LEGENDARY BAND CHICAGO RELEASES NEW DVD DOCUMENTARY: CHICAGO WORLD TOUR 2011 - "BACKSTAGE PASS"

To contact us Click HERE

The multi-platinum, Grammy® award-winning band Chicago has released a new DVD, Chicago World Tour 2011, featuring footage of their concerts from all over the worldThe multi-platinum, Grammy® award-winning band Chicago has released a new DVD, Chicago World Tour 2011, featuring footage of their concerts from all over the world, including London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Zurich, Oslo, Berlin, Toronto, Brazil, Australia, and dozens of U.S. cities. This unforgettable collection of music features some of the band’s greatest and most popular hits including “Just You ‘n’ Me,” “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “Old Days,” “25 Or 6 To 4,” “Saturday In The Park,” “You’re The Inspiration” and many others.

Additionally, fans will also experience the band in an intimate rehearsal setting, never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage from their U.S. tour, in-depth interviews with the iconic founding members and current band members, rare archival photos and much more. The DVD is for sale on the band’s website. Hailed as one of the "most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era" by former President Bill Clinton, Chicago is the first American band to chart Top 40 albums in five consecutive decades – a landmark achievement. Considered one of the longest running and most successful pop/rock 'n' roll groups in history, they are the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine's list of Top 100 artists of all time, coming in at #13.

Lifetime achievements include a Grammy Award, multiple American Music Awards, elected as Founding Artists to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Chicago street dedicated in their honor, and Keys to and Proclamations from an impressive list of US cities.

Formed in 1967 in Chicago, the “legendary rock band with horns" released their first album “Chicago Transit Authority” in 1969. Since then, they have had record sales top the 100,000,000 mark, and include 21 Top 10 singles, 5 consecutive Number One albums, 11 Number One singles and 5 Gold singles. An incredible 25 of their 34 albums have been certified platinum, and the band has a total of 47 gold and platinum awards. From the signature sound of the Chicago horns, their iconic Vocalists, and a few dozen of ever-Classic Songs, this band’s concerts are celebrations. The band is now in their 46th consecutive year of touring, without missing a single concert date!

This DVD documentary showcases the band’s relentless enthusiasm and sheds light on their amazing musical journey – one that is far from over.

ELIAS HASLANGER - CHURCH ON MONDAY

To contact us Click HERE
Cherrywood Records is proud to announce the release of Church on Monday, the latest recording from critically acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer and arranger Elias Haslanger.

A soulful, toe-tapping, instantly accessible jazz recording, Church on Monday features long-time musical director for Ray Charles, Dr. James Polk on Hammond B3 organ as well as former Joey DeFrancesco band-mate Jake Langley on guitar. The result is a highly entertaining musical journey that features two new original compositions penned by Elias and slate of great jazz standards arranged just for this session.

Inspired by the great Blue Note recordings from the '50's and '60's, Elias and his quintet of tenor saxophone, B3 organ, guitar, bass and drums spent two days tracking in an old church in East Austin that is now a recording studio. Capturing a classic sound with swinging arrangements played by outstanding musicians is what this session is all about. For high-fidelity enthusiasts, Cherrywood Records will press a limited number of vinyl records and make the high-definition (24-bit/88.2 kHz) sound files available for download.

Elias Haslanger has played and recorded with Ellis Marsalis, Maynard Ferguson, The Temptations, Asleep at the Wheel, Alejandro Escovedo and countless others. He has released 4 critically-acclaimed recordings as a leader which have been played on radio stations around the world and reviewed favorably in DownBeat, JazzTimes, Billboard, Cadence, Texas Monthly and the Austin Chronicle. He is an active performer performing over 150 shows a year at venues across the United States.

Haslanger is now a major talent, both as a composer and instrumentalist whose future has almost unlimited potential and should be regarded in national terms." -Michael Point, DownBeat  ~ CD Universe

REGGIE CODRINGTON - EXPRESSIONS

To contact us Click HERE
Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Reggie Codrington, is the son of the nationally known musician and bandleader Ray Codrington who played with some of the greatest musicians ever known such as: Little Richard, Gladys Knight, and the late Jackie Wilson, just to name a few. Reggie fondly remembers his father's band practicing in the family's den. His entire little boy dreams were of music. "I guess one would say I was born into music," he says. By age five, Reggie learned to read music and the fundamentals of musicianship. It would be several years; however, before he would play and develop his musical talent. Not because he did not desire to, but because he was physically unable to.

