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Motown has had 
a tremendous impact on popular music. Although it was founded over 55 years ago, Motown’s music and artists are still relevant and popular today, and many of the songs that came out of their Hitsville offices in Detroit have been covered by jazz artists over the years. When baritone saxophonist Claire Daly took on the challenge of making a jazz CD of Motown music, “2648 West Grand Boulevard,” she set out a couple of rules for the arrangements: the music had to stay true to the harmonies of the original songs while transforming them into the jazz idiom, and the songs had to be fun without being corny. With nine previous releases as a leader and an extensive performing schedule, the veteran New York City-based musician was certainly up to the task.
The Chicago Jazz Orchestra, under artistic director Jeff Lindberg, celebrates the release of its new CD, “Live from Space,” a special project marking the CJO’s first concert recording in over 25 years. It was recorded last summer and highlights the writing, arranging and playing talents of some of Chicago’s finest musicians, including Tom Garling, Eric Schneider, Mark Colby, Victor Garcia, George Fludas and Dennis Carroll.
Also this week, pianist Christian Sands traverses from the straight ahead zone into fresh-sounding music influenced by Afro-Cuban rhythms, hip-hop beats and edgy blues on “Reach”.
Singer Jenna Mammina teams up with veteran guitarist Rolf Sturm on the duo release, “Begin to Dance”.
Saxophonist Josh Lawrence unveils a new set of original compositions on “Color Theory.”