Monday, July 27, 2009

"Movement" by Earthsound (Jazz Artist from Boston, Massachusetts(MA))

Primarily a traditional, straight-up jazz outfit, the multi-cultural Earthsound ensemble combine Duke Ellington's rich sense of melody and Charles Mingus' sophisticated exploration on their accomplished debut jazz and fusion CD, "Movement." Citing such influences as Ellington, Jobim, and Paul Winter, the quartet's (piano, bass, flute, and percussion) border-less compositions range from piano-led meditations that recall Bill Evans to flute-dominated improvisations reminiscent of masters like Yusef Lateef and Herbie Mann. Leader and bassist, Jason Davis, much like fellow bass-playing bandleader Mingus, works in tandem with his Peruvian percussionist, Jorge Perez-Albela, to provide the perfect framework for Brazilian flautist, Fernando Brandão's flights of gravity-defying lyricism, even as pianist, Nando Michelin of Uruguay, fills the middle with chords as rich as they are light and dexterous. And like Mingus' groundbreaking opus, "Cumbia & Jazz Fusion," with its replication of nature sounds, Davis ably employs real nature samples less as affect than as an organic supplementation of the band's interplay. "Movement," Earthsound's excellent debut CD, is a terrific introduction for a jazz combo of real talent and vision.

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

Saturday, July 25, 2009

"Butter On My Roll" by Sheba the Mississippi Queen (Blues/Jazz Artist from Florida (FL))

Virtually born to sing, Sheba the Mississippi Queen, aka Martha Booker, inherits a proud legacy of female blues belters, adding her own resonant chapter to the story with her wonderful, uptown-style album, "Butter On My Roll." Built solidly on a foundation of the blues and Southern R&B, and utilizing a stellar band that includes a truly galvanizing horn section, Sheba the Mississippi Queen refuses to be constrained on this 13-song collection, sprinkling pure jazz ("Can't Help Lovin My Man"), Southern Soul ("Tell Me Why"), and Funk ("Hay Girlfriend"), and even some classic balladry ("Don't Say Goodbye"), into the potent mix. But let there be no doubt that Sheba the Mississippi Queen is first and foremost a master blues singer, and on mid-tempo numbers, like the Bessie Smith-infused title track, "Butter on My Rolls," or on foot-stompers like "Dance Jump Shout" and "Oh So Good," the singer proves herself more than worthy to join the ranks of successor to the recently departed Queen of Blues, Koko Taylor. Sheba the Mississippi Queen's "Butter On My Roll" will stand as a first-rate addition to listeners' collection of outstanding Blues albums.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Sheba the Mississippi Queen's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, July 23, 2009

"Curandero "Aras"" by Miguel Espinoza and Ty Burhoe (World/Jazz Artist from Colorado(CO))

Brilliant and amazing is just a start to describe the latest released album "Curandero "Aras," by the highly talented artists Miguel Espinoza and Ty Burhoe, aka Curandero. This six-track disc covers the style of Flamenco embedded with jazz fusion and offers some delightfully interesting and stunning pieces. Incorporating the unique blend of Flamenco guitar, tabla, banjo, and bass the sound textures this group creates is truly fabulous. "Segue" is jazz fire and fury at its best with funky bass lines, driving drum beats, and excellent guitar. Taking the mood to a more serene ambiance, "River" gently flows with a calmness of peaceful tranquility. "Once Upon a Time," features the banjo as the main instrument with an exceptional display of finger picking. Fans of jazz fusion and Flamenco won't be disappointed when listening to Curandero's "Aras," with its creative and distinctive charm of the well-focused and talented cast of musicians.

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

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Check out William Edgar, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for William Edgar & Co.

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Band Name: William Edgar & Co.
Band Location: Pennsylvania Philadelphia
Sounds Like: Duke Ellington, Mahalia Jackson, Christian McBride
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Willem van Leeuwen, one of RadioIndy's favorite Pop artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Willem van Leeuwen

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Band Name: Willem van Leeuwen
Band Location: Netherlands
Sounds Like: Michael Buble, Robbie Williams
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Jean Laughlin, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Jean Laughlin

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Band Name: Jean Laughlin
Band Location: Illinois
Sounds Like: Ella Fitzgerald
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Roger Cairns, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Roger Cairns

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Band Name: Roger Cairns
Band Location: California Los Angeles
Sounds Like: Mel Torme, Johnny Hartman, Chet Baker, Nat King Cole
Visit Band's Website: click here

Thursday, July 9, 2009

"Poetic Vibes To Help You Thrive" by Dr. Nicole Erna Mae Francis (Jazz Artist from The Netherlands)

The multi-talented artist Dr. Nicole Erna Mae Francis's debut album, "Poetic Vibes To Help You Thrive," lifts the spirits with emotional and heartfelt words while being gracefully flavored with the musical quality of soulful jazz ambiance. Dr. Nicole Erna Mae Francis reaches deep inside to bring out powerful, expressive qualities within her voice that rise and fall to her poetic cadences. The first track, "Intro," with soothing instruments and vocals, will start to relax your mind and body. Motivational and inspirational, "In the Pursuit of Excellence" and "Press On," will have your spirits lifted in no time. "Remember I Love You" and "I've Found An Awesome Peace" shows off her stunning vocal prowess with impressive style and grace. Upbeat and vibrant, "Hold On to Your Dream," instills upon the listener to never give up on whatever your dream may be. If you're having a bad day, or just want to relax and enjoy a serene sound, then pop in Dr. Nicole Erna Mae Francis's "Poetic Vibes To Help You Thrive" and be whisked away to a calming and uplifting vibe to boost your spiritual and mental quality of life.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Dr. Nicole Erna Mae Francis 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Cheryl Hodge with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Indigo "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Cheryl Hodge with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Indigo "