Reggie was born with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy (ACP), a chronic condition that affects muscle coordination and depth perception. Affected persons often have poor coordination and walk unsteadily with a wide based gait. Wanting to give him every chance at having a normal life, his parents agreed to have him undergo a series of surgeries. By the age of 13, Reggie had endured nine surgeries where muscles were alternately cut and transferred from his elbow, wrist, and right tricep to improve his finger dexterity. Additionally, muscles were cut from his leg to offer more mobility and make it easier to walk. Reggie discovered that music could transcend him to a place of tranquility and offer a way to escape from the stress of life with a disability. Immersing himself in his music, Reggie was encouraged to join his school band where he found acceptance from his peers. And the ridicule he once encountered from his school mates was replaced with respect for his talent as a musician. His father Ray helped him develop his skills and he learned improvisation and other musical concepts. He was also encouraged to stay focused and never give up on his dream of becoming a successful musician.

A pivotal point in Reggie's life and career came on his eighteenth birthday when his parents presented him with a curved soprano saxophone. This instrument led to a major transformation as it offered a comfortable way to play that he had not yet experienced. The curved instrument allowed him to use a neck strap for a more comfortable fit for his arm and allowed for more finger dexterity and coordination. "Something magical happened, and I knew I had found my niche. I fell in love," Reggie nostalgically recalls. After graduation and armed with his new instrument, Reggie continued his study of music at Howard University where he started to develop his own personal style and truly grow as a musician. Receiving accolades from professors and friends also lit a fire in his soul to keep perfecting his special gift. Currently, Reggie stays busy as he continues to perfect his craft and compose new music in the recording studio. His ultimate goal is to go on tour and share his music and his triumphant story of overcoming the physical challenges of being disabled. His vision is to tour the world talking to young people and sharing how he overcame a debilitating disability, ridicule in his youth, and unsavory independent labels as he traveled on his road to jazz greatness. ~ CD Universe

NEW RELEASES - THE JAZZ PROFESSORS, NICK FINZER, MICHAEL NORWOOD

To contact us Click HERE
THE JAZZ PROFESSORS - DO THAT AGAIN

Jeff Rupert has performed and recorded with Kevin Mahogany, Mel Torme, Maynard Ferguson, Sam Rivers, and Diane Schuur. Drummer Marty Morell was a member of the Bill Evans trio for 7 years. Richard Drexler and Per Danielsson have performed with numerous jazz musicians, as well. This latest release by the Jazz Professors is jazz and mood music at it's best. Standards include "I remember you" and "Where or When". The title track "Do That Again" and numerous others are original compositions. The UCF voice and trumpet faculty join the recording on the remake, "Cristo Redentor". ~ CD Universe


NICK FINZER - EXPOSITION

With the release on January 22, 2013 of "Exposition" (Outside In Music OIM 1201), trombonist Nick Finzer delivers a debut recording that announces in no uncertain terms the addition to the international jazz community of a virtuoso instrumentalist, versatile improviser and a composer with the ability to not only pay tribute to the illustrious jazz heritage that inspires him but also expand the tradition's stylistic horizons. At the helm of a dynamic young band featuring saxophonist Lucas Pino, guitarist Alex Wintz, pianist Samora Pinderhughes, bassist David Baron and drummer Jimmy Macbride - fellow emerging artists who are also adding their distinctive voices to New York City's vibrant jazz scene - Finzer pays tribute to classic trombone- tenor quintets like those led by legendary jazz masters J.J. Johnson and Stan Getz and Curtis Fuller and Benny Golson as well as by his mentor Steve Turre. The addition of the guitar as both a melodic voice and a member of the rhythm section contributes a fresh new dimension to the music on the recording. In total Finzer premieres 10 original compositions he wrote between 2008 and 2012 on the CD, the initial release on his new label Outside In Music. ~ CD Universe

MICHAEL NORWOOD - HEARTBEATZ

Through the soulful chords and jazzy grooves played on his five or six-string bass, Michael Norwood has an uncanny ability to captivate audiences far and wide, and is taking the world by storm!  Over the years, Michael has been blessed to share his bass blends around the globe and across borders. In fact, his versatility from genre to genre has brought him to the stage with both Grammy Award and American Music Award Winners. Notable hits include works with Crystal Nicole, Herbie Hancock, Norman Brown, The Rippingtons, Charlie 'Uncle Charlie' Wilson, Marcus Miller, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Algebra Blessett. Whether it's R&B, Gospel, Contemporary Jazz, Reggae, Rock or just straight Funk, Michael Norwood's vibe says music is his first love! Whether performing at Jazz Festivals, Soul-Festival Concerts, or Live Gospel recordings, this talented musician will surely get you up out of your seat and on your feet! The world of music has been waiting for a vibrant bassist; well Michael Norwood is here and already making a powerful impact... ~ CD Universe

NEW RELEASES - NATHAN TANOUYE, LUIS FIGUEIREDO, LEVITATE

To contact us Click HERE
NATHAN TANOUYE AND THE LAS VEGAS JAZZ CONNECTION - II

This new CD "11" is the third CD from Nathan Tanouye and the Las Vegas Connection. Their previous CDs "Crossings" and "Remembering Russ" were a tribute and remembrance of the "bebop" tunes of Russ Freeman. Nathan arranged Russ' music with a fresh new sound for his Big Band, the Las Vegas Jazz Connection. The band has been together for six years and includes Las Vegas' finest musicians. They work in many of the shows on the Las Vegas strip. Nathan is currently playing and arranging for Celine Dion. Their dedication and talent has made this a band to be remembered. They have done numerous concerts in Las Vegas, the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, and Ken Poston's "West Coast Sounds"in Los Angeles.
Keep your ears open for Nathan Tanouye and the Las Vegas Jazz Connection. There is more to come. ~ CD Universe

LUIS FIGUEIREDO - LADO B

"LADO B" is the third album by pianist Lui­s Figueiredo. After a debut trio record and a collaboration album with singer Sofia Vitoria, Figueiredo now fronts a quartet/quintet packed with talented musicians from the Portuguese jazz scene. The repertory is mostly comprised of original music by the pianist. Joi£o Moreira: trumpet and flugel; Lui­s Figueiredo: piano and rhodes; Mi¡rio Franco: double bass; Alexandre Frazi£o: drums; Ricardo Toscano: alto sax; and Sofia Vitoria: voice. A mature recording by a brilliant pianist and leader who displays a keen sense of the management of emotions" - Mi¡rio Delgado, guitarist. ~ CD Universe

LEVITATE - LIVE!

From sultry bossa nova, to world-beat/nouveau flamenco, to rock and encompassing everything in between! Levitate is led by guitarist/composer Jorge Faustmann. Jorge is a self-taught guitarist who has produced 8 albums and has composed over 80 original songs. His music is influenced by his Spanish heritage as well as his exposure in his youth to many talented musicians. Also on guitar is Fred Malouf, who is a Berklee College of Music graduate and has been playing guitar for over thirty years. He has performed in diverse musical settings with improvisation being the central component. On multiple percussion is virtuoso percussionist extraordinaire Paul (Pablito) Fisher, who has performed with numerous ethnic, jazz, pop and R&B bands over the last forty-five years and brings to the band an eclectic synthesis of multi-ethnic based world-beat hand percussion and a groundswell of enthusiasm. Rounding out the group is Marty Honda on upright bass and electric violin. Marty has played music since the age of four. Marty's bass and violin bring to the group his wide range of musical influences from numerous jazz artists as well as late 60's rock groups and classical composers. ~ CD Universe

JEAN LAUGHLIN - MIRACLE OF LIFE

To contact us Click HERE
Jean Laughlin is an originator, poised to slide into any musical setting. Complimented by the best Chicago jazz musicians in a full orchestra setting, Jean collaborates with tasteful, inventive nuances complimenting many of the songs enriched improvisational solos. Bringing her dynamic relationship with Jim Martin to its full expression once again creating an album of warmth and love with her latest CD project Miracle of Life. Jim’s superb charts brings Jean’s music to life with the masterfully assembled string section and big band horns completing the orchestra.

Laughlin presents a full range of ballads from jazz, to Broadway, to cabaret. The story-lines of each tune exudes the challenges of our daily lives, bringing humor and whimsy to life’s absurdities throughout her big band arrangements. “I’ve always thought that music is a form of communicating with others, a way of connecting with each other. Through music we can share our thoughts and feelings and even heal broken hearts” says Laughlin.

Jean’s solid vocal and musical command underlie each composition’s appeal. She began singing at age five and studying classical piano at seven. At the age of eleven, she performed on the nationally televised ‘Bob Crosby’ Show.

After settling in Chicago, Jean became a fixture in recording studios, recording television commercials, voice-overs and radio spots for large advertising agencies like Leo Burnett, J. Walter Thompson and Foote, Cone & Belding. She worked with Chicago legend Shelley Long by performing in many corporate industrial shows.

Currently many of Jean’s big band charts are being performed around the globe. She offers her arrangements and lead sheets to other singers with the hope that her songs will reach a larger audience.

“Jean is a seasoned professional, bringing her uplifting life’s perception not only through her lyrics but through the melodic flow and rhythmic musical backdrop. There is not a person that couldn’t relate to the message of her inspired offerings of song” says Jaijai Jackson, creator of The Jazz Network Worldwide.

Jean released her first album I'm Glad There Is You in 1992. She wrote and produced Confessions of a Woman released in 1996, Who Am I? in 1998, What Am I Looking For? in 2001, No Easy Way in 2007. Her latest CD Miracle of Life was released in 2012 receiving international radio airplay.

“I want to thank Jaijai Jackson for giving me the opportunity to be featured on The Jazz Network Worldwide, I am truly honored!

I've always thought that music is a form of communicating with others, a way of connecting with each other. Through music we can share our thoughts and feelings and even heal broken hearts.

For a long time it has been very difficult for Independent artists to get their music out there, but now Jaijai Jackson has created The Jazz Network Worldwide, an incredible vehicle that allows jazz musicians to share their music and drink in the wonderful work of the many talented artists on this site. Thanks again, Jaijai! May I wish all of you a very Happy Holiday Season!” ~ Jean Laughlin

Visit THE JAZZ NETWORK WORLDWIDE "A GREAT PLACE TO HANG" at: http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

VERVE JAZZ ENSEMBLE - IT'S ABOUT TIME

To contact us Click HERE
Featuring acclaimed NY Trumpeter Tatum Greenblatt, cited by Wynton Marsalis as "one of his favorite young trumpet players," the Verve Jazz Ensemble projects a wide array of richly developed voices on this compelling compilation of music. From reinterpreted Bebop standards (Lady Bird, Boplicity, and Jordu), to a dynamic big band reduction (Big Swing Face, originally made famous by Buddy Rich), to two distinct treatments of well-loved jazz classics (Henry Mancini's The Days of Wine and Roses, and Oscar Hammerstein's Softly as in a Morning Sunrise), listeners will immediately hear a deeply integrated group that delivers its musical art with great style and passion.

Tatum Greenblatt's beautiful, crystal-clear trumpet voice lends a bluesy edge throughout, showcasing his rich jazz roots set on a contemporary platform and vision. Tatum takes full advantage of his voicing on the band's hypnotic rendition of Boplicity, creating a smooth, rich mood any New York jazz lounge would be proud of at 3 AM. Tenor sax man and arranger Jon Blanck brings his soulful, driving, yet ever-sensitive approach on every tune, linking with Tatum's trumpet to generate a warm blend of dynamic jazz.

Jon turns it up on the VJE's intriguing and funky jazz samba rendering of Softly as in a Morning Sunrise, featuring a broad and beautiful solo.

The group's rhythm section is also aptly featured, playing with a synchronization that gives the Verve Jazz Ensemble a solid yet highly flexible foundation. Note bassist Chris DeAngelis' solid undercurrent and footprint everywhere on the album. Pianist Matt Oestreicher's array of well-crafted, spicy and eclectic fills, accompaniments, and solos bring to mind pianists from McCoy Tyner to Red Garland, and many in between. And driving the band is VJE drummer and leader Josh Feldstein. Josh's swinging, thoughtful, and elegant percussive pulse sets the stage for a distinctly different, truly enjoyable rhythmic experience from tune to tune. Josh especially digs in on the uptempo and novel quintet interpretation of Big Swing Face, seamlessly blending the small jazz ensemble sound with a big band drumming approach, resulting in a wide-open, kickin' tune.

As the listener will very likely agree, it's indeed about time the Verve Jazz Ensemble has released their debut album, It's About Time.

~ CD Universe