Russell Thompkins, Jr. - Riding Solo SoulMusic Records-Digital in association with Platinum Garage Recordings is very excited to present “Riding Solo,” a brand new album by the iconic Russell Thompkins, Jr.  whose distinctive vocal style graced such classic hits as” You Are Everything”, “Betcha By Golly Wow”and “People Make The World Go ‘Round” as the original lead singer of The Stylistics.  With primary production by Preston Glass and three tracks produced by The Steals Brothers & McKinley Jackson, “Riding Solo” is a powerful addition to Russell’s musical legacy. Songs include ..read more

There would be no music career for soprano saxophonist Reggie Codrington had it not been for his father, trumpeter Ray Codrington. Born with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy that required nine major surgeries even before the saxman was a teenager, Ray found a small, curved saxophone that made it physically possible for Reggie to play the instrument. After Ray succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease last May, Reggie decided to pay tribute by recording one of his father’s favorite compositions, “Three Shades of Blue,” a song that Ray wrote and performed in his live sets, but never recorded. The urban-jazz s ..read more

Kamasi Washington calls Fearless Movement his dance album. “It’s not literal,” Washington says. “Dance is movement and expression, and in a way it’s the same thing as music—expressing your spirit through your body. That’s what this album is pushing.” Dance as an embodied form of expression signals a shift in focus for Washington. Where previous albums dealt with cosmic ideas and existential concepts, Fearless Movement focuses in on the everyday, an exploration of life on earth. This change in scope is due in large part to the birth of Washington’s first child a few years ago. “Being a fa ..read more

A lifetime ago, Christian de Mesones was a New York City cabbie and heavy metal bassist who had a voracious appetite for the seedy decadence the Big Apple’s music scene was known for in the 1980s. Determined to change his life, de Mesones did a complete one-eighty, got clean and changed his musical muse to jazz funk. Dedicating his “second life” to pursuing his newfound passion for contemporary jazz and deep soul grooves spiced with Latin rhythms, de Mesones will release his second album, “You Only Live Twice,” on April 12 on the That 555 Lyfe label. Christopher Valentine produced nine of the ..read more

Saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and educator Stephen Philip Harvey leads various ensembles with a drive to explore a vast array of avenues in improvisation and composition, including his wonderful Stephen Philip Harvey Octet (SPH8), heard on the studio album Elemental, and now on the live recording of this music, Elemental (Live).  To culminate and celebrate the release tour for the studio album, the SPH8 recorded their performance in support of Elemental at Radio Artifact in Cincinnati on June 23, 2023. This exciting evening generated two separate recordings that are slated for relea ..read more

In an era of global environmental upheaval, the redemptive power of music carves out a sanctuary of solace, a theme resonating deeply in Alison Burns and Martin Taylor’s latest album, 'Songs for Nature'. More than just a collection of timeless jazz standards, ‘Songs for Nature’ acts as a musical love letter to the natural world and the composers, lyricists, and musicians it has inspired. Alison Burns brings a smoky, sultry, and understated delivery that seems tailor-made for the intimate embrace of a dimly lit jazz club, yet has enthralled everyone from exuberant music festival attendees to ..read more

Omnivore Recordings has announced a new live record from The Staple Singers, Africa 80, which features performances from their first ever tour in Africa. The album will be released on CD and Digital on May 10.  The Staple Singers emerged into the public consciousness in the early 1950s and over the course of their influential career, transformed how listeners experienced Gospel music. During the Civil Rights movement, Roebuck “Pops” Staples discovered that their music could both enlighten and inspire a new generation. Signing with Stax Records, they began to rule not only the Gospel char ..read more

Heralded as one of the premiere saxophonists of his generation, Boston-based Nicholas Brust has established his voice, both as an instrumentalist and a composer, in the world of modern instrumental music. He has found his niche as a bandleader and composer, taking advantage of the numerous textures and combinations available in small-group improvised music, evident on his new recording, Daybreak, featuring Brust with guitarist Lage Lund, pianist Julia Chen, bassist Rick Rosato and drummer Gary Kerkezou.  Daybreak is the follow up recording to Brust’s debut full-length album, Frozen ..read more

Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny Garrett and acclaimed producer Svoy have announced the release of their highly anticipated album "Who Killed AI." Known for their innovative approach to jazz and electrifying performances, Garrett and Svoy once again push the boundaries of the genre with this latest collaboration. "Who Killed AI" delves into themes of artificial intelligence, technology, and the human experience in the modern age. Through their masterful compositions and virtuosic performances, Garrett and Svoy explore the intersection of humanity and technology, inviting listeners on a ..read more

On April 5, 2024, Melissa Aldana released her latest album, "Echoes Of The Inner Prophet," marking a significant progression from her acclaimed Blue Note Records debut, "12 Stars," released in 2022. This album encapsulates a fascinating paradox, as Aldana delves into introspection while celebrating collaboration and community. Aldana describes "Echoes Of The Inner Prophet" as a reflection of her personal journey, emphasizing an introspective viewpoint that connects with her inner self. The album explores themes of maturation and self-discovery, revealing both strengths and vulnerabilities. It ..read more