With her most recent album release "Indigo," talented vocalist/composer Cheryl Hodge shines on this fantastic jazz performance. Hodge's gift of music is thoroughly enjoyed with her vocals that are polished and sophisticated. Take note of the strong and solid range her voice carries especially on the title track "Indigo." Feel the expression and emotion pouring out as she delivers an amazing collection of songs. Listeners will notice the outstanding support from band members as they blend balance and texture while adding a cool swing feel with soft brushes on drums, sweet guitar riffs, or electric piano. Let the melodic sax riffs carry you away on "Guide to Recovery." If you are looking to hear jazz with refreshing vocals, then you will definitely want to add Cheryl Hodge's "Indigo" to your collection.

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

RadioIndy is pleased to present New World Jazz Project with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Limpopo "

RadioIndy is pleased to present New World Jazz Project with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Limpopo "

Catch the cool and refreshing jazz feel blended with Latin and soul on "Limpopo" by New World Jazz Project. These creative and invigorating melodies were written through the sounds and textures experienced from travels abroad. This CD prominently features the alluring expressions of the sax tastefully blended with other instruments. The musicianship on the CD is very impressive. Slow and steamy, "You Don't Know What Love Is" is flavored with colorful chord progressions on keys while the drums deliver soft brushes and steady snare hits. Taking the lead on "Fava Beans," the flute carries you away with breathy and melodic phrasing. "Call of the Toucan" is delightfully filled with dreamscape sounds and gives the impression of a toucan actually talking. "Limpopo" will impress all jazz fans and is a disc gracefully balanced with Latin/soul roots.

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

RadioIndy is pleased to present Alessandro Bottura with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Morning Grooves"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Alessandro Bottura with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Morning Grooves"

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

RadioIndy is pleased to present Stevan Pasero with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Jambossa "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Stevan Pasero with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Jambossa "

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 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jonny Boston with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Boston Manor"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jonny Boston with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Boston Manor"

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

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

"It's Time" by Lisa Hugo (Jazz Artist from United Arab Emirates)

In the tradition of such venerable performers as Karen Carpenter and Eva Cassidy, Lisa Hugo straddles the boundaries of jazz and pop with equal ease and finesse on her fine new CD, "It's Time." With her supple, three octave vocal range and the instincts of a seasoned vet, the Australian born and world-traveled, pianist and singer/songwriter simply delights on this 11-song collection of pop, jazz, and easy listening songs. Backed by a small combo with exemplary taste and feel, Hugo's piano sets the tone on jazzier numbers like the CD opener, "With You I Can Be Me" and "Oh My Baby," while the subdued, "Please Try to Understand," finds Hugo delivering an emotion-laden confessional with only the leanest of guitar, bass, and sprinkling of cymbals. Although very comfortable and adept with the jazz-pop style, the real highlight of the set is "Butterfly," a wonderfully melodic pop tune as engaging as it is uplifting. Lisa Hugo's bio is one filled with musical accomplishment all across the globe, but her new CD stands on its own merits. Fans of adult-oriented, tuneful jazz-pop will thoroughly enjoy the perfect blend of polished and sophisticated easy listening music on "It's Time."

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Lisa Hugo's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Featured Single

CAGLE & NASH: Soul CompleteBand Name: Cagle & Nash
Featured Single: Pick Up the Phone
Album: Soul Complete
Genre: Smooth Jazz
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Monday, July 6, 2009

"Lempi" by Tunto (Jazz Artist from Finland)

Mixing jazz and world-infused explorations of melody and harmony with beats and soundscapes from the electronica school, Tunto's "Lempi" CD is a boldly inventive map into a musical world without borders. With titles that signify many moods such as, "Caressing Music," "Itch Music," or "Yearning Music," Tunto aspires to reveal his imagination is more than up to the task of translating and transposing, raw emotion into music form, a subjective aesthetic that demands no small amount of receptivity and reciprocation from his listeners. Tunto pulls it off quite effectively and this has much to do with the range of textures, vocals and instrumentals, he throws into the mix as well as the musical symbolism his melodies conjure. Tunto's provocative third CD, "Lempi," is an informed rendering of a brave new world of music's breadth and elasticity; an album for jazz, world music, and experimental electronica enthusiasts.

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

"Oceans & Islands" by Dave Spinner (Jazz Artist from New York(NY))

Whether it is a lush contemporary jazz setting or a vocal tune that could've come right out of the classic Brazilian songbook, Dave Spinner takes the listener on an eye-opening trip through various jazz forms on his fine debut CD, "Oceans & Islands." Whatever the style, Spinner proves he's more than adept at navigating jazz' many tributaries on this 7-track collection. Beginning with "Bouncin'," Spinner kicks things off with a radio-ready R&B influenced contemporary jazz tune, followed by "Dinji", a sun-drenched take on Brazilian vocal jazz. But before the album gets too laid-back, Spinner shifts gears with "Lobster Montuno," a spirited and rhythmically complex Latin jazz jam, featuring a Caribbean horn arrangement as authentic as it is assured. Elsewhere, Spinner's keyboard mastery comes to the forefront with exploring and dynamic solos that breathe new life into the traditional piano-trio style "Sweet & Lovely," or raises the roof, as on the swinging Hammond organ workout, "In Your Pocket." Whatever the style, Dave Spinner's excellent CD, "Oceans & Islands" is an exemplary showcase of jazz vocabulary from a bandleader as musically insightful as he is astute.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Dave Spinner#39;s music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites