New Music Zine

Jonathan Fritzen - The Swedish American Keyboardist Dazzles the World with “Diamonds”

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:37:00 -0500

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.

The Swedish American Keyboardist Dazzles the World with "Diamonds"

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:50:39 -0500

The Swedish American Keyboardist Dazzles the World with "Diamonds":

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 …”

Click on title for more.

Eumir Deodato & Al Jarreau “Double Face” (by...

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:43:35 -0500

Eumir Deodato & Al Jarreau “Double Face” (by SMCRecordings)

Purchase single on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/double-face-radio-edit-single/id436394819

Now on iTunes...

Tue, 24 May 2011 11:12:55 -0500

Now on iTunes...:

Pianist Monika Herzig Invites You on a Journey with New CD/DVD Release “Come with Me”

Fri, 20 May 2011 19:18:10 -0500

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.

"Let go of what you think you know and embrace the possibilities of tomorrow."

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:54:48 -0500

“Let go of what you think you know and embrace the possibilities of tomorrow.”

- Cheryl Hughey

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Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:49:04 -0500

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The JWB - Groove Axis

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:41:04 -0500

The JWB - Groove Axis:

James Ward Band (The JWB) - CD review of Groove Axis on Starportrait at smooth-jazz.de (click above to read full review)

Dwayne Kerr Garners Endorsement from GUO Musical Instruments Co. on the Eve of Touring Again with Erykah Badu

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:10:00 -0500

Dwayne Kerr Garners Endorsement from GUO Musical Instruments Co. on the Eve of Touring Again with Erykah Badu:

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

The James Ward Band (The JWB) Tilts the Groove Axis with New Release

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:25:00 -0600

The James Ward Band (The JWB) Tilts the Groove Axis with New Release:

“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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Heavy Burden (via mherzig2) “Heavy Burden” by Monika...

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:44:00 -0600

Heavy Burden (via mherzig2)

“Heavy Burden” by Monika Herzig from “Come with Me”

www.monikaherzig.com

Click here to PURCHASE

Bryant Thompson Releases Puzzle Pieces

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 07:47:35 -0600

For Immediate Release
Atlanta, Ga. / March 3, 2011
Press contact:
Cheryl Hughey Promotions
347-878-6610
cheryl@cherylhugheypromotions.com

Bryant Thompson Releases Puzzle Pieces

BryCel Productions is proud to announce the release of Puzzle Pieces by pianist/composer Bryant Thompson.

A stellar production of seamless quality, Puzzle Pieces serves as another reminder of the insane talent that has been pouring out of the Atlanta area. With a complete complement of the city’s finest musicians that forms a sideman list too large to mention, Thompson doesn’t pull any punches with this release. The grooves simmer in a powerful stew that’s rich in texture and bountiful in flavor.

Sample the music:

Reflections of Time

FULL free version - Reflections of Time

Japonica Avenue feat. Ron James

Movado feat. Joe Gransden & Dan Baraszu

More about the artist:

Born in Jersey City, NJ, and raised in the small towns of Rowland, Marion, and Laurinburg, NC, Bryant Thompson is a spiritual and versatile producer, songwriter, musician and engineer. Bryant operates in excellence and performs each task from the heart.

Bryant studied classical piano at Brevard College and studied recording engineering at the Art Institute of Atlanta. He quickly began carving his niche in Atlanta’s independent recording community by becoming an apprentice of Marcus Williams, who is a professional drummer, studio owner and the Editor In Chief of Urban Drummer Magazine.

Bryant resides in the Atlanta area with his wife of 15 years and is President of Brycel Productions: a production and recording company in the Atlanta metro area. This allows him to create, play, produce and engineer utilizing all of his talents and abilities. Over the past ten years he has contributed to many genres ranging from rap to country. Bryant’s versatility allows him to play on one project, produce another and engineer yet another.

Some of the artists and producers that Bryant has engineered for are: Maurice Rogers, Kurt Carr, Darrell Freeman, Paulis Sanchez, Ron James, Candi Staton and Jeremy Haynes. For production work, some of the artists Bryant has collaborated with include: Cheryl Andreasen, Antoine Knight, Steve ‘Left Hand’ Lewis, John Lytch, Prince A. Martin III, Michael S. Smith and G. Wright.

Working with many recording artists over the years has been very fulfilling. It has given both Bryant and the artists a chance to share, learn and grow from one another. Bryant has contributed to many recording projects over the years, but completing a project of his own musical compositions was a dream come true.

Radio promotions by:

Gorov Music Marketing
Phone: (702) 492-4965
Email: info@gorovmusic.com

Purchase Puzzle Pieces on iTunes

www.bryantthompson.com

HTML compliments of Campaigner.com

The Digital Guy Foundation Presents: A very special appearance at the Oasis Jazz Awards…

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:49:24 -0600

Press Release

Cheryl Hughey Promotions

347-878-6610 / Cheryl@cherylhugheypromotions.com

The Digital Guy Foundation Presents:

A very special appearance at the Oasis Jazz Awards…

Three of the hottest contemporary jazz artists around!

