 Blue Canoe Records proudly announces the release of Live At Alvas, the powerful new live album from renowned guitarist, composer, improviser, and film scorer Lyle Workman, arriving worldwide on June 12th, 2026 via digital streaming platforms through The Orchard. Recorded live at the intimate and artist-driven Alvas Showroom in San Pedro, California on November 22nd, 2025, Live At Alvas captures Workman in his purest musical environment — leading his own ensemble through an evening of adventurous, emotionally charged progressive jazz rock fusion. Best known to many for his work as a celebrated film composer, session guitarist, and touring musician with artists including Sting, Beck, and more recently Sarah McLachlan, Workman steps fully into the spotlight on Live At Alvas, showcasing not only his virtuosic guitar work, but also his identity as a composer, improviser, and band leader. The recording features an exceptional ensemble of musicians:
Together, the group delivers a dynamic and deeply musical performance that blends cinematic textures, progressive improvisation, modern fusion, and expressive interplay. The album features all original compositions by Workman, with the exception of “What If,” written by legendary Steve Morse of Dixie Dregs and Deep Purple fame. Far from a polished studio construct, Live At Alvas intentionally embraces the energy and spontaneity of a real live performance. The recording highlights Workman’s commanding live guitar voice while offering listeners a rare glimpse into the musical chemistry and artistic freedom of his touring ensemble. Recording engineering for the project was handled by Jairo Camacho, with additional engineering by Art Valdez. Mixing and mastering were completed by Workman himself, further reflecting the personal and hands-on nature of the project. Art direction and layout were created by Lyle’s son Wyatt Workman, adding another deeply personal layer to the release. With Live At Alvas, Lyle Workman delivers more than a live album — he delivers a document of musicianship, connection, improvisation, and artistic honesty from one of contemporary music’s most versatile and respected guitarists. Live At Alvas will be available June 12th, 2026 on all major digital and streaming platforms.  EMP Project Releases Best of EMP Project — A Remastered Collection of Modern Jazz Trio Recordings5/2/2026  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:
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 is proud to announce the release of Terminus, the full-length album from Cryptic Cadet, a bold new art-rock trio comprised of renowned musicians d. mark owen (Cirque Du Soleil), drummer Cam Tyler (Cirque Du Soleil), and the legendary bassist Tim Lefebvre (David Bowie, Tedeschi Trucks Band). The 11-song collection of all-original music will be available worldwide on June 13, 2025, across all major streaming platforms and music retailers. At the crossroads of progressive rock, cinematic soundscapes, and deeply emotive songwriting, Terminus is a sonic journey that defies conventional genre boundaries. Spearheaded by d. mark owen’s visionary production, arrangement, and mixing, the album is a meticulously crafted showcase of musical depth and emotional intensity. The project is elevated by an impressive lineup of guest artists, including guitar luminaries Michael Landau, Lyle Workman, and Matt Ascione. Vocals are powerfully delivered by Will Champlin (NBC’s The Voice, Season 5 finalist), with soulful background harmonies from Lucy Woodward (Snarky Puppy, Pink, Chaka Khan) and Ken “Fletch” Walcott. Track Listing – Terminus
Cryptic Cadet’s Terminus is more than a sophomore release—it’s a statement.   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.    Guitar phenom Dan Baraszu creates a twenty-song solo guitar album titled, "Lone Guitar" featuring multi-genre interpretations of the American SongBook from jazz to rock, pop, and in-between.  Fresh is the best one-word summation of XYZ. Jeff Richman’s eighteenth record as a leader, and first since 2016’s dynamic Sizzle, keenly addresses the old adage that “good things come to those who wait.” Richman’s ensemble is anchored by rhythm section giants Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Haslip, as well as by keyboardists George Whitty, Scott Kinsey, Mitchel Forman, Otmaro Ruiz and trumpet soloist Jeff Beal. Nine original songs, led by Richmans’ compositional imagination, are propelled by the dynamics of the band’s improvisational skills. While Richman’s well established signature sound is gracefully in place, XYZ expands the directional scope, and pops with a modern-day swagger.  |
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTISTS
|
RELEASES
|
SOCIAL
|
BCR
|
© 2003-2026 Blue Canoe Records & Blue Canoe Digital LLC.
All Rights Reserved