MuzikMan's Reviews And News: Jazz

Showing posts with label Jazz. Show all posts

8/17/2018

San Francisco Jazz Singer NOA LEVY to Release Her Debut EP TAKE TWO & Perform a RISING STAR SHOWCASE at the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley

San Francisco, CA – With a beautiful, rounded voice and a magnetic stage presence, NOA LEVY is a unique and charismatic female vocalist and performer who sings across genres – Jazz, Rock, Cabaret, Musicals, and Pop. She has set a worldwide digital release date of August 17, 2018, for her recently recorded debut TAKE TWO EP, a thoughtful collection of Jazz arrangements featuring NOA LEVY in a duo format with three different instrumentalists. That same day, Noa will headline her own RISING STAR SHOWCASE at the California Jazz Conservatory, featuring songs from the TAKE TWO EP as well as other material.

Drawing on influences from her favorite musicians and artists including Peter Gabriel, Brad Mehldau, and Carmen McRae, NOA LEVY has developed her own signature arrangements of classic and unique tunes to paint a picture that anyone listening can relate to. Her favorite thing about jazz is the possibility to collaborate with fellow musicians about universal themes and day to day life, and her arrangements on the TAKE TWO EP are the fruit of some of these collaborations. She is also developing her own original songwriting, and will perform a handful of shows to support the release of the TAKE TWO EP throughout the summer and fall of 2018.

NOA LEVY is currently studying and honing her craft at the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, CA, while also working on her repertoire and performing with local musicians in the San Francisco Bay Area. Originally born in Jerusalem, she grew up for most of her life in Israel. She has performed with Israel’s National Chamber Orchestra, was invited to tour and record an album with Israel’s leading composer and pianist, Yoni Rechter, and was co-lead singer for the popular ABBA tribute band, Waterloo. She also arranged and directed her own cabaret show, Cheetah. Since moving to San Francisco in 2016, NOA LEVY has immersed herself in the world of jazz. In 2017, Jazz in the Neighborhood twice recognized her as an Emerging Artist, providing her the opportunity to perform and study with the eminent Bay Area jazz singer Clairdee and the prolific Brazilian jazz singer and composer Sandy Cressman. She was also invited to collaborate on the Jazz Voices of Poetry project which debuted new material early in 2018.

Her passion for performance was apparent at just four years old when her grandparents found her dancing on stage at a large music festival. While listening to Queen’s Greatest Hits on a cassette tape given by her father, she discovered her singing voice at age 12 – she was blown away by the amazing musicality and vocal talents of Freddie Mercury and she’s been singing ever since. In middle school, she joined a renowned local theater group and starred in lead roles as the group toured Israel.

At 18, for her mandatory military service, NOA LEVY auditioned for and was inducted into the IDF’s prestigious Navy Ensemble where she performed throughout Israel and also toured across the United States. Following her IDF service, she pursued her passion and developed her talent for musical theater at the London School of Musical Theatre in London, England, earning a diploma. Afterwards, she concentrated on music studies at Rimon School of Music in Israel.

The first release party for her TAKE TWO EP will be held on August 17, 2018, at the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley (formerly known as the Jazzschool). A privately-owned non-profit music school founded in 1997, the school won accreditation as a conservatory in early 2014, and is the only American school with a year-round jazz music program.

For more information about NOA LEVY please visit: www.noalevylive.com

To purchase tickets to the RISING STAR SHOWCASE on August 17, 2018, please visit: https://cjc.edu/concerts/?eid=27355

To Pre-Order the TAKE TWO EP on digital services please visit: http://smarturl.it/NoaLevyTakeTwo

To Pre-Order the TAKE TWO EP on Bandcamp please visit: https://noalevylive.bandcamp.com

For Press and Interview inquiries please contact Billy James of Glass Onyon PR: (828) 350-8158 or glassonyonpr@gmail.com

For Digital Marketing please contact Jerome Forney of Independent Distribution Collective: jerome@independentdistro.com

7/04/2018

Instrumental New Age/World/Jazz Reviews: Erik Scott-A Trick of the Wind

Release Date: August 10, 2018

Label: Erik Scott Music

Website

Erik Scott is an incredibly talented bass player. He is true to his art form in so many ways. He continues with his string of solo releases with A Trick of the Wind.

