Friday, August 28, 2015

Frank Piombo

Today Frank Piombo’s portfolio is an impressive one. Appearing as lead guitarist and vocalist alongside Sidewalk Symphony, The Fantasy Band, Stepping Out, The New Prince Band, US & Co, the original Infernos; and sharing the stage with the likes of The Duprees, The Mello Kings, Vito and the Salutations, and Vito and the Elegants, Frank has proved to be much more than a jazz guitarist.
In addition to touring the New York Metropolitan Area, where he has built a solid fan base, Frank has also shared the stage with various European artists, such as “I Nuovi Angeli” and the “Formula Tre.”
Frank’s CDs (The Night Speaks; Sleepwalk; and Smooth Reminiscence) have led to a large international following, prompting several fan pages on Facebook. And his music is now heard throughout North America, and several other continents, including: Africa, Australia, Europe, and South America.
Since June 2012, Frank Piombo has held the #1 jazz artist position in New Jersey, according to ReverbNation’s Jazz Charts! And in 2014, Frank Piombo was accepted on the popular digital radio station Pandora, where he now boasts his own station.
Reverbnation.com

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Phil Denny

Emerging onto the smooth jazz scene in 2012 much traction has been made by the efforts of saxophonist and businessman, Phil Denny. Some might describe him as a people’s musician having developed a very active and loyal fan base even before the release of his internationally recognized 2012 debut, Crossover; an album which has already earned him two Billboard charted hits. A buzz has been rippling from coast to coast as either his music or marketing prowess reaches those who follow smooth jazz almost always earning him a new fan. Described as a passionate and soulful player who has a way of captivating audiences with his smooth, sexy yet energetic style. In fact, Phil has sold out every show he has produced since the summer of 2012 and continues to build quite the international following.

After spending more than half a decade as vice president for a mortgage broker firm, Phil decided it was time to concentrate his efforts on his passion for music, a decision that has already led to some incredible opportunities. Although no stranger to the stage, he was eager to take his music to a new level and do so independently while relying on his business experience and trusted industry friends to guide him.

Crossover, Phil’s debut release was described by Critical Jazz as “an album that works on every imaginable level from sophisticated cover art to a non pretentious approach to where contemporary music should be heading.”

The acceptance of the album was immediate and “Push,” the vibrant first single to radio debuted at #29 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay chart and later peaked at #21 as well as spent more the 20 weeks on the SmoothJazz.com charts. Currently at radio is the up-tempo “Traffic Jam” which debuted #30 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay chart and has since risen to #25 and can now be heard nationally on Sirius XM Watercolors. Crossover, produced by Grammy nominee, Nate Harasim, was bred to be a powerhouse debut that not only highlights the proficiency and flair of Denny, but his mastery of infectious lyricism. The project also welcomes a host of musician friends to round out the experience including trumpeter Cindy Bradley, guitarists Nils and Matt Godina, bassist Terrance Palmer and vocalist Anna Stevenson. This ten-track debut demonstrates a level of artistry that has been described as parallel to veteran artists in the genre, though brings on a fresh new vibe. Reverbnation

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Rod Williams






Williams has been making a name for himself while playing at various local clubs, events throughout the state of NJ. He started out with the violin and moved on to the clarinet. Rod later became interested in the saxophone after hearing Grover Washington.  Completion of his new CD "The Journey" Rod's music is available on amazon and itunes.

Eric Roberts


When I first heard Eric Roberts without even knowing  his style is some what similar to the early years of  legendary jazz guitarist, Earl  Klugh. Eric Roberts single "Flying Free"  is an inspiration from his soul spirited love for Brazil. While living in Switzerland, he came across a small Brazilian Music Community and club. There they appreciated his style, music, his craft and so he entitled his cd   "My Brazilian Heart."  This cd is a beautiful composition of his guitar playing from his selection of originals.  You can find on Eric Roberts on amazon.com.

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Elkano Browning Cream

Elkano Browning Cream (EBC)

Elkano Browning Cream 2, emphasizing more than ever the hypnotic side of their music. Demonstrating an eclecticism of poetry and danceable rhythms.
The Hammond Organ Trio focuses on their musical essence, we showcase  "Euphoria" bringing you Latin feel, an expression of joy in their music exploration.  Check out EBC on cdbaby.com

Phil Casagrade

 Phil Casagrade has  just released Manhattan Vibe album broadcast his new single "Grooveology."

itunes  CdBaby

 

Chris Jasper

   

If you are familiar with THE ISLEY BROTHERS, then you know Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, CHRIS JASPER, an integral member of THE ISLEY BROTHERS during the 1970s and 1980s—their gold and platinum years—from the 3+3 (1973) to Between the Sheets (1983) albums. These were the years when THE ISLEY BROTHERS were a self-produced, self-contained group.

 CHRIS JASPER, who was primarily responsible for writing and producing all of THE ISLEY BROTHERS music during this time, including such beautiful love songs as “For The Love of You” and “Between the Sheets” and uptempo funk such as “Fight the Power.” His arrangements and instrumentation as a classically-trained musician, and his expertise on the keyboards and synthesizers, are the foundation of the legendary “Isley Brothers Sound.” When the six members of THE ISLEY BROTHERS disbanded (1984), Marvin and Ernie Isley joined CHRIS JASPER and formed ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY. Without this crucial musical component, THE ISLEY BROTHERS were no longer a self-produced, self-contained group.

CHRIS JASPER brought his “unique sound” and musical talents to ISLEY-JASPER-ISLEY, and topped the charts singing lead vocals on “Caravan of Love” (1985), a song that was covered by English recording group, the Housemartins, an international #1 pop hit. “Caravan” was also used in commercials as part of a Dodge Caravan advertising campaign. He was also awarded a CEBA Award For Excellence for a Miller Brewing Company commercial. The music for that commercial formed the basis for “Brother to Brother” from the “Different Drummer” album, which supported the anti-apartheid struggle going on in South Africa at that time. His music has also been used in radio and television commercials, most recently “Who’s That Lady” (Swiffer) and “Between The Sheets” (L’Oreal).
(www.goldcitymusic.com).

 Video for promotional use only.

Giancarlo Greco


Giancarlo Greco

Great Italian Jazz  by Giancarlo Greco Quartet straight from Rome  with Dida's Feelings. Much talent from each musician Giancarlo Greco- Trombone, Stefano Sabatini- Piano, Guido Giacomini- Bass and Lorenzo Tucci on Drums.

Video for promo use.




Monday, June 15, 2015

Terje Lie

http://terjelie.com/
Saxophonist Terje Lie (“Terry Lee”) started his career as a musician during high school, over time, he became a part of that country’s scene of young rising jazz artists and freelance musicians, featured as both a singer and saxophonist. Lie toured Norway, Sweden, and Finland with different groups and appeared on the jazz shows of NRK, the Norwegian equivalent of the BBC. Lie has a degree in music education as well as a Master of Music degree.

 His album Urban Vacation, produced by Jimmy Haslip and Jeff Lorber, Terje says, “Seeing how much work Jimmy (Haslip) and Jeff (Lorber) put into Urban Vacation has definitely inspired me to expect even more from myself as a composer, musician, and performer. It’s great to have the opportunity now to share that with more fans than ever before.” And he continues, “Jeff and Jimmy enlightened me to many new angles and concepts that made this a fantastic experience for me. It’s been a great thing to record with them and the result is a seriously kickin’ album!”

The Rippingtons

Russ Freeman and The Rippingtons for any stretch of time over the past quarter century know the versatile award winning and Grammy nominated guitarist/composer, and producer has long had a penchant for naming songs and albums after exotic places (Aruba, Kenya, Morocco, Weekend in Monaco, Sahara, etc).

Seawind


Seawind was a Jazz Fusion group from Hawaii, featuring lead singer Pauline Wilson 

Members:Pauline Wilson, Jerry Hey, Kim Hutchcroft, Ken Wild, Bud Nuanez
Larry Williams
, and Bob Wilson.

They recorded two albums for CTI Records, one for A&M Records and one for A&M subsidiary Horizon Records. A notable part of the band's sound was the "Seawind. 


Horns" (trumpeter Jerry Hey, sax and flute player Kim Hutchcroft, and sax, flute and keyboard player Larry Williams), who went on to provide backing instrumentals and arrangements for performers such as Earth, Wind & Fire, George Benson, Michael Jackson (Thriller, Off the Wall and Bad), Quincy Jones and Mika. Hey left Seawind as a touring member in 1979 but continued as a recording member of the band through 1980. Trumpeter Larry Hall, an original member of the band when they were called "OX", rejoined the group in 2005. Hey and Hall are longtime friends and both are top-call recording session musicians.  Read More


Video for promotional use.


Haakon Graf









Haakon Graf  is known in Los Angeles. When we Haakon's music we knew he would fit right in the LA scene of Smooth Jazz Industry.   Known for this musical style, songwriting and producing You can find Haakon Graff on Facebook.

ROBERT LEE REVUE



City of Smooth Jazz showcases artistry and musicianship; which is the true essence of the ROBERT LEE REVUE.Robert Lee Balderrama has assembled a group of formidable musical talent; fellow Mysterians Frank Rodriguez/Keyboards and , along with Tom Barsheff/Saxophone and Robert Lee's wife Amy Lynn Balderrama/Percussion.

Live performances will see the nucleus of the band joined by Jack Nash/Bass, Rudolph Levario/drums & Percussion. CITY OF SMOOTH JAZZ was released SEPT, 2012, label AMR/ASSOCIATED MICHIGAN RECORDINGS.

All songs are published by Robert Lee Balderrama Publishing/BMI. Robert Lee ,and Frank continue to tour and record with Question Mark and the Mysterians, but also make time to pursue other musical interests. OF NOTE: Robert Lee Balderrama,and Frank Rodriguez, original guitarist, original keyboardist and respectively of ? & the Mysterians, have an historical significance which is quite clear; credited with creating and originating the musical genre 'garage rock/punk' in the early 1960's. As Steve Huey of All Music Guide states, "It only took one song, the organ-driven number one smash "96 Tears," to make ? & the Mysterians into garage rock legends…the Mysterians sound helped lay down an important part of the garage rock blueprint…they were one of the first Latino rock groups to have a major hit…one of the prime suspects in the evolution of garage rock into early punk."  facebook

video is for promo use.