Monday, February 16, 2009

"I Will Do It" by Patrick Rydman (Jazz Artist from Sweden)

Singer/songwriter Patrick Rydman takes listeners on a journey through the years of classic jazz and delves into the Great American Songbook genre as well. Although he does stick with traditional jazz form, Rydman separates himself from being pinned as just a jazz artist by layering pop voicing over his music on the new album "I Will Do It." One fine example of this is the song "Flying Angel," which could easily be heard on any adult contemporary station today. Sticking to the standards of jazz, Rydman gives us "Walking in Our Sleep" with soft drum beats and complimentary organ progressions. Besides great songwriting, Rydman also has a very smooth and silky voice that echoes the sounds of James Taylor or even Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake and Palmer. If you are looking for a smooth jazz CD that is going to offer more than just another version of "Take the "A" Train," then Rydman's "I Will Do It" is the way to go.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Patrick Rydman's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Euphony" by Randolph (Jazz Artist from Los Angeles, California(CA))

The widely eclectic album "Euphony" by Randolph offers a vast variety of both songs and acoustic instrumentation. Most full band albums consist of the usual key instruments (drums, bass, guitar, and vocals) but Randolph has opened the door wide open on his newest collection of jazz/blues/world pop with use of djembe, cajon, congas, bongos, tablas, timpani, drum kit, violin, trombone, sax/flute, alto flue, bassoon, oboe, and numerous ethnic instruments. The result is magnificent and is well displayed on songs like "That Piece of Me" and "Analog Man." The album is also filled with numerous lead vocal appearances, all of which are tastefully done and fit well within the song choice. There is also a great throwback to the singers of the '60's on songs such as "Let's Get Connected." If you are into pop/jazz or anything Elvis Costello has put out in recent years, you will enjoy "Euphony."

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Randolph's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Excellent Distraction" by Miles Stiebel (Jazz Artist from Washington D.C.(DC))

Notable band leader, Miles Stiebel, proves he is one of the most sought after musicians in his field with "Excellent Distraction." This album is a vibrant mix of emotionally charged jazz instrumentals, covers, and some of Stiebel's originals. Not only is he a well known band leader himself, but the disc was produced by Grammy nominated Bob Dawson and mastered by Grammy winner Ted Jensen (who has also worked with Norah Jones). Stiebel shows us what he does best on "Sir Duke," the first single off the record that strays from the typical jazz progressions and offers up a little bit of funk. Although the violin is not common in most jazz records, Stiebel uses it generously on many tracks such as "Midnight Fifty." The addition of the violin provides a rousing country feel to what could have been just a typical jazz number. Although Stiebel already has many fans, "Excellent Distraction" will be bringing in many more.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Miles Stiebel 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Check out Liz Allen Hope, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists


Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Liz Allen Hope

View Liz Allen Hope Image

 

 




Band Name: Liz Allen Hope
Band Location: Georgia
Sounds Like: Sade/ Lena Horne
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

Check out Bradley Leighton, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists


Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Bradley Leighton

View Bradley Leighton Image

 

 




Band Name: Bradley Leighton
Band Location: California
Sounds Like: Greg Adams
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

Check out Sean Garvey, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists


Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Sean Garvey

View Sean Garvey Image

 

 




Band Name: Sean Garvey
Band Location: Pennsylvania York Lancaster
Sounds Like: Nick Drake, Don Ross, Andy McKee
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

Check out Stanley Sagov, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists


Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Stanley Sagov

View Stanley Sagov Image

 

 




Band Name: Stanley Sagov
Band Location: Massachusetts Boston
Sounds Like: Miles Davis,Bill Evans,Thelonious Monk
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

Check out Ivan Valentini, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists


Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Ivan Valentini

View Ivan Valentini Image

 

 




Band Name: Ivan Valentini
Band Location: Italy
Sounds Like: Chris Potter, Steve Lacy, Ornette Coleman
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

Check out Robert Payne, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists


Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Robert Payne

View Robert Payne Image

 

 




Band Name: Robert Payne
Band Location: South Africa
Sounds Like: Rippingtons; Weather Report
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

Check out Dafnis Prieto, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists


Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Dafnis Prieto

View Dafnis  Prieto Image

 

 




Band Name: Dafnis Prieto
Band Location: New York
Sounds Like: Dafnis Prieto
Visit Band's Website: click here
 

"Unforgettable Soweto" by Jay Lou Ava (Jazz Artist from District of Columbia)

Releasing his latest album "Unforgettable Soweto," artist Jay Lou Ava gives the listener an outstanding collection of his latest compositions. Cleverly blending the musical techniques of jazz and African-based music, this album delivers an assortment of diversity. The guitar on "Te Revoir" is exquisitely fused with emotional spirit, with nice layering of instruments and percussion. One album highlight is the song "Tara," where the female vocals are smooth and silky with a nice bounce to the springy beat. In a change of genre, "My Latin Feeling" has a Latin-based piano melody with solid support on the guitar. "Unforgettable Soweto" is a delectable mixture of jazz merged together with African rhythms and is one jazz album well worth hearing.

