​John McLean and Charles Barkatz announce a December 4th release date for Shadow Man, their new CD which teams them up with producer Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff and a host of Austin all-star musicians for a sound that treads nicely in blues, jazz and roots music territories with an international flair.


“We had a great Austin band on the project: Derek Obrien on guitar, Chris Maresh on bass, Nick Connolly on keys, and John Chipman on drums,” says producer/tenor sax/harmonica player Kazanoff. “Plus, course, The Texas Horns and a couple other special guests.”
Also appearing on Shadow Man are Alex Coke on sax and flutes and Elaine Barber, principal harpist with the Austin Symphony. The album was recorded at Wire Recording in Austin with Stuart Sullivan engineering, and is being released on Leaky Shoes Records.
 
“My good friend Alex Coke introduced me to his brother, John McLean, in early 2019,” recounts “Kaz” about the album’s genesis. “John mentioned that he wanted to make a blues record in Austin with his Parisian guitar playing pal Charles Barkatz. I was a bit skeptical at first, not ever having heard of John or Charles in the ‘blues’ world. But as John sent me their demo recordings over the next few months, I began to hear their beautiful and original take on the blues. Not your typical contemporary blues, this material focused on wonderful new poetical lyrics, and songs that created moods ranging from raw deep blues to jazzy almost impressionistic grooves. Our terrific keyboardist, Nick Connolly, lightheartedly described the music as ‘beatnik blues,’ but there is a hard edge of sorrow and existential desperation to the songs. This is real personal blues coming from their lives and experiences, and it demanded a high level of collaboration among John, Charles, me, all the musicians, and Stuart Sullivan, our recording engineer. We all played together in a big room at Wire Recording. The musical result depended on everyone’s creative and often spontaneous effort, lead by our incredible rhythm section of Derek Obrien on guitar, Chris Maresh on bass and John Chipman on drums. Because of the uniqueness and freshness of the song material, as producer I was very comfortable with adding instruments not usually present in contemporary blues contexts. So, we welcomed Alex Coke on alto flute and soprano saxophone, and Elaine Barber on harp, on several tunes. The Texas Horns added their punchy tight arrangements. I hope you will hear and enjoy the fun and excitement we all shared in making this music!”
 
Author and composer John McLean has developed into an eclectic, multi-talented artist who has always followed his passions in theater, cinema and music wherever they might lead:  New York, Paris, and most recently Austin, Texas. Born in Manhattan, New York, he was brought up on a ranch near Dallas, Texas, and studied writing and theater in Boston, which prepared him for his many different pathways in art.  
 
McLean has been cited by the New York Times for his virtuosity in playing flutes and bagpipes with the Menestriers of France at the Metropolitan Museum Concert Hall, and later for his sensitive off-Broadway theater production and direction of Fabrice Rozier’s play about Simone de Beauvoir’s “Transatlantic Liaison” at the Clurman Theater.
 
As a jazzman, John has been a leader of several groups in Paris such as the Fairweather Quintet, where he performed at the Petite Journal de Montparnasse and with his duo partner Charles Barkatz at the Duc de Lombards.  He recently appeared in New York at a sold-out evening at  the Cornelia Street Cafe with his group, the John Mclean Quartet, with Ed Howard on bass, Paul Bolenback on guitar and Alex Coke on flute and sax. Now a dynamic 80 years of age, John starts a promising new career as singer and songwriter with the release of his latest album, Shadow Man.
 
Charles Barkatz was born in Paris in 1959 and began playing the classical guitar at the age of 12 at a conservatory. Very quickly influenced by Muddy Waters, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker and especially Jimi Hendrix, he started learning to play the blues by himself.  Soon afterwards, having the good fortune to see the legendary West Montgomery and Kenny Burrell playing in Paris, he concentrated on learning jazz technique and joined the CIM school, playing as solo guitarist in the student big band.
 
Barkatz played regularly in duos, trios and in a quartet with the pianist Patt Burter, with whom he discovered the repertory of Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim. He met bassist Vincent Naturel and accompanied Cathy Renoir among many other woman vocalists. He started doing studio work with singer Ken Allen and continued his studies of jazz guitar with guitarists Jean-Philippe Bordier and Serge Merlaud and singing with Isabelle Carpentier.
 
He records and plays regularly in the U.S at the Blue Rooster and at the Five O’clock Club in Sarasota with guitarist/singer Al Fuller and in Tampa with the singer Peter D’Straw. He is the author and composer of several titles of jazz, blues, and folk songs, is preparing an album of Latin music with the pianist Eric Viara and appears regularly in Paris. His CD, So Nice to Come Home to, in collaboration with John McLean was released in 2019.

​Shadow Man Credits :
John McLean, vocals
Charles Barkatz, vocals and guitar
Derek O’Brien, guitar
Nick Connolly, keyboards and B-3 organ
Chris Maresh, electric and upright bass
John Chipman, drums and percussion
The Texas Horns, Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff, tenor sax and harmonica; John Mills, baritone sax; and
Al Gomez, trumpet
Alex Coke, soprano saxophone on “Lucia;” alto flute on “Sister of Mine”
Elaine Barber, harp on “Lucia” and “Lac D’argent”
The Dirty Old Men, backup vocals: Nick Connolly, John Chipman, Stuart Sullivan, Derek O’Brien, Chris Maresh, Kaz Kazanoff, Charles Barkatz

leakyshoesblues.com
​

​GIRLS IN HAWAII 

kondigen aan - annoncent - announce  

CONCERTS @ LEUVEN & BRUSSEL
12/12/20 at Het Depot for two concerts 17PM (link) & 21PM (link)! 
and at the Botanique on 30/04/21!

Tickets on sale this Friday 16/10 !

"Het verlangen om te spelen, verlangen om nu te spelen, het verlangen om op vertrouwde podia te staan en om terug te keren naar eenvoudige dingen in deze gecompliceerde tijden... We spelen concerten in 2020-2021."

"Envie de jouer, envie de jouer maintenant, envie d'être sur les scènes amies, de revenir aux choses simples en ces temps compliqués. Girls in Hawaii fera des concerts en 2020-2021"

"Desire to play, desire to play now, the desire to be on familiar stages and to return to simple things in these complicated times... We are playing concerts in 2020-2021."
(Girls in Hawaii)

​

Joey Stuckey, the official music ambassador for Macon, Georgia, the “southern rock capital of the world”, releases a new single “You Know My Name”.
 
It is a smoky blues rock track sizzling with lusty performances making every note pulse with attitude and is a swampy musical romp about a love that is partnered with lust for a woman that isn’t always interested in staying in the relationship.
 
The song is part praise of the perfect woman, part plea for her to stay and part rebuke of some of the nonsense she pulls.
 
In the lyrics you can hear the story unfold “Love can be cruel, oh but it can be so kind. I’m not playin’ games baby, no that’s only in your jealous mind”.
 
The story is told with powerhouse vocals, dripping with a southern grit, while the guitar takes on the blues machinations of someone like a young Eric Clapton. With pounding drums and bass, a cookin’ horn section reminiscent of a Stax or Sun Studio track and the sweet singing  of the B3 organ, this is a must listen for blues enthusiasts!
 
Recorded by producer and engineer Joey Stuckey at his Macon, Georgia, Shadow Sound Studio recording facility, home of the southern sound of the 70’s, and featuring special guest Randall Bramblett of Traffic and Steve Winwood on B3 and Charlie Hoskyns of the UK band The Popes on bass. Stuckey has a new classic track as he plays and sings his heart out with his famed guest musicians and the rest of his Shadow Sound Studio session musician team!
 
“You Know My Name” is the seventh single the blind guitar hero has released in 2020. After performing for a packed house in January at the world famous Whisky A Go Go, plans were afoot for an expansive summer tour but due to the COVID pandemic, Stuckey had to find a new way to share his story and music. In March, he began releasing one song a month as a way of staying in touch with his worldwide fan base. “I think that the songs I have released in 2020 are some of my best work yet and I’m excited for fans to hear all the new music I’ve put out this year. ‘You Know My Name’ is my favorite recording in this year’s collection of singles”, says Stuckey.
 

​Next summer, Joe Gardner will discover his brilliant, passionate self. Watch the new trailer for Disney & Pixar’s Soul now. About Soul: What is it that makes you...YOU? This Christmas only on Disney+, Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new feature film “Soul” introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.
Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter (“Inside Out,” “Up”), co-directed by Kemp Powers (“One Night in Miami”) and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray, p.g.a. (Pixar short “Lou”), Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” is streaming only on Disney+ beginning December 25.

Joe Bonamassa Announces New Studio Album “Royal Tea”
 Inspired by Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, and Cream ​

​Joe Bonamassa's new solo studio album Royal Tea is inspired by his British heroes Jeff Beck, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Cream and was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and will be released on October 23rd via Provogue.

Bonamassa is known for taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory throughout his wide-ranging career but now he has found a new way to surprise his fans and music lovers. Royal Tea brings Bonamassa full-circle. “This whole adventure,” admits Joe, “was a bucket-list thing for me.” This album reconnects the 43-year-old with the guitar-slinging kid from upstate New York, who stumbled across the best of British blues music in his dad’s vinyl collection – whose influences have shaped him to be the player he is today. “I would have been about twelve years old, and it was the sound I heard in my head. Like, ‘OK, I’m in. That’s what I want to be’.”

These ten original tracks were co-written by Joe and a cast of homegrown notables including former Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden, ex-Cream lyricist Pete Brown and national-treasure piano man Jools Holland. “Writing this record in London has done its job,” reflects Bonamassa. “It really does sound inherently British. Bernie and I, we finish each other’s sentences. We’re cut from the same cloth.” Bonamassa’s long-standing producer Kevin Shirley and regular touring band flew in for the recording sessions, which included Anton Fig (drums), Michael Rhodes (bass) and Reese Wynans (keys).
​
Alongside the announcement of the Royal Tea album, Bonamassa revealed today that he will perform a special LivestreamConcert from the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee on September 20th. This concert will feature the songs from his new album before the official release. Joe has never performed a full, unreleased album for audiences like this before, giving fans from around the world the opportunity to come together for an unforgettable night of blues-rock music. Along with Royal Tea he’ll perform classic remixes from his 20th anniversary album A New Day Now. The evening will continue with a one hour “After Party” featuring several live performances from an array of some of the hottest rising stars in blues-rock music.

Naar aanleiding van de genomen maatregelen door de Belgische regering om het coronavirus (COVID-19) in te dijken, kunnen veel evenementen niet plaatsvinden op de voorziene datum. Het concert van The Chainsmokers, dat zou plaatsvinden op donderdag 22 oktober 2020 in Vorst Nationaal, wordt hierdoor uitgesteld naar woensdag 10 november 2021.
 
Tickethouders worden persoonlijk via mail gecontacteerd.
 
De gezondheid en veiligheid van artiesten, fans en medewerkers is onze grootste prioriteit. De richtlijnen van overheden volgen. Verantwoordelijkheid nemen. Het virus een halt toeroepen. Daar draait het om. Dank voor jullie begrip. Take care, stay safe.

 
 IN VERKOOKP!
TICKETS VIA
PROXIMUSGOFORMUSIC.BE
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​
TICKETPRIJZEN
62,60 EURO - 57,01 EURO
Staanplaatsen en genummerde zitplaatsen.
 
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Kevin Godley has released a new video “Expecting a Message” from his highly anticipated forthcoming solo album MUSCLE MEMORY!
 
“This is as DIY as it gets. No film crew, no editor, no budget. The plan was to make a film, stream of consciousness style, doing everything myself, like I’m recording music. Improvise, throw stuff in and make sense of it later and I did…all except the last bit. I guess it’s a performance film of sorts, all shot within a hundred yard radius of home and, at the risk of this sounding like a commercial, it would’ve been impossible without my iPhone X, Adobe Premier Pro and Wondershare Filmora editing software and two supremely cool apps, GlitchCam and EFEKT. Not sure if it’s the message I was expecting though.” - KG

​MUSCLE MEMORY marks Kevin’s first time fronting a project. His lyricism is cutting, political and provides a mood similar to film dialogue over classic pop lyricism. Gun control, societal unrest, racism and questions regarding political correctness make for some of the most striking lyrical content likely heard on an alternative pop record. This is a dark record from someone not known for dark themes.  
 
Kevin’s career features numerous exceptional albums and sees him as one of the most important pioneers of the pop music video. MUSCLE MEMORY is a fitting addition to this body of work, offering a provoking, daring new insight into Godley’s creative practice. Tracks from the album will be released in order every two weeks until the album's release on the 17th of December 2020.  ​

​Kevin Godley social media: 
Official website: http://www.kevin-godley.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BvcGX_ZgN22/  

​Kim Massie (1957 – October 12, 2020) was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Massie was an American blues and soul singer who performed mostly in her native St. Louis, Missouri. Massie is one of the most recognizable vocalists in the Midwest. Her ability to sing not only blues and gospel but rock, pop, country and R&B has earned her two Best Female Vocalist of the Year Awards and a starring role in a Black Repertory Theater production of “Ain’t Nothin But The Blues.” Massie died at the age of 63.
Though her earliest musical experiences were schooled in the gospel choirs of East St. Louis, Illinois, she has had no formal training as a vocalist. She spent her formative years in the Cleveland, Ohio area, returning to St. Louis in 1999 to pursue her dreams of performing as a vocalist. She was discovered when she sat in with the St. Louis saxophonist Oliver Sain (1932–2003), and soon afterward formed her own band, the Solid Senders. She made frequent appearances at blues dance events and festivals coast to coast, including Blues Rising (San Francisco, 2007), the Emerald City Blues Festival (Seattle, 2009 and 2010). In 2005, she won a Grand Center Visionary Award.
Massie received her ordination certificate from Universal Life Church Monastery. Wedding performances and Massie’s career as a professional vocalist go hand-in-hand. Back in 1999, before she relocated to St. Louis, she was performing as a vocalist with some friends back in Ohio at weddings as well as some other venues. Massie has shared the stage with artists such as Cyndi Lauper, India Arie, Nelly, and Chuck Berry. She has performed for organizations such as Major League Baseball, Purina, Boeing, and at esteemed venues and events such as the Missouri History Museum, Big Muddy Blues Festival, Davenport Blues Festival, Emerald City Blues Festival, and the Blues Rising Festival.

new single out now
audio
youtu.be/L1Ue1SNM5pE
from the album
HIGH ANXIETY
out 27.11.20
[Dox Records / Membran]
 
In 2015 a string of inspirational encounters led Matt Bianco founder and singer Mark Reilly to combine forces with Amsterdam based jazz pioneers New Cool Collective for a collaboration that resulted in an album entitled ‘The Things You Love’. Reilly subsequently released another successful Matt Bianco album in 2017 entitled ‘Gravity’ and toured around the world to promote it.

Fast forward to early 2020, and both parties found themselves recording together again in Amsterdam, adding the South American cumbia and other new sounds to their joint fascination with Latin, jazz, soul and R&B. “Although I attended some rehearsals in Amsterdam to work on arrangements of song ideas NCC had put together, I deliberately didn’t present many song ideas myself. For me it would be an interesting challenge as the essence of collaboration is that creatively you arrive at a piece of work you wouldn’t have thought of if you had written everything yourself,” explains Mark Reilly.

The coronavirus pandemic struck in the middle of the sessions, resulting in further recordings having to be made from a distance. Continues Reilly: “It was quite daunting at first when NCC sent me ten backing tracks from their live recording sessions to work on in my studio in the UK, but I soon got into it, sending rough mixes back to them for comments as the tunes became complete with melodies, vocals, lyrics and sometimes rearrangements of the tracks.”

After a period of intense online collaboration, the album took shape. “I started doing the mixes and sending them over to NCC for comments and after making a series of adjustments back and forth we arrived with an album we were all really excited about,” Reilly recalls. The result is ‘High Anxiety’, a record that sees both parties taking a giant step forward from their first project together and one that ranges from brisk uptempo numbers such as the title track to the mysterious cumbia-influenced ‘When the Ghosts Come Out to Play’.

MATT BIANCO
Co-founded in 1983 by vocalist Mark Reilly, Matt Bianco made their album debut with the worldwide sensation ‘Whose Side Are You On’ (1984), a record with a totally new fresh sound that re-introduced jazz into the UK charts.
mattbianco.com

NEW COOL COLLECTIVE
The Dutch ensemble formed in 1993 and have an impressive discography that encompasses an array of different sounds and collaborations. Whoever and whatever they play with, NCC’s brilliant, dynamic, endlessly swinging music machine always makes a huge impact.
newcoolcollective.com

Introducing Reggie Pryor, an accomplished jazz, musical theatre and classical crossover soloist, who will be releasing his debut album, Love Anthology, on 20.10.2020 (Tuesday).
The album and song tracks will be available for streaming and purchase through your online digital platforms (e.g. Spotify, Tidal, iTunes & Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon, etc.) on the launch date.
Please enjoy a teaser video of one of the tracks, La Vie en Rose, that hopefully lead you to add Reggie to your favourite list of musicians!
Also, do join us for the online pre-launch concert on 19.10.2020 (Monday Blues concert!) which will be streamed via Facebook Live and YouTube Live.
So, please follow Reggie’s music now through:
Facebook: Reggie Pryor Music
Instagram: @reggiepryormusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk3yOu93QQ7jDfCUC9VoZ0g
Website: www.reggiepryor.com
Spotify (pre-launch save link): https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/reggiepryor/love-anthology
​https://www.facebook.com/reggiepryormusic/videos/405077240894090/
Video credit:
Videographer: Gilbert Sebastiano Gondokusumo (@gilbertsebastiano)
Art Director: Justin Hadinata (@justinhadinata)
Location: Music Elements (@sgmusicelements), #02-38 Oxley Bizhub

​The year 2020 marks 10 years for Lachy Doley as a solo artist. In 2010 Lachy was Australia’s top session keys man for the likes of Powderfinger and Jimmy Barnes. Come 2020, he’s become a globally celebrated original recording and touring artist. A regular on the European, Canadian, and US summer festival circuits leaving rave reviews and viral live videos wherever he performs.

To celebrate this milestone Lachy has just released a very special album titled DOUBLE FIGURES featuring 2 new incredible covers of VOODOO CHILD and GIMME SOME LOVIN plus 8 new remastered versions of some of his most loved tunes.

Long being referred to as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Keys”. Now further reinforced by his extremely rare Whammy Clavinet that wails and screams all over this new version of Hendrix’s VOODOO CHILD. Together with the downright rocking version of GIMME SOME LOVIN and these first 2 singles have clocked up over 5 million views and streams collectively even before the album has been released.

DOUBLE FIGURES is out today on VINYL, CD, and Digital. The vinyl is very much a collector’s item with only 400 made. Packaged in a beautiful dark grey/silver foil fold-out cover with a super cool transparent vinyl inside.

“10 years ago, I could never have imagined I would be where I am today. Surrounded by so many fans and music lovers spanning every inch of the globe. You guys have enabled me to tour so many incredible countries and have so many amazing experiences. Thank you so much. Here’s to the next 10 years” – LACHY DOLEY
​
www.lachydoley.com

Single ‘They Drive By Night’ haalde de playlist van Radio 1 en ook live liet Handkerchief zich opmerken als een wel zeer aparte band die enkel kan thuishoren in een multiculturele havenstad als Antwerpen…
Christof Annaert, zanger/songschrijver van dit muzikale collectief, stelt zichzelf steevast de vraag: 'Hoe zou rock 'n roll geklonken hebben, moest Elvis een zeeman geweest zijn?'
 
Het woeste zeemansbestaan, op een gammele boot in verre wateren, is één van de terugkerende thema's in de muziek van Handkerchief. We horen de havens van zeven zeeën in een onweerstaanbare mengeling van Europese rootsmuziek, rock ‘n roll, ska, gypsy, surf, calypso en rumba. In hun onmiskenbare zeemansblues volgen ze telkens weer de lokroep van de oceaan.


Hun debuut ’Dancing Bones’ (2015) werd meteen enthousiast onthaald in De Roma, en dubbel-lp ‘Sea Rain River (2017) bracht de koers ook op tournee door Nederland. Datzelfde jaar schreven ze ook de soundtrack voor de bekroonde graphic novel Red Rider (Lectrr & Stedho). Na de vorige jaar verschenen Record Store Day 10” EP ‘Mutiny Ballads’ wordt de bemanning nog steeds aangevoerd door de, schijnbaar al eeuwen tegen de wind in bulderende, stem van kapitein Christof Annaert en wordt het nieuwe  full album ‘Mutiny Ballads & Fishguarding Songs’ dat nog meer naar zeewier smaakt, op vinyl en digitaal uitgebracht op 23 oktober.
Voor het nieuwe album ronselde de band verhalen in en rondom de Antwerpse havencafé's en serveren hiermee een heerlijk tijdloos album vol verwondering. Speciale gasten mogen op zo'n album uiteraard niet ontbreken. Vanuit de Antwerpse scene dragen Gunter Nagels (Donkey Diesel, Prima Donkey, Pasmans), Gregor Engelen (Antwerp Gipsy Ska Orchestra) en Siemen Van Gught (Fanfaar Fatal) bij aan het album en vanuit Detroit steekt ook percussionist Adam Bradley Schreiber (C.W. Stoneking) een ritmisch handje toe.
De band speelde met vele tientallen shows in Nederland en België een ijzersterke live reputatie bij elkaar wat leidde tot o.m. een fel opgemerkte support-tour met C.W.Stoneking.
Voortgestuwd door drie blazers en een aanstekelijke beat slaagt Handkerchief erin elk publiek aan het dansen of in ontroering te brengen.

Rock duo Ledfoot & Ronni Le Tekrø have announced the release of their new album “ADeath Divine” on October 2nd, 2020 via TBC Records. "A Death Divine" is a meeting of giants between two unique guitarists, Ronni Le Tekrø and Ledfoot. It's stadium rock in duo format. Ronni Le Tekrø is best known for his unique playing style and as one of the founders of legendary TNT, and he has several times ranked as one of the world's best guitarists regardless of genre. In addition to TNT, Ronni has released several solo albums and collaborated with a number of artists, including Terje Rypdal.hier om te bewerken.

Ledfoot (Tim Scott McConnell) recently won Spellemann (Norwegian Grammy) in the blues class for his latest album ‘White Crow’. Leedfoot has developed his own playing style using a 12-string guitar with extra thick strings, steel plates and brass slide, often accompanied by stomp-box. In addition to four albums as Ledfoot, he has released several solo albums under his full name, played in The Havalinas, been covered by Bruce Springsteen (High Hopes) and played in the NRK series ‘Exit’. Together they are Ledfoot & Ronni Le Tekrø, armed with a bunch of fantastic songs, a lot of guitars and the amplifiers set to 11 to blow you off the field.

Ronni and Tim met in 2009 when Tim went up to Ronni’s studio to record ‘Damned’. They immediately connected as artists and as friends...which is why ‘Damned ‘ turned into a double record with a solo version and ‘ band ‘ version featuring Ronni. Shortly after they started doing shows together...solely because they enjoyed it. They also worked together on numerous records as studio musicians, producers and songwriters. In 2018 Ronni and Tim started talking about seriously doing a record together and experimented by improvising in the studio...the result was ‘Imperfect World‘ and‘High Time‘ both of which have ended up on their debut record ‘A Death Divine‘. Two guitarists with dramatically different approaches and both being prolific writers make for a very interesting landscape and chemistry, this reflects in their debut....no rules, no category...just music from the heart...

His first album in over a decade, “Playing It Forward,” dropped Friday as the single, “Motor City Sway,” is perched in the Billboard Top 25.
 
DETROIT (9 October 2020): It’s been eleven years since contemporary jazz flutist Alexander Zonjic dropped a new album, making Friday’s release of his 13th collection, “Playing It Forward,” an event album. A genuine multi-hyphenate, Zonjic is a longtime multimedia personality (he hosts television and radio shows) and artistic director for nearly a dozen music festivals and concert series throughout Detroit and the Michigan region in addition to being a recording artist, explaining the lengthy gap between albums. Finishing the new Hi-Falutin Music release produced by GRAMMY-winning keyboardist Jeff Lorber was made possible because COVID-19 forced the cancellation of most of the calendar of live music events that Zonjic produces.       
 
Whetting the appetite of both radio programmers and fans alike is the disc’s first single, “Motor City Sway,” a tune written and produced by Pieces of a Dream’s James Lloyd. A fun video shot on stage and on the streets of Detroit (the Canadian-born Zonjic’s adopted home), including at the Motown Museum, reveals a “Motor City Sway” dance to go along with the funky R&B instrumental track currently climbing the Billboard Top 25.
  
“Playing It Forward” is an energetic blend of jazz, funk, fusion and soul comprised of five Lorber originals along with a handful of reimagined classics. The outing showcases the work of top shelf musicians, including guitarists Chuck Loeb (one of his final recordings before his passing), Paul Jackson Jr. and Michael Thompson, drummer Gary Novak, horn player and arranger David Mann, and 14-year-old South African keyboard phenom Justin-Lee Schultz, who can be seen performing a talk box solo in the “Motor City Sway” video.   
 
The album title intentionally riffs on “paying it forward,” which is something the benevolent Zonjic does generously throughout metropolitan Detroit and the Michigan region. The award-winning musician is organizing and headlining a November 13 fundraiser for Mariners Inn, a shelter and treatment center for the homeless.   
 
Below is a sampling of the initial album reviews:
 
“A fantastic album, which was more than worth the wait!” – Keys and Chords
“The album is spectacular…Rarely has an album fascinated me as much as Alexander Zonjic's Playing It Forward.” – Smooth Jazz Daily
 
“With loads of the usual flourishes and touches that give it edge and keep it interesting as well as several co-writes with Jeff Lorber…It’s a tasty, light hearted romp throughout.” – Midwest Record
 
“Contemporary jazz flutist Alexander Zonjic is a legend in the Motor City, and he’s now back after 11 years with a brand new album (Playing It Forward) and a song that should make every Detroiter (and every honorary Detroiter around the world) take notice.” – Soul Tracks
 
“Track grabbing attention at the moment is ‘Motor City Sway’…our man’s homage to his adopted city…Enjoy your ride around Detroit with Zonjic and his dancers!” – Jazz&Soul&Funk
 
“Along with a half a dozen new songs (five of which were penned or co-penned by Lorber), Zonjic has also reimagined five cover tunes for flute with fresh arrangements…delightful new album.” – Exclusive Magazine  
 
For more information, please visit http://www.zonjic.com.

audio
soundcloud.com/jdsimo/the-movement?in=jdsimo/sets/jd-simo-1

from the new album
JD SIMO
out now
(Crows Feet Records)

“Vibrant 70’s soul groovers sit next to high energy psychedelic rock workouts with melodic earworms aplenty. Recommended 10/10”
GUITARIST

“A potent, ambitious blend of soul, blues and psychedelia”
CLASSIC ROCK

“He can riff, wail and wah wah with considerable skill, taste and bravado. Simply fantastic 5/5”
GUITAR TECHNIQUES

“What a talent. What a surprise. What an album! JD is special 10/10”
POWERPLAY

“A joy to delve deeply into. Every track tells you something different about the band 5/5”
MUSIC NEWS

“Made with real heart and an incredible ability, JD has got razor sharp chops and a deep appreciation of the fundamentals of rock, blues, funk, soul, jazz and free form psychedelia 4/5”
GET READY TO ROCK!

