Dynamite duo Dan Baraszu and David Ellington have teamed up for an explosive eponymous debut album. With live wire Marlon Patton on drums, this band is raising eyebrows in the Atlanta area. Hammond B-3 superstar Dave Ellington moved to Atlanta, GA in 2005 after 22 years in New Orleans playing and recording with dozens of acts including Walter "Wolfman" Washington and the late gospel and blues great Marva Wright. While in New Orleans he studied with Ellis Marsalis and created Chevere, an afro-Cuban jazz project. Their release entitled, "Baila Mi Ritmo" was chosen by Times Picayune music critic Keith Spera as one of the 'Top 20 recordings' of 2001. Since Hurricane Katrina, Ellington has spent time in Atlanta gigging with numerous jazz, blues and soul outfits while working on the Organ Trio. Rising jazz guitar dynamo Dan Baraszu had been burning up the Atlanta jazz scene since graduation from Berklee College of Music and The University of Miami. While versed in many styles, Baraszu found his love for jazz at a young age when he discovered Wes Montgomery. Since arriving in Atlanta, he has freelanced for the top jazz players in town and once Ellington arrived, they just seemed to find each other. ”B3 Organ and guitar have always been such a great combination. Something about the sustain of the organ and the percussiveness attack of the guitar are very complimentary. I have always wanted to play with a cat like Dave that knows the tradition but also strives to push the music forward into new realms”, says Baraszu. Since connecting, the dynamic duo have combined in numerous configurations but none felt as satisfying as the Organ Trio. “I love what happens when we play together (in the organ trio format); the sound, the vibe, the songs - everything!” informs Ellington. Hailing from Atlanta, Marlon Patton has literally played drums his entire life. He studied music at The University of Georgia and has vast experience in genres as diverse as modern and straight ahead jazz, rock, hip hop, Latin, salsa and afro-Cuban. He records and performs year-round all over the world and boast performance credits with John Patitucci, Rufus Reid, Wycliffe Gordon, Mike Wofford and Sade. The album opens with "Road Rage" and displays magical interplay between guitar and organ. The conversation is colorful and the guitar solo embraces Baraszu's inner George Benson. When Ellington fires up on his B-3, hints of Joey DeFrancesco and Jimmy Smith are exposed while New Orleans echoes throughout. When the funky Doodah Man rolls out, Marlon Patton's groove sets the tone for delightful interaction that is accessible and radio ready. The compilation closes with a smokin' interpretation of the 1962 Quincy Jones classic, Soul Bossa Nova. The intertwined guitar and B-3 forces a smile at the familiar melody while eliciting awe at the fresh delivery. "Dan Baraszu & David Ellington Organ Trio" is a rollercoaster of jazz, funk and soul that will please a diverse listening audience and leave the listener anxious for more. This is a trio to watch in 2014 and beyond. Friendship, Hope, Joy, Inspiration, Desire, Peace and Strength are just some of the words that can describe the latest Blue Canoe Records release from Grammy Award winner Yonrico Scott. Mr. Scott takes the listener on a funk rock journey through the blues and delivers them with the feel of a gospel revival. On "Be In My World", Scott plays the role of percussionist, vocalist and co-producer while getting some help from old friends. Yonrico Scott is an American Grammy Award-winning drummer and percussionist. He was a longtime member of The Derek Trucks Band and is currently the drummer for recent sensation Royal Southern Brotherhood featuring Devon Allman, and Cyril Neville. In 2010, Scott accepted the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album for The Derek Trucks Band for their 2009 album, "Already Free". Mr. Scott has played with industry big-names such as Stevie Wonder, Warren Haynes, Whitney Houston, Peabo Bryson, John Denver, and The Allman Brothers to name a few. With the Derek Trucks Band, he served as percussionist and contributing songwriter for 17 years. On "Be In My World", Yonrico hits the listener right between the eyes with opener and