STEVE GROSSMAN

DAMON BROWN

STEVE GROSSMAN was born in New York City on January 18, 1951. When Wayne Shorter left the Miles Davis band in 1969, his place was taken by 18 year old, Grossman. Initially the teenager was much criticized, yet his fresh approach and an emotional intensity beyond his years added much to the band. Grossman studied saxophone with his brother, starting on alto, moving to soprano and tenor by 1968.

He played with a number of groups including the Jazz Samaritans, with George Cables and Lenny White before joining Davis and recording his first sessions. During the 70s Grossman played with Lonnie Liston Smith and in Elvin Jones' group and in 1975 founded the Stone Alliance with Gene Perla. Since 1991, Grossman has completed a handful of top-notch albums for Dreyfus Records. His most recent recordings prior to Quartet are a live trio date from 1989, “Bouncing with Mr. A. T.”, released as a tribute to the late drummer Art Taylor, “Time to Smile”, a 1993 studio date bedrocked by Elvin Jones; and the wholly spectacular “In New York”, taken from a 1991 club stay that featured Taylor on drums and McCoy Tyner on piano. Presently shuttling between Italy and France, Steve Grossman is in the full flower of his artistic maturity.

Potent display of the saxophonist's heartfelt playing and improvisatory genius are found on his recent sides, “Steve Grossman Quartet Featuring Michel Petrucciani” and “Steve Grossman/Johnny Griffin Quintet”.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/stevegrossmanjazz

The crossover with dance and pop culture has been an important factor in Damon's development as a composer. His style blends British and American influences in a highly personalised approach to jazz. While rooted firmly in the blue-note tradition his continued reference to wider musical settings creates complex and emotional music.

For his debut album as a leader, Damon brought together some of the most, talented and highly rated players from the British jazz scene. The original quintet was formed to introduce Damon's work to a wider audience, touring, extensively through out the UK in the spring of 1997. The enthusiastic response of audiences and critics alike led Damon to record the group's first album 'A Rhythm Indicative' (ZZCD 9806). Released in September 1998, it was received with unanimous praise.

In 1999, Damon Brown appeared with his band at The Red Sea International Jazz Festival in Israel sharing centre stage billing with Chick Corea and Kenny Garrett groups. That summer, Damon Brown also appeared at The Edinburgh International Jazz Festival (Scotland) and The Islington International Festival (London).

Website: http://www.damonbrown.co.uk/

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NELSON RANGELL

Jazziz magazine writes that Nelson Rangell is "an artist of depth, a master of song, and an improviser non pareil." The Times of London notes "his extraordinary facility on a range of instruments and his undoubted virtuosity," adding that Nelson is "one of fusion's most accomplished exponents." Saxophone Journal writes "He commands the alto saxophone with such authority there can be no denying that Rangell is a true artist," and Flute Talk Magazine states "Nelson Rangell creates the impression that anything is possible when he improvises." Such praise is a confirmation of what contemporary jazz fans have known since the Denver based saxophonist emerged in the late 80s: that Rangell is one of the most exciting and diverse performers in the genre, equally adept at soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone, as well as being a genuine virtuoso on flute and piccolo.

Rangell is the fourth child in a musical family. His brother, Andrew, is a well known concert pianist living in Boston; his brother, Bobby, lives in Paris and is a leading woodwind player in European jazz and studio scenes. His sister, Paula, is a professional singer living in New Orleans.

Rangell first played flute at the age of 15. Within six months he was studying both classical and jazz music at The Interlochen Arts Academy, a national camp for gifted music students. He went on to attend The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. As a student he twice won Down Beat Magazine's prestigious National Student Recording Awards competition both as best jazz and best pop/rock instrumental soloist. After college he headed to New York in 1984 to pursue his career.

The next four years were spent "paying dues", sitting in, playing alongside, and gigging with some of the world's greatest contemporary jazz musicians including Hiram Bullock, Jorge Dalto, Eric Gale, Richard Tee, Jaco Pastorius, David Sanborn and many others. He also found occasional employment with the legendary Gil Evans Monday Night Orchestra and worked on many commercial jingle recording sessions. Rangell's 1987 debut album was released on Gaia/Gramavision Records, but soon thereafter he was signed by Larry Rosen and Dave Grusin at GRP Records.

A succession of albums followed at GRP where he recorded eight CDs, beginning in 1989. His stated ambition throughout these endeavors has been "to grow and evolve as a player and artist while making music that people can easily relate to in a form that is substantive." With his musical armory encompassing flute, piccolo, alto, tenor and soprano saxophone as well as whistling, he was well equipped to fulfill this desire. He has recorded with The Rippingtons, Chuck Loeb, Patti Austin, Tom Browne, and The GRP All Star Big Band to name a few and is featured on Don Grusin's Grammy nominated CD "The Hang." Though Rangell has recorded mostly in the contemporary/pop and smooth jazz formats garnering top radio play and a large audience, The Times of London notes "heard live a much more robust and idiosyncratic player emerges." Nelson has now released 15 CDs nationally and internationally

Website: http://www.nelsonrangell.com/biography.php

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nelsonrangell

SOWETO KINCH

“It’s a clever and entertaining juxtapostion of idioms that kicks pure Jazz and authentic rap into a brave new world.” (The Guardian)
“Mr Kinch demonstrates what England has to teach [the USA] about narrative Hip-Hop. Don’t sleep on Mr Kinch” (The New York Times)

Award winning alto-saxophonist and MC Soweto Kinch is one of the most exciting and versatile young musicians in both the British jazz and hip hop scenes. Undoubtedly, one of the few artists in either genre with a degree in Modern History from Oxford University he has amassed an impressive list of accolades and awards on both sides of the Atlantic. In October 2007, he won his second MOBO Award, at the O2 Arena, London where he was announced as the winner in the Best Jazz Act category- fending off stiff competition from the likes of Wynton Marsalis.

His skills as a hip hop MC and producer have also garnered him recognition in the urban music world: having supported the likes of KRS ONE, Dwele and TY, and being championed by the likes of Rodney P and BBC 1-Xtra’s Twin B.
His last album release, A Life in the Day of B19 is a ground-breaking concept album that effortlessly melds the worlds of Jazz and Hip Hop to tell a story of inner city trials and triumphs in Kinch’s native Birmingham. Concentrating on the stories of three fictitious characters and featuring narration from veteran BBC newscaster Moira Stuart it was released to much critical acclaim. It has earned him 4 stars in the Guardian and Times, his second MOBO Award and the British Jazz Award for best Alto Saxophonist, and an Urban Music Award nomination in 2007.

Kinch continues to broaden his musical lexicon and has composed scores for a number of high profile theatre productions, including Absolute Beginners at the Hammersmith Lyric, and Kwame Kwei-Armah’s Statement of Regret at The National Theatre. 2007 also saw the development of Soweto’s first major work as a scriptwriter following more directly in his father Don Kinch’s footsteps. The Midnight Hop is an epic piece of musical-theatre, retelling the stories of black musician’s in 18th Century England, with a completely unique meeting of classical music, folktales, popular doggerels from the period and modern jazz.

AWARDS

MOBO AWARD Best Jazz Act 2007
BRITISH JAZZ AWARDS, Alto Saxophone 2007
URBAN MUSIC AWARDS, Best Jazz Act, 2006
BBC JAZZ AWARD, Best Instrumentalist 2004
BBC JAZZ AWARD, Best Band, 2004
PETER WHITTINGHAM AWARD, Jazz Innovation, 2004
URBAN MUSIC AWARDS, Best Jazz Act 2004
MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE, Album of the Year, 2003
MOBO AWARD Best Jazz Act 2003
BBC JAZZ AWARD, Rising Star 2002
MONTREUX JAZZ SAXOPHONE COMPETITION, Winner 2002

ANTHONY JAMES BAKER

Throughout his career Anthony James Baker has worked with many international artists, sharing the bill with such performers as Tower of Power,

Michael McDonald, Norman Brown and the Neville Brothers.

After many years in the USA Anthony has returned to England to form his new band and write new material. His upcoming shows include Soho Pizza Express Jazz Club London and the Faversham International Hop Festival.

Anthony's music is available for download at iTunes, Rhapsody and Napster. He is currently a featured artist at Cafe Nero throughout it's 400 stores.

Website: http://www.anthonyjamesbaker.com/

Anthony James Baker - LOOKING AHEAD (2009)

A brand new EP from this British smooth jazz guitarist.

A few years ago (in 2001), I reviewed the debut of this British jazz-rock guitarist. Two years later he recorded the album ‘AJB Band Live!’. Saturday the 19 of July, his brand new EP came out, during a gig in the Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho in London. This EP contains older songs like ‘Slice ’n Dice’ and ‘What if…’, but also three new tracks. Songwriter/singer/multi-instrumentalist Bobby Wells from California (remember his album ‘Bayside’), wrote two songs: ‘She’s So Precious’ and ‘Looking Ahead’. Wells recorded those songs in his home studio and produced them as well. They’re melodic, joyful tracks, who invoke a feeling of the holidays. ‘Slice ’n Dice’ and ‘What if…’ were already successful during live sessions, and Anthony had help from American sax man Darren Rahn on sax, keyboards, bas, drum programming and sound effects. “Darren has brought an interesting perspective to the songs” Anthony explained, “and his experience with smooth jazz greats like Dave Koz has really helped power the album with a fresh and distinctive sound.” On top of this, Anthony wrote the new Spanish influenced song ‘Malaga’ with Rahn. Daren produced those three last songs. This collaboration only improves Anthony’s music. His sound has become smoother. “Anthony, your new EP amazes me. Nice, smooth guitar play in a laidback atmosphere. Keep up the good work!”

Original review in Dutch on: www.keysandchords.com

Patrick Van de Wiele - Smoothjazz.eu (Aug 3, 2009)
ANTHONY JAMES BAKER - Anthony James Baker - Independant
This hot self-titled release has brought a welcomed warmth through the winterized,cool offices of Smoothjazz.com.Anthony James Baker is a delightful find! T he British-born guitarist began playing at an early age in pubs and clubs in Kent, England. In the 80's AJB hooked himself into the London music scene, where he recorded with many pop phenoms including, Tears for Fears and Big Country. A new decade,a new continent; Anthony jumped the pond and made his way to the City of the Angels where he studied with the likes of Norman Brown, Scott Henderson, Frank Gambale and attended the Grove School of Music. Now a resident of Colorado, he's become a part of the Denver musical community all the while developing his fiery guitar playing into a smooth, rich signature sound. If you're not careful, the sweet tones will melt your speakers if not your heart. What sounds better than a soulful, sophisticated Stratocaster? Nothing comes to mind. Except for maybe the deep, nylon string acoustic guitar that the artist plays in addition to his electric on the album. I'm not overly drawn to reptiles, however, the opening track, "Salamander" is very appealing. Saxophonist, Nelson Rangell is featured on the funky-smooth tune, making it an in-the-pocket Smooth Jazz hit. Nelson is also featured on the following track, "Big World" and two others on the album. My particular favorite piece is "Sueli" for it's unpretentious glide and hopeful demeanor. Additionally, "Shine" and "Razzbake" showcase Anthony as a songwriter and guitarist to be reckoned. I just love the tone of this guy's electric guitar. Think Clapton meets Santana. Jazz sensibilities with pop melodies and hooks that you can sink your teeth into. Now you know why you need to pick up a copy of ANTHONY JAMES BAKER.
Sandy Shore - Smoothjazz.com Listening Loft Review (Dec 20, 2003)

YOUNEE

Younee, from Seoul, Korea is 'beyond category' as a singer, songwriter and pianist. Her exquisitely vulnerable voice can also express raw power. An accomplished and virtuosic classical pianist, she plays rock as well as Rachmaninoff. She has performed piano concertos with symphony orchestras and jazz with Grammy-winning pianist Bob James. She is an award-winning singer/songwriter (VH-1's AC Song of the Year, and the Brit Awards composition prize) who has also written music for film and TV. She has released two albums in Korea as “Keys Piano” (2006 & 2007 - EMI & Manworldang) and performed extensively on Korean television.

When Bob James heard her music he invited her to perform with him in Seoul - his brilliant composition for piano 'four hands'. Knowing Younee wanted to break free of the creative restrictions of the Korean music business, James suggested she contact American producer/composer/arranger Richard Niles.

Dr. Richard Niles has been a fixture of the London music scene for over 30 years with credits including work with Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Cher, Dusty Springfield, Grace Jones, James Brown, Michael McDonald, Pet Shop Boys, Westlife, Boyzone, Take That, Ronan Keating and Kylie Minogue. Jazz credits include work with Pat Metheny, Bob James, Bill Cobham, John Patitucci and Bob Mintzer. An acclaimed presenter of music documentaries for BBC Radio 2, he has been called “one of the most versatile men in modern music” (Sound on Sound) and “a truly exciting musical force” (Pat Metheny).

Younee and Niles began to write songs using Skype - Younee in her bedroom studio in Seoul and Niles in his studio in London. Niles' lyrics bring a powerful message to Younee's emotional melodies. His arrangements and production inspire Younee to express both her virtuosity and her passion. Together they have been able to integrate contrasting elements of popular music into a unified whole, balancing tradition with innovation - a dynamic and truly unique blend of genres.

“True to You will be a smash! Great songs, great singing & playing, great arrangements, great production!
What fun it must have been to create this music.”
Bob James

“Endless thoughts, irrepressible passion…”
FAME (US Magazine)

“Younee is certainly a talented young lady. The musician's performances, as well as your production work are of the highest caliber. All the best for the Younee album.”
Richard Carpenter - singer, songwriter, producer of the Carpenters, one of the biggest selling artists of all time

“ YOUNEE has a voice as sweet as it is passionate. Great musicianship and an honest approach to music and playing. Thoroughly enjoyable.”
Liane Carrol - jazz singer - winner of the Ronnie Scott's Award and twice winner of the BBC Jazz Award

“The CD 'True To You' is excellent! I am confident that 'Home to You' is a strong single I can break at AC radio. The other tracks on the single are also very radio friendly.”
Larry Weir, record plugger, Heartland Entertainments, and editor/publisher of New Music Weekly, US radio industry magazine.

“TRUE TO YOU is absolutely amazing” - award winning guitarist Martin Taylor

"Younee is an artist capable of great international success.”
Dr. Jeanie Han - Senior Vice President, Paramount Motion Picture Group

Website: www.youneeversal.com

ROZALLA MILLER

Mix pure, powerful vocals and beautifully arranged piano, with heart-felt, meaningful lyrics; add a touch of percussion and a dash of strings, and you’ll discover Rozalla Miller…

Rozalla Miller’s new album ‘Brand New Version,’ features 10 beautifully written and crafted tracks. This is a collection of songs that mean something, it is original song writing and performing at its best – what we like to call real music.

Rozalla was born in Zambia, and brought up in Zimbabwe. She first stepped onto UK soil in 1988, when her powerful voice quickly resulted in her being swept up into the exciting world of dance music. Her famous dance anthem hit ‘Everybody’s Free’ catapulted her into the world club scene, a scene she continues to enjoy and thrive in, regularly performing for her strong fan base.

But there is more than meets the eye to Rozalla Miller. Dance diva she may be, but there is another side to this songstress. In an industry where musicians are increasingly being told to make their sound more commercial, where bands are ‘manufactured’ and told what to sing about, Rozalla Miller’s story is refreshing. It has always been Rozalla’s dream to make an album in the way music used to be made, no frills, no gimmicks, just Rozalla Miller and the music.

This stripped down, purely acoustic album is all about the music, real music without any modern day synthetic sounds. Rozalla has a story to tell, and what better way to tell it than through the styles of music she most enjoys: soul and jazz - and in drawing inspiration from the artistes that she most admires: Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Luther Vandross.

The album sees the collaboration of Rozalla with various top musicians, resulting in a compilation of beautiful ballads, powerful emotion, and sultry soul sounds. The original and self-penned songs are stylish and sophisticated, with emotion resonating through every track.

Technology has done so many wonderful things for the music industry; thousands of songs at our fingertips, new bands able to showcase their music online, music videos being watched on mobile phones. Yet, with everything moving so fast, with bands and artistes emerging and vanishing in a blink of an eye, sometimes it’s a relief to take a break from the fast-paced, cut-throat world of the music industry, and get back to listening to some honest, real music.

‘Brand New Version’ was released Winter 2009, Click here for more information.

www.rozallamiller.com
www.myspace.com/rozallamiller

NATALIE WILLIAMS

“Anxiously awaiting this CD (Secret Garden) to land on the doormat, the moment it turned up the plastic was stripped and into the stereo it went. That was two weeks ago and it’s still there. Natalie Williams has unleashed what quite possibly could be the finest project to have ever come out of the U.K. soul scene…..Versatile, vocally strong and beautiful are all the makings of a superstar and Natalie Williams’ star shines brighter than most at the moment……”
Blues & Soul Magazine

“One of the UK's hottest singers…she effortlessly moves from soul-diva to sensual and sophisticated jazz.” Time Out

“The moment she starts to sing she becomes a commanding, strutting presence, scatting with an infectious relish.” Telegraph

Some people may know Natalie from her self penned solo albums, some might be more familiar with the more jazzy side of things like her standards album? The die-hard D&B lovers may know her soaring vocals on underground drum and bass hits from other various collaborations and others might remember her from a gig they may have seen anywhere around the world… either way…

…"People can't help but go away with a bit of Williams' natural sparkle having attached itself to them" Deuce

"When Nat sings, anything from a jazz standard to a funky original, you can be sure of a voice that is natural, swinging, soulful, playful and blessed with a gobsmacking range. A testament to her power as an artist is a steady stream of Natalie wanabees. I like that. It says that an artist is a vital part of defining a new generation."
Ian Shaw

"Natalie Williams is most definitely the real deal. Trail blazing voice, and pure utter soul from every pore. I LOVE listening to her, and singing with her and being around her just to experience some of the essence of what this music is honestly and rightfully about. A stunningly talented woman."
Liane Carroll

“…She’s Joss Stone and Erykah Badu times 20….
… I saw her play recently and it was just incredible. She’s a truly real, beautiful star, worthy of everyone’s attention.”
Jamie Cullum

Born and raised in Berlin to a Hungarian mother and British father, Natalie Williams realised her love for music, in particular jazz, at the age of 15, discovering her dad’s, the poet John Hartley Williams, immense record collection. Her early influences included singers Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Aretha Franklin, and these legends inspired Natalie to pursue a career in singing. In 1997 she decided to take her passion further by moving to London to study at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama, becoming the first person to study both classical and jazz singing on the undergraduate course.

Natalie has toured extensively throughout the world, performing at an array of renowned festivals, including opening the recent 2009 London Jazz Festival as a featured soloist alongside Kurt Elling and Sheila Jordan with Guy Barker’s ‘Jazz Voice’ at the Barbican Centre. Other memorable appearances include Glastonbury Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Abu Dhabi Jazz Festival, Kaunas Jazz festival in Lithuania and the Kathmandu Jazz Festival ‘Jazzmandu’. She has appeared as a featured artist with The Heritage Orchestra, Goldie and Bugz In The Attic and alongside Amy Winehouse, Shlomo, John Legend, Lemar, Alison Moyet, Jamie Cullum, Babyface, the Neville Brothers and recently with Manu Katché on his French TV show ‘One Shot Not’ on Arte.

September 2006 saw her fulfilling a dream of becoming the resident singer at the world renowned Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club, supporting international jazz stars on a weekly basis with the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.
There she has played opposite Jeff Beck, The Crusaders, Tower Of Power, Steve Gadd, Kenny Barron, Nigel Kennedy, Joe Lovano, Jon Hendrix and Jools Holland among many others and having become somewhat of a fixture at the club, she also runs and hosts the now legendary monthly soul night, Soul Family Sundays; a regular sell out event 3 years running!

An accomplished songwriter, Natalie signed her first publishing deal with Peer Music in 2007 and as a top-line writer she has collaborated with Shy FX and Hospital Records’ Nu:tone, gaining fans from enthusiastic D&B lovers worldwide.

Signed to independent label ‘Eastside Records’, she has recorded 3 albums ‘Yours Truly’, ‘Lucky Old Sun’ and ‘Secret Garden’, and is set to release her 4th album ‘My Oh My’ in April 2010. All of these have been met with critical acclaim, including underground classic singles, 'Butterfly' and 'This Girl' which was A-listed at BBC Radio 2 and also won her ‘best video’ at the 2007 Urban Music Awards. ‘Secret Garden’ to date has achieved 80,000 downloads,14 weeks featured on iTunes and number 1 in the We7 album, soul and RnB charts for 6 weeks in early 2008.

While many artists talk about taking creative & artistic control of their careers, few actually achieve that high ideal, but in 2009 Natalie took matters into her own hands, co-founding her own label Sound Tribe Records, entering into a joint venture with Eastside records to release all of her upcoming new material.
Natalie has even taken the whole thing a step further than simply releasing her own music, by developing and presenting an online music TV series (due out early 2010) - the Sound Tribe Show (www.soundtribe.co.uk) for the Daily Telegraph, modeled on the same format as the successful live Soul Family shows.

“I began to realise I wanted to expand what I do musically into other areas and take
more control of what I do artistically”- comments Natalie.

Her electrifying new single ‘Lilʼ Wiser’ (from the forthcoming album ‘My Oh My’) has already achieved great support from BBC 1Xtra (No. 4 in R&B Top 5) and Kiss 100 and the follow up single ‘Keep Me Holding On’ will be out in March 2010, closely followed by the album.

Natalieʼs obvious talent and tenacity are gathering well-deserved attention, so expect much more to come from a lady who is proving to be a more than just a ‘Lilʼ Wiser’.

Check out www.myspace.com/natwilliams for her music and videos!!!

MARI WILSON

Mari Wilson (The Neasden Queen of Soul) first arrived on the scene in the early eighties with her skyscraper beehive hairdo, bizarre sense of fashion and fully choreographed twelve piece band The Wilsations! Mari’s live shows were spoken about as an event - pure entertainment. In 1982 Mari’s records began entering the charts and she soon had six hit singles, the biggest being ‘Just What I’ve Always Wanted’ and ‘Cry Me A River’, both taken from her album ‘Showpeople’. In the mid-eighties after constant touring of the UK, Europe and the United States, Mari reduced the size of her band (and her hairdo!), changing direction with a jazz quartet. Playing venues such as Ronnie Scotts and The Royal Festival Hall (supporting the legendary Stan Getz), jazz festivals alongside BB King and Ray Charles, Mari has continued to build her reputation as a great live performer. Mari has also appeared in musical theatre, playing Nickie Pignatelli in Phil Willmott’s production of Sweet Charity, Annabel in the black comedy, The Chainsaw Manicure and Dusty Springfield in Dusty The Musical which toured number one venues throughout the UK for seven months in 2000. Other work includes BBC London as a presenter and singing the theme tune to various TV shows, including the highly successful ‘Coupling” performing the song ‘Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps’. There is also the collaboration with Barb Jungr and Claire Martin in the outrageously camp show, Girl Talk. Their album is available on Linn Records. After appearing with Boy George in the West End musical, TABOO, Mari wrote, produced and recorded her album, Dolled Up, which was released in 2005.

In September 2007, marking the 25th Anniversary of Just What I Always Wanted being in the top ten, Warner Bros. released ‘Mari Wilson - The Platinum Collection’ and Mari toured the UK. Mari has also written a one-woman musical – The Love Thing, currently being developed for the stage. It was writing the songs for this musical that led to Mari’s new album Emotional Glamour – ten original songs co-written and co-produced with her long standing musical partner, Adrian York. This album marks a return to the retro-pop she is the true queen of. Mari has always been known for her live stage shows and her latest successful UK tour was true to form, a mix of hits old and new, unusual and unexpected covers and a myriad of glamorous costume changes. Combined with Mari’s storytelling and wit she still stands as one of the best live performers in the country.
www.mariwilson.co.uk

Louise Pollock

Real

Annabel Williams

Myla

Elliott Henshaw

Funk Affair

The Blues Experience

Winston Rollins Horns

Noel McKoy

Ralph Tee

Xantoné Blacq

Tony Remy

Nathan Watson

Damon Brown

Paddy Milner

Angelita Jiménez

Earl Green

Matices Latinos