Category: Reviews

  • Nicolas Bearde shares the recording process of ” I Remember You”

    The recording of “I Remember You.” by Nicolas Bearde narrated by producer and arranger Josh Nelson

    Nicolas Bearde re-imagines Nat King Cole’s classic songs strongly influenced by the beautiful phrasing of Nat King Cole’s daughter, Natalie Cole. Make sure you catch him live  at the Vibrato Grill, LA for his Ella and Joe tribute September 20; House Concert in Highland Park, Los Angeles, September 21; KCSM-FM San Mateo – LIVE w/Alisa Clancey, San Mateo, CA, October 3rd; Yoshi’s Oakland – CD Release Celebration, October 8th; Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz, October 24; Sequoia Room, Nicolas Bearde’s own Quintet, Fort Bragg, CA, October 26; For details more dates and tickets visit: Nicolas Bearde Calendar 

    I Remember You, CD Release by Nicolas Bearde

    If I had to choose just one day
    To last my whole life through
    It would surely be that Sunday

    The day that I met you Newborn whippoorwills were calling from the hills
    Summer was a-coming in but fast
    Lots of daffodils were showing off their skills
    Nodding all together, I could almost hear them whisper
    Go on, kiss her, go on and kiss her

    And if I had to choose one moment
    To live within my heart
    It would be that tender moment
    Recalling how we started
    Darling, it would be when you smiled at me
    That way, that Sunday, that summer

    Newborn whippoorwills were calling from the hills
    Summer was a-comin’ in but fast
    Lots of daffodils were showin’ off their skills
    Nodding all together, I could almost hear them whisper
    Go on, kiss her, go on and kiss her

    If I had to choose one moment
    To live within my heart
    It would be that tender moment
    Recalling how we started
    Darling, it would be when you smiled at me
    That way, that Sunday, that summer

    If I had to choose just one day

    Source: LyricFind
    Songwriters: George David Weiss / Joe Sherman
    That Sunday, That Summer (1992 Digital Remaster)
    lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Concord Music Publishing LLC

    Nicolas Bearde’s 6th solo CD, is produced and arranged by Josh Nelson. Nicolas Bearde recreates the timeless songs of one of his earliest influences, Nat “King” Cole in his very own style like classic jazz with a pleasant old Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald style pop influence. His passionate performance brings back youthful memories as though they were new and in the presents. The fresh arrangements by the amazing Josh Nelson the long-time pianist for the late and beloved Natalie Cole bring her Jazz influence on her dad’s song alive. The sultry saxophone created by special guest Eric Alexander, Tenor Saxophonist adds a lot of texture to the album.

    Nicolas Bearde’s new album “I Remember You” is played on most Jazz Music Platforms and will be performed around the world. Today ranks at 21st on the Jazz Week Chart.

    In case you don’t know Nicolas Bearde you will enjoy the summary by Kumbwaa Jazz who describe his new album and performances as: Jazz vocalist Nicolas Bearde has won accolades from critics and jazz audiences worldwide for his velvet tone and engaging performances. His music has been critically acclaimed by Jazziz, JazzTimes, Jazz Week, and All About Jazz and Beard’s fifth solo album, Invitation, rose quickly to the Top 20 on the Jazz Week charts. Bearde first made his mark in jazz as part of Bobby McFerrins’ revolutionary a cappella group Voicestra, all while carving out his own solo career.  His silky baritone invites comparisons to Jon Lucien, Lou Rawls, and Joe Williams, and his new album re-imagines the timeless songs of one of his earliest influences, Nat King Cole. With supple phrasing, passionate delivery, and fresh arrangements by Josh Nelson (long-time pianist for the late Natalie Cole), Bearde breathes new life into Cole’s trove of enduring classics which include “Sweet Lorraine”, “L-O-V-E”, “Straighten up and Fly Right”, and “Tenderly”.

    Bearde breathes new life into Nat’s trove of enduring classics which include “Tenderly”, “Straighten up and Fly Right”, “Sweet Lorraine” and “Funny.” Join Nicolas Bearde international fan club by following him via.

    Website: http://www.nicolasbearde.com Connect via Social Media: – Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nicolasbearde – Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nicolasbearde – Newsletter signup: http://nicolasbearde.com/pages/signup

  • Mesmerica feels uplifting

    Mesmerica feels uplifting

    The show is designed to literally play with your emotions in an uplifting way. It works. The music immediately puts you into spa mode. The body relaxes as if you are having a hot rock treatment, with a body scrub, and your favorite full body massage.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076MPNSTH

    The video provides uplifting messages about relaxation, forgiveness, togetherness and they are intermingled with the sounds of gongs that bring back memories of fabulous mediation sessions. Instant relaxation.

    James Hood has perfected his musical genius. He is still able to make you feel your own feelings, like he did back when he played with the Pretenders. Since then he became one of the founding musicians of the world music genre. He perfected his art with a two-decades-plus run as a visionary ambient/electronica composer and performer. His sonic incense “Ceremony” and Pure Ceremony reached #1 on World and New Age charts in US and Canada.  

    Mesamerica is an instant classic that will be celebrated for many years to come. It represents a trend that will certainly swell as more people become aware of the soothing and healing effect it has – literally – on the body by encouraging the release of endorphins, seratonin, and other happy hormones. Mesamerica is there to reboot your body and soul and it has a long lasting effect.

    It was produced by Poseidon Music who report: “The show is now running simultaneously in 12 North American cities, selling out 9/10 shows. 40,000 tickets and counting.”

    And then there is the art and the production of this master piece. The art is world class.

    The most spectacular thing about this experience to me is the art by Tatiana Plakhova. It is mesmerizing on this little video. Just imagine it or watch it in a setting that allows you to see a large dome of into which the video will draw you travel as you experience the cosmic journey with surround sound.

    Tatiana Plakhova describes her art as infographics, which makes sense. She transmits so much more than just a pretty pictures. Her art communicates – it is the art of the future, now.

    “The main idea is to show a new way of “infographic” drawings. Because everything we see is biological, mathematical or geological information. It can also be cultural patterns or any other thing. Complexity Graphics works are based on mathematical simplicity and harmony. I would describe them as infographic abstracts. This mathematical style helps me to illustrate everything from biological cell to the space and meditative worlds. That’s why I admire by math, because it’s everywhere and nowhere” 
    Tatiana Plakhova

    We will try to find out more information behind the many amazing people behind this new form of entertainment that is certainly here to stay. Stay tuned!

  • “Mabagwe—a Tribute to Los Mayores” nominated for the Cubadisco Award

    Michael Spiro on Facebook: “I am usually very hesitant to post things on Facebook about my accomplishments. It always seems a little self-serving. But in this case, I can’t help it. Jose Luis Seluma and I are very honored and proud to have been nominated for a Cubadisco award (the Cuban “Grammies”) in the “Tradicion Afro-Cubana” category for our CD, “Mabagwe—a Tribute to Los Mayores” .

    It is hard for us to imagine that we could even be considered in the same group of artists as “Los Munequitos de Matanzas” and “Ochareo”. It is almost embarrassing for us, since Los Munequitos have always been, and will always be our idols. And so for once the cliché is true—just to be nominated in the same category is the honor of a lifetime. 

    We must of course thank our multi-talented producer, Jesus Diaz, and all the great artists who recorded with us—Lali, El Gato Gatell, Fito Reinoso, Colin Douglas, Genesies Reinoso, Beatriz Godinez, Jesus Gonzalez, Ivan Camblor, and El Rubio, Jason McGuire.

    Obviously Seluma and I couldn’t be at the nominating ceremony in La Habana, so we don’t yet have our plaque—As soon as we can get a photo, we’ll share it with you!”

    Michael Spiro knows how to surround himself and inspire the world’s best musicians.

    Michael Spiro writes, performs, and produces critically acclaimed instructional books and DVDs on percussion, and he launched two ground-breaking educational websites which offer complete instruction on Cuban and Brazilian percussion over the internet: CongaMasterClass.com and SambaMasterClass.com. Michael Spiro continues to be in demand as a guest artist at universities worldwide, and is a frequent presenter at national and statewide conventions of the Percussive Arts Society. 

    He regularly performs with the reknowned percussionist Karl Perazzo, Wayne Wallace,

    “BÁKINI En el Nuevo Mundo” (produced with Joe Galvin) had an official release date of September 21st, 2017. Previously he participated in these Grammy Nominated projects:

    2017 – Michael Spiro and Wayne Wallace, Patois Records

    2015 – The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, Patois Records

    2014 – The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, Patois Records

    2012 – John Santos and Grupo Folklorico Kindembo, Machete Records

    2010 – The Wayne Wallace Jazz Quintet, Patois Records

    2008 – John Santos and Grupo Folklorico Kindembo, Machete Records

    2003 – Mark Levine and the Latin Tinge, Left Coast Clave Records (producer and artist)

    1996 – Changuito/Patato Valdez/Orestes Vilato, Round World Records

    1989 – Mark Murphy/Viva Brasil, Muse Records

    https://www.mikespiro.com/bio

  • Buddy Craig Leaving in the Morning -2004 and this new gem by Martin Holland.


    Friday Night Live (Roseville Cable access TV) October 15th, 2004 featuring Buddy Craig, Sean Barfly, Bruce Spencer, and Marty Holland. Original music and words by Buddy Craig.

    This band is so “California” yu can go out into a little town and suddenly hear the most amazing music. These guys know their instruments. For instance, Martin Holland who is the bassist in this video.  He played with the industry-greats and he plays no matter what, since he is a true musician.   Check out this gem.

    It is from Martin Holldand with this quote to y’all:

    “The test subject for the next test subject. The wheels go round and round, as always! With LOVE and hamburgers to all my friends!”

    Learn more about Martin Holland by visiting:  www.martinholland.com