Thursday, August 27, 2009

Check out NAIMA, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for NAIMA

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Band Name: NAIMA
Band Location: Spain
Sounds Like: Brad Mehldau E.S.T. Bad Plus
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Rui Caetano, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Rui Caetano

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Band Name: Rui Caetano
Band Location: Portugal
Sounds Like: Bill Evans, Keith Jarret.
Visit Band's Website: click here

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

"Fresh" by Bria Skonberg (Jazz Artist from British Columbia, Canada)

You will be dazzled by the vocal talent of Bria Skonberg and her debut album, "Fresh," that is brimming with Jazz favorites, mainstream hits, and a few stunning originals. Skonberg reveals her fantastic and entertaining vocals with sheer articulation and projection. Not only is Skonberg an outstanding vocalist but she also impresses the listener with her talents on the trumpet. As the stunning syncopated rhythm of the piano kicks off the beat on "Beau Dirk," the horns drive the melody home with intense precision and clarity. With Jazz panache and backed by a big band sound, the pop hit "Lovefool," hits the mark of this modern tune with style and grace. Take a trip down memory lane with "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" as this classic favorite of the '50's gleams with doo **** tonality. Funky beats and big, bright horns engages "Come On-A My House" which drives the upbeat and entertaining lyrics The superb CD, "Fresh," is a must have addition to your Jazz collection as its catchy and superbly mixed with artistic arrangements which are driven by Skonberg's effervescent Jazzy vocals.

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

Thursday, August 20, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present The Soiree Band with a GrIndie Award for the CD "No One Claps For The Low Notes"

RadioIndy is pleased to present The Soiree Band with a GrIndie Award for the CD "No One Claps For The Low Notes"

Shake up a dirty martini and throw on "No One Claps For The Low Notes," the second jazz CD from Pittsburgh's The Soiree Band. Now with a larger ensemble of nine horns, this modern big band is certain to get you tapping your foot and feeling the groove. The strong and solid brass section performs with intense precision and is well balanced by the supporting instruments. In addition to the swinging big band arrangements, this album delivers fine vocal expertise from talented singer Christina Cataldo as heard on jazz/soul ballads like "Since I Fell For You" and an original and energetic command on a classic cover of "Gimme Some Lovin." "No One Claps For The Low Notes" is a dynamic album with a tonality that effectively matches the throwback classic styles of the big band era. You will be delighted to hear these fun and tasteful tunes with cool jazz style.

-Max B and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out The Soiree Band 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Featured Single

Band Name: Amelia Coffey
Featured Single: Dolphin Play
Album: Uriel's Passage
Genre: Soft Jazz
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

"What Am I Looking For?" by Jean Laughlin (Jazz Artist from Illinois (IL))

Jean Laughlin's "What Am I Looking For?" is a telling and engrossing jazz collection that is sure to uplift, inspire, and most importantly, entertain. Laughlin's smooth, controlled, inviting timbre connects with listeners on a personal level. "Take a Risk" touts all of the features that make this album memorable - a captivating big-band musical platform, a well-written motivational theme, and a stunning vocal performance. "Don't be Afraid" places the limelight on Laughlin's comforting voice and takes on a more easy-listening vibe. Furthermore, "It's O.K. to Disagree" really shines in the area of instrumentation, displaying remarkably fitting and unforgettable brass and woodwind arrangements. Polished to perfection by top notch production, fans of jazz and easy listening will discover pure bliss with this winsome collection.

-Xavier P. & The RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Jean Laughlin's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

"Lost in Time" by John Walter (Jazz/Piano Artist from England)

Jazz pianist John Walter's debut CD, "Lost in Time," was a long time in the making, but more than worth the wait. An accomplished player of skill & sensitivity, the London-schooled, Devon-based Walter has been performing & teaching in England since the 80s, building up a resume that has included stints with acclaimed UK soloists like Andy Sheppard & Paul Dunmall. Displaying an affinity for the kind of lyricism & lush chords of a Keith Jarrett or Bill Evans, "Lost in Time" is a 12-song collection of original, piano-only jazz compositions filled with quiet intensity. "There Will Be Peace" & "Song to An Empty Room," with their solemn & moving melodies, are highlights of Walter's expansiveness, each clocking in at over 6 minutes, as the composer explores every nuance of his themes. The more up-tempo "Wosa" hints at pop sensibilities before drawing back upon its jazz roots, while title-track, "Lost in Time," works the upper registers in an other-worldly performance of real beauty. As overdue introductions go, John Walter's "Lost in Time" CD is a much-appreciated look at an artist stepping out of the shadows as an accompanist to spotlight his own considerable talents as a composer & jazz pianist.

