May 25 - Mulgrew Miller “Live at Yoshis". One of the remaining legendary players, pianist Mulgrew Miller gives us an outstanding showcase from his live stand at Yoshis in Oakland last year. Features his great regular trio of Derrick Hodge on bass and Karriem Riggins (who supplies all those drums beats to Common, Q-Tip and other rappers/hip hoppers) on drums.
May 25 - DEBUT - Denny Zeitlin “Slickrock". In his “spare" time, psychologist Denny Zeitlin is a brilliant pianist. Discovered by talent legend John Hammond, Zeitlin issued some great CDs on Columbia in the 60s before helping to pioneer electronic fusion and scoring the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers" film in the 70s. He marks his debut on MAXJAZZ by featuring Buster Williams on bass and Matt Wilson on drums.
June 8 - DEBUT - Erin Bode “Don't Take Your Time". A young sophisticate, Erin Bode blends the country/folk style of Norah Jones with the wistful, bright sound of Blossom Dearie for a sparkling debut on MAXJAZZ. Well known around her St. Louis hometown, Bode sold out her first independent release and has opened for Michael Buble and Mary Wilson.
July 20 - Jessica Williams “Live At Yoshis". Jessica Williams stupefies audiences in her live performances by leaving them awed, curious and completely won over to her mastery of the keys, the strings under the hood and everything in between. A phenomenal player, Williams captures one of her live sessions on her 3rd CD for MAXJAZZ, once again featuring Ray Drummond on bass and Victor Lewis on drums.
August 31 - Peter Martin (TBA). Peter Martin blends funk, blues, swing and jazz into his playing in a seamless way which keeps him in demand. Formerly the pianist for Wynton Marsalis at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Martin surprised many with his jaunty MAXJAZZ debut and will follow suit with his 2nd on the label.
August 31 - DEBUT Rebecca Martin “People Behave Like Ballads". Compared by many to Norah Jones, Rebecca Martin is perhaps closer to Joni Mitchell in style. Martin's poetic lyrics rival the beauty of the music she composes for them. Her last CD was named to 2002 Top 10 by the New York Times. This one will win her many fans too.
September 28 - Rene Marie (TBA). One of the label's top-selling artists, Rene Marie has a phenomenal story and a phenomenal vocal talent. She captivates audiences wherever she goes from Town Hall in NYC to Chicago's Jazz Showcase and all stops in between. Her 4th CD for MAXJAZZ will once again feature her searing vocals, her intriguing takes on standards and her unique original compositions.
PALMETTO RECORDS (www.palmetto-records.com)
May 25 - Ben Allison “Buzz". One of the most prolific and talented of the young crop of jazz musicians on the scene, Ben Allison releases another sterling Palmetto CD, this time reunited with his Medicine Wheel band. His previous CD “Peace Pipe" was hailed nationwide and this one keeps the streak going.
June 29 - Bobby Watson & Horizon “Reassembled". A beloved player by audiences and musicians alike, saxophonist Bobby Watson spends a lot of time teaching down in Kansas City but still found time to reassemble his Horizon band for this followup to his post-9/11 CD, “Live & Learn."
July 20 - DEBUT Steve Swallow with Ohad Talmor “The Bum's Tale". Bassist Steve Swallow and saxophonist Ohad Talmor are two very unique and engaging musicians - not quite like anyone else and not at all like each other. So what happens when Ohad takes on reinterpreting Steve's compositions? Take a listen and find out.
August 31 - Matt Wilson's Arts & Crafts “Wake Up To What's Happening". One of the most enjoyable jazz performers around, drummer Matt Wilson is continuing to win recognition not only for his famed colored wigs but also for his catchy, off-kilter compositions and playing style. A frequent JJA and critics poll favorite, he reunites his Arts & Crafts band to wake everyone up to what's happening.
September/October - DEBUT - Dr Lonnie Smith “Too Damn Hot". One of the most anticipated releases of 2004, Dr Lonnie Smith always brings the heat and “Too Damn Hot" will make you feel it.
PREMONITION RECORDS (www.premonitionandmusic.com)
July 13 - Von Freeman with Jimmy Cobb “The Great Divide". Drummer Jimmy Cobby was on the first recording Von Freeman did. Now 81, Von asks Jimmy back for a 2nd time on “The Great Divide", his followup to “The Improvisor," his acclaimed live CD also on Premonition. Named to honor Von's former playing partners and influences - Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker and Lester Young - Von makes it clear he belongs in that elite group. The City of Chicago and Northwestern University recognized that by officially naming a street after him (City) and honoring him with a degree (NU). Congratulations, Von. Be at his CD release party at his regular Chicago haunt, The New Apartment Lounge, on Tuesday, July 13.
SUNNYSIDE RECORDS (www.sunnysidezone.com)
May 25 - DEBUT - Chris Potter “Lift: Live at the Village Vanguard". Chris Potter's playing just won him a Jazz Journalist Association nod for Best Tenor Saxophonist, only one of many award nominations that Potter regularly receives since entering the scene with his noteworthy Verve releases. He moves to Sunnyside in grand fashion with his invigorating, head-bopping “Lift" live recording from the famed Village Vanguard. He'll head into the Vanguard again next week, May 18-23, to celebrate.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
