New CDs
(Older CD's can be found HERE)
Releasing a CD is no trivial matter. Since only the luckiest chosen-few end up on a major label with any kind of promotion, most local musicians eventually take a stab at self-producing a CD. With WRTI basically down the tubes, and the international distribution system a cruel joke, Philly artists have it particularly tough when it comes to getting the airplay and recognition they deserve.
My prediction is that within 5 years, the MP3 format, increased Internet bandwidth, cheap memory, cheap CPUs and even cheaper disk storage will combine to allow an absolutely democratic and merit-based distribution system to organically occur. This will radically change the power structure of the music business in a fashion that would have Karl Marx doing back flips in his grave. The musicians will finally control their own destinies, and the entire populace of the world will have immediate access to that 12-bar blues you dreamed up last night.
Until that time, we have independent productions. Jim Miller, one of Philly's first-call drummers, and an experienced producer as well, has a saying about first-time independent releases. He calls them "the world's most expensive business cards." Jim is right. Until E-commerce undermines the traditional power structures (boy I'm sounding like a Commie here .... Hey !! I'm a stinkin' MBA alright ??) there is precious little profit in the indie route.
Anyway, this is long-overdue as a specific page. I've tried to give individual artists their due, but I think it's going to be more effective to put CD news in one spot. There will be three categories. 1. In Production will cover anything from the dreaming stage up until the final mix. 2. In the Can will cover anything that's already mixed, mastered, but waiting on the covers, yada yada yada .. in the stores in less than two months. 3. In the Stores - Even if it's NOT in the stores, it's for sale on gigs, via Web Page, whatever.
Take a look at Jazzreview.com and check for these artist's reviews. Jazz Improv Magazine is also very good about reviewing Philly-based artists (and independents in general.)
In the Stores :
DreamBox Media, Philadelphia's most prolific and consistent Jazz record label has so many releases that to list them here would make this already graphics-laden page crawl to a halt. Therefore, PhillyJazz.ORG is devoting a page specifically for CDs emerging from this increasingly important organization. Click the logo below and don't forget to check out the official DreamBox website at: http://www.dreamboxmedia.com/
Click Me !!
DreamBox is constantly releasing consistently fresh and innovative releases from the very Best of the area's artists. The Birdhouse Project is their effort at keeping alive the repertoire of Charlie Parker - A composer and improvisor whose works deserve to be kept alive just as those of Mozart or Beethoven.
Dreambox is a local Treasure!
Neil's debut CD is all ORIGINALS !! Chock full of great talent from the Philly gene pool as well !!
Tony Hughes Trio- i remember you
Check out a sample on the PhillyJazz Jukebox.
Leon Jordan Jr. has just released his debut CD at the tender age of 19 !
The ever-popular (and ever-changing) Eric Mintel quartet keeps on putting out consistently innovating material showing respect for the tradition, while offering new ideas.
Look for samples on the PhillyJazz Jukebox.
Eric never disappoints !!
Times Change
David Joel's Latest
Spiral
Sky by the David Joel Quartet is a colorful auditory tapestry revealing the
diverse amalgam of what happens when jazz meets electric elements, fusion,
rock, bossa nova, gospel, and other disparate influences. The disc, released
in March of 2007, features compositions and guitar work by David Joel, Bass
- Paul Gehman, Keyboards - John Stenger, and Drums - Dan Monaghan. A regular
staple of Chris’ Jazz Cafe, the group transverses various musical genres
which they weave into a unique and aesthetic style all their own.
Spiral Sky is available at:
AKA Music
27 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-922-3855
Sound Of Market
15 S. 11th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-925-3150
Pat’s Music Center
7302 Frankford Ave.
Phila. PA 19136
215-708-0444
Monk Audio and Record Center
5141 Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
215-748-2513
Spinster’s
110 S. Main Street
New Hope, PA 18938
215-862-2700
Also available at: CDBaby.com and itunes
Seán Kennedy's latest!
Arggh , Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum. This treasure is sure to shiver your timbers !! Seán runs his usual tight ship, and in addition to the regular crew hosts guests Bob Mintzer on Tenor, Liberty DiVito on drums and Frank DiBussolo on Guitar.
Released on Lostworldmusic.com, this is a fresh treatment which still respects tradition. Snag some free booty on the Jukebox (reduced fidelity as usual!) BUY THE CD for the full effect !!!!
Erin Stroup, saxophone
John Stenger, piano
Raymond Clemens, bass
Seán J. Kennedy, drums
Rob Swanson's latest
Terra Soul
... Not your typical Philly Hard Bop.
Check out samples later this week on the Juke Box !!
Listen to the future today !! UArts has some very inventive young students under Coordinator of Piano Studies and performer, Don Glanden.
You'll hear some very different takes on standards you though had been done every way possible !
Hear an example (Free #2) on the JukeBox
Check out Guitarist Mike Kennedy's latest Quartet offering !! You can hear the title track on the Philly Jazz.Org Jukebox
This particular cut has a sort of "Sidewinder" groove to it, but the CD has plenty of hard bop, ballad and straight-ahead modern grooves to please any taste.
Eric Mintel Quartet
Check out this 3 CD Compilation of Eric's quartet. This comprises Hopscotch from 2002, Dynamo form 2004, and Four on the Floor from 2005. We can assume they were touring in 2003 <g>.
A nice way to get all three excellent CDs in one slick package...
You can hear cuts on the PhillyJazz.Org Jukebox
"Texas" Tenor Ed Wiley Jr. puts out a new one.
See details at his website !
Lots of great players from Philly and elsewhere ....