New Music | Ellen Andrea Wang

Recorded at her home, with bandmates Jon Fält and Rob Luft, Ellen Andrea Wang’s followup album Closeness II, is about relationships:

“I've always loved to rehearse in my kitchen at home. The bass sounds great in that room and I like the idea of putting everyday life into art or art into everyday life. To record an album at home has always been a dream of mine, surrounded by familiarities. Studio technician Marcus Forsgren joined in and we called our musician friends to borrow equipment. We recorded the music in my house, me in the kitchen, Rob and Jon in the living room, a session that was in a truly DIY spirit. It all became a unique experience that shaped and colored the music. A reinforcing "Closeness" expression that is about the close relationships with people I love and to places that have influenced me as a person."

Closeness II is set for release on October 4, and today we get a taste with Wang’s version of ‘I Like London In The Rain’ by Blossome Dearie. Pre-orders are up now - show your support here.

New Music | dred scott

Our persistent favorite piano player is back at it, this time with a new band and a solid tribute to George Shearing and Cal Tjader. Cali Mambo features Tom Beckham, Moses Patrou, and Matt Pavolka.

‘Jazz pianist George Shearing made a series of recordings in the 1950's using latin percussion, bass and vibraphone. Each one featured a Latina in a cocktail dress on the cover and had names like, Latin Lace, Latin Affair and Latin Escapade. The great Cal Tjader was the vibes player on one of these albums. Being a jazz pianist myself and having spent many formative years in the Bay Area where Cal was from, I always had an affinity for his music and the projects he was involved in. I had the opportunity to put a band together that played this way when I became the music director for the luxury residential high-rise on billionaire's row in Manhattan, 432 Park. The band began to play elsewhere around town and caught the interest of Denny Abrams, who produced the album. ‘ (dred scott)

Cali Mambo is out today.

New Music | Greg Satterthwaite

Jamaican born jazz pianist Greg Satterthwaite is an artist whose work is multifaceted, melodic, soulful and sophisticated. Bringing an energy and touch to the piano that has become his signature sound, Satterthwaite creates music that infuses his Afro-Caribbean roots with the jazz tradition.

Photo Courtesy: Katie Parker

Crossing Lines is the 3rd album from Satterthwaite and is a continuation of his musical offerings and scope. The previously released album, Savannah Blue (2023), is proof of Satterthwaite’s ability to infuse the rhythms of the African diaspora with his creativity and ingenuity. “His playing here shows many insights into his mindset. It is stylistic and cerebral, yet imaginative, which considering his academic background is not surprising.” (All About Jazz)

Crossing Lines is an amalgamation of music genres and cultures that Greg is passionate about. It is a synthesis of musics from the African diaspora including jazz, R&B, neo-soul, reggae, Afrobeats, dancehall, and more. Jazz and improvisation serve as a backdrop for the compositions and Afro Caribbean rhythms are ever present. The rhythmic sensibility of Jamaican music culture can be heard throughout the album.  Satterthwaite is Jamaican born and wanted this album to celebrate and highlight the rhythms from the country. As a jazz musician, Satterthwaite is equally as passionate about improvisation and all the rich music traditions that jazz has had an influence on. Crossing Lines celebrates all these things.

Crossing Lines is available for preorder today.