african (rhythmic) styles. Jazz is quite syncopated and fairly easily improvisable. Jazz could be considered a descendant of Ragtime, and a predecesor of Swing, Funk, and even Rock. Jazz originated from New Orleans as early as 1895, and remains one of the most popular forms of music today.
Listen to those crazzy cats wailing out that sexy jazz.
by Tal0n December 06, 2003
Smooth, Groove, & Contemporary Jazz Airplay Chart
Artists & Music that’s Movin’ on Up

Trailblazing Artists David Benoit and Marc Antoine Score Big With New Album

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Contemporary Jazz artists, David Benoit and Marc Antoine, have scored more than 25 #1 Smooth Jazz radio hits, sold over 2 million albums and toured the world over for more than 20 years!! A perfect blending of these great artist’s instrumental styles combine the cool grooves of Smooth Jazz with the exotic sinuosity of Brazilian music, and the result is So Nice! Highlights include Antonio Carlos Jobim’s classic samba Só Danço Samba, the popular international favorite So Nice and eight inspired Benoit/Antoine originals!

David Benoit and Marc Antoine’s aspirations for So Nice! … Are simple. Benoit shares, “I hope my fans will experience a different side of my music and feel my love for Brazilian music and my love affair with the acoustic guitar.” Marc Antoine concludes, ” I want people enjoy listening to the music as much as I enjoyed making this music with my friend. I am sure they will be able to make their own story for every  song on the record. It is music therapy and this one is a good one! So, let’s get our wine bottle opener ready!”

Renaissance man David Benoit has built an enviable career taking chances. Drawing inspiration from jazz, the comics, symphonies, and film, Broadway and beyond, there does not seem to be anything he cannot play. The jazz bug bit the Los Angeles raised pianist in 1965 after watching a Charlie Brown special on television and hearing the music of Vince Guaraldi. He would go on to study music theory, composition, film scoring and conducting at UCLA. A pioneer in contemporary jazz, Benoit who is celebrating four decades as a recording artist continues to build on his legacy.

Revered for his soulful elixir of exotic textures and fluid artistry, guitarist Mac Antoine has been a force of nature on the contemporary jazz scene for over three decades. Classically trained at the International School Classical Guitar, Antoine was first introduced to audiences in the late 80s when he hit the road with Basia. Loved for his unique fusion of classical, jazz, soul and world influences, Antoine quickly became a mainstay on radio and the international touring circuit working with everyone from Sting and Cher to Marion Meadows, rick Braun, Dave Coz, and countless others. Through the years, Antoine has also been first call for the popular Guitars & Saxes All Star tours and cruises.

ABYSSJazz Magazine

The pairing of David Beniot and Marc Antoine is a match made in heaven for our listening pleasure. The joint musical excellence of these two artists is magical, as the album title clearly exclaims, it is … So Nice!

REACH from Christian Sands …

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With his début Mack Avenue Records recording, REACH, pianist and five-time Grammy® Award nominee Christian Sands is stretching into exciting progressive territory. He breaks new ground traversing from the straight-ahead zone into fresh-sounding music. Influenced by a range of styles, from Afro-Cuban rhythms to hip-hop beats to dirty blues with an edge, it pops!  That’s impressive for a youngster who is just 27. “The collection here is about reaching new ideas and reaching new music,” he says. “I’m reaching from past recordings to bring in the future, which is really all about finding myself. It’s a chance to express my experience.”

REACH, one more milestone in Sands’ auspicious career that stretches back to his New Haven, Connecticut upbringing. Beginning music classes and composing his first piece at age five, he quickly became a professional by ten. Sands’ was well prepared to attend such prestigious schools as the

Neighborhood Music School and the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven. He later received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Manhattan School of Music.

The recording is co-produced by both Grammy®-Award winning producer Al Pryor and famed bassist Christian McBride. McBride collaborated with Sands in his Grammy® Award-winning trio, as well as some of his other groups, since 2009. “Upon first meeting Christian, I could feel a cool connection,” Sands recalls. “From when I first sat in with his Inside Straight band, I realized that we think about music in the same way. When I got signed to Mack Avenue, I asked if Christian could produce me, as someone who knows my playing and what I want to accomplish in my music.”

Christian Sands have built a stellar trio here, including bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Marcus Baylor. The album also features guests Gilad Hekselman on guitar, Marcus Strickland on tenor saxophone and bass clarinet, and percussionist Cristian Rivera. He even convinced his producer to make a cameo appearance, bowing his bass at the end of the slow tempo Use Me.

