Tag Archives: jazz

Jazz Collective Sasha’s Bloc Partners with Grammy-Winning Vocal Group Take 6 on new single “Runaway Blues,” available June 3

The accompanying music video will also be available on June 3.

Los Angeles, CA, June 02, 2016 – The critically acclaimed jazz collective Sasha’s Bloc has teamed up with the ten-time Grammy-winning vocal group Take 6 to release their new single, “Runaway Blues.” This enticing track blends the big band jazz sound from Sasha’s Bloc with the smooth gospel tones of Take 6 and will be available digitally on June 3. The single’s accompanying music video, which documents the groups’ recording session at the legendary Capitol Records, will also be available on June 3.

“Runaway Blues” features a sound that is a slight departure from the traditional 1920’s-40’s style big band arrangements that Sasha’s Bloc has become known for. With lead vocals by Take 6 member Alvin Chea and lush harmonies provided by both the smooth voices of Take 6 and the Sasha’s Bloc ensemble, “Runaway Blues” is a jazz, gospel, and blues crossover that is sure to strike a chord with fans of any of these genres. “Runaway Blues” is a story about life, love, and the ability to be honest with yourself. The song was recorded live at Capitol Records, in a room that Sasha’s Bloc bassist and bandleader Alex Gershman describes as “very much alive… It gives you goosebumps to think you were in the same room as legends such as Frank Sinatra.”

Alex Gershman has previously collaborated with Alvin Chea from Take 6, on Sasha’s Bloc’s recent and well-received second album, Heart On Fire. Gershman says that he was thinking for a long time about combining all the elements he loves from jazz, blues, and gospel. When looking for collaborators to make Runaway Blues a reality, Gershman notes that he didn’t have to look far. “[While] writing this song I had Take 6 in my mind all the time,” he says.

The new music video for “Runaway Blues” features the musicians from both groups in the process of recording the track live at Capitol Records. Directed by Alex Chaloff with cinematography by Ricky Chavez, Nick Brosco, and Alejandro Echevarria, the video captures the magic that Sasha’s Bloc and Take 6 brought to the legendary studio.

For more information visit: http://www.sashasbloc.com

About Sasha’s Bloc:
An intriguing ensemble founded in 2012, Sasha’s Bloc is an amalgam of varied artists, nationalities and experiences, all fueled by bassist and songwriter Alex Gershman. This collective delivers a sound that is consistently big, boisterous, full of spirit and rich in everything that makes jazz linger as an American phenomenon. The group has played multiple sold out concerts at key jazz clubs in Los Angeles, including Catalina Bar and Grill, Vibrato, Vitello’s, and a sold out show in conjunction with KJazz at the Wallis Annenberg Theater. Sasha’s Bloc has collaborated with such noted musicians as Jane Monheit and Take 6.

Follow Sasha’s Bloc:
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YouTube
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Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com/

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Announces Wine, Dine and Jazz 2015 Grand Finale Event!!

Enjoy The Grand Finale Event With Palette-Enticing Small Bites, Award Winning Local Wines, Monterey Meringues and SWINGIN’ jazz!

Monterey, CA, July 15, 2015 – “Wine, Dine and Jazz at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa” salutes the education program of the Monterey Jazz Festival – the oldest continuously running annual jazz festival in the world!

Don’t miss out on the2015 grand finale of Wine, Dine and Jazz!

• Thursday, October 22nd
• 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Sip wines from Scheid Vineyards, Twisted Roots Wines and Cima Collina Wines
• Savor small bites from the culinary team at TusCA Ristorante
• Dessert bar from Monterey Meringues.
• Listen to the sounds of “young phenoms” from the education program jamming and swinging’ together!
• Support Monterey Jazz Festival a 501(c)(3)non-profit arts education organization. We celebrate the legacy of jazz and expand the boundaries of and opportunities to experience jazz through the creative production of performances and educational programs. To learn more about Monterey Jazz Festival please visit montereyjazzfestival.org.
• Event to take place at TusCA Ristorante at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey.
• Cost is $55.00 per person inclusive
• 100% of everything raised that evening will benefit the Monterey Jazz Festival

Tickets are available on https://hyattmontereywinedinejazz2015.eventbrite.com

Background on the weekly jazz program at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa:
Our newly designed Fireplace Lounge features live jazz every weekend, with many of the finest jazz musicians from far and wide. Bar menu, signature cocktails, drink and dinner specials, free parking, never a cover, adjacent TusCA Ristorante full menu restaurant featuring local, fresh organic produce and sustainable seafood as well as sizzling steaks; the Monterey Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa has been named the number one spot on the central coast to hear live jazz! Sit by our huge indoor fireplace, with a panoramic view of the old Del Monte golf course – said to be the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi – and enjoy jazz standards, swing, Bossa nova, samba, and BeBop – music for drinking, dining, dancing, and just plain relaxing and listening! Our jazz director and drummer-in-residence now going on 17 years is Dr. David Morwood (yes, it’s true, our house drummer is a board certified plastic surgeon!). Morwood has been honored by the world wide jazz writers association for hosting the late night Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa jazz jam sessions after the annual Jazz Festival, and for operating on children with cleft lips and palates in developing countries every year our guests that are able to grab a seat in the Fireplace Lounge during the late night jazz jam sessions have listened up close and personal to such jazz legends as Wynton Marsalis, Percy Heath, George Benson, Branford Marsalis, Roberta Gamborini, Ray Drummond, and members of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Stop by and enjoy live jazz, a glass of award winning Monterey County wine and great appetizers and wood fired pizzas. Swing, Baby Swing!! All jazz events at the Fireplace Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey are complimentary. Jazz times are 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday.

About Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel& Spa on Del Monte Golf Course
Nestled in 22 acres of soaring Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course is a destination resort providing the discerning traveler the quintessential Monterey experience. Its location offers guests close proximity to downtown Monterey and Monterey Airport and easy access to some of the Peninsula’s most well-known attractions. With its warm, contemporary ambiance, elegant furnishings and convenient amenities, the hotel offers both leisure and business travelers a Northern California respite of unmatched serenity and comfort. Features include 550 guestrooms including 32 suites, and the President’s house, TusCA Ristorante, Knuckles Sports Bar, Fireplace Lounge, a 2,000 square foot fitness facility, tennis courts, pools and whirlpools, and 12,000 square foot full service spa. The hotel is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey, California. For information call (831) 372-1234 or visit www.hyattregencymonterey.com/.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox Public Relations
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com

Inaugural Wine, Dine and Jazz at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Save the Date for October 25th 2014

Enjoy palette-spoiling small bites, award winning local wines exclusively presented by Scheid Vineyards and SWINGIN’ jazz!

Monterey, CA, August 18, 2014 – “Wine, Dine and Jazz at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa” salutes the education program of the Monterey Jazz Festival – the longest continuously running jazz festival in the world! Enjoy fine wine by Scheid Vineyards, tasty bites, and swingin’ jazz as the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa showcases profession studio musicians, Monterey Jazz Festival (MJF) traveling clinicians, together with some of our “home grown” student musical protégés of all ages!

Support a great cause – music education for our youth – while enjoying tasty treats from our new TusCA Ristorante chef and wine from award winning Scheid Vineyards! Join the team at the Hyatt Regency Monterey as well as our jazz director David Morwood to celebrate one of the Monterey Peninsula’s world famous events!

Details:

* Saturday, October 25th

* 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

* Sip wines from Scheid Vineyards

* Savor small bites from the culinary team at TusCA Ristorante

* Listen to the sounds of the David Morwood jazz band featuring MJF clinicians, special guests, and “young phenoms” from the education program jamming and swinging’ together!

* Support Monterey Jazz Festival a 501(c)(3)non-profit arts education organization. We celebrate the legacy of jazz and expand the boundaries of and opportunities to experience jazz through the creative production of performances and educational programs. To learn more about Monterey Jazz Festival please visit montereyjazzfestival.org.

* Event to take place at TusCA Ristorante at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey.

* Cost is $55.00 per person inclusive

* A portion of everything raised that evening will benefit the Monterey Jazz Festival

* Tickets are available through Eventbrite http://winedinejazzathyattregencymonterey.eventbrite.com.

* Ask About Our Wine Dine And Jazz Room Package Special For The Weekend – Stay And Swing A  While!

Background on the weekly jazz program at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa:
Our newly designed Fireplace Lounge features live jazz every weekend, with many of the finest jazz musicians from far and wide. Bar menu, signature cocktails, drink and dinner specials, free parking, never a cover, adjacent TusCA Ristorante full menu restaurant featuring local, fresh organic produce and sustainable seafood as well as sizzling steaks; the Monterey Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa has been named the number one spot on the central coast to hear live jazz!   Sit by our huge indoor fireplace, with a panoramic view of the old Del Monte golf course – said to be the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi – and enjoy jazz standards, swing, Bossa nova, samba, and BeBop – music for drinking, dining, dancing, and just plain relaxing and listening! Our jazz director and drummer-in-residence now going on 17 years is Dr. David Morwood (yes, it’s true, our house drummer is a board certified plastic surgeon!).

Morwood has been honored by the world wide jazz writers association for hosting the late night Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa  jazz jam sessions after the annual Jazz Festival, and for operating on children with cleft lips and palates in developing countries every year. our guests that are able to grab a seat in the Fireplace Lounge during the late night jazz jam sessions have listened up close and personal to such jazz legends as Wynton Marsalus, Percy Heath, George Benson, Branford Marsalus, Roberta Gamborini, Ray Drummond, and members of the Lincoln Center jazz orchestra. Stop by and enjoy live jazz, a glass of award winning Monterey County wine and great appetizers and wood fired pizzas. Swing, Baby Swing!!  All jazz events at the Fireplace Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey are complimentary. Jazz times are 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday. Stop by and enjoy live jazz, a glass of award winning Monterey County wine and great appetizers and wood fired pizzas.

About Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel& Spa on Del Monte Golf Course
Nestled in 22 acres of soaring Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course is a destination resort providing the discerning traveler the quintessential Monterey experience. Its location offers guests close proximity to downtown Monterey and Monterey Airport and easy access to some of the Peninsula’s most well-known attractions. With its warm, contemporary ambiance, elegant furnishings and convenient amenities, the hotel offers both leisure and business travelers a Northern California respite of unmatched serenity and comfort. Features include 550 guestrooms including 32 suites, and the President’s house, TusCA Ristorante, Knuckles Sports Bar, Fireplace Lounge, personalized concierge service at the Regency Club, a 2,000 square foot fitness facility, tennis courts, pools and whirlpools, and 12,000 square foot full service spa. The hotel is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey, California. For information call (831) 372-1234 or visit www.hyattregencymonterey.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com

It’s Another Contemporary Jazz Home Run for Project Grand Slam with The Joyfully Melodic and Grooving ‘Spring Dance’

When is the last time a jazz ensemble named after the nefarious scheme of a James Bond villain packed such a solidly melodic and grooving punch?

Hollywood, CA, June 27, 2012 – Project Grand Slam, named by leader Robert Miller as a play on “Goldfinger”’s plan to steal all the gold from Fort Knox, is probably the first—and he and PGS are up to plenty of melodic and grooving wonder this summer on Spring Dance, their explosive new album on Cakewalk Records.

The collection’s lead track is its title tune, an upbeat, feel-good, winner penned by Miller. Miller’s other songs include the Joe Zawinal tribute “Joe Z,” a high energy blast that brings to mind the fiery fusion magic of Weather Report, complete with exotic chanting and old school keyboards; the sensual and elegant soprano sax led ballad “Ma Petite Fleur,” a piece Miller dedicates to his wife and that he calls his favorite on the collection; the brass-fired, classic blues-funk explosion “Catch You Later”; and “Flat Busted,” an in-the-pocket, mid tempo grooving urban jazz tune featuring Gilad Ronen’s hypnotic flute runs.

Ronen and Joye Hennessey’s “Remember” is featured first as a dramatic and soulful, longing romantic vocal (highlighted by strings and an emotional sax solo) and, as a coda to Spring Dance, a thoughtful and reflective instrumental that evolves into a percussive, easy rolling, rhythmically engaging samba. Ronen also composed the ambient, slightly melancholy ballad “The Turn,” which featured a smoky sax melody and soaring horn textures.

The band also covered the old Hollie’s hit, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”. Says Miller: “Joye did an incredible job with the song, almost like Mariah Carey singing jazz!”.

The eclectic nine-track collection is the follow-up release to PGS’ critically acclaimed 2008 debut, Play, which included the Top 20 jazz radio hit “The Captain Of Her Heart” (sung by Judie Tzuke). Five of the tracks from Play, along with the band itself (with Miller having a speaking part), were prominently featured in an episode of the hit NBC-TV series “Lipstick Jungle,” starring Brooke Shields. PGS did several live performances at clubs in NYC in addition to a charity show for the Ronald McDonald House.

For the new album Miller invited Mike Eckroth, keyboardist for guitar legend John Scofield, and alto sax man Danny Lerman to complement the core trio. After a few days of rehearsal, the new lineup of PGS convened in the studio and nailed the basic tracks in a week, with most songs done in two or three takes. After some overdubs, Justin Smith was brought in to sweeten some of the tracks with strings. And Joye Hennessey added her soaring vocals.

Miller is a renowned solo artist. His debut project, Child’s Play (Wildcat Records 1994) included performances by Randy Brecker, Jon Lucien and Anton Fig; his follow up, Prisoners of Love (1996) was released on 32 Records, a label Miller co-founded that became famous in the late ‘90s for a series of “Jazz For…” compilation recordings (Jazz For a Rainy Afternoon, Jazz For The Quiet Time, etc.) that dominated the Billboard Jazz charts and sold well over one million units. His band, The Robert Miller Group, played at many major New York area clubs, graduating to the national festival circuit where they appeared with artists like Bruce Hornsby, Bela Fleck and Kenny Barron.

“The essence of where we are as a group, and where I am personally in my life, is captured in the title track of the album with its upbeat vibe,” says Miller. “It’s a feel good kind of piece with an uplifting melody, funky beat and elements of my jazz fusion background. We’re all about strong melodies and great playing. What excites me most is exciting the listener.”

Project Grand Slam official website: http://www.projectgrandslam.com

For more information on Project Grand Slam, please contact Chip Schutzman: chip@mileshighproductions.com or 323-806-0400.

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323 806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com/

Ophidians: Caricature Personalities Released Early by harlequins enigma

ophidians: caricature personalities, harlequins enigma`s retro album is early out, the material consist of remastered 8 bit sound.

Bergen, Canada, Thursday – April 05, 2012 — ophidians: caricature personalities, harlequins enigma`s (http://www.myprgenie.com) retro album is early out. the material consist of remastered 8 bit sound. the result is outstanding at times, though some of the material have lesser quality then other tracks. the album is out on itunes, & yesterday on junodownload. this means that the quality retro album is available in m4a (itunes), mp3 (juno, cdon.com) & in 16 bit 44.1 wav format at junowdownload. harlequins enigma is happy to announce that the album has been released as a budget album, where juno`s 16 bit cd quality version will cost you only GBP12.50, for 75 tracks.

artists involved in the project were: åge riisnes (owner of harlequins enigma), jean michel jarre, sara jensen, sara q, elin berge, atjazz, sade, tori amos, emma watson, katie leung, yello & tangerine dream.

the inspiration of åge riisnes` early work came much from amiga artists like: øistein johan eide (boom jinx), martin iveson (atjazz), bjørn lynne, jesper kyd, jochen hippel & raphael gesqua. he also drew inspiration in the 90`s from artists like: jean michel jarre, tori amos, sade, vangelis, georgio moroder, cyndi lauper, kate bush, simply red, madonna, a-ha, alphaville, the beatles, prince & others. lately he has listened to other artists like jan garbarek, kitaro, tangerine dream, røyksopp, anja garbarek, bjørk, briskeby, bjørn eidsvåg & is thrilled to have played with some of them. as a result of co-operation, his mind expanded musically & he says thanx for that experience. physically he is about to snap, so his health is a priority now. mentally he is strong & hope to have enough money one day & buy a house & move away to somewhere quiet. he informs he took a break from music to have some rest, but have actually gotten worse.

harlequins enigma`s ( http://www.harlenia.com ) plans for the future is to release octagon vol.4 – loom, it`s the classical album, which took the place from the announced jazz album, which will come afterwards. they will also release a tori amos ep, consisting of 4 small amiga sessions & 3 fl studio sessions. rally feat. jean michel jarre, will be remastered & released as a single. the 50 cent piece featuring katie leung, the light of the shadow will be remastered & will feature 3 other hip hop tracks, some of it amiga material. catmint will come, a mixed album featuring various artists. td sound 1, 2 & 3 will also appear featuring tangerine dream, klaus schulze, other ex-members of tangerine dream & katie leung worked on many of the tracks also. expect these releases from harlequins enigma in 2013-2014.

harlequins enigma contact info:
email: harlequins.enigma@yahoo.com
twitter: h_enigma
telephone: 4798152524
homepage: www.harlenia.com

Press & Media Contact:
Ã¥ge riisnes
harlequins enigma
Bergen, Canada
479-815-2524
harlequins.enigma@yahoo.com
http://www.harlenia.com

With the release of The Christmas song, Le Blues du businessman and LoveUmadly Eric van Aro proves to be one of the most versatile singers today

In 2001 Eric van Aro released his album “from the heart”, a collection of songs dating from the mid ’20s to the end of the last century that covers different styles including valse musette, world music, country & western, jazz, nursery rhymes, rap and hard rock.

“Friends”, the CD released in 2005, contains collaborations with musicians of the caliber of trumpet player Franco Ambrosetti, harmonica player Bruno de Filippi, drummer Flaviano Cuffari and many other Italian jazz and rock musicians. The album has won over the public and critics worldwide, establishing Eric van Aro as one of the most interesting and accomplished singers to have appeared on the jazz scene in the past few years.

With the release of DESERT MOTEL in 2008 Eric returns with an intriguing selection of songs from such tunesmiths as Winwood, Stills, Manilow, Webb and Metheny for a sublime musical Americana “on the road” experience.

In Summer 2010 Eric changes style and with the Beats4life label the first song JAZZ a collaboration with Marco Soundee, one of Italy’s major house music creators, is released in its various mixes and remixes to major acclaim from DJs around the world.

LoveUmadly (released on December 16ht 2010), The painting in my heart 2010 remix and UR are just a few of the exciting songs from the Soundee/vanAro/Beats4lifestable that will have audiences dance this coming year.

Meanwhile Eric’s COLLABORATIONS project for the ERAKI label is on its way and the first two songs are ready for release. Luca Verde, one of Italy’s major rock guitarists and producers gave the famous French ballad Le blues du businessman a hard rockingarrangement which Eric performs in its original language.

On the other hand Mel Torme’s The Christmas song receives an exciting Latin Jazztreatment with the fabulous IGUAZU acoustic trio.

To keep up with all the news and single releases drop by at www.vanaro.com orwww.youtube.com/erakientertainment!

Contact details:

ERAKI Entertainment

Casella Postale 91
6976 Castagnola – Switzerland
tel+fax: +41 91 9663226

e-mail: info@eraki.com