MAY 2008 PATRICE RUSHEN ARTIST OF THE MONTH Patrice Rushen is shaping her career in the same vein as that of her long-time friend and mentor, Quincy Jones. The multi-Grammy nominee has earned the respect she currently enjoys from her peers in the music industry as well as in allied fields. The composer, producer, and international recording star has many groundbreaking achievements including an impressive list of “firsts.” Patrice Rushen was the first woman to serve as Musical Director for the 46th, 47th & 48th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS; the first woman in 43 years to serve as Head Composer/Musical Director for television’s highest honor, the EMMY AWARDS; and the first woman Musical Director of the NAACP IMAGE AWARDS, an honor she held for 12 consecutive years.  Rushen has also been the only woman Musical Director/Composer for the PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS and HBO’s COMIC RELIEF and for THE MIDNIGHT HOUR, a late-night television talk show which aired on CBS.  In addition, Rushen was named the Musical Director/Composer for Newsweek’s first AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS, broadcast from the Kennedy Center and she served as the Musical Director for Janet Jackson’s World Tour, “janet.”  As the Musical Director for the award shows, she composed and performed special musical tributes to Michael Landon, Ted Turner, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, The Temptations, James Garner and Leonard Bernstein to name a few.  A classically trained pianist, Patrice Rushen has spent a lifetime honing the skills that make her one of the music industry’s most versatile and sought after artists.  In 1998, she was honored by the music industry when her adult contemporary CD, SIGNATURE, received a Grammy nomination.  The CD also received an NAACP Image Award nomination and landed in the top ten of the adult contemporary jazz charts.  The critically lauded, chart topping style she championed in the 70s and 80s -- a jazz/R&B/pop fusion that combines melodic accessibility with instrumental prowess--not only became her signature style, but has continued to be a mainstay of popular radio. Rushen has also performed with Philharmonic Orchestras throughout the USA and has even written an award-winning symphony. She has served as Composer in Residence with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for the 2000-2001 concert season. Since 2000, Dr. Rushen  has composed several symphonic works, each a commissioned assignment by a major orchestra. The World Premiere of each one of the symphonic works has been performed to rave reviews.  Rushen was named Composer in Residence during the August 2004 sessions at the Henry Mancini Institute and went on to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Music degree in 2005, from Berklee College of Music for her Outstanding Contribution To Music and Culture.  Considered one of the world's top jazz pianists, Dr. Rushen has performed with and produced for such esteemed artists as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Prince, Lionel Hampton, Carlos Santana, Boys II Men, Stanley Clarke,  George Benson, Jean Luc Ponty, Tom Jones, Nancy Wilson, Michael Jackson, Dianne Reeves, Sheena Easton, Stanley Turentine, Joshua Redman and so many more. Rushen has played at some of the world's most prestigious jazz festivals and events. She has 14 solo albums to her credit and a greatest hits anthology. She has recorded two albums with The Meeting, the world renowned jazz super-group which includes Rushen, Ndugu Chancler and Ernie Watts. In 2006, Dr. Rushen was honored by Jazz At Lincoln Center at “The 2nd Annual Diet Coke Women In Jazz Festival” held at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York, for her contribution to music. In March 2008, Dr. Rushen was honored with an assignment  as Music Director and host of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s, “LA Phil Presents: A Tribute to Ella.”  The event featured 5 outstanding vocalists paying tribute to the incredible vocal talents of the great Ella Fitzgerald. Currently, her career focus is composing for films, television and orchestras.  