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jay Lou Ava's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Monday, February 9, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present NAIMA with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Uno"

RadioIndy is pleased to present NAIMA with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Uno"

"Uno" is the inspiring new release from the European contemporary jazz unit Naima. The group uses an abundant array of musical elements and styles for their exploration and improvisation, drawing from many different influences and sources. The musicians establish a picture with each tune, which is then designed and shaped by the interaction between the different instruments and nurtured to completion. A good example of this is the opening track "Bicho," where the theme is first established by the piano and then developed by the other instruments. Listen to the fantastic interplay between the piano, soprano sax, and drums on the fiery "Totem." "Ana" is a quieter, gentler track, possessing expressive melodies and a more delicate, understated interaction between the musicians. "Alas Cortadas" is also a tender piece, but has a definitive pulse and groove. "Sicalipsis" is another example of the fine interplay between the musicians, weaving their own musical comments throughout the tune while still complementing each other and staying within the given framework of the music. This is an impressive album to be enjoyed by fans of improvisational and contemporary jazz reminiscent of the style of Wayne Shorter.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out NAIMA 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Sunday, February 8, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Rui Caetano Trio with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Reflexos"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Rui Caetano Trio with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Reflexos"

"Reflexos" is the first recording from Portuguese pianist Rui Caetano and his trio, featuring Bernardo Moreira on bass and Marco Franco on drums. The album is a collection of original compositions inspired by Caetano's life experiences. Although the setting for these sessions consists of a piano trio, this is far from a traditional piano trio jazz album. The compositions are very inventive and performed in a loose, free, interactive manner by the musicians. This trio has created a flowing, highly-original sound that is not easily categorized. "Sons Reflexos" begins in a dark, shadowy manner with each musician coloring in a sparse style before fusing together into an interactive, melodic tune. "Luisa" is a soft, delicate ballad featuring an eloquent approach from Caetano, with Franco providing subtle, fitting support underneath with swishing brushes and sizzling, swirling cymbals. The broken swing of "Casa Vertical" and "Dança do Cavalo Marinho" provides an audio landscape for the musicians to be extremely interactive, floating and weaving throughout the compositions as if they were painting scenery. "O Tempo Foi" is another ballad, displaying again the gentle, expressive side of Caetano. "Oceano" is a spirited closing track, with the musicians again interacting brilliantly, showcasing their creative ability to take liberties within the tune while still functioning as one interconnected unit. This album will appeal to the jazz fan, particularly those who enjoy the piano trio performing in a non-traditional, loose and free style.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Rui Caetano Trio 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Saturday, February 7, 2009

"Scrapple to the Apple" by 52nd Street (Jazz Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

52nd Street brings on the smooth and silky jazz classics with their latest release, titled "Scrapple to the Apple." This group has a delicious assortment of jazz standards performed with energy and enthusiastic versatility. Vocals are lush and smooth which confidently demonstrates the polished phrasing and articulation. Listeners will notice the great chemistry between the band members as the piano plays with flavorful chord progressions while the bass and drums are solid and supportive, capturing the feel of the swing rhythm. The composition of "Take The A Train" is a spectacular vocal duet complemented with an upbeat swing style. Catch the scat vocals on "My Favorite Things" and take note of the lyrics cleverly rewritten for this popular piece. Listeners will be delighted when hearing "Scrapple to the Apple," as it is brimming with wonderfully entertaining jazz standards with 52nd Street's delightful style.

-Diane and The RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out 52nd Street's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

"Define Smooth" by Rodney Thompson (Jazz Artist from Texas(TX))

Although Texas is known for its blues and country artists, talented keyboardist Rodney Thompson shows it may be a great melting pot for jazz as well. His "Define Smooth" album is exactly that, smooth and filled with hints of gospel, soul, and R&B. "Forever in Your Eyes" features an alluring sax which is gracefully layered with smooth and silky vocals. Blending R&B with the sounds of Thelonious Monk, "749" features some of Thompson's best keyboard work and highlights that classic jazz songwriting form that separates this genre from blues or rock. Whether you are just looking to relax or hear some exceptional keyboards playing, then "Define Smooth" should be your next CD purchase.

-Shaun and the Radioindy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Rodney Thompson's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"There Will Be a Day" by Daniel Sadownick (Jazz Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

Percussionist Daniel Sadownick and his latest CD "There Will Be a Day" is an exceptional jazz influenced album and a great introduction into the world of instrumental music. Sadownick is no newcomer to the ears of music fans as he has recorded and toured extensively with Steely Dan, Al Green, The Roots, Jennifer Lopez, and Billy Idol. His newest batch of solo material is filled with some very diverse sounds and highlights his creative talent for playing percussion with distinct style. "Softly As in a Morning Sunrise" is a standout track on this disc and has a welcoming feel to it reminiscent of the early Santana days with a solid brass section embedded with Latin flair. On a lighter jazz note, "The Moon Has Flown" has a sultry sax while Sadownick displays his skillful talent on the bongos. "There Will Be a Day" is percussion at its finest and belongs in any drummers CD rack.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Daniel Sadownick's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites