Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Step into a world of extraordinary talent and unrivaled creativity with Steve Allee’s latest endeavor, “Naptown Sound.” Celebrating the rich musical heritage of Indianapolis, or Naptown as locals affectionately call it, the disc pays tribute to legendary Indy musicians such as Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, Slide Hampton and more. An Indianapolis native himself, Allee has been meticulously crafting new compositions for his big band, drawing inspiration from the hometown heroes who shaped the city’s musical landscape.
Vocalist Mafalda Minnozzi is a touring artist with three home bases. She performs in New York City and returns regularly to her native Italy, where she performs in some of the country’s leading jazz festivals. Mafalda is a longtime resident of Brazil, where she has a long career collaborating with the likes of Milton Nascimento and Joao Bosco, and has also recorded with stalwarts Helio Alves, Don Byron, Dave Liebman, and John Patitucci. Her new release, “Riofonic,” is her homage to the music, the band, and the people of Rio for all they have given her over the years.
Also this week, Bay Area guitarist Mason Razavi breathes new life into the classic organ combo tradition, incorporating subtle, modern elements to the genre on “Even Keel”; the Bigger Badder Bones featuring Andre Hayward perform a variety of styles including funk, swing, samba, and light rock on their second release, “Sliders”; and multi-reedist John Ellis returns to original compositions with his new album, “Heroes,” inspired by mentors, legendary figures, friends and family.