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In This Issue:
Randy Klein's Sunday Morning Gets Attention
"What’s the fun of being a label owner if you can’t set the agenda and do some playing as well. Jazzheads’ boss slips behind the keys to be the sideman to some improvisers in the first of a planned series of sets that highlight different vibes." So writes CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher of Midwest Record.
He continues ...[music] for those that want it out of the ordinary but not having it be work to listen to."
The music for the series, composed by Klein for each artist specifically, is captivating and powerful, and is meant to feature the soloist as well as the accompanist in a rare setting that is extremely exposed.
In describing duo performance, Klein said, “Both players are always totally exposed. The accompanist has to lay down the harmony, rhythm, fill in the spaces and be ready to solo. When the accompanist turns soloist, the solo instrument becomes the orchestra (one instrument orchestra) playing the inner voices, adding color, rhythm and nuance to back the piano solo." He added, “Another observation is that when I am playing, I don't feel like the composer of the music. I am simply interpreting it as any improvising musician would, being in the moment."
Dan Bilawsky at All about Jazz writes "Certain things, whether intentional or not, are suggested with an album title like Sunday Morning. A placid, gentle aura to the dawn of this day of rest is often ascribed. While jazz created with this image in mind could mean bland music for coffee sipping, pianist Randy Klein shows that it doesn't have to be that way. Klein covers a wide range of musical possibilities, demonstrating his masterful mood-setting skills throughout this collection of duo recordings. Trombonist Chris Washburne and tenor saxophonist Oleg Kireyev join him for six tracks each that, while carrying a gentle and leisurely weekend attitude, are never boring.
Klein's two duo partners couldn't be more different in terms of sound conception—Washburne demonstrates a big, wide sound, while Kireyev possesses a breathy and alluring tonal quality—and this works in the pianist's favor. A stylistic dichotomy is also immediately noticeable at the start of the album, but things end on more similar ground by the close of the set. The opening "Hiding Out" features Washburne's blustery tone and Klein's playful piano work—the two finishing each other's sentences as the music coalesces—eventually developing into an enjoyable, swing-based conversation. Kireyev is sly and seductive as he works over Klein's tango-influenced piano on "Truly Yours." Swing is the thing, once again, when Washburne returns for "I Caught You In A Lie," but a more consistent rhythmic feel underscores the trombonist's second appearance. On the title track, Klein's semi-staccato, straight-eighth notes have a grounding effect, as Kireyev paints long lines over the piano at the tune's outset. As the music evolves, Kireyev's playing takes on greater rhythmic intensity and the pair becomes far more interactive.
As the album progresses, Washburne's softer side emerges. Followng the frisky "Doo Boo Bop"—set off by three-note licks from Washburne and some wonderful duo-logue between piano and trombone-Washburne's tenderness comes through on later tracks like "Petit Pois" and "Her Beautiful Soul." While his sound remains robust, this full-bodied brassiness is something to behold as he gorgeously shapes his lines throughout. Kireyev delivers some elegant swing with "I've Got An Itch" and, on the album closer, reaches a state of gentle contentment with "Fly Free."
Whether taking the spotlight, sharing it with his duo partners or providing some supportive piano work, Klein's performance is first-rate throughout Sunday Morning's twelve musical musings."
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Come Celebrate at a CD Release Party
Don't miss the chance to hear Gabriele Tranchina and band perform acclaimed music for her sizzling new release.
Join us Sunday, June 13, 2010 1 set at 8:30pm Feinstein’s at Loews Regency Hotel, 540 Park Avenue New York, NY 10065. Performers include: Gabriele Tranchina, Vocals; Bobby Sanabria, Drums; Joe Vincent Tranchina, Piano; Santi Debriano, Bass; Renato Thoms, Percussion. See you there!
Percussionist Bobby Sanabria Featured at JJA Jazz Awards
This year the JJA (Jazz Journalists Association) Jazz Awards celebrate with local jazz journalists, musicians and other listeners at a “satellite party" at the Jazzschool for Music Study and Performance in downtown Berkeley, California on Monday, June 14 from 12:30 to 3:30 PDT.
Featured performing musicians will include none other than Jazzheads own, the Bobby Sanabria and Big Band. Other performers include: pianist Ayako Shirasaki, guitarist Rale Micic's trio, pianist Marc Cary's Focus Trio, and the Tia Fuller Quartet. This year Jazz awards will be presented in more than forty categories.
Not going to be in California? No problem! Numerous 2010 JJA Jazz Awards Satellite Parties are confirmed for:
Berkeley, California, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Seattle, and Albuquerque. If you are not near these events you can still participate by watching the streaming video of the awards presentations together with your friends. Details coming soon at the AAJ Jazz Awards Blog.
Twitter, Facebook and Myspace Your Way to More Jazz
Jazzheads is everywhere these days.
Our newly designed MySpace page now features all the latest new and music. Visit our Facebook "Jazzheads News" tab or wall for all the latest happenings and jazz commentary from Randy Klein, Jazzheads President. And Twitter your way to more Jazzheads insider information. Be sure to check out Randy's blog for everything from jazz musings to thoughtful useful business insights.