The album ends on a romantic note with a non-original tune, somewhere Out There. Composed by James Horner, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The original recording, sung by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram, won Grammy® Awards for its appearance in the 1986 animated film An American Tail. “I was looking for a ballad and I didn’t want to do Strayhorn or Porter,” Sands says. “I wanted to play something that was not that familiar. So I was talking to my mother and she said, ‘what about the song from the movie with the mouse that you used to watch when you were a kid?’ She used to sing it to me when I was four or five years old and my dad would play piano. So I told her she was genius; I don’t think this has ever been done as an instrumental. When people hear this, I’m hoping they go, ‘Oh, yeah, I remember this.’”

The end song is yet another example of how Sands shifts musical gears with a variety of styles on REACH. “Actually, my biggest influence in making this album was Michael Jackson’s Bad record,” he says. “There are so many different kinds of tunes on that, so many changes. So that’s what I was setting out to do.”

ABYSS Pick … Reach is cool, smooth, with a lot of groove – highly recommended. A joy to listen to. This one Jazz Diggers you don’t want to miss … ABYSSJazz Magazine

… where does your favorite jazz artist fall on this week’s Groove-O-Meter!!!

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Groove

This word has evolved from its original meaning in jazz slang as a sexual euphemism.

  1. Vagina, the female groove
  2. Penis, the male groove
  3. Ass, both male and female groove.

Original sexual meanings are seldom used or understood anymore.

  • “Groovin” meant rubbing the genitals in one of the grooves. Used as a simple form of birth control, somewhat similar to withdrawal.

 Less sexually oriented meanings are still sometimes used.

  1. “Hip to the groove” means aware of what gives pleasure; often used as a music term.
  2. To be “In the groove” means to be in a pleasurable place, musically, socially, or in life or nature. Generally, running smoothly.
  3. “Groovin’ together” enjoying each other’s company. Appreciating each other. Generally enjoying the situation and the surroundings’

Smooth, Groove, & Contemporary Jazz Airplay Chart

 

Artists & Music that’s Movin’ on Up

A spectacular night of cocktails and jazz …

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Dr. Phillips Center Presents: Professors of Jazz

Experience some of the best jazz artists of today. These nationally known jazz players swing to a variety of classics and modern adaptations.

With the meet and greet!!!

A Bourbon Tasting Reception with the Artists

Post-show party with complimentary Bourbon and Whiskey tastings, food pairings and your chance to mingle with the Professors of Jazz.

The proceeds of this event go to support local students attending Summer Jazz Intensive on scholarship.
Get Tickets

 

Gerald Albright’s “G” feat. Michael McDonald and Doug E. Fresh

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www.id-photo-app.com

… Gerald Albright’s “G” is Bright Music Records’ first CD release! G is a special musical project as it is also Albright’s début CD as an independent artist and as owner of Bright Music Records. G invites you to not only enjoy Albright’s fluency as a saxophonist and flutist, but also the command that he demonstrates on the bass guitar.

Gerald Albright is a Los Angeles, California native. For decades, and through 17 solo CD’s he has wowed us with the sultry yet funky sounds of his compositions. I am crazy about G,  and I think you guys will be too. The CD slams with the track Taking Control, where one might describe the track as, Earth, Wind, and Fire meets Michael Jackson. Albright slows down the pace a bit with the sexy, head-bobbing tune called Read Your Mind. He will have your fingers snapping and shoulders jolting to the funky horns and beat box sounds of G and Doug E., a duet with Hip-Hop legend Doug E. Fresh, and it is fresh!

Albright pays homage to two good friends who he has respected throughout his musical career – Bill Withers and Frankie Beverly. He did his rendition of Lovely Day, featuring another good friend of his, the iconic Michael McDonald on vocals; and a MAZE inspired tune called Frankie B. wouldn’t be complete without the funk. Funk-ism will take you out of your seat with its combination of Old School meets Contemporary Jazz. Once again Albright shows off on bass guitar while solidly displaying his skills on alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone.

G is the title of Albright’s latest CD. And, G is the first letter of the word Great which defines both the man and his music. G is jumpin’ my friends; it’s thumpin’ and bangin’. Ooh-we-baby, there’s a lot of great music on this disk. We got Hip-hop, Funk, R&B and of course, Contemporary Jazz. Highly recommended … ABYSSJazz!

 “G” is available at Amazon, click, listen, buy!

For more information about Gerald Albright, his 2017 tour dates, and concerts click on this link!

 

The James Kob Experience … featuring Maria Schafer & Danielle Field

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www.id-photo-app.com

… James Kōb brings melody and beautiful arrangements back to the popular music genre… while still keeping it “cool & hip”.

A veteran American composer, lyricist, arranger and producer… Mr. Kōb creates music that spans across multi-national borders as well as focusing on the music scene here in America.

In developing “The James Kōb Experience”, Kob sets a new benchmark in music entertainment… a sort of ‘Broadway-ish, Pop, Jazz, Bossa Nova and a little cinematic music’ affair! In addition, with quite a few pieces in French and Portuguese for our European and South American music lovers. It’s a good kind of different.

So Right has a Zen like feel; easy to listen to, soothing, non intrusive, yet engaging. Delicately pulling you into the music and you don’t resist. The vocal interpretations, arrangements, instrumentation and the lyrics penetrate beyond the physical. So Right taps into ones soul the core self. Highly Recommended … ABYSSJazz Magazine!

For more information about The James Kob Experience click on this link!

Jazz Music on YouTube: 5 Channels for Continuous Tunes

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While jazz is not a dying art form, it’s not really a part of mainstream music radio stations. That’s why many jazz fans often come online looking for their favorite numbers. Fortunately, there are numerous YouTube channels dedicated to Jazz music only. However, there are some that stand out above the rest. We list five of the best videos that offer continuous jazz music without interruption. Depending on your mood, you should be able to find something on the line-up to quench your thirst for the genre. Take a look!

Enjoy these Jazz Music on YouTube:

1 hour of Jazz music – Relax and enjoy


Featuring 19 tracks, this one hour no stop video of Acid Jazz.

Bossa Nova Jazz Instrumental Mix : Cafe Restaurant Background Music


Tracklist of 50 instrumentals that will keep you in the mood for 3 plus hours.

Jazz Instrumental: 3 HOURS of Jazz Music Playlist for Relaxing Happy Summer Chill Out


Whether daytime or night, you will find yourself pausing while listening to this sweet music.

Jazz Music Mix 2015 Best of Jazz Songs


A perfect mix of smooth jazz, it’s just right for listening at work, chilling out with at home, and great when going for a drive.

3 HOURS Relaxing Background Music | Jazz Instrumental Mood | For Love , Romance and Meeting


As the name suggests, this wonderful music track is ideal for relaxation or a romantic dinner. It will make you feel all warm and cozy inside.

Elijah Rock Shifts Focus to Contemporary Gershwin Salute

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Elijah Rock stars in his Jazz Cabaret show at the Colony Theatre.

Elijah Rock stars in his Jazz Cabaret show at the Colony Theatre, Burbank. Photo TrueMoxie Phototgraphy

IndieGoGo Funded EP “Gershwin for the Soul” Traditional Jazz Pop Project To Be Recorded In September With Band Headed By Musical Director/Pianist Kevin Toney Featuring All-Star Musicians John B. Williams (bass) – Terry Wollman (guitar) Greg Paul & Rayford Griffin (drums)

Long-dedicated to upholding and aligning himself with the first class carriage and aesthetic of timeless entertainers from the past, singer/actor/dancer Elijah Rock is in the last stages of preparation to bring a contemporary and decidedly African-American twist to the music of George & Ira Gershwin with his forthcoming recording project, Gershwin for the Soul.

Cleveland-born NAACP Theater Award-winning triple threat Rock is sailing into the studio on wings of glowing reviews for his stage performance of the character ‘Crooner’ in “Words by Ira Gershwin.”

The Glendale News raved, “Baritone Rock, with charm to spare, shifts smoothly from crisp jazz phrasing to the operatic…” The Hollywood Progressive proclaimed, “The youthful Rock, who appears in Showtime’s TV series ‘Masters of Sex,’ is establishing himself as one of his generation’s foremost interpreters and performers of The Great American Songbook, which Ira Gershwin contributed so much to…”

Elijah Rock began singing at age 13. Three years later, he was already singing Gershwin songs from “Porgy & Bess.” An alumnus of The Cleveland Institute of Music, Rock was not only steeped in musical theater, art song and the classics, they swiftly became his passion. Rock states, “I once asked Quincy Jones during a program at UCLA, ‘Why aren’t there more brothers doing traditional stuff? He just looked at me and said, ‘Well, I guess it’s you, brother.’”

Rock – whose resume boasts a decade and a half of acclaimed across the board accomplishments in stage, film and television – understands that for the success of his musical mission long-term and for Gershwin for the Soul immediately requires a delicate balance of tradition in a contemporary context. He found the perfect collaborator in music veteran Kevin Toney whose work as a keyboardist, composer, arranger, author, educator and co-founder of the `70s R&B Jazz group The Blackbyrds provides the ideal springboard for Rock to bounce concepts off. They first worked together with Toney as the Musical Director of “Words by Ira Gershwin.” Now they are molding key arrangements of Toney’s from that stage production for an album aiming to make the classics modern all over again.

“Kevin Toney is a virtuoso and an award-winning musician whose experience speaks for itself,” Rock says. “In rehearsal, he was very supportive, determined for us to find our sound. I trust him with a project that has to meet a certain standard.

Kevin’s arrangements for ‘Words’ weren’t written as a score, even though they were for a musical play, so the music doesn’t come off as show tunes which is a unique situation. We brought our authentic creative selves to the material and, in that, it became uniquely ours. I had such an intimate experience with Kevin along with bassist John B. Williams, drummer Greg Paul and guitarist Terry Wollman. We spent two months working everything out for the show. And now we’re tailoring choice material for my new album.”

Elijah Rock’s Gershwin for the Soul bring flashy perennials such as“Fascinatin’ Rhythm,” “Shall We Dance,” “I’ve Got Plenty of Nothing,” “Long Ago and Far Away,” “They All Laughed” and “How Long Has This Been Goin’ On.” However, it is ballads like “Isn’t it a Pity” and “Love Walked In” in which the fuller, richer measure of Rock’s voice revealed anew.

“Before this experience, I hadn’t really embraced the balladeer aspect of my gift,” Rock muses. “It was about me being vulnerable enough to know I could do it. It’s been an interesting transformation for me. The first three songs I had to sing in ‘Words by Ira Gershwin’ were all down tempo ballads. That’s not normal in a concert setting. To connect to those songs and make them unique every single night transformed me. I fell in love with the space between the notes…the simplicity of telling the story…the space for introspection and that moment to moment feeling of the lyric. I’m so comfortable now that I love singing ballads more than I do up tempo material. And it’s making my fans even more beloved.”

Rock hopes to woo singer Cecile McLorin Savant – a kindred spirit in the revival of timeless vocal style (popular for her rendition of Bert Williams’ early 1900’s song, “Nobody”) – to sing a duet. An added bonus will be one original composition of Rock’s entitled “New York City Springtime,” a mid-tempo swing tune about a guy flying back into town with more swagger than he had when he left with his sights set on the girl he never had the guts to talk to…until now.

Elijah Rock views his work in the context of an exciting and timely trend back toward all around excellence.“Look at Misty Copeland,” he says. “She’s become a major star by committing herself to the classic form of ballet. Now she’s going to Broadway and beyond. Me, I committed myself to the strain of bel canto singing as taught by one of the pure blood lines of Spanish operatic tenor Manuel Garcia, Russian baritone Vladimir Chernov at UCLA.”

Ultimately, Elijah Rock will wow longtime lovers of Gershwin music while hopefully cultivating a new younger audience with his all-around showmanship, singing and even his paddle-n-roll style of tap dancing – lost arts all that have found in Rock a tireless cultural savior.

“I believe there is a cross demographic that this music will serve,” Rock concludes. “I am grateful to Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga for their success in keeping the music relevant to today’s pop world. Uncanny as the pairing may seem, it’s working and the people are coming out – from her fans she lovingly calls her ‘monsters’ to the blue hairs that grew up with Mr. Bennett…who will be 90 next year and still singing fantastic! For people to do their craft with that level of consistency and longevity, the fundamentals is their foundation.

“I approach singing from a traditional perspective with a fresh twist. Gershwin for the Soul not only represents America’s classical music, it will give me a platform to discuss a lot of other things about the culture and where we all stand today.”

 

Gershwin for the Soul will be available Spring 2016 For more information on Elijah Rock, contact:

Jai St. Laurent-Smyth – Inque Public Relations –  732.254.0607

nquepr@comcast.net / inquepr@gmail.com – Indiegogo Campaign

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/you-can-help-create-elijah-rock-s-gershwin-album#/story

www.elijahrock.net