Previously I had the distinct pleasure of covering Spirits (2014) and In The Company of Clouds (2016). On A Trick of the Wind I heard a similar mix of new age, world and jazz, which I absolutely love. The mixture is superb and Erik’s bass playing is outstanding as usual.

To put it into the most logical terms, I think Erik ranks up there with Michael Manring in the new age genre and on a larger scale, with Tony Levin. He has been around as long as those two marvelous players. That about says it all from my perspective.

The nine tracks encompassing this recording is indeed a prolific gathering of music. There is a constant flow of change and unpredictability, which I genuinely appreciate. I get bored very easily, especially with music that has no spark or change throughout it. This is never a problem with one of Erik’s albums.

“Ghost of Storyville” adds a little spice of jazz injections that is just enough to push it over the edge into a “worldly” sound. I do believe that taking any other instrument than the guitar or the keyboards as the lead instrument can be risqué at best. You had better be a complete master with whatever instrument you plan on introducing as the lead. There is no issue for Erik as the lead with his music. There is just enough ambiance and textures added with other instruments that allow him to keep bass in the forefront of the music. Not only that, he demands your attention and his sound is distinctly his own. This is where audiophiles and other musicians separate the men from the boys.

I found “The Invisible Wand” storybook enchanting. The addition of the female vocals keeping time and a rhythm made it that much more special. If the voice is right for the music it then becomes another instrument. In this instance, it most certainly applied.

I always have to give a nod to the artwork on the album. The cover is self-explanatory. The satin-like red cloth is “A Trick of the Wind.” Notice the way it looks like a ghost behind the text with Erik’s name and the title of the album? I got what it was saying quite quickly and my eyes were attracted to the cover immediately. That is a good thing, so good job with that part of the presentation Erik!

“Born Dreaming,” which is a great title in any case, is a fantastic representation of the music that Erik does the best. It is flowing, bright, attention-getting, and the beauty just abounds from start to finish. If I had to pick one song that says Erik loud and clear it is this one.

Every track is a slice of the artist and for me, it was like saying hello again to an old friend. Two years is too long to wait for your phenomenal music Erik! You bring all listeners a sense of spirit, strength and hope with your sounds. You may see another album of the year from ZMR with this one.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 4, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
1. Wings
2. The Wind Sings A Strange Song
3. The Ghost of Storyville
4. A Trick of the Wind
5. Solooka
6. Wing and a Prayer
7. The Invisible Wand
8. Born Dreaming
9. A Child Remains

7/03/2018

Concert Review: Roomful of Blues

Roomful of Blues Turns the Infinity Hall in Norfolk, Connecticut Into A Cathedral of Sound

June 30, 2018

https://www.roomful.com/

It was a hot summer night in Norfolk, CT on the last day of June but it was about to reach a boil at the Infinity Hall with the arrival of Roomful of Blues.

I knew of this band and the name certainly was familiar however I never took a deep dive into their music. Just knowing they had been around since 1977 and had a horn section told me something. Any blues band with a horn section can play quite a variety of blues and jazz. At least in my experience, it always turned out that way. You may think I was taking a chance of not being familiar with their music however with the knowledge I did have I went forward feeling this would be a stellar performance.

As it turned out, everything about the evening was great. The drive in on the back roads of New England is always such a pleasure. As I drove by all the houses and admired the old stone walls, I felt at home. And once we went into the Infinity Hall Bistro, I felt very welcomed. The service and folks working there are incredibly helpful and courteous. The menu at the Bistro is quite diverse as well. This is what I call the ”complete” concert experience.

Prior to the show, I decided to get the T-Shirt commemorating their 50-year anniversary and a release from 2011 titled Hook Line & Sinker on the Alligator Records label. I was attracted to the cover art, which reminded me of the World War II Rosie the Riveter image. I am sure besides the artwork, it will be a terrific listen.

50 years is a mighty long time keep it together. There have been lineup changes over the years, which is expected for such a long stretch of time, however, their main groove and mojo is still intact and ready to roll while on tour.

What also impressed me is a staff member minds the swag booth for the band. I was also informed that they have a green room for visiting artists. The room is totally furnished and they make sure nobody goes on the stage with an empty stomach.

So, after being so impressed and quite comfortable I made my way upstairs to the concert hall. I call it “The Cathedral of Sound.” Sounds kind of catchy doesn’t it?

There was no opening act so I had nothing but a Roomful of Blues to enjoy. Little did I know that was in a literal sense.

This band is a well-oiled machine that presents a wide variety of blues and jazz within each number. I really appreciated the interludes of jamming in between vocals. The musicianship is outstanding and the combination of horns, standup bass, keyboards, percussion and amazing vocals make it all one remarkable show. You are going to hear flat out rockin’ blues peppered with jazz, some honkytonk piano tucked in between it all and more. Every member of the band gets their time in the spotlight on their stage. Everyone also got acknowledged separately and as a whole by the admiring audience.

This is not just the “blues” people, this is progressive blues and all the trimmings. This amazing band proved that fact all night long. Seeing a band play live and stretch out and flex their musical muscles is the best way to know who they really are. I found out who Roomful of Blues is, one serious group of musicians that are full of the soul of the blues, the tastefulness of jazz and the oomph to rock. That is one deadly combination.

Catch them live as soon as you can! If you are looking to visit a quaint New England town and enjoy a great meal and an evening of fantastic entertainment, stop by the Infinity Hall in Norfolk CT and catch a show.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 2, 2018

MuzikMan Productions
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Set List:

01. Introduction

02. It All Went Down The Drain

03. Alright, Okay, You Win

04. I Would Be a Sinner

05. I'd Rather Be Blind, Crippled and Crazy

06. Easy Baby

07. Boogie Woogie Country Girl

08. Two For The Price Of Ten

09. Too Much Boogie

10. Your Love Was Never There

11. Baby I'm Gone

12. Just Keep On Rockin'

13. My Baby Quit Me

14. Showcase

15. Body and Fender Man

Encore:

16. New Orleans

17. One More Mile

4/14/2018

Music Legend SHUGGIE OTIS Lets His Guitar Take Center Stage On A New Fusion Rock Album INTER-FUSION!

Features drummer Carmine Appice & bassist Tony Franklin!

Los Angeles, CA - Though most known for his soulful songwriting and gentle croon as heard on blockbuster hits such as “Strawberry Letter 23” and “Inspiration Information,” Shuggie Otis has long been held as one of the most innovative and tasteful guitarists to ever pick up the 6-strings, the “heir to Hendrix” as he is often called. A guitar-playing prodigy from an early age, Shuggie performed on stage and in the studio alongside his legendary father, bluesman Johnny Otis. Now, Shuggie has a new project that showcases just how mindblowing he can be on the pearly frets of his gorgeous maroon Gibson SG, an adventurous new fusion rock project called Inter-Fusion. The album consists of mostly instrumental tracks that groove and weave, taking unexpected turns in surprising directions but all anchored by one of the finest rhythm sections imaginable featuring drummer Carmine Appice (of Vanilla Fudge and Beck, Bogert & Appice) and bass player Tony Franklin (of The Firm and Roy Harper). In addition, keyboardist Kyle Hamood (of local L.A. rockers Them Guns) steps in as both a musician and producer of the album bringing the absolute best performances possible out of each player.

Reflecting on the recording process, Appice enthuses “This was one of the wildest sessions I’ve ever done in my career!” while Franklin had high praise for Otis, saying “Shuggie loved to jam, and was very open to everyone's input. He was not afraid to experiment and try new directions and sounds. I think the music sounds very fresh and alive.” Additionally, Hamood summed up his thoughts on this unique experience saying “Watching the songs come together over such a short period of time, and the diversity that each band member brought to the overall sound and vibe was truly magical. It was an honor to work and create with such a talented group of musicians.”

In a behind-the-scenes promotional video, shot by director Vicente Cordero, Shuggie likewise gushes over the project and his fellow collaborators saying in conversation with Cleopatra owner Brian Perera, “Wow! Did you know it was going to be this good? I know how good it is because I’m in the group. But you’ve seen a little bit of it, and I think you know, you feel the excitement, you hear how good these guys are. And they’re really serious, not just some jive cats!”

Check out the full video here: https://youtu.be/yXFg8zlXqHI

Inter-Fusion will be available April 20th on both CD, vinyl and on all digital platforms.

Track List:
1. Aphelion
2. Get A Grip
3. Ice Cold Daydream
4. Interlude
5. Woman
6. Sweet Surrender
7. Clear Power
8. V8

Buy the CD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/shuggie-otis-inter-fusion-cd/
Buy the digital: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/inter-fusion/1362748941?app=itunes&at=1000lt9k

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com
Facebook @Cleopatrarecords
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https://www.instagram.com/cleopatrarecords/
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https://twitter.com/cleopatrarecord
Youtube @Cleopatrarecords
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCopQ0616Fpfrq8Gt0N-0zOQ
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Linkedin @cleopatra-records
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleopatra-records

Music Legend SHUGGIE OTIS Lets His Guitar Take Center Stage On A New Fusion Rock Album INTER-FUSION!

Features drummer Carmine Appice & bassist Tony Franklin!

3/12/2018

Concert Review: Eric Johnson In Concert At Infinity Hall With Arielle In Norfolk Connecticut

Eric Johnson In Concert At Infinity Hall
With Arielle
Norfolk, Connecticut

Ah Via Musicom Tour 2018

March 10, 2018

https://www.ericjohnson.com/ - https://www.imarielle.com/

My first visit to the Infinity Hall in Norfolk CT was a prolific one. I say that because I was about to catch six-string slinger Eric Johnson for the second time. Last night was different, however. This night he would perform his entire Ah Via Musicom album. This was the album that introduced me to his music some 28 years ago, it also happens to be my favorite recording in his substantial catalog.

Infinity Hall is a beautiful venue complete with a bistro, bar, minibar and a wonderful theater upstairs that upon first blush, looks like a church/barn, but very beautiful. All 300 seats are there on one floor (including an upper level with tables for folks with food from the Bistro), and there is not a bad seat in the house. Plus, there is standing room only in the back for overflow. It was a sold-out show, which came as no surprise.

To start the night off Arielle was going to warm up the crowd. She is an up and

coming artist from Texas that recently released a 5 track EP called Mind Lion. Before she came out onstage a group of four ladies sat next to me. As fate would have it they were all of Arielle's aunts! And quite the cheering section as well. Although, the crowd did take to the young lady quickly, so the cheering section was getting plenty of help from an appreciative audience. One of the lovely ladies sitting next to me informed me that Brian May of Queen had taken her under his wing for a while and now EJ was doing the same thing. So, needless to say, the development of this artist has been in good hands.

Arielle is a natural talent. It takes a lot of guts to come out on stage all by yourself and she passed with flying colors. Her voice is magnificent and she really knows how to bend those guitar strings. Her 30-minute set covered everything from ballads, blues, and shredding. The shredding example is provided with the song "Take II" (check out the video) with her favorite two-tone guitar that she made. Interesting enough, Brian May made his guitar as well prior to forming Queen.

I can't say enough about Arielle, she is one of the most dynamic and talented young ladies I have seen onstage in quite some time. Her future looks very bright.

After she was done Eric Johnson and his original band segued on to the stage, so there was no break in the music, not yet. Tommy Taylor (drums) and Kyle Brock (bass), who provide a rock-solid foundation for Johnson to lay his licks on, stepped out with EJ. What a night we were in for!

Johnson's first set was very diverse. I think that word properly tells the story of what he brings to the table. His mix includes rock, blues, jazz, and pop. It is always interesting and extremely entertaining. There was so much going on for a trio I find it difficult to put it all into the right context. So, what we witnessed was a walk down memory lane on the first set, which included a pumped up and rockin' version of The Beatles song "The Night Before." The mark of a great artist is the ability to take an iconic tune and make it your own. Not an easy task regardless of what level your talent is on. Eric does it all with ease and grace. He makes everything he does look so easy. His battery mates also are right in sync as well. Taylor is a great drummer (and a good vocalist) and Brock is top notch and his bass playing looks quite effortless as well.

After an incredible first set full of amazing musicianship and improvisation we got a 15-minute break to get something to wet the whistle and go visit Arielle and grab her new CD. She was very gracious while signing everyone's swag.

Now the moment everyone was there for was to see EJ play Ah Via Musicom, which by no coincide for many, was the album people there had discovered him through. I found out by chatting with a few people in attendance that this was the case. There was also one lady sitting next to me after Arielle's Aunts had left, that was not a big EJ fan (her fiancé was) but after a few songs in she was a convert! I love to watch people's reactions to the music and this night was exceptional.

As Mr. Johnson made his way through his trademark release the crowd was all pumped up, however very respectable of the performers and the rest of the people next to them. It was as close to a perfect evening as it could get, actually.

Some of my favorites of the evening where "Stratagem," off his most recent release Collage, "Black Mountain Side," a Led Zeppelin cover, "Cliffs of Dover," my all-time favorite track, and the encore with Arielle on a very old track titled "Zap."

Eric Johnson is a phenomenal guitar player and a very good vocalist. He definitely ranks in my top 10 guitarists of all time. He has flown under the wire a bit in his career and deserves a lot more recognition than he has received. Last night proved to me that there are people out there that understand what a great talent he is. If you have the opportunity and want to see some guitar wizardry then make sure you catch him on tour this year!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 11, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Set 1:

Intro (Arielle introduced the band &… more )

Stratagem

S.R.V.

The Night Before (The Beatles cover)

Trail of Tears

Underground (Eric solo on piano)

Black Mountain Side (Led Zeppelin cover) (Eric solo)

Wanderlust (Arielle cover with Arielle)

C.W. (Kyle Brock & Tommy Taylor; without Eric)

Camel's Night Out

Manhattan

Pipeline (The Chantays cover)

Set 2 (Ah Via Musicom):

Ah Via Musicom

Cliffs of Dover

Desert Rose

High Landrons

Steve's Boogie

Trademark

Nothing Can Keep Me From You

Song for George (Eric solo)

Righteous

Forty Mile Town

East Wes

Western Flyer

Encore:

ZAP (With Arielle)

2/13/2018

New Age Instrumental/Contemporary/Jazz Review:Deborah Offenhauser-Soundscapes

Release Date: October 2, 2017

Label: Independent

Website

Soundscapes is Deborah Offenhauser’s eighth proper album. I was duly impressed regarding her solid resume. Deborah has a history as a musician back to when she first started taking lessons at 5 years old. She has been a teacher along the way as well, and a highly sought after and respected one. Her music has appeared in movies and several hit TV shows. She also plays the classical organ, mandolin, 5-string banjo, guitar, and violin. She is a totally accomplished musician and brings a lot to the world of music and media.

After listening to Soundscapes, I can understand why her music is so brilliant. The title is perfect for the music she presents in 13 tracks. For my ears, diversity is the main reason I would give kudos to any recording, particularly when it is all well done. In this case that applies to this very vibrant and diverse recording. The many Soundscapes you will touch upon include mixtures of jazz, new age, contemporary classical and world. To put it in proper terms, there are not too many areas the artist does not touch upon for this marvelous instrumental presentation.

“Irrational Exuberance” starts off with the sound of a horse running by and it ends the same way. This is all part of the music that Deborah presents. The sounds of life, people, nature, atmospheres and every day sounds that lead to her music and honestly, mix in equally well. You will hear water babbling and birds chirping. This is all works within each track and makes it more realistic and personal for a listener. It creates a feeling, mood and or atmosphere that makes you feel you are right there, taking part of all the interactions within the music.

“Tanz" is a worldly track that introduces a blend of sounds you would hear in the far east. Again, the music transports you to the place you see in your mind's eye. It is powerful enough to make you realize where you are. Many possibilities can arise for anyone with an imagination. If you have been fortunate enough to be a world traveler the music becomes even more lifelike and relatable. It is an instant kind of recognition you can experience if you have journeyed outside the U.S. I can personally attest to that as I have been in many countries and experienced the sounds, smells, and atmospheres, all unique to that particular place on the globe.

Those are just two examples of what is available in this fine recording. You get one track after another with beauty, textures, colors, and ambiance. They are all different standalone tracks that are ready to become your own private soundtrack.

Deborah Offenshauser has magic at her fingertips and what she is able to translate through her music is a god given talent. Where do you want to go today? Just put the Soundscapes CD, sit back, and take a trip courtesy of the artist. There are no long lines, wait times or cancellations, and the price is right!

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 13, 2018

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Decidedly Joyful
02. Free Radical
03. Nothing Can Touch You Now
04. Irrational Exuberance
05. Tanz
06. Spacial Palace
07. Through a Glass Darkly
08. Rosemont Theme
09. Air
10. The Gloaming
11. It is Written
12. Tanninim
13. The Wonderful Unfoldment of Blue

2/10/2018

Buddy Rich The Lost Tapes Now Available on CD and Vinyl LP!

Studio City, CA - Lightyear Entertainment and Lobitos Creek Ranch, in association with Scabeba Entertainment and the Buddy Rich Estate, have released the live album The Lost Tapes featuring Buddy Rich and his Big Band, recorded in 1985 at the King Street Studios in San Francisco on CD and vinyl LP. The album is part of the Buddy Rich Centennial Celebration. Buddy was born on September 30, 1917.

The album is the soundtrack from the concert film The Lost Tapes, which has been available from Lightyear on DVD since 2003 and 2005, respectively.

Gary Reber, subsequently the founder of Widescreen Review was the Producer of the concert. One Pass Video was the Production company. Scott Ross of One Pass was the Director. A complete jazz club was built in the soundstage for the production to a live audience. The recording was originally made in SQ Tate Matrix Quad Surround Sound.

The soundtrack has been re-mastered for CD by Chad Hailey and Jeff Pinn at Broken Arrow Sound, Redwood City, CA. The vinyl LP has been mastered and replicated by PALLAS GmbH/Furnace MFG in Germany on 180 Gram audiophile vinyl.

The Lost Tapes was released on February 2, 2018 through Caroline Distribution, the independent distribution arm of Universal Music Group, on the Lightyear/Lobitos Creek label. The UK street date for The Lost Tapes CD is 16 March and the vinyl is 20 April. The title The Lost Tapes refers to the fact that these recordings were lost for a decade, presumed damaged in a fire, and then digitally restored.

“These recordings are some of the best quality recordings ever made of the legendary drummer and his band,” said Arnie Holland, CEO of Lightyear. “And we are grateful to Executive Producer Steve Michelson and the inimitable Cathy Rich for 14 years of working together with us to make sure that Buddy's legacy is complete and widely available.”

Cathy Rich, CEO of Scabeba Entertainment and Buddy’s daughter, is guest vocalist with the Buddy Rich Band featuring drummer Greg Potter. The 16-piece Big Band will continue to tour all year.

Buddy Rich, whom Gene Krupa defined as “the greatest drummer to ever draw breath,” was honored with a President's Special Merit award GRAMMY along with three Grammy Nominations. He was inducted into the Downbeat Magazine, Modern Drummer and Playboy Halls of Fame. Buddy received the Jazz Unlimited Immortals of Jazz Award and awards for his philanthropic efforts. He was named “Greatest Drummer of All Time” by Modern Drummer magazine.