“A fine piece of work and the songs are a solid vehicle for JD to do his thang, vocally and on guitar 4/5”
MUSIC REPUBLIC MAGAZINE

“Full of interesting left turns and terrific playing from an artist always striving to break down walls and explore new musical directions”
RED GUITAR MUSIC

“Stupendous guitar led and imaginative blues, rock, funk and soul album that reveals more layers on every listen”
BLUES DOODLES

“One of the best albums of the year and what should be an essential purchase. It has to be heard”
ALL ABOUT THE ROCK
album also includes the singles
ONE OF THOSE DAYS
video
youtu.be/lwJ6xztg5hg
+
LOVE
video
youtu.be/CgQj02ddFYQ

Recognised as a formidable guitarist who can channel iconic six stringers such as Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Nolen while adding a large dash of blues and soul, JD Simo is an acclaimed guitarist and singer who, at 34, has paid his dues as both a sought after session musician and frontman, initially as part of the group SIMO and more recently as a solo artist.
JD's self-titled second solo album is out now. Preceded by the singles ‘One Of Those Days’ and ‘Love’, it combines his blues roots with psychedelic rock, classic R&B and soul. New focus song ’The Movement’ is the opening song on the record and trucks along on a hummable groove as the high-register hook soars. “It’s about me trying to remind myself to be as ethical as I can be. My aim is to get out of my subconscious,” explains JD.
Each album in JD’s discography (whether in a group or solo) has built upon its predecessor, with ‘JD Simo’ continuing that trend. Songs such as ‘Love’ and ‘Help’ also represent his own mental and emotional growth. Speaking about the inspiration behind these and the other self-written songs on the album, JD says: “I never imagined when I wrote these songs about my own struggles that it would be so appropriate for this moment. Being a new father, going through recovery and figuring out how to become the person I want to be, these underlying things focused on what I had to express. Empathy, growth, trauma and, most of all, love. I’m proud of it! It’s exactly what I want to say and share. Please take care of yourselves and I hope you dig it! Much love and always keep it greasy!”

‘JD Simo’ also includes four distinctive cover versions: ‘Out Of Sight’ by James Brown, ‘Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquadalmistic’ by Isaac Hayes and Al Bell, ‘Soul Of A Man’ by Blind Willie Johnson and ‘Anna Lee’ by Earl Hooker.
JD has been bringing his music and personality to fans via various projects begun while in lockdown. Greasy Time is a weekly Facebook Live series where he performs, plays some of his favourite music and interacts with fans, Brother From Another Mother is an Instagram podcast where he chats with other musicians, while #TShirtTales is an Instagram series where he supports local businesses, artists and other things that he likes, creating Spotify playlists to coincide with each episode.

simo.fm
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instagram.com/jdsimomusic

Released digitally on all platforms on October 9th is a fantastic album that brings together three very different UK music legends: Robin Trower, Maxi Priest and Livingstone Brown: ‘United State of Mind’ (released on Manhaton Records). Three artists with distinctive, trademark sounds and styles that dovetail and fuse together, creating an excellent whole that’s full of atmosphere, allure and a whole lotta soul. 
 
Virtuoso rock guitarist Robin Trower found fame with Procul Harum, then went on to lead his very own power trio: The Robin Trower Band. His album ‘Bridge of Sighs’ has sold millions of copies worldwide. Classic Rock Review described Robin as a “guitar player of unparalleled influence,” particularly for the passion and soul of his playing, as well as his virtuosity, all of which have inspired countless young guitarists to take up the instrument. 
 
“USM was one of the first pieces of music that I came up with for Maxi,” reflects guitarist Robin Trower, “as soon as he heard it, Maxi had the lyric idea of ‘On a lonely highway’ and everything started to fall into place from there. I think it is one of the best tracks I’ve been involved in. Working on the album with Livi and Maxi was a complete joy from beginning to end.”
 
Maxi Priest is an iconic British reggae vocalist, with Jamaican heritage, who’s best known for singing reggae with added R&B flavour, creating that potent blend called reggae fusion. Maxi was a pioneer in the genre and is acknowledged as one of the most successful reggae fusion acts of all time. 
 
Livingstone Brown, meanwhile, is a talented producer/mix engineer and musician. As a session and touring musician during the 80s and 90s, Livingstone worked, separately, with Robin Trower and Maxi Priest; not to mention in his long career other high-calibre artists such as Ed Sheeran, The Waterboys, Tina Turner, Bryan Ferry, Kylie Minogue, De La Soul, ABC and Bill Withers —to name but an impressive several.
 
“From the opening title track, it’s one of those releases that catches you and never lets go” - Pete Clack, Blues In Britain
 
Watch United State Of Mind Official Lyric Video:
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inmAsdcDzXE&feature=youtu.be&mc_cid=00c76e83ff&mc_eid=1c96dcd56d
 
Maxi, Robin and Livi’s distinct talents proved a winning combo: in songwriting, in performance and in production, and thus the trio’s chemistry and collaboration led to ‘United State of Mind’: an album on which you’ll find Maxi's trademark smooth as silk, mesmerising vocals, Robin Trower's soulful, passionate guitarwork, and Livingstone’s catalyst flair and Midas Touch.
 
What brought this remarkable trio together was a chance meeting at Livingstone Brown's studio in Brixton in the UK, caused by what Livingstone calls “a diary malfunction.”
 
Maxi Priest puts it this way: “Three different minds coming together trying to create a unification that we can give as a gift to the world. We wanted to come together to do something positive. I’m overwhelmed and proud of this album. It’s all live instrumentation — fully organic music. This album is for music lovers: all genres.”
 
The end product — ‘United State of Mind’ — is an outstanding album, rich in commercial appeal, that’s beguiling, seductive and so smooth that it’s virtually frictionless. Also, full of verve and virtuosity that’s not only going to appeal to fans of the trio’s solo work, in reggae, rock and beyond, but is bound to delight many more besides. Definitely one to check out! 

KAI STRAUSS is an exceptionally talented blues player and singer, crossing any imaginable border with his versatile yet authentic approach of the blues. He listens to and learns from the masters but while their specific styles may be recognized in Kai's performances he incorporates them into his own sound.  
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First as an anchor man in Memo Gonzalez' Bluescasters and the last decade in his own right Kai Strauss has garnered loads of praise from music fans, music critics, industry professionals and blues organisations alike, winning numerous German Blues Awards along the way.

"Guest In The House Of The Blues…is about my love for the Blues and what it means to me. The title is supposed to express my respect for the afro-american culture and the origins of this beautiful and expressive music. I have always been welcomed with open arms wether it was among American musicians and audiences or European. I’m thankful for the hospitality I recieved in the house of the blues and I would love to share my passion with you. Thanks in advance to help us spread the word,,,,,"
Kai Strauss

'Tuffe' is de vooruitgeschoven single van de nieuwe EP van H A S T.  De EP verschijnt op 15 januari 2021. ‘Ubi Sunt’ is de opvolger van het debuutalbum ‘Elegy’ (2019). 

​Met een recept van snoeiharde riffrock, minimale soundscapes en noise elementen, dat klinkt als een unieke mengeling tussen een Modriaan en een Pollock, is H A S T mind-, ear- en heart-blowing. Een verkenning van extreme dynamieken, pure eenvoud en alles daartussenin. De vooruitgeschoven track ‘Tuffe’ belicht de hardere kant van de band, waarbij snedige riffs en wilde improvisaties elkaar afwisselen in een wervelende storm van start tot finish.

2018 : Laureaat STORM! Contest
2017 : Winnaar Jazztract Gent Jazz Festival
2016 : Laureaat op Theater Aan Zee

Line-up:
 
Rob Banken - altsax
Artan Buleshkaj - gitaar
Roeland Celis - gitaar
Cyrille Obermüller - contrabas
Elias Devoldere - drums
 
https://art-spot.be/h-a-s-t
www.facebook.com/hastmusic

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​Best known as the lead vocalist for Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and their major hit “Blinded By The Light,” legendary singer Chris Thompson has penned a seething new message about the current US administration with his single “Blood On His Hands.”
 
Says Chris, “I think the meaning is pretty clear. The leader of one of the most powerful countries in the world cannot tell the truth and seems unable to stand up to or carry out his responsibilities, resulting in a tremendous amount of hardship and a lot of needless deaths. He had his chance and has come up short so often and everything is falling around his ears.”
 
A phone call from Chris’s uncle set the recording of the new song in motion. Says Chris, “I keep Quicktime files of all the little ideas that pop into my head while I’m practicing or playing around on my guitar. During a call with my 88 year old uncle in New Zealand, we talked about the current situation regarding Covid in his country and mine, eventually getting on to the developing situation in America and how it was being dealt with. He was appalled by the President and remarked, ‘that man’s got Blood on his hands.’ As I was listening back to some of my latest Quick time files, I found a perfect musical accompaniment to that lyric idea, which became the chorus for our song. My wife and I worked on the lyric together, took a little while to get it expressing how we felt.”
 
Recording it because of the lockdown situation was difficult so Chris first put down a rough drum track and started recording the guitars. He farmed the bass part out to an old band mate from New Zealand, Sid Limbert, drums were done in Norway by Steinar Krokstad. Keyboards were done in Belgium by the 3rd writer of the music Pieter Akkermans. Background vocals and lap steel were done in California by Jesse Siebenberg and other vocals in Spain by Hille Belemans and in England by Lance Ellington. Chris’s vocals were done at home. Although complicated, he was really happy how it turned out. The track was mixed in Belgium where Chris resides with his wife and two daughters.
 

Chris Thompson’s vocals made a permanent mark on the landscape of modern rock with the release of “Blinded by the Light” with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band in 1976, a No. 1 hit throughout the world then and still on worldwide constant radio rotation today. He enjoyed continued success with The Earth Band with 5 more top ten singles in England and Europe. 
 
Well known for his high-energy vocal powers and moving ballads, his talents have been used by the likes of Jeff Wayne, Queen, Elton John, Tina Turner, Alan Parsons, Jan Hammer and Sarah Brightman. Chris recorded and toured with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band from 1974 to 1999 and has recorded 7 solo albums, including 2 albums with his band Night, with one top 5 singles in the USA, “If You Remember Me” and one top 20 single “Hot Summer Night.” In 1984 Chris worked with Doobie Brother, Patrick Simmons on his solo album “Arcade.”

Chris was involved in The Freddie Mercury Tribute concert as vocal support to all the artists throughout rehearsal and the event (artists included David Bowie, Annie Lennox, George Michael, Lisa Minnelli and many others) and at the Mandela Concert in Cape Town  in 2003, where he sang “The Show Must Go On” with Queen.

Chris has written songs for or with The Doobie Brothers, Roger Daltry, Ray Charles, Rita Coolidge, Michael McDonald, Patrick Simmons, Bonnie Tyler, Isaac Hayes, Jan Hammer, Jennifer Rush, Heart, John Farnham, Peter Maffey, Harold Faltermeyer, David Foster, Elkie Brooks, Jane Wiedlin and Starship.
Vocals on record with Tina Turner, Elton John, Roger Daltry, Brian May, Ozzie Ozbourne, Queen, Britney Spears, Def Leppard, The London Symphony Orchestra, Sarah Brightman, Toto, Mike Oldfield, Alan Parsons, Jeff Wayne’s “The War of the Worlds” and Mavis Staples.
 
In 2020 Chris wrote and sang the end title song for “After Arabia” a new film about Laurence, which won best song at the Los Vegas film festival in July.
 
He continues to work on his Musical called ‘DO IT FOR LOVE’ based on his original story, with all original new music, which will have it’s premiere when theaters return to normal!
 

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​Frontvrouw Simone Simons: "We zijn opgetogen dat we vandaag eindelijk de video 'Abyss Of Time' kunnen laten zien. We zijn naar Polen gevlogen om met Grupa 13 te werken. Video's maken is een van mijn favoriete onderdelen van de visuele creatie van onze muziek. De kostuums uit de video waren waanzinnig mooi. Het was bijzonder leuk om te doen.”
Gitarist Mark Jansen: "Ik ben enorm trots op dit album. Ik ben ervan overtuigd dat we zelfs na zoveel jaren een zeer verfrissend en uitgebalanceerd album hebben gemaakt. Onze kracht is dat we veel geweldige songwriters in één band hebben. We zijn erin geslaagd om elkaars sterkste kwaliteiten te combineren en om zo de beste nummers te selecteren. Het schrijfproces was een vruchtbare periode om samen door te brengen, en als één team aan die nummers te werken. Ik denk dat dit het grootste verschil heeft gemaakt in vergelijking met onze vorige albums. Ik heb inmiddels al zo'n vijftig keer naar ‘Omega’ geluisterd en heb er nog steeds geen genoeg van!"

