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mjzee

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Release date May 20:

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The sky is well within reach when trumpet player extraordinaire Alex Sipiagin sets his sights on the summit and heads off upward in an Ascent to the Blues for his second release on Posi-Tone Records. The session features the focused wizardry of Sipiagin’s incisive technique, gripping tonality and hard hitting melodicism are countered cleverly against the curvature of contributions from Diego Rivera on tenor saxophone, the cool complexities of Art Hirahara on piano, the steady underpinnings of Boris Kozlov on bass, and the bombastic metrics of Rudy Royston on drums and percussion. While the album program remains decidedly straight forward and rooted in the blues throughout, the music is also elegantly lyrical and brilliantly evocative of a truly modern jazz sensibility. With a flawless combination of effortless mastery and brilliant performances, Sipiagin's “Ascent to the Blues" reaches steadily upward toward new heights and provides a clear pathway of inspirational bright moments for jazz fans everywhere to joyfully ascend again and again.

About the Artist

Born in Yaroslavl, Russia, Alex Sipiagin began studying the trumpet when he was twelve at the Moscow Music Institute, then at the Gnessin Conservatory in Moscow where he received his Baccalaureate. In 1990, Sipiagin participated in the International Louis Armstrong Competition sponsored by the Thelonious Monk Institute in Washington DC, winning top honors. After relocating to New York City, Sipiagin became a favored player for various bands including the Gil Evans Orchestra, Gil Goldstein's Zebra Coast Orchestra, the George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band, drummer Bob Moses' band Mozamba, the Mingus Big Band, Dynasty and Orchestra, and the Dave Holland Big Band, Sextet and Octet groups. Sipiagin has recorded almost twenty albums as a leader and his latest album is titled Ascent To The Blues (Posi-Tone 2022). After making his Posi-Tone debut in 2021 with Upstream, his band again features another stellar performance from members Art Hirahara, Boris Kozlov, and Rudy Royston, along with the welcome addition of Diego Rivera on the tenor saxophone. In his career, Sipiagin has worked with legendary artists like Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, Elvis Costello, Michael Franks, David Sanborn, Dave Holland, Deborah Cox, Phil Ramone, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Mulgrew Miller and Chris Potter. He is part of the Grammy award-winning albums by the Dave Holland Big Band, “What Goes Around” and “Overtime,” Michael Brecker Quindectet’s “Wide Angles,” and most recently the Dafnis Prieto Big Band’s “Into the Sunset”.    Sipiagin holds a professorship at New York University, and has residencies at the Amsterdam Conservatory and Academy of Music in Basel, Switzerland.

 

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8 hours ago, mjzee said:

Release date May 20:

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51U9vk1FTDL.jpg

The sky is well within reach when trumpet player extraordinaire Alex Sipiagin sets his sights on the summit and heads off upward in an Ascent to the Blues for his second release on Posi-Tone Records. The session features the focused wizardry of Sipiagin’s incisive technique, gripping tonality and hard hitting melodicism are countered cleverly against the curvature of contributions from Diego Rivera on tenor saxophone, the cool complexities of Art Hirahara on piano, the steady underpinnings of Boris Kozlov on bass, and the bombastic metrics of Rudy Royston on drums and percussion. While the album program remains decidedly straight forward and rooted in the blues throughout, the music is also elegantly lyrical and brilliantly evocative of a truly modern jazz sensibility. With a flawless combination of effortless mastery and brilliant performances, Sipiagin's “Ascent to the Blues" reaches steadily upward toward new heights and provides a clear pathway of inspirational bright moments for jazz fans everywhere to joyfully ascend again and again.

About the Artist

Born in Yaroslavl, Russia, Alex Sipiagin began studying the trumpet when he was twelve at the Moscow Music Institute, then at the Gnessin Conservatory in Moscow where he received his Baccalaureate. In 1990, Sipiagin participated in the International Louis Armstrong Competition sponsored by the Thelonious Monk Institute in Washington DC, winning top honors. After relocating to New York City, Sipiagin became a favored player for various bands including the Gil Evans Orchestra, Gil Goldstein's Zebra Coast Orchestra, the George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band, drummer Bob Moses' band Mozamba, the Mingus Big Band, Dynasty and Orchestra, and the Dave Holland Big Band, Sextet and Octet groups. Sipiagin has recorded almost twenty albums as a leader and his latest album is titled Ascent To The Blues (Posi-Tone 2022). After making his Posi-Tone debut in 2021 with Upstream, his band again features another stellar performance from members Art Hirahara, Boris Kozlov, and Rudy Royston, along with the welcome addition of Diego Rivera on the tenor saxophone. In his career, Sipiagin has worked with legendary artists like Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Aaron Neville, Elvis Costello, Michael Franks, David Sanborn, Dave Holland, Deborah Cox, Phil Ramone, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Mulgrew Miller and Chris Potter. He is part of the Grammy award-winning albums by the Dave Holland Big Band, “What Goes Around” and “Overtime,” Michael Brecker Quindectet’s “Wide Angles,” and most recently the Dafnis Prieto Big Band’s “Into the Sunset”.    Sipiagin holds a professorship at New York University, and has residencies at the Amsterdam Conservatory and Academy of Music in Basel, Switzerland.

 

This one is a winner, as are all his CDs.  Diego Rivera is a nice player on tenor, he also has a relatively new CD on Posi-tone.

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Release date July 8:

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Product Description

Michael Dease keeps the music moving forward toward the "Best Next Thing" on his ninth album for Posi-Tone. With clear purpose, Trombonist Michael Dease gathers together an assemblage of exceptional musicians to help him interactively explore the essence of the blues and reframe the abstract truths of jazz as the "Best Next Thing" for today's audience of listeners. Providing support in bringing this vision to fruition, the session features an all-star lineup of musicians including trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, alto saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Boris Kozlov, and powerhouse drummer Rudy Royston. As a band leader, Dease makes sure the entire session stays insightfully straight forward and refreshingly melodic throughout while he conducts his topnotch crew through a series of his new compositions and some inventive arrangements of selections crafted by Dease's musical mentors. With this latest release, Michael Dease not only confirms his status as a virtuoso soloist and one of the biggest stars in jazz today, but also demonstrates that he is clearly an artist for jazz fans to rely upon to bring them the "Next Best Thing" in jazz for years to come.

About the Artist

Michael Dease is one of the world's eminent trombonists, lending his versatile sound and signature improvisations to over 200 recordings and groups as diverse as artists David Sanborn, Christian McBride, Michel Camilo, and Alicia Keys. Born in Augusta, GA, he played the saxophone and trumpet before choosing the trombone at age 17. In 2001, Dease moved to New York City to become part of the historic first class of jazz students at The Juilliard School, earning both Bachelors and Masters degrees, and quickly established a reputation as a brilliant soloist, side musician, and bandleader.    Best Next Thing (Posi-Tone, 2022), Dease’s newest release, his ninth on Posi-Tone, gathers together an assemblage of exceptional musicians to help him interactively explore the essence of the blues and reframe the abstract truths of jazz as the "Best Next Thing" for today's audience of listeners. Dease, a winner of Downbeat Magazine’s Critic's Poll for Rising Star Jazz Trombonist and multi-Grammy award winner, is also a sought-after lead, section and bass trombonist with today’s leading jazz orchestras. His experiences include bands led by Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, Nicholas Payton, Charles Tolliver, Rufus Reid, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. However, it is on the frontline of quintets and sextets led by master musicians like The Heath Brothers, Winard Harper, Renee Rosnes, Bill Charlap, Claudio Roditi, and Lewis Nash, where Dease has revitalized the trombone’s image. Not content to simply improvise, Dease arranges and composes for many different bands, constantly adjusting his tone and timbre to add just the right flavor to the music. Dease’s unique blend of curiosity, hard work and optimism has helped him earn worldwide recognition, including awards from ASCAP, The International Trombone Association, Yamaha, Eastern Trombone Workshop, New York Youth Symphony, Hot House Magazine, Michigan State University, among others. Dease was profiled in Cicily Janus’ book, The New Face of Jazz: An Intimate Look at Today’s Living Legends (Random House). His experience in the studio has led him to produce several recording sessions for emerging artists, often composing and writing liner notes for the releases. Dease’s singular talent has made him an effective and prolific teacher, resulting in invitations, master classes and residencies at University of North Texas, Scranton University, University of Iowa, Florida State College, Broward College, and many institutions abroad. He serves as Associate Professor of Jazz Trombone at the renowned Michigan State University jazz program, and has also been on faculty at Queens College - CUNY, The New School and Northeastern University. Many of Dease’s current and former students are enjoying successful careers in the music world. Always an informed, but forward-thinking musician, Dease learned the craft from trombone legends Wycliffe Gordon and Joseph Alessi. His associations have run the entire spectrum of musical experience: Alicia Keys, Paul Simon, Paul Schaffer and the CBS Orchestra, Elton John, Neal Diamond, Illinois Jacquet, Slide Hampton & The World Of Trombones, Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, WDR Big Band, George Gruntz, Billy Harper, and numerous others. Dease enjoys spending every possible minute with his extraordinary wife and Professor of Percussion at MSU, Gwendolyn Dease, and their daughters Brooklyn & Charley. He is also an aspiring painter, sports car enthusiast, amateur coffee snob, 80's horror movie aficionado, and enjoys scooting up and down the Michigan highways in his sports car.

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Release date July 29:

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Pianist Art Hirahara unearths the heavenly landscapes of “Verdant Valley” on his eighth album for Posi-Tone Records. Searching for new realms of engaging expression, Hirahara perseveres steadily along on his personal journey of musical unfoldment. With a steady hand, Hirahara displays a clear sense of creative continuity, and succeeds in creating a bold impassioned statement with significant and meaningful contributions from his trusted collaborators: tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston. The program is eminently lyrical and clearly suggestive of a modern jazz sensibility, while the focus remains melodically straight forward with a steady flow of thoughtful interplay and hard swinging highlights. With an amazing combination of talents and an evocative program of brilliant performances, “Verdant Valley” is sure to bring bright moments of intense delight to serious listeners and jazz fans everywhere.

About the Artist

Art Hirahara is a jazz keyboardist and composer based in New York, NY. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Hirahara moved to New York in 2003 to be challenged by its pool of world-class musicians. There, he has honed his craft while performing in a wide range of musical situations, ranging from straight-ahead standards to time cycle-based progressive jazz to free improvisation. From the traditional to the avant-garde, Hirahara has found a sound of his own that cuts across genres and boundaries. Hirahara latest album, titled “Verdant Valley” (2022), perseveres steadily along on his personal journey of musical unfoldment. With a steady hand, Hirahara displays a clear sense of creative continuity, and succeeds in creating a bold impassioned statement with significant and meaningful contributions from his trusted collaborators: tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston. Hirahara’s previous Posi-Tone albums are “Noble Path” (2011), “Libations & Meditations” (2015), “Central Line” (2017), “Sunward Bound” (2018), “Balance Point” (2020), “Open Sky” (2021), and “Ascent” (2022). Hirahara was awakened to jazz during his studies at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he earned a degree in Electronic and Computer Music. During his junior year, he began jazz piano studies with the Cleveland jazz giant, Neal Creque. He then continued at California Institute of the Arts, where he was mentored by David Roitstein, Charlie Haden and Wadada Leo Smith. It was there that he immersed himself in world music, focusing on West African drumming and dance, Balinese gamelan and North Indian tabla. In August of 2000, Hirahara self-released his debut record "Edge Of This Earth" to critical acclaim. After his move to New York, Hirahara studied at the Banff Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music program with Dave Douglas in 2004. Hirahara has had the privilege to perform with Stacey Kent, Freddy Cole, Akira Tana, Rufus Reid, Don Braden, Roseanna Vitro, Dave Douglas, Vincent Herring, Victor Lewis, Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra, Jim Black, Jenny Scheinman, Greg Cohen, Fred Ho, Sean Nowell, Royal Hartigan and Hafez Modirzadeh. He has performed around the world in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East and extensively around the United States.   Hirahara’s piano and compositional sound are an amalgamation of the varied musical influences he has studied and the wide range of leaders he has worked for. Hirahara is constantly seeking new situations to challenge his musicality. Hirahara has recently worked as a producer and musical director for various artists of different genres.

