“Pulse” by Dr. Otto (Jazz Artist from Florida(FL))

"Pulse" is an excellent jazz record from arranger/composer/trumpeter Dr. Otto that dabbles in experimental, Latin, and smooth jazz, as well as r&b and funk, to create an overall fresh and enjoyable sound. It's not just a stage name – Dr. Otto is the real deal. He earned his doctorate in arranging and composition from the Manhattan Conservatory of Music, and "Pulse" is a strictly professional album. Through his close attention to detail and great instrumental layering, Dr. Otto and company have crafted nine trumpet-led tracks with a variety of solid arrangements that incorporate Latin guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and other horns into the sound. "Pulse" was also produced by Dr. Otto, so is there any doubt that the record has a clean and professional sound to it? "Barcelona" introduces the album nicely with a Latin guitar intro, great instrumental layering, an underlying smooth jazz sound, and preliminary trumpet solos that show you that Dr. Otto means business. "Rock Wit Cha" is another smooth jazz track with r&b and funk elements that relies mostly on the funk bass and muted trumpet, but features great layering of the entire accompaniment. "Pulse" is a solid album led by Dr. Otto's great trumpet work that would make Miles Davis proud. Jazz aficionados one and all, you're going to want to pick this one up.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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"It's Probably Me" by Vincent Lynch (Blues/Jazz artist from Ireland)

Vincent Lynch's "It's Probably Me" is an EP that features Vincent's excellent musical talents, across multiple genres, from blues to pop. There is quite a lot of variation present on this 4-track EP: It starts with a remake of "I Got the Music in Me" with a jazz-influenced piano progression dubbed with an electronica/dance sound. Next, the EP moves to a bluesy electric guitar riff fused with a solid brass section on track 2. Then, Vincent presents a simple, clean acoustic sound on track 3. And finally the EP closes out with a dance club remix version of "I Got the Music in Me." Lynch's vocals are quite similar to the blues-oriented vocals of Eric Clapton. The lyrics of the 2 original tracks are strong. The bluesy, heartbreaking "Story of the Blues" displays Lynch's lyrical prowess when he sings, "Everybody knows what the blues is all about." More aesthetically pleasing is the simple, acoustic title track, which shows Lynch at his lyrical and musical best. "It's Probably Me" is a beautiful acoustic number with a tidal wave of mood setting sounds. No matter the sound, light and acoustic or loud and electronic, the EP displays Lynch's musical talents. If you have eclectic musical tastes and enjoy hearing a new talented artist, give this EP a try. http://www.radioindy.com/bands/4586/

-RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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“Sing me a Song...please!” by Lynette Louise (Jazz Artist from California(CA))

"Sing me a Song...please!" is truly an original album from singer/songwriter Lynette Louise that draws from both mainstream jazz and honky tonk country. Lynette's loungy vocal performance pairs nicely with either genre, and she takes full advantage of this with incredibly diverse and solid arrangements. Lynette is a renowned international autism expert, having taken a number of children with autism and other special needs under her wing and caring for them like family. This selfless life experience certainly glimmers forth in her songs. She is a great lyrical storyteller, as she sings about the importance of love, both toward God and children, and, as a listener, you hang onto every word. "Sing me a Song...please!" is well-recorded, and Lynette's lyrics pierce through the arrangements perfectly. "Sing Me a Song" is a jazzy and lyrical number with great yearning vocal delivery and a nice build-up. "Used to Listen" gives the listener a first taste of Lynette's honky tonk side with the incorporation of the violin, a pleasant group vocal, and great lyrics about prayer, love, and family. Though it seems an unconventional combination, Lynette Louise has put together ten inspiring tracks that draw from both jazz and honky tonk, highlighting her strong lyrical talent. Fans of either of these genres, check out this strong album from a good person.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out Lynette Louise's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Adios San Miguel” by Hopalong (Jazz Artist from Mexico)

"Adios San Miguel" is a collaborative instrumental jazz album that incorporates a number of jazz subgenres skillfully crafted by Mexico's own Hopalong. Hopalong, stage name of José Luis Chagoyán, is the composer of most of the songs on this album and plays the upright bass by trade. To bring his compositions to life, Hopalong collaborated with a set of solid musicians on guitar, sax, drums, piano, and clarinet to span the jazz genre. The result is a great jazz album full of tight instrumentation and a great finger-snapping, melodic sound. "Adios San Miguel" also has a great production quality that fully brings each instrument to life and gives the listener the feeling that they are sitting in a candlelit jazz club listening to Hopalong & Company. "Jungle Blues" has a great bass lick that fuels the entire song, with the sax matching notes, and the piano and drums completing the standard jazz sound. "Lunas De Mama Mia" incorporates the acoustic guitar to give the song a great flamenco and jazz fusion feel and is an incredible display of musicianship. "Adios San Miguel" is a great collaborative effort drawn from Hopalong's mind's eye to create an instant classic. Jazz lovers, you're going to want to pick this one up.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
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"African Skies" by Joel Holmes (Jazz artist from Maryland (MD))

"African Skies" is a traditional jazz album with elements of world fusion from an extremely talented jazz pianist in Joel Holmes. Holmes collaborated with a number of skilled jazz musicians to create this album, including jazz legend Gary Thomas on saxophone and flute, outstanding Cuban percussionist Melena and the Emerald East String Quartet. The resulting arrangements are solid, all out jams. Many of the tracks on "African Skies" follow the traditional jazz sound reminiscent of Herbie Hancock, while others are in the world fusion realm, combining jazz piano with either African drums, or a string quartet to create a unique jazz fusion sound. The album and song titles suggest an element of spirituality and Holmes' compositions follow this concept nicely, making the entire album something of a journey. "African Skies" is also well-produced, with every element of each arrangement brought to life and failing to disappoint. "Impressions take 1" begins with an insane piano progression by Holmes that immediately puts him up there with great jazz pianists like Thelonious Monk and Oscar Peterson. Enjoy this one as it unfolds unfolds into a great traditional jazz number. "Chinese fishing song" features the Emerald East String Quartet, with a soaring violin coupled with Holmes on the piano, creating a unique jazz fusion sound. Gary Thomas carries "African Skies" and "Fatima" with sax and flute solos, respectively. "African Skies" is truly an original album that any jazz and jazz fusion fan should add to their collection.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Invitation" by Jeff Jones and Mosaic (Latin/Jazz artist from Arizona (AZ))

"Invitation" is an excellent contemporary Latin jazz album from Jeff Jones and Mosaic. Jones, the leader of the group, is a saxophonist by trade and adds a smooth jazz element to the Latin jazz feel. His backing band, Mosaic, is incredible, tight and each member is held in high esteem in the Latin jazz circuit of the Southwest. Mosaic brings their wonderful talents on piano, flute, bass, and drums. Each member gets their solo opportunity, their time to lead the band and they all shine in their roles. "Invitation" is full of unselfish, improvisational and fun tracks. The underlying Latin feel of each song will give even the most unlikely of characters the urge to dance. The record is polished and crisp, with each note from each instrument sounding firm, compelling, and excellent. "Morning" opens things up with that classic and danceable Latin jazz sound with great piano and flute lines that gives you a feel for the entire album. "Favela" has a great layering of sounds with the Latin-infused piano, drum and flute, pauses a moment for a great drum solo, then picks up right where it left off. With "Invitation," Jeff Jones and Mosaic have created a great collaborative album full of Latin flare and intense solos from every instrument in the same vein of predecessors Tito Puente and Cal Tjader. Any fan of contemporary Latin jazz or, simply, any jazz fan, should add "Invitation" to their collection.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jeff Jones and Mosaic's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites