"Morning Grooves" by Alessandro Bottura (Jazz Artist from Italy)

Jaco Pastorius would be proud to hear the bass chops of jazz artist Alessandro Bottura. His latest record, "Morning Grooves" is a smooth fusion of rock, jazz, and pop instrumentals all rolled into one amazing sound. Bottura's bass playing speaks for itself and is immediately evident right from the opening track, "Out of Sight." His jazz fueled bass runs fly up and down the neck and are nicely driven by some outstanding guitar/drum work. Bottura changes gears a bit and slow things down on "Sweet Tears," which also highlights his staccato playing skills. Any fan of Jaco Pastorius or of virtuoso bass playing will love this album, plus the band behind Bottura is just as exceptional as he.

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

"Jambossa" by Stevan Pasero (Jazz Artist from San Francisco, California(CA))

The amazing finger style talents of guitarist Stevan Pasero are undeniable on his latest effort, "Jambossa." The record, an eclectic mix of jazz, flamenco, classical, Brazilian, and tango, also offers listeners some tasty covers to boot. For starters, Pasero takes his aim on Van Morrison's classic "Moondance" and the outcome is brilliant. You also have to listen to his cover of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven," it is pretty remarkable. Pasero transforms this classic rock epic into a bouncy, Latin pop song with a jazz infused shuffle, light years away from the original recording. Don't let the covers make you forget just how exceptional a guitarist Pasero is, his talent is superb and his soloing shines through on tracks like "Boulevard of Broken Dreams." If you want to hear some fine guitar playing or like listening to well performed cover songs, "Jambossa" is a safe bet.

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

"Boston Manor" by Jonny Boston (Jazz/Pop Artist from the Netherlands)

Musician extraordinaire, Jonny Boston, shines on his newest disc, "Boston Manor." Don't let the common Boston theme throw you, Jonny hails from London not Massachusetts and his writing style very much reflects his native area. "Boston Manor" sounds like a record that any top notch jazz singer would have put out, but with an English accent to boot. Hints of that genre can be found on songs like "Star" and "Hold Your Head Up High." There are also some hints of The Beatles on "Ocean Breeze," with its playful melody and great organ work. Not to be out done by his fantastic band, Boston Tea Party, Jonny is also a magnificent saxophonist and it shows. Pick up "Boston Manor" if you find yourself craving some classic jazz or another great British import.

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

"On the Keys" by Criss Starr (Jazz Artist from Minnesota(MN))

From the opening notes of the track "Ribbon in the Sky," you are instantly hooked in the musical mind of Criss Starr. His latest three-song EP, "On the Keys," is a wonderful compilation of smooth jazz numbers. Releasing the EP may prove to be a smart idea, as many jazz fans will be left with wanting to hear much more from Starr. Just give a listen to the atmospheric track "Break it Down," and you'll be sad there isn't a fourth, fifth or tenth track to listen to. Starr also gives a nod to his Minneapolis native influence Prince, on "Raspberry Beret." It is very clear that Prince has had a large effect on Starr's approach to songwriting, as his music is well flavored with R&B sounds. If you like smooth jazz and deep bass playing, then you have to own a copy of "On the Keys."

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

Check out Dr. David Klee, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Dr. David KLee

 

 

Band Name: Dr. David KLee
Band Location: Iowa
Sounds Like: Nestor Torres, Nicholas Gunn, Tim Weisberg,
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Art Ruprecht, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Art Ruprecht

 

 

Band Name: Art Ruprecht
Band Location: Missouri St. Louis
Sounds Like: The Rippingtons
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Erly Thornton, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Erly Thornton

 

 

Band Name: Erly Thornton
Band Location: Florida Orlando
Sounds Like: Gerald Albright, Marion Meadows, George Howard
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Natali Art, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Natali Art

 

 

Band Name: Natali Art
Band Location: France
Sounds Like: Céline Dion
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Duane Carter, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Duane Carter

 

 

Band Name: Duane Carter
Band Location: Texas Austin
Sounds Like: Donald Byrd
Visit Band's Website: click here

RadioIndy is pleased to present Dennis Day with a GrIndie Award for the CD "All Things In Time"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Dennis Day with a GrIndie Award for the CD "All Things In Time"

Vocalist Dennis Day puts a contemporary twist on many jazz classics and standards with "All Things In Time." He covers many styles within the jazz idiom including bebop, ballads, and the blues. Day is backed by a tremendously talented cast of musicians, providing both wonderful solos and support throughout. The album opens with a spirited rendition of Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol's "Caravan," which features scat singing from Day reminiscent of the great Al Jarreau. Day continues with a bouncy, swinging version of Horace Silver's classic "Sister Sadie," which is highlighted by great work from trombonist Wycliffe Gordon. "Everything Must Change" provides a gentler, tender moment, with a soulful Day singing over fine accompaniment from the pianist and flutist, with swirling brushes provided by the drummer. Another definite highlight is the "Blues Medley," which includes a grooving version of "Stormy Monday." Dennis Day covers many styles and presents a strong offering to the fan of jazz standards, blues, and bebop with "All Things In Time."

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

RadioIndy is pleased to present Redd with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Discovered…At Last"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Redd with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Discovered…At Last"

Up and coming jazz artist Helen "Redd" Vizard delivers a truly awe inspiring jazz CD with her recently released "Discovered…At Last." The vocals are outstanding and sung with such pure passionate emotion. You'll hear standard jazz covers on this CD but Redd puts her own artistic, flavorful twist to these great jazz classics. The backing musicians, The Guffman Trio, lend a stunning musical performance enhancing the lead vocals of Redd. "At Last" is a wonderful rendition of the Etta James hit with stunning and exceptional vocals. "My Funny Valentine" is so sophisticated with vocals pouring out emotional feelings and the piano enhancing the ambience of the song. Sit back and listen to an upright bass sauntering through a bass solo or a piano strolling through a bluesy chord progression. "Discovered…At Last." is definitely a relaxing compilation of familiar jazz standards with a fresh balance of jazz swing and blues.

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

"Nondirectional" by Roch Lockyer (Jazz Artist from California(CA))

What do you get when you take a touch of smooth jazz and a heaping mound of tasty guitar chops? Well, the final result would very much sound like Roch Lockyer's latest effort "Nondirectional." Lockyer's jazz guitar skills are right up there with the likes of Pat Metheny and John Scofield. His licks are most defiant on tracks like "Major Transitions (A Life)" and "Monk's House." Roch's improvisational jazz runs will make any guitarist stand up and take listen to this album. There are also some great moments from bassist Bijoux Barbosa, who lays down some funky jazz grooves under Roch's guitar work. Alluring piano chords and the vibrant trumpet also embellish these smooth and delectable arrangements. This album is a necessity for any jazz guitar enthusiast or a fan of Pat Metheny.

-Shaun H. and the radioindy.com reviewer team
Check out Roch Lockyer's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites