The Grateful Web has a new interview up with Wayne Krantz. Krantz discusses his new album Howie 61, his upcoming European tour, and more.
The Grateful Web Interview: Wayne Krantz
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The Grateful Web has a new interview up with Wayne Krantz. Krantz discusses his new album Howie 61, his upcoming European tour, and more.
The Grateful Web Interview: Wayne Krantz
May 29, 2012 in Interviews, Wayne Krantz | Permalink | Comments (0)
Michael Landau will be playing the following dates in California next month with drummer Gary Novak and bassist Travis Carlton.
June 6th 2012 The Federal Bar - North Holywood, CA (Free Show!)
June 13th 2012 The Powerhouse Pub - Folsom, CA
June 14th 2012 Boom Boom Room - San Francisco, CA
June 16th 2012 19 Broadway - Fairfax, CA
May 29, 2012 in Gary Novak, Michael Landau, Tour Dates | Permalink | Comments (0)
Aleks Sever has been described as an electrifying guitarist and performer, who is bringing an exciting new genre of instrumental music to audiences everywhere she plays.
Her upcoming CD Danger Girl, scheduled for release in September 2012, is a strong and souful adventure into the world of Pop/Funk and Rock. It reminds the listener of Prince, Jeff Beck and other great Soul/Funk performers, but makes an impressive statement all its own.
Danger Girl was produced by multi-platinum producer Matthew Hager (Mindi Abair, Simply Red) and was recorded at “The Lair Studios” and “76 Steps Music” in Los Angeles. The production is a powerful combination of compelling Funk/Hip Hop grooves and searing passionate guitar solos.
The album also features an all-star band including Oscar Seaton…drums (Lionel Richie), Melvin Lee Davis …bass (Lee Ritenour), Deron Johnson….keys (Miles Davis, Alanis Morissette), Jeff Young….organ (Steely Dan), Mitchel Forman….organ, and an amazing horn section with sax player Brandon Fields, Walt Fowler on trumpet and Nick Lane on trombone.
Aleks’s music has received rave reviews for its originality, passion and for her abilities as a virtuoso soloist. With her tremendous talent and musicianship, Aleks Sever is a fresh and authentic new voice on the guitar.
For more information visit:
May 29, 2012 in Aleks Sever, New Releases, Press Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)
Allan Holdsworth will be playing the following dates in Europe this fall with drummer Virgil Donati and bassist Anthony Crawford. More dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
Oct 5, 2012 - Chorzów, Poland (Chorzowskie Centrum Kultury)
Oct 6, 2012 - Opole, Poland (Filharmonia Opolska)
Oct 9, 2012 - Oslo, Norway (Nasjonal Jazzscene)
Oct 11, 2012 - Uppsala, Sweden (venue TBA, band workshop at Uppsala Guitarr Festival)
Oct 12, 2012 - Uppsala, Sweden (venue TBA, Uppsala Guitarr Festival)
Oct 14, 2012 - Malmø, Sweden (Kulturbolaget)
Oct 16, 2012 - Copenhagen, Denmark (Jazzhouse)
Oct 17, 2012 - Esbjerg, Denmark (Tobakken)
Oct 19, 2012 - Zoetermeer, Netherlands (Boerderij)
Oct 20, 2012 - Uden, Netherlands (De Pul)
Oct 21, 2012 - Münster, Germany (Hot Jazz)
Oct 22, 2012 - Verviers, Belgium (Spirit Of 66)
May 27, 2012 in Allan Holdsworth, Tour Dates, Virgil Donati | Permalink | Comments (0)
Steve Smith & Vital Information
LIVE! ONE GREAT NIGHT (CD+DVD)
30th Anniversary Tour
(May 31-June 27)
Featuring:
Steve Smith - Drums
Tom Coster Keyboards
Baron Browne - Bass
Vinny Valentino - Guitar
LIVE! One Great Night a CD + DVD set to be released May 29, 2012 on the BFM Jazz label captures Vital Information in their natural habitat: A packed club with an audience of music lovers and the band in high gear, pulling out all the stops for the entire set. The all-star lineup of keyboardist Tom Coster (Santana/Gabor Szabo), bassist Baron Browne (Jean-Luc Ponty/Billy Cobham), guitarist Vinny Valentino (Bill Evans/Jimmy McGriff) and drummer Steve Smith (Journey/Hiromi /Steps Ahead) serve up a veritable banquet of sounds, from slamming funk and syncopated second-line grooves to seriously swinging, up-tempo B-3 burners, South Indian inspired jams and sizzling fuzoid romps. Steve Smith has this to say about Vital Informations philosophy, Our music allows for individual expression and re-invention. We thrive on swing, groove, and creativity. We want to surprise each other every night on the bandstand with new ideas and in the process keep our audience in the moment with us.