Las Vegas, Nev. / March 2, 2011

The Digital Guy Foundation is proud to announce the release of their first CD compilation – “The Digital Guy’s Outstanding Tracks of 2010.” In celebration of this monumental event, the foundation will be hosting a concert starring three of the album’s featured artists. From noon until 2 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2011, attendees will enjoy great music by Vincent Ingala, Greg Manning and Jaared at Bianca’s. Bianca’s is located in the Legends Ballroom (Hard Rock Hotel San Diego) 207 5^th Avenue, San Diego, Calif.

Please note admission to the showcase performance is only available to those who hold either VIP Passports for the Oasis Awards, or separate admission for Bianca’s (http://oasisjazzawards.com/Friday_Bianca.php).

As a very special bonus, the first 50 persons who RSVP at http://tdg2010.eventbrite.com/ and attend the show will receive a complimentary copy of “The Digital Guy’s Outstanding Tracks of 2010” CD. (CDs will be available at the show.) This CD features 14 tracks of great smooth jazz. Net proceeds from the sales of the CD will go to help fund school music programs.

About the featured artists:

Vincent Ingala is being hailed as “one of the best new young artists on the scene” by any number of industry authorities. His debut release “North End Soul” is proof positive that age isn’t a barrier to being able to make great music. After having wowed audiences in Connecticut, Vincent makes his west coast performance debut at this showcase, and it is not to be missed!

Greg Manning makes his home in the USA, after spending his formative years in Switzerland. This unique artist brings his multi-cultural background to his unique music. This show will feature many of Greg’s irresistible tracks from his latest CD, “The Calling.”

Jaared is an internationally-known and loved artist, as his many tours with superstar Peter White will attest. Absent from the west coast for a while, the TDG Foundation Showcase marks Jaared’s return with his successful “Manhattan Nights” CD.

This is a one-time event, and this lineup of great artists will not be repeated locally again in the near future. The artists will be available after the performance to sign their CDs.

Other special guests:

· The Digital Guy, Bruce Nazarian, will be warmly welcoming guests and answering any of your questions about these exciting artists.

· The Digital Guy’s Motown Scene reporter, Marissa Caliguire, will be in attendance to speak about the debut of her brand new MyCnotes charitable CD entitled “Jazz with a Cause.”

· Noted smooth jazz journalist Denis Poole will also be in San Diego in a vacation from England to greet guests.

Make your plans now to attend this magnificent event in support of the good works of the Digital Guy Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting school music programs to stay vibrant and bring the joy of music to youngsters.

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CD/DOWNLOAD/ALBUM: Airborne Releases New CD: Back in the Dayz - Airborne Anthology - Topix

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:50:31 -0600

CD/DOWNLOAD/ALBUM: Airborne Releases New CD: Back in the Dayz - Airborne Anthology - Topix:

“Back in the Dayz—Airborne Anthology” takes you onboard a magical and musical journey to a motivating, high energy, intensely creative, yet peaceful serenity of island passion and complex urban emotion where the compassion of Airborne raises up the spirit of humility and reflects the empathy and moral obligation we as people of dignity must adhere to. Inspiring compositions of depth and character by a world class jazz group.

Cynthia Layne EPK (Beta) (via cherylhugheypromo)

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:00:18 -0600

Cynthia Layne EPK (Beta) (via cherylhugheypromo)

New CD by Monika Herzig!

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:28:14 -0600

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Cheryl Hughey Promotions
info@cherylhugheypromotions.com / 347-878-6610

Pianist Monika Herzig Invites You on a Journey with New CD/DVD Release “Come with Me”

February 1, 2011 / Indianapolis, IN

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.www.monikaherzig.com or www.owlstudios.com for more information. Follow the journey at http://blog.owlstudios.com/blog/monika-herzig.

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 09:48:49 -0500

Cynthia LayneIn addition to steadily achieving critical acclaim...

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:21:00 -0500

Cynthia Layne

In addition to steadily achieving critical acclaim for her release of the “Beautiful Soul” CD, the video for the single, “We,” won a Gold Ring for Cinematography - Black & White at the Ad Club Indianapolis 2008 Brass Ring Awards on February 27, 2008.

Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS0mkUzkHM4

www.myspace.com/cynthialayne

Shop: www.owlstudios.com

Airborne on Smooth Jazz Now

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 05:59:00 -0500

Airborne on Smooth Jazz Now:

Smooth Jazz Now - The 90-minute special on Airborne’s latest CD “New Horizons”

Tune in and learn more about the band and the music!

Go to: http://networkedblogs.com/8Mxni

FREE download

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 05:56:53 -0500

FREE Download of Kiggundu’s Bazaar by fo/mo/deep:
http://www.reverbnation.com/controller/audio_player/download_song/5493982

This free download may only be up for a limited time, so get it now!