ATLANTA—Turnaround Records, together with highly acclaimed jazz trumpeter Melvin Jones, proudly announces the release of Jones' first solo album entitled 'Pivot.' A culmination of many years of performing with numerous greats in the jazz industry, 'Pivot' showcases Jones' simmering style and his technical facility through original compositions that will captivate both newer listeners and long-standing fans.
Jones, described succinctly as “the real deal" by the famed jazz composer and trumpeter Marcus Printup, already has a distinguished and diverse recording catalog, including sessions with Sonny Emory and the late, great Illinois Jacquet. Jones new album, however, represents his first recording as a band leader. Nearly all of the tunes on 'Pivot' are original compositions, and Jones believes they reflect well on his multi-directional career. He says, “This album shows how all music is essentially similar, and that a musician who understands the feel of music should be able to perform different styles effectively regardless of genre. 'Pivot' combines diverse sounds from blues to straight ahead, from gospel to samba, all within a jazz-oriented framework."
Jones applauds his highly talented band mates on this album, including Mace Hibbard on saxophone, pianist Louis Heriveaux, drummer Leon Anderson, and Rodney Jordan on acoustic bass. In addition, the album also features special guests Mike Burton on saxophone, “Lil" John Roberts and Terreon Gully on drums, trombonist Jeff Bradshaw and pianist Brian Hogans. Of all these acclaimed musicians, Jones says, “These performers can swing on one piece, samba on another, and play the down-home blues on yet another. Fellow Turnaround Records artist Brian Hogans is known as one of the most exciting and adventurous saxophonists on the scene, but he plays piano and fender rhodes on my album in a way that our listeners will find irresistible."
Many of the tunes on 'Pivot' were written specifically for this album and also expressly for the performers who would be helping to play them. Says Jones, “While all of these musicians have made great names for themselves in their respective genres, I knew about the type of music that they play when they're not on stage. That rare, stylistic flexibility was what I wanted to capture on this album. These gifted musicians have the innate ability to change directions and styles authentically, and 'Pivot' showcases those remarkable talents."
Jones' admired career includes his receiving top honors from both Morehouse College in Atlanta and the Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Jersey. He honed his skills under the intense instruction of world-renowned trumpeter and educator, William “Prof" Fielder, whose illustrious student roster includes names like Wynton Marsalis, Sean Jones and Kenny Garrett. Jones then embarked on an impressive performance career, gracing the stage with industry legends like Don Braden, Clark Terry, and Carmen Lundy.
Jones' most recent accomplishments are varied and reflect his diverse interests. He has impressive experience as a freelance artist in the northeastern region, and he has performed regularly with the elite pre-ensemble horn section “Solid State," which has played and/or recorded with industry notables like The Pussycat Dolls, Fergie, Gladys Knight, and the 'Original Dreamgirl' herself, Jennifer Holiday. Jones has recently finished an eight-month-long national tour with Tyler Perry's production entitled “Madea's Big Happy Family," an association which began with his appearance in Perry's film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself." Jones also served as Director of Bands for the world-renowned Morehouse College Marching Band, better known as the “House of Funk," and the internationally-acclaimed Morehouse College Jazz Ensemble. In addition to performing at jazz clubs around the country, he can now be seen as a reoccurring addition to the house band, the “Penthouse Players," on the Mo'Nique Show which airs weekly on BET
The jazz industry recognizes the immense artistic talent of Jones and lauds his musical contributions. Bill Summers, legendary Grammy-winning percussionist and bandleader; says, “Melvin Jones is the essence of perfection. My musical experiences with him over the years have been nothing other than stellar." Sonny Emory, Grammy-winning drummer and bandleader, says, “Melvin Jones is an exceptional talent on trumpet, and it's indeed a pleasure to share the stage with such a consummate pro!"
N. Nginyo, president of Turnaround Records, says, “We are honored to partner with the esteemed Melvin Jones in bringing his debut solo album to the jazz community. 'Pivot' will only fortify Jones' place as a highly versatile and sought-after jazz artist whose musical talent and fan base grow appreciably with each new performance."
To learn more about Melvin Jones, and to listen to his amazing new sounds on 'Pivot,' please visit www.turnaroundrecords.com and www.melvinjones.net. Jones' album will be available for purchase on www.turnaroundrecords.com, iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon.com and many other online retailers. In addition, album release parties are scheduled for April 8 and 9, 2011, at Churchill Grounds in Atlanta. Jones invites the public to attend the CD release parties, enjoy his eclectic sounds, and join him in celebrating his latest artistic achievement.
About Turnaround Records
Turnaround Records is a dynamic jazz label featuring the finest neo-classical, contemporary, straight-ahead, fusion and Latin jazz artists. Turnaround acts as a conduit for its musicians, allowing their artistry and creativity to flourish in a nurturing environment while their music reaches the largest audience possible. Turnaround Records is intent on showcasing tomorrow's great jazz artists today.