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Release date September 23:

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Product Description

The fourth release in the "Out To Dinner" series, "Food Is Medicine" continues to steer the musical message gently outward along an ambitious course. With each subsequent release, we are seeking to expand the aesthetic sensibilities of our traditional audience. "Food Is Medicine" is a companion piece to "Episodes of Grace,” released earlier this year, and showcases the combined efforts of the same five capable composer bandleader virtuosos. This album contains a full prescription of auditory delights and delivers healthy dosages of vibraphonist Behn Gillece, trombonist Ryan Keberle and saxophonist Patrick Cornelius moving freely over the solid harmonic foundation of bassist Boris Kozlov and the explosive metrics of drummer Rudy Royston. While tastes may vary, these focused and adventurous performances will certainly encourage jazz fans to fortify their musical feasts with an increasingly diverse diet featuring more of these "different flavors."

About the Artist

The fourth release in the "Out To Dinner" series, "Food Is Medicine" continues to steer the musical message gently outward along an ambitious course. With each subsequent release, we are seeking to expand the aesthetic sensibilities of our traditional audience. "Food Is Medicine" is a companion piece to "Episodes of Grace,” released earlier this year, and showcases the combined efforts of the same five capable composer bandleader virtuosos. This album contains a full prescription of auditory delights and delivers healthy dosages of vibraphonist Behn Gillece, trombonist Ryan Keberle and saxophonist Patrick Cornelius moving freely over the solid harmonic foundation of bassist Boris Kozlov and the explosive metrics of drummer Rudy Royston. While tastes may vary, these focused and adventurous performances will certainly encourage jazz fans to fortify their musical feasts with an increasingly diverse diet featuring more of these "different flavors." Patrick Cornelius - Posi-Tone fans are very familiar with this alto saxman whose compositional skills are always a treat. Cornelius contributes two tunes to this album, “Waiting For Takeoff” and “We Dare.” His experience and passionate tone contributes a discrete flavor to the music, which we are happy to display. Behn Gillece - With over a decade on the New York jazz scene, vibraphonist Gillece has built a reputation as a virtuosic instrumentalist and prolific composer. He’s the winner of the Downbeat Rising Star - Vibraphonist award, and has released numerous albums as a leader and valuable side musician. Throughout his career, Gillece has committed himself to the beautiful sounding vibraphone and has shined as a composer. Ryan Keberle - A seasoned veteran and newcomer to Posi-Tone, Keberle is the winner of the 2021 JazzTimes Critics’ Poll for trombone. We couldn’t be more excited to have this talented musician and composer contributing to another Out To Dinner project. Keberle integrates his wide-ranging experiences with his adventurous voice on the trombone to cook up some magical moments on this session, including two compositions, “The Slope Of The Blues” and “Sisters Of Mine.” Boris Kozlov - Another veteran of the jazz community, Kozlov’s in-demand schedule has him leading the Mingus bands and playing with the who’s who of jazz. After celebrating this year his premire as a leader for Posi-Tone, First Things First, this award-winning bassist brings his wide range of mastery and years of world-class experiences to this band once again, adding a solid foundation and many tasty nuances to the music, included his compositions, “Dinner Is Served” and “After KW.” Rudy Royston - Royston has climbed the ranks of jazz drumming to become one of the most in-demand drummers on today’s scene. His has steady membership in the bands of Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Chico Freeman, Linda May Han Oh, and Jon Irabagon, just to name a few. Royston’s power, rhythm and creativity add to the enjoyment of every session he plays on.

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Release date June 9:

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Trombonist Altin Sencalar is certainly a noteworthy new player "In Good Standing" with a solid and dynamic sound on his first release as a leader for Posi-Tone. Sencalar's impeccable technique and lyrical phrasing are on full display, as he effortlessly weaves together intricate melodies and harmonies that will leave listeners mesmerized. With support from Posi-Tone's house rhythm section of pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston, the session also features several standout performances from saxophonists Diego Rivera and Patrick Cornelius both of whom make guest appearances on the date. With an exciting mixture of jazz styles, showcasing his virtuosity and passion for the entire genre, Altin Sencalar demonstrates that he is clearly a rising star in the jazz world, and "In Good Standing" is a testament to his skill and creativity.

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Release date May 19:

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Listeners will definitely “Get A Grip” when producer Marc Free enlists the able and few trusted “Idle Hands” to help him assemble the second release in this visionary series of demand building records. Highlighted by the handiwork of a carefully curated group of Posi-Tone artists, this engagingly entertaining album features front line performances from guitarist Will Bernard, vibraphonist Behn Gillece, and saxophonist Donny McCaslin playing over the solid harmonic foundation of pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer EJ Strickland. Building upon the "Solid Moments" of the first Idle Hands release, "Get A Grip" features a focused musical program of succinct performances deliberately intended to provide listeners with a strong handhold on the straight forward musical aesthetics and operational ethos employed by Posi-Tone. So while these players grab on steadily to express the richness of the compositions, jazz fans everywhere are invited to relax and experience the wondrous tonalities of these “Idle Hands” as they work cooperatively to help listeners "Get A Grip" on all of the joyous interplay of sounds that make jazz one the most exciting and engaging music in the world today.

 

Release date June 30:

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Get ready to be transported into a world of mystery and intrigue with "Book of Secrets," the latest release from alto saxophonist Patrick Cornelius. Cornelius's soaring melodies and intricate improvisations are perfectly complemented by his fellow musicians ― Behn Gillece on vibraphone, Art Hirahara on piano, Peter Slavov on bass, and Vinnie Sperrazza on drums ― all working together to create a seamless and mesmerizing listening experience. With its lush harmonies, intricate rhythms, and dazzling solos, "Book of Secrets" takes the listener on a thrilling journey through a musical landscape that is at once familiar and yet uncharted.  So whether one is a seasoned jazz aficionado or just newly discovering the genre, "Book of Secrets" is sure to captivate listeners, engage imaginations and inspire bright moments!

 

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Release date August 18:

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Rising star tenor saxophonist Willie Morris unleashes a clarion call of jubilation with his debut album "Conversation Starter." With an engaging and well-balanced set of exciting compositions and arrangements, Morris capably displays all of his wondrous abilities as a powerful soloist, songwriter, and bandleader. Morris' tour de force intensity gets the program going quickly delivering a hard-hitting musical message from the scintillating opening salvo all the way through to the brilliant resolution of the elegant finale. Supporting Morris on the date are the combined efforts of alto saxophonist Patrick Cornelius, and the sturdy rhythm section of pianist Jon Davis, bassist Adi Meyerson, and drummer EJ Strickland. "Conversation Starter" will surely delight straight forward jazz fans and keep people talking about these dynamic performances for a long time to come!

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Release date October 20:

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Product Description

Pianist Art Hirahara resounds with unstoppable melodic sensibility and a wide palette of colors and sounds on his latest effort "Echo Canyon." Joining Hirahara on this piano trio date are his familiar collaborators bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston, both of whom contribute exciting ideas and add a solid foundation to the session. “Echo Canyon” unfolds steadily as an engaging program of original compositions where Hirahara seeks to combine his inner reflections with moments of humble reverence for the greater and ineffable depths of our collective experiences. Whether one is already familiar with the music of Hirahara or discovering him for the first time, his latest effort is certain to bring insights and bright moments to jazz fans and serious listeners everywhere.

About the Artist

Art Hirahara is a jazz keyboardist and composer based in New York, NY. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Hirahara moved to New York in 2003 to be challenged by its pool of world-class musicians. There, he has honed his craft while performing in a wide range of musical situations, ranging from straight-ahead standards to time cycle-based progressive jazz to free improvisation. From the traditional to the avant-garde, Hirahara has found a sound of his own that cuts across genres and boundaries. Hirahara’s latest album, titled “Echo Canyon,” perseveres steadily along his personal journey of musical unfolding. With a steady hand, Hirahara displays a clear sense of creative continuity and succeeds in creating a bold, impassioned statement with significant and meaningful contributions from his trusted collaborators: bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston. Hirahara’s previous Posi-Tone albums are “Noble Path” (2011), “Libations & Meditations” (2015), “Central Line” (2017), “Sunward Bound” (2018), “Balance Point” (2020), “Open Sky” (2021), “Ascent” (2022), and “Verdant Valley” (2022). Hirahara was awakened to jazz during his studies at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he earned a degree in Electronic and Computer Music. During his junior year, he began jazz piano studies with the Cleveland jazz giant, Neal Creque. He then continued at California Institute of the Arts, where he was mentored by David Roitstein, Charlie Haden and Wadada Leo Smith. It was there that he immersed himself in world music, focusing on West African drumming and dance, Balinese gamelan and North Indian tabla. In August of 2000, Hirahara self-released his debut record "Edge Of This Earth" to critical acclaim. After his move to New York, Hirahara studied at the Banff Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music program with Dave Douglas in 2004. Hirahara has had the privilege to perform with Stacey Kent, Don Braden, Freddy Cole, Akira Tana, Rufus Reid, Dave Douglas, Vincent Herring, Victor Lewis, Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra, Jenny Scheinman, Fred Ho, royal hartigan and Hafez Modirzadeh. He has performed around the world in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East and extensively around the United States. Hirahara’s piano and compositional sound are an amalgamation of the varied musical influences he has studied and the wide range of leaders he has worked for. Hirahara is constantly seeking new situations to challenge his musicality. Hirahara has also worked as a producer and musical director for various artists of different genres.

 

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Release date January 5:

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"Swing & Soul" is more than a simple collection of Duke Pearson's compositions. For me, it's both a heartfelt tribute and reimagining of his enduring musical legacy in the hands of the exceptional talents of Art Hirahara, Jon Davis, Diego Rivera, Boris Kozlov and Vinnie Sperrazza.  With this latest album in the "Blue Moods" series, we are hoping to garner greater attention for this music from new listeners by celebrating both the timeless melodies and the compositional flexibility of these songs while also serving as a fitting testament to Pearson's perseverance to continuously inspire new generations of jazz aficionados. I would like to extend my thanks to all of the listeners in the Posi-Tone audience for joining together with us on this musical journey, and I hope this latest Blue Moods release will fill your hearts with the joy, beauty, and eternal "Swing & Soul" of jazz.  Marc Free Fall 2023

Release date February 2:

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Saxophonist extraordinaire Diego Rivera speaks with a clear message on his latest album "With Just A Word" on Posi-Tone Records. Drenched in soulful melodies and mesmerizing improvisations, this engaging album showcases Rivera's unparalleled mastery of the saxophone, captivating listeners with its rich, evocative soundscapes. Rivera seamlessly blends traditional jazz influences with innovative contemporary arrangements that transcend the boundaries of conventional jazz, delivering a captivating fusion of vibrant rhythms and poignant harmonies that resonate with the essence of human emotion. "With Just A Word" is an exploration of musical storytelling at its finest, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the heartfelt narratives woven into every note. Each song is a story that speaks directly to Rivera's dedication to crafting an unparalleled musical experience, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary jazz landscape. Listeners are encouraged to experience the magic of Diego Rivera's musical brilliance as he invites us all along on a sonic adventure that will leave us spellbound and yearning for more.

 

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Release date March 1:

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Product Description

Rising star tenor saxophonist Willie Morris embarks on an immersive sonic journey exploring the concepts of "Attentive Listening" with his own unmatched blend of virtuosity and emotion. From the thoughtful balance of lively and spirited tunes juxtaposed against the contemplative, soul-stirring pieces, the entire program of "Attentive Listening" is an ingenuous testament to Morris's sincere dedication to his own pursuit of maturity and musical mastery. Collaborating with the stellar rhythm section of pianist Jon Davis, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston. Morris effortlessly crafts an auditory landscape that captivates, inspires, and leaves an indelible mark on the listener which lingers in the heart and mind long after the last note fades away. "Attentive Listening" is more than an album; it's an encounter with pure musical brilliance; it's an invitation to immerse ourselves in a sonic experience celebrating the hidden power of receptivity.

About the Artist

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of St. Louis, saxophonist and composer Willie Morris emerges as a fresh and exciting force in the jazz scene. With a deep-rooted appreciation for the Black-American art forms that have flourished in his city, he brings a dynamic and unique perspective to his craft. Willie's profound passion and love for music have been an integral part of his life, starting from his early days as a bedroom drummer and evolving into a formal education as a saxophonist during his adolescent years and beyond. Willie's journey led him to study music at prestigious institutions such as Eastern Illinois University and The Juilliard School, where he had the privilege of learning from renowned teachers, including Dan Block, Ron Blake, Roxy Coss, Bruce Williams, Sam Fagaly, Marc Cary, Ulysses Owens, Paul Johnston, Scott Hesse, Frank Kimbrough, and many other influential mentors. These invaluable experiences not only honed his technical skills but also helped him explore his own artistic identity, shaping his ever-evolving contributions to the world through music. In this early stage of his career, Willie Morris has already been blessed with remarkable opportunities that have allowed him to perform and record alongside a distinguished lineup of artists. Collaborating with esteemed musicians such as Randy Brecker, John Clayton, Jason Marsalis, Montez Coleman, Josh Lawrence, Donald Edwards, Boris Kozlov, Rudy Royston, and Art Hirahara, among others, Willie has had the privilege of immersing himself in diverse musical settings that have expanded his artistic horizons. Willie's debut album, Conversation Starter (Posi-Tone 2023), serves as a platform for showcasing his exceptional abilities, while being surrounded by veteran musicians. His second album, Attentive Listening (Posi-Tone 2024), continues to display his depth and range of musical prowess. Through his soulful saxophone melodies, innovative compositions and choice interpretations, Willie delivers a captivating listening experience that resonates with audiences on a profound level. Beyond his musical prowess, Willie aspires to utilize his artistry as a conduit for connection and a means of expressing the unspoken thoughts and emotions that resonate with people from all walks of life. With his captivating sound, he aims to bridge gaps and create a platform for understanding and sharing experiences. As he continues to evolve as an artist, he is sure to captivate hearts and minds, breaking barriers and fostering a sense of unity through the universal language of music.

 

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Release date March 29:

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Acclaimed jazz trombonist Altin Sencalar strikes a harmonious chord with "Discover the Present.” This highly anticipated album is a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, a eleven-track opus with an all-star band that showcases Sencalar's unparalleled talents and tasteful well-crafted musicality. Sencalar's virtuosity on the trombone is awe-inspiring, capturing the essence of jazz while infusing it with his unique style and flair. From exhilarating uptempo pieces that pulsate with energy to soul-stirring ballads that tug at the heartstrings, Sencalar's versatility shines through in every note. As an embodiment of Sencalar's dedication to pushing the boundaries of jazz while honoring its rich heritage, "Discover the Present" is not just a musical endeavor; it's a celebration and an invitation to immerse ourselves in a world where melodies speak volumes and rhythms stir the soul.

 

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Release date April 26:

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Vibraphonist Behn Gillece showcases how to "Stick Together" with several of his favorite musicians – pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston – to celebrate the power of collaboration and synergy. Together, they skillfully blend their individual talents, creating a musical tapestry that combines technical precision and heartfelt expression, reflecting the rich spectrum of human emotions. Gillece's compositional prowess takes center stage, complemented by the evocative piano of Hirahara, the resonant bass lines of Kozlov, and the rhythmic prowess of Royston. The palpable friendship and chemistry among these four artists result in an electrifying and joyous synergy, elevating each performance to new heights. With the leader's creative ingenuity setting the course and the ensemble's collective artistry providing the energetic drive, this engaging album provides an unforgettable sonic experience. It demonstrates that a splendid time is guaranteed for all when we "Stick Together."

 

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Release date May 24:

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Product Description

Experience the brilliance of "Measured Response" as Josh Lawrence's trumpet prowess takes center stage, weaving a narrative that's both captivating and sophisticated. Joined by the extraordinary talents of pianist Art Hirahara, saxophonist Diego Rivera, bassist Luques Curtis, and drummer Rudy Royston, Lawrence presents a series of performances with dynamic range and emotional depth to create a captivating listening experience, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of his personal approach to jazz. With its rich harmonies, intricate melodies, and rhythmic brilliance, this album is a must listen for jazz enthusiasts seeking a blend of technical virtuosity and emotive storytelling.

About the Artist

Josh Lawrence, a trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and recording artist, has earned critical acclaim and is acknowledged as a "preeminent voice among young composers" (Downbeat 2017). Throughout his musical career, marked by numerous accolades and prestigious commissions, Lawrence has made significant contributions to the jazz continuum. His artistic journey is illuminated by awards from institutions such as the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, American Composers Forum, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chamber Music America, Come Hear North Carolina, and Festival of New Trumpet Music. As a trumpeter, Lawrence has released five solo albums with Posi-Tone Records, and co-led two albums with the Fresh Cut Orchestra on Ropeadope Records. He has received three Grammy Award nominations, two for his collaborations with pianist Orrin Evans' Captain Black Big Band and Smoke Sessions Records and one for his work on bassist Adam Blackstone's album "Legacy (The Instrumental Jawn)." Lawrence's musical versatility is evident in his contributions to recordings by renowned artists like Erykah Badu, Boyz II Men, Caleb Curtis, Matt Davis’ Aerial Photograph, Lizanne Knott, Brian Marsella's Imaginarium, Jonathan Michel, Peter Nelson, New Faces, Jazmine Sullivan, Laurin Talese, and Tarbaby. A lifelong learner, Lawrence studied under the tutelage of legendary pianist Barry Harris and holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and a Master's degree from the Juilliard School in New York. In 2021, he assumed the role of Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen Center for the Arts, leading both the Arts Academy and Summer Camp programs and conducting the Interlochen Jazz Orchestra. The highly anticipated sixth Posi-Tone album from Lawrence is titled “Measured Response” and will be released in May 2024. It features veteran musicians Diego Rivera, Art Hirahara, Luques Curtis and Rudy Royston. In other exciting news, there has been a significant change in Lawrence's professional journey. He has transitioned from his role at Interlochen and is now the Manager of Jazz Education Programs with Ensemble Arts Philly, the new presenting brand of the Philadelphia Orchestra. In this new capacity, Lawrence continues to contribute to the vibrant jazz education landscape, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in modern music.

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