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

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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Blue Canoe Records proudly presents The Trouble With Dogma, the highly anticipated sophomore release from multi-instrumentalist and composer Neal Bowen. Officially dropping July 11th, 2025, the album is a dynamic journey through instrumental jazz and progressive rock, showcasing Bowen’s visionary approach to genre-blending and sonic storytelling.

Following the success of his debut, Neal Bowen returns with a bold, exploratory statement that expands his musical palette. On The Trouble With Dogma, Bowen commands bass, keys, guitar, and oversees the mixing and mastering process, underlining his deep creative control and artistic range. The project also features a powerful lineup of collaborators:

• Jason Cooper (drums, co-producer)
• Patrick Register (flute)
• Tom Clary (trumpet)
• Jim Spake (saxophone)
• Andrew Cook (trombone)

From complex rhythmic interplay to lush harmonic layers, The Trouble With Dogma challenges convention while remaining accessible and emotionally resonant. It’s a vivid instrumental experience that invites listeners to explore themes of structure, belief, and liberation — all without a single lyric.

Released via Blue Canoe Records, the album continues the label’s mission to spotlight original, forward-thinking artists in the world of jazz, fusion, and beyond.
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The Trouble With Dogma will be available on all major streaming platforms on July 11th, 2025. 

Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Producer, and Educator Randy Hoexter releases a dynamic eleven song album titled "Tomorrowsville" Featuring: Mike Stern, Jimmy Haslip, Emrah Kotan, Sam Skelton, John David,  Gordon Vernick, Justin Powell, Eric Alexander, and Roberta Setzu. ​Now available wherever you get your music!

A highly talented composer, guitarist, author and educator specializing in Latin and contemporary jazz, Neff Irizarry follows in the footsteps of Jim Hall, Pat Metheny and Steve Khan. His unique blend of progressive Latin Jazz displays Puerto Rican “Sabor” and a Nordic cool called “Sisu.” 

​Featured in The European Real Book (Sher Music Co., 2007), Neff has joined the ranks of the most esteemed European composers of jazz. And, with his works, Contemporary Latin Jazz Guitar Vol. 1 and Vol. 2: Solos (Sher Music Co., 2021 & 2024), Neff has provided the most comprehensive books on Latin Jazz Guitar ever written. 

His latest release titled, "Cambio (Change)" features Jimmy Haslip, Martin Fabricius, and Ricardo Padilla. 

Bassist, Composer, and Producer Joseph Patrick Moore interprets Sting's composition titled, "Captain Bateman's Basement". This cover song features J.P.M. on fretless bass, programming, production, mixing, and mastering. Learn More - Click Here

Keyboard Wizard, Producer, Composer, and former Curtis Mayfield alumnus Buzz Amato releases a carefully crafted eleven song album titled Muse Café. This eleven song collection features music inspired by each of the Greek Muses and showcases his writing, arranging, production as well as his keyboard skills.