Category: Reviews

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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

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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!

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“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

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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

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Leigh Jones Debut CD “Music In My Soul”

Leigh Jones "Music in our Soul"
Leigh Jones “Music in our Soul”

We recommend you listen to this new album and go to Leigh Jones’ performance when she comes to town. She reminds us why the UC Jazz Ensembles must have vocals lessons again. The world needs female vocalists like Leigh Jones that have intelligence and poise. 

“Music in my Soul” debuted with 13 tracks. What’s interesting about Jones is that she doesn’t seem to fall into the studio pre-fab, female pop singers, who sometimes don’t have the musical chops to back it up. Her CD is worth taking a listen to. If you give her a chance, you may be hooked in enough to listen to the entire CD, like I was. It definitely has a mellow, jazzy feel to it. Some standout tracks: “Music,” “Free Fall” “All This Love,” “Have it Your Way,” “Sick of Fools” and “I’m Leavin’ You.” Copy Editor Felicia, CNN.com 

Only once in an era does a young performer come along who is so dazzling, so captivating and so undeniable in their talent that they gather the gale force of the most respected icons in the business beneath their wings. Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Leigh Jones is that amazing once in a lifetime artist. Jazz HQ 

With wide ranging musical influences from Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Marvin Gaye, to D’Angelo, Jill Scott and Joss Stone, Leigh Jones has managed to carve out a niche in the extremely competitive world of the music business.  Her debut album on Peak Records entitled “Music In My Soul” is a definitive statement from this dynamic, new artist. Very personal in nature, this album features the unique song styling that is sultry, sexy and insightful. Her rich, soulful style mixed with jazz and R & B influences create a distinct retro sound throughout the album. Kerry Gordy, KGE Entertainment, manages her career and produced her album with assistance of Lorenzo Pryor, Bruce Fisher, and input from his father Berry Gordy. 

David Nathan of Soul Music asked Leigh Jones: “How did you originally meet Kerry Gordy?” Leigh Jones answered: When I was at a performing arts school in Los Angeles, I worked with a producer, Lorenzo Pryor. We recorded a few things as a way for me to get my foot in the door but I shook my head because the kind of things we were doing were a little ‘punk’-y and not really where my heart was musically. I worked with some other producers who were looking more for a Britney Spears/Christina Aguilera kind of singer and I was not going to be slithering around onstage! 

Lorenzo told me he had a good friend, Kerry(Gordy), who was looking for a project and after we met, he told me, ‘100 girls came in before you.’ The next day, we were recording! “Sick Of Fools” was one of the first three songs we ever did together.

Everything started from there. Since last September the CD shot up the charts to rave reviews, deservedly so. The CD features songs that are heartfelt, have intelligent and timely lyrics, with a sound that gives you the feeling instantly that you are listening to a classic hit album. Kerry Gordy and Leigh Jones successfully bring intelligence back into their new music while keeping this jazzy CD young and fresh. Watch her “Free Fall” video on U-tube MORE

“A star is born! Finally, a fresh voice, a musical talent not seen for at least a generation. I am stunned. Ms. Jones has the voice, the musical training and the expressive feeling to interpret the songs well chosen for this album.”
-Raymondo, A reviewer, www.barnesandnoble.com

“blue-eyed soul.” Once a label applied to white musicians who sang with an R&B influence, it’s been tossed around so often that any non-black performer, is labeled as such. Fortunately for true soul fans, Leigh Jones overcomes this cliché with her exquisitely enjoyable debut, Music in My Soul.
-Melody Charles, Soul Tracks

“Leigh Jones wins!!! “Favorite Female Breakout Artist of the Year Award” by the “American Society of Young Musicians” in Las Vegas along with Justin Timberlake and Wayne Newton.”
-ASYM, 16Th Annual ASYM Awards

“Throughout my career I have been blessed to discover many great musical talents. I feel Leigh Jones is destined to be one of the next great stars. She can do it all – Pop, R&B, Jazz and Blues. She’s awesome!” -Berry Gordy
-Berry Gordy, Music in My Soul

Talking Smooth Jazz welcomes, singer/songwriter and new Peak Records recording artist Leigh Jones. Destined to be herald as possibly the most naturally soulful white female R&B singer since Teena Marie.”
-Robin Loves Music, A reviewer, Talking Smooth Jazz 

THIS LADY IS QUITE SIMPLY THIS LADY IS QUITE SIMPLY STUNNING. Everyone should buy 2 cds cause you are definitely gonna wear out the first one. GO BUY THE CD Lets have a crossover hit. “
-Dave the Rave, Soul Tracks MORE 

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Karen Blixt and Frank Martin’s second record will be performed at Yoshi’s April 15th, 2008

Karen Blixt -Mad Hope
Frank Martin on piano with Karen Blixt

Karen Blixt and her “Mad Hope” ~ Frank’s second record he produced for Karen Blixt. Yoshi’s on the 15th April in Oakland. The show will be open to the public. On trumpet will be Randy Brecker from the Brecker Brothers. Frank Martin on piano and keyboard. We also will have well known pianist Patrice Rushen. On guitar will be Jose Neto of the Steve Winwood band. On percussion will be Alex Acuna from the Weather Report band. Bassist Abraham Laboriel, who is the most recorded bass player in history and former Yellowjacket member William Kennedy as the drummer will round out the rhythm section. Vocalist Kenny Washington will make a guest appearance as well. On the CD he recorded one song as a duet with Karen.