7 Sons Of Soul Give Praise In Second CD
On their sophomore CD, Witness, 7 Sons of Soul harmoniously talk what they walk with 16 songs that speak transparently about the power of God’s love from the hearts of men who have travailed through life’s rocky terrain. They know first-hand the power of Christ, and have set out to share this with people everywhere, especially other men.
Witness flows rhythmically from foot-stomping praise to smooth, contemporary Gospel sounds. Some of the most poignant tracks – “I’m a Man,” “Believe” and the first single “Prayin 4 You” – literally reinforce the soulful, evangelical theme of this project, which is complemented with guest appearances from songstress Tanya Blout and “the Maestro” Richard Smallwood.
Hailing from Washington, D.C., 7 Sons of Soul stands out from the pack of today’s male ensembles. They have a natural urban sensibility (as producers they have worked with such mainstream artists as Missy Elliot and Monica), and their music comes from a place that is honest and earnest, serving a special blend of Gospel soul peppered with traditional song stylings we know and love.
Darrell Grant Releases Sixth CD
Critically acclaimed pianist/composer Darrell Grant describes his sixth CD, Truth And Reconcilliation as a leader as his “dream project.” The two-disc set joins Grant with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade, and features guest appearances by Grammy-winning guitarist Bill Frisell, vibraphonist Joe Locke, saxophonist Steve Wilson, and guitarist Adam Rogers.
Inspired by Grant’s own reflections on artistic truth, and profoundly influenced by his study of the struggle for justice and healing in South Africa, Truth and Reconciliation seamlessly dances between piano trio, quartet, quintet, and vocal settings, paying homage to mentors, honoring truth tellers, and celebrating beauty.
Grounded in jazz, Truth and Reconciliation brings together influences ranging from classical to folk and soul. In addition to showcasing his masterful piano artistry, the album highlights his unique voice as a composer on the album’s nine original tracks and features deeply personal re-workings of jazz tunes. Into this mix Grant masterfully weaves archival spoken word excerpts from historical figures like Gandhi, JFK, FDR, Mandela and Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Putumayo World Music Presents Latin Jazz
Releasing on June 26, Putumayo World Music presents its first ever jazz-focused collection with Latin Jazz. Featuring some of the genre's most recognizable names and brimming with showmanship, technique, melody and pizzazz, Latin Jazz displays a vintage appeal that will never go out of style.
Latin Jazz features many legends, including several who have passed away in the last couple of years. This is a chance to honor them and remind music lovers of their contributions. This is also a great introduction to the genre.
There is an increasing connection between world music and jazz, and it really all began with Latin jazz. Putumayo has included many jazz influenced tracks in its collections but this is Putumayo's first in a series of world music meets jazz (others to follow including African Jazz, Brazilian Jazz and more) The album is dedicated to Hilton Ruiz, who died in New Orleans while working on a Katrina benefit album.
Putumayo has been focusing more on jazz since Dan Storper, Putumayo's founder who chooses the songs, moved to New Orleans. Putumayo is dedicated to introducing people to music of the world's cultures and has become known primarily for its upbeat and melodic compilations.
Maya Azucena Releases Sophomore Album Junkyard Jewel
Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Maya Azucena has released her sophomore album Junkyard Jewel. Junkyard Jewel is already creating a huge buzz amongst industry insiders with the release of the title track to radio.
When Azucena released her solid, soulfully funky debut CD, aptly titled Maya Who?!, it was meant to playfully address how many responded to hearing her exotic surname for the firsttime. However, after hearing her music or seeing her perform that question was quickly spun to echo those keenly wanting to know, who this strikingly talented new artist on the scene was. They were no doubt quick to discover what has been described as her passion, sass and been-there authenticity, and a voice that’s diva strong and compelling.
The album is fueled by the guitar work of Ver Halen and a solid band consisting of percussionist Ivan Katz, bassist Jason DiMatteo, violinist Tarrah Reynolds and cellist David Gotay. Maya’s expressive voice shines in the mid-tempo “Set You Free”, “Runaway Blues” and “Like No Other.” Ballads such as “Wash Over” and the title cut, “Junkyard Jewel,” put Maya’s soulful voice above the rest. Her rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” has been a fan favorite at shows and now, finally recorded, is notable, inspiring and hair-raising.
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