The Countdown 2017 | Charles Owens Quartet

It's clear we are in love with the musicians and the scene in Richmond VA, so we were thrilled when Charles Owens called and mentioned his new project - As One - with the RVA crew of Kelli Strawbridge, Devonne Harris, and Andrew Randazzo. Charles is a veteran of the NYC Jazz scene, having performed with such jazz luminaries as Mark Turner, Brad Mehldau, Omer Avital, Jason Linder, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Brian Blade, Peter Bernstein, Larry Goldings, Jeff Watts, Sam Yahel, and Joel Frahm among many others. 

"As One marks several “firsts” for me. First one with electric bass, first one with electric piano, first one with almost no walking bass lines. This electric quartet had its nucleus when I first heard Kelli play drums. I was immediately hooked. He plays with dynamics, and soul. He listens, and can play intensely without over-powering. His time is great and he gets wonderful tones from his instruments. So much excellence… Devonne and Andy are back with for this record except now Andy is on electric bass (his true love)! Andy’s playing is so free and beautiful. He adds so much to the sound and arrangements of the music here. Is there ANYTHING better than having a killin' bass player in your band? I don’t know. Then the genius that is Devonne is now playing keyboards instead of drums. Anyone who knows Devonne is aware of all the instruments he plays so very well. Ever since I met him in 2010 he’s been a powerful musical force in my life. 

The Countdown 2017 | Michon Young

Under the guidance of Brian Hurst from SoulandJazz.com, Atlanta Records continues to shine with sizzling new talent that meet at the intersection of Soul and Jazz. This time it's Michon Young, hailing from Detroit (by way of Gary, Indiana) and delivering a deep gospel-tinged vocal on her debut. Love,Life,Experiences is at once a meditation and a groove as Michon writes and sings from the heart. In her words:

I have always believed that music is love. It is universal. It can soothe the soul, bring tears to your eyes or simply just place you in a reflective state. Either way, music has the ability to penetrate the heart and invoke many genuine, real emotions. Each song on this project is taken from a personal experience. Each song represents a part of my life that most can relate to e.g. the joy and excitement of love, the hurt that love can sometimes bring and the encouragement that you sometimes must give yourself when you’re left facing life alone. This project takes you on a journey from beginning to end. For me, this musical journey was written from experiencing the pain of lost love but also the joy of finding new love again. It also lyrically expresses the concerns about the divisive world we’re living in today and the importance of uniting as one. Many songs on this project are filled with Live instrumentation. I’ve always been a fan of old school great musical composition and the way it merged with sound lyrical content. “Love, Life, Experiences”, tells a story similar to the stories told in years past by songwriters and musicians alike. This is my story. My hope is that at least one song from this project will touch a heart, involve a raw emotion, soothe the soul, uplift and inspire. I hope many will enjoy the journey and musical ride of “Love,Life,Experiences”.                                                                                                                                                                          - Michon

The Countdown 2017 | Jared Sims

Jared Sims taught jazz and classical saxophone at the University of Rhode Island from 2005 to 2016. As assistant director of jazz studies, he directed the school’s big band at the Newport Jazz Festival four times. He co-founded the Newport Jazz Camp, a summer program for high school musicians. He also has taught at the University of New Hampshire and Southern New Hampshire University.

We first met Jared when he brought the power funk Akashic Record to Ropeadope, and four years later we find Jared quite a distance from Boston , in the great state of West Virginia. Putting down new roots and reconnecting with old ones find led Sims to his next project - Change Of Address. All About Jazz frames the story:

'Jared Sims isn't a purist, that's for sure. On Change Of Address, an album that marks his return to life in West Virginia after two decades spent in New England, he wields his baritone saxophone on a set of slick tunes that speaks to jazz's soul and funk extensions. Sims places his weighty horn squarely in the middle of an organ outfit, but he's not trying to take on the legacy of Ronnie Cuber or looking to juxtapose his bari against some form of a classic Blue Note sound. The fact that this date is on Ropeadope should be an obvious hint, to those familiar with that label, that there's a strong groove and pocket element at the center of this music.'

The Countdown 2017 | ollie howell

Described by the great Quincy Jones as “an unbelievable drummer. So creative I couldn’t believe it … he really is a 360-degree beautiful young cat”, Ollie Howell simply caught our attention with his expressive compositions. What stood out the most was that the drums did not stand out the most!

Self Identity is Ollie's second album, written post-surgery like a cosmic reminder to find the joy in life. The band -  Duncan Eagles on Tenor Saxophone, Ant Law on Electric Guitar, Henry Spencer on Trumpet, Matt Robinson on Piano, and Max Luthert on Double Bass - seem to intimately understand the mission. Of course, you cannot help but turn your attention back to the drummer, whose delicate style is gently leading the way, coaxing the travelers ion the path. Head over here to join Ollie on his journey.