She still enjoys performing and is often asked to make guest appearances at music festivals and on the recording projects of other artists. Rushen was the host of Clint Eastwood's Malpaso Productions, "40 Years of the Monterey Jazz Festival," which has been released on DVD. She was also featured on HGTV's "Houses of Note" special. Dr. Rushen spends whatever free time she has working closely with the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, NARAS “Grammy In The Schools” program and other organizations dedicated to establishing music education and mentorship programs for inner-city youth.  To learn more about the artistry and genius of  Dr. Patrice Rushen, click on the link to >  enjoy some of her videos at YOUTube. ROY HARGROVE's HARD GROOVE At 38, trumpeter Roy Hargrove has firmly established himself among the premier players in jazz. Always seeking to find challenging and colorful ways to flex his musical chops, Hargrove has left his indelible imprint on a vast array of musical genres. Known for his unique interpretations and ability to improvise, Hargrove continues to wow crowds and impress critics wherever he tours. Born in Waco, Texas, Hargrove was discovered when Wynton Marsalis visited his high school. He has recorded with an incredible range of stellar musicians including Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, Michael Brecker, Steve Tyrell, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, John Mayer, Kenny Rankin, Jackie McLean, Slide Hampton, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Christian McBride and many others. Hargrove is the recipient of two Grammy Awards for vastly different projects. In 1997, his acclaimed Cuban-based band Crisol (including piano legend Jesus "Chucho" Valdes and wonder drummer Horatio "El Negro" Hernandez) won the the Best Latin Jazz Performance Grammy for the album HABANA. In 2002, Hargrove, current Grammy winner Herbie Hancock, and Michael Brecker won the Best Instrumental Jazz Album for their collaboration DIRECTIONS IN MUSIC. His repertoire also includes the great recording with a hand-picked collection of the world's greatest tenor saxophonists titled WITH THE TENORS OF OUR TIME; an album of standards with strings titled MOMENT TO MOMENT. In 2003, Hargrove introduced his own hip hop/jazz collective The RH Factor with the groundbreaking CD titled HARD GROOVE. The collective's follow-up recording STRENGTH was warmly received worldwide. In 2006, Hargrove released two recordings - an RH Factor set called DISTRACTIONS  with all electric instruments, and NOTHING SERIOUS, an all acoustic post bop outing with his long-time  quintet members drummer Willie Jones, III and saxophonist Justin Robinson, among others adding their special musical moments. That CD hit number 1 on the Billboard charts and gave Hargrove a solid place in several constellations in the jazz galaxy. Always innovative and ever-happening, Roy has formed the Roy Hargrove Big Band which will appear at the 30th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival on Sunday, June 15, 2008 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA. Don't miss this great ensemble. For more information about Roy Hargrove's happenings, log on to www.royhargrove.com   Bring In The Masters: Dee Dee Bridgewater's At The Top of The List A Grammy and Tony Award winner, Dee Dee Bridgewater is a groundbreaking artist whose vocal interpretations traverse the musical landscape. A versatile songstress, her styles vary from scat to the hard tones of John Coltrane to the cool blues of Duke Ellington. Elected as one of the United Nation's first Ambassadors for the Food and Agricultural Organization in 1999, Bridgewater took several trips to Africa before her life-changing trip to Mail in 2004, where she immediately felt a deep connection to the rhythm and music of the country.  Drawn from a deep inspiration, her 16th and latest recording RED EARTH - A MALIAN JOURNEY, is a trip both forward and back. Melding Malian voices, music and traditional native instruments with American jazz vernacular, the recording is the culmination of Bridgewater's decision to find her roots and one of her most important musical statements to date.  Prior to RED EARTH - A MALIAN JOURNEY, she spent four years on the road touring in support of her double Grammy winning tribute to the late Ella Fitzgerald, DEAR ELLA. Her ensuing projects, LIVE AT YOSHI'S, THIS IS NEW and J'AI DEUX AMOURS, incorporated more global sounds and yielded Grammy nominations for two of the recordings. Bridgewater's illustrious career began in 1970 when she joined the Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Orchestra - one of the premier jazz orchestras of all time. She has performed and recorded with such legends as Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, and Max Roach. Dee Dee also starred on Broadway in THE WIZ (for which she won the Tony Award) SOPHISTICATED LADIES, BLACK BALLAD and CARMEN JONES.  Don't miss her at the 30th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival on June 15th, 2008. For more information, please visit her at www.npr.org COME HOME Carmen Lundy COME HOME is Carmen Lundy’s amazing follow up to her exceptional recording titled JAZZ AND THE NEW SONGBOOK: LIVE AT THE MADRID. The set features 12 songs written or co-written by Lundy with the exception of “Nature Boy.” Among her brilliant accompanists are bassist Curtis Lundy, Geri Allen on piano, Lori Andrews on harp, Jason Evan Brown on drums, Anthony Wonsey on piano and Fender Rhodes, Lage Lund on guitar, Mayra Casales on percussion and support vocals, Machan on support vocals and Steve Turre on conch shells and trombone. Carmen Lundy’s vocal rendition of “Nature Boy” is like the classic combination of fine wine and great music. Her melodic resonance, her tonality and the superior quality of her voice surrounded by an ensemble of talented musicians working as one is simply exceptional. Lundy realizes that much of her success relies on her art of collaboration and that is why her sets always ring true with outstanding artistic creations.  Pianist Anthony Wonsey's customized comping on “Come Home” is the descriptive prose that livens the superb lyrics of this song. Further into the set pianist Geri Allen is uncompromising with her expressive power and lends this beauty to Lundy’s dramatic vocals. Together, Allen and Lundy  re-design the controversial and family-oriented themes  they brilliantly present on “My Wedding Vow,” and "Something Happened Today." “Lil Lu,” and of course the all-encompassing “Gossip” are also stellar examples of Lundy's flair for creative phrasings and telling an interesting story. COME HOME is another superb documentation of Carmen Lundy’s keen sense of the vitality and power of her music. It will move her devout listeners and her new audiences in the same way that her previous poetic lyrics and expressive music brought the meaning of each song into focus. Buy COME HOME today. MARCUS Marcus Miller There’s a big buzz about MARCUS! Marcus  Miller’s latest CD that is. The Grammy-award winning multi-instrumentalist/composer is on a roll with a fresh new band and a new sound that demands attention because of its funky new attitude and exciting energy. The highly successful bassist partners up with such luminaries as Corinne Bailey Rae on “Free,” re-envisions a range of pop and jazz standards including Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground,” and Nat King Cole’s “When I Fall In Love” not to mention his own uberjam “Blast” and three signature funk/jazz jams titled “Pluck,” “Strum,” and “Ooh.” With his signature licks front and center, Miller conveys his brand of excellence in fully-realized rhythms that not only compliment his guest artists but inspire them to give it all they’ve got. Miller’s innovative spoken word compositions are happening in a variety of time signatures and come equipped with some very sensual content that only his musical voice can express. “Cause I Want You,” spotlights Miller’s skilled ability to communicate the emotional content of a lyric and making you feel that “in love type love!” Yeah!  Pass the envelope…and the winner is! He then proceeds to perform just above a whisper on his bass clarinet giving “When I Fall In Love,” a refined melodic approach that shows his romantic nature. “Lost Without You,” is taken to a new level and features both Taraji P. Henson in her spoken word debut while the other version emphasizes Miller’s finesse as a melody maker with Lalah Hathaway expressing herself as only she can. MARCUS is hot, hot, hot and this recording should do very well because of its broad appeal to a cross-generational audience,  the great songs, and the wonderful talent represented on the CD. CYMBALS Vinicius Cantuaria  On CYMBALS, acclaimed Brazilian artist Vincius Cantuaria plays an array of instruments on this stunning collection of Brazilian bossa novas and jazz songs that are flavored with a 21st Century feeling. Accompanied by a coterie of respected artists including Jenny Scheinman on violin, Erik Friedlander on cello, Brad Mehldau on piano, Micheal Leonhart on