ABYSSJazz - The Depth of Jazz R&B and Soul

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!

Up Close and Personal with Jazz Guitarist ~ dee Brown

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My initial introduction to guitarist dee Brown was in May of 2008 when he was promoting his first solo project, No Time to Waste. Seven years later I caught up with the Motor city native to chat for a bit to learn more about the man beneath the music and his latest release, Brown Sugar Honey Coated Love with Innervision Records.

Who are you … tell me about dee Brown? “I love music, writing and recording. I started out [in music] as a vocalist around six years old. And then a classmate played back a song heard on the radio with his guitar, which really excited me. Mt grandmother got me one for Christmas when I was maybe 10 or 11 years old and I started playing and taking lessons. Here’s a dee exclusive, I stated working professionally in music as a stand-up R&B singer with the group One Wish.” Really! “We had some success. Even made a video – I feel like Getting Romantic. Is that right!

dee transitioned from singing music to playing music however he says all musicians are singers. They are singing [in their heads] as they are playing … “feeling the music as they play”, being in the moments.

What’s important to you? “ Worshiping God. Honoring the gifts given and making music that embrace love.“ How has your relationship with God served your career? “It inspires my music. It is a gift to me and the listener, the message; Brown Sugar Honey Coated Love is inspired by Proverbs 27:7 which says: ‘ A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet’.” Fantastic!

2nd Promo Picture(2) I love the intro and percussive vibe on the single Honeycomb and the sax/guitar duet, killer! Trumpeter Lin Roundtree does double duty on title track [Brown Sugar Honey coated Love] bringing in his flugelhorn which take this track up a notch or two. What a great conversation he and dee’s guitar are having. My personal favorite is the track Peace Within (Interlude) ~ purr-fect.

Do you write for your projects? I co-wrote 10 of the 11 tracks on this project.”

How do you define your style of playing? “Melodic, melody oriented – I play as if I am speaking/vocalizing.” Similar to Stanley Jordan, to see him play is amazing. “Yeah, Stanley is an original, he is great.” I agree.

What do you want people to get from your music? “I want people to understand that what I do when I’m playing the music is something I truly love and have a passion for. In every aspect, when I’m performing or when you are listening to the music I have recorded I have given it 100%. Understand that music is a spiritual thing where we connect to the Creator that is the greatest improviser of all. In this we create music and compositions with a spiritual part. In addition, my hope is when the listen to the music that you are hopeful ~ you are joyful ~ you are happy ~ you are inspired ~ you are stronger ~ and you truly know what love is. God is love and all things are possible to those who believe in Jesus name amen!”

Kudos to dee Brown and the talented musicians that collaborated with him to bring his spirit-inspired message to light in Brown Sugar Honey Coated Love, a great addition to the jazz lover’s collection … ABYSSJazz

Musicians and Vocalists

dee Brown (Acoustic, Rhythm, and lead guitars – all tracks , Vocals -2, 4); Valdez Brantley (Keyboard Programing – 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10); Chip Dixson (keyboard Programing – 1, 9, 11, Bass – 1, 9, 11); Dave Henderson (Bass – 3); Kem Brantley (Bass – 8); Dezie McCullers Jr. (Alto Saxophone; – 1, 2, 5, 11); Lin Roundtree (Trumpet, Flugelhorn -10); Arnell D. Camichael (Vocals – 3); Shaunia Edwards (Vocals -8); Shannon Rice (Vocals – 1)

For more information about dee Brown and to indulge your sweet tooth click on the links below:

dee Brown   iTunes    Amazon

ABYSS Remember Jeff Golub … Original post ~ September, 25, 2013

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Jeff Golub, a guitarist who crossed seamlessly between jazz, blues and rock, died today, Jan. 1, following a lengthy illness. He was 59. The precise cause and place of death have not yet been reported but Golub had experienced a series of physical setbacks in recent years that ultimately caused him to no longer be able to perform … Jazz Times.

2490_Jeff_Golub_TKAR_Folder.indd … It’s been a helluva two years since guitarist Jeff Golub released his last album # 11, “Three Kings,” which paid tribute to blues legends B.B., Freddie & Albert King. As the record was released, the optic nerves in Golub’s eyes inexplicably collapsed leaving him blind. Adjusting to his new life meant adopting Luke, a guide dog. While attempting to catch a New York City subway last September, Golub fell onto the tracks as a train rapidly approached. He was clipped and dragged by the train as Luke and bystanders frantically attempted to help. Miraculously Golub escaped the harrowing and what could have been a fatal ordeal with only minor scrapes and bruises. Undaunted and as boisterous as ever, Golub stands defiantly, toting his guitar with Luke perched at his feet, at the crossroads of train tracks on the cover of his aptly titled new album, “Train Keeps A Rolling,” which will be released August 13th by Entertainment One Music.