instant funk rock classic "Confused". As on many of the tracks, Scott gets an assist from keyboard/flute sensation Kofi Burbridge and producer Oliver W. Wells. With an instantly memorable groove, the listener begins a journey into the blues led by foundation members of the jamband circuit. "Confused" is the perfect way to begin this journey. Derek Trucks makes an appearance on power ballad "Hear Me Now" featuring the bluesy interplay between Trucks and Mace Hibbard on tenor sax. This soulful arrangement brings out classic Trucks and the Southern blues rock that made him famous. Mr. Scott brings the listener full circle on the final, title track "Be In My World". The invitation to "Be In My World" is an irresistible and sultry way to wrap up this dynamic effort. Featuring over 30 musician's, Yonrico Scott's world is a familiar yet fresh place and is destined to be a celebrated place to stay. It's "gonna be alright" is the underlying theme of Chinua Hawk's dynamite new release "A Beautifully Complicated Life", produced by Joseph Patrick Moore. In his fourth full length compilation, Mr. Hawk sings of heartbreak and finding his way back to life. A songwriting partnership with Wyclef Jean and studio support work with Kanye West has led Chinua Hawk to "A Beautifully Complicated Life". Listeners will be captivated by Mr. Hawk's unique blend of pop, gospel, R&B and classic soul. Chinua Hawk is a modern, award winning vocalist and a prolific songwriter. His work has been featured in television shows such as CBS "Joan of Arcadia" and movies such as "First Sunday" and Dave Chapelle's "Block Party". In one of the most affirming illustrations of Mr. Hawk's talent, he has won Billboard Magazine/Disc Makers Independent Music World Series where he beat over 1,000 bands with just a guitar player to accompany him. Mr. Hawk was also named the APCA Multi-Cultural Artist of the year for 2005 and 2006, APCA Best Cultural Fine Arts Artist in 2008, APCA Performer of the Year in 2008 and APCA Best Male Performer in 2009. "A Beautifully Complicated Life" starts with "Back To Life" and the Grammy Award winning drumming of Yonrico Scott's riveting backbeat. The soul-drenched pop effort features Hawk's anthematic vocals perfectly while tackling the global matters of pain, faith and impending comeback. The third track, "Nickel To Spare", has a deep funk groove and challenges the listener to keep his feet still. The sensational artist and recording engineer John Carrozza lays down irrepressible keyboard support for Mr. Hawk's airy vocals and the result is a dreamy chill that bobs heads. The fifth track and George Michael hit, "Careless Whisper" is an amazing arrangement/spin-off of this classic chart topper. It features the incredible backing vocal work from Chantae Cann (Indie Arie) and Grammy Award Winning Jarrett Johnson (Quincy Jones) intertwined with the sultry Mr. Hawk. In the final song, Chinua Hawk pays tribute to one of his heroes, the great Al Green. Chris Blackwell's guitar work on "Let's Stay Together" is perfect for this reinvented classic and helps lay the groundwork for Mr. Hawk's extraordinary vocals and dynamic range. "A Beautifully Complicated Life" is an impassioned experience that displays masterfully the talent of Chinua Hawk. Mr. Hawk manages to stay current in a talented field of Adult Contemporary Pop and R&B followers. "A Beautifully Complicated Life" is a must-have for anyone wanting a new collection of great music. Blue Canoe Records have released "XYZ Factor" from bassman, Joseph Patrick Moore. This bold, uber-current effort fuses elements of contemporary jazz, for which Mr. Moore is famous, with electronica and the delivery is a fresh and relevant EP that will appeal to his current fans and fans of electronica alike. In the same vein as artists BT , Owl City and Moby, Mr. Moore hits the listener with a smooth, irrepressible experience that encourages listeners to use the repeat function. Joseph Patrick Moore is a prolific jazz, pop and rock musician as well as producer, session musician, film composer and author. He has worked with artists such as Stewart Copeland (The Police), Earl Klugh, Chris Duarte and Bob James to name a few. "XYZ Factor" is fresh on the release of "To Africa With