trumpet, Marc Ribot on acoustic guitar and Marivaldo Dos Santos on percussion, Cantuaria’s original compositions, his cover of Tom Jobim’s “Vivo Sonhando”  and his well-known collaboration with Angelique Kidjo called “Ominira”  get brilliant new colors, expressive textures and memorable rhythmic patterns. These bossa novas are not only exquisite melodies ripe with exotic themes, they also tout Cantuaria’s exemplary interplay with his musicians and how all of the various ensembles convey the spirit of the songs. Cantuaria’s voice has many vibrant contrasts - calming, alluring and romantic on “Galore” then playful and sunny on “Chuva.” He sings of lost love in an intimate, somber, tone on “Prantos.” However whether he sings in Portuguese or English, his musical language is universal and can be appreciated by anyone who enjoys beautiful music. Check it out then buy CYMBALS from the SOTJ store. Just click on the CD cover.  Dave Brubeck & Clint Eastwood Photo by Henry Benson Henry Benson, Internationally Recognized Photographer and Editor Succumbs To Cancer Henry Benson was recognized around the world for his emphatic photos of the Central Coast of California lifestyle. Whether capturing the many moods of such famed artists as Clint Eastwood, Dave Brubeck, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Etta James or the internationally renowned scenery of Big Sur, Monterey, and Carmel, Benson's photos reflected the beauty, peace and harmony of the region. For many years his award-winning photos also captured the essence of such events as the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Monterey Blues Festival, the elite Concours d' Elegance car shows, the Pebble Beach Golf Classic. Henry kept his fans enamored by his creative use of color, light and multiple dimensional angles. His postcards of the historic Carmel Mission Tours are sold throughout California as are his photos of car races, antique air shows and the annual bike races through Cannery Row. Henry Benson passed away March 4, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. His beautiful spirit thrives and lives on through the marvelous work that he so enjoyed. He is survived by his wife Raya who lives in Monterey, CA. For more information about the greatness of Henry Benson's work, please visit www.centralcoastmagazine.com SETTING STANDARDS NEW YORK SESSIONS Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette No artist better exemplifies the powerful synthesis of disparate styles than pianist Keith Jarrett. His solo piano releases mark a compelling departure from the mainstream jazz piano and reveal his concepts of harmony, rhythmic momentum and melodic phrasing on such classic recordings as FACING YOU, SOLO CONCERTS: BREMEN and LAUSANNE, his massive SUN BEAR CONCERTS and his most recent CARNEGIE HALL CONCERTS released in 2007. However, his 25-year collaboration with bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jack DeJohnette has yielded a vast repertoire in which Jarrett’s music evokes a more traditional approach. In that regard, several of their recordings featured entire performances and recordings devoted to jazz standards from the Great American Songbook including STANDARDS IN NORWAY and STANDARDS LIVE. Their 1983 collaboration at Power Station studio in New York provides the inspiration for SETTING STANDARDS – NEW YORK SESSIONS, a 3-CD box set recently released by ECM. This excellent box set celebrates the trio’s 25th Anniversary and gives listeners an opportunity to re-visit this fertile period in their exciting career. Included is STANDARDS - Volume One, STANDARDS - Volume Two, and an eclectic mix of free jazz on a third disc simply titled CHANGES. The trio’s fusion of classical and jazz music stands as a testament to their creativity which crosses beyond the conventional improvisational techniques to include a full range of beautifully composed music. Gems such as “The Meaning of The Blues,” “All The Things You Are,” and “God Bless The Child,” reside on STANDARDS – Volume One.  While several entertaining opportunities to experience another side of Jarrett’s talents via his vocalese are captured on “The Meaning of The Blues,” and “This Masquerade Is Over,” his syncopations, blue notes and shimmering arpeggios are what actually broaden the meaning behind most of the songs including the beautiful “All The Things You Are.” STANDARDS – Volume Two is and very romantic disc and features several love ballads including an uptempo version of “So Tender,” “In Love In Vain,” an unforgettable version of “Never Let Me Go” – which features a great solo by bassist Gary Peacock and the rhapsodic “I Fall In Love Too Easily.” CHANGES offers “Flying, Part 1,” “Flying, Part 2,” and “Prism” on which Jarrett’s vocalese accompanies the trio’s amazing commitment of musical vocabulary. In addition to Jarrett’s panoply of devices – ostinatos, vamps and impressionist harmonies – DeJohnette’s vigorous drumming and Peacock’s undulating rhythms makes this disc a true sonic explosion of their iconoclastic approach. BUY SETTING STANDARDS – NEW YORK SESSIONS today. ~ Paula Edelstein  STANDARDS & BALLADS Wynton Marsalis   Several aspects of Wynton Marsalis’ rise to fame continue to be unprecedented, i.e. his simultaneous deals on Columbia’s jazz and classical roster, numerous Grammy Awards in both fields, a Pulitzer Prize, and his prominence in the jazz world as a Young Lion and champion of the new traditionalism that permeated jazz circles in the early 80s and beyond. He continues to exert a decisive impact on the future of jazz and its budding stars and is perhaps even more influential today now that his repertoire has expanded to highlight his role as a composer, educator, and as Artistic Director of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. During the 80s, Marsalis released MARSALIS STANDARD TIME Vol. 1, which launched his infamous STANDARD TIME series that followed such great hits as THINK OF ONE and HOT HOUSE FLOWERS. The 5 volume series featured exquisite interpretations of Great American Songbook standards and many original Marsalis compositions. This compilation – STANDARDS & BALLADS – features many of those excellent songs as well as two of Marsalis’ own – “The Seductress,” and “Spring Yaoundé.” The compilation opens with Louis Armstrong’s theme song, “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South,” which was originally released on STANDARD TIME Vol. 2: Intimacy Calling. Marsalis permeates an unhurried blues, ambling, sleepy feeling throughout the song via a bucket mute and is accompanied by Marcus Roberts on piano, Reginald Veal on bass and Herlin Riley on drums. One listen to his technical virtuosity on “After You’ve Gone,” will make you a life-long believer in Marsalis’ genius. Accompanied by a sweet string orchestra, Eric Scott Reed on piano, Reginald Veal on bass and Lewis Nash on drums, this song was originally released on the impeccable STANDARD TIME Vol. 5 – The Midnight Blues. By contrast, “The Seductress” is a return to his roots duet piece on which his father Ellis Marsalis replaces the polyrhythmic sound of Marcus Roberts heard on “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South” with a more traditional approach to the piano. This song features the rootsy, blues- laden, muted trumpeting and vocals of Marsalis interpreting the imagery of a seductive muse. Short and sweet, this song also enables the listener to imagine Marsalis’ moody composition on a soundtrack or score for cinema, television, theatre or dance or as a backdrop for paintings and literature.  Other important songs include “I Can’t Get Started” featuring vocalist Shirley Horn, “Melancholia” featuring Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, Ron Carter and of course, “Embraceable You.” Wynton Marsalis is a master and with this compilation, the master returns you, dear listener, to the peaks of his forward thinking periods that brought traditional jazz back to a vibrant place in musical history. BUY STANDARDS & BALLADS now. BARCELONA Armik As a creative musician, Armik never stops exploring, listening, testing the waters and pushing the envelope as he expands the Nuevo Flamenco language. Such eclecticism has to come from somewhere so it would be wise to say that Armik’s imaginative diversity is the result of the many musical odysseys he has taken over the years. On BARCELONA, his guitar virtuosity embodies the spirits of Spain and the Flamenco rhythms that echo throughout that country and around the world. Each song on this wonderful recording exemplifies Armik’s own unique sonic paths and musical visions, which consist of beautiful melodies, exciting musical tapestries and seductive harmonic and rhythmic counterpoint. Two additional songs “Sunset In Paradise” and “Piazza di Spagna, or the Spanish Steps” were inspired by Armik’s travels to Brazil and Italy. Just as the Spanish Steps were built to unite three main arteries into Rome, Armik’s music unites three main rhythmic themes: Nuevo flamenco, World and New Age rhythms to bring a new perspective to a diverse musical genre. BUY BARCELONA today. SOMETHING FOR YOU: ELAINE ELIAS PLAYS BILL EVANS Elaine Elias   Elias celebrates Evans on this masterful set of compositions commonly associated with the great pianist. Joined by Marc Johnson on bass and Joey Baron on drums, the Brazilian born Elias expresses herself beautifully and with such distinctive insights into Evans’ music that it makes you wonder who is more “Evanesque.” The lovely pianist adds her special touches to such Evans favorites as “Here Is Something For You,” “Waltz For Debby,” “Five,” and of course, “Evanesque.” The only Brazilian piece on the CD is “Minha” which shares Elias’ emotional vocals. Her rendition of “My Foolish Heart,” is one of the best I’ve heard since Kurt Elling’s amazing rendition at the Monterey Jazz Festival when he brought the entire audience to its feet. This particular musical experience is both touching and musically satisfying because the musicians represent the memory of Evans and his trio with such aplomb and sincerity. This CD is first class and should be in every jazz collection. BUY SOMETHING FOR YOU today.     AVATAR Gonzalo Rubalcaba   On Gonzalo Rubalcaba’s 13th recording for the Blue Note Record label, he assembled a brand new quintet consisting of saxophonist Yosvany Terry, trumpeter/flugelhornist Mike Rodriguez, bassist Matt Brewer and drummer Marcus Gilmore to bring his musical concepts to a new place and time. The result is AVATAR, which in the broad sense of the word means the embodiment of a concept, a display of the unexpected. Rubalcaba’s virtuosity has been savored for nearly 20 years and with this opportunity to share his musical vision, he didn’t disappoint. “Looking In Retrospective” one of three songs written by Yosvany Terry, is the first track on this deep set. Rubalcaba delivers a searching piano prelude and overdubbed synth colors in the tune’s freely improvised moments. Continuing in the vein of bringing something from previous recordings to his new projects, Rubalcaba performs the classical-oriented “Preludio Corto No. 2 For Piano in its entirety. It is simply stunning. By contrast, his own funky and lighthearted “Infantil” is a “very pianistic tune.” Dedicated to John McLaughlin, the song was inspired by what McLaughlin did in the 1970s, to which Rubalcaba added some delicate synthesized sounds. Overall, the recording sets a new bar for the highly acclaimed piano virtuoso. With its pensive improvisations, staccato rhythms and oblique lines, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and company keep their fans thoroughly entertained. BUY AVATAR now.   SOME OTHER TIME Diane Schuur   SOME OTHER TIME spotlights the music of Diane Schuur’s formative years. The beautiful vocalist/pianist sings and plays such great songs as “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “I’ve Got Beginners Luck,” “Blue Skies,” and “My Favorite Things.” Every song has a story and Schuur does an exceptional job telling the stories behind “It’s Magic,” and “The Good Life,” via her pianistic talents. Using this particular song selection as the soundtrack of her formative years will definitely give her fans a glimpse into which artists shaped her particular sound and style. These songs offer a solid path for Schuur’s return to her jazz roots after the few “detours” she has taken along the way. Take the time to listen to Ms. Schuur and after just one listen, you’ll appreciate and stay tuned to her sensitive love of music. BUY SOME OTHER TIME now. THE TOYS OF MEN Stanley Clarke THE TOYS OF MEN is a deep masterpiece from the innovative bassist/composer/educator Stanley Clarke. Its 13 songs are filled with musical metaphors that provide the moods, energy and imagery of the stories behind the songs. The six-part title suite features Clarke’s bass genius explaining the chaos, frustration, and wounds of war  in tormented licks and tragic blue notes. The fresh melody of “Jerusalem” shows an emotional side of Clarke and his band as they impart the beauty and spirituality behind this war-torn city. Clarke’s fresh riffs and phrasings are designed to converse with the listener in such a way that you can clearly imagine the exotic sunsets, inviting seaside breeze and diverse citizenry inherent in Jerusalem. By contrast, Clarke employs his classic slap technique on the funky “Bad Asses” and in  his excellent solo piece called “Hmm Hmm.” Hence, anyone that has ever aspired to the level of Clarke’s bass genius can hear what it’s all about right here and now. Adding emotional lyrics to his instrumental masterwork is bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding on “All Over Again.”  Her lyrics are moving and exude the impact of losing a loved one. Clarke plays a variety of basses including electric, acoustic, tenor, prepared tuned acoustic, piccolo bass, and the Victor Bailey Model acoustic bass guitar. So if you, dear listener, didn’t know about Stanley Clarke’s redesigned chops, then after you listen to this excellent recording, you’ll have no doubt. THE TOYS OF MEN is definitely saying something through its excellent metaphors and ranks highest among Clarke’s most introspective  music. So listen up and then check it out. To buy the CD, click on the CD cover. READ THE INTERVIEW with Stanley Clarke by Paula Edelstein   Frontiers Jesse Cook  Jesse Cook will floor you with his awesome guitar chord voicings and beautifully, inspired fretwork. Nominated for World Music Album of the Year at the 37th Annual Juno Awards, FRONTIER is a reflection of how music, like life, is rich in discovery and constantly evolving. Fresh from a year of collaborating with master flamenco guitarists in Seville, Spain, Cook lets his imagination flow in romantic rhythms, world beats and jazzy guitar voicings. These new artistic beginnings will have you, dear listener, personally feeling his rumba flamenco style.  From the fiery opener, the excitement, the charm and the beauty of Spain is inherent in “Matisse The Cat,” as Cook fires up his chops and strums with lightning speed. Reminiscent of such great guitarists as Armik, Al DiMeola. Ottmar Liebert, and Paco de Luca, Cook is all that. Check out “Café Mocha,” “Rain” and “Come What May.” The imagery in these songs is amazingly pure and will have you seeing his music as well as hearing all that Cook has to share. “Rain” is so beautiful, deep, and poetic. Masterworks they all are, but the most surprising track is Cook’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me Babe,” sung by rising Canadian singer Melissa McClelland. Dylan’s song gets a fresh rumba makeover and it works beautifully. Every song on this CD is amazing so it would be in your best interest to add it to your collection. If you love the guitar as the lead instrument, then you’ll LOVE this one. Check Jesse Cook out during his USA tour beginning March 7th. For tour dates go to www.jessecook.com   Buy FRONTIERS now. AFREECANOS Omar Sosa   On AFREECANOS, pianist Omar Sosa selected a diverse array of musicians from around the world to celebrate the rich heritage of African music in Jazz and Latin music. His arrangements combine the folkloric with the contemporary and the ancestral with the urban. Sosa exudes his vivacious energy this great musical passport. There are 11 tracks which are  expressed in several African dialects, English, Spanish, French and Portugeuse! One of the most interesting is “Ollu’” which is a Yoruba word meaning eyes. “The track is an allegory and dedication to Ochun, the deity of love in Santeria – all with traditional African rhythms, and with some surrealistic and contemporary perspective,” states Sosa. Sosa also adds a horn section and features a variety of traditional and modern flute sonics on several songs. The inclusion of ancient instruments such as the kora, ngoni, and sitar bring an amalgamation of sounds to this wonderful recording. The remaining songs embrace Sosa’s spirituality and are dedicated to the various deities associated with the Santeria. Check it out. FASCINATIN’ RHYTHMS Melody Breyer-Grell   Melody Breyer-Grell follows up her award-winning CD called THE RIGHT TIME with a lovely tribute to the great Gershwin brothers. Giving even more credence to her lovely voice  are such respected musicians as Matt Wilson on drums, Gloria Cooper on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, Don Braden on saxophone, Jim Rotundi on trumpet, John Hart on guitar and Kahlil Kwame Bell on percussion. The most recognized Gershwin tunes are all here including the title track, “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “Somebody Loves Me,” “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “Embraceable You,” and several more. However, the secrets of Breyer-Grell’s influence on her listeners are revealed by her distinctive tones, harmonies and phrasings. She lends Gershwin’s lyrics new feelings and respectfully brings their context and meanings into the 21st Century. With all of the amazing songs in the Gershwin songbook, you can just about imagine how daunting a task it was to cut back the choices to the chosen tracks. So listen with open heart and mind because the pairing of Melody Breyer-Grill’s warm, resonant voice with the Gershwins’ songs, you dear listeners are in for a real treat.  