As I’ve written many times before; I love music. I don’t really care what genre it is, as long as it sounds good and I have the ability to share it with others…because you know that music is a form of communication.

I received two releases today and wanted to let you know about them. Now, if you’re a Jazz lover, you’ve either already purchased these new releases or you have plans to in the near future. Here are my thoughts.

Photo By Nitin Vadukal

Urbanus – with Stefon Harris and Blackout; Concord Jazz announced not long ago about the release of vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris’s 7^th album as a bandleader and Concord Debut, Urbanus. This new release picks up where 2004’s Evolution left off in that it features Blackout. It is a 10-track-album and was available as of August 25^th, 2009.

When you listen to it, you can’t help but chill. It just has that acoustic sound to it that makes you want to sit back and do nothing but listen to what’s playing. In fact, when you listen to the opening track you’ll find your beat’s just a little more, “upbeat”.

Now Christina (the second song on the track) is a beautiful soft and soothing song. I found myself, out of the whole CD, replaying this song because it was just that, soft and soothing. You’ll actually find many great songs on this track that will become a favorite to your listening pleasures. Trust me, I did. It’s definitely for the Jazz lover!!!

Here’s the track listing:

1. Gone (be sure to listen to the Audio Stream for this song)
2. Christina (my fave)
3. Tanktified (Also available on Audio Stream)
4. Shake It for Me
5. Minor March
6. They Won’t Go
7. The Afterthought
8. For You
9. Blues for Denial
10. Langston’s Lullaby

You can purchase your track by going to Amazon

You can also head to the official website here: http://www.stefonharris.com/

Next Up:

Photo By Shannon Brinkman

The Terence Blanchard Group; Choices

Okay, I’ll just have to first say that I love the amazing vocals by Bilal and Dr. Cornel West; they’re absolutely amazing. They’ve got that deep, smooth, want-to-listen-to type of voice. Once the sax is playing and the snares are going; you’ll know exactly what you’re listening to, but, add the trumpet into the mix and you’ve got yourself an extraordinary jazzy music festival going on right in your home. It’s the type of music that just gets you movin’. I know, probably the mommy talking here, but when I listen to Jazz, it makes me want to get up and clean…I seem to get more done that way (LOL). It’s something about the rhythm…makes me want to do something-anything as long as I’m moving.

This track is filled with 15 amazing sounds. In fact; take a peak:

1. Byus
2. Beethoven
3. D’s Choice
4. Journey
5. Hacia Del Aire
6. Jazz Man in the World of Ideas
7. Him or Me
8. Choices
9. Hugs (Historically Underrepresented Groups)
10. Winding roads
11. When Will You Call (Audio Stream)
12. A New Note Angel
13. A New world (Created Inside the Walls of Imagination)
14. Touched by an Angel
15. Robin’s choice

Now, I’ve also included a few audio recordings so that you can see what I’m talking about (for both bands). The music is amazing and, being that I’ve always had a liking for Jazz, I thought you might enjoy hearing a little bit of it too.

Here’s a little FYI on The Terence Blanchard Group; Terence Blanchard is a three-time Grammy award winning trumpet player (listening to the track; you’ll see why) and composer. He has established himself as one of the greatest jazz musicians of his generation and Concord was very excited to have him as part of the family. Terence Blanchard has more than 29 albums and several movie scores (including, but not limited to, Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” and “When the Levees Break”).

Choices- This track was recorded in his hometown of New Orleans at the Ogden Museum of Art and the album simply addresses the choices we all make in life. It is truly outstanding to listen to no matter what the mood.  Also, be on the lookout as Blanchard will premiere the project at the Ogden Museum in late July and the show will also be filmed for an upcoming documentary.

Choices was released August 18^th on Concord Records

You can visit the official site by heading to http://www.terenceblanchard.com/

You can also purchase this CD over at Amazon.