 The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra’s debut cd for Blue Canoe Records, “Blues Man from Memphis”, is a most adventurous big band effort featuring the work of Donald Brown. The recording also highlights the prodigious talents of three other world renowned artists: bassist John Clayton, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, and saxophonist Greg Tardy. Pianist Donald Brown (who also produced the cd) is considered to be one of the most innovative composers in the field of jazz today. Among the many accolades Brown has received, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis says: “Donald Brown is a genius.” Bassist Ron Carter adds: “For those who look around and ask, ‘Where is the next great jazz composer? Who is going to lead the music into the twenty-first century?’ Look no further. Donald Brown is here.” Brown’s compositions have been recorded by many artists. Wynton Marsalis’ recording of “Insane Asylum” on “J-Mood” was nominated for a Grammy, as was Donald Byrd’s recording of “Theme for Malcolm”.  L to R: Donald Brown, John Clayton, Stefon Harris As a testimonial to Donald Brown’s expertise as a piano player, the late Art Blakey professed: “Donald Brown is one of my favorite accompanists with The Jazz Messengers since Cedar Walton and Walter Bishop, Jr.” The KJO is a supercharged, motivated ensemble formed in 1999 by trumpet player/arranger Vance Thompson. Although a large group (17+ members), they perform regularly and have played prestigious venues such as The Montreaux Jazz Festival. The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra has a wide fan base, largely due to the enthusiasm incurred by compelling and exciting arrangements and famous guest artists. All of the compositions on this cd are by Donald Brown. The arrangements and orchestrations are by Vance Thompson and Bill Mobley, respectively. “Blues Man from Memphis” is an ingenious, inspired work for the contemporary jazz big band. Twenty-first century jazz is alive and thriving.
 "E.J. Hughes is a talented musician who understands the beauties and intricacies of the music, an artist destined to make a valuable contribution to this art form" - Sam Rivers (Grammy Nominated Artist)
EJ Hughes has performed with: * Joe Lovano * Sam Rivers RivBea Orchestra * Speech & Arrested Development EJ Hughes CD, "Something To Say" is an amazing array of original tunes that will inspire the avid jazz fan and novice alike. "Something To Say" is a refreshing CD from this uniquely original saxophonist.  Bob Marbach's debut EP CD, "Out At Night" is a collection of masterful, playful and original contemporary compositions. This jazz trio swings, twists and slides through a journey of skillful improvisations.
Bob Marbach has performed and/or recorded with many diverse artists such as: * Bill Frisell * Phineas Newborn Jr. * Pete Yellin * Kenny Garrett * Jimmy Witherspoon * Blue Mitchell * Mike Pope * William Parker * Bill Mobley * Alex Chilton * The Moody Blues * Smokey Robinson
E.M.P. Project’s debut and inspiring jazz trio recording, captures the magic, spirit and spontaneity of these gifted young artists. While ensconced in the jazz tradition, they borrow from other contemporary elements and styles to create a musical landscape and wonderland of sounds. Ellis, Moore and Perkinson will have you humming their melodies, dancing to their rhythms, and they’ll dazzle you with their amazing technical abilities. This debut effort from E.M.P. Project will demonstrate why Ellis, Moore and Perkinson are three of the youngest and brightest up and coming names on the jazz scene today.
The Commercial Appeal, September 28th, 1996
Review by Bill Ellis Memphis, TN The Commercial Appeal If ever a case could be made for an ongoing jazz scene in Memphis, Moore's disc is it. The bass player's hand-picked ensemble is a roll call of the best of the best, including Jim Spake, Carl Wolfe, trumpeters Scott Thompson and Bill Mobley and clarinetist Lannie McMillian. Heard as well is Hammond B-3 organ phenom Charlie Wood and DDT Big Band singer Kelly Hurt, who adds a silky scat to one tune. That Moore could gather such esteemed talent for his self-produced disc speaks volumes of the jazz bassman's talents. Moore, who has been featured in notable guitar magazines, plays around town these days with the Memphis Groovetet. His funky bass lines will bring to mind Stanley Clarke and Jaco Pastorius, which is not bad company. He even does an all-bass arrangement of Coltrane's Giant Steps that makes such recent bass arranged efforts by Rob Wasserman puerile in comparison. Full of melodic invention and deft charts, Moore's own compositions are much more than excuses to jam (something Pastorius wasn't always sensitive to). Moore's locally made NNL can hold its own with any national contemporary jazz record on the market today and deserves major label distribution. |
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