Now approaching their 30th year of touring and recording since their initial 1983 release, Steve Smith and Vital Information has become a formidable jazz/fusion juggernaut. Over the past 30 years, some of the extraordinary musicians that have toured and recorded with Vital Information include Mike Stern, Dean Brown, Tim Landers, Kai Eckhardt, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Andrews, and Frank Gambale.
The groups founder and drummer, Steve Smith, has a history that stretches from Journey and Steps Ahead to The Buddy Rich Big Band, Ahmad Jamal, Zakir Hussain, and Hiromi. Steve has recently been voted 2012s #1 Fusion Drummer in Modern Drummer Magazine. Over the years Smith has won a number of Modern Drummer readers polls including #1 All-Around Drummer - five years in a row - in 2001 he was named one of the Top 25 Drummers of All Time, and in 2002 he was voted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame. From 2008-2010 Drum! Magazine readers have voted Steve #1 Jazz Drummer. His Hudson Music DVDs Steve Smith - Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat and Drum Legacy Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants are best sellers in the music educational market.
Smith is quick to point out that a key to the bands remarkable versatility is its bassist. "Baron Browne brought a real serious groove element to the band," says Smith of his rhythm section partner since 1998. "Hes my favorite bass player to play with because he can play all styles and he always makes the music feel so good. Browne has worked in the past with Gary Burton, Billy Cobham, Jean-Luc Ponty, Steps Ahead, and Tom Jones.
The distinctive multi-keyboardist Tom Coster, whose versatility ranges from Hammond B3 to accordion, was playing with Gabor Szabo and Rahsaan Roland Kirk before he came to prominence in Santana, a stay that lasted nine years. Coster composed and co-composed many of Santanas most popular tunes including Europa, Dance Sister Dance, and Carnaval. Tom has recorded many solo albums under his own name and has been a member of Vital Information since 1986.
Vinny Valentino has been touring and recording with Vital Information since 2006 and is a recording artist and educator. At age 16, influenced by the music of George Benson, Vinny began pursuing jazz as a career. He recalls, "The turning point for me was hearing George Benson in concert; it was an eye-opening experience." Vinny and his mentor George have since developed a close friendship. George Benson refers to Vinny as a "young genius with brilliant tone and fresh ideas."
Vinny earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at Howard University and has shared the stage or recording studio with such jazz greats as Gary Bartz, Randy Brecker, Bill Evans, John Pattitucci, Richard Bona, Bob Moses, George Benson, Steve Gadd, Dennis Chambers, and Jimmy McGriff.
There isn't a more flexible and disciplined band of killer players on the jazz scene today than Vital Information.
"Vital Information is one of improvised music's best-kept secrets, the tunes are adventurous, and they always groove. The musicians shoot for, and achieve, real emotion rather than soulless fireworks." - Felix Contreras, JazzTimes
Steve Smith & Vital Informations 30th Anniversary Tour
May/June 2012
May 31 Anthology San Diego, CA
June 1 & 2 Catalinas Los Angeles, CA
June 4 Kuumbwa Jazz Santa Cruz, CA
June 5 Yoshis SF
June 6 Center for the Arts Grass Valley CA
June 13 Scullers Boston MA
June 14 Ephrata Theatre Ephrata PA
June 15 & 16 Iridium NYC NY
June 17 Blues Alley DC
June 18 & 19 Night Town Cleveland OH
June 20 Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis IN
June 21 Ottawa Tavern Grand Rapids MI
June 22 & 23 Jazz Café at the Music Hall, Detroit MI
June 24 Martyrs (clinic 5pm) (concert 8pm) separate entry/ticket, Chicago IL
June 26 Radisson Hotel at the Historic Lackawanna Station, Scranton PA
June 27 Wequassett Resort and Golf Club 8:30pm Chatham MA
May 16, 2012 in Press Releases, Steve Smith, Tour Dates, Vinny Valentino, Vital Information | Permalink | Comments (0)
PRESS RELEASE
All Over the Place features guest appearances by Randy Brecker, Richard Bona Kenny Garrett, Esperanza Spalding, Victor Wooten and many others
Since his days with Blood Sweat & Tears in the mid-1970s, followed by stints with Billy Cobham and Miles Davis’ band in the ‘80s, and a solo career that now spans more than 25 years, guitarist Mike Stern has used his jazz roots as a starting point for exploring a range of alternate territories that include R&B, rock, swing, funk, world music and numerous other regions along the musical topography. The recipient of Guitar Player magazine’s Certified Legend Award for 2012, he’s an artist who’s not afraid to bring numerous styles and ideas – however diverse – into the same place just to see what happens.
All Over the Place is Stern’s new recording on Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group. Set for release on June 19, 2012, the 11-song set aligns the characteristically diverse and adventurous guitarist with a cadre of brilliant guests, including trumpeter Randy Brecker; saxophonist Kenny Garrett; and drummers Dave Weckl, Keith Carlock and Lionel Cordew. Also on hand is a delegation of high-caliber electric and acoustic bass players: Esperanza Spalding, Richard Bona, Victor Wooten, Anthony Jackson, Dave Holland, Tom Kennedy, Will Lee and Victor Bailey.
“I’ve been playing a lot of different kinds of great music with a lot of different musicians on some of my more recent records,” says Stern, whose Big Neighborhood – released on Heads Up in 2009 – followed a similarly eclectic vibe. “I love bebop, swing, rock, all the stuff that a lot of guitar players – especially jazz players – tend to include in their music. It’s the nature of the instrument, but very much a part of my nature as well. There’s a lot of music that really inspires me, and it usually covers quite a few territories.”
It’s all here, starting with the mysterious funk groove of the leadoff track, “AJ,” which Stern wrote specifically for contrabass guitarist Anthony Jackson. Other personnel on board for the opener are saxophonist Chris Potter, keyboardist Jim Beard, rhythm guitarist Leni Stern (Mike’s wife), drummer Keith Carlock and percussionist Tim Keiper.
Leni returns a couple tracks later on “Out of the Blue,” this time playing an exotic three-stringed Malian instrument called a n’goni. Her opening riffs segue into the high-powered free-for-all featuring Brecker, Beard, Kennedy, Keiper and drummer Kim Thompson.
A tempo changeup comes in the form of the much leaner and quieter “As Far As We Know,” featuring Spalding on bass and vocals. “I like drama,” says Stern. “I like a lot of dynamics. I like music that has a lot of heart, and I hope this priority comes through in my playing and in my writing, especially on this tune.”
Stern is joined by drummer Al Foster on three engaging songs that land squarely in the center of the album: the funky and swinging “Blues for Al,” the energetic and colorful “OCD,” a song loaded with solo work by Stern and Garrett; and the much more understated and reflective acoustic piece, “You Never Told Me.”
“Halfway Home” is a gritty blues piece that showcases Stern’s slide guitar chops and deftly juxtaposes them against Wooten’s funky bass work and Cordew’s relentless backbeat.
The mellow groove of “Flipside” throws the spotlight on saxophonist Bob Malach, who joins Stern in some solid solo work. Malach is back for the title track, which closes the set on a fiery note as Stern leads a groove that’s reminiscent of his high-energy collaborations with the Brecker Brothers in the early ‘90s.
“The guitar tends to keep you open-minded, because you hear it in so many places,” says Stern, listing many places he himself has ventured along the way – not just on All Over the Place, but in earlier work as well. “You hear it in rock, in country, in pop, in funk, in classical, you hear it in jazz, you hear it in so many kinds of music that you can immediately identify it on one level or another.”
Stern is ready at a moment’s notice to go to all of these places and more, and he’s ready and willing to bring anyone along for the ride. “Music, to me, is a language of the heart,” he says. “I hope people will get some emotional payoff from what I’ve done on this recording. That’s the vibe that I continue to go for with all of my music.”
May 15, 2012 in Mike Stern, New Releases, Press Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)
Upcoming midwest and east coast tour dates for guitarist Oz Noy.
05/24/2012 Iridium Jazz Club - New York, NY
05/25/2012 Iridium Jazz Club - New York, NY
05/26/2012 Iridium Jazz Club - New York, NY
05/27/2012 Iridium Jazz Club - New York, NY
05/29/2012 Club Metronome - Burlington VT
05/30/2012 Johnny D's - Somerville, MA
06/01/2012 Infinity Hall - Norfolk, CT
06/03/2012 Martyrs - Chicago, IL
06/04/2012 The Bitter End - New York, NY
06/11/2012 The Bitter End - New York, NY
06/18/2012 The Bitter End - New York, NY
06/23/2012 Utah Arts Festival - Salt Lake City, UT
06/25/2012 The Bitter End - New York, NY
May 14, 2012 in Oz Noy, Tour Dates | Permalink | Comments (0)
Some great music I've been listening to lately...
Awesome rock fusion trio from Indonesia. Guitarist Tohpati is super-tasty with great chops and tones. The writing has occasional shades of Wayne Krantz, only heavier.
Matt Resnicoff - The History Of Now
Highly adventurous debut from the one-time music journalist. Resnicoff plays a vast array of instruments across 23 tracks, produced by and co-starring Mike Keneally. A veritable stream of consciousness.
Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats - Live Meat And Potatoes
Killer double live album recorded at the Baked Potato in 2009. Dripping with grooves. Outstanding guitar work from Jeff Kollman.
The Crane & Fabian Project - No Limits
All-star modern jazz record featuring Mike Miller, Frank Gambale, Scott Henderson, Mitch Forman, Eric Marienthal and others.
Allan Holdsworth, Virgil Donati and Jimmy Haslip - Live in Hamburg Germany, May 6th 2012.
May 12, 2012 in Allan Holdsworth, Jimmy Haslip, Videos, Virgil Donati | Permalink | Comments (1)
PRESS RELEASE
With engineering and production legend Ed Cherney (Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan) at the helm, Renegade Creation, featuring guitar greats Robben Ford and Michael Landau, bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Gary Novak, re-entered the studio to record Bullet, the super-charged follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2010 debut. Delivering a set of rootsy, blues/rock vocal tunes, the band draws on the unique guitar interplay between guitar giants Robben Ford and Michael Landau who inspire each other to new personal bests. Bullet is a guitar tour de force riding on the fierce rhythmic foundation of bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Gary Novak - one of the finest rhythm sections around. Renegade Creation brings to mind the essence of classic Blues Rock crossed with hypnotic vocal melodies and a touch of the adventurous sophistication of fusion, allowing each player’s phenomenal abilities to shine. The well-arranged compositions on Bullet, while brimming with fantastic soloing, exhibit a synergy rarely heard in music today. Demanding repeated listening, Bullet is guaranteed to remain on heavy rotation in any fans playlist.
Michael Landau is a renowned session guitarist and solo artist who has played on albums since the early 1980s by such notable artists as Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Richard Marx, Joni Mitchell, Steve Perry, Seal, James Taylor, Laura Branigan and many others. Robben Ford began his recording career in the ‘70’s with the Charles Ford Band, a blues band with his highly musical siblings.