-Rice B. & The RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out John Walter's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, August 6, 2009

"Citizen of the World, Vol. 2" by The Moreira Project (Jazz/World Artist from South Africa)

Recalling the kind of brilliant & timeless jazz albums put out by imprints such as Impulse! and Atlantic in the '60s, The Moreira Project's 2nd CD, "Citizen of the World, Vol. 2" is that rare hybrid of world rhythms & deep jazz grooves that keeps jazz fresh & provocative. South African saxophonist and award-winning producer, Moreira ChonguiƧa, leads a solid African-centric ensemble in an 18-song collection that ranges from Pharoah Sanders-like world explorations to Latin-infused gems to straight-up jazz jams. With guests like fellow sax masters, Najee and Many Dibango, vocalist Jaco Maria, & hip hop artist Simba, all adding considerable musicality to the mix, tracks like "Umjita", "West South Side" & the ballad, "Blue Puzzle," with their haunting melodies & indelible performances, evoke the best of jazz traditions. Other tracks, like "Sambabenta" and "Ashanti," cast a wider net, incorporating world rhythms & tonalities in an intriguing fusion of musical inclusion. At over 70 minutes long, The Moreira Project's "Citizen of the World, Vol. 2" CD is replete with masterful solo turns and compelling improvisations for jazz fans the world over.

-Rice B. & the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out The Moreira Project's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"The Wall Street Recession Time Blues" by Dennis Angel Band (Jazz Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

Following in the grand tradition of sociopolitical topical songs, the Dennis Angel Band's new single (available as a download), "The Wall Street Recession Time Blues," is sure to strike a chord with many listeners touched – in one way or another, by the economic realities reflected in daily headlines across the country. In detailing the ongoing financial meltdown & its aftermath, trumpeter Dennis Angel's jazz ensemble have fashioned a big band-style blues tribute that's both ironic & funny, but no less direct & caustic. Crooner, DeForest Raphael's straightforward reading is classic vocal jazz &, given the subject matter, worthy of the Frazier Crane-like pomp with which he so appropriately informs his delivery. The arrangement is equally classic: the rhythm section of David Shaich (bass) & Mike Campenni (drums) sync expertly with the jazz chords of pianist Joel Mofsenson, as Angel & Gottfried Stoger (sax & flute) provide the kind of harmonic flourishes that make for great jazz. A triumph of composition & execution and timely as hell, "The Wall Street Recession Time Blues" by Dennis Angel Band is a terrific slice of vocal jazz.

-Rice B. & the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out Dennis Angel Band 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

"Journey to the Top Begins" by T.A.O. (The Anointed Ones) (Jazz Artist from Texas(TX))

T.A.O. (The Anointed Ones) charms the musical world with the delightfully smooth Jazz/Gospel album "Journey to the Top Begins." Using the flute as the main instrument, Richard D. Hegens, Jr. skillfully compiles a collection of easy listening pieces with polished maturity and grace. His talent shines on songs such as "Keeping It Real" or "Ballad," as he gives the audience a performance that captures the emotional spirit his music reveals. His refined flute talents stir up keen interest as he leads off the album with a not-so-traditional rendition of "Amazing Grace" which conjures a slightly livelier tempo and strong and solid beat. Although most of this album is instrumental, "Safe in His Arms" and "When I Think About the Lord" present beautiful female vocals as sweet and harmonious as the lyrics they sing. Jazz flavor at its best, "Otulp" highlights striking piano, soft brushes, and the melodious sounds of the flute. Sounds of stunning flute blended with engaging smooth Jazz/Gospel will lift your spirits and soothe your soul when you hear the wonderful songs of T.A.O.'s "Journey to the Top Begins."

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out T.A.O (The Anointed Ones)'s music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites