The serene setting of Napa Valley is not only home to some of the best wine-making in the world but is also a host to stellar music and music-making. Napa Crossroads is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between five prestigious wineries– Silver Oak, Far Niente, Pride Mountain, Gargiulo Vinyards, and Casa Piena– and David Pack, legendary producer, vocalist, and hit-maker (former singer-songwriter Ambrosia,) who conceived and produced the project. Stellar guest stars include: The Doors’ Ray Manzarek, Bela Fleck, Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, David Benoit, Billy Dean, Jimmy Wayne, Larry Carlton, Doyle Dykes, Mindi Abair, Robert Schwartzman, Cage The Elephant’s Lincoln Parish,… Continue reading →

Violinist Regina Carter is considered the foremost jazz violinist of her generation – a designation which doesn’t quite paint the picture.  As a result of her curiosity, passion, and quest for beauty brought to every stop taken on her full musical journey, she was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship (a “genius grant”). Those are more apparent than ever on her upcoming debut Southern Comfort (Sony Music Masterworks), in which she explores the folk music of the South.  The album was released on March 4, 2014 and coincides with an international tour.

Jumaane Smith, trumpeter and vocalist, has already done what most musicians spend their lives dreaming about. He’s traveled the world, played stages in historic clubs, in massive stadiums and at cultural landmarks, recorded a solo album, appeared on national television and performed for two sitting U.S. presidents. His new CD showcases the talent that puts him in the forefront of the current generation of Jazz musicians.

His collaborations range from pop idols to jazz legends, and the list reads like a lineup for the best New Orleans Jazz Fest ever. He’s worked with Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Michael Bublé, Jackie… Continue reading →

The first release by this veteran jazz pianist and his outstanding trio is a reflection of his many years of playing and composing, while pointing out a direction for future development. In the liner notes, Davis explains the origin of each track title: “Lieb” is for the great Dave Liebman, with whom I had the opportunity to study and play at the Banff Jazz Workshop in 1985. New Beginning is about just that! Chrysalis is a silk cocoon, for an old friend, close to my heart. Elis is for the great samba singer from Brazil, Elis Regina. Taiji Camp… Continue reading →

During the 2008 I’m New Here sessions at New York’s Looking Glass studios, Scott-Heron recorded stripped-down new versions of some of his greatest songs. Accompanying himself on piano and with no overdubs, Nothing New is a unique musical insight into one of the most profound recording artists of our time.

This release is only be available on 12″ vinyl.

World-class drummer and percussionist Sheila Escovedo has released her first solo album in twelve years, Icon, as part of the celebration of her 40th anniversary in the music business.

An accomplished and much sought after musician, Sheila’s credits read like chapters in a music history book, Ringo Starr, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Beyonce, Herbie Hancock, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan and George Duke. She is also an Emmy and Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter behind the seminal hits ‘The Glamorous Life’ and ‘A Love Bizarre.’ Icon features guest artists Prince, The E Family, MC Lyte, and more This CD is available in DIGITAL format only.

Many people may have heard of Charlie Parker, who died at 34. But others, such as Herschel Evans, who died before reaching 30, are very little known and their stories untold. For example, Jo Jones, drummer and an integral part of the Count Basie band for many years, has called Evans the greatest musician he ever played with. He said that Evans made everyone he played with better.

Who was this giant, what made him an important creative artist and why did he die so young? These are questions that this film will answer concerning Evans and many more. Also… Continue reading →

Dianne Reeves is set to release her Concord Records debut, Beautiful Life, this month.  The album showcases Reeves’ sublime gifts by melding elements of R&B, Latin and pop within the framework of 21st Century jazz. “At its essence,” says Reeves, “Life is beautiful and I wanted to celebrate that which is too often overlooked.”There should be no overlooking Beautiful Life, a journey of 12 songs which includes singularly memorable covers of Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You” and Ani DiFranco’s self-empowering “32 Flavors.”

Included… Continue reading →

Saxophonist-composer-producer-educator Bobby Watson is proud to release Check Cashing Day, the second self-produced recording on Watson’s label, Lafiya Music. The project, which is available now, coincides with Watson’s 60th birthday, the March on Washington’s 50th anniversary, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

As Watson reflects, Check Cashing Day serves as “a commentary on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to go as a people, as a country, and as a global community.” Instead of focusing on the iconic “I Have a Dream” aspect of Dr. King’s speech, Watson chose to… Continue reading →