Sweet and seductive as chocolate, the music of keyboardist Jonathan Fritzen dazzled the world with his 2010 release of “Diamonds.” A stellar production with featured guests like Darren Rahn, Jessy J and Koh Mr. Saxman (one of Asia’s most known sax players), the single “Dance with Me” from “Diamonds” was #1 on Billboard for numerous weeks. Brian Soergel of the Jazz Times declared, “Fritzen has arrived . . .”
Alex Al and Mel Brown play bass on “Diamonds,” which individually have performed/recorded with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Al Jarreau. “Diamonds” is mastered by Joe Yannece, who has worked with a long list of artists to include Kenny G, Rod Stewart, Kelly Clarkson, Nelly, Luther Vandross, LL Cool J, Ludacris, Elton John and many more.
With his stunning blue eyes and dark hair, the look of the young Swedish American is as exotic as his music. It would also appear that the killer combination of tight grooves and commercial appeal is making Fritzen a commodity on the rise in both America and abroad. His upcoming appearances include landing tasty dates like the Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg (Germany), Catalina JazzTrax Festival, Tioga JazzFest, Spaghettini’s and more. He’s also been featured in the past at SmoothtraxFM Beach Fest (UK), Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Berns (Sweden) and various Asian concert dates.
With clean melody lines and ample hooks hooks that are immersed in an intoxicating sonic tapestry, Fritzen’s music appeals to both the casual listener and the music connoisseur. His stage presence is both charismatic and accessible with a keen insight into enriching the fan experience.
“The fans and their support are vital to my success both on the stage and in the recording studio. I want to create music that takes them to a different place, away from the everyday world. When a crowd let’s go, gets a little wild and dances in the aisles, then I know I’ve served them well. It’s all about living in the moment,” said Fritzen.
A Master’s graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm, Fritzen’s diverse musical background includes working on the Swedish television show “Sommarkrysset.” Some of his notable appearances include performing with Bonnie Tyler (Wales), Ron Sexsmith (Canada), Eurovision Song Contest winner “Lena” and Swedish Idol winner Kevin Borg. (For those new to Swedish television, “Sommarkrysset” delves into the world of pop culture with appearances in the past by acts like Lady Gaga, Avril Lavigne, Jason Mraz, Martha Wash (Weather Girls), Howard Jones, Alexandra Burke (X-factor winner), Amy McDonald, Joshua Radin and Flo Rida.)
Jonathan Fritzen will be making several concert stops in the United States for the summer of 2011. Be sure to check out his website at www.jonathanfritzen.com, as more dates will be added. You can also surf YouTube and view the many fan contributions from live shows and video interpretations of his recorded work. The Nordic Night Records “Diamonds” EPK is available for viewing at http://youtu.be/yWXqApzjmf0. This CD that hit #1 on the smooth jazz bestseller list on Amazon is also available at other fine retailers.
Sweet and seductive as chocolate, the music of keyboardist Jonathan Fritzen dazzled the world with his 2010 release of “Diamonds.” A stellar production with featured guests like Darren Rahn, Jessy J and Koh Mr. Saxman (one of Asia`s most known sax players), the single “Dance with Me” from “Diamonds” was #1 on Billboard for numerous weeks. Brian Soergel of the Jazz Times declared, “Fritzen has arrived …”
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Pianist Monika Herzig will present her second Owl Studios release entitled “Come with Me” in March 2011. The CD/DVD combo reflects a unique partnership between musicians, the Owl Studios label and award-winning documentary filmmaker Susanne Schwibs. The journey comes to life with a 30-minute documentary that includes a variety of visuals, concert footage, and interviews, as well as special features of live performances. In addition the package includes a full-length CD with originals as well as unique arrangements of standards.
“I have the mud of Germany on my shoes,” bassist/ guitarist Peter Kienle proclaimed at the Arts Center in Jasper, IN as he was getting ready to perform a concert with wife/ pianist Monika Herzig and Indiana poet laureate Norbert Krapf. The couple had just returned from a concert tour of Italy and Germany and Peter’s shoes were still caked with mud after he got lost during a walk in the woods. Being that nearly everyone from Jasper, Indiana (a town rich in culture from the early days of German immigration) probably at some point had mud from Germany on their shoes, the audience was delighted with the invitation for a journey through poetry and music.
The mud of Germany was what inspired the title track for “Come with Me.” During November 2008, Herzig and Kienle were invited to Rome for the second time and subsequently visited their hometown in Germany for a few days. Kienle took an extended walk in the woods, and even though he grew up in the area found himself lost in the woods. His strategy to find his way back home was to follow the power lines even though the path took him through rough spots and muddy places. Unfortunately, his shoes were caked with mud, something he realized just as we were getting ready to start a performance with poet Norbert Krapf for the Jasper community. In response to revisiting the woods of Germany, Kraphf wrote a poem that reflects the search for free expression and peace in the woods.
This story and many more paint the rich tapestry of the very special CD entitled “Come with Me.” A seamless mixture of familiar favorites and jazz-inspired originals, Herzig celebrates the romantic expanse of modern instrumental music. Gentle in spirit but generous in craftsmanship, “Come with Me” bridges the gap between entertainment and inspiration. We invite you to join Monika Herzig for this very special journey. Visit www.monikaherzig.com or www.owlstudios.com for more information. Follow the journey at http://blog.owlstudios.com/blog/monika-herzig.
James Ward Band (The JWB) - CD review of Groove Axis on Starportrait at smooth-jazz.de (click above to read full review)
Dwayne Kerr, flutist for Erykah Badu, recently announced his endorsement with GUO Musical Instruments Co. As a frequently touring artist, Kerr is a great match for this maker of composite flutes. “I always wanted to own a wood flute, but touring with the additional stress of changing weather and climate can make traveling with a wood flute challenging. The Grenaditte is great. It’s made with a polymer composite material…no problems and no more worries,” he said.
Kerr is quick to point out that the weight of the flute does not compromise the quality. “It’s light weight making it ideal to travel and has a beautiful warm, dark and rich tone. The action is really responsive…I absolutely love my Grenaditte C flute…I believe the Grenaditte is the next innovation in flute technology.”
Known as the “funky fluteman,” Kerr is currently gearing up for another tour with Erykah Badu.
About the artist:
Kerr is proving to be a brilliant flutist who is moving the flute into genres of music not often explored. Raised and still residing on Long Island, New York, Kerr attended New York colleges Nassau Community College, SUNY-Stony Brook and SUNY-Old Westbury, where he was trained classically and in jazz. A solo performing artist since making music his business several years ago, Kerr so much impressed Erykah Badu that he was hired to play in the Grammy award-winning vocalist’s band in 1998. A decade later, he hasn’t looked back. “As I watch my friend in amazement,” Erykah said of Dwayne, “the high tones and the trills become part of me, helping me to grow on stage. I don’t know which is sweeter, his tone or his soul.”
While touring and recording with Erykah Badu, Dwayne added his sound to recordings including Ms. Badu’s version of the Chaka Khan hit, “Hollywood,” which is on the soundtrack/CD to the Spike Lee movie “Bamboozled,” on Motown Records and Erykah’s song, “Today,” which is on the Red Star Sounds compilation CD on Epic Records. Kerr played on Erykah’s latest CD, “Worldwide Underground,” and her previous CD, “Mama’s Gun,” on Motown Records.
The benefits of the invaluable experience and insight he acquired while working with Erykah are obvious on Dwayne’s debut CD, Flutation described by Kirk Whalum as “melodic and inspired”, and even more so on his sophomore effort, Higher Calling, on which Whalum as well as Erykah add their genius as guest artists. Higher Calling produced two singles that charted on Smoothjazz.com Top 50 and on the R&R Indicator Top 30 Charts over 25 weeks.
Experience the Music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HykUEeHAx4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etGNblYpyE4
www.gflute.com
www.dwaynekerr.com
“If Chick Corea Elektric Band and Najee are filed under jazz, so should this CD. Its deep melodicism and sophisticated grooves mark it as an amalgamate between funk and jazz, and its accomplished players make this album rich and nuanced.” – Kevin Rabas, Jam Magazine
Kansas City, Missouri / March 4, 2010
The Groovward label is proud to announce the release of “Groove Axis” by The James Ward Band (The JWB).
The James Ward Band (The JWB) was formed January of 1997 at The Blue Room located on 18th and Vine in Kansas City, Missouri. In the tradition of true Kansas City style, the JWB combines a diverse range of musical influences that include Latin, R&B, fusion, funk, jazz, and gospel. A sophomore release for James Ward (band founder), “Groove Axis” represents a marriage between the energy of their live performances, funk-fortified songwriting and diverse musicianship.
The majority of the songs in “Groove Axis” are JWB originals. From the reflective “More of You” to the bass-driven groove of “Bet That Up,” the band-written songs in “Groove Axis” are a delicious soundscape. The cover of “Got To Get You Into My Life” steeps with a heaping helping of old school that is radio friendly and sure to please.
“Got to Get You Into My Life” is currently released as a single and has been well-received nationwide by radio. For servicing, please contact Gorov Music Marketing at (702) 492-4965 or info@gorovmusic.com.
Want to learn more about The JWB? Logon to www.thejwb.com
Sample the “Groove Axis” CD at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jwb2
More About the Band:
James Ward, a native of Kansas City, attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fla., where he studied tuba, and played acoustic and electric bass in numerous bands while attending college. James’ experience, skill, and reputation as a bass player led him to opportunities to perform with greats throughout the years such as Marcus Roberts, Wycliffe Gordon, Nat Adderly, Mark Whitfield, Bobby Watson, John Cushon, Patti Austin, Jonathan Dubose, Claude “Fiddler” Williams, Lisa Henry, Chris Barnett, Jackie Mills, Russell Malone, Marcus Printup, Peter Martin, Scotty Barnhart, and Will Matthews of the Count Basie Orchestra, Gospel Artists Dorinda Clark-Cole and Donald Lawrence, and a host of other artists. James also toured South Africa with Oleta Adams. James is currently the Band Director at the Institute of Jazz, at The American Jazz Museum.
On May 12, 2007, The JWB released their debut album entitled “In Perspective”, which took a #19 spot in the Smooth Jazz Indie Charts and remained in the Top 20 for a number of weeks. Members of the band include Ray Stewart on percussion and vocals; Ryan Lee on drums; Gerald Dunn on tenor and soprano saxophones; Matt Hopper on guitar; Angela Ward on keyboards who arranges and composes; and James Ward on bass guitar.
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