BUY FASCINATIN’ RHYTHMS now. ROOTS & GROOVES Maceo Parker   Recorded live during a European tour in February and March 2007, ROOTS & GROOVES, is a two disc set on which saxophone legend Maceo Parker is accompanied by Germany’s WDR Big Band. Disc One is a brilliant tribute to the legendary Ray Charles and an equally amazing showcase for Parker’s own fiery brand of funk, soul and R&B. Several of Charles’ classics, i.e., “Hallelujah I Love Her So,” “Busted,” “Hit The Road Jack,” “What’d I Say,” among others, are perfect vehicles for Parker and the WDR to work their roots and grooves on both new and seasoned fans of the former James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic sideman.  Parker’s vocals conjure up so many memories of Ray Charles’ indelible tenor that any unsuspecting listener would think Parker was channeling his voice! In addition to Parker’s soulful vocals, the soloing offered by members of the WDR brings this disc to “Ray-vana.”  Frank Chastenier’s Hammond B3 solo on “Hallelujah I Love Her So,” gets a thunderous ovation from the audience as does their collaboration on “Georgia On My Mind.” Overall, this is a superb treat for fans of both legendary musicians and having their roots and grooves on one disc makes it all worth a trip to your nearest retailer.  Disc Two gets back to the funk and features big band arrangements of well-known Parker originals such as “Off The Hook,” “Advanced Funk,” and the 1970s funk anthem “Pass The Peas.” Both Dennis Chambers and Rodney “Skeet” Curtis (both P-Funk alumni) join Parker and the WDR to funk up the volume on these songs while Parker ratchets up his funky saxophonics for nearly 18 minutes to close out the set with “Pass The Peas.” For anyone who has ever been to a Maceo Parker concert, you’d better believe the audience wasn’t sitting down on this one! ROOTS & GROOVES is a sure sign that Maceo Parker hasn’t lost one beat, groove, move, or chop in his nearly four decades of funkin’ and grooving. Check it out. ~Paula Edelstein  RAYA YARBROUGH Raya Yarbrough   This debut recording from vocalist/songwriter/musician Raya Yarbrough merges jazz, pop and other styles in a sonic blend that should keep Yarbrough’s young fans interested for a long time. Clifford Brown’s “Joy Spring,” gets an update with electronic loops and manipulated sounds while “Sorrow’s Eyes,” follows a more straight ahead jazz path. Yarbrough definitely has certain vocal chops that stand out and with sufficient time, she’ll reach that special level of undeniability that only the best of jazz singers have attained. BUY RAYA YARBROUGH now. TEQUILA MOON Jessy J Jesse J joins the ranks of such contemporary female saxophonists as Mindi Abair and Candi Dulfer  with her debut release called TEQUILA MOON. Produced by the amazing Paul Brown, she couldn’t go wrong and as a result, this recording is definitely saying something! Paul and Jesse co-wrote several of the recording’s great songs including the title track, “Sin Ti,” and “Fiesta Velada.” While her saxophone playing is emphasized mostly throughout, it is her seductively, sweet voice that endears you to her musicality. On “Mas Que Nada” she takes a lighthearted romp through the lyrics before Greg Karukas solos behind the infectious rhythms of Sergio Gonzales and Richie Garcia.  “Bese Me Mucho” offers yet another splendid opportunity for Jesse to display her vocal prowess. Here she lovingly expresses a lover’s wish in subdued hushed tones. Her voice is fresh and friendly…not overly produced and just right for lovers of smooth jazz. Paul Brown’s genius as a guitarist and producer are on the long list of what makes this CD respectable. But along with the versatility of the musicians, Jesse’s cool tones, her hot saxophone licks and her lovely laid-back vocals and overall sensuality, TEQUILA MOON is one heck of a debut. I’m lovin’ it! Keep up the great work Jessy!  Check it out!