Atlanta, GA (October 28th, 2016) - The latest release from The Yonrico Scott Band, "Life of a Dreamer", displays Mr. Scott's solid jazz fundamentals and solid groove that his fans have come to expect. From jazz to power soul to funk and rock, this album manages to fuse genres effortlessly all while delivering a foundation that forces foot-tapping engagement from listeners. Mr. Scott even ventures into the jam-band arena as he invites in the legendary Col. Bruce Hampton and Reverend Jeff Mosier for an exercise in head bobbing.

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 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 16 years.

"Life Of A Dreamer" opens with an instant funk rock classic "Don't Give Me". This dynamic mover harkens back to Mr. Scott's days with The Derek Trucks Band with its forceful groove and old soul vocals. "How much is too much", he sings just before the momentum evolves into riff- trading among the keys and guitar. "Don't give me one more chance", he bellows before the big finish of horns and powerful percussion...but the listener must listen on.

"Don't Give Me" leads directly into the title track, "Life Of A Dreamer (Suite For Marimba)". It opens with Mr. Scott stretching out by putting his melodic skills on display with a fantastic marimba intro. His dynamics are genius and create a hauntingly beautiful echo that sets up the approaching horns masterfully. This is definitive Yonrico Scott...a solid jazz number with a strong rock back beat. He shows that he is a master of melody in this big, expansive number that shows his percussion skills in definitive fashion. The number winds down with Yonrico returning to the marimba as he and bass master Joseph Patrick Moore slowly bring in the guitar and horns for the grand finale

Mr. Scott shares compositional credit on several tracks, of note is "Corner Of The World". Producer, writer and bass man Joseph Patrick Moore contributes this composition as he smoothes things out with this jazz number. The juxtaposition of Scott's patented percussion with the interplay between bass and guitar is breathtaking. Kofi Burbridge's organ work on this number rounds things out and delivers this soulful piece with style.
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From the opening track to the "bonus" track, "Life Of A Dreamer" does conjure up a dreamy potion that contrasts tension with tranquility and delivers a memorable collection throughout. The seductive groove and melodic composition demands replay and is destined to be known as Yonrico Scott's most powerful release to date. Give this a listen...you'll be seduced into by the "Life Of A Dreamer".

Blue Canoe Records has released “Look Beyond The Rain” from veteran piano man Bob Thompson and The Bob Thompson Band. Mr. Thompson brings the optimism in a funky way with the help of legendary producer and long-time friend, Buzz Amato (Curtis Mayfield, Ben E. King, Kriss Kross). Referring to the theme of the album, Thompson asserts, “It is going to rain sometime on your life but you have to look beyond that. This music spreads love and makes people feel good.” 
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Bob Thompson is a performer, band leader, and educator and is a staple in the music of West Virginia. A native of New York, Mr. Thompson came to West Virginia to study trumpet at West Virginia State University. In 1991, Bob joined the West Virginia Public Broadcasting's ground breaking "Mountain Stage", as house pianist and featured artist. He is also co-producer of Joy To The World, a Holiday Jazz Show broadcast on public radio nationwide (since 1992), heard internationally on Voice Of America and was just inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2015. He has played all over the world with diverse artists including Bunky Green, Larry Coryell and recorded with Omar Hakim, Gerald Veasley and Kevin Eubanks.

“Look Beyond The Rain” opens with “Time 2 B One” and reveals Bob Thompson dancing along an exhilarating melody. After a few bars John Inghram (bass) and Tim Courts (drums) lay down a solid funk groove cued by the piano’s opening. The opening track unfolds into a floating solo by Doug Payne (sax), a driving solo from Ryan Kennedy (guitar) and again from Mr. Thompson with a supporting solo that brings them all together. The exchange between them resolves by the end in a dreamy fade that leaves the listener wanting more.

Possibly the most notable on the compilation is “The Swamp Stomp”. This time the listener is guided through the groove by a joyous and melodic theme on the saxophone. Again the rhythm section throws down a solid, funky groove and the listener is treated to delightful lick-swapping by some of the most talented musicians that the Eastern United States has to offer. The juxtaposition of the funk groove, wafting sax, beautifully linear fender rhodes and driving rock guitar really exposes the influences of this diverse group of individuals and melds into a solid singular voice.  
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“Look Beyond The Rain” is a joyful experience, no doubt about it. These incredibly talented musicians have a way of delivering accessible melody, touching the heart of the listener and not overcomplicating things. Like any great artists, they make it look easy. “Look Beyond The Rain” is a must-listen for fans of jazz, rock, blues and funk. These songs will stir emotion and leave the listener...optimistic. 

Trombonist Ron Westray releases an all original funky jazz CD titled, “Magisteria”. Produced, composed and performed from this Wynton Marsalis alumni.

Grammy Award winner Yonrico Scott releases - "Quest Of The Big Drum".
Featuring:
Nick Rosen - keys/composer
Joseph Patrick Moore - bass/composer/producer