Japan | Indie Artist Radio

Somebody’s Baby Lisa Matassa

| Twitter | Amazon | ReverbNation | Country artist Lisa Matassa’s latest release, “Somebody’s Baby” is a feel good, deeply moving album that makes it clear why Country music is “the new black.” With a voice that blends the soulfulness of Southern Gospel with a bit of “city polish” and a dose of Country Rock flair, Lisa
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The Bright Side By Meiko

| Website | Amazon | Not many new independent artists can claim that they’ve record a debut album from which each track is currently in or has been in rotation on major networks, but singer/songwriter Meiko is one of them. Her self-titled debut album “Meiko”, released in 2007, was a major success, and it seems as
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Charles Mingus The Jazz Workshop Concerts 1964-65

| Website | Charles Mingus is regarded as one of the truest of the jazz greats and legends. Widely considered to be the greatest bass players of all times, Mosaic Records celebrated his historic 90th birthday anniversary with a 7 CD set that contains previously unheard material from the legend. Entitled “The Jazz Workshop Concerts 1964
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Conviction Kendrick Scott Oracle

| Website | Facebook | Twitter | In 2007, drummer Kendrick Scott Oracle made his debut as a leader and part of the next generation of contemporary jazz artists with “The Source”. 2009 saw the rise of his sophomore album, “Reverence”. Kendrick obviously wants to show jazz fans and music lovers that he can roll with
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by Michele Wilson-Morris

Halie Loren Releases ” Heart First “

October 5, 2012 in News by Michele Wilson-Morris

Halie Loren’s “Heart First” opens with a big sound and a sweet voice. Supremely talented and very versatile, Halie wields her voice as an instrument, making each note pitch perfect and sung with just the right tone, color, and warmth. Her voice defies her youth, as she comes across like a very seasoned performer who has been singing for decades . If you like jazz, you’re going to love Halie and “Heart First.”

One testament to Halie’s rich and authentic vocal ability is her rendition of “Waiting In Vain” by Bob Marley. It’s a song she treats with great care and does a great job on, and that’s coming from a true Marley fan!. Changing from style to style, she effortlessly glides between notes with expression, emotion, and passion. The musicians accompanying her are outstanding as well. From French to English to Spanish and back, she sings to the world, capturing hearts and fans in the process.”Heart First” is truly an amazing CD, and it belongs in every jazz connoisseur and music lover’s collection. Halie delivers on every track, hitting a home run on each. “My One And Only Love” is the quintessential love song, and is destined to be a classic. The bass and piano were perfect. Her range is incredible and her projection is perfect. I cannot say enough about this young lady or the musicians who accompany her, but “Heart First” shines brightly and beautifully. There’s something for everyone on this CD, and I very highly recommend the buy. You won’t be disappointed.

Loren’s tour expanded beyond the continental US in 2011 and 2012, she embarked on numerous international and national tours, including sold out shows at the Blue Note and Cotton Clubs in Japan, performances in New York City, LA, Seattle, Canada, Hawaii, Korea, Hong Kong and more. In July, Loren traveled to Palermo, Italy, where she was the featured vocalist with Orchestra Jazz Siciliana.

Loren’s newest release, ‘Heart First’ was released in Japan (JVC/Victor) in December 2011, garnering Jazz Critique Magazine’s 2011 coveted “Golden (top) prize” in the Vocal Jazz Album category. Playing to sell-out audiences both abroad and in the US, Loren continues touring in support of ‘Heart First’, which was released by Justin Time Records worldwide in March 2012.

Tags: Bob Marley, Canada, featured vocalist, Halie Loren, Indie Artist Radio, Italy, Japan, Justin Time Records, Michele Wilson-Morris, Music, Nationality, New York City, United States
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by TMC

The Marimba Duo – Playing up a storm

May 30, 2012 in News by TMC

Marimba is not an instrument that might mean a lot to everyone around the world. But Japanese pair Tatsuo Sasaki and Michiko Noguchi are determined to put it on the map. Known collectively as The Marimba Duo, Sasaki and Noguchi play this sublime, ancient wooden instrument with skill, dexterity, and artistry that few have managed before. And with the release of their exquisite new album – ‘Tempest’ – The Marimba Duo are likely to introduce a whole new generation to the wonders of the marimba.

Both are skilled performers in their own right, with Sasaki’s musical journey having already spanned the globe. He has performed across Europe, North and South America, as well as his native Japan, and has worked with the Israel Philharmonic, American Symphony, Japan Philharmonic, and San Diego Symphony.

The natural sound of wood – bringing warm feelings of nostalgia to any listener – is used on this beautiful recording to reinvigorate classic works from great composers ranging from Bach to Beethoven, via Debussy and Ravel. They also reinterpret traditional Bulgarian dances and present a vibrant re-imagining of Whelan’s popular Irish classic ‘Riverdance’. On this effervescent ‘Riverdance’, Sasaki and Noguchi are joined by another quartet of percussionists. It’s a combination that will have everyone in the room up on their feet and dancing.

On ‘Tempest’, the imagination of this duo of musical pioneers is there for all to see. All of these re-workings of much loved and admired pieces of music bring a fresh perspective and will be appreciated by those who know the works and those who don’t. You may not know much about the marimba, but in The Marimba Duo you’re unlikely to find better teachers.

Tags: American Symphony, Beatwire, Europe, Idiophones, Indie Artist Radio, Japan, Japan Philharmonic, Marching percussion, Marimba, Marimba Duo, Michiko Noguchi, South America, Tatsuo Sasaki
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