Smooth Jazz Therapy

Herbie Hancock - New CD Set For June Release

Hot off the press is news that ‘The Imagine Project’ from legendary musician Herbie Hancock is scheduled for release on June 22, 2010. Using the universal language of music to express its central themes of peace and global responsibility, the album (and the documentary film that will accompany it) captures the collaborations which combine Hancock’s genre-defying vision with the music of cultures from around the world.

In common with his 2005 project ‘Possibilities’ the Grammy-winning Hancock has gathered together an eclectic mix of featured musicians to assist him in this venture and these include Seal, Jeff Beck, Dave Matthews, Lisa Hannigan, Susan Tedeschi, Chaka Khan, Marcus Miller and Wayne Shorter.

Grover Washington Jr. - Grover Live

For much of his illustrious career the only live concert CD Grover Washington Jr. had ever made was that recorded in May 1977, in Philadelphia, at the Bijou Café. Although this all changed on June 7, 1997 when his show at the Paramount Centre for the Arts in Peekskill, NY was captured for posterity, it remained until recently undiscovered and unreleased.

Now, at long last, this live recording is about to see the light of day. On May 18, 2010 G Man Productions will release the Jason Miles produced ‘Grover Live’ which captures the aura of this momentous event and the magic of its legendary star.

Sixteen sumptuous live versions of some of Washington’s most memorable tunes and significant contributions from touring band members Gerald Veasley, Steve Wolf, Pablo Batista, Adam Holman, Donald Robinson and Richard Lee all add to the special nature of what is now a piece of contemporary jazz history but which paradoxically feels as fresh as the day it was recorded.

Butch Harrison - What It Is

‘What It Is’ by horn player and vocalist Butch Harrison has been a long time coming. Originally from Philadelphia (where he enjoyed stints as a trumpet and flugelhorn player with bands such as Chromatic Funk, Pitch Black and the Ethics) Harrison moved to Seattle in 1975 and since then has become a familiar figure on the local scene. His musical career has taken him to distant parts that include Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Canada, Switzerland and Morocco while his prowess as a performer has led him to open for the likes of Aretha Franklin, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Al Green and The Whispers.

Not only is ‘What It Is’ a tight ten tune collection characterized by an old school vibe, it also offers Harrison a belated opportunity to snatch a little of the limelight all for himself.

Spotlight On James Colah

Writer, producer and keyboard player James Colah may be relatively new to the world of contemporary jazz but the way he has captured the essence of the genre is something to behold. A case in point is the wonderful track ‘Blissful’ that he recorded with sax player Mike Parlett under the name of the Parlett - Colah Project and which has the sort of feel good vibe synonymous with the best in class. You can check out ‘Blissful’ right here right now at ‘Listen Here’. Simply select the track from the listing and enjoy.

The Tom Henby - Phillip 'Doc' Martin Connection

Whist researching the great new album ‘Realization’ from rising sax star Phillip ‘Doc’ Martin I had the good fortune to check out his 2007 CD ‘Pride And Joy’. A more detailed commentary on this sizzling recording will appear here soon but for now the track catching my attention is Martin’s cool cover of the title cut from Joann Rosario’s 2002 sacred release ‘More More More’. Not only does it show off Martin’s fine playing but also features the excellent Tom Henby on guitar.

As coincidence would have it Nashville based Henby has also recently released a new album, ‘In The Moment’. Featuring guest performances from Vince Gill, Christopher Cross Nathan East and Michael McDonald’s long-time keyboard player Pat Coil it is an eclectic collection that defies genres and evokes many moods. Although replete with memorable numbers a personal favourite is Henby’s sensitive take on Dave Grusin’s ‘Goodbye For Kathy’.

For more go to www.tomhemby.com

Steve Oliver - Global Kiss

When I reviewed Steve Oliver’s 2006 album ‘Radiant’ I described it as being of significant quality and well worth checking out. Since then his two disc DVD –CD set ‘One Night Live’ has captured the magic of one of the hottest live acts around and now he is back with a collection of all original music, the hugely exciting ‘Global Kiss’. Released on his own label, and with an all-star line-up that includes Bob Baldwin, Alan Hewitt, Marion Meadows, Will Donato and Nate Harasim, this is a recording that will help define smooth jazz circa 2010.

Althea Rene Getting Noticed

Although the gig that Althea Rene played in Nashville, TN on March 13 (in the company of sax player Jessy J) was in support of Woman’s History Month she is using her rapidly evolving musical career to make history all of her own. Now a full-time performing and recording artist, Althea previously worked for more than 10 years as a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff in Detroit, MI and is rapidly emerging as one of the nation's most exciting solo improvisational flautists.