Love" where Mr. Moore coupled its release with a mission trip to Africa where he got involved on the front line of support for The Kingdom of Swaziland. The three song EP "XYZ Factor" starts with "Yield", an ambient electronic beat backed by Mr. Moore's signature bass tone. The haunting melody sticks with the listener long after the song resolves and is supported by a bubbling beat that forces feet to move. "Xanadu", the second track, begins with a mysterious, synthesized mood that moves from left to right. The beat gently settles in and the echo of a dreamy voice calls from above. By the time the melody falls in, the addictive beat is ingratiated into your subconscious. From classical strings to ambient keys to contemporary jazz melody, this electronic hallucination is not to be missed. "XYZ Factor" rounds off with the full-tilt "Zig Zag Zoom". Mr. Moore infuses pop melody lines over the Owl City like beat to create a dance party right from "Play". "XYZ Factor" is co-produced by Buzz Amato (Curtis Mayfield, Ben E. King) as player, producer, composer and arranger coupled with Mr. Moore's bass stylings and production. This EP is a cerebral experience that punches to the core of today's electronic scene. Joseph Patrick Moore manages to stay ahead of trends in his pursuit of bringing worlds together through music. "XYZ Factor" is a must-listen for fans that love jazz, electronica and all points in between. To Africa With Love (Remix). Featuring: Rat Bastardz - remix artist/production Buzz Amato - keys/production DJ Kidd Star - loops/production Rick Hinkle - keys, composer Joseph Patrick Moore - keys, composer Tyrone Jackson - keys, pads, strings Wayne Viar - percussion Brian Carl - guitar Seth Condrey - vocals, composer Jazz guitarist Dan Baraszu's smooth jazz group - Planet Zu features the smooth jazz sounds from this organic quartet. Featuring: Dan Baraszu (guitar) Joseph Patrick Moore (bass) David Ellington (organ) Marlon Patton (drums). Available today at iTunes Composer, producer and performer Joseph Patrick Moore weaves tribal rhythms into funk, pop and jazz melodies on his eighth solo release, "To Africa With Love". Mr. Moore connects with some old friends and new ones in this dedication to the Land of the Sahara. The work itself contains 13 songs that range in genre from Contemporary Jazz to Funk to Rock to Contemporary. Moore and company utilize funky blues man Charlie Wood to spark a contemporary version of the Meters classic "Fire on the Bayou" that requires the listener to get out of their seat and move. The opening track wastes no time showing off Mr. Moore's unmatched talent on the bass as the opening bass riff socks the listener between the eyes. It's off to the races as the blistering take on the Meters' standard blends rock and urban rhythms while never losing touch with that classic southern funky feel. The title track, "To Africa With Love" is a touching, current love song to a continent that has experienced so much injustice and tragedy. Featuring Dove award winner Seth Condrey on vocals, this touching remembrance is equally at home in Adult Contemporary or Contemporary Christian radio. When queried about the motivation for the song, Mr. Moore says, "...Music has the power to uplift, connect, heal and create universal harmony for the human race. As God's vessel, each of us are on a spiritual journey to develop and embrace the gifts He has given to us...and share them for and with our fellow man". "Stained Glass Aura" is another standout adventure. Bold contemporary jazz bass and forceful urban rock rhythms weave in and out of the sweetest of pop melodies. Moore's masterful production and arrangement on this piece really showcase his wizardry on both the fretless and fretted bass in ways that awe and inspire the imagination. "To Africa With Love" is an inspirational devotional to the people of Africa. It is a vibrant explorations into the genres and textures that inform contemporary composer, producer and performer Joseph Patrick Moore. Catch Moore's inspiring work in the upcoming tour with Earl Klugh and Bob James or at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Festival in Chicago with Earl Klugh. |
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