Kenny Werner, Donald Harrison and Francisco Mela

[GA Russell]

These look interesting. I received this press release yesterday.

HALF NOTE RECORDS ANNOUNCES THREE NEW RECORDINGS

Kenny Werner & Brussels Jazz Orchestra Institute of Higher Learning

AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ONLINE AUGUST 26, 2011

Donald Harrison, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham

This Is Jazz

AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ONLINE SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

Francisco Mela & Cuban Safari

with Special Guest Esperanza Spalding

Tree Of Life

AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ONLINE SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

New York, August 23, 2011 - The Brussels Jazz Orchestra (BJO), led by founder and Artistic Director Frank Vaganée, once again reinforces its reputation as one of Europe's premier big bands, a group that "manifests love," according to Grammy-winning arranger Maria Schneider. Kenny Werner and the BJO have joined forces to create the perfect canvas for Wernerʼs lush compositions and arrangements. The Institute of Higher Learning features 5 tracks, among them the opening "Cantabile," a three-movement suite showcasing Wernerʼs progressive touch. It was inspired by and dedicated to Bob Brookmeyer. Liner notes by Maria Schneider.

For further information on Kenny Werner, please visit

www.kennywerner.com

For further information on the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, please visit www.brusselsjazzorchestra.com

TRACK TITLES

1. Cantabile

(Ist Movement)

(2nd Movement)

(3rd Movement)

2. Second Love Song

3. House of the Rising Sun

4. Compensation

5. Institute of Higher Learning

New York, August 23, 2011 - For its second Half Note issue, the power trio of Donald Harrison, Ron Carter and Billy Cobham declare themselves spokesmen for a kind of exploratory improvisation and interplay known only to seasoned jazz professionals. Staunch individualists all, they come together with a unified voice of alto, bass and drums - at once steeped in jazz's richly variegated traditions yet forward- thinking in the cause of new creative expression. The group play here is all about a stylized call and response, featuring guys with excellent listening skills and the means to keep the conversation going. Recorded Live at the Blue Note.

For further information on Donald Harrison, please visit

http://donaldharrison.com

TRACK TITLES

1. Cut & Paste

2. MSRP

3. You Are My Sunshine

4. Seven Steps to Heaven

5. I Can't Get Started

6. Treme Swagger

New York, August 23, 2011 - Drummer Francisco Mela presents his second release on Half Note, a tour- de-force featuring 10 newly conceived compositions. With the help of his band, Cuban Safari, Mela offers a passionate fusion of Cuban polyrhythms and propulsive modernism. Renown for his play with Joe Lovanoʼs Us Five, Mela and the full scope of his musicianship take center stage with an unexpected turn as a vocalist, duetting with pianist Elio Villafranca, and trading improvs with Special Guest Esperanza Spalding. Tree Of Life is spirited evidence of Melaʼs distinguished place among young group leaders.

TRACK TITLES

1. Retrograde

2. Africa en mis Venas

3. Toma del Poder

4. Yadan Mela

5. Classico Mela

6. The Nearness of You

7. Yo Me

8. Just Now

9. Fiesta Conga

10. Gracias a la Vida

Francisco Mela & Cuban Safari will perform at the Blue Note jazz club on October 10.

Edited August 26, 2011 by GA Russell

[GA Russell]

I'm enjoying the Donald Harrison - This is Jazz. It's different from other power trios I have heard because Harrison is not as much of a power horn player.

It's a Ron Carter album almost as much as a Harrison album. Billy Cobham pretty much stays in the background.

At times it reminds me of a trio from the early 70s called Back Door which you may recall.

By the way, this was recorded just last March.

[Justin V]

Be on the lookout for an upcoming Francisco Mela giveaway at AAJ...

Edited October 9, 2011 by Justin V

[GA Russell]

Ron Carter received a Grammy nomination today for his work on the Donald Harrison album.

Best Improvised Jazz Solo: "You are My Sunshine"