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Anthony Crawford | Urban Jazz - My Story



Anthony Crawford | Urban Jazz - My Story
Hydro 6 Records
by Brent Faulkner


Jazz bassist Anthony Crawford hails from a preeminent family of musicians including his father Hubert, a drummer who’s played for James Brown and Cyndi Lauper among others, and his uncle, legendary jazz saxophonist Hank Crawford. Originally a drummer himself, Anthony Crawford fell in love with the bass, influenced by numerous rock bassist and bands and later jazz bassists including Victor Wooten, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, and the legendary Jaco Pastorius.

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Blues-Rocker Janis Joplin's Life Reprised In Song

“One Night with Janis Joplin” Rocks yet Leaves Some Stones Unturned
Pasadena Playhouse – March 17 – April 14, 2013
by A. Scott Galloway

Think of Janis Joplin and the first thing likely to come to mind is of a Jack Daniels guzzling blues-rock wailer with a big voice and a tragically short life. But an intimate new musical “One Night with Janis Joplin” seeks to deepen the understanding of this hippie-era rock icon via short confessional revelations she shares between songs in a concert setting that keeps the music coming.



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Jeanette Harris | Summer Rain



Jeanette Harris | Summer Rain
J&M Records
By Susan Mutharia


The talented saxtress of contemporary jazz, Jeanette Harris is back in the spotlight with an alluring fourth album Summer Rain. Harris has displayed her skill as a saxophonist in the past with tunes such as "Saxy" and "All I Do," a Stevie Wonder cover, both from the album 'Saxified'. Slowly but surely becoming a force to be reckoned with in the jazz industry, Ms. Harris is no stranger to the game.

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Bluey | Leap of Faith



Bluey | Leap of Faith
Shanachie Records
By Brent Faulkner


Jazz/R&B musician Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick is best known as the founder of London acid-jazz/funk group Incognito. A guitarist, vocalist, producer, and composer, Bluey is additionally notable for collaborative efforts with Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, and George Benson among others. 2013s Leap of Faith is Bluey’s first solo album, released via Shanachie Records.

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Tasha Cobbs | Grace



Tasha Cobbs | Grace
EMI Gospel
By Peggy  Oliver

When someone declares, “you were born to sing,” sometimes those compliments would ring true or it might be a bunch of hype. Unquestionably, Tasha Cobbs was born to sing. But Cobbs was born to accomplish even bigger things than just her obvious vocal skills. That critical gift is leading the masses into the presence of God that many gospel fans and industry cohorts have gravitated to.

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Brian McKnight | More Than Words



Brian McKnight | More Than Words
Entertainment One
by Brent Faulkner


R&B veteran Brian McKnight continues on the indie route with the release of third Entertainment One (eOne) effort, More Than Words. More Than Words is McKnight’s 15th studio album.

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Paul Hardcastle | VII



Paul Hardcastle | VII
By Peggy Oliver
 
Paul Hardcastle has unashamedly flown the banner for electronic music since 1984 while encompassing a kaleidoscope of soundscapes from hip-hop, R&B, funk and dance to numerous contemporary jazz recordings under the Jazzmasters, Kiss the Sky and under his own name.

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David P. Stevens | Epiphany



David P. Stevens | Epiphany
Sanctifly Music Group
by Brent Faulkner


Philadelphia guitarist, singer, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist David P. Stevens released his fourth independent jazz offering, Epiphany via Sanctifly Music Group March 1st, 2013. While ‘jazz’ may be the most appropriate label attached to Stevens’s music, it is not indicative of ‘the complete package’.

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Bilal | A Love Surreal



Bilal | A Love Surreal
Entertainment One Music
by Brent Faulkner


Within 2012-2013’s soul realm, enthusiasm seems to be most concentrated within the alternative-R&B wing, led by burgeoning, eclectic artists including Frank Ocean, Miguel, and The Weeknd. Before the newly incited alt-R&B movement,....eclecticism, creativity, and the ‘will to be different’ approach already pulsated through soul darling, Bilal Oliver. 2013’s highly anticipated A Love Surreal (released via eOne) continues to exhibit exceptional musicianship and stylistic flexibility Bilal has showcased from years in the game.

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Kris Brownlee | Sincerely Yours



Kris Brownlee | Sincerely Yours
Megawave Records
By George Strand


Widely acclaimed saxophonist Kris Brownlee sets the bar higher one more time with his new album “Sincerely Yours”. Contemporary grooves meet timeless melodies, creating a unique jazz blend that will blow you away. The album features thirteen tracks that have been described as “purely irresistible”. Perhaps the album’s stronger piece is "Halo", the first single to come out of Kris’s new musical adventure.

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