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Rachel Z is a renowned, virtuoso pianist, keyboardist, composer and electronic musician with a star-studded resume, as well as 13 records as a leader. As a performer, she’s had longstanding careers with Wayne Shorter, Mike Mainieri and Steps Ahead, and Stanley Clarke, all of whose influence she carries with her. As if this plethora of brilliance wasn’t enough, Rachel Z’s partner in life and music is the legendary Omar Hakim, who’s discography spans the likes of Weather Report, Miles Davis, and John Scofield. The new release, “Sensual,” is a sonic love letter from Rachel to her husband and the musicians in her life.
Embracing his love for a variety of stylistic genres, two-time Grammy nominated saxophonist Troy Roberts is quickly becoming one of the most widely recorded tour artists of his time. As a go-to first call reedman, his name adorns several essential recordings ranging for the legendary Joey DeFrancesco to the iconic Van Morrison to the quintessential Jeff “Tain” Watts to the tireless Orrin Evans Captain Black Big Band, and numerous other jazz veterans. The Australian-born and now long-time New York City resident is also a prolific leader with sixteen releases to his credit, his latest being “Green Lights,” featuring Paul Bollenback, John Patitucci and Jimmy Macbride.
Also this week, the Oakland-based guitarist and composer Ray Obiedo brings together his talent for composing originals with his flair for reimagining classics on his 11th release, “Twist”; 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; and the award-winning trumpeter and composer and one of the latest additions to the University of Iowa’s Jazz Department, Curtis Taylor, unveils his third release as a leader, “Taylor Made.”