In honor of Buddy's Centennial, a flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol on Buddy's birthday, September 30, when the commemoration of his Centennial will also be read into the official Congressional record where it will be a permanent part of the United States archive for all time.

A PledgeMusic campaign has been started for the release where a fan can not only buy CDs and vinyl, but also special merch items and could even purchase an opportunity to sit in with the band in concert. https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/buddyrich?utm_medium=email&utm_source=pledgemusic

The Lost Tapes Trailer: https://vimeo.com/230659281

Audio Mexicali Rose from The Lost Tapes: http://bit.ly/buddyrichmexrose ;

New YouTube Channel created for the 100th Birthday Celebration: Buddy Rich 100th Anniversary Channel

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Lightyear Entertainment, a distributor of independent films and music, was founded in 1987. www.lightyear.com

1/29/2018

Gong Expresso's New Album "Decadence" Available For Pre-Order!

Featuring Gong Alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe!

Montreal - Gong Expesso featuring Gong alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe with guitarist Julien Sandiford's new album titled “Decadence” is now available for pre-order!

Says Hansford, “ 'Decadence' is the title tune on the new Gong Expresso album. Here the word means 'falling away.' I hope this tune and all the music on the album somehow addresses this in an unadorned, direct way. When I play with these 3 musicians I am convinced there is something special happening, a coming together. Benoit Moerlen (vibes, marimba) and Francois Causse (drums, perc) and I began playing together in early 1977 in PM's Gong and our rapport is of the kind only long term relationships can provide. On the other hand Julien who is 25 has been alive less time than I have been playing with the others. Yet our musical relationship feels infinitely long. We are recording in two cities, Paris and Montreal. Francois' studio in Paris is a tuned percussion church and Piccolo Studios in Montreal is owned by Denis Savage who is co-producing with the band. He is known for his work with Celine Dion.”

Featuring:
Francois Causse - drums, percussion
Julien Sandiford - guitar
Benoit Moerlen - vibes, marimba
Hansford Rowe - bass

PM's Gong was a major branch of the massive Gong tree. In the mid 1970's drummer Pierre Moerlen separated from Daevid Allen marking an end to the Flying Teapot period and a powerful jazz/rock unit was formed and signed to Virgin Records. Pierre's brother Benoit Moerlen, Hansford Rowe, Francois Causse, Allan Holdsworth were core members. Many major guests joined them both on albums and touring. Mick Taylor, Mike Oldfield, and French violinist Didier Lockwood were key participants. Mike Oldfield occasionally used the PMG rhythm section for touring also calling on members for albums such as “Ommadawn”, “Incantations”, “Exposed” and “Platinum.” Pierre Moerlen sadly passed away on May 5th, 2005.

In concert Gong Expresso mines their huge repertoire and has exceptional guests joining them regularly. Along with the release of their new album, the band will be releasing a new video soon.

Gong Expresso's “Decadence” will be distributed digitally worldwide through The Orchard on Feb 20, 2018.

To pre-order Gong Expresso's “Decadence”: https://www.gongexpresso.com/store

For more information: https://www.gongexpresso.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GongExpresso
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDb7pRK9A-fBjZTbp3vbd_w

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Gong Expresso's New Album "Decadence" Available For Pre-Order!

Featuring Gong Alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe!

1/22/2018

Magma Concert 1971 Brussels DBL CD Remastered

Recorded at Theater 140 in Brussels on November 12, 1971, this double CD is an exceptional document in that it represents the only record of live MAGMA of that time. Featuring the musicians on the album MAGMA 2, the training interprets topics borrowed from KOBAIA and 1001° CENTIGRADES, the first two releases by the group. The album also presents - and this is the most interesting aspect of this recording - two titles then in the making: “SOWILOI,” where Teddy LASRY demonstrates his great talent as a flutist, and “MEKANIK KOMMANDOH,” played for the first time in public, in a version much more developed than that engraved, three months earlier, on the compilation POWER 13 + 2.