Brian "Licorice" Locking is gisteren op 81-jarige leeftijd in een ziekenhuis in North Wales overleden. Locking werd wereldberoemd als bassist van The Shadows. Locking werd geboren in Bedworth, Warwickshire, Engeland. Hij begon eind jaren vijftig met het bespelen van de basgitaar in verschillende bandjes, samen met rocker Vince Eager. Zo speelde hij in Vince Taylor & The Playboys, Janice Peters & The Playboys en Marty Wilde's Wildcats. In die laatste band zat ook de toekomstige drummer van The Shadows, Brian Bennett. Daarnaast speelde Locking ook harmonica en klarinet (bijgenaamd de "licorice stick"). Zo kwam hij aan zijn bijnaam "Licorice", die door Vince Eager werd bedacht. Toen Marty Wilde solo verder ging, werd de groepsnaam van de begeleidingsband gewijzigd in The Krew Kats. Bennett verliet de band om lid te worden van The Shadows. In april 1962 werd Locking, op aandringen van Bennett, de vervanger van de vertrekkende Jet Harris bij The Shadows. Het geluid van The Shadows veranderde hierdoor. Locking speelde mee op grote hits als 'Dance On', 'Foot Tapper' en 'Atlantis'. Hij speelde ook harmonica tijdens live-optredens en op het nummer 'Dakota'. In 1963 speelde hij een rol in de Cliff Richard film 'Summer Holiday'. Nadat hij anderhalf jaar bij The Shadows had gespeeld, stapte hij op om zijn activiteiten als Jehova's Getuige verder te ontwikkelen. Hij bleef daarnaast actief in de muziek en speelde mee op het debuutalbum van Donovan. Vijf jaar later trad hij weer enige tijd tot The Shadows toe, in de periode dat John Rostill in het ziekenhuis verbleef. Tijdens Marty Wilde's 50th Anniversary Concert in Londen in 2007 stapte Locking het podium weer op om mee te spelen met The Wildcats en de overgebleven leden van The Shadows. Brian Locking ruste in vrede!
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Met dank aan Leo Weijers.

​Stony Plain Records announces a November 20 release date for Blues Bash with Duke Robillard &Friends, the new album from two-time Grammy nominee and multiple Blues Music Award-winning guitarist Duke Robillard.

Duke Robillard, himself, declares Blues Bash to be “packed with plenty of bright sounding Fender guitar a la Ike Turner, Lefty Bates, etc. Just a good listening or dancing record like the blues records I bought when I was a kid. It was pretty much a reunion of sorts and I wanted the material to be simple, straight-ahead ‘50s style blues and R&B... Basically it’s a blues party album and that feeling is what I wanted to convey.”
 
And while Duke has admitted that his concept for Blues Bash was to make a straight vintage-style blues album with rhythmic grooves and no hook-laden songs, as always, the music is impeccable, classy and powerful. Two stellar horn sections (including one that reunites him with many members of the original Roomful of Blues horns), searing guitar and organ solos, boogie woogie piano and guest vocalists Chris Cote and Michelle Willson help to propel the groove. Duke is in his element here, displaying his authority, versatility, passion and virtuosity. Not only is Blues Bash the kind of album that made so many blues fans fall in love with Duke’s music, it’s a career highlight from one of the world’s best. 
 
Duke Robillard has been defined as not merely a great artist, but also a true historian, scholar and curator who is adept at electric and acoustic blues, jazz, jump, swing, ballads and standards. Grammy-nominated and a five-time winner of the Blues Music Award as best guitarist, over his 50 plus year career Duke has been a prolific songwriter and is considered a blues guitar master. Duke continues to be a sought after side-man and featured guest.
 
“Considering Duke Robillard’s illustrious and prolific musical contributions over the years (with many of the highlights on Stony Plain), and with such straight-ahead fare, Blues Bash with Duke Robillard & Friends shouldn’t require much exposition,” writes esteemed blues writer/historian Dick Shurman in the album’s liner notes. “But this writer always jumps at any opportunity to extol the many joys of Duke and his music, so we’ll lay out the basics about this bash and throw in a few well-earned superlatives.
“The collective roster spans the full chronicle of Duke’s recording career. Of the two stellar three-horn sections, the all-saxophone Rich Lataille-Greg Piccolo-Doug James lineup present on most songs here takes us back to the early Roomful years; on another song, James, Al Basile and Sax Gordon ably keep the party live and more. Both sections keep their collective foot south of Duke’s shirttail and acquit themselves with their long established distinction when called upon to solo. The rhythm sections also consist of familiar stalwarts: bassists Jesse Williams and Marty Ballou, drummer Mark Teixeira (and Marty Richards on one track), and keyboard player Bruce Bears, who gets a nice organ showcase on the closing ‘Just Chillin’.’Among the other guests, harp player Mark Hummel and pianist Bob Welsh (who has a great feel for gritty Chicago blues) go with Duke toward Jimmy Rogers territory on a remake of Duke’s ‘No Time.’”
“Guest vocalist Chris Cote from Boston works in several bands and can sing anything,” enthuses Duke. “He has a real love for the blues and all his vocals here are live in the studio. Female guest vocalist Michelle ‘Evil Gal’ Willson sings live also and tears up Helen Humes’ ‘You Played On My Piano.’ Boogie pianist deluxe Mark ‘Mr. B.’ Braun is the backbone from start to finish on Smiley Lewis’ ‘Ain’t Gonna Do It.’”
“Saying Duke’s broadly and deeply informed music reflects careful and diligent study is stating the obvious,” adds Dick Shurman. “But in some cases, like this album, not a lot of analysis and reflection are called for. After all these years and accomplishments, he and his cohorts have given us a wonderful reiteration of the continuing greatness of the jumping, swinging jazz-infused blues that brought him and Roomful to prominence. Frankly, this isn’t an album to read liner notes by. It’s far more suited to moving and grooving, sweating or at least toe tapping, signifying and getting happy – all with appropriate facial coverings and social distancing, of course.”
​
About Duke Robillard:
Since starting his musical career in 1967 by founding and fronting Roomful of Blues, Duke Robillard has been at the forefront of Blues, Swing and classic R&B/Jump blues for over 50 years, earning him his legendary status while influencing and inspiring countless legions of musicians and fans worldwide. Leading his own group, Duke has toured non-stop for the past 40-some years, recording more than 30 critically acclaimed CDs under his own name. He has toured as a guitarist with Tom Waits and the Fabulous Thunderbirds and recorded with the likes of Bob Dylan, Ruth Brown, Jay McShann, Pinetop Perkins, Kim Wilson, Jimmy Witherspoon, Rosco Gordon, Maria Muldaur and many more.
 
“Robillard is a soloist of stunning force and originality” – The New York Times
 
“Most everything Duke Robillard has done as a guitarist during the past four-plus decades bears witness to his musical intelligence and his dedication to his craft.” - DownBeat

BOMBATAZ - OLYMPICS OF LOVE
Album out 30/10 on Cloudshaper/NEWS
- Va Danser - drops 09/10
 
Eind oktober verschijnt ‘Olympics of Love’, het debuutalbum van Bombataz, het Brusselse post-jazz popkwartet, en opvolger van hun ep 'Kapao!'. De titeltrack, ‘Olympics of Love’, werd vooruitgeschoven als eerste single van het album, als tweede werd Mitraille gelost, op 30 oktober verschijnt full album 'Olympics of Love' (uit op het CloudShaper label / NEWS), maar tussendoor dropt de band ook nog "Va Danser" op 09/10. 
Releaseconcert @Botanique 14/11
Alle concerten zie lager

​Bombataz ontstond toen conservatoriumstudenten Vitja Pauwels (gitaar, stem), Hendrik Lasure (toetsen), Ruben De Maesschalck (bas) en Casper Van De Velde (drums) ontdekten dat hun gemeenschappelijke liefde voor muziek zich niet beperkt tot jazz, maar tot letterlijk àlle genres. Fusion dus, in de elektrisch geladen traditie van Miles Davis. Al vinden ze de discussie of het ‘jazz is of geen jazz’ totaal oninteressant. Ze betrokken hetzelfde huis in Schaarbeek en de rest is geschiedenis.
Hun eerste EP '¡Kapao!' verscheen in 2019 bij Fake Records. Die titel staat voor een djoef op uw muil. Maar dan vredelievend, als een visitekaartje. Single 'Frankenstein' maakte duidelijk waar Bombataz voor staat: speelse post-popmuziek met een hoek af, die tegelijkertijd grappig en melancholisch is. 
Op 30 oktober verschijnt ‘Olympics of Love’, het debuutalbum van Bombataz, waarmee ze de maskers afleggen en zich ontpoppen tot volbloed popband. Beïnvloed door bands als Fleetwood Mac, Prince, Ambitious Lovers, MGMT en Connan Mockasin eigende Bombataz zich het afgelopen jaar een meer mature sound toe, waarvan de plaat het resultaat is. De plaat werd in band ingeblikt net voor Corona toesloeg (februari 2020) en in de lockdown werden de final touches (overdubs) vanop afstand toegevoegd. De overall mood van het album Olympics of Love is er een van positiviteit, hoop en liefde, al is een weird kantje of een tearjerk nooit ver weg. Terwijl EP ¡Kapao! meer op een soort hype leek te surfen wil de band nu vooral los van trends hun eigen pad aftasten, of dat nu tropische latinfunk of struikelende elektrojazz oplevert. Wat telt zijn de songs en het spelplezier, datgene wat niet uit te leggen valt…
Op de Red Bull Elektropedia Awards 2019 kreeg Bombataz de prijs voor ‘Most Promising Artist en werden ze genomineerd voor Beste EP.
Olympics of Love (debuut full album) uit op 30/10
Met het nieuwe album legt Bombataz de maskers af en ontpopt zich tot volbloed popband. 30 oktober verschijnt ‘Olympics of Love’, het debuutalbum van Bombataz, het Brusselse post-jazz popkwartet. Het zal live worden voorgesteld in november, in de Botanique te Brussel en hetBos in Antwerpen. In Nona Mechelen brengen ze een try-out in double bill met Liesa Van Der Aa. 

 "Va Danser" dropt op 9 oktober als derde vooruitgeschoven track uit 'Olympics of Love' 
De titeltrack, ‘Olympics of Love’, werd vooruitgeschoven als eerste single van het album. ‘Mitraille’ is de tweede single van Bombataz. In ‘Mitraille’ laten ze de r&b van Justin Timberlake copuleren met de 80’s synthfunk van Sly Fox. ‘Va Danser’ vrààgt dan weer om vergeleken te worden met Stromae, maar het is hier wel een écht strontzatte Etterbekenaar die van de trap valt. Het bezingt het collectieve gevoel van 'willen maar niet durven op de dansvloer'. Aangewakkerd door zwoele latin-ritmes en opgejut door enkele one-liners van Belle Perez barst het feest dan toch los. Bombataz zingen in vier talen. Engels, Nederlands, Frans en Spaans horen bij de grootstad waarin ze wonen.
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​ABOUT - en bref - in short
Bombataz is een popgroep, die werkt vanuit een jazzy benadering. Fusion dus, in de elektrisch geladen traditie van Miles Davis. Al vinden ze de discussie of het ‘jazz is of geen jazz’ totaal oninteressant. Andere projecten van de heren zijn SCHNTZL, An Pierlé Quartet, Donder, Warm Bad en Woolvs (…).

Als Róisín van zich laat horen, luistert de wereld. De laatste maanden teasede ze ons al voor haar vijfde album met enkele opmerkelijke livestreams, geheel in lijn met haar mysterieuze imago. Róisín is volledig klaar om de dansvloeren te vullen met ‘Róisín Machine’ en al zeker met een nieuwe Europese tournee die halthoudt op 21 september 2021 in de AB.
 
Gewapend met discoblonde krullen, een onweerstaanbare psychedelische uitstraling en onuitputtelijke energie keert Róisín Murphy terug als de perfecte discokoningin, vijf jaar na haar album ‘Hairless Toys’, dat haar een nominatie voor de Mercury Prize opleverde. ‘Róisín Machine’ is het resultaat van een lange en mooie samenwerking met een van haar naaste medewerkers Crooked Man aka DJ Parrot, die zijn strepen verdiende met hits als ‘Simulation’, ‘Jealousy’, ‘Incapable’, ‘Narcissus’ en ‘Something More’. Zijn heerschappij over de Engelse muzikale trends lijkt niet te stoppen want elke realisatie kan rekenen op lovende recensies van zowel critici als het grote publiek. Murphy is een boeiende artiest, een hitmachine en een exceptionele performer. Wees erbij in de AB op 21 september, het belooft de moeite te worden!

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​Lightyear Entertainment announces that it will release a commemorative double vinyl of beloved artist Grover Washington, Jr. on Black Friday for Record Store Day. 
 
This release marks 20 years since the passing of the immensely popular artist who was largely responsible for creating a bridge between jazz and R&B.  
 
Grover was well loved by his fans but also by the many musicians who worked with him over the years. He was a contemporary jazz artist whose music topped the “Smooth Jazz” charts, but his sound was funky, and his music was respected in all jazz and R&B circles.  His live performances and worldwide success prove that he was a timeless gem of an artist who entertained his audiences with a powerhouse band of some of the best players in the business. 
 
This superb live recording – cut in June 1997 at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill, upstate New York – captures the essence of Grover’s greatness. With a coterie of ‘A’ class musicians in support, the legendary sax man’s work on this album demonstrates why he was not only a leader in his field but a pioneer capable of blending the subtleties of jazz with the funk and sweat of soul music. 
 
In addition to Grover himself on tenor, soprano, alto, and baritone sax, the album features Donald Robinson on keyboards, Gerald Veasley on bass, Richard Lee Steacker on guitars, Steven Wolf on drums, and Pablo Batista on congas and percussion. It was produced by Grammy winner Jason Miles, and Executive Produced by Christine Washington, Jason Miles and Tim Ryan.
 
“We released a CD of these recordings in 2010, which has sold well for 10 years,” said Lightyear President Arnie Holland. “But when Grover’s family suggested we do a vinyl, we were thrilled to do it. The album was lovingly remastered for vinyl by Peter Humphreys at Masterwork, and lacquers cut by Joe Nino-Hernes at Sterling Sound.  The result sounds amazing and feels like you are at the show.”
 
The Double Vinyl with download card is in a gatefold jacket with satin coating and metallic gold highlights. The vinyl itself is 180 Grams audiophile quality and gold metallic opaque colored vinyl was utilized, to match the gold on the cover of the album.
 
The album will be released on November 27 to Record Store Day retailers on an exclusive basis for 90 days, after which it will be available generally.