Her current CD ‘No Restrictions’, which has been described as an urban contemporary masterpiece, includes production credits from the likes of the Grammy winning Michael Broening and Grammy nominated Rex Rideout while the album also includes stunning remakes of classic tunes such as ‘Wishing on a Star’ and ‘I Love Your Smile’. When one factors in guest performances from saxophonist Candy Dulfer and bassist Rhonda Smith then this is a collection really too good to miss.

Check back here soon for a full review of ‘No Restrictions’ and for more on Althea Renee go to www.althearene.com

Phillip 'Doc' Martin - Realization

Rising sax star Phillip ‘Doc’ Martin certainly has it all going on. Despite his relatively tender years Martin already has the critically acclaimed ‘Saxappeal’ and ‘Pride & Joy’ albums under his belt and has now come roaring back with the recently released ‘Realization’. An extravagant combination of original music and innovative covers it includes production input from the ubiquitous Darren Rahn and represents a significant milestone in Martin’s rapidly advancing musical career.

Jessy J Sets A Hectic Schedule

In terms of intensives schedules there is none around right now to match that of sax diva Jessy J. After appearing in Nashville, TN on Saturday March 13 with flautist Althea Rene she will head straight for London, England and four nights at the Pizza Express Jazz Club where she will be sharing the stage with the wonderful Mindi Abair. If that wasn’t enough, Jessy will then head two hundred miles north for a March 23 solo performance in the intimate upstairs lounge of the Cinnamon Club, Bowden which is located in the southern suburbs of Manchester.

After that it is back to the USA for a gig she is scheduled to play on March 28 with Oli Silk and Jackiem Joyner as part of the Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, PA

For Cinnamon Club tickets call (44) 161 926 8992 and for Jessy’s entire tour itinerary (plus information on how to get tickets for her other shows) go to www.jessyj.com

David Sanborn - Only Everything

Notwithstanding that sax legend David Sanborn has been confirmed as Music Host for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 (sailing from Fort Lauderdale, FL on both January 16 and 23) this chameleon like performer has just released an album that takes him right back to his jazz roots. ‘Only Everything’ is an extension to the journey he began in 2008 with the album ‘Here and Gone’ and draws on the inspirations that, way back when, influenced his musical direction.

Bernard Alcorn - A New Day

When, in 2000, Chicago guitar man Bernard Alcorn released the album ‘Late Arrival’ the title could not have been more appropriate. Although he had been playing professionally for over 20 years his total commitment to music had been hampered by a parallel career as social worker and vocational rehabilitation counselor. Now, with his eye firmly on the musical ball, he is back with the extremely pleasing ‘A New Day’.

Nicole Mitchell At Her Soulful Best With Need To Know

Smooth Jazz Therapy favorite Nicole Mitchell certainly seems to have it all going on. Her upcoming CD ‘The BiPolar-Music Project’ has already been extensively trailed by her duet with Phil Perry, ‘Together United’ It threatens to become the wedding song of 2010 and now she is throwing another track into the mix, the sensational ‘Need To Know’. Co-written by Preston Glass (‘Who's Zoomin Who’, ‘We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off’, ‘Don’t Make Me Wait For Love’) this is a song that defines exactly what this sultry soul singer is all about.

Check out a live version of ‘Need To Know’ here now and check back here soon for a complete review of ‘The BiPolar-Music Project’.

Hulon - First Impressions

Hulon is by no means your average contemporary jazz saxophonist. An entrepreneur by day and a sax player by night he has a successful medical practice in Panama Beach, FL and is a founder member of Florida based band On Call. Not only that, his fresh perspective on old-school style has been recognized by none other than Jeff Kashiwa who, between his responsibilities to super-group The Sax Pack and the demands of a successful solo career, has produced Hulon’s debut CD, ‘First Impressions’.

Nick Colionne Is Headin' Wes Before Dawn

Nick Colionne's 2008 release ‘No Limits’ has turned out to be pure gold. A string of scintillating tracks have already found a way to radio and the latest to do so is his Montgomery-esqe ‘Headin Wes Before Dawn’ that exemplifies the ease with which he often turns down the tempo.

Nick wrote the tune as a tribute to his guitar idol Wes Montgomery and in fact there is a song dedicated to this legendary player on every CD he has released thus far.

Those who have seen Colionne play live will have been blown away by the sheer energy that he injects into his music. There will be a chance to experience this alchemy when he appears at the Berks Jazz Fest on March 25 and 27. Before that you can catch him in Dallas, TX, on March 20, when he will be playing at the Bishop Arts Theater Center.

For more go to www.nickcolionne.com