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.”
Jazz Corner of the World (Encore)
What a year for the Linn-Mar Colton Center Jazz Ensemble! After a slow start to the competition season, the band came storming back to win their District competition, which qualified them for Jazz Championships. Good thing, too, because they won the 4A contest!
Born and raised in the vibrant streets of Caracas, Venezuela, Silvano Monasterios is a virtuoso pianist and composer, celebrated for his intricate technique, soulful improvisations, and innovative compositions. Over a career spanning three decades, he’s captivated audiences worldwide, carving a distinctive musical voice that blends harmonic sophistication with fiery Latin rhythms. His new project, “The River,” is a nine-piece ensemble work inspired by the social unrest and protests by the Venezuelan people in 2017 manifested by their desire to live in a free and just place.
For more than twenty years as a recording artist, the pianist and composer Hiromi has shifted seamlessly from one spellbinding project to the next. In the process, she’s earned a reputation as one of the most explosive live performers in jazz history and a global ambassador for the art form. Hiromi’s 13th studio album, “Out There,” is the second release with her band SonicWonder. It features French-born fusion virtuoso Hadrien Feraud on bass, the soulful Chicago drummer Gene Coye, and Brooklyn-raised trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, who is part of a dynasty that includes his father and grandfather, Latin jazz titans Arturo and Chico O’Farrill.