As Robben progressed more as a player he delved deeper into Jazz, joining Tom Scott’s band in 1974. After more than 30 years as a solo artist, Ford is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in the world.
Jimmy Haslip is an in demand bassist and record producer, known by many fusion fans as a founding member of the pioneering fusion group, “Yellowjackets.” He was one of the first high profile players to routinely use a 5-string electric bass. Haslip has worked with many notable artists, including Tommy Bolin, Marty Friedman, Bruce Hornsby, Gino Vannelli, Allan Holdsworth, Chaka Khan, Donald Fagen and Anita Baker. He continues to be one of the most in demand bassists in the industry.
Gary Novak was born into a musical household and began drumming at age eight. After years of studying and working as a drummer he landed a gig with George Benson and subsequently joined Chick Corea’s band. He has also toured with many highly acclaimed musicians including Bob Berg and Allan Holdsworth. In 1998 he joined Canadian pop star Alanis Morissette’s band, recording and touring with her for over a year.
Renegade Creation - Bullet (Releasing June 6th)
1. All Over Again
2. Bullet
3. On a Mountain
4. Nazareth
5. People Like Me
6. Too Much of Nothin'
7. Greedy Life
8. High and Low
9. Older Today
10. Saint and Satan
May 08, 2012 in Gary Novak, Jimmy Haslip, Michael Landau, New Releases, Press Releases, Renegade Creation, Robben Ford | Permalink | Comments (0)
The new prog-rock supergroup Flying Colors (Steve Morse - lead guitar, Mike Portnoy - drums & vocals, Dave LaRue - bass, Neal Morse - keyboards & vocals, and Casey McPherson - lead vocals & guitar) will be playing the following tour dates this year in support of their recently released self-titled debut album.
Flying Colors 2012 Tour Dates
Tuesday, September 4th – Torrance, CA – James Armstrong Theater
Special Guests: New World Martyr | Tickets available ONLY at: calprog.com
Thursday, September 6th – New York, NY – Best Buy Theater
Special Guests: Jolly | Tickets: ticketmaster.com (tix on sale May 11th)
Sunday, September 9th – Hamburg, Germany – Markthalle
Special Guests: Beardfish | Tickets: ticketmaster.de
Monday, September 10th – Berlin, Germany – C-Club
Special Guests: Beardfish | Tickets: ticketmaster.de
Tuesday, September 11th – Munich, Germany – Theaterfabrik
Special Guests: Beardfish | Tickets: ticketmaster.de
Thursday, September 13th – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
Special Guests: Beardfish | Tickets: ticketone.it, livenation.it
Friday, September 14th – Zurich, Switzerland – Volkshaus
Special Guests: Beardfish | Tickets: taifunmusic.ch, ticketcorner.ch
Saturday, September 15th – Stuttgart, Germany – Longhorn
Special Guests: Beardfish | Tickets: ticketmaster.de
Sunday, September 16th – Aschaffenburg, Germany – Colos-Saal
Special Guests: Beardfish | Tickets: ticketmaster.de
Monday, September 17th – Cologne, Germany – Gloria
Special Guests: Beardfish | Tickets: ticketmaster.de
Wednesday, September 19th – Paris, France – Le Trianon
Special Guests: Beardfish | Tickets: fnacspectacles.com
Thursday, September 20th – Tilburg, Holland – 013
Special Guests: Beardfish | Tickets: ticketmaster.nl
Friday, September 21st – London, England – Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Special Guests: Beardfish | Tickets: gigsandtours.com
May 05, 2012 in Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse, Steve Morse, Tour Dates | Permalink | Comments (0)
OHM's Chris Poland is easily one of the most fiery and talented guitarists on the heavy fusion scene today. I sat down with Chris in Chicago recently to discuss his killer new albums with Polcat and OHMPhrey, his gear, his playing style and much more.
May 01, 2012 in Chris Poland, Interviews | Permalink | Comments (0)