*Melvin Jones is an endorsed artist of Phaeton Trumpets.
Jones, described succinctly as “the real deal" by the famed jazz composer and trumpeter Marcus Printup, already has a distinguished and diverse recording catalog, including sessions with Sonny Emory and the late, great Illinois Jacquet. Jones new album, however, represents his first recording as a band leader. Nearly all of the tunes on 'Pivot' are original compositions, and Jones believes they reflect well on his multi-directional career. He says, “This album shows how all music is essentially similar, and that a musician who understands the feel of music should be able to perform different styles effectively regardless of genre. 'Pivot' combines diverse sounds from blues to straight ahead, from gospel to samba, all within a jazz-oriented framework."
Jones applauds his highly talented band mates on this album, including Mace Hibbard on saxophone, pianist Louis Heriveaux, drummer Leon Anderson, and Rodney Jordan on acoustic bass. In addition, the album also features special guests Mike Burton on saxophone, “Lil" John Roberts and Terreon Gully on drums, trombonist Jeff Bradshaw and pianist Brian Hogans. Of all these acclaimed musicians, Jones says, “These performers can swing on one piece, samba on another, and play the down-home blues on yet another. Fellow Turnaround Records artist Brian Hogans is known as one of the most exciting and adventurous saxophonists on the scene, but he plays piano and fender rhodes on my album in a way that our listeners will find irresistible."
Many of the tunes on 'Pivot' were written specifically for this album and also expressly for the performers who would be helping to play them. Says Jones, “While all of these musicians have made great names for themselves in their respective genres, I knew about the type of music that they play when they're not on stage. That rare, stylistic flexibility was what I wanted to capture on this album. These gifted musicians have the innate ability to change directions and styles authentically, and 'Pivot' showcases those remarkable talents."
Jones' admired career includes his receiving top honors from both Morehouse College in Atlanta and the Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Jersey. He honed his skills under the intense instruction of world-renowned trumpeter and educator, William “Prof" Fielder, whose illustrious student roster includes names like Wynton Marsalis, Sean Jones and Kenny Garrett. Jones then embarked on an impressive performance career, gracing the stage with industry legends like Don Braden, Clark Terry, and Carmen Lundy.
Jones' most recent accomplishments are varied and reflect his diverse interests. He has impressive experience as a freelance artist in the northeastern region, and he has performed regularly with the elite pre-ensemble horn section “Solid State," which has played and/or recorded with industry notables like The Pussycat Dolls, Fergie, Gladys Knight, and the 'Original Dreamgirl' herself, Jennifer Holiday. Jones has recently finished an eight-month-long national tour with Tyler Perry's production entitled “Madea's Big Happy Family," an association which began with his appearance in Perry's film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself." Jones also served as Director of Bands for the world-renowned Morehouse College Marching Band, better known as the “House of Funk," and the internationally-acclaimed Morehouse College Jazz Ensemble. In addition to performing at jazz clubs around the country, he can now be seen as a reoccurring addition to the house band, the “Penthouse Players," on the Mo'Nique Show which airs weekly on BET
The jazz industry recognizes the immense artistic talent of Jones and lauds his musical contributions. Bill Summers, legendary Grammy-winning percussionist and bandleader; says, “Melvin Jones is the essence of perfection. My musical experiences with him over the years have been nothing other than stellar." Sonny Emory, Grammy-winning drummer and bandleader, says, “Melvin Jones is an exceptional talent on trumpet, and it's indeed a pleasure to share the stage with such a consummate pro!"
N. Nginyo, president of Turnaround Records, says, “We are honored to partner with the esteemed Melvin Jones in bringing his debut solo album to the jazz community. 'Pivot' will only fortify Jones' place as a highly versatile and sought-after jazz artist whose musical talent and fan base grow appreciably with each new performance."
To learn more about Melvin Jones, and to listen to his amazing new sounds on 'Pivot,' please visit www.turnaroundrecords.com and www.melvinjones.net. Jones' album will be available for purchase on www.turnaroundrecords.com, iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon.com and many other online retailers. In addition, album release parties are scheduled for April 8 and 9, 2011, at Churchill Grounds in Atlanta. Jones invites the public to attend the CD release parties, enjoy his eclectic sounds, and join him in celebrating his latest artistic achievement.
About Turnaround Records
Turnaround Records is a dynamic jazz label featuring the finest neo-classical, contemporary, straight-ahead, fusion and Latin jazz artists. Turnaround acts as a conduit for its musicians, allowing their artistry and creativity to flourish in a nurturing environment while their music reaches the largest audience possible. Turnaround Records is intent on showcasing tomorrow's great jazz artists today.
*Melvin Jones is an endorsed artist of Phaeton Trumpets.
