GROOVE55 - VOYAGE

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Voyage features Smooth Jazz Chart-topping trumpeter Rick Braun and internationally renowned multi-instrumentalist Mino Cinelu on percussion (Miles Davis, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Sting). We think this album is a landmark on the smooth jazz scene. It is energetic with full sounding arrangements and captivating percussion grooves. No band other than Groove55 can swing the funk as well as this.

The first track from their new album Voyage is called "Feeling Good". It features Rick Braun on trumpet, and Mino Cinelu on percussion.

"Black Market" is Groove55's interpretation of a composition by the late Joe Zawinul. "Black Market" was on the album of the same name which came out in 1976. Joe Zawinul is best known for his crossover radio hits "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" and "Birdland".

Track three from Voyage is called "Pick Me Up". It's just a fun groove intended to be somewhat reminiscent of the traditional funk tune with horns, but treated with a modern touch. The solid and steady rhythm section makes you tap your feet while listening, truly a ''picker upper'' of a song. "Pick Me Up" is a composition by our bass player, Yves Nadeau.

The melody in "Hornets" seemed a perfect match for Rick Braun's mute trumpet. Yves Adam plays the Alto sax on this one, and the two instruments blend perfectly.

The recipe for "Secret Weapon" is some cool trumpet, a good helping of groove, a pinch of swing and a dash of espionage for spices.

"Cotton Candy" speaks of Duke (Edward Kennedy) Ellington, the cotton club and the swing era. Born in 1899, The Duke wrote over 1000 compositions and in the century since his birth, there probably has been no greater composer. He was know for his eloquence, his charisma and his innovative use of the big band format.

"White Sneakers" was composed by bassist Yves Nadeau, after listening to a number of bass players originated from Africa. Although the song is better described as world music, Yves idea was to capture the energy and the rhythm of African music. Daniel Lemay's drum on this song is scintillating.

"Maiden Voyage" is a composition by Herbie Hancock and features a fantastic percussion solo by Mino Cinelu, as well as a bass solo by Yves Nadeau, and also puts into light the exceptional playing of the clarinet by Yves Adam. "Maiden Voyage" is considered a standard with its uplifting melody.

"Colors" is a cool groove with a catchy melody that will stay with you throughout the day.

"Fly By" is a short portrait of a jazz improvisation with a hint of funk in the background.

~ CD Universe

HAMMER GLAVIER TRIO - ROCKET IN THE POCKET

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The Hammer Klavier Trio is jazz as it lives and breathes today. Three bright musicians use acoustic and electric instruments in a fun and unfussy concoction of classical jazz and contemporary rhythms that feels right for this moment. Their quirky and earnest melodies, sharp rhythms and hipster attitudes acknowledge with appreciation jazz's recent and older past, but are inspired not fettered by it. In fact, it frees them. So HKT keyboardist Boris Netsvetaev adds an edgy touch of electronics on "Hysterioso," his variant of Thelonius Monk's "Mysterioso," for no other reason than because it brings a smile, and the groove cut by bassist Philipp Steen and drummer Kai Bussenius is in step with how people move.

And the rest of Rocket in the Pocket demonstrates equal confidence, though after the lyrical, impressionism a la Bill E vans feel of "A Sketch in Dark Colours" you don't expect the dirty Fender Rhodes distortion effect Boris employs in his solo on "Suicide Train." Or Philipp's lead bass part on "Tekla," with Boris' haunting backdrop of a voicing. Or the free-time episode at the center of "Plan B," followed by chordal figurations reminiscent of a Herbie Nichols composition. But you accept it all, since these three clearly know what they're doing, and it's exciting.

Those are two reasons why the Hammer Klavier Trio has made many a strong impression and won an ever broadening fan base since forming at the Hamburg University of Music and Theater in 2002, where its members first met at a concert of the Joe Lovano-Bill Frisell-Paul Motian trio. The genuine originality of St. Petersburg-born Netsvetaev's compositions and arrangements, and the sensitive flexibility by which Steen and Bussenius make the music their own are two more. The intriguing drama and engaging playfulness heard throughout this album, though, are the main things. No other explanation is necessary to enjoy this music than hearing "Rocket in the Pocket," the album's title track. It shows off what HKT weaves together and how. A backbeat as funky as any in-crowd needs, a motor goosing Boris' elegantly precise and unerringly decisive piano line, Steen and Bussenius synchronizing their parts into an irresistible rhythm. Happy surprise! You can dance to it!

Good music wins out: the path from the release of HKT's 2008 recording debut Now I Know Who Shot J. F. K. to the issue of Rocket in the Pocket has been marked by positive steps. These include the trio's iœberjazz festival set, a clip of which can be seen on Youtube. The Jazz Journalists Association nominated the video for a 2011 Jazz Award, and digging the music too, featured HKT at its annual Jazz Awards gala at City Winery that June. The trio developed the opportunity to perform before the jazz media elite into an NYC mini-tour that reached NYC's hard-core aficionados, with gigs at Small's, Miles Cafe, the Garage, Puppet's in Brooklyn and the German General Consulate.

HKT was welcomed everywhere. "When's your next recording?" people asked. Here it is, Rocket in the Pocket. Launch and soar.

~ Howard Mandel, president, Jazz Journalists Association

NEW RELEASES - CLINT EASTWOOD & GENERAL SAINT, COUNT BUFFALO, LEE HAZLEWOOD

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CLINT EASTWOOD & GENERAL SAINT - TWO DAD D.J.

Just like the title says, two bad, bad Dee Jays plying their trade over niced up rhythms from Junjo Lawe – with all star backing that includes Flabba Holt, Sly & Robbie, Style Scott, Santa Davis, Sowell, Chinna Smith, Bo Pee, Bingy Bunny, Gladstone Anderson, Ansel Collins, Steelie, Winston Wright, Sky Juice, Skully Sims and others! 10 tracks in all, including "Can't Take Another World War", "Another One Bites The Dust", "Talk About Run", "Sweet Sweet Matilda", "Special Request To All Prisoner", "Dance It Have Fe Nice", "Gal Pon The Front Line", "Jack Spratt", "Tribute To General Echo" and "Hey Mr DJ".  ~ Dusty Groove


COUNT BUFFALO - EXCITING DRUMS AFRICAN ROCK PARTY

The drums are definitely exciting here – really tight rhythms that drive most of these cuts into a funky frenzy – even if the groove is more based on American soul of the late 60s than the African rock promised in the title! Most of the tunes are covers, but remade here as really hip instrumentals – often with bold work from the Count on his drum kit – which then sets fire to the larger group's blend of tight horns and electric rhythmic instrumentation – all coming across with that perfect cusp of the 70s Japanese jazz sound we love so much! Most tracks are shortish, and very groovy – and titles include "The Cat", "Touch Me", "Amen", "Soul Limbo", "Hold Tight", "Otis Sleep On", "Sidewinder", "Going Up The Country", and "Windy". ~ Dusty Groove

LEE HAZLEWOOD - YOU TURNED MY HEAD AROUND

A totally amazing look at Lee Hazlewood's late 60s record label – served up in a host of rare singles by other artists who were working with Lee at the time! The range of styles is wide, but there's a really focused feel to the whole thing – given Hazlewood's key touches in the studio behind the singers, and his undeniable sense of wit and warmth, which makes just about all these artists sound way better with Lee than they would on their own! This limited-edition box is totally beautifully – with eleven individual 7" singles, each with original label and sleeve art – plus the rare "Woodchucks" pic sleeve, a special Hazlewood puzzle, an LHI 45 adapter, and even a download card for all the music – packaged in a heavy-duty magnetic flip-top box! Titles include "Lady Barber" by Lynn Castle, "Invisible People" by Hamilton Streetcar, "Come Down" by Honey LTD, "The Street Song" by The Kitchen Cinq, "Trouble Maker" by Lee Hazlewood, "Valentine Grey" by Danny Michaels, "It's A Nice World To Visit" by Ann Margret, "Bo-Dacious" by The Woodchucks, "Anyone Who Had A Heart" by Eve, and "Nobody Like You" by Lee Hazlewood & Suzi Jane Hokum. ~ Dusty Groove

The year that was in movies

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Here is a recap and compilation of the best film of 2012 that left a good impression on me. In no particular order.

Best superhero comic movie 2012

The Avengers

All the major Marvel comic superheroes all roll into one massive ball of fun. Enough said.

• random movie review: The avengers

The Dark Knight Rises


Intense and brooding story about redemption.The conclusion to the Batman Saga by  director Christopher, solidifies his status as one of the King of story telling.

• Random movie review: The dark Knight rises.

The amazing Spiderman


An unecessary reboot. I love the chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. Andrew does a more realistic Peter Parker in my opinion.

• Random movie review: The amazing Spiderman reboot

Best sci-fiction movie of 2012

Looper


Not as mind bending as Inception, but the premise of the story is watchable enough to feed  the appetite of Sci-fiction movie buffs.

Men in Black 3s

Haven't lost their groove yet. To be cool in a suit means the way to go is being a Men in Black.

• Random movie review: Men in Black 3

Best comedy movie of 2012

Crude and unapolegitic, Ted is not for the faint hearted and those looking for a lovable gentle teddy bear. He get his point accross and his does it in your face.

• Random movie review: Ted

Best Indie/Arthouse movie of 2012

Moonrise Kingdom

Artsy, quirky with a tinge of nostalgia set in the yesteryear era.

• Random movie review: Moonrise Kingdom

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

A buffet of excellent British actor in the movie. A light exotic story set in India with strong performances from each actor.

Best action/espionage/spy film
Skyfall

Bond never got this better until Daniel Craig came along and played Her Majesty the Queen's secret service. In this outing he doesn't disappoint. Epitome  of suave, cool and awesome all in one.

• Random movie review: Skyfall

Best  Full Length Animated/Stop Motion films

Brave

A beautiful handcrafted animation from Disney Pixar.

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

As usual they move it, move it for a third time!! The third installment of the involves a daring rescue mission, a lot of circus routines and an uncontrollable amount of craziness.

• Random movie review: Madagascar 3

Frankenweenie


I love the macabre, the somber quirky stories Tim Burton always does. Frankenweenie is no exception.

Random movie review: Frankenweenie

Best adventure drama  adventure film of 2012

A visually stunning film with an equally stunning story.

2012 is not without under performing movies. Notable film are of course the big budgeted John Carter and the remake of the  American television cult classic Dark Shadows acted by Johnny Depp.

Other notable movie news:

• A big history of big screen flops. (Entertainment BBC)
• Blockbuster economics: So you want to make a movie?

The year that was in music 2012

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Best picks of music for the year 2012, in no particular order.

Fun featuring Janelle Monae- We are young

Some nights



Gotye featuring Kimbra- Somebody that I used to know

Kelly Clarkson- What doesn't kill you make you stronger

Jason Mraz- I won't Give up

Maroon Five-payphone


Pink-One last Kiss


Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen- Good Time


Mumford and Sons- Lover of the light


Alt-J- Something Good


Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros-Mayla




The list wouldn't be complete without the infectious hit from the land of Korea called Gangnam Style by Psy. Not so for it's lyrical content but the way the Korean Rapper markets himself and the song, with a  witty horse galloping and lassoing dance movement. It's also the first video in Youtube history to reach a billion view.

NEW RELASES - TOM STEWART, ANTHONY, TIM CHOKAN

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TOM STEWART - FLYER

Flyer features the compelling, virtuosic performances of Jeremy Powell on tenor sax, Ian Goodman on drums, and Mark Neuenschwander on bass. Tom composed the tunes and the quartet brings them to life in an exciting way. The hard work of recording engineer, Steve Connelly, of Zen Studios in St. Petersburg, and the legendary mastering engineer Bob Katz, located in Orlando, contribute to a high quality audio experience. Flyer also includes two of Tom's solo acoustic tunes, including the title track and "Changes in the Instant."



ANTHONY - FROM THE HIP

Anthony's voice has been described as both tough and vulnerable. His songs move from swagger and swing to sweet and luscious. Marc Myers (journalist, author, historian, founder JazzWax, and contributor to the Wall Street Journal) writes crisply, "Dig the voice!" Anthony says, "My goal is to write and record music with melodies and lyrics with deference to those that comprise the American songbook." The music has been called sophisticated by some. Others in the music industry have described the songs as, "filled with passion and wonderful surprises". Of course, the eye is of the beholder (or of the ear in this case). What is not subjective is that the musicians in the recordings are consummate professionals with impressive backgrounds. Their resumes include playing with such diverse notables as Frank Sinatra, Les Paul, Elvis Presley, Olivia Newton-John, Stan Getz, Buddy Rich, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Chicago, Lionel Hampton Big Band, and other prominent names and bands in the music industry, as well as performing in Broadway stage productions. Anthony concludes, "I hope that jazz enthusiasts, and those with an ear for pop music, will take the opportunity to listen and judge for themselves".

TIM CHOKAN - THE FUN ONE

In this most recent endeavor by Tim Chokan, he continues to do his part to keep the Trumpet alive and make it cool again. Tim presents his Collection No. 5, "The Fun One" - A Smooth Jazz Quartet with Trumpet, bass, keyboards/synthesizers, and drums ! smooth Old School Soul inspired jazz that is fresh, funky, and FUN!! With a shout out to the acoustic guitar, "The Fun One" features two special guest guitarists: Kevin Chokan on track two, the slick "Highway Man", and track thirteen, the old school "Bootsey". Also, Perry Heinitz on the beautiful track six, "5 Jazz", with the Harmon Mute on the Trumpet. Also, the melody of track three, "Jazz Dance", was inspired by Solomon Burke, Jr.
, the son of the King of Rock and Soul, Solomon Burke. "The Fun One", instrumental, original, contemporary smooth jazz music that appeals to everyone young and old, fifteen songs that will pick you up and get you going, all with the intention of having Fun!

~ CD Universe

NEW RELEASES - B.B. KING, THE MOMENTS, EDDIE HOLMAN

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B.B. KING - LIVE IN JAPAN

B.B. King live in Japan – really cooking here on a concert performance that's quite different from his other live records of the time! The set's a double-length one – originally a 2LP set – and most tracks are nice and long, with lots more room for solos from B.B. – stretching out wonderfully in front of a crowd that's clearly going out of their minds – almost as enthusiastic, at least in the way they're recorded, as the Apollo crowd at a James Brown performance! Although not issued in the US at the time, the material is essential BB King – really great tracks that are some of the best he recorded in the 70s. Titles include "Jamming At Sankei Hall", "Hikari", "Chains & Things", "You Are Still My Woman", "Niji Baby", "How Blue Can You Get", and "Eyesight To The Blind". (SHMCD pressing.) ~ Dusty Groove

THE MOMENTS - MOMENT WITH THE MOMENTS

Sweet sweet sweet soul from The Moments, and one of their rare early albums for the Stang label! The tracks are all beautiful New Jersey harmony soul, of the sort that The Moments and others put on the charts in a large way during the early 70s – and the band's smoothing their act up a bit, but still has some of the roughness that makes the best New Jersey soul albums so compelling! Of course, Sylvia Robinson probably had something to do with that – as she was still just hitting her stride in the studio – finding a great way to present the group with all the fragility of their earliest years, but also a bit more punch than usual. Titles include their hit "Love On A Two Way Street", a surprisingly great cover of "Rocky Raccoon", and other nice ones like "So This Is Our Goodbye", "I Do", "Key To My Happiness", and "Lovely Way She Loves". ~ Dusty Groove


EDDIE HOLMAN - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER   A wonderful late 70s comeback for Eddie Holman – best known to folks for his earlier sweet soul work, but sounding equally great here on a set of club-heavy tracks! Although Eddie's falsetto soul might have seemed like a strange choice for the disco-oriented Salsoul label, this album actually works well – and stands as a good representation of the shifts in styles along the East Coast soul scene during the 70s. Eddie's voice is still in great shape, and he's great on the ballads like "You Make My Life Complete", "Immune To Love", and "It's Over" – but he also fits in great with the more up-tempo tracks, which were arranged and produced by Ron Baker and Norman Harris! Titles include "Time Will Tell", "All My Life", and the title cut, "This Will Be A Night To Remember". CD's got some killer bonus tracks – including "This Will Be A Night To Remember (orig Tom Moulton 12" mix)", "Time Will Tell (orig Tom Moulton 12" mix)", "You Make My Life Complete (orig single)", "Somehow You Make Me Feel (orig single)", and "I've Been Singing Love Songs (background vocals)". ~ Dusty Groove