Blue Canoe Records proudly announces the release of Best of EMP Project, a newly remastered compilation album from the Southern-based jazz trio EMP Project, available worldwide on May 1, 2026.

Bringing together a powerful blend of modern jazz, fusion, groove, and improvisational interplay, Best of EMP Project revisits standout recordings originally captured between 2002 and 2005. These selections, drawn from the group’s debut EMP Project and sophomore release Wherever We Go, have been carefully remastered to introduce the trio’s music to a new generation of listeners.

At the core of EMP Project is a deeply rooted musical connection between three longtime collaborators:

• William Ellis (drums) — a Nashville-based, in-demand drummer known for his versatility across genres, with touring and recording credits including Montgomery Gentry, Travis Tritt, Martina McBride, and Hunter Hayes.


• Joseph Patrick Moore (double, electric & fretless bass) — a recording artist, composer, and producer with a career spanning over three decades, currently serving as bassist and back-up-band leader for Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère in Las Vegas.


• Shawn Perkinson (acoustic & electric guitar) — a respected educator and performer, serving as Commercial/Jazz Guitar instructor at Lee University, with a career that bridges jazz, rock, and contemporary styles.

The trio’s origins trace back to their time studying at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1989–1994), where they developed a shared musical language under the guidance of renowned educators including Jerry Coker, Donald Brown, Rusty Holloway, Keith Brown, Mark Boling and others. After years pursuing individual careers across the country, the musicians reunited—capturing lightning in a bottle during a series of live studio recordings in Atlanta, Georgia.

Recorded on August 6–7, 2002, with no rehearsals, the sessions document the trio’s raw chemistry, spontaneity, and collective musical intuition. Each member contributed original compositions, resulting in a truly collaborative artistic statement.

Track highlights include:
Warrior, Wherever We Go, Elise, Just Visiting, Ba Dump, Birdy, Quickly and Quietly, Night, and Synergy.

The original recordings were produced by EMP Project alongside Vic Stafford and Anita Walls, who also handled mixing and mastering. For this release, the material has been newly remastered by Joseph Patrick Moore at Abstract Truth Recording Studio (Henderson, NV), offering enhanced clarity while preserving the organic energy of the original performances.

Artist Quote
“This music captures a moment before life pulled us in different directions—three musicians reconnecting with no expectations, just trust and instinct. Remastering these recordings gave me the chance to hear that honesty again, and I’m excited to share it with listeners who may be discovering EMP Project for the first time.” — Joseph Patrick Moore


About the Release
Best of EMP Project serves as both a retrospective and a reintroduction—highlighting a trio whose musical roots run deep, and whose sound remains timeless, exploratory, and deeply connected.


Availability
Best of EMP Project is available on all major streaming platforms beginning May 1, 2026.
🔗 More info: Blue Canoe Records
🔗 Streaming: https://orcd.co/60y0e5b

Instrumentalist, Rafael Greco releases his Sophomore release on Blue Canoe titled, "Verses Under My Shadow". Now available, wherever you get your music!

AFTER LOSING — AND RECLAIMING — HER VOICE, LA TANYA HALL RETURNS WITH TRIUMPHANT NEW ALBUM, IF NOT NOW , WHEN…

La Tanya Hall — a vocalist, educator, and longtime Steely Dan touring member known for her story-driven approach and stylistic versatility — is honored to announce the upcoming release of If Not Now, When…, her most personal and intentional project to date. Born from a period of vocal silence and artistic
reflection, the album offers a thoughtfully curated collection of lesser-known songs chosen for their lyrical power and emotional weight. If Not Now, When… arrives October 10 via Blue Canoe Records.

Produced by Michael Leonhart, the project features an all-star band including saxophonist Gary Bartz, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, harmonicist Gregoire Maret, bassist Gerald Cannon, drummer Mark McLean, and guitarist Marvin Sewell. Across its eight tracks, Hall explores material that is often overlooked — songs chosen for their storytelling and emotional resonance.The result is a deeply personal and musically openhearted album shaped by Hall’s renewed artistic purpose following a prolonged loss of her voice during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Colorado native, Hall began performing at age 13 with her father, a jazz pianist. Her solo debut, It’s About Time (Bridge Records, 2008), earned praise from JazzTimes for “the keen interpretative smarts of Maxine Sullivan underscored by the elegant sophistication of Nancy Wilson,” calling her “marvelously dexterous.” Her 2019 follow-up, Say Yes (Blue Canoe), was hailed by ClevelandClassical.com for its “full, alluring color-palette, impeccable diction, and an expansive vocal range,” while JazzTimes highlighted the album’s “alternating glimpses of Hall’s various musical personas.”

In addition to her solo work, Hall has built a multifaceted career as a touring and session vocalist with Diana Ross, Bobby McFerrin, Seal, Harry Belafonte, Rob Thomas and Steely Dan; and as a jazz educator, building the vocal jazz program at Oberlin Conservatory, where she teaches today.

Hall contracted COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic and spent over five months recovering—much of it unable to speak, let alone sing. “I lost my voice completely,” she recalls. “It was terrifying. Singing has always been part of how I connect with the world, and suddenly that was gone.” As her voice slowly returned, self-doubt began to creep in. “I started to question everything — was I ready to record again? Would it be good enough? Would people want to hear it?” It was her husband, pianist Andy Milne, who broke through the hesitation: If not now, when? “It was kind of a lightning bolt,” Hall says. “I’ve been making music for a long time, and I realized I still have things to say.”

She immersed herself in seldom-recorded repertoire, seeking out songs with lyrical substance and emotional weight. “I’ve always been drawn to the rare gem,” she says. “Songs that haven’t been overly done — that tell a story.” From there, she assembled not just a band of master musicians, but a circle of
collaborators she trusted on a deeper level. “I wanted to be surrounded by people who would allow me to be vulnerable,” she explains. “People who play with heart and create space for a vocalist.”

At Teaneck Sound in Teaneck, New Jersey, this trusted circle of musicians brought Hall’s vision to life with warmth and precision. The first track, Horace Silver’s “Pretty Eyes,” sets the tone—a lilting, harmonically rich ballad featuring saxophonist Gary Bartz and trumpeter Eddie Henderson. Both longtime collaborators and fellow faculty members at Oberlin Conservatory, the two bring a fluid, intuitive rapport to the tune. “They already have a musical history and bond that comes alive when they play together,” Hall says. “I was nervous to ask them — but neither one of them hesitated to say yes.”

Hall was inspired to put her own stamp on “Cornfield” (Randy Newman’s “Let’s Burn Down the Cornfield,” originally from his 1970 album 12 Songs) after hearing Lou Rawls’ seminal interpretation. Staying true to her mission of championing overlooked songs, Hall and her band deliver a stripped-down arrangement that emphasizes the track’s haunting quality and nuanced storytelling.

The vocalist then turns her attention to another underappreciated gem, Abbey Lincoln’s seldom-covered “A Turtle’s Dream.” Drawn to Lincoln’s insightful lyricism and unique compositional voice, Hall presents the tune with sensitivity and grace. Pianist Cyrus Chestnut sets the tone with what Hall describes as “one
of the most beautiful solo openings,” providing a gentle, reflective foundation for her vocal storytelling.

Hall emphasizes the modern day relevance of Oscar Brown Jr.’s “Long As You’re Living,” a joyful meditation on gratitude and the preciousness of life. In a nod to the broader cultural moment, she highlights the song’s central message: “No matter what side of the fence you fall on, we have to lead with love.”

Returning to Abbey Lincoln’s rich songbook, Hall puts her stamp on “Tender as a Rose,” another rarely covered tune. Guitarist Marvin Sewell’s intuitive playing particularly shines here—Hall notes their immediate, deep musical connection, describing the recorded performance as their very first take. Reflecting on their nearly 30-year friendship, Hall calls Sewell “a wonder” and highlights the unspoken understanding that permeates their collaboration.

On If Not Now, When…, Hall makes a deliberate effort to spotlight female composers, and her selection of Bernice Petkere’s “Lullabye of the Leaves” speaks directly to that intent. Acknowledging that Petkere’s contributions have often been overlooked, Hall uses this performance as an opportunity to honor her legacy and artistry.

The album concludes with two songs from different sides of the musical realm. The first, “Azure,” is from Duke Ellington’s expansive repertoire, co-written by Ellington and Irving Mills. Hall chose the rarely performed composition specifically to highlight its sophisticated melodic contours and emotional subtlety. The second, “Day Dreaming,” is an Aretha Franklin classic that has been stripped down to an intimate acoustic conversation between Hall, guitarist Sewell and Maret on harmonica. This bare-bones approach lets each phrase land with quiet assurance, ending the album on a note of spacious resolve.

“I just want to keep spreading light and music,” Hall concludes, her voice and confidence restored. “That’s my main goal in this existence.”

