Internationally acclaimed jazzniks Shuffle Demons are celebrating their 40th anniversary in style, recently signing with one of Canada’s leading jazz labels, Alma Records. The first fruit of that union is the band’s eleventh album, “Are You Really Real.” All five members contribute compositions to the disc, with Juno-winning co-founder and primary composer Richard Underhill writing the majority of the tunes. The result is a truly diverse album, featuring elements of blues, rap, funk, and a range of jazz styles.
New York based guitarist James Zito has been praised for his masterful touch and soulful melodies, earning him the nickname “The Natural” from Artslife Magazine. Born in Orlando Florida, his style is deeply rooted in the influences of jazz greats like Wes Montgomery and George Benson. At 28 years old, Zito has already graced many of New York City’s premiere jazz venues, and has performed with esteemed artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Michael Dease, Wycliffe Gordon, and many others. He now releases his debut album as a leader, “Zito’s Jump.”
Also this week, the latest venture from pianist Peter Smith, “Smitty Straightens Out,” harkens back to the great soul jazz releases of the early-mid ‘60s, featuring veteran players Roy McCurdy and Rickey Woodard; saxophonist and composer Laura Dreyer and her Manhattan-Rio Connection’s catchy originals combine lyrical melodies with jazz and Brazilian rhythms on “Agua e Sol”; and the Pittsburgh-based Reid Hoyson Project featuring Hendrik Meurkens and Keith Bishop unveil their fourth album, “In Your Dreams.”