New Music | Tim Ries

Tim Ries has held down the saxophone and keyboard chairs with The Rolling Stones for the past 21 years, all the while espousing his love of Jazz on his own projects and shows. In 2005 he hit the studio with a cast of greats - Jack DeJohnette, Bill Frisell, Larry Goldings, Grégoire Maret, James Genus and Scott Colley - and recorded a master work. Tim waited to release it as his mother was very ill during the recording, and sadly passed soon after its completion. And now, fourteen years later, Life Changes from Tim Ries is ready for release. The title speaks to the events that brought him to this point, with reference to his daughters Bella, Eliana, and Jasia (who performs on the album), and the dedication to his mother Edith Ries.

The story is unique, and we all get a glimpse into the past with some of the best players on the planet. And yet the story quickly moves away as you listen; Life Changes could well have been recorded yesterday in its adventurous and grand style. We are proud to bring this project to the world - Life Changes will be released on August 9th, with preorders online on July 5th. Look for Tim Ries on the road with The Rolling Stones, and check for his solo shows around those dates, with CDs available as early as this weekend.

New Music | Mike Clark

How do you like your Jazz? If you like it played with seasoned precision and a driven sense of wanton abandon by some of the finest players on the planet, then you’re in luck as we prepare for the release of Mike Clark’s new album. Mike assembled the cats - Randy Brecker, Christian McBride, Donald Harrison Jr, Rob Dixon, and Antonio Ferao - for a live performance at The Iridium Jazz Club in New York City. Dubbed Indigo Blue, this is an all star band without the hype; six masters engaging in the sport of improvisation as collaborators seeking to transcend the individual parts. The recording is pristine, as if the perfection of the performance demanded the utmost care and attention. The result is a careful document in the history of Jazz. Indigo Blue: Live at The Iridium is set for release on July 12; stay tuned here for first listen and preorder on June 21.

Cover Photo by Derek Brad

New Music | VSUS

VSUS returns with a guitar-driven collaborative record for the ages.  The musicians on this 4-track storybook reimagine previous, younger versions of themselves  – and re-create it in the chaos of New York City. Imagine King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Yes, Joshua Redman, and a touch of Jimi Hendrix.  One might call it a modern twist on classic instrumental prog, wrapped up in a Renaissance mood to capture the memory of the soul. Written by E Scott Lindner (guitar/engineering) and his writing comrade Andrew Hagg (guitars), and reinterpreted along with Adam Ahuja (keyboards), Pablo Eluchans (drums) and Andrew Gould (sax), this experimental record takes the listener on a slightly disturbing, yet satisfying, breath-inducing journey.  Old versus new. Visions of a lethargic sun.

New Music | Aaron Whitby

Aaron Whitby is best known for his work with longtime collaborator Martha Redbone, the acclaimed Native/African-American songstress with whom he created the music genre ‘Native American Soul. Currently the team have created and are touring Bone Hill - The Concert, a devised, multi-disciplinary theatrical concert originally commissioned by Joe’s Pub and The Public Theater.

Mentored by Ohio Player Walter ‘Junie’ Morrison, Aaron Whitby has recorded with many greats, from Natalie Cole to George Clinton, and performed with the likes of Non Hendryx and Vernon Reid. His intent and style are unmistakeable - he’s got soul and it’s evident from the very first note until the last. And now, Aaron’s debut solo album - Cousin From Another Planet - is ready for prime time. With a cooking band that includes Fred Cash, Gary Fritz, Rodney Holmes, and Jerome Harris, and special guest vocalists Lisa Fischer, Tamar Kali, Rome Neal and Martha Redbone, Aaron leads us on a journey that includes social reflection and a powerful, positive message, all with a funky and soulful vibe.