For Immediate Release
Press Contact:
Lydia Liebman Promotions
[email protected]
570 - 730 - 5297

Los Angeles, CA – GRAMMY® Award-winning composer, trumpeter, and visionary bandleader John Daversa returns with the fourth installment of his dynamic live series, Improvisatory Observatory: Live and Raw at The Baked Potato, Exhibit 4, available everywhere on August 29th, 2025 via Blue Canoe Records.

Recorded at the legendary World Famous Baked Potato in Los Angeles, this raw and unfiltered live performance captures Daversa’s celebrated big band in full swing—pushing sonic boundaries and redefining the big band idiom in real-time.

“I’m ever grateful to this amazing band that continues to grow and push musical boundaries every night,” says Daversa. “And a big thank you to The Baked Potato for providing us a home these past decades.”

The album features three genre-defying tracks that explore humor, heart, and high-octane improvisation:

1. Some Happy Sh#t (15:29)
   Featuring John Daversa (EVI) and Kirsten Edkins (tenor saxophone)
2. 8-Track Albums (talking) (0:57)
3. Your Mother (talking) (19:33)
   Featuring standout solos from Paul Young (trombone), Charlie Morillas (trombone), Derek Pyle (trombone), George Thatcher (bass trombone), Anne King (trumpet), Zane Carney (guitar), and Phil O’Connor (clarinet)

Personnel Highlights:

• John Daversa – Director, Composer, Conductor, Trumpet, EVI
• Saxes/Woodwinds: Jeff Driskill, Phil O’Connor, Sal Lozano, Kirsten Edkins, Phil Feather
• Trumpets/Flugelhorns: Chad Willis, Janelle Finton, Barbara Laronga, Anne King
• Trombones: Charlie Morillas, Derek Pyle, Paul Young, George Thatcher
• Rhythm Section: Zane Carney (guitar), Jerry Watts, Jr. (bass), Gene Coye (drums)

Blue Canoe Records proudly announces the highly anticipated return of the Dave Pope Trio with their new album “Skyline,” available July 18, 2025. This release reunites drummer Dave Pope, pianist and bassist Mike Pope, and world-renowned bassist John Patitucci in a soulful, spontaneous, and deeply expressive collection of originals and jazz standards.

After a 14-year hiatus following their acclaimed debut You and The Night and The Music (2012), the trio reconnected in August 2024 at Vatican City Sound in Marriottsville, MD. Despite having no live performances together in the interim—and with minimal rehearsal—what emerged was a session overflowing with chemistry, creativity, and courage.
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“Skyline” features two original compositions—Dave Pope’s title track “Skyline” and “Country Nocturne” by Mike Pope—alongside a curated selection of jazz classics including:

• “Hermitage” (Pat Metheny)
• “Very Early” (Bill Evans)
• “Falling Grace” (Steve Swallow)
• “ESP” (Wayne Shorter)
• “Minority” (Gigi Gryce)

Of special note is the unique interpretation of “Falling Grace,” which features both Mike and John on 6-string electric bass, transforming the trio into a piano/guitar-style ensemble for this track.

The recording nearly faced a setback when Mike Pope suffered a detached retina just one week prior to the session—his second eye surgery in recent months. Despite limited vision, he pressed forward with determination and humor, even jokingly suggesting the album be titled Flying Blind. Thankfully, Mike has since fully recovered, and his performances on this recording are nothing short of remarkable.

Reflecting on the experience, Dave Pope shares:
“We covered a lot of musical ground in just two days. Although we hadn’t played live as a group, the session flowed naturally. I’m proud of what we captured and grateful to have had this opportunity with Mike and John.”
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About Dave Pope:
An Atlanta-based multi-instrumentalist (drums, guitar, bass), Dave Pope has spent decades cultivating a diverse musical career spanning the Midwest, East Tennessee, and the Southeast. From garage bands at 14 to sessions with jazz luminaries like Randy Brecker, Joe Gransden, and Louis Heriveaux, Dave brings a deep well of experience and artistic sensitivity to every project.

About Mike Pope:
An acclaimed bassist, pianist, composer, and educator, Mike Pope is a faculty member at Berklee College of Music. He’s known for his extensive solo work and collaborations with artists like Chick Corea, Al Di Meola, and David Sanborn.

About John Patitucci:
A multiple Grammy Award-winning bassist, John Patitucci has played with legends including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Esperanza Spalding. His unmistakable sound and virtuosity are on full display throughout Skyline.


“Skyline” by the Dave Pope Trio is a testament to resilience, chemistry, and timeless artistry. Available on all major digital platforms July 18, 2025, via Blue Canoe Records.
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