'Music Has Been My Saviour'

Vivian Sessoms was born in Harlem, and she shuttled between Philly and Harlem as a child with some stops in Newark & Camden NJ. As she likes to say – ‘she lived in all the ‘hoods. Her parents were free thinkers, creatives who were immersed in music and cultural expression. Early on she just knew that one day she would be a singer, and that knowledge became a compelling need that drove her forward. With her parents singing and playing music around her, harmonizing and sharing the essence, the structure of music, there was never another option. The church figured in as well, as her grandmother made sure she was in church most Sundays, and the spirit of gospel music was forever entangled with her destiny. 

And so we present to you today, Vivian's rendition of the classic traditional song 'See Line Woman'. Originally recorded for the library of Congress (Sea-Lion Woman) and later popularized by Nina Simone, See Line Woman expresses Vivian's understanding of the roots, and her vision for elegant arrangement. Featured on the track are Vincent Gardner, Kenyatta Beasley, and Donny McCaslin. Let it roll. 

Nate Smith | Pocket Change

The incomparable Nate Smith has helped invigorate the Jazz scene over the last two decades with his visceral and deep-rooted style of drumming. From work with Jose James, Dave Holland, and Chris Potter, to his Grammy nominated debut album, KINFOLK: Postcards from Everywhere, Nate is on the scene. It seems that every day another musician or fan posts a video of Nate behind the kit, in awe of the style and and polish of his work. Now, Nate has prepared a solo drumset album dubbed Pocket Change - 11 improvised drum tracks of groove and feel, and of course technique.

Pocket Change will be released in three formats - Collector's Vinyl, A Creators software package from Loop Loft/Native Instruments, and in digital download/streaming worldwide. Start right here for the single and find your spot. 

'The idea of the album is to use (seemingly) simple grooves as a launching pad ... My goal was to develop improvised thematic ideas within groove context to create a storytelling arc.' (Nate Smith)

ToNY Adamo | was out jazz zone mad

This cat takes some old school spoken word and makes it fresh - with a clear eye on the Jazz greats and no apologies. Tony Adamo has led a storied life, from the Navy to radio to acting to putting up billboards. When he met up with Mic Gillette and Skip Mesquite from Tower Of Power, he began recording and found a new groove: Free flowing spoken word. Tony writes his words down, and then does his piece on stage or in the studio, and the words are not the same. He has teamed up with Mike Clark for his new record, WAS OUT JAZZ ZONE MAD, due out on September 14th with a feature from Roger Smith. This is the poet as band member - sometimes singing, sometimes beat poet, sometimes a radio presenter, all in synch with the madness of the music. It's like a sport, where the ball can go anywhere and the players move in earnest. When it's right, it's nothing but graceful. WAS OUT JAZZ ZONE MAD pays tribute to the greats, to the players behind him, and to the art of improvisation.

Jim Stephens | Philasippiola Soul

After his Ropeadope debut – On Our Way To Forever – and his gritty, stripped down album of salt of the earth tunes – Boxcar Blues – Jim Stephens returns with his opus. Songs Of Healing:Philassippiola Soul brings Stephens full vision into view, with classics like Down By The Riverside and Baby Please Don’t Go interspersed with his soulful gospel-tinged compositions. The process is one of inclusion, with a solid cast of inspiring musicians from Chuck Treece, Doug Grisby, Pablo Batista, Lucky Thompson, and many more contributing their unique styles in the arranging and recording process. This is a record of the people, by the people, and for the people. Laments on life’s struggles with a positive message of fortitude and hope color the pages of Philassipiola Soul.