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

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.