Golub’s 12th solo album had to be something special and have a lot of soul. He teamed with British keyboard great Brian Auger for a rollicking 11-song collection of soul, jazz, blues and rock combining Golub’s raw bluesy guitar licks with Auger’s hallmark Hammond B-3 organ. Golub produced the set with Harner, a Grammy-nominated producer who shared production duties with Golub on the guitarist’s five most recent records. Anchoring the grooves were steady-as-a-rock drummer Steve Ferrone, who was an original member of the acclaimed jazz-rock ensemble Brian Auger & The Oblivion Express, and bassist Derek Frank, who also had a history playing with Auger. Augmenting the tracks were percussionist Luis Conte and a lively horn section comprised of Mindi Abair (alto sax), Nick Lane (trombone), Dave Woodford (baritone sax, flute) and Steve Madaio (trumpet). Making guest appearances on the vocal selections were Christopher Cross, Ambrosia’s David Pack and Alex Ligertwood, who was also an original member of The Oblivion Express … Great stuff, highly recommended ~ ABYSSJazz

Jeff Golub, who was born in Copley, Ohio, April 15, 1955, played his first gig in 1967 at age 12 and turned professional during the following decade. He studied at the Berklee College of Music and worked in singer James Montgomery’s band while in Boston. In 1980, after moving to New York, Golub joined the band of rock singer Billy Squier, with whom he toured and recorded extensively. Golub released his first solo recording, Unspoken Words, for Gaia Records in 1988.

Golub released more than a dozen albums in all as a leader and three with the Avenue Blue Band, and spent several years (1988-95) in the band of singer Rod Stewart. He also collaborated with dozens of artists as a sideman, including Ashford and Simpson, Alphonse Mouzon, Kirk Whalum, Mindi Abair, Everette Harp, Peter Wolf, John Waite, Vanessa Williams, Gato Barbieri, Bill Evans, Rick Braun, Tina Turner, Dar Williams, Brian Culbertson, Gerald Albright, Henry Butler, Jon Cleary, Marc Cohn, Richard Elliot, Robben Ford, Sonny Landreth, Jeff Lorber and Peter White. Golub was also a member of Dave Koz and the Kozmos, the house band of The Emeril Lagasse Show … Jazz Times

Enjoy!

John Stein: Seconding that Emotion

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John Stein has always been, at least in musical terms, something of an international traveler. In keeping with the global undercurrent of his work, Stein partners with drummer, Matias Mingote German, a native of Argentina now living in Spain. Mingo lives and breathes tango and Stein has been dabbling in Latin styles for the better part of his career.

Stein’s partnership with Mingo provides each musician an opportunity to work with hybrid jazz genres and take their Latin vernaculars into even more exhilarating places. Emotions, The Mingotan Project, created to explore the fusion of these musical styles, derives its name from a blend of Mingo’s nickname and his favorite musical form — tango will be released John4_optimized-300x243 January 28, 2014

It certainly takes at least two, but preferably more, to tango, so the leaders joined forces with Rebecca Kleinmann on flutes, Evan Harlan handles the accordion, and John Lockwood, a longtime colleague of Stein’s, does his typically sublime job on acoustic bass to bring their ideas to life.

The ten songs on Emotion demonstrate a fusion of North American jazz with the powerful emotion and rhythms of Afro-Argentinian tango styles, a collaboration between artists of different cultures but similar creative visions. Mingo’s drumming is mature, fluid, and authentically rooted in tradition. Stein’s guitar sings melodically, every phrase emanating from his musical soul, not simply falling off of his fingers. Kleinmann, Harlan, and Lockwood play with taste and finesse. All the contributions are virtuosic, yet always in the service of the musical whole.

The music succeeds deeply on multiple levels — fabulous musical interplay among mature musicians; memorable melody, harmony, rhythm, and form; and direct, powerful emotional connection to an audience. This is music that lingers in the mind and heart of the listener long after the notes fade . . . Highly Recommended ~ ABYSSJazz!

Whaling City Sound, the label behind it all, manages to put another, eminently important entry into its growing canon of high quality jazz recordings.

Emotions is available at Amazon; click, listen, buy!