Featuring
Klaus BLASQUIZ - singing, percussion
Louis TOESCA - trumpet
Teddy LASRY - soprano sax, flute
Jeff SEFFER - tenor sax
François CAHEN - piano
Francis MOZE - bass
Christian VANDER - drums, various voices

Tracks
1 - STOAH
2 - KOBAIA
3 - AINA
4 - RIAH SAHILTAAHK
5 - “ISS” LANSEI DOIA
6 - KI IAHL O LIAHK
7 - SOWILOI (SOI SOI)
8 - MEKANIK KOMMANDOH

To purchase Magma's Concert 1971 Brussels DBL CD: http://www.seventhrecords.com/en/magma-19/magma-bruxelles-1971-84.html

Magma's official website: http://www.magmamusic.org

Magma press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Magma Concert 1971 Brussels DBL CD Remastered

1/10/2018

Drummer Bob Holz To Release Third Album Feat. Bass Legends Stanley Clarke and Ralphe Armstrong!

“Bob Holz's CDs keep getting better n' better!...this one is just great!” - Randy Brecker

Jazz-fusion composer and drummer Bob Holz will be releasing his third album “VISIONS: Coast to Coast Connection,” featuring bass legend Stanley Clarke on February 23, 2018! “This collaboration with the jazz star and Return to Forever bassist/composer, Stanley Clarke involved the recording of new compositions I wrote taken from my roots in jazz, classical, blues and rock music,” says Holz. Joining Holz and Clarke is former Mahavishnu Orchestra bassist Ralphe Armstrong who currently plays in Holz's touring band, Bob Holz and A Vision Forward featuring Jamie Glaser and Ralphe Armstrong. “My compositions have plenty of room for interplay between both bass players,” adds Holz. Bob Holz is presently managed by Roy Holland Productions and is signed to MVD Entertainment Group.

“I'm really honored to record with Stanley Clarke as his music has been a strong influence on me,” added Holz. Clarke has written the music for over 70 major motion pictures in addition to his successful solo career and long tenure as a member of Return To Forever with Chick Corea, Al Di Meola and Lenny White.

“I enjoyed playing this music very much. Good players along with good compositions is always a winning combination!” - Stanley Clarke

The recording took place in Los Angeles with famed sound engineer, Dennis Moody recording, mixing and mastering the performances. “Dennis mixed my last album and really knows how to create a world class record,” continued Holz. Moody also helped out with mixing Holz's band live last May at Catalina Bar and Grill Jazz Club in Hollywood, California. Stanley Clarke also attended that concert which led to the upcoming recording session for Holz's next album. Additionally, Executive Producer Rob Stathis once again contributed his production skills to the making of the record. Rob Stathis has been involved with producing Holz's past collaborations with guitarist/composer the late Larry Coryell. “The loss of Larry Coryell last February was really rough. Bob and I want to continue in the tradition which Larry excelled in,” says Stathis.

“Many years I have been friends with Stanley Clarke, we talked about recording together!! Bob Holz made it happen on this recording!” - Ralphe Armstrong

Since the February 2017 release of Holz's second album, “Visions and Friends,” Holz's touring band, Bob Holz and A Vision Forward featuring Jamie Glaser and Ralphe Armstrong has played numerous live concerts from New York to California. The band features guitar guru Jamie Glaser (Chick Corea, Jean Luc Ponty, Bryan Adams) and bass virtuoso Ralphe Armstrong (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Herbie Hancock). Los Angeles based keyboardist Billy Steinway has been an integral contributor to Holz's efforts playing both live shows and recording sessions. Steinway also joined Holz, Clarke and Armstrong on the recordings for the new album.

To purchase Bob Holz “VISIONS: Coast to Coast connection” CD:
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=bob+holz+visions+coast+to+coast+connection
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/visions-and-friends/id1177697242

For more information: http://www.bobholzband.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

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