NEW RELEASES

Bob Sneider & Paul Hofmann, "Serve and Volley" Through their first two releases, 2004's "Interconnection" and 2006's "Escapade," guitarist Bob Sneider and pianist Paul Hofmann have developed a masterful and imaginative creative duo dynamic that coalesces in their finest effort to date, "Serve And Volley." The 66-minute program features original music by Hofmann and Sneider as well as covers of two classic jazz piano compositions - "Peri's Sco... read more >>

Scenes , "Rinnova" From its inception in 2001, Scenes has added a distinctive voice to the classic guitar trio lexicon through the creative group aesthetic applied by guitarist John Stowell, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop. For their latest release, the trio presents a set of compelling originals as they also explore varying sonic textures with Stowell's use of nylon string guitar, and even the fretless... read more >>

EEA , "The Dark" The Dark marks the debut release of EEA, a newly formed ensemble consisting of saxophonist Peter Epstein, Larry Engstrom on trumpet, and pianist David Ake, three longtime colleagues and collaborators. Whether performing original compositions, collective improvisations, or overlooked gems from the jazz repertoire, The Dark explores the full range of moods and textures afforded by this unusual instr... read more >>

Aaron Immanuel Wright , "Eleven Daughters" New York-based bassist and composer Aaron Immanuel Wright's dynamic debut recording features the lyrical piano work of Darrell Grant, along with his fellow Portlander on saxophone Tim Wilcox, and the Philadelphia-bred drummer Brian Menendez. Wright penned, or co-wrote all of the music, and arranged the standard "Laura." From the opening bass line of "Something Mainstream," it's clear Wright has id... read more >>

Dan Dean , "251" With pianists George Duke & Kenny Werner, organist Larry Goldings, and pianist/accordianist Gil Goldstein, Seattle bassist Dan Dean brings together some of the top keyboard talents in the world for an intimate set of duo performances, each displaying an abundance of spontaneity and spirited exchanges. With Goldings, the duo explores the bop of "In Walked Bud" to the funk of "I Feel Good." Pianists... read more >>

Hadley Caliman , "Straight Ahead" From Dexter Gordon to Freddie Hubbard to Santana through to his recent critically-acclaimed "Gratitude," Hadley Caliman's 78 years has been filled with the kind of personal achievement that all creative artists strive for. On "Straight Ahead," Caliman visits some of his favorite tunes including his old friend Harold Land's "Rapture," the Lee Morgan classic "Totem Pole," and with his own original "... read more >>

Curt Berg , "At Stagg Street Studio" Master composer/arranger/trombonist Curt Berg gathers with some of his good friends from the top ranks of the LA Jazz Scene to create his long-overdue debut recording. A regular weekly session at Berg's Avon Street studio has resulted in a tight band with a deep musical chemistry who here, explore the eclectic fare Berg has developed over the years as a performer and writer with, among many others... read more >>

Phil Kelly , "Ballet of the Bouncing Beagles" The Grammy-nominated composer and arranger follows up on 2006's "My Museum" with a frisky and swinging set of originals featuring the Northwest version of his Big Band, The NW Prevailing Winds. Special guests joining the band are his longtime LA cohorts, the fiery tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, altoist Jerry Dodgion, guitarist Grant Geissman and pianist Pat Coil. From the catchy shuffle "Ewe D... read more >>

Matt Vashlishan , "No Such Thing" For his debut recording, the Miami-based reedman enlists his good friend and mentor Dave Liebman, along with Liebman's working band, for an evocative set of modern originals and open-ended jaunts through jazz standards such as Alone Together and Inner Urge. With guitarist Vic Juris, bassist Tony Marino and drummer Michael Stephans, they also explore stylistic tributes to Michael Brecker & Lennie T... read more >>