Butler’s holiday spirit of giving gives year-round … and that is sooo special!

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It was the beginning of November when two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler released his first Christmas album, Merry Christmas To You, and launched the Jonathan Butler Foundation in his South African homeland to fund music education programs to inspire children to overcome a life of drugs and poverty. Butler, who completed a media tour in several South African cities and performed two concerts there in September to raise funds for the foundation, will soon form a U. S. affiliate to support the foundation’s music and arts programs in South Africa for children ages 4-17.

Butler grew up in South Africa under Apartheid the youngest of 17 children and it was music “The Jonathan Butler Foundation is about building new legacies and I’ve wanted to help the children in my native land fulfill their dreams. Teaming with the local governments to reclaim our children from the drug lords, we teach the kids to sing and play instruments. These are free-born children jonaathanbutler_05 and it is about their legacies and saving them from drugs and poverty that rescued him from drugs and extreme poverty thus the inspiration for the foundation comes from personal experience and a desire that has gestated for more than 20 years. There is immense talent over there (South Africa) and down the road we hope to release compilation albums in the U.S. to help sustain the foundation and its diversion programs,” says Butler.

The guitar-playing troubadour was 13 when he released his debut album and became the first black artist played on white radio stations in South Africa.

Butler wrote, produced and played most of the instruments on Merry Christmas To You, an intimate 10-song set released by Artistry Music that showcases the singer with his acoustic guitar. The sparse production maintains focus on the spiritually-impassioned Butler belting out seven Christmas standards, one little known gem Sweet Little Jesus Boy and a pair of soulful originals authored by the artist, including the title cut and Happy Holidays. My personal favorites are Sleigh Ride driven by Butler’s fervent fretwork and the malt shop ballad Merry Christmas To You, which Butler charismatically croons and decorates with elegant jazz guitar riffs. Adding horn section parts to a couple of tunes are contemporary jazz aces Rick Braun, Dave Koz and Paul “Shilts” Weimer.

Oo-we-baby! Mr. Butler put his feet, both elbows, and his knee caps into making Merry Christmas To You. It is definitely one of the best Holiday recordings I have heard in many a year. Soulful and spirited remakes of Christmas favorites with that Butler touch … Afrocentric yet universal in every way that it counts … Highly Recommended ~ this will be a classic ~ bet! … ABYSSJazz

 Merry Christmas To You is available at Amazon: Ho-Ho-Ho … buy it now!

Lawson Rollins ~ Full CIRCLE

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image003 copy2 … Prodigious guitarist Lawson Rollins’ Full Circle, a riveting 12-song aural adventure, crammed with culture and masterful musicianship is like traversing the world without the hassles of modern travel. Rollins’ fourth album, which he produced with multi-platinum producer Dominic Camardella (Ottmar Liebert, Flora Purim, 3rd Force), explores the border-less expanse of captivating melodies and fascinating global rhythms while discovering multicultural sounds that play like the ideal soundtrack for an intriguing National Geographic expedition.

Rollins guitar work is amazing … creativity + superb skill = Full Circle a profusion of interesting musical styles. Strongly Recommended ~ ABYSSJazz

 Available on Amazon now! Listen and purchase

N’ DA Mix ~ Shanachie Has New Artists and New Release … Cool!

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PIECES OF A DREAM STAY IN THE MOMENT
CELEBRATING 37TH ANNIVERSARY, 20TH ALBUM & THRILLING SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT DEBUT

pieces of a dream  … Celebrating 37 years of making music is no small feat and both James [Lloyd] and Curtis [Harmon] are looking forward to sharing the new material with their fans.  Curtis sums it up like this, “I think we made a good collage of music on In The Moment. The songs blend well together to make a CD that includes different flavors from David Dyson, [Rohn James] and Tony [Watson, Jr.] writing.  I think we’re covering a lot of different flavors in this particular CD and a lot of people will be pleased.”  James adds, “I hope our fans like the album.  For me personally, I’m always trying to push the boundaries of what’s accepted as cool or playable.  I’m not one to say ‘ok that worked, let’s do that again,’ but rather ‘that worked well and let’s do something else.’  It’s a hard line to walk, staying true to what people expect of you but being true to yourself and your creativity.”  With In The Moment, it’s safe to say Pieces of a Dream continue to explore new territory yet remain aware of their amazing history and the core sound and style that have gotten the band this far.  Pieces fans, you will definitely enjoy this ‘moment’ and the ride.

