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It is with a heavy heart that we share the news on the passing of Blue Canoe Recording Artist Yonrico Scott. Mr. Scott was a drummer, percussionist, vocalist, visual artist, educator, and a true friend and champion of our label. Yonrico released four albums for Blue Canoe and worked with many in the industry such as Derek Trucks, Earl Klugh, Whitney Houston, Peabo Bryson, Col. Bruce Hampton, Royal Southern Brotherhood and so many more. The people he touched with his gifts is unmeasurable. His spirit will live on and we ask that you pray for his family during this difficult time. "A man in harmony with life and spirit, always in search for the new positive energy ..." - Yonrico Scott A statement from Grammy.com Joseph Patrick Moore updates the catalog with his 12th solo release, "Nevada Sun". Two years in the making, Mr. Moore has teamed up with...well, himself...to produce just right album at exactly the right time. He produced the album and plays every instrument himself while, per his usual modus operandi, spanning genres from smooth jazz to Persian groove...from pop to funk and even a reggae-tinged number.  For nearly two decades Joseph Patrick Moore has been touring, recording, and establishing himself as an artist with a unique voice and a diversity of talents. His skills as bassist, composer, arranger, producer, author, educator and founding partner of Blue Canoe Records and Blue Canoe Digital. Moore's music and creative vision echo the spirits of Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis to name a few. Over the years, Mr. Moore has played with some of the great musicians of our time including Earl Klugh, Stewart Copeland (The Police), Bob James, John Popper, Derek Trucks, Michael Tolcher (A&M/J Records), Colonel Bruce Hampton, Bo Bice (American Idol) and many others. The record label he created in 2003, Blue Canoe Records, recently put out two releases of trios that included 22-time Grammy Nominee and 3-time winner Jimmy Haslip (former Yellowjackets bassist and founding member). In his "spare time", Mr. Moore is an on call artist for the Cirque du Soleil show, “KA” at the MGM in Las Vegas...he keeps talented company. "Nevada Sun" opens with the title track, a funky pop number that reaches out and grabs listeners attention straight out of the gate. Mr. Moore lays down a solid foundation with the drums keeping steady time against soaring guitar injections. Meanwhile, bouncy keyboard textures give way to a melody that grips the heart immediately until finally a solitary voice leads listeners gently to “Movement of Light”. Smooth jazz radio is tailor made for Nevada Sun's second track. Piano and a strong rhythmic figure point the listener to the genius of JPM's signature bass melodies. The journey of “Movement of Light” really highlights Mr. Moore's multi-instrumental talent and melodic sensibilities. Further into "Nevada Sun", "Fearless" is like an infusion of cotton candy. It opens with an elastic piano hook on the upbeat...reggae style. Aside from the attention it garners, the steady island vibe and the sparse instrumentation in places really allow for the delivery to breathe in a resoundingly hopeful and playful way. "Fearless" is bound to be a go-to track on "Nevada Sun". Once again Joseph Patrick Moore delivers the goods. The fusion of styles along with the constant pop and jazz sensibilities will make "Nevada Sun" rise to the top of your playlists. Be on the lookout for multi-media renditions of tracks from the album produced and filmed by, you guessed it, Joseph Patrick Moore!
 Low end powerhouse and former Yellowjacket backbone, Jimmy Haslip collaborates with pianist, composer, arranger and educator Otmaro Ruíz and virtuosic rhythm guru Jimmy Branly for a project that is a perfect mix of composition and broad audience appeal. Mastered by Grammy nominee Rich Breen (Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones, Peter Erskine, Charlie Haden and more), "elemental" is a current jazz classic bringing elements of old and new to keep fans on their toes. Grammy nominee Otmaro Ruíz (2016), composer of most of the "elemental" tracks, holds an honorary doctorate from Shepherd University and has played with all the modern greats...Gino Vannelli, John McLaughlin, Tito Puente, Steve Winwood, John Patitucci, Vinnie Colaiuta just to name a few. Mr. Ruíz is regarded as one of the most sought-after keyboardists on the scene yet still finds time for teaching. He is a frequent guest clinician at Los Angeles Music Academy and Musician's Institute. Jimmy Branly is from Cuba and began his studies at the Conservatory of Music in Havana Adolfo Guzman and ENA (National School of Art). Mr. Branly also has played with greats from all genres including Colin Hay, Abraham Laboriel, Michael Nezmith, John Patitucci, Doc Severinsen, Ricky Martin, Andy Garcia, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan. He performed at The White House in 2013 a Latin presentation for President Obama. Jimmy Haslip was a founding member and 32 year band mate of The Yellowjackets. Mr. Haslip has been nominated for 22 Grammy awards and has won 3. Over his 50+ years of playing, he has contributed to the biggest names in music over a plethora of genres (Jeff Lorber, David Sanborn, Jerry Garcia, Bruce Hornsby, Chaka Khan, Allan Holdsworth, Oz Noy to name a few)  "Elemental" opens with "A Good Start" and right out of the gate leaves listeners slack-jawed. The high energy mover leads with dramatic injections from both Mr. Branly and Mr. Ruíz. These lyrical jabs give way to a simple, soaring melody on keyboards that establishes the emotional trajectory for the rest of the song. The trio brings the audience up then down then back up again all the while compelling exquisite anticipation. The troupe rewards in the end with a crescendo of harmonic punches as "A Good Start" gives way to "Greed". "Greed" leads with a coy, sly keyboard melody that is enticing. Mr. Branly and Mr. Haslip jump in quickly in a way that are both supportive and improvisational. The listener is left with a slightly uneasy feeling as the rhythm's presence rolls up and down and moves from support to spontaneous until Mr. Haslip steps out with a subdued but perfect solo. Mr. Branly rounds things out and brings it in as Mr. Ruíz's keyboards sail home. "Elemental" is a fusion of the most talented jazz artists of our time. More than that, though, the resulting sound is clearly greater than the sum of it's parts. When asked to comment on the compilation, Otmaro Ruíz thought carefully and stated simply, "Music for All". Indeed...music for all.
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