In The Moment is a magic carpet ride. Invigorating, fanciful, and beautifully crafted. A must have for Pieces fans. ~ ABYSSJAZZ

 Available on Amazon; click, listen, ride out with In “The Moment”

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INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED PIANIST, COMPOSER & HUMANITARIAN
KEIKO MATSUI CREATES GROUND-BREAKING, THOUGHT PROVOKING & INSPIRATIONAL NEW MUSIC ON SOUL QUEST !

81cKuIFzeML._SL1500_2… Keiko Celebrates 25th Anniversary of US Recording Career with Soul Quest, released on July 31st. It is a riveting new collection of songs that unfold like an epic journey. With an all-star cast that includes such heavyweights as producer and drummer Narada Michael Walden, guitarist Chuck Loeb, saxophonist Kirk Whalum and bassist Marcus Miller, among others, Keiko explores themes of love, loss, spirituality and environmental consciousness.

Soul Quest opens with the transcendental and majestic Dream Seeker, a melodic prayer that Keiko holds for all mankind. “I want everyone to have a dream and to seek it.” She co-wrote the song with guitarist and producer Chuck Loeb and it features the flamenco-like and ethereal guitar of Loeb along with the soaring soprano saxophone of Andy Snitzer.

Black Lion, Soul Quest’s first single was inspired during a rigorous Eastern European tour in which Keiko and her band played an exhausting five countries in five weeks. They were even detained at one point due to problems with travel visas. However, the courageous and optimistic pianist drew inspiration from happier times during her tour. “Creating this album was like going on a soul quest, as I tried to figure out how to express the things I was thinking and experiencing during this past year,” confides pianist, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui (pronounced Kay-Koe, meaning ‘happy, celebratory child’ in Japanese).  “This music energizes me and I am overwhelmed with emotion when I listen to it.  I hope people will allow themselves to go inside the music and become a part of my journey,”

Soul Quest, nurtures the Spirit, which is priceless ~ simply beautiful ~ ABYSSJazz

 Soul Quest is available now! Listen and purchase

 

 

 CLARK KENT OF JAZZ GUITAR’ CHUCK LOEB RELEASES TWENTIETH RECORDING & TENTH SHANACHIE CD SILHOUETTE FEATURING FOUR ALL-STAR ENSEMBLES

5409[1]… Dubbed the “Clark Kent Of Jazz Guitar” by The New York Times, the in-demand producer has provided the Midas Touch for everyone from pianists Bob James and label-mate Keiko Matsui to singers Jon Lucien and Michael Franks, saxophonists Kim Waters and Gato Barbieri and fellow guitarist Larry Coryell. The down to earth guitarist has been a mainstay on the radio and Billboard charts for over two decades. On August 13, 2013 Chuck Loeb released his twentieth album as a leader and tenth recording on Shanachie Entertainment, Silhouette. “This CD has a lot to do with all the people and experiences that have shaped my musical life and career,” shares Loeb. “The title is based on the idea that a silhouette is a form or shape of something as outlined by the light behind it, which to me meant that the love and influence of all those people and experiences that helped me get where I am in my life are the light behind me.”

For Silhouette, Chuck Loeb orchestrates four unique ensembles that collectively provide a complete musical expedition. Each group holds special significance and allows Chuck to give listeners a glimpse into some of the music and musicians who have had an impact on him throughout this career. The first collective is called ‘The Appreciation Band,’ [Peter Erskine, Nathan East, keyboardist Mitchel Forman, &  guest saxophonists David Mann and Eric Marienthal] … The ensemble opens with the dreamy and alluring title track  Silhouette,  inspired by Wes Montgomery and some of his classic collaborations with Don Sebesky ( Bumpin’, Road Song  etc.). The second ensemble, The Will Lee Family Band [Will Lee –bassist, drummer Steve Gadd, trumpeter Giulio Carmassi and pianist and melodica player Oli Rockberger], put things in play with the gritty R&B shuffle groove Lockdown.  The song Stompin showcases ‘The December 7th Trio, the third esemble [Hammond B3 organist Pat Blanchi, drummer Wolfgang Haffner, tenor saxophonist Andy Snitzer]. And the final ensemble, The Musigrama All-Stars, is a family affair. Singer Carmen Cuesta, his wife. Daughters, Lizzy and Christina; …“It is simply the greatest and most fulfilling way for me to make music,” he explains of his experience of working with his family. “Our home is our studio and our studio is our home. Our lives and music are inevitably intertwined forever in every way.”

With the release of Silhouette, Chuck Loeb further ensconces himself as one of the most gifted, giving and genius creative forces to grace creative music. The consummate musician concluded, “I hope that my music will touch each listener’s heart. My desire is that people will tap their feet and nod their head when they hear this new music. There is a Plato quote that resonates with how I feel-  ‘Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything. It is the essence of order, and leads to all that is good, just, and beautiful, of which it is invisible, but never less, dazzling, passionate, and eternal form.’”

Loeb and company are outside the box on Silhouette. It has that little something more that makes good music great music! ABYSSJazz

Preview before you buy!

New Music from Shanachie!

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CHIELI MINUCCI & SPECIAL EFX: Genesis  

Marking the 30th anniversary of the founding of seminal smooth jazz group Special EFX, which integrated world musicCM2 CM1elements in a groove jazz context and scored numerous radio hits over the years. Guitarist Minucci brings his passionate soloing to a diverse set of contemporary jazz. This celebratory occasion joins Minucci with a star-studded cast including Omar Hakim, Dave Mann, Mino Cinelu, Karen Briggs, Xu Feiyu and Lao Tizer among others. Chieli has collaborated with everyone from Celine Dion, Lionel Richie and Jennifer Lopez to Bobby Caldwell, Marion Meadows, Kim Waters and Gerald Veasley, among numerous others states, “It is my hope that when people hear Genesis that they will enjoy it and be able to relate to it in some way. I hope they are moved and are able feel what I felt as I wrote these songs.” Street date for CD release is May 21.

Eclectic, electric, beautifully crafted compositions and arrangements … extraordinary musicianship from all parties involved. Genesis’s celebratory vibe translates into an expansive aural experience. I tip my cap to Chieli and Special EFX – ABYSSJazz

 

THE BRAND NEW HAVIES: Forward
BNH

The Brand New Heavies are set to release their first studio album in six years, the highlyForward CD Cover2 anticipated Forward, on May 21, 2013.  To get things started, the Heavies have dropped a video for their first single, “Sunlight”, and officially released the track on iTunes. Featuring the soulful vocals of N’Dea Davenport, “Sunlight” sports an infectious groove and a retro-cool vibe that is sure to please old and new fans alike!   

“Sunlight”, is all that and a bag of chips; eat drink, and be merry – ABYSSJazz

Check out the single on iTunes: http://bit.ly/13v4E9L and Pre-order CD now at Amazon!

 

BRIAN SIMPSON: Just What You Need

BS3Longtime Smooth Jazz star Brian Simpson released his fifth studio album, Just What You Need, on Tuesday, April 23. Featuring appearances from luminaries such as Brian_Simpson4Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Jonathan Butler, and others, Just What You Need is some of Brian’s very finest work, and is performing very strongly at iTunes, having held a Top 5 spot in the iTunes Jazz charts since its release! 

“A total package musically. Brian knocked it out of the park with this one ; toe tappin’, head boppin’ with that shoulder action and finger boppin’ grooves … oo-we-baby, Forward is all the way live!” ABYSSJazz

For more info on Brian’s new album, head here: http://bit.ly/11nJzfP  also Available at Amazon; click, listen, buy!

 

Norman Johnson: Get It While You Can

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Norman-1-Hi-Res Norman Johnson is not a newbie to the music game. He has 20+ recordings as a sideman to musicians like Bill Mays, Harvie S. Phil Wilson, and Steve Gadd.  Did I mention he also shared the stage with jazz luminaries, Jerry Bergonzi and the late Dave Brubeck?  From where I sit, guitarist Norman Johnson earned his musical bones working with many of the industry’s best!

Get It While You Can is Johnson’s sophomore release with an agenda – enjoy life and have big fun doing it. Johnson combines personal favorites like, That’s The Way Of The World, Got To Get You Into My Life, and Until You Come Back To Me, with his own composition(s), Get It While You Can, Danza Dance, Saudade, and my personal favoriteKiller Jane – a humorous take off on Quincy Jones classic version of Benny Golson’s Killer Joe from the female perspective – the end result, a simmering sauce of conversations that groove.

There is a joyous vibe flowing through Get It While You Can that resonated within me. Perhaps it’s the interplay of his music, their music, and the guitar; can’t say for sure. What I can say with certainty is that the CD works for me. And Norman says, “Music is a lot like love; no matter how much time you think you have left, you have to Get It While You Can” … Go. Go on. Go get it.